Honor & support those in Christ who are serving him (3Jn 1:3,4). #ShowHonor #HonorThoseServingChrist
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John recognizes Gaius for his exceptional walk of faith, living according to the truth. Traveling ministers (“teachers” – NLT) had borne a witness to the exceptional ministry of Gaius to them. Gaius welcomed all those walking in the truth, even though strangers to him (v5).
John is exceedingly joyful to know that those “children of his“, those led to faith in Christ by him, are living out the gospel daily. Lord, may it be said of me that I did my best to honor those who work serving Christ.
Nurture your soul and so prosper in faith and life (3Jn 1:1-3). #SoulFitLifeFit #FaithFitLifeFit
Spirit-Soul Health
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John writes this short epistle to his beloved friend Gaius. He is commended for living his life according to the truth. John wishes Gaius to be well and to prosper. But not at the expense of his soul.
The soul is placed in the primary position; that as the soul (immaterial part of man) prospers, so may the man (NLT gets it right). This is not about material prosperity. It’s about abounding in fruitfulness; maturing in a walk of faith. It is not a case for “prosperity gospel.”
Lord, may my walk in the truth of God yield a most prosperous walk of life, according to your will and way.
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.
Be always alert to and faithful to the truth (2Jn 1:9-11). #KnowTheTruth #BeFaithfulToTheTruth
Dismiss Deniers & Deceivers
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.
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.
Know God’s truth; live it out daily (2Jn 1:7). #KnowGod’sTruth #LiveTheTruth #DeflectDeception
“Shields Up!”
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“I say this because…“ points back to verses 4 & 5. Walking in the truth of Scripture and carrying out God‘s commands (out of our love for Christ) is a safeguard against error or heresy in our faith.
[There are plenty of imposters who corrupt God‘s word: 1Ti 4:1 calls them “deceptive spirits”; 1Jn 2:18,19 calls them “antichrist”]
The implication is that Christians who are in tune with the truth of God‘s word and carry out God‘s commands are far less likely to drift from the faith. Father, may I be steeped in your truth and out of love, obey your commands daily.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Give thanks to God for his mercy, grace and redemption (Jer 31:35-40). #NewCovenant #TheNewWay
We are new creatures in Christ; the old is passed away, the new is come
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The “New Covenant” is not only a premier promise of God, it is a watershed moment in the life of Israel as a nation. I don’t write to belabor the point, but to understand the significance of the inauguration of the “New Covenant.” The old Mosaic Covenant was an external one. It focused on external rituals, washings, and sacrifices as symbolic of righteous living. Israel, over the centuries, had prostituted the sacred by mixing it with what was pagan and immoral. She had lost the symbolic significance of what God had intended. It symbolized what was to come in the person of Christ.
The “New Covenant“, this New Way, would be one of spirit rather than letter. God had never intended to set up an earthly kingdom. It has always been about a spiritual kingdom from heaven. The response to God‘s divine mercy [his steadfast love] would be a worship that springs from the depths of man’s being. Deep and eternal forgiveness would elicit a surge of gratitude from within man’s soul. Fellowship with God would be the result.
Allegiance to this covenant would be motivated not by laws and judgment, but internally by freedom of choice to love and follow after God. This New Way was inaugurated by the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for the redemption of all men. The Bible teaches, “Whosoever will may come” (Rom 10:13; Rev 22:17 (KJV)). It is a daily living choice.
Lord, thank you that you included me in your plan of redemption.
________
Harrison, R.K., Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, D. J. Wiseman, editor; Jeremiah and Daniel; Tyndale Press, Downers Grove, Illinois (1973). (pgs. 138-140)
Have faith in the truth of God’s word (Jer 30:18-22). #TrustGod’sPlan #Prophecy
Hope From The Rubble
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah leaves room here for a future and a hope. Though God‘s people have been in captivity, in exile for sin, they will return home again. But not as soon as the false prophets predicted (Jer 29:8-11). It would be 70 years in Babylon. Then a return happened under Ezra, Nehemiah and Zerubbabel.
There would be joy, singing, and thanksgiving. God’s people would prosper again. The nation would arise from the rubble. They would honor God again and he them. All of these things have happened. More is yet to come. Lord, my heart takes hope and courage in the fulfillment of prophecy.
