Keeping watch
Have you ever noticed buzzards when they’ve honed in on a feast from roadkill? There’s always one keeping watch while the others feast. Evidently they take turns posting a sentry to keep an eye out for danger as the others gorge themselves on a carcass.
My dog, Heidi (pictured above) takes her duty of keeping watch over me very seriously. She follows me as I complete my outdoor chores. Heidi barks ferociously whenever company arrives. She spends a great deal of time checking out things on the farm she thinks aren’t supposed to be there. While she hasn’t yet explained to me why she barks a lot at night, I’m sure it’s for a valid reason.
I’m grateful for my watch dog and companion.
Who is keeping watch for us?
Our Father answers our prayers when we call Him
I call to you LORD, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil. (Psalm 141:1-4a)
Keeping watch helps keep us out of trouble
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch for me for one hour?” he asked Peter. Watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:40-41)
We are charged with the task of caring for others
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28-30)
Being watchful in our daily lives
- Stay close to God–Read and study His Word, participate in worship and praise, fellowship with believers, and share the Good News of Jesus with others.
- Be a good role model for others. Let others see Jesus living in us.
- Be a Light for Jesus by serving and watching over our little ones, family, friends colleagues, and show kindness to strangers.
What other ways can we keep watch for others? Our Father is always with us, but who else keeps watch for you?
I’m just certain that my Bubba and your Ms. Heidi would be the very best of companions, as they are so much alike Ms. Katherine. I teasingly call Bubba “Shadow” because I can’t go anywhere that he doesn’t have his eyes on me around the ranch. And that barking at night? It’s when the cows move, or an opossum comes out to feast, or a barn kitty stretches, LOL, basically it’s if a mosquito has the vapors. Now, to the crux of my learning this morning, and I think it more, reminding. I appreciated your always-gentle reminder that God is with us wherever we go, and that serves as two prompts for me. One, I need to act like it (Coram Deo). Last, I need not ever be afraid. Nothing can happen to me that God hasn’t already known about and allowed to happen. If I truly trust God, then I have to trust Him to do what is best for me. Even when I don’t like it, I have to trust Him to know what’s best. Another important reminder is that part of my task in this life is to be a sheepdog. I strongly believe God has given me talents and gifts to protect His flock. What many fail to realize is that sheepdogs are under the control of the shepherd to, and while they are to guard, direct, and protect the flock, they too are part of the shepherd’s flock, the family He cares for. Loved this post. Congratulations on the birth of your “book baby”, Honoring God With My Body this week Ms. Katherine. So enjoyed reading the advanced copy, and can’t wait to receive the others I’ve ordered to share with friends.
I think Heidi and Bubba would be great friends. I’m sorry we are separated by half the country. Ha–they bark at “a mosquito having vapors.” Sometimes I think it’s that minute, because my girl barks at things I cannot figure out. Love your analogy of the sheepdog. Isn’t it just like our Father to give our wonderful companions (dogs) such great capacity to love and protect? We learn a lot from our animals. I’m so grateful for your kindness and encouragement on this journey of “birthing” Honoring God with My Body. I’m so blessed by you friendship and support.
We do so much less of this than in days gone by. My mom was just telling me how the ticket lady at the theater also made sure they behaved during the movie. If they didn’t she told their parents!
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. It’s interesting to think of cultivating our own relationship with God as watching over others but it’s true. Relationship with Jesus opens our heart to love others. It allows us to hear the Holy Spirit when he tells us ways to care for our neighbors.
Thanks for the encouragement! What a great word to start my week with.
I agree, Terri. Society has changed so much that we don’t watch over other people’s children. We’ve been taught to be afraid of interfering and drawing the wrath of other parents. But God calls us to watch over others, especially the children. “Love our neighbor as ourselves.” Yes! Thank you for blessing me with your kindness and encouragement today. Wishing you a joy filled week.
I’m grateful for loving friends and neighbors who also keep watch over us. I pray I always do the same.
