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.

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.

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.

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.

Faith: (Pastoral Thought)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Keep your eyes open to the certain promised works of God (Heb 11:32). #FaithACertainty #Faith #KnowSoFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After reading the accounts of God’s acts in the affairs of men through the ancients of the Judeo-Christian experience (Heb 11:3-31), I understand better the words of Hebrews 11:1,2; and as yet, I am not done reading all of Hebrews 11. But I had a pastoral thought.

The faithful ancient’s reputation stood squarely on the grounds of Faith. Trusting the truthfulness of God, they had a clear vision of things yet unseen. They stood on one another’s shoulders as, one by one, they saw God fulfill every promise made to them. It leaves a trail of assurance that things anticipated (“hoped for”), actually happened. This in turn prompts a confident Faith in the living God.

Lord, seeing how you have worked in the lives of the ancients of the Faith, seeing how you have worked miraculously in this aged sentry’s life, gives me a confidence of Faith in the promises of God still yet to be fulfilled.

Passover: Faith’s Tribute

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Celebrate deliverance from death and the promise of eternal life (Heb 11:28). #GodDeliversLifeEternal #Passover #Lord’sSupper #Deliverance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here describes a fourth act of faith in the life of Moses. When preparing to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, Moses instituted the Passover with a view towards the regular celebration of Israel’s deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. He fully expected to be celebrating deliverance long into the future as a tribute to God’s promises (Exo 12:21-30)

Faith saved Moses at birth (v23). Faith called Moses away from the pleasures of his world (vv24–26). Faith led him to follow God into a personal wilderness journey (v27). Faith lead him to institute an act that would forever stand as a tribute to God‘s hand of deliverance (v28). Lord, by faith I celebrate my deliverance from sin and death to life eternal (the Lord’s Supper is my faith tribute to that).

Incorruptible Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek God for an incorruptible faith before godless influence (Heb 11:23–26). #IncorruptibleFaith #DefyGodlessness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Moses spent his life in defiance of godless pagan leaders. At birth his parents defied the king’s command to kill every Hebrew child and hid him (Pharaoh feared the growing population of the Hebrews – Exo 2:1–10). Having been found then raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses refused the luxury of being called her son.

Moses chose instead to reject a lifestyle of sin and chose to share in the oppression of his people (the Hebrews). He saw a far better reward in the promises of God. He would summon an incorruptible faith to follow God and not godless men. Lord, may I have a faith that is incorruptible before godlessness.

Indomitable Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Put your faith in the veracity of God’s promises (Heb 11:22).#Faith #BelieveGodsPromises

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Joseph, when he was about to die, instructed his family to carry his remains with them when they went into the land promised them by God. The people of Israel were still held as slaves in Egypt when he spoke those words (Gen 50:24,25).

In spite of Joseph‘s circumstances he believed God would fulfill his promise to his people. He did not get in on it, but he saw it from a distance (v13). In the same way, believers today stand in the tradition of promise. Just as God delivered on his promises to Israel he will surely deliver on his promises to us.

Lord, it thrills the heart of this old sentry to live by indomitable faith in the fulfillment of God’s promise of a future home in heaven.

Transcendent Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you have a faith that transcends/informs ALL of life‘s experiences (Heb 11:17-19). #TranscendentFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The author has here shown how faith gained an audience and the acceptance of those ancients first called by God (vv14–16). He now points to the development and refinement of faith as a movement. A new generation would follow the former examples of faith in life.

Abraham endured a great test of faith – would he trust the life of his son of promise into the hands of God? Yes, he would and did (Gen 22:16–18). Abraham saw, by faith, beyond his circumstances (his trial) to the fulfillment of the promise of God. Abraham’s faith informed his decision to follow God no matter the difficulty. Abraham believed and God called him his friend (Isa 41:8; Jas 2:21-23).

Lord may I have a faith that transcends and informs ALL of my life experiences.

Expectant Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Exercise patient endurance in the face of suffering (Heb 10:36–39). #EndureToTheEnd #ExpectantFaith #PatientlyWaitOnChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Do not give up in the face of suffering and persecution. Any and all suffering will be rewarded. Patience – that is what is needed. Christ’s return is eminent. Faith in Christ, his work at the cross and his promise to return, is life and breath to the believer. We live (made alive) by faith. Those who turn away from the truth have no such hope.

