Deserter

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be not drawn by the world away from faith in Christ (2Ti 4:9,10). #Deserter

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Among Paul’s closing words to Timothy, he mentions Demas. I had a pastor in the mid-1970s who preached a message on Demas. I’ve never forgotten it. He showed the progression of a man from follower of Jesus to failed deserter of the faith. All that is known of Demas is in three verses. But the message is clear.

In Philemon 1:24, Demas is called,“fellow laborer.“ In Colossians 4:14, he is listed last, with no ministry designation. Finally, here, he is listed as “deserter.” Lost to the things of the world. Somewhere along the way the gospel seed in him was overwhelmed by the world (Mat 13:22). Lord, it is my joy and my testimony, by grace, to have lived out many years in faithfulness to you.

Eye On The Prize

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Live life fully for Christ; expect a victor’s crown (2Ti 4:8). #CrownOfRighteousness #ThePrize #Victor’sCrown

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As Paul faces execution, his thoughts are not focused on fears and/or regrets. He is focused on the thought of having run his race well in this life and the crown, the winner’s victory wreath, awarded by the victorious King Jesus.

Indeed, every believer who loves the Lord Jesus and eagerly looks forward to his soon return, may also look forward to this crown of righteousness. Hail King Jesus, the righteous judge. Lord, I may thank you for life and thank you for death, all in the same breath. You are my reward.

Boots On The Ground

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Put faithful boots on the ground for the cause of Christ (2Ti 4:6,7i). #BootsOnTheGround #FightTheGoodFightRunTheRace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul writes, “The time of my death is near.” Paul is not just closing his letter to Timothy. He is closing in on the end of his life. These words are literally some of the final written words of the great Apostle. Paul reflects on his life as a leader in the early church movement.

Paul sees his life as having been poured out as an offering for the cause of Christ and the gospel. Romans 12:1 comes to my mind. Paul has fought a good fight, and he has run the good race (boots on the ground), and he has remained faithful. This was his reasonable service of worship.

Lord, at the end of my duty watch, may I say with Paul, “I gave it all, put faithful boots on the ground for Christ and didn’t flinch.”

Clear-eyed Intentions

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Remain clear-eyed in your intentions for speaking truth and doing ministry (2Ti 4:3-5) #CleareyedIntentions #SpeakTruth #DoWhatGodCalledYouToDo

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Apostle Paul continues with the idea of standing “ready“ with good teaching from God’s Word and telling others the “Good News“ of the Gospel. Times will deteriorate and people will no longer want to listen to good teaching. They will simply want to satisfy their own pleasures and seek out teachers who will tell them what they want to hear.

Further, people will reject the truth in favor of myths (fables and superstitions) that excite them. So Paul says to the Christian, stay clear-eyed about the Gospel of Jesus and do not fear even suffering for the cause of the Gospel. Just keep doing the ministry to which God called you.

Lord, the eyes of this aging sentry grow dimmer with every passing year. But my focus on what you have called me to do has never been more clear.

Not Just Any Word

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be ready and faithful to share God’s word (2Ti 4: 1,2). #NotJustAnyWord #AnyTimeAGoodTimeForGodsWord #InSeasonAndOutOfSeason

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Faithfulness to the holy Scriptures is a recurring theme in Paul’s letters to Timothy. God‘s Word is to be preached in any and all situations and ages. It is useful to correct what is wrong, drive back with his dissident and encourage the people of God. I must use every opportunity to share God’s Word.

Jesus will one day return and set up his eternal kingdom and judge the world. Preaching God‘s word faithfully will help to prepare people for this event on the world stage. Lord, give me the love, the boldness and the holy want to, to share God’s word.

WORD!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Put your full trust in the reliability of God’s Word (2Ti 3:15-17). #WORD #TrustGodsWord #GodsWordEqualsGodsVoice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Bible is an amazing book. It was written by 66 authors over hundreds of years. It’s reliability has been proven over and over again. It is the written record of God’s whole plan of redemption.

God speaks to us through his word. It is good for teaching and understanding truth. It shows us how to live right and do right. It shows us where we are wrong, corrects us. If you want to hear God speak audibly, read God’s word out loud. Reading God‘s word is an encounter with the living God. Lord, thank you for the reliability of your to man.