I join you in prayer, Diana. And we have such a wonderful role model–Jesus–who shows us how to love one another; how to watch over one another. May your week be one of joy and peace.
We are never alone. Thanks, Katherine. God bless!
Isn’t it awesome that our Lord and Savior is with us every step of our journey. May God bless you, Nancy!
Katherine, the picture of Heidi completely drew me in. I love the Biblical application you drew from her job as sentinel of your farm. The silver sprinkled across her coat points to the wisdom that comes from years spent watching, guarding, and warning. Our neighbors across the road have a standard poodle and commodore. More then once she has apologized for their barking. I told her that all is right on our road when I hear her dogs barking because I know they are keeping guard and warning off predators. Thank you for including so many practical ways we can be watchful day to day.
We rescued Heidi from the animal shelter when she was six months old. Her mentor was a shepherd-spaniel mix and taught Heidi to be a watchful and loving dog. Reminds me of the importance for us to mentor our children. Thank you, Beth, for your love and care of God’s special creatures–animals!
Isn’t it amazing how our animals can sense what we need? Your faithful dog is a good example to teach us that our Father always watches over us. He warns us of impending danger, protects us, and never leaves us. You are blessed to have such a loving canine companion. Blessings, Katherine!
Our dogs love us unconditionally and Jesus loves us even more. We are so blessed by that. I love the way you describe our Father’s love and protection of us. May God continue to bless your service to Him, Barbara.
I’m thinking about the temporary things we Keep Watch for….
College football season (me)
Dolphins at the beach
the Masters Golf Tourney (not me but some)
an accessory or furniture item to go on sale
Nothing wrong with this of course, as long as we keep watch for the things leading to eternal life with Jesus
Thank you for sharing, Candyce. Now I’m thinking about the things I watch for.
My grandchildren’s growth and development–new words, new physical abilities, more things we do together.
The changing of the seasons and the blessings of each.
New friendships and connections with other authors.
The continuous blessings our Father send us.
But of course, you remind us of what’s most important–keeping our focus on Jesus. Thank you.
My Daisy is always by my side. She has cared for me throughout my health issues. I have always said if we would care for one another like our dogs care for us revival would break out. Great post and congrats on your launch.
I agree, Jen. Our dogs seem to always know when we need a “hug” and they are so wiling to share their unconditional love with us. Love you comment: “if we would care for one another like our dogs care for us revival would break out.” What a wonderful world this would be! Praying for you.
Love the picture of Heidi on guard! Molly also takes her guard dog duties very seriously. Thank you also for the reminders of how we can watch over ourselves and others spiritually!
Aren’t we blessed to have such loving dogs? Heidi’s companionship and attentiveness bless me every time I go outside. We can learn so much from God’s animals if we’d pay careful attention. Jen reminds us how much better our world would be if we loved one another the way our dogs love us.
I love the garden story and Jesus’ admonition to “watch and pray.” I know what it’s like to just not be able to keep my eyes open, but I’m sure Jesus knew this was difficult for his disciples too. Yet, the consequences He knew would come meant more to Him. Guarding our spiritual lives is so important. Thanks Katherine!
Jesus must have yearned for the disciple’s love and concern, yet they were exhausted beyond their ability to withstand it. Even though He admonished them, Jesus understood and knew their love for Him. He comforted them, even as He faced the horror of the cross. He comforts us in our deepest sorrow as well and all he expects in return is our love and willingness to follow Him.
I need to do a better job of this too. It is an important part of being in the community of Christ. Thanks Katherine
I expect if we’re honest with ourselves we could also join you in saying, “I need to do better” at keeping watch over our own actions and thoughts and being a better role models for us. With our Father’s help, we can do it! As you point out, it’s “part of being in the community of Christ.” May God continue to bless you in your service to Him, Yvonne.
Our pets can teach us a lot. Thank you for the reminder that our God is always with us.
We are blessed with a Father who loves us and watches over us. He’s the perfect role model for a parent. Blessings!