“DEEP WATER FRIENDS”*

(2Jn 1:12,13)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek ways to encourage “deep water, friends“ (2Jn 1:12,13). #DeepWaterFriends #EcourageOneAnother

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is a gracious complementary closing to a very friendly letter. Of course, there is the admonition to be cautious of false teachers that were wandering about. But this epistle is as encouraging as it is anything else.

John also sends a greeting from the children (nieces/nephews) of our “elect lady’s” sister. Some consider this to be a greeting from another church and its members. I take it in the more personal way, considering the letter as a whole. [It’s encouraging either way]

Notes and letters to friends in the faith are powerful medicine. Lord, I want all my “deep water friends“ to know how deeply I appreciate them.

_________

* “Deep water friends” is a term I learned from my daughter-in-law. In a recent conversation we were talking about close friendships that go deep in shared experiences; those who hang with you in the hard times. Thanks Staci.

Dismiss Deniers & Deceivers

(2Jn 1:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be always alert to and faithful to the truth (2Jn 1:9-11). #KnowTheTruth #BeFaithfulToTheTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

False teachers, professed deniers and deceivers, those who do not teach the truth about Christ, have no relationship with Christ. But those who remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, they know the father and the son.

Dismiss those deniers and deceivers. Don’t even invite them into your meetings or encourage them in any way. To do so is to establish them further and to take part in their evil work. Any such purveyor of false teaching is a danger to the body of Christ.

Lord, may I always be alert to truth and faithful to the truth.

Not Blue/Not Red – Righteous!

Dear Heavenly Father, heading into this current election cycle, I call upon you to point our nation in the direction of justice and righteousness. May there be a repudiation of all that is unjust and unrighteous wherever it may lurk.

I bow praying in this election cycle. It is not a Blue prayer, a Red prayer or anything in between. I am simply claiming the prayer of Amos 5:24, “May justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

God desires more than lip service. He desires more than anything, lives that reflect His character.

Knowing & Doing

(2Jn 1:8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be discerning of beliefs; be diligent to act on those beliefs (2Jn 1:8). #KnowYourFaith #ActOnYourFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John is calling for careful self-examination and diligence to the truths of Scripture. Self-examination refers to the honest assessment and appraisal of what one believes and how it is applied to life. To ignore this is to lose what one has learned.

Diligence applies not only to one’s words, but to one’s deeds. That is, to work out in godly actions what God has worked into one’s life. All of this will assure the certainty of the believer’s rewards (note 1Co 3:12-14).

These things enable the believer to avoid falling into error and heresy. Lord, may I honestly assess what I am hearing and believing and boldly carry out the commands of Scripture.

Love Out Loud

(2Jn 1:5,6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Show Christ’s love towards others (2Jn 1:5,6). #LoveOutLoud #ServingOthers #DeedsMoreThanWords #PutOthersFirst

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John returns to a recurring theme in his writings. Believers should be the best at expressing love towards others (Jhn 3:16; 13:34; 1Jn 2:7; 3:18). We could use a lot of that in these days of political unrest and violence. Believers ought to “Love Out Loud,” shining this love light on prejudice, discrimination, and harsh judgment.

Love will listen, accept others (not the sin but the people). Believers ought to give and serve sacrificially. The “chosen lady“ in verses one through four give us a picture of that. [In fact, that’s how I remember my sweet bride of 53 years] I aspire to that. Lord, may your kind of agapé (Gk) love shine out loud in me.

__________

Check this post out:

No One Excluded

Living, Loving, Serving

(2Jn 1:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live to please God and serve others (2Jn 1:1-4). #Legacy #PleasingGod #ServingOthers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It’s hard to move on from John’s introduction without a summary of the godly virtues that describe the “chosen lady“ (Kyria). What distinguishes this woman ought to inspire me to live my best life for Christ.

1) She had her house in order.

2) She was gracious and hospitable.

3) She was committed to the faith.

4) She gave her family a legacy of faith and service.

5) She was loved and admired by all who knew her.

That’s the kind of man I wish to be. Lord, may my life be pleasing to you and a witness to others of your love and grace.