Persist Again

Persist in faithfulness, even in the presence of godlessness (2Ti 3:10–14). #AlwaysFaithful #PersistAgainAndAgain

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Godlessness shall continue “in the last days“ (3:1–9)…and so it does. But you, who have known by example men and women of faith like Paul, you have seen how the people of God endure all manner of ungodly mess and persecution. Anyone who knows, loves and follows God will themselves be persecuted. But The Lord will stand with you…rescue you.

Godlessness will exist until the Day of Christ. Jesus himself explained this phenomenon (note Mat 13:36-43). But you may trust those godly examples in your life who, like Paul, have been persistently faithful to live out God‘s word and have taught it to you. Lord, may I persist to be faithful even in the presence of godlessness.

God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in him (Isa26:3)

Vigilant For Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be on the alert for those who misrepresent God’s truth (2Ti 3:6–9). #BeVigilantForTruth #FaithWatch

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“In the last days.” Men will deceitfully contrive and deliberately attempt to mislead vulnerable people into all manner of sin and dispute the truth of God’s word. But such men of depraved minds and counterfeit faith will ultimately be exposed for the imposters that they are.

Just as Moses defeated the magicians in the court of pharaoh (Exo 7:11,12; 8:18,19), so shall deceitful men and imposters of the faith be undone, vanquished. Will I be undiscerning and gullible? Will I be alert and vigilant regarding the truth of God’s word? Lord, may your duty sentry always be alert and on guard for imposters.

Avoid Godless Behavior

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Behave in a way that reflects true faith and virtue, not godless disrespect (2Ti 3:3-5) #AvoidGodlessBehavior #InfluenceOthersForChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“In the last days.“ Paul breaks down how men, in the last days, violate the 10 Commandments (v1,2). They reject God (Commandments #1-4). They dishonor parents (Com #5). Now we see in verses 3-5 that they will betray others around them (Coms # 6-10).

Paul describes the behavior of men in the last days as unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, undisciplined, cruel, contemptuous, treasonous, reckless, arrogant and hedonistic. In all of this, many claim to be religious, but there is no proof of that in their lives. Is it any wonder that many people look at “Christians“ as bigoted, confrontational and self-righteous?

Lord, 1) fill thy sentry with your Spirit, 2) may no such behavior be attributed to my life and 3) may my life be an influence for faith, virtue and goodness.

Sin = Rebel Heart

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Would that God’s Spirit move on the sin ridden hearts of men today (2Ti 3:2). #WhatIsSin #SinsPayoff

Offended? Ev’thing You Need To Know About Disregard For God.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“In the last days.“ Not only will men scoff at God, they will be disobedient toward their parents and ungrateful. Nothing to them will be sacred. Elsewhere Paul explains that men knew God but they would not worship him as God and they were thankless, “ungrateful“ (Rom 1:21 & all of Rom 1,2).

It is today as it was in Paul’s day.

To disregard God, disregard parents and show no gratitude is to disdain any authority. It is this attitude of rebellion in man’s heart that God calls sin. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6:23). Lord in these last days would you send revival and awakening in the land. Oh, that men’s hearts would be open to you.

TOTAL SURRENDER

I have some friends whose 15 year old granddaughter is undergoing brain surgery this morning to remove a benign tumor. This was basically what I wrote to them.

I know how fearsome it can be for parents and grandparents to release a young child into the care of a surgeon. That child is suddenly beyond your own safekeeping and in the care of someone other than yourself. You’ve signed papers releasing that child into the care of basically, a stranger. At that point we realize just how much we rely upon God for outcomes in life. This is the definition of TOTAL SURRENDER.

God has also given us some beautiful assurances, even though we do not yet know the outcome. Everything is on his hands. We trust him no matter the outcome. He will provide every strength and comfort for whatever lies ahead.

You may cast [heave, fling] your every anxiety, fear and apprehension over onto God, because he cares for you.

God will keep the one whose mind is stayed on him, in perfect peace, because that one trusts in Him.

So may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at every turn [today and everyday] and in every conceivable way. The Lord be with you all.

(1Pe 5:7; Isa 26:3; 2Th 3:16)

To that child, Please tell her we’re praying for her. Tell Her mom she is so loved by the Father, that he cares deeply for her anxious heart. Praying for her sister as well.

