Seek Him Early: Recent Episodes
Dr. J. D. Watson
Welcome to the "Seek Him Early" podcast, featuring "Daily Devotional Studies on Knowing, Loving, and Serving Our Lord Jesus Christ." Each weekly program is from the book of that same title. Your host is Dr. J. D. Watson, author of the book, pastor of Grace Bible Church in Meeker, Colorado, and director of Sola Scriptura Publications.
Each Monday we will post a new program featuring a reading from the book. It is our desire for God’s people to better know, love, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, so we are making these devotional studies available not only in print form but also in this podcast. We hope you will collect them and listen whenever you can and wherever you are.
Endorsed by Steve Lawson, Phil Johnson, Joel Beeke, Paige Patterson, Todd Friel, and many others, the book it is divided into the three distinct parts specified in the sub-title (each encompassing four months of devotional/theological studies). You are first encouraged to know the Lord in a personal way, then to love Him like never before, and finally to be driven to more passionately serve Him. Each daily reading is between 450–500 words in length, meaty, theological, and homiletical. It also includes a “Scriptures for Study” section, which lists other related verses for you to explore and lends itself to personal journaling.
If you would like a copy of the book, you can order it directly from Sola Scriptura Publications or Amazon.com (also available in Kindle). Click here to see samples (and other available books).
Music Copyright © Array Hymn. Used with permission. Array Hymn has no affiliation with this ministry, and views expressed may not be in agreement with the views of the Array Hymn producers.
The evidences of salvation: production, affection, continuation, absorption, reception, jubilation, confirmation, proclamation, transformation, and anticipation. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses declare about Jesus’ return: Acts 1:11; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 2 Peter 3:12, 14? Continue
The evidences of salvation: production, affection, continuation, absorption, reception, jubilation, confirmation, proclamation, transformation, and anticipation. Scriptures for Study: What are we to mimic in each of the following verses: 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; Hebrews 6:12; 1 Peter 3:13? Continue
The evidences of salvation: production, affection, continuation, absorption, reception, jubilation, confirmation, proclamation, transformation, and anticipation. Scriptures for Study: What does 1 Corinthians 2:4–5 add to our study today? Continue
The evidences of salvation: production, affection, continuation, absorption, reception, jubilation, confirmation, proclamation, transformation, and anticipation. Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses confirm today’s study: Romans 12:13; 15:25–27; 1 John 3:14–18? Continue
The root, right, response, and reason for His exaltation. Scriptures for Study: Take some time today to exalt Christ alone with these verses: John 5:22–27; Acts 2:32–36; 5:31; Romans 14:9–11; Ephesians 1:20–23; Hebrews 2:9; 12:2; 1 Peter 1:21. How have these six studies on exalting Christ encouraged you? Continue
The root, right, response, and reason for His exaltation. Scriptures for Study: What do each of the following verses declare about Christ’s Lordship: Luke 2:11; John 13:13; John 20:28; Acts 2:36; Acts 10:36? Continue
The root, right, response, and reason for His exaltation. Scriptures for Study: Read Hebrews 2:1–8 and Revelation 5:11–12. How do these passages bless your heart? Continue
The Cross is the central theme of all Scripture. Scriptures for Study: Read the passages cited today. How do they encourage and challenge you? Continue
Notice the two fascinating terms “form” and “fashion.” Scriptures for Study: How is Christ exalted in each of the following verses: John 17:5; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:3, 6, 8; 13:8? Continue
This episode prepares us for several episodes to follow on how Christ is exalted in three areas: His person; His purpose; and His position. Scriptures for Study: In preparation for our study, meditate on Philippians 2:5–11 and write down your own observations. Continue
Twelve ways Christians minister to “one another.” Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about edification: Romans 15:2; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Timothy 1:4? Continue
Twelve ways Christians minister to “one another.” Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses add to our study today: Mark 9:41; Galatians 5:13; 1 John 3:18? Continue
Twelve ways Christians minister to “one another.” Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses add to our study today: Romans 12:20–21; 1 Corinthians 13:7? Continue
Twelve ways Christians minister to “one another.” Scriptures for Study: What encouragement does Paul add earlier in 1 Thessalonians: 3:2, 7; 5:11. Continue
Twelve ways Christians minister to “one another.” Scriptures for Study: What do you observe in these other instances of noutheteō: Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (“warn”); 2 Thessalonians 3:15. Continue
Twelve ways Christians minister to “one another.” Scriptures for Study: Paul used the word “receive” earlier in Romans 14:1–3. What observations can you make here? Continue
The engagement, the exhortation, and the endurance. Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses encourage us: Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16? Continue
Seven reasons: to obey Christ; to praise and worship our God; to hear the Word of God; our own personal edification; to encourage the pastor; to encourage other believers; to be a testimony to others. Scriptures for Study: Review these studies and reflect on the impact they have had on… Continue
