God Revealed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May the world see God in us by our love (1Jn 4:9-12). #GodIsLove #ShowGod’sLove #God’sLoveOnDisplay

“No one has ever seen God. But his love is made known in believers” (1Jn‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is John’s companion verse to John 3:16. God so loved us. he sent his only son into our world, that we might have eternal life through him. He (Jesus) sacrificed his life, bearing our punishment for sin’s absolution (1Jn3:16). God gave us the model for how we ought to love each other (sacrifice).

This is profound: “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is brought to full expression in us.“ People see the living compassionate God in our love for each other. Lord, may this old sentry truly manifest, give expression to, the reality of the living God.

Road to Fullness in Christ

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Expect to see God’s fullness for you in Christ (1Jn 3:2,3). #GrowUpInChrist #FullnessOfChrist

Every Step in Faith Moves Us Closer to His Fullness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As children of God we’re incentivized to continue our growth towards knowing Christ. It is a step by step process, just as a child grows to maturity (Rom 8:12-14). We follow Christ eagerly, expectantly and patiently so that we may remain full of faith and pure in him.

While we do not yet know him (Christ) fully, in a little while we will see and know him fully. By this we are motivated to walk in purity, fully engaged in the process of knowing him fully (1Pe 1:22). Lord, my age (longevity) in Christ is not as important as my journey towards fullness in him.

Paths of Righteousness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Remain steadfast in the paths of righteousness (1Jn 2:29). #PathsOfRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John concludes, a sign that one is in Christ is he/she will manifest righteous behavior. At the same time, we know that good behavior and good works do not save us (Eph 2:8,9; Jas 2:14–17). It is simply a sign of one’s faith in Christ.

True righteousness will exalt Christ. It will be accomplished in all humility and stand the test of time. It will seek to put the needs of others ahead of its own and love unconditionally (1Co 13:4-7).

In the end, true righteousness acknowledges that there are none righteous but one – Christ the righteous one (1Jn 2:1). Finally, it relies upon God’s Holy Spirit for divine enablement.* Lord, may I follow paths of righteousness for the sake of the Name (Psm 23:3)

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* Jhn 14:16,26; Acts 1:8; Rom 8:26,27; Gal 5:22-24

“Only One Life”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Choose to love the Father in Heaven; love not the world (1Jn 2:15-17). #CTSudd #LoveNotTheWorld

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If your love is centered on desiring the things that please God and love for the Father, your reward is knowing that the fruit of your life and your very life itself will be preserved forever.

Contrast that life with the life that is centered purely on prideful self and desiring only the things of this world (what one can see and touch). The life of that one will slip ultimately into oblivion along with the fruit thereof. C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.” *

Lord, may the heart of this aged sentry be always centered upon you and a desire to please only you.

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* Consider the full text of this poem by C.T.Studd:

C. T. Studd – A Poem to Meditate on

Bulking Up Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Grow in the knowledge of God; grow in every victory over the evil one (1Jn 2:12-14). #FaithIsTheVictory #BulkingUp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John stops here to affirm the spiritual equity and proficiency of his readers. “Children“ is not a statement of spiritual sloth, but spiritual position. They are children of God. Young and old in faith, John describes their bulk in equity and proficiency.

Equity: 1) they have had their sins forgiven (v12); 2) they are mature in their knowledge of God the Father (v14).

Proficiency: they are 1) growing in their faith and knowledge of Christ (vv13,14); 2) they are strengthened through every victory over the evil one (vv13,14).

God’s word has been hidden in their hearts (Psm 129:11), they have tasted victory in their lives (v14). Lord, may I count myself among believers who are mature and strong.

Finding Forgiveness & Cleansing

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Remain open to the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit (1Jn 1:8-10). #ConfessAllKnownSin #BeRightWithGod #PracticeTheTruth #ListenToTheSpirit

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It may seem odd that some might claim that they have no sin, now that they have trusted Christ. But some were doing exactly that. That is delusional. It calls God a liar and ignores God’s word. Christians do not become sinless at the point of salvation. But neither do they still desire to continue in sin.