May God be glorified in your limitations (Ezk 24:25-27). #God’sStrengthForMyWeakness #GodBeGlorified
To Speak Freely Again
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).
If you’re interested in hearing my story, this video captures it. Its 30 minutes in length. Nothing I have ever done is as worthy of reliving as what God did in my life in 1968 (almost 60 years ago).
Listen for God’s song in the desperate night watches (Psalms 42:6-8 ). #TurnNowToGod #GodIsYourSong
“Raging seas and surging tides sweep over me” (Psm 42:7)
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
How easy it is to become discouraged. At times we, like the Psalmist, might feel like troubles just sweep over us. They are like wave after wave that washes over us. One becomes frantic and breathless, trying to survive the surging seas of troubles.
“But,“ by God’s grace and unfailing love I pray in the night watches, and though my loss is great, he gives me new life. I am able to rise above the maelstrom and receive the gift of God‘s beautiful song through each dark night.
Lord, even now I sit in the night watch and meditate on your goodness; I hear your song.
May your heart thirst for God; get there quick as you can (Psm 42:1-3a). #SeekGodWithAWholeHeart#ObeyYourThirst #ThirstyForGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There is an ad for a power drink that beckons athletes to, “Obey Your Thirst“. It promotes an energy drink that satisfies the thirst and refreshes nutrients in the body. The Psalmist had said this ages ago. “As a deer pants after water so my heart thirsts for God.“
The spirit of the Psalmist within him longs for that “living water“ that only God can give. This living water refreshes the soul and renews the spirit of man like no other. Jesus tells us that he is that living water (Jhn 4:14; 7:37–38). The Psalmist can’t get to God soon enough.
Lord, I bring my old broken and thirsty heart to you today.
Confess your sin; know the joy of forgiveness (Psm 32:1-5). #GoodConscience #ConfessSin #RepentTowardsGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
When I sin egregiously against another I hope to be forgiven. Yet even that forgiveness may not relieve the guilt I feel, or remove the sin from the mind of the offended. BUT God…forgives my sin, he puts it out of his sight and memory and he clears my conscience of all guilt.
When I refuse to confess* my sin, it weighs me down. It turns against me – consequences/discipline will break me down and sap my strength. When I confess* my sin and expose my guilt, God is faithful to forgive, forget and free me of all guilt (see also Rom 4:4-8; 1Jn 1:9,10). I am able to face the truth and any lingering consequences of sin.
Lord, may my heart confess sin and know the joy of forgiveness.
______
* To confess sin is to agree with God about my rebellion against him.
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.
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.
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.
Maintain an open, seeking heart towards God (Psm 25:4-7). #StayOpenToGod #ListenToGod #SeekGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The first step in gaining knowledge and wisdom is to have a seeking heart. I must desire it and be willing to receive it. God’s word is opened to me. That is David as he writes, “Show me Lord, point out my path and lead me daily in it.“
Further, the psalmist explains, this is how I know God‘s unfailing love; I have seen it at work in the past. He prays, remember me in my seeking, and not as I was, in my rebellious youth. Boy, do I need a good dose of that. I am glad that in Christ, God does remember my sin. How merciful is God!
Lord, may I have an open, seeking heart towards your will in my life.
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.
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.
Put full faith in God; trust him to deliver you (Psm 4:1-3). #CallUntoGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The psalmist (likely David) calls upon his God, Jehovah, to have favor on his servant who has been declared upright and faithful. He asked God to enlarge his way, give him some space to breathe in the midst of whatever trouble he was facing.
Men can be harsh in their judgments. They may lie and misrepresent those who are godly. But his godly ones are set apart by God. He will answer when they call out to him. The psalmist has no reason to believe that he won’t. Lord, I have every reason to believe you will come to my aid when I am between a rock and a hard place.
May we live in this world without acting like the world (Ezk 20:30-31). #WalkWithGod #InTheWorldButNotOfIt
Adapting to your environment?
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.