Seven reasons: to obey Christ; to praise and worship our God; to hear the Word of God; our own personal edification; to encourage the pastor; to encourage other believers; to be a testimony to others. Scriptures for Study:How do the following verses encourage you: Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13; Hebrews… Continue
Seven reasons: to obey Christ; to praise and worship our God; to hear the Word of God; our own personal edification; to encourage the pastor; to encourage other believers; to be a testimony to others. Scriptures for Study: What do we read about the Early Church in the following verses:… Continue
Scriptures for Study: What do we read about the Early Church in the following verses: Acts 2:1, 42, 46–47; 20:7? Continue
The place, point, period, purpose, pre-eminence, perseverance, and prayer of David’s attachment to God’s House. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses in Psalms add to our study: 26:8; 65:4; 84:4, 10? Continue
The place, point, period, purpose, pre-eminence, perseverance, and prayer of David’s attachment to God’s House. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses in Psalms say about the house of the Lord: 23:6; 122:1; 92:13? Continue
The cultic, comfortable, contemporary, or Christian choice. Scriptures for Study: What does God command in Exodus 23:24 and 32–33? Continue
It is more praiseworthy, pleasurable, profitable, and pious to give, Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about giving: Proverbs 19:17; Philippians 4:17? Continue
The who, what, when, where, why, and how we are to give. Scriptures for Study: Read the rest of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. What other principles of giving can you identify? Continue
The who, what, when, where, why, and how we are to give. Scriptures for Study: What did Paul write earlier in this letter (6:10) about giving? & What do we then read in Acts 2:45? Continue
The who, what, when, where, why, and how we are to give. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about our giving: Galatians 6:10; James 2:15–17; and 1 John 3:17? Continue
The who, what, when, where, why, and how we are to give. Scriptures for Study: What example of giving do we read about in 2 Corinthians 8:1–3? Continue
This servant was dishonest, despicable, and disciplined. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about our treatment of fellow believers: Ephesians 4:26, 4:31–32; 1 Peter 3:8–9? Continue
A servant labors: unlimitedly; unselfishly; unthanked; unreservedly; unprofitably. Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses challenge us: Luke 14:11; 18:14; James 4:10? Continue
Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses encourage us: Romans 4:21; 8:24; 1 John 3:19? Continue
Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about little faith: Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8? Continue
Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about Abraham: Genesis 15:1–6; 22:18? Continue
Scriptures for Study: What does God promise in these verses: Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:28? Philippians 4:19? Do you believe and act on those promises? Continue
Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses declare: Romans 1:17; 3:22; 9:30; Galatians 5:5; Philippians 3:9? Continue
Scriptures for Study: So important is Noah that he is mentioned many times in Scripture. How many can you find and what do they add to our study? Continue
Scriptures for Study: Read Genesis 6. What observations can you make and what strikes you the most profoundly? Continue
Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses add to our study today: Psalm 89:48; John 8:51–52? Continue
Scriptures for Study: Write down the texts cited today, read each one, and record your observations. Continue
Scriptures for Study: What is God’s will in each of the following: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:17–18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; 5:18; 1 Peter 2:13–15? Continue
Scriptures for Study: What do these verses tell us about walking: Psalms 56:13; 86:11; 128:1; Acts 9:31? Continue
In each of the examples of faith in Hebrews 11, we will note the same three principles: The requirement, the response, and the result. Scriptures for Study: In Hebrews 12:24, who and what speaks even “better things than that of Abel”? Continue
In each of the examples of faith in Hebrews 11, we will note the same three principles: The requirement, the response, and the result. Scriptures for Study: According to the texts referenced today, where did early Christians meet for worship? Continue
In each of the examples of faith in Hebrews 11, we will note the same three principles: The requirement, the response, and the result. Scriptures for Study: What does 1 John 3:12 tell us about Cain and Abel? Continue
We recognize the impossibility, see the inclination, feel the intimacy, and note the incentive. Scriptures for Study: What do these verses say about diligence: Psalm 119:10; Proverbs 8:17; Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 6:33? Continue
It is imperative that we have faith in the means and the method of creation. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about creation: Genesis 2:1; Exodus 20:11; Psalm 33:6; John 1:1–3? Continue
It is imperative that we have faith in the means and the method of creation. Scriptures for Study: Read 1 Corinthians 15:21–22, 45 and Romans 5:12–21. How would you explain their application to today’s study? Continue
This verse declares the remarkable truth that God testifies of us! Think of it! God makes His approval known to those who trust Him. He blesses us, glorifies us, and lists us among the champions of faith. Scriptures for Study: What other names can you note that are not listed… Continue