Christians are not perfect. I need only to look into my own heart to know that. Walking in the light does not mean sinless perfection. It means that my heart is always open to the scrutiny of the Spirit of God. When some sin is there exposed, I agree with God and confess it. Christ forgives the sin and cleanses me from all wickedness.

Lord, at risk here is this sentry’s closeness with you, as “darkness” tries to edged out the light. But my relationship with God in Christ is secure and never in question.

Walking in the Light

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Continue living in the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:6,7). #LightOfTheGospel #PracticeTheTruth #JesusIsTheLight

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Believers are called out of the darkness and continue (practice) living (walking) in the light. (see also Col 1:13; 1Pe 2:9). If one is living in spiritual darkness, he/she cannot also claim they are following Christ.

But if one continues (is walking) in the light, then that one may have uninterrupted fellowship with other believers – the blood of Jesus has certainly cleansed them from all sin. They live (walk) in the light as he is in the light.

Lord, may I continue living in the truth (light the gospel) enjoying a secure relationship with you and with other believers.

Stones Throw

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Expect God‘s message of hope in times of spiritual crisis (Jer 51:62–64). #Changed #HopeInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oppressors of God’s People Will Sink & Never Rise Again

After Seraiah had read the scroll (Chs 50, 51) he was to summarize what the Lord had said: “Babylon would be utterly destroyed, abandoned forever.” Then, in a final expression of hope for God‘s people, Seraiah was to tie the scroll to a stone and throw it into the Euphrates River. He was to say, “In this same way, Babylon and her people will sink, never to rise again because of the disasters God will bring upon her.“

It is just a stones throw away from understanding the hope that is made clear to God’s people. They will ultimately find favor in God’s eyes again. He will deliver them from their oppressor in due time, CHANGED (see 50:4,5). God’s discipline is not forever, but it is forever intended to bring about the hope of godly change in his people. Lord, start right here with this old sentry.

TRUST, BUT VERIFY TOO

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our nation (people) and her leaders (religious & political) speak the truth of God (Jer 28:15-17). #BeDiscerningOfTruth #SpeakTheTruth #TrustButVerify #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah confronted the “prophet” Hananiah with the truth (vv12–14). But here, he tells this false prophet, because he led the people astray from God‘s truth, he would die within that year. Two months later, Hananiah was dead. God is serious about his plans for his people.*

Jeremiah reminds us that the proof of a true prophet is that his prophecies will come to pass (v9; Deu 18:22). By the way, Jeremiah is careful to date this message (v1). There would be no doubt who had spoken God‘s truth. History reveals Jeremiah’s prophecies as true. Those who speak falsely, rebelliously, against God, will be severely judged.

Lord, “may the words of [this old sentry] and the meditations of [his] heart be pleasing unto you” (Psm 19:14).

______________

* A similar incident occurs in Acts Chapter Five in the early stages of the inauguration of the church. Lying to God’s people is a serious offense.

TRUST, BUT VERIFY

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Have a healthy reverence for God; a discerning heart for truth (Jer 28:5–11). #BeDiscerningOfTruth #TrustButVerify #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After Hananiah‘s dramatic “prophetic show,“ Jeremiah turned and walked out of the temple. But before he did, he spoke some well, chosen words:

1) He admitted that it would be good if Judah would only be under Babylonian rule for 24 months; 2) he questioned Hananiah’s claim to be a prophet of God – time would tell [TRUST BUT VERIFY].

Jeremiah spoke wisely and correctly. That is when Hananiah broke the yoke on Jeremiah‘s neck. He then doubled down on his fake “word from God.” He showed no fear of God. Lord, may I always have a healthy respect for you and a discerning heart for truth.