To the grandparents, you know what manner of love the Father has given unto us. He has your own anxious hearts in his care as well.

Last Days

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Stand faithful in the face of human vanity and flagrant disdain for God (2Ti 3:1,2a). #LastDays #SovereignGod #StandFaithful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“In the last days.“ I ought to view the days in which I live with as much urgency as Paul viewed the days in which he lived. Certainly the days in which I live are every bit as difficult as the days in which Paul lived.

People love and elevate themselves and their wealth, as much today as in Paul’s day.Men are boastful in their own strength and abilities (witness Vladimir Putin invasion of Ukraine). Many scoff at the idea of God and his sovereign will over men.

Paul wants young Timothy (every Believer) to be alert to these things and be prepared in Christ to lead others through such days. Lord, I see, I am, alert today to the same vanity of men and disdain for the things of God. Enable me to stand faithful in the face of such godless behavior.

Neutralizing Hostility

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Show godly restraint in the midst of hostile opposition (2Ti 2:23-25). #TruthFollowsWinningBehavior #ShowKindnessToAll

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Another characteristic of the one used by God (v21) is kindness in the midst of chaos and hostility. The one used of God has no appetite for foolish arguments or quarrelsome behavior. Instead the one used of God shows restraint and kindness to everyone.

He/she is patient with difficult people and able to calmly explain their position to those who oppose them. This is how God is able to convey truth and understanding of the Gospel. This Spirit-filled behavior will be convincing and neutralize the chaos of a thousand other hostile voices.

Clear To Land

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you see clearly God‘s pathway to purity and walk in it (2Ti 2:21,22). #GodsWordIsALight

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Like a lit up runway, this passage explains how one may remain pure and ready for the Master’s use? (Psm 119:9 asks the same question)

Ans: Run (don’t walk) away from anything that smacks of youthful lusts (that goes for those older as well).

Pursue life, faithfulness, love and peace with a heart set on just doing the right thing (note Pro 21:8).

In addition, hang out with companions who have the same goal of righteousness and purity (note Pro 27:17).

Lord, got my landing gear down; ready to faithfully pursue a path of pure thoughts and actions.

UKRAINE

A WORLD TRAGEDY.

For weeks many have been praying for some intervention, interdiction of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

May the Lord Jesus stand with and comfort the Ukrainian people from the evil that has come against them.

Vessel Of Honor

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you remain always pure and ready for God’s use (2Tim 2:2–22). #VesselOfHonor

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In light of several men mentioned* by Paul as those who deserted him or left the truth of God‘s word, Timothy is exhorted to remain true to the gospel and be pure of heart. In this way he will always be a ready vessel of honor for any special use God might have for him.

Of course, God may redeem and use any person for his glory. But the goal of every Christian should be to stay pure and ready for the Master’s use, as did Onesiphorus in 2Ti 1:16-18. Lord, may it be this sentry’s goal and experience to remain pure and ready for your use.

* 1:15; 2:17 (1Ti 1:20); 4:10a

Plumb & Square

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Look to the Word of God as the measure of all truth (2Ti 2:19). #Truth #PlumbAndSquare

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In 1&2 Timothy Paul repeatedly returns to the theme of being faithful to the true teachings of Scripture (eg: 1 Tim 1:3; 2:7; 4:1,6,7,11,16; 6:2–4,20; 2 Tim 1:13; 2:2,15,19,25; 3:10,14–17; 4:2). It cannot be said enough, how important it is that ministers and God’s people stay faithful to the truth of God‘s word.

We may not know every argument against God‘s Word, but we may know what God’s Word teaches. Then we can be found faithful and not sidetracked by foolish arguments. God‘s Word is set like the cornerstone of a building. It keeps the whole building plum and square. Lord, may I always be found faithful to the truth of your Word.

Truth Speak

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Interpret and apply God‘s Word by prayer & careful study (2Ti 2:14–18). #RightlyDivideTheWordOfTruth #SeekTheTruthOfScripture

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Pay attention to the truth of Scripture. Interpret and apply it carefully to your own life and the lives of others. Second Peter 1:20 explains, “No teaching from Scripture comes from someone’s own private interpretation or opinion.“ Whatever one gleans from God‘s Word must be square with the whole counsel of Scripture.