At times Christ’s promised return seems close. At other times it may seem far off. Habakkuk 2:3,4 (rendered here) bids us stand firm. The appointed time will come and not delay one second past that time. So continue in God‘s will and add confidence to your faith. This is who we are as his righteous ones. Lord, may I show myself faithful by my patient endurance and expectant faith.

Total Access

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Trust the magnificent work of Christ for access to God (Heb 10:21,22). #TotalAccess #NoBarriers #PardonFromSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus, our High Priest, is not the “rule keeper“. He is the one who “rules over the house of God.“ He is the one who has introduced grace and mercy into the house of God. This is the basis of man’s ability to enter into God‘s presence.

Christ offers cleansing from sin, clearing the way for a pure heart to come before God. Further, men may come with their consciences cleared of guilt by Christ’s very own blood sacrifice. Men may be, once and for all, pardoned from all sin and made fit to enter into a relationship with God.

Lord, you have removed every barrier to my eternal access to holiness.

Open Door To God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Enter into an intimate personal walk and relationship with God (Heb 10:19,20). #OpenDoorToGod #EnterIntoGod’sPresence

Christ’s body torn, opens the way for us

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The author of Hebrews is rounding the last turn and is making a sprint for the finish line in his long discussion of Christ, the superior sacrifice for sin (Chs 8–10). All that has been said in these chapters find their conclusion in these last few verses (vv19–39). “And so, dear brothers and sisters…“

Jesus has, by his own blood sacrifice cleared the way, opened the door, pioneered the trail for us, into the Most Holy Place, the very presence of God. Having done so, he turns and beckons us to follow him into that Most Holy Place. Follow him into that personal relationship with God. The invitation is to every man and woman, to enter into that intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; into fellowship with God.

O Lord, it is personal for me. I am all in. I feel the warm embrace of that most Holy relationship.

Absolutely Persuaded

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you be fully persuaded that Christ is your Redeemer-King (Heb 7:1-3). #FullyPersuaded #SalvationIsInChristJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What does this king, Melchizedek, in the Old Testament prove to these doubting Jewish believers? Several things: He was a king. He was a priest outside the line of Aaron or Abraham. His name, Melchizedek, means “righteousness.” He ruled in Salem (ancient city of Jerusalem). The name means “peace“). He was a king of righteousness who ruled in peace. This is a type of Christ.

Melchizedek blessed Abraham and Abraham paid a tithe to him, showing him greater than Abraham. He is said to remain a priest forever (no ancestry is recorded – no beginning or end). The Genesis account, written by the great prophet Moses, attributed to him the office of priest of the Most High God (Gen 14: 17–20). He foreshadows the coming Christ (Psm 110:1-4). Even Paul, the consummate Jewish believer, was fully persuaded of Christ’s authenticity (2Ti 1:12-14).

Lord, from these accounts I (anyone) may be fully assured, according to God‘s word, that Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be. I am fully persuaded!

GET YOUR JOY ON!

Read The Book

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rely upon God‘s Word to bring clarity to life and spiritual understanding (Heb 6:20–7:1).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hebrews Chapter 6 ends with a reference to a topic the writer more or less began with: the superiority of Christ and his priestly office (4:14); and Christ’s right to that office. He notes Melchizedek, king and priest, as a type of Christ in the Old Testament (Gen 14:17–20)

The writer begins in Chapter 7 to explain the meaning of Melchizedek. This was what he feared his readers were not mature enough to understand, but needed to grasp (5:6-14). Lord, This old sentry can still look to your Word to clarify itself to me for life and all things spiritual.

Anchor Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Hope in Jesus who anchors your soul in the bedrock promises of God (Heb 6:19,20). #JesusIsTheAnchorOfMySoul #MyAnchorHolds

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus is the anchor of my soul. The anchor may be one of the most iconic symbols of early Christianity (next to the cross). My soul is the ship sailing on the seas of life. Jesus anchors my soul to the bedrock of God’s promises. My hope, my faith, is the chain that secures my soul to the Anchor.

The anchor, cast into the sea is unseen beneath the water. Jesus, my Anchor, has been cast upwards behind the veil into the Holy of Holies (Heb 1:3; 4:14). There he secures for me the promises of God.* I am there, hid with Christ in God (Col 3:1-4) and forever inextricably secured by him. Jesus is my Anchor, man.

Lord, my hope is built on nothing less then Christ who is my eternal anchor.*

_______

* Hymn: My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less [than Jesus] (especially verses two and three)

V2 When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale,my anchor holds within the veil.

V3 His oath, his covenant, his blood, support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.