Living to Leave a Legacy

(2Jn 1:4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you live to leave a living testimony, (2Jn 1:4). #Legacy #LiveToLeaveALegacy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John makes one further note of the fidelity of this “distinguished lady.“ He mentioned his joy at having met some of her children. They are likely now adults. John says they are living their lives according to the truths of God and following the commands of the Father.

Are these her biological children or spiritual children? likely they are her own children. Either way, this beautiful matriarch of the faith has invested her life in the next generation. She has left the mark of Christ on those coming behind her.

Lord, may I be so fortunate and intentional as to leave such a legacy.

The Reflection

(2Jn 1:1,2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be a reflection of God’s love to others (2Jn 1:1,2). #GodsLove #ReflectChristsLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Included in this greeting from John to the “chosen lady“ or “Kyria“, are her children (no mention of a husband – she was likely a widow). John expresses a genuine love towards them (gk:“agape“; that love that emanates from the love of Christ ). This love points also to the truth of knowing Christ.

John points to the fact that all who knew this family loved them as well, in Christ. He speaks also of truth as an eternal truth and it is alive in them as believers. This same truth is alive in all believers. Even today our lives should be an expression of that love to the world. Lord, may I reflect the true light and love of God in Christ to others.

Respect is Earned

(2Jn 1:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we show respect for those who make sacrifices to lead (2Jn 1:1). #ShowRespect #EarnRespect

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This brief letter (more like a note card) is written to “the chosen lady“ (NLT). The Greek here is “eklekte kyria.“ Most translators call her “elect“ or “chosen lady.“ But “kyria“ (transliteration) may also have been a common name. Either way John highly respects this woman (that we shall soon see).

This distinguished woman “Kyria” was certainly a well known figure in the local church. Perhaps even hosting the church in her home (v10). One feels like they know her at the outset. I have known many such women in the churches I’ve attended or served. Lord, may I always show respect to whom and where it is due.

May I Speak Freely?

(Ezk 24:25-27)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God be glorified in your limitations (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:25-27). #God’sStrengthForMyWeakness #GodBeGlorified

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This prophetic segment ends on an historic note. When the attack on Jerusalem had been carried out, Ezekiel would be notified. At that point, he would be allowed to speak freely again. Ezekiel had been struck dumb for some seven years, speaking only messages from God.* Imagine how isolated he felt. But this too was a sign of God‘s judgment and mighty works.

There are times when God may temporarily (or permanently) set limitations in our lives. He does it for his glory, purposes and effects (Apostle Paul experienced something similar 2Co 12:17). It is by grace alone that the man or woman of God comes to rely totally on him to overcome.

Lord, grant me the grace to live overcoming weakness in your strength alone.

_________

* History records that Ezekiel was unable to speak, except when his tongue was loose by God to deliver God‘s message to the people (note 3:26,27 – the beginning of his prophetic ministry; approx. 593 BC). Ezekiel would be allowed to speak freely again when a fugitive survivor from Jerusalem reported its final destruction to Ezekiel and the exiles in Babylon (note 33:21,22 – approx. 586 BC).

Obedience Over Feelings

(Ezk 24:15,16)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Choose obedience over feelings (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15-21). #ObedienceOverFeelings #HardChoices #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel has paid a high price to be God‘s spokesman. He has been obedient. Now he is asked by God to prophesy his own wife’s death to the people (they must have been aghast). He does so in the morning and by evening, his wife had died.

What’s the point? It symbolized the sudden destruction of Jerusalem, and all its people. Just as Ezekiel had lost the delight of his life, so the exiles would lose their delight, Jerusalem, and all their loved ones in that city. Lord, may I be obedient when asked to do hard things.

Accepting The Insufferable

(Ezk 24:15,16)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Will you surrender to God your dearest treasure (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15,16)?#Repent #TurnNowToGod #Time’sUp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What would I do if God asked me to do the insufferable? What if he asked me to give up the thing that was my dearest, most treasured possession? Have I truly died to self? Would I willingly do that? Is there any “line in the sand“, “bridge too far”, beyond which I will not go?

Would Abraham sacrifice his son, Hosea marry a prostitute, God, the father, sacrifice his son, Jesus? Would Christians die by the thousands under Nero of Rome? Would Ezekiel give up his wife in a sudden death; all of these things, for God to make a point? My tradition holds many who have considered the suffering of the “cross” of greater value than life itself (Heb11:35-38).