So, Paul says, “Study to show yourself approved by God“ (NKJV). Anything less than that will result in foolish talk that leads men into arguments, worthless debates, godless behavior and ultimately off the path of truth. He provides an example of this as well. Lord, enable me to always carefully interpret and apply your Word in my life.

Words To Live For

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Enrich your lives with beautiful hymns of the faith (2Ti 2:11-14). #WordsToLiveFor #GreatHymnsOfTheFaith #MusicHeals

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Keep a hymn book close to you in your quiet time with the Lord. The great hymns of the faith are a tremendous encouragement. Paul’s quote here… “This is a trustworthy saying…“ is likely some words and phrases from an early church hymn. Words to live for.

Paul is encouraged by the words and phrases of a hymn. He passes that encouragement on to Timothy – “Dying is living; hardship is reigning; no denying, he is faithful“ (words to that effect). These are words to live for, not argue over (v14).

Like this old hymn: In The Garden, “I come to the garden alone; while the dew is still on the roses…And he walks with me, and he talks with me…and he tells me I am his own…” I thank God for music rich with scriptural content give us words to live for.

ENJOY:

Perseverance Will Triumph

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Persevere in sharing the good news of eternal life in Christ (2Ti 2:3–10). #EndureToTheEnd #StayTheCourse #Persevere https://bible.com/bible/116/2ti.2.4-6.NLT

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We are instructed here to endure like soldiers, athletes and farmers. What do they have in common? Discipline…Stamina. They are able to stay the course under all conditions; one to the victory, one to the prize, and one to the harvest. They envision the end goal and are not distracted by anything.

So we should set our eyes on the end goal of winning Christ and telling the world about the good news of eternal life. My philosophy for years has been to pray much, plan thoroughly, work hard, stay the course and leave the results to Christ. Lord, may I continue to endure all things for the cause of sharing the good news of Christ.

Pass It On

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be an open channel through which the Gospel message may flow (2Ti 2:1,2). #PassItOn #FaithfulMessengerOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“Pass it on!” This is Timothy‘s mandate from Paul, who was faithful to pass on to others the truths of the Gospel. What Paul taught Timothy was grounded in truth and confirmed by “many reliable witnesses.“ It was Timothy‘s job to stand strong in the grace of the Lord Jesus. He would rely upon that grace to sustain him and to accomplish the same in others, who would then pass it on to others.

Today I stand in the same position of grace because someone passed it on to me; and now I pass it on to others. Lord, may I be a faithful messenger, an open channel, through which the Gospel message may continue to flow.

Runners & Standers

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be a steady, reliable friend and encourager to fellow travelers (2Ti 1:15–18). #FaithfulFriends

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What kind of friend or associate would you be to others? Will you tuck tail and run at the first sign of trouble, or will you go out of your way to stand and be a reliable encourager? In the cowboy culture they reference horses as “runners“ or “standers. Runners are skittish and unpredictable, bolt at trouble. Standers are reliable and steady at all times.

Onesiphorus was a “STANDER“ for Paul. He was a reliable and steady source of help and encouragement. He went out of his way to find Paul and help him…to stand with Paul. It did not go unappreciated. Father, make of this old war horse and sentry a reliable source of encouragement to others around me.

Lean In

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rely upon the Holy Spirit and teachings of the faith (2Ti 1:13, 14). #LeanInToExamplesOfFaith #DependUponTheHolySpirit

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These are some of Paul’s last written words to Timothy. Paul would soon die for the gospel. Timothy would soon be bereft of his mentor and friend. But he will have Paul’s words, example, instructions and faith legacy upon which to lean. In addition he would have the comfort, understanding and power of the Holy Spirit upon which to lean.

Timothy‘s life and ministry is being thrust into a world in great need. He will have every tool available to him, as God leads and provides. Jesus also said, “I will not leave you as orphans. I will be with you“ (John 14:16–18). Lord, you have blessed this old sentry with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, as well as real life examples to follow.

Ain’t-a That Good News!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Have courage to stand for the Good News, Jesus Saves (1Ti 1:8-10). #JesusSaves #Ain’tThatGoodNews #TheWarIsOver

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Be ready to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Leading a life separated by heart and virtue from the practices of the world, the flesh and the Devil will put a target on your back. But a life in Christ was God‘s plan for all who believe.