Inextricably Secure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Embrace Christ as your trusted redeemer (Heb 6:19,20). #TrustedRedeemer #AnchorOfTheSoul #JesusIsOurTrustedAnchor #JesusIsOurRefuge

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three beautiful images of Christ close this section of Hebrews. Jesus is the REFUGE to whom we have fled for protection. With confidence we hold to him in the hope of things to come.

Jesus is an ANCHOR to our soul. He has been cast on the mercy seat of God behind the veil, in the Holy of Holies. There he holds fast to the promises of God on our behalf – we are inseparably tethered to him in those promises.

Jesus is a FORERUNNER, our advance guard. He has gone before us clearing the way for our entrance into the promised Hope of God. Lord, there could be no more clear descriptions of my inextricably secure place in Christ.

Bedrock Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Trust fully in the promises of God (Heb 6:16–19a). #BedrockTruth #Soul’sAnchor

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is the bedrock of our hope in Christ (v11)?

1) There is evidence that God keeps his promises (vv13–15);

2) It is impossible for God to lie. His nature is truth (like water is wet).

Two things are certain and unchanging: God’s promises and the veracity of his pledge to keep his promises.

Our hope is in Jesus who is anchored to the these bedrock truths. We may have perfect confidence in this anchor of our soul’s security. Lord, my hope in Christ is secure in the truth, the veracity, of God‘s word.

No Foolin’

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you endure by faith and patience to receive the promises of God (Heb 6:13-15). #StandFast #BelieveForThePromise #NoFoolin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God swears an oath by his name I may certainly count on it to happen. Those Hebrew Christians reading this transcript were moving towards the future return of Christ. But they were struggling to endure, to remain alert (vv11,12).

God assured these believers that he keeps his promises. An example from history makes the point. Abraham, by faith, patience and endurance received God’s promise of a son [and many descendants] (Gen 22:16-18; Rom 4:18ff). Though God tarries, I may stand fast assured of receiving his promise – the blessing of Christ’s return (10:35,36).

The Christ Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Choose to set your heart upon Christ who gave his all for us (Heb 5:8-10). #VictoryInObedience #ChooseLifeChoseJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oh dear soul of mine (Psm 43:5), this precious Savior of mine, this Jesus, left his home in glory (Phi 2:5–8). He CHOSE to limit himself by becoming a man, to be touched by the frailties of humanity. He learned obedience as a man (grew in wisdom and stature as a man – Luk 2:52). Jesus CHOSE to do that, for me. Because of his obedience, God gave him a great victory through sorrow and death to resurrection.

I don’t have a choice about grief or suffering in my life. BUT, I can choose how I will face the defeats, the hurts, and the disappointments of life. I reject bitterness and I choose life abundant. Like Christ, I too can know the blessing and victory of God through my obedience. Lord, like Job, who said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him“ (Job 13:15), I choose you.

End Work(s) Zone

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May you believe for the “rest of God;” the assurance of acceptance with him (Heb 4:6-11). #TheRestOfGod #EndWorksZone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Are you confused about how you may enter into the “rest of God” defined by some ancients going forward into a veritable land of promise? It is a comparison that reveals the consequence of disbelief and not entering into that promised “rest“ – Caution: Wilderness Journey Ahead.

There is another “rest“ for another time. That time is now. Today. The psalmist pointed to a coming “rest“ (Psm 95:7,8). It is the “rest“ of salvation. Believing is still the criteria for this “rest” today. My works will not save or sustain me. Only my resting and abiding in the grace of God. I simply trust fully in God (Eph 2:8,9) – End of Works Zone.

Lord, I am relieved of the uncertainty of trusting my own works for salvation.

To Risk No Rest

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May our hearts always be set on God’s gracious rest (Heb 4:1–5). #KnowRest #RestInGod #Believe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer in this passage says it again…in case you didn’t get it the first couple of times: God’s rest is still available. Even though some will never experience it. This same rest announced to the ancient Hebrews is available to us today. “GOOD NEWS!“ But only those who believe will share in the rest of God.

BTW, this rest has stood since the beginning of time. God has always provided a rest of faith to those who believe. But be reminded again what scripture says. In essence: No faith in God, no rest in God. The risk is not in believing, but in not believing. Lord, may my heart always be set on belief and the rest of God.