Know When to Hold’em..Fold’em

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Exercise godly wisdom in the heat of confrontation (Jer 28:1-11). #KnowWhenToHold’em #ShowRestraint #SeekGodlyWisdom

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Another prophet in Judah, Hananiah, confronted Jeremiah publicly in the Temple and before the priests and people. It was dramatic. Hananiah prophesied that the “yoke“ (27:2) of Babylon on the people of God would be removed within two years. All the Temple treasures and people in exile would be returned. Jeremiah had prophesied a 70 year exile (29:10).

To further dramatize his prediction, Hananiah removed the yoke on Jeremiah‘s neck and broke it into pieces. Jeremiah in his own dramatic way and waiting on God’s answer, turned and walked out of the Temple. How many times have I been in a confrontation and pushed back hard “knowing“ that “I” was right; later regretting my words/actions?

Lord, may I exercise godly wisdom in the heat of confrontation. “I got to know when to hold’em..fold’em.”

Remain Steadfast

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Serve God with unmitigated devotion (Jer 27:12–15). #TrustGod #TruthSpeak #YIELDtoGod #Steadfast

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah speaks directly to his king (Zedekiah): 1) yield to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Do this and you will live; 2) do not listen to the false prophets. They prophesy a false hope for a quick resolution to the threat of the Babylonian take over.

Jeremiah says, “Yield to the yoke of Babylon and live, or face annihilation“. Jeremiah preached faithfully some harsh prophecy. I am moved at the tenacity, Integrity and intensity of Jeremiah‘s devotion to speak the truth in his prophetic ministry. Lord, may I be so moved as Jeremiah with such devotion to your call in my life.

I pray that America might discern and listen to those who speak the truth of God’s word.

God Uses Whom He Choses

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust God to work all things for our good (Jer 27:2–6). #TrustGod #SurrenderAllToGod #WhomGodChoosesHeUses

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God instructed Jeremiah to use an object lesson to speak to the ambassadors of five surrounding nations of Judah. “Make a YOKE (symbol of bondage) and fasten it around your neck. Send these men home to their respective kings with the message,* submit to Babylon.“ He also was to remind them that God (not their gods) made the earth and the men and animals that inhabit it. He is all powerful. He exalts whom he chooses.

Babylon at this time was God’s chosen servant and it would, for a time, conquer and control these nations. They should surrender to the YOKE of Babylon’s control, for their own good. These words reveal that God is at work behind-the-scenes for the good of all people – especially his own people. Lord, may I take to heart the words of Romans 8:28 and trust you in “all things”.

This is still true today, for America and all other nations

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* It’s possible that Jeremiah may have sent a YOKE home with each ambassador to reinforce the message to surrender to Babylon.

God Is Working

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Consider trials as God‘s tools for your growth & strength (Jer 24:1–10).* #Don’tRunFromTrouble #SeekGodInTroubledTimes #GodIsAtWork

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Nebuchadnezzar had overrun Jerusalem, sent Jehoiachin (king of Judah) into exile, installed Zedekiah as his puppet king and deported 10,000 people to Babylon. God now gives Jeremiah a vision of good and bad figs. God is working for our good.

Good figs represent those Israelites exiled to Babylon – not that they themselves were good, but that their hearts would respond wholeheartedly to God. Bad figs represent those who tried to escape God‘s discipline. They ran to Egypt, hoping that would save them. But that was not the case. God‘s blessing would fall to those who endured the exile in Babylon.

Lord, may I view my trials, troubles and challenges, as opportunities to grow, be strengthened and used in greater ways by God.

_______

* 3 min to get your heart tuned up.

God Is Working (Even Now): Brooklyn Tab Choir

Having Peace With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we (America) resolve to walk humbly before God (Jer 48:1-49:39 as selected). #WalkHumblyWithGod #BeJustAndMerciful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah chapters 48 and 49 name the nations and cities around Judah to be judged and destroyed (Moab- 48:1, Ammon- 49:1, Edom- 49:7, Damascus- 49:23, Kedar/Hazor- 49:28 and Elam- 49:34).*

Scripture does not explain the specific sins of each nation. A few sins in these nations do take center stage: godlessness, idolatry, pride/arrogance and harassment of Israel. None will be spared who pridefully stick their finger in God’s eye and consider themselves beyond reproach. The key to living at peace with God is to “be just and merciful to others to live humbly before him (Mic 6:8).