Lord, may all my deepest questions this morning find their meaning in you; in your mercy and grace.

Willing Surrender

(Psm 32:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Willingly surrender to God‘s direction (Psm 32:9-11). #WillingSurrender #FollowTheLord #ListenToGod

Verse eight promises guidance from the Lord. Here is some of that guidance. Don’t be unwilling or too stubborn to be tamed or moved by God towards a willing spirit.

The horse and the mule can be ornery by nature, brought under control only by brute force or fear. But man Should not be the same. He can reason and has a conscience. Men are not meant to be governed in such a corporeal manner.

“Men should allow themselves to be controlled by appeals [from God] to their moral conscience. Man is of a higher [moral] nature and should allow themselves to be governed by it.“*

Lord, may I willingly surrender to God’s leadership & direction

_________

* Barnes Notes on the Old Testament, Pg. 276.

Good Testimony of Conscience

(Psm 25:16-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Make certain a clear conscience before God and man (Psm 25:16-22). #GoodConscience #CallUponGod

“I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men.” (Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This prayer closes as it began (v1,2). The deep distress of soul reaches for divine favor and mercy. Things have gone from bad to worse in the life of the psalmist. The difficulty, sorrow and distress of spirit is heavy upon him. He relies upon his good testimony of conscience. He has done nothing to provoke his adversary.

The psalmist closes seeking remedy and relief from those who wish to do him harm. But God knows the truth. His trust and hope is in God alone. He calls upon God to redeem him from his troubles. At times, only I alone and God know the motivations of my heart and actions. Lord, may I always have a clear conscience toward God and man.

Life Purpose

(Psm 25:11-15)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Make this be your one purpose, to please God alone (Psm 25:11-15). #HonorGod #PleaseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is a powerful promise of God. Those who reverence, honor God, will be shown the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity [peace, health, well-being; security and abundance].

Their children will inherit a good fortune. The Lord will be their friend and clearly teach them his covenant. A life characteristic of such a one is that his/her eyes are always on the Lord.

The Lord will steer them clear of any enemy, adversary or temptation.

Lord, may it ever be my one purpose in life to please you alone.

The Path

(Psm 25:8-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain faithful to follow the path God sets you upon (Psm 25:8-10). #FollowGod #ThePath #TheWayOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God can be counted upon to do what is right. If I go astray, he shows me the way back to his path. The humble he will guide. He will lead them on his path for them.

If I am faithful, keep covenant with God and obey his commands, I can count on him to continue to guide me in mercy and truth. Why would I not give myself wholeheartedly to following my Lord?

Lord, may I remain walking in THE PATH you have laid out for me; correct me when I stray.

I Surrender

(Psm 25:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender all to Christ today (Psm 25:1). #ISurrenderAll #JesusIsLord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“Oh Lord, I give my life to you.“ These words impact my heart like the bat that strikes a home-run ball out of the park. December 28, 1968, a young 21 year-old recruit, standing sentry in a guard tower over the Saigon River, surrendered to God. *

After many years of running from God, this, now 80-year-old sentry, laid down his weapons of this world and surrendered his life to the Lordship of Christ. I never looked back; been serving Christ now these 58 years. I would not change anything.

Lord, thank you for relentlessly pursuing this old sentry, then persistently leading me.

__________

Read full testimony this blog: https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Hale The Victor

(Psm 20:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you surround and be surrounded by others in prayer (Psm 20:1-5: ). #America #Prayer #Intercession

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The king responds to the prayers of his people with assurance that God will be with him. He is absolutely certain of God‘s deliverance. Some put their faith in “chariots and horses.“ Their strength is in their own limited resources. But the people of God put their faith in the mighty name of the Lord. He will cause his people to rise up and stand firm. The people then lifted their voices, declaring victory.

Going through a trial recently in my life, I was surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ praying for my family. I felt like the winning coach being carried off the field in victory. Lord, the prayers of the saints will literally carry one through the battles of life. Lord, may I be surrounded by prayer warriors; may I also join in prayers for others.

Called To Pray For National Leaders

(Psm 20:1-5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May all our nation’s leaders have favor with God; may their plans succeed (Psm 20:1-5). #America #PrayForNstionalLeaders

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This psalm begins in a third person narrative. It reflects a band of worshipers; a congregation of prayer warriors lifting their national leader in prayer. Their leader, the King of Israel, is with them as they pray for him.

