Be motivated by genuine love for others (1Jn 3:20). #ServeOutOfLove
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Guilt, condemnation, are not virtues of the Christian faith. This is NOT WHY Jesus came. Conviction, on the other hand, is a tool of the Holy Spirit to get our attention.
Perhaps we are “feeling“ guilt over not having done something right or enough in our love for others. God is greater than those feelings.
Perhaps we did something, but our motivation was off the mark (we were self-serving, seeking attention). Conviction, will notify us of our need to confess. God is then faithful to forgive and restore (1Jn 1:9). This IS WHY Jesus came. Lord, may we serve from a heart of genuine love and not duty.
May you love and be loved to the max as Christ loved (1Jn 3:18,19). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrifice
ACTUS MAXIMUS
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Simply put, love, as Christ loved, is more than a feeling. It is more than pleasant words. Someone has captured the essence of this in the oft repeated phrase, “Don’t tell me how much you care until you show me how much you care“. A relief organization (ministry) uses this motto, “Love, More Than Words“. Latin: ACTA NON VERBA”.
This is exactly what John is saying. As Christian’s we are to “show“ our love by the “actions“ we take. This is Christmas. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jhn 15:13). That is an ACTUS MAXIMUS. This is the Christ of Christmas. Lord, may I know love and express love to the max just as Christ loved.
Love others unconditionally as christ loved (1Jn 3:16,17). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrafice
God Loved Us; He Sent His Son
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As believers, we are not without an example of unconditional love. This word love in the Greek is agápē. It is a self sacrificing love. It is conditioned solely on the one loving, not on how good or bad the recipient of that love may be.
This love will always give out of its own resources, no matter how small or great. that is how Jesus loved. That is how we are love. We love others as Christ loved us. That is often hard work. It takes a surrender and reliance on God’s Holy Spirit. Lord, may I love with the heart of Christ.
Love others unconditionally as Christ loved (1Jn 3:11-15). #LoveMoreThanWords#LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Christianity, (faith in Christ) is, at its core, a religion of the heart. Cain killed Abel because Cain’s heart was dark and corrupt (v12).* He hated his brother Abel. Abel‘s righteousness exposed Cain’s unrighteous and intemperate heart. Hate grew into a root of bitterness – a heinous murderous mindset (Heb 12:15; Mat 5:21,22).
Believers may not always agree with each other, but they will truly love one another as Jesus taught. That proves our love for God (Jhn 13:34,35; 15:12). That love will often be despised by the world. They hated Christ, they will hate you as well (Jhn 15:18). Lord, may I have and show a genuine love that comes from above, for all people.
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.
Know the security of being God‘s child in Christ (1Jn 3:1).
They don’t know God
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I often hear folks (even certain ministers) say, “We’re all God‘s children.“ Are we? Well, NO, we’re not. We’re certainly all God‘s creation. But the familial relation as “God‘s child” is reserved only for those who believe in Jesus (Jhn 1:11-13).
Here, John teaches that the world does not recognize the Christian’s relationship to God as his children. Why? Because they don’t know God. Paul also makes this clear: they are not children of God, they are “children of the flesh” (Rom 8:5–9; 9:8; see also Gal 3:26; 4:6-7). Lord, I am here affirmed in my relationship to God as his child.
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)
Remain faithful to the truth of the gospel (1Jn 2:24,25). #HoldFastToTruth #RemainFaithfulToTruth #GospelTruth
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John’s exhortation, in light of the spirit of antichrist that has gone out into the world, is to, “remain faithful“. That is, hold fast, continue and persist in trusting the truth of God. The truth has come in Christ. If you persist in following Christ you will also persist in fellowship with him and the father.
This fellowship is an eternal bond. Christ’s life is in you and this life eternal shall be yours as promised (John 3:16; 5:24; 1Jn 5:11,12). Lord, I hold fast to my confession: Jesus is the Son of God, he died for my sin, his resurrection secures my eternal life, and he will return again to inaugurate his eternal kingdom.
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.
__________
* Consider the full text of this poem by C.T.Studd:
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 spiritualequity 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.
Show love (selfless concern) for others, even in disagreements (1Jn 2:7-11). #LoveOneAnother #LoveYourEnemy #ShowSelflessConcern
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Not only is our love for God revealed by our obedience to his word, his commands, so also is our love for one another. If we claim to be walking in the light, we will express a selfless sacrificial love for each other (Jhn 13:34,35). We will also express this love towards our enemies as well (Mat 5:43,44).
Selfless love is a hallmark trait of Christian character. At least it should be. You cannot claim to be living in the light and at the same time hate your brother. That is cause for great concern. For such a one still remains in darkness. Lord, may I always show selfless concern for others, even when we disagree.
Strive for consistency following Christ (1Jn 2:3-6). #PracticeThePresenceOfJesus
Follow. Obey. Serve.