Godly Exceptionalism

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Live a godly life made exceptional by the grace of God (Jer 16:10). #GodlyExceptionalism #NoExceptionToTheRule

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah was to exhibit extraordinary behavior to act out and explain God’s displeasure with Judah, his people (vv1-9). The people denied God. Yet, in verse 10, they ask indignantly, “Why is God unhappy with us? What have we done – how have we sinned against him?“ They were religious in their outward actions but far from God in their hearts.

Far from being the exceptional people God intended them to be, they thought they were the exception to the rule. They believed God was obligated to protect and provide for them. Exceptionalism does not make one an exception to the rule – in this case devotion to God. Lord may I live my life as a child of God, made exceptional in repentance by the grace of God.

I believe in “American Exceptionalism.” But America is not an exception to the rule, free to live in defiance of God and his Word. Her “Exceptionalism” is a God-given attribute. She needs to turn from her sin and act like it. May repentance be the rule of the day.

Fearless Courage

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be fearless and courageous for God‘s truth (Jer 15:19–21). #Fearless #Courageous #StandForTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah bears a gentle but straightforward rebuke from God. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself Jeremiah.“ God challenges Jeremiah to “man up,“ speak truth for God and trust him for the results. In doing this Jeremiah would influence many (more than he knew) and he would not be influenced by them.

Barnes’ Notes – “Flattering prophets will perish with those whom their soft speeches [have led astray]. But those faithfully speaking the truth of God will save them both.“ Lord, I am inspired to stand faithful in/for your truth, to fear no man’s actions against me.

Timeless Benediction

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND

May you know and rest in the timeless assurance of God (Jud 1:24,25; Heb 4:3). #ToGodAscribeAllPowerAndMajesty

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is a benediction that the apostle Paul would be proud of (see Paul’s benediction Rom 16:25). “All glory to God“ who stands watch over the souls of his called out ones. He will deliver them “faultless“ into his very holy presence (Eph 5:27).

“All glory to God“ who alone has rescued us in Christ Jesus our Lord from an eternal hell. “All glory to God“ for his timeless greatness/splendor, his power and authority – that is “before all time, in this present time and beyond times and times to come.“ In these last days, awaiting Christ return, we may rest confidently in our God.

Lord, words fail this aged sentry to express my trust in your absolute power and majesty. But it is where my soul comes down to rest, even “the rest of God (Heb 4:3). What a blessed and timeless benediction!

One Immutable Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Hold fast to the truth, that one “faith” entrusted to you (Jude 1:3). #OneFaith #DefendTheFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jude further explains “the faith“ I am to defend. It is that faith “entrusted once for all time to God’s people.“ This “faith“ is the one eternal truth given in the gospel – that Christ lived a sinless life and became the sinless sacrifice for all men. In his death he satisfied God’s righteous anger against sin. Christ died that our sin be forgiven. He was buried and raised from the dead to secure men’s eternal life (1Co 15:1-4).

There may be different denominations, but there is only one “faith.” That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, given “once for all time“ [its chiseled in stone]. Those who claim some “new truth” are false teachers (liars) and lead men away from the truth. Lord, my confidence rests in the sole immutable truth of the Gospel.

The Path To Peace

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Walk in the way of the godly who have gone before you (Jer 6:16). #TheAncientPath #WalkInTheGodlyWay

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is not a capricious God. He is not a god who plays guessing games – you guess wrong, you lose. God is a good and understanding God. He makes clear what he expects. He is clear about what path to take.

There are two paths in life. Look carefully at both. One is the path of the ancients, the godly and righteous path. Choose this path, no matter what the other path offers. The well worn path of the godly will always take your soul to a place of rest and peace. This is the path about which Jesus spoke in Matthew 7:13,14. Lord, lead me always in the way everlasting.

(Also note Isaiah 30:20,21)

Doubt Your Doubts

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

When in doubt, trust the truthfulness and character of God (Jer 4:10–12). #TrustingGod #SurrenderDoubtToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is Jeremiah‘s response to the judgments God had planned for Judah. The response is strange and difficult to understand. Did God intentionally lie and mislead Judah? This is totally outside the character of God (Num 23:19; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18). We are left to surmise that Jeremiah was likely complaining to God that he had allowed false prophets to promise peace.

God‘s true prophets have always promised judgment as a consequence of sin. But God is able to withstand the scrutiny and he assures Jeremiah that he has a right (vv11,12). Lord, your word is true, reliable and trustworthy. What I do not understand is always subject to finite reasoning. Lord, may I always trust your truthfulness and not my doubts.

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.

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.