Lord, the battle is before us. May our great God keep our king safe and may he send help and strength from the dwelling place of God on high.

May God look with favor upon the king’s sacrifice as accompanied by his prayers.

We will shout praise for victory – raise our banner in the name of our God.

May the Lord answer all our king’s prayers.

The people of God are called upon to pray for all their leaders (red, blue & purple. Lord, this is how the prayer sentry must pray for national leaders today.

Called to Help

(Psm 12:5,6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stay open and ready to meet the needs of others (Psm 12:5,6). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #ShowConpassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word is 100% reliable. It has stood the test of time and credibility. What God says, he will do. He cares for the helpless and the oppressed. When they cry out to him, he hears them and will meet their need. How? I am called to be God‘s hands and feet in this world.

Every believer is called upon to seek ways in which we might minister and support those who are in genuine need. Matthew 9:35-38 might be a companion passage and also an example for me to follow. Lord, may I be alert to pain or suffering around me and take action.

God + You = Majority

(Psm 12:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust that God is with his godly ones in the battle against evil (Psm 12:1-4). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #FullyRelyOnGod #YouDoNotStandAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is difficult to read these verses and not be mindful of the godless cultural rhetoric and dialogue of recent years in our own nation. David decries the open lies, boastful pride and defiance running rampant in his culture. “Who can stop us?“ was their arrogant cry.

David finds himself hard-pressed to find anyone faithful to core biblical values. Like David, I may at times feel alone in the fight against ungodliness. Well, I am not alone and there is one who can stop it.* David calls upon Jehovah God to silence lying lips and boastful, arrogant tongues.

Lord, may I have confidence in knowing that I do not stand alone and you are with me.

________

* Wicked King Ahab of Israel and his wife Jezebel had the great prophet Elijah on the run after he took out 700 prophets of Baal. Elijah mourned that he was the “only one left” in the fight against evil. This account is worth the read. (1Ki 19‬:‭1-18‬)

Now You See Me; Now You Don’t

(Ezekiel 20:5-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we live in this world without acting like the world (Ezk 20:30-31). #WalkWithGod #InTheWorldButNotOfIt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The bulk of this chapter details how Israel, God‘s chosen people, went off the rails time and time again. They disobeyed God‘s commands, rejected his decrees, flagrantly ignored God’s Sabbath rest and they went about sacrificing their children on alters of fire to other gods. Despicable!

Ezekiel makes reference to idol worship 17 times. Verse 32 implies that the elders speaking to Ezekiel (v1), had syncretized their worship of God with many other gods. Jehovah was just one of many. They had become and were becoming more like the culture around them. God was abandoning his people to the consequences of their sin (vv 25,26; Rom ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭25‬).

Lord, may my life reflect you‬; may I not grow accustomed to [be a reflection of] the culture around me.

1 Act Play – The Pantomime

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Have courage daily to be a living example of the grace of God (Ezk 12:3-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is Ezekiel‘s pantomime.* He lays out items in his front yard what someone would pack quickly as they are exiled. He then lays open his baggage and packs it quickly. Later, in the evening, he would leave his house as captives might do making their forced long march to captivity.

While the crowd looked on, Ezekiel dug a hole in the wall of his house. He then went through the hole, picked up his bags, covered his eyes (as a captive who knows not where he is going) and walked away into the night.

Ezekiel himself was God‘s sign to those in Israel. They would know that there is a God in heaven and he is speaking to them (vv6c&11).

Lord, may I have the courage every day to be an open letter, a living example (2Cor 3:2,3) of the grace of God.

______

* The art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

Mime This

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Don’t underestimate God’s instructions to you (Ezk 12:3). #FollowGod #SpeakForGod #GoForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel must be the first street mime. That is what Ezk 12:3-6 reminds me of; not his first dramatic reenactment either (see Ezl 4:1-8). There are others.

Reading this morning I could envision a street mime on some crowded city sidewalk acting out a drama. God said to me, “Every day I send you out into the streets of your world. There, you are to be a one-man dramatic act, revealing to others in your world, my great love for them. Will you go?”

Lord, how can I, like Ezekiel, not say, “YES LORD!”