Lord, may I (may the American people) be resolved to follow faithfully and walk humbly before you.

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* Moab, Ammon and Elam are prophesied some sort of restoration. Commentators mostly agree that these and similar promises of mercy after judgment are chiefly to be understood as the conversion of the Gentiles under the gospel.

Last Act of Defiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain surrendered in your heart to God (2Ki 24:1–5). #RepentAndReturnToGod #FullSurrenderToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Johoiakim, king of Judah, has defiantly burned the scroll containing Jeremiah‘s prophecy (Jer 36:21,26–32). He is destined to live out his days as a king in conflict. He loses his ally Egypt – defeated by Babylon. As a result, Judah and the nations around her become vassal states of Babylon.

After three years, Johoiakim defiantly rebels against Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon is quick to respond through new proxy nations they control and put the rebellion down (first of three invasions; captives, including Johoiakim, were deported to Babylon). All this happened just as God promised through the prophets due to the sins of Manasseh (2Ki 21:10–16). Johoiakim returned and died in Jerusalem, but had no royal burial (Jer 22:18,19).

Men foolishly think that they can defy God without consequence. Lord, may I always know a surrendered heart to you.

A Sure Word

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Humbly bow in obedience and allegiance to God‘s word (Jer 36:27-29,32 ) #God’sWordIsEternal #ObeyGod’sWord #God’sWordIsTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Jehoiakim did not like what God had to say in Jeremiah‘s scroll of prophecies. He did not want to hear about sin and repentance, or hear about Babylon’s destruction of Judah and Jerusalem. So he burned the scroll containing God‘s word. But God‘s word will stand (Psm 119:89; Mat 24:35).

Men can burn God‘s word, reject it, ignore it and trash it, but they cannot destroy it. God‘s word is indestructible and eternal in the heavens. God‘s word is truth (Jhn 17:17) and it is living (Heb 4:12). It is a sure and certain word. Lord, I do not stand in judgment of your word, it stands in judgment of me.

Truth Confronts

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Hear God’s word and heed God’s word (Jer 36:8-20). #God’sWord #Truth #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Soon after Jeremiah told Baruch to read the scroll (all the prophetic messages dictated by Jeremiah —v2,4) publicly at the Temple, Baruch complied. God‘s word had its effect. A high official in the Temple, stunned at what he heard, reported to other Temple officials. A private reading in their presence was requested.

Baruch complied with their request. The officials were in a state of alarm at the destruction predicted by Jeremiah. They also would have understood that repentance would avert disaster. Babylon was also closing in on Judah as prophesied in the scrolls. The officials went immediately to report to the King.

Lord, your word will always bring me to a crossroads, a crisis of belief; I must choose to accept or reject.

Compelled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Speak God’s word that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God (Jer 36:5–7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point, over 20 years into the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah (25:3) he is banned, restricted from entering into the Temple. So, he instructs Baruch (his scribe) to go to the Temple on the “day of fasting” and read the scroll he has written as dictated by Jeremiah (v1,2). He was to read it out loud in the hearing of those come to fast and pray.

Jeremiah further expresses God‘s sentiment about it to Baruch. Perhaps the people will hear and be COMPELLED to turn from their sin and ask God‘s forgiveness before it is too late (v7; also v3). [see 0pen Our Eyes, this blog) Lord, may I take every opportunity to speak God’s word, that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God.

Eyes On The Prize

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain always faithful to whatever life task God calls you too (Jer 45:1-5). #EyesOnThePrize #BeFaithful #RunYourRace.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Baruch, Jeremiah‘s amanuensis had become disaffected with his work. He began to feel sorry for himself; probably thought he had thrown away a lot of years working for an unpopular prophet. Probably felt he was getting no respect. He took his eyes off the prize.