In Christ we shall have the ultimate victory over sin, the world, the evil one and even death itself. THE WAR IS OVER! For the resurrection of Christ is the down payment of life eternal for all who believe. It was all God’s plan. Like that old Negro spiritual says, “Ain’t-a That Good News!”

Shameless

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you stand shamelessly for the cause of Christ (2Ti 1:7–12). #Shameless #IAmNotAshamedOfTheGospel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Christ I have been endowed with a spirit of power, love and sound mind. “Be bold and strong, banish all fear. For the Lord thy God is with you“ (Josh 1:9). “So,“ Paul says, “never be ashamed to tell others about Christ.“ Jesus has canceled the power of death and sin. He illuminated the way to eternal life and immortality. This is the “Good News.“

I too have been called to stand boldly for Christ. I am not ashamed – I know in whom I am trusting and know that he is able to keep what I have committed to him, until the day he returns. Lord, may I stand my watch daily, shameless before a watching world, and proclaim Christ.

Go Bold

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Experience your gifting from God in power, love and discipline (2Ti 1:6,7) #BeBold #NoFear

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In these words are found another reminder to young Timothy to utilize the gifts God has given him to minister (note 1 Ti 4:14). Paul charges Timothy to be bold in love and self-discipline as enabled by God. Fear and timidity have no place in the work of the gospel.

These words are true not only for pastors and ministers, but for every Christian. Every believer is given a gift(s) as noted in 1Cor 12. Being filled with the Spirit, every believer must work/serve boldly in Christ, making him known to all. Lord, keep this old sentry going, sharing my faith, with boldness, love and a sound mind.

Being A Blessing

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Surrender the best of yourself to bless others (2Ti 1:3–5). #BeABlessing #LiveASurrenderedLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Of whom could I say, “I thank God for you; night and day I pray for you; I want to see you again; I remember your tears as we parted – it will be my joy to see you again; I remember your genuine faith and heritage of faith, that continues strong in you“?

Better yet, could such sentiments be said of me? What kind of friend and encourager am I? What do I surrender of myself to others that is a blessing to them? Lord, what a beautiful challenge is mine to share; may I be a Timothy in the lives of others.

Encouraging Words

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May my pastor (those who labor with him) know the grace, mercy and peace of God (2Ti 1:2). #LaborOfLove #WordsToEncourage

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The apostle Paul here invokes the same trio of words as in 1 Timothy 1:2 in his second letter to Timothy. “Grace“ means not getting what we deserve. “Peace” is that coveted place where one knows that all between God and them is well. “Mercy” invokes the empathetic hand of God upon those in places of suffering (like hurt, trials, brokenness and discouragement).

God will put his unseen arm around those individuals and give them his peace that passes all understanding. These are words that ought to encourage the hearts of every pastor. Just as they most certainly must have done for Timothy. Lord, may my pastor know the grace, peace and mercies of God in his daily labor of love for the gospel and for the family of God.

Famous Last Words

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you be arrested and inspired by God‘s word (2Ti 1:1,2). #FamousLastWords #WordsToLiveBy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“I (state your name), being of a sound mind, do hereby publish as my last will and testament…“ What follows next is crucial information to the heirs of said testator. Paul’s opening words in 2 Timothy begin his last testament letter to Timothy and to the Church. “I Paul, chosen by God, an apostle of Jesus Christ…am writing to my dear son, Timothy.“

Are you listening? Are you paying attention? Is your conscious mind piqued to hear? One of the most influential men in all of Christendom is about to reveal his final thoughts to his most beloved son in the faith, Timothy; consequently to the Church at large. Lord, I want to hear from your word the profound truth and inspiration for life.

Mission Focused

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Give us effective church leaders and a united church sharing the Good News of Jesus with the world (1Ti 6:20,21). #GospelFirst #ChurchOnMission #ShareJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Paul’s closing words to young Timothy, he exhorts him to guard carefully all he has said about church organization and choosing good leaders. Timothy also must avoid pointless arguments with people who wander from the path of grace and righteousness.

It is easy to get caught up in organization and certification. They are important to church work. But the church is not defined by these things. It is defined by knowing God, working together and spreading the gospel to the world. Lord, keep my church (keep me) focused on the mission of the church. Share Jesus!