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
So, do I really love God? Yes! How do I know I love God? Because I strive to faithfully live out, obey God’s word. I strive to faithfully pattern, my life after the life of Christ. There’s no pride in that statement. It is what I do. “That’s impossible,” one might say. Well, yes, it is.
The impossible requires that I must depend daily on God’s Holy Spirit to fill me and to lead me. (Psm 143:10; Jhn 14:17; 16:13; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:16, 22-25; Eph 5:18). I’m not perfect. I often fail. 1Jhn 1:8,9 is often my retreat. But I continuemoving forward in the practice of following Christ. Lord, my love for you drives me to follow you, obey you and serve you. I strive to be consistent.
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.
Trust the reliability of God‘s word (1Jn 1:1–4). #RealWitness #ReliableWitness #Truth
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Apostle John begins this epistle in a similar way as he begins his gospel account in the Gospel of John. John is testifying to the truth and veracity of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. He is speaking to believers who had never seen nor heard Jesus. But John knew him personally.
It had been a full generation since the final events of Christ’s life on earth. John begins by making the case that he (along with others) had walked with Jesus, seen him, touched him, heard him speak and talked with him. His witness is reliable.
Lord, I may trust the reliable eye witness of those who knew Jesus firsthand and wrote about it.
Worship and exalt Jehovah God alone (Jer 51:16-19). #worshipJehovah-God #NoGodLikeJehovah
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah let’s fly a burst of praise to the Lord. This praise informs our understanding of the power, knowledge and creative acts of God. The knowledge of God‘s powerful acts of creation and his preservation of it reaches far back into the ancient world. He is no mere idol.
Men craft idols made up in their own minds. They have no life, no breath and no power. These men are foolish and without understanding. But Jehovah God is the God of all of life and creation. He governs the universe and the affairs of men. Lord, I exalt you as the only one worthy of all of our praise.
Take joy and peace, knowing God is for you (Jer 50:17–20). #God’sProtection #God’sProvision
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Because of her sin, Israel was scattered and devoured by “lions” (Assyria and Babylon). God will, and did, bring down both empires. God‘s people may take hope in the ultimate provision and protection of his remnant. They will be brought safely home to his fold.
Although there was not a mass return to Israel when Babylon fell, there will be in the last days (Isa 11:11,12). Israel will again be satisfied in their fruit-filled fields. Their sin will be absolved and forgiven. This is a promise of the new, far better, covenant (Heb 8:6) God‘s people may take hope in the words of Jeremiah.
Lord, you are always at work in the world with your eye on your people.
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.
Expect that God is always at work to speak into the lives of his people, pointing us back to him (Jer 51:59-61). #God’sCanvas #BehindTheVeil #GodIsWorking
Behind the Veil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah Chapters 50 and 51 records the message of the prophet concerning the eventual demise of Babylon. The intention is to encourage the Jews in exile there. This text explains how the message would arrive and be read to the exiles.
A man named Seraiah was a staff officer of King Zedekiah (vassal king to Babylon in Judah). Seraiah would accompany Zedekiah on a trip to Babylon; likely summoned there by King Nebuchadnezzar. Seraiah’s Instructions were to read the scroll prepared by Jeremiah (Chapters 50 and 51) to the Israelites in exile.
From this and other Scripture, I gather that we may expect that God is always working on his canvas, behind the veil of life, to speak truth and encouragement into the hearts of his people. Even when his people are far from him.
Lord, I take heart knowing that, no matter how far I wander, you continue working in my circumstances (even when held captive in my own exile) to point my heart back to you.
_________
I just have to say that I truly understand the wandering heart. I spent some years doing a lot of wandering myself in my late teens and early 20s. The Lord spoke into my life during those years numerous times, in various degrees of intensity.
Finally, I found myself in exile (like the children of God taken captive and moved to Babylon). My exile was Vietnam. I had no choice. Drafted into the Army, I was literally uprooted and physically moved. It was in Vietnam that God got his message through to me.
While I was in my exile God sent a man named “Smitty” (a fellow soldier) with a message to me, just like he sent “Seraiah” to his people in exile. I will always be forever grateful to God for Smitty. He spoke into my life, just as Seraiah spoke into the life of the Israelite exiles. At one point while in a guard tower (2 -3 AM, December 28, 1968), God turned the light. I heard from him and I began my journey back to God‘s plan and purpose for me. I never looked back.
So, when I say that you can expect God to be working behind the veil of life in order to speak into our lives, I know that not only from Gods word, I know that from experience as well.
Remain, abide, be grounded in God’s word (Jer 23:16-40). #KnowGod’sWord #BeDiscerning #WolvesInSheepsSkin
Let the people beware
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I am pondering the exhortation of Jeremiah to beware of false prophets. I ask, “How do I know if I am hearing a false prophet?” Jeremiah describes clearly the characteristics of false prophets. So, people beware.
