Don’t Squander Your Gift

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Embrace and use vigorously the spiritual gifts given you (1Ti 4:4–16). #YourGiftASacredTrust

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Timothy‘s gift was very likely a teaching gift. To which Paul says, “Don’t neglect it.”Develop it, understand its use and purpose. “Throw yourself into it.“ Work at it with vigor. Back it up with your life, how you live. Know this, applying God‘s word to others begins by applying it to yourself first. Now that is sound advice to every pastor and minister.

It is also sound advice to every man and woman who calls him/herself Christian. Whatever spiritual gift may be mine, it’s a sacred trust. I must not neglect it, but use it vigorously. I must back it up with my life. If I do this, it will enrich my life and the lives of others towards Salvation. Father, may I honor you and encourage others by the use of sentinel gifts bestowed on me.

Say Whaaat?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be alert to false and deceptive teaching (1Ti 4:1-5). #NotAllThatGlittersIsGold #TestTheSpirits #WolvesInSheepsClothing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul instructs Timothy to be alert to “teachers“ who stray away from the truth and follow deceptive spirits. They say one thing but do another and are not convicted of it. They make rules and disdain what is good, expressing their self-righteousness.

Believers should be reminded that everything God created is good. Believers are to evaluate all things being taught according to the word of God and prayer (see also 1Jn 4:1-3). Reject what is wrong according to God’s word. Embrace what is good as from God with thanksgiving. Lord, keep this duty sentry alert to any teaching that is contrary to your word and sound the alarm.

No Quit

Prayer: Be in receive mode for God‘s instruction (Phi 3:1). #HearGod #SpeakForGod https://www.bible.com/116/php.3.1.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oh, precious dear friends, remember to always rejoice in the Lord, no matter what comes your way. It is a joy for Paul to remind his dear brothers and sisters in the faith to rejoice in every circumstance. It is a joy for Paul to keep on telling them of the things that will safeguard their faith.This is just good fatherly advice going forward.

Paul says, “I never get tired.” Every spirit-filled pastor, Bible teacher and evangelist is motivated by the joy of Jesus to come week after week to a podium to instruct, exhort and reprove the people of God. Father, it has been my joy, though often tedious, to teach others from your Word. Thank you for the privilege.

Teacher, Mentor, Discipler

Prayer: Never stop growing…or leading others to grow (Phi 2:19–22). #UTeachULearnUTeach #LeadByExample https://www.bible.com/116/php.2.19-22.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How very important it is to train/mentor/disciple others to continue the work of faith in Christ. It is the job of the elder to pull the younger up to a place on your shoulders where they can see the folly of youth, grasp the pertinence of wisdom and learn to make prudent choices. Then, when he/she is unaware, to slip out from beneath, leaving them to stand on his/her own. The elder shares their place of prominence without making the younger feel painfully inadequate. Such was the work of Paul with Timothy.

Like teaching a youngster to ride a bike. You hold them up, help with balance, run beside them and then let go as they peddle their way forward. They don’t even realize you’ve let go. Eventually you stop and just cheer the youngster on forward. Lord, may I never stop teaching…or learning.

Bringing The Children To The Teacher

Praying through the dilemma of students returning to school this fall. How to pray? The Lord gave me a picture of what our prayer effort might look like from Mark 10:13-16.

¹³People were bringing children to Him so that He would touch and bless them, but the disciples reprimanded them and discouraged them [from coming]. ¹⁴But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and He said to them, “Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive andwelcome the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” ¹⁶And He took the children [one by one] in His arms and blessed them [with kind, encouraging words], placing His hands on them. (AMP)

Hopeful PARENTS, maybe grand parents, were bringing their CHILDREN to Jesus (the TEACHER), while the disciples (those in AUTHORITY) looked on with some dismay at overwhelming the Teacher (they were trying to do the right thing – they just did not have God’s perspective). All four players in this story can be seen in our circumstances today: PARENTS, A TEACHER, CHILDREN, AUTHORITIES. Each of these was making hard choices, just as they are today. Of course we know that Jesus was the only one who stood outside that element of concern. But for the sake of illustration, much was and is at stake.

We ought to pray that the AUTHORITIES (public health officials and school administrators) who govern school starts this fall will be pointed to godly counsel and wisdom. May they have clarity and certainty in their deliberations. Give them a culture of honesty, order and integrity. May they see God in their counsel & decisions.

Pray that TEACHERS are filled with a righteous compassion. Lord, unlike Jesus, teachers today are challenged beyond their experience and often overwhelmed. They are learning new multilevel platforms – methods of teaching. They need a spirit of righteous compassion; loving kindness toward students, parents and administrators. May they trust in God and see God at work in their daily lives.

Pray that PARENTS are pointed to godly wisdom and know what they are to do; their fears and anxiety be moderated. Give parents wisdom and clarity. Help them to overcome fears for their children’s safety. Lift any financial burdens that families are experiencing. May they trust in God fully. Pray that God be glorified and his name given fame in the land.

Pray that CHILDERN will be blessed, kept safe and pointed to Jesus. May they be blessed and protected. Pray their needs be met: medical care, nutrition, and vaccines. Pray their physical, emotional and mental well being be secure; free of any abuse. Abba knows their names. He cares for each. Father, may we make it a priority to bring the children to Jesus, first and foremost. Pray that God be glorified in all. Father, would you raise up a generation of young men and women who trust in God and love God unconditionally. Raise up students who will take the Gospel into the next generation.

MAY I ADD HERE…If there is to be sweeping revival and awakening in America it must begin with the most intimate and personal of relationships. What could be of more use to God than the family unit and parents bringing their children to Jesus?

Father, I pray that in the midst of all these decisions that you would be honored; that your fame would be spread throughout the land as the deliverer of this nation from Corona Virus pandemic. I pray Father, that your providence will guide this nation again, as it has before, and that it will result in a national turning to Jesus, Lord of all. AMEN!