Jeremiah exhorts Baruch, a servant of God: “Do not seek greater things for yourself.” Get your eyes off yourself. Get your eyes back on the prize, the upward call in Christ Jesus (Phi 3:12-14). Run the race God calls you to run. Do it heartily and faithfully. God will reward you. Lord, may this sentry remain ever faithful to your call.

Lesson of the Recabites

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain steadfast and devoted to God and his word (Jer 35:12-19). #SteadfastObedience #Judgment #Recabites #Devoted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah chapter 35 draws a contrast between the Recabites and Judah. For 300 years this Israelite tribe firmly stood by their ancestor, Johanadab’s “man-made” command, not to drink wine nor assimilate into the culture of the time; they remained nomads. But Judah could not, would not, remain true to the very words, commands, of God.

The result was Judah would be judged and the Recabites would be blessed with descendants that would serve God. It is God‘s desire that his people live in obedience and steadfast devotion to him. Lord, may my life honor you by steadfast devotion and obedience to you.

It’s Time!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be not deterred from sharing God‘s message of salvation (Jer 25:1–4). #GoodNews #StandFast #MissionMakeDisciples #MessageTurnToGod.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Time has now come, as warned by Jeremiah. God’s judgment was about to fall on the nation of Judah, for her sin and idolatry. We know from this text and the prophet Habakkuk that Babylon would be God‘s instrument of that judgment (v9; Hab 1:6). Jeremiah had been warning the people of this for twenty-three years.

Imagine preaching for 23 years the same basic message with no response. God’s people continued in their indifference and even hostility towards the message and the messenger. Other prophets of God in that day receive the same treatment. Lord, may I be as faithful to the message and mission (Mat 28:19,20) as Jeremiah was to his message and mission. ITS TIME!

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we live joyfully and as sure-footed as the hind in the rocky craggy places of life (Hab 3:16-19). #Surefooted #SongOfDeliverance #GodsJudgmentsAreCertain #ClimbTheHeightsWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sing the song of deliverance. I begin my watch today at the end of this passage (verse 19). The prophet minstrel instructs the choir director to accompany the foregoing prayer with music (with instruments). Why? Because God‘s righteous ones are able to sing with joy in the midst of trouble, heartache and crisis.

For God’s righteous ones, joy and praise are centered on the promises of the sovereign God of heaven and not on our circumstances. God’s judgments, and timing of such, are certain. They will happen without fail. In the meantime we wait patiently on him. And like the hind scaling the high and craggy mountain cliffs, so God has given this old sentry a surefooted reliance upon him.

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See the Christian classic, Hinds’ Feet On High Places, Hannah Hurnard, published in 1955.

Whole-Hearted Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we worship with wholehearted reverence towards God (2Ch 35:16-19; 2Ki 23:21-23) #WorshipInSpiritAndInTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It had been centuries since the celebration of Passover had been carried out in such a complete manner; all in accordance with the prescription given by Moses. This means that even the godliest kings of Israel oversaw Passover done merely according to religious custom, ritual and tradition. Not in accordance with Mosaic prescription.

Neither priests, Levites nor people participated wholeheartedly in or viewed Passover with any meaningful reverence; it was a duty. So, this was a Passover to end all Passovers. Josiah, once again, stands head and shoulders above all the other kings of Israel. Lord, may I come in wholehearted worship, lifting holy hands in accordance with the spirit of the law (1Ti. 2:8).

May the spirit of the law (the practice and heart of my worship) inform the prescribed letter of the law (the discipline and manner of my worship).

Open Our Eyes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Lord, open our eyes to a fresh vision of the truths of your word (2Ch 34:18-21) #FreshVision #SendRevival #OpenOurEyes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is not clear in Scripture (2Ch 34:8-21) whether young King Josiah merely knew by verbal tradition of the “Book of the Law;” or if he had a copy, but only a superficial understanding of it. It is more likely that he had never seen a copy of the Law. The kings before him were wicked ungodly men with no interest in God’s word. What is clear is that when the words of the Law were read to Josiah, they brought him to his knees in repentance.