False prophets preach false hope and doctrines (like ignoring the plain truth of Scripture, preaching “new” revelations that are extra-biblical (v16);
false prophets dismiss sin – no repentance required (v17);
Be discerning of false and lying leaders (Jer 23:13–15). #GodlySpiritualLeaders #PastorsTeachersProphets #DevotedToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah compares the prophets in Jerusalem (Judah – southern kingdom) to the Samarian prophets of Israel, the northern kingdom, already judged and gone. These Samarian prophets prophesied in the name of Baal (the Canaanite deity). They were wicked men and lead Israel into all kinds of sin.
Jeremiah saw the prophets of Judah as worse than the their counterparts. They were dishonest, liars, and adulterers on par with the people of Sodom & Gomorrah (symbolizing ultimate depravity). These prophets led the people of Judah into all manner of sin. They would be made to drink of the bitter waters of judgment.
Lord, may I (our nation) be discerning of those who paint a false view of God and the future.
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.
May we know as a people the joy of the full restoration of God (Jer 27:22). #God’sRestoration #RestorationPromise
RESTORED!
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Lord does not leave his people without hope. Though judgment may fall upon the land of Judah, the precious implements of worship be removed from the temple in Jerusalem, God promises to restore them to their place (people & worship).
God reveals here that there will be restoration after judgment and discipline has befallen his people. God never leaves us without Hope. America is not without hope. Lord, though this sentry, my beloved country, may feel the pain of your discipline, may I (we) also know joy and hope in the promise of your full restoration.
Acknowledge and surrender to God’s will and plan (Jer 27:1–8). #ISurrenderAll #YesGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God‘s plan for his people was a 70 year exile into Babylon. Babylon was God’s servant in this process. They were conquering all the nations around and including Judah. It is likely that these nations, represented by ambassadors, were in Jerusalem to meet with king Zedekiah (a meeting of the minds) to discuss an overthrow of Babylon.
By God‘s will however, there would be no such plan, enabling his people to escape judgment. God‘s purposes were to lead them into brokenness, repentance and renewed passion to serve him (Jer 29:10-14). Nothing would stand in God‘s way, then or now, of accomplishing those purposes. Lord, I acknowledge your will and surrender my will to you and your plan for me. I acknowledge that you have a plan too, for America. May she listen and surrender.
Neither believe deceitful men nor be deceitful yourself (Jer 29:29–32). #SpeakNoDeceit #BeNotDeceived
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is the third of three letters in this chapter. The first two are dealt with in an earlier post.* Zephaniah, the Jewish priest in Babylon, shows Shamala‘s damning letter (the 2nd letter, vv26–28) to Jeremiah. Jeremiah then sends an open letter (3rd letter) to all the exiles in Babylon. In it Shamala’s deceit is condemned by the Lord:
“I did not send this man to you. He has trafficked in deceit; tricked you into believing him. He will be punished. None of his family or descendants will see the good things I have promised to do (vv10-14) – he has led you to rebel against my word.“ The plans of deceitful men will never foil God‘s good plan for his people (see also Ananias and Sopphira in Acts).
Lord, may I neither be deceived nor speak any deliberate deceit myself (Psm 19:7-14).
Be discerning of those who speak lies and live for their own self interests. (Jer 29:15-23). #BelieveGod #DiscernTruth
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Although God has a “good plan” for his people (vv10–14), to bring them through his discipline, they have a long way to go. But the seers and prophets in their midst were telling them lies and living licentious lives. They sought to silence, Jeremiah (vv26–28). They were giving a false sense of hope.
God will deal harshly with the sin of those who falsely represent God. Part of God‘s “good plan“ includes his discipline. In this case, it will take 70 years to bring his people through that discipline as part of God’s “good plan”. “No one enjoys discipline. But it will produce a good harvest of righteousness in those who are trained by it“ (Heb 12:11).
Lord, may I always speak the truth and live putting others interests ahead of my own (Eph 4:14,15; Phi 2:4).
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.
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.
_________
* 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.
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.
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.
Respect God‘s discipline; fulfill his plan (Jer 25:11–14). #ForOurGood #GodDisciplinesHisLovedOnes #God’sDiscipline
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Another significant thing that can be said for the announcement of the 70 years of captivity is that it gives hope to those faithful to God. The godly remnant can take heart knowing that God‘s anger would not last forever. The joy of the bridegroom, the prosperity of the land would return. His mercy and grace endure forever (Jer 33:11). (See also Psm 30:5; 103:8-11; 136:1–3; Mic 7:18)
The godly would be able to endure the coming devastation (God‘s discipline) with patience, knowing that this discipline is for their greater good and well-being (Heb 12:10-13). They would not turn against God, but to him in greater love and devotion. God‘s discipline in our lives serves to make us more devoted followers. Lord, give this old sentry a healthy respect for your discipline in my life.
The Prayer Sentry 