Choose to walk faithfully with God (Ezk 18:20). #WalkWithGod #YouOwnYourSin #ChooseGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There is only one theme to chapter eighteen. The person who sins will pay for his/her sin; the person who is righteous will live. The problem in Judah (and Israel) was that they believed because their ancestors were chosen of God, they were off the hook for sin.
But the coming destruction of Jerusalem was due to their own sin. They would not be saved because their ancestors were God‘s people. Every person must choose to live honorably before God and follow him or not. Our choices determine our eternal destiny.
Lord, I choose to wholeheartedly follow you and serve you.
Trust God to sustain you even in times of correction. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Is God the third and greatest eagle in this passage? He will provide wayward Israel with prosperity and security like no other. Neither Babylon nor Egypt could provide for Israel. These words give God‘s people assurance in the midst of corrective judgment. God will restore the land and reveal his glory.
God would pluck a branch from the tall cedar tree and replant it on Israel’s tallest mountain. This cedar (God’s kingdom) will become a majestic tree, a shelter to many nations, peoples (an allusion to the coming Messiah). The nations will know that God is a sovereign God. He causes nations to rise and fall. He alone gives life.
Lord, this old sentry may take heart in any remedial judgment. You will not forsake me.
Look always to God from whence comes your help (Ezk 17:1-3). #LookToGod #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Sometimes life confronts us with a conundrum – a mystery or problem for which there seems to be no clear understanding. God uses such riddles to convey spiritual truth.* This riddle of two eagles (vv1-10) would be explained by Ezekiel (vv11-24).
Real life problems will either drive us closer to God or drive us further away; the later not being the better path. Though God explains this riddle, sometimes God‘s intended outcomes for us are not immediately known in the moment. But if we surrender to God‘s will, walk with and seek him, in due time it shall be made clear. **
Lord, may I, in every season of my life, look to you, my hope for your glorious outcomes.
_______
* Other Bible riddles: Samson to the Philistines – Jud 14:12-19; Sheba to Solomon – 2Ch 9:1)
May you heed the clear council of God‘s word (Ezk 12:12,13). #HeedGodsWord #HeedGodlyCounsel
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The prophecy concerning King Zedekiah, last king of Judah. Zedekiah was disobedient to God (2Ki 24:19,20; Jer 52:2,3). As a result Babylon overran Jerusalem (587 or 586 BC). Zedekiah would flee unceremoniously under cover of night through a hole in the city wall.
Babylonian troops perused and captured Zedekiah. He was made to look on as his two sons were put to death. Then his eyes were put out, he was wrapped in chains and taken captive to Babylon. He died a prisoner in Babylon (2Ki 25:1-7; Jer 32:4,5; 34:2,3; 34:1-7; 52:4-11; Ezk 12:13). Lord, may I always heed the plain council of your word.
Speak the truth of God by your words and actions (Ezk 12:8-13). #SpeakForGod #WitnessForChrist #ActLikeAFollowerOfJesus
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel‘s pantomime, which he likely did not understand as he did it, is explained. The “rebellious“ Israelites wanted to know the meaning of Ezekiel‘s pantomime. The Lord says to tell them, “This is what the Lord is saying.“ Your mime is a message to the last king of Judah, Zedekiah in Jerusalem and the people there.
Ezekiel’s actions (vv 3-7) reflect what will soon happen to all of them. The king and those remaining in Judah will be driven into exile as captives. Zedekiah himself will escape Jerusalem incognito through a hole in the city wall at night, taking only what he can carry. The Lord speaks truth through Ezekiel’s actions to those around him.
Lord, may I be willing to speak the truth of God in my words and actions.*
__________
* Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of things to come, Ezekiel’s pantomime was a sign of things to come.
It has been my habit following my Morning Watch time to stand and pray in my driveway (usually between 6-7 AM). Many neighbors drive past me and wave. Most have stopped to greet me; even ask me to pray for them. I let them know that I am standing my post and praying for them. After a brief greeting, I will pray a short prayer over them as they leave. What an honor. Others may stop also: dog walkers, joggers, Amazon and school bus drivers. I share Christ and pray as I have opportunity. I’ve done that for years.
The Lord spoke to me this morning saying, that every day as you stand in your driveway you are a sign to those around you of your belief in God and love for them as neighbors.