Reading this account in Scripture reminds me of how, at times, we as believers become numb to God’s word. Our familiarity with it makes us tone deaf. For whatever reasons, we neglect God’s word until it no longer has an influence on our lives. Or, we’re engaging in God’s word with a verse we may have read a month ago or a year ago, it suddenly comes alive. The words leap off the page at us with an entirely new meaning. We are suddenly stricken with truth that we had not seen before. It requires and precipitates change. That is the work of the Holy Spirit, the work of revival and awakening. That is what happened to Josiah.

Lord, may we have a fresh vision of the truths of your word. May it lead us individually to repentance. We can then pray with David, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted and return to You.” (Psm 51:12-13)

The “Shattering”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not delay to repent of sin (Jer 19:10–13). #DoNotDelayRepentance #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After describing the judgment about to befall Judah, Jeremiah shatters the pottery jar he had brought with him. He shatters it into the city dump, also called “Topheth“ (place of burning – place, where sacrifices were burned to idolatrous, pagan gods). The picture Jeremiah portrays in the shattering act symbolizes what God intends for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They will be shattered as a people “beyond hope of repair.“

“Topheth“ (the city dump) is where the dead bodies of the coming destruction will be buried, until there is no more room. All the houses of the city, including the palace of Judah‘s kings will become as this dump – defiled and unclean beyond all remedy. There is an incalculable danger in the delay of repentance. Hearts are hardened beyond repair.

Lord, may there be no delay in my heart to daily repent of sin.

Judgment Will Roll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not ignore the pleadings of God to repent and turn to him (Jer 18:18–23). #TurnNowToGod #RepentAndTurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While the obstinate people of God and their leaders are saying, “Do not listen to Jeremiah’s thunderous words of repentance,“ Jeremiah is saying to God “Listen to their words of evil” towards him. Jeremiah has warned the people of God’s of coming judgment (vv15–17). Their response is to discredit and kill Jeremiah.

Jeremiah‘s prayer is not one of vengeance, for he has earnestly contended for their souls (14:7-9; 19-22). Jeremiah is now praying for protection, because of his faithfulness to deliver the message. He is also praying that God would now allow his stated judgments for sin to roll down on his unrepentant people. Lord, remove any obstinate way within my heart.

The Potter And The Clay

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Act quickly to repent of sin at any rebuke from God (Jer 18:5–11). #ThePotter’sHouse #RepentOfSin #ThePotterAndTheClay #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is no misinterpretating God’s message to Jeremiah concerning the potter and the clay. Just as the potter fashions the clay in his hands, so God may do with Israel. Having found defect (sin) in the pot he was molding, the potter crushes the form. He removes the defect and starts over to refashion his clay into the mold he desires.

Just so, God will do the same to Israel (and any other nation). But if the nation renounces its sin (defect) God will not crush her. If she refuses to obey, then God will not bless Israel (or any other nation), he will judge her harshly. Lord, may any stern rebuke from you over sin (defect) found in me be met quickly with repentance towards you (Psm 51:10ff).

God: First Priority

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Make worship of God your highest priority (Jer 17:19-27). #GodAloneIsWorthyOfOurPraise #LoveGodHeartSoulAndMind #RememberSabbath

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the easiest passages in the prophets to understand and interpret. “Remember to keep Sabbath.“ Go read it – Exodus 20:8-11. The issue was and is, not what day of the week to worship God. The issue was and is, not making time in our hearts to stop and reflect on God‘s goodness.

When we put everything else in our lives ahead of God, we disrespect God. For not listening to God, for disrespecting God, Israel paid a heavy price. Babylon destroyed. Jerusalem and the Israelites spent nearly a century in captivity. They were exhorted to return to the Sabboth worship of God under Nehemiah (Neh 13:15–22). I am reminded of the importance of keeping God the highest priority in my life.

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.