Proclaim God’s Greatness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our hearts not grow indifferent to God’s goodness around us (Psm 145:1-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The scribal note identifies this Psalm as “A Psalm of Praise“; the only psalm given this title. This psalm introduces the final six psalms (Psm 145-150) as a grand doxology to the whole collection of Psalms – a finale of praise.

In verses 1-3, David calls on his heart to praise God every day. For God‘s greatness is immeasurable. In verses 4-6 he calls on men to pass on to every generation God’s greatness, to meditate on God‘s splendor and to proclaim God‘s awe-inspiring deeds, goodness and righteousness.

Lord may my heart not grow indifferent towards your greatness and goodness all around me.

Can’t Run, Can’t Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain humble and open to God’s conviction (Ezk 11:1-12). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #RemainOpenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The leaders of Jerusalem were leading God‘s people away from God. They believed that they were insulated from further Babylonian attacks (our city is like an iron pot; we the people are like meat safe in the pot). Neither the leaders, nor the people of Israel would acknowledge their sin.

Arrogance, pride, worship of pagan gods, ignoring God‘s word and his warnings was a recipe for failure and God‘s judgment/discipline. It was for Israel then and it is for us today. God put his finger directly on their faulty thinking – he knows our thoughts. Hiding from God is futile. Lord, keep the heart of this ol’ sentry from arrogance and pride.

Too little, Too Late

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart put faith in God alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭14-18‬). #TimeIsUp #Repent#TrustInGodAlone #TooLittleTooLate

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When the hammer of God‘s justice comes down, there will be no military might that can stave off the destruction. Here we see that God‘s judgment on Israel is manifested in the death of those in towns outside Jerusalem‘s walls. Inside the walls, famine and disease is a double edge sword.

Those who do escape will weep and mourn for their sin. Repentance will come…too little, too late to save their beautiful culture. This is the result of a nation who ignores God and puts faith in wealth, economy, military might, influence and political parties. Lord, may my heart learn to put its faith and trust in you alone.

Honored Vocation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Strive to honor those in ministry; follow God when called to ministry (Psm 134:1-3).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Psalm addresses a very small group in Israel, the Levites. They were those who served night and day as watchmen, protecting and maintaining the Temple.

The view here is to see their work as an act of worship – praise to God. What an honor it is to serve God as a lifetime vocation.

More than a job, the pursuit of ministry should be to carry it out in a reverent and responsible manner. Those who come to the house of God every week see ministers and recognize them as something special. Neither will God overlook the special work you do (Heb 6:10). Lord, I am honored to serve; I honor others who serve.

Discerning the Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God’s word and be discerning of truth. (Psm 119:97-104). #TrustInGodsWord #BeDiscerningOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist is looking at God‘s word as practical instruction, wisdom. He says God‘s word makes him “superior“ in wisdom, understanding and judgment to his enemies, teachers and elders.

This is no arrogant statement. It simply points out that God‘s word gives men the capacity to be discerning of the spirits. Men may know the difference between truth and error. It is seeing through the spirit of the age; any spirit hostile and/or lax towards truth. This false spirit persecuted the writer for trusting in God’s word. It will us too.

Lord, you give me good reason to trust in and believe your word.

Words of High Value

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Value God‘s word above all other wealth (Psm 119:65-72). #LoveGodsWord #ValueGodsWordAboveAllElse #GodsWordABlessing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist asks God for good judgment and knowledge.* A lot of good judgment comes from having made bad judgments – not that it has to be that way. But the psalmist admits to have wandered off the path of understanding. Yet, God was merciful. He reveals that the suffering from bad judgment teaches us to pay more close attention to God‘s word, follow it more carefully (vv67, 71; Jas 1:2-7).

Others may devalue God word. But God’s word will always lead me in truth. I can have confidence in that. God‘s word is more valuable than any precious metal. Lord, I have learned from experience to value highly your word.

__________

* The Knowledge Riddle

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is ignorant – Avoid him.

He who knows not and knows that he knows not is hungry – Feed him.

He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep – Awaken him.

He who knows and knows that he knows is a leader – Follow him.

McCoy McLemore Jr. – American NBA basket ball player in the 1960s and 1970s. As a Christian speaker he spoke these words to prison inmates in a Bill Glass evangelistic Weekend of Champions.