Faith is supreme confidence in what God says and settled conviction that it will come to pass. Scriptures for Study: What do these verses tell us about faith: Romans 8:24–25; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Peter 1:8? Continue
Living by faith means we trust only in what God says and disregard the words of men in this world system. So, let us turn to this chapter not only to see faith presented, but also to see it practiced. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us… Continue
We see men failing but Jesus prevailing. Scriptures for Study: Read the similar incident in Luke 5:1–7, where Jesus originally called his disciples. What observations can you make? Continue
We simply perceive the contact, prove the need, proclaim the Gospel, and partner in the result. Scriptures for Study: Read Paul’s counsel in 1 Corinthians 3:6–8. What does this teach us about evangelistic effort? Continue
What is “discipleship”? Scriptures for Study: In Acts 2:41–47, what are the characteristics of a disciple? & Compare this study with September 11 on adaptability. Continue
We see his personal character, his position as forerunner, and his powerful ministry. Scriptures for Study: Read Luke 3:7–14. What observations can you make about John’s sermon? Continue
We see his personal character, his position as forerunner, and his powerful ministry. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about self-denial: Luke 9:23–24; Titus 2:11–12; Hebrews 11:24–25? Continue
We see his description, his difficulty, and his dedication. Scriptures for Study: What else do we read about Epaphroditus in Philippians 4:18? How does this “priceless pair” encourage and challenge you? Continue
We see his description, his difficulty, and his dedication. Scriptures for Study: Who is spoken of as a brother in each of the following verses: 2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 8:22; Philemon 1:1. Continue
He was a companion, caring, courageous, confirmed, compliant, and committed. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about commitment: Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:57–62; Luke 14:26? Continue
He was a companion, caring, courageous, confirmed, compliant, and committed. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about commitment: Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:57–62; Luke 14:26? Continue
We see his personal character, his position as forerunner, and his powerful ministry. Scriptures for Study: Read Luke 3:7–14. What observations can you make about John’s sermon? Continue
Note the preparation, the procedure, and the product. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses add to our study today: Isaiah 64:8; 2 Timothy 2:21; James 1:12? Continue
A historical example: Athanasius Scriptures for Study: What do these verses say about false teachers: Mark 13:22; Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Peter 2:1–3? Continue
We ready our defense, release our offense, and rejoice in our victory. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about our spiritual battle: 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:3, 13–15; 1 Peter 5:8? Continue
There must be order in our character, our conduct, and our churches. Scriptures for Study: How do these OT passages set the precedent for orderliness: 1 Chronicles 16:37–42; 2 Chronicles 29:35; Ezra 6:18? Continue
First, blameless speaks of the positional gain of salvation, and second, the practical goodness for sanctification. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about blamelessness: Ephesians 5:27; Philippians 1:9–10; 2:14–15? Continue
We must be unwavering, unmovable, unceasing, and undiscourageable. Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses encourage you: Galatians 6:9; Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6:10; 2 Peter 3:17? Continue
We see self-dedication, self-discipline, and self-denial. Scriptures for Study: What observations can you make in these verses: Ephesians 6:12; Philippians 3:14; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:5, 7–8? Continue
We must recognize the message, reconsider the method, and remember the model. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses add to our study: Romans 15:1; 1 Corinthians 10:33; 8:13? Continue
We are accountable for the way we live, the work we do, the words we speak, and the warning we give. Scriptures for Study: What do these verses tell us about accountability: Ecclesiastes 12:14; Acts 20:26–27; Romans 2:16; 1 Peter 4:3–5? Continue
A teachable spirit recognizes its own emptiness, responds with inquiry, and rejoices in its enlightenment. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about a teachable spirit: Proverbs 2:2, 4; 3:7; 9:9; 1 Peter 5:5. Continue
The servant’s rank, responsibility, and reputation. Scriptures for Study: Meditate on the verses cited today and write down how each challenges you personally. Continue
We observe the preparation, we hear the call, and we mark the response. Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses challenge us about Christian service: Matthew 4:20–22; Acts 20:24? Continue
Total dedication to Christ commences with presentation, consists of separation, continues with transformation, and culminates in discrimination. Scriptures for Study: In the following verses, what other things are good: Romans 7:12; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6? Continue
Total dedication to Christ commences with presentation, consists of separation, continues with transformation, and culminates in discrimination. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about renewal: Ephesians 4:22–24; 3:10; Titus 3:5? Continue
Total dedication to Christ commences with presentation, consists of separation, continues with transformation, and culminates in discrimination. Scriptures for Study: What do the following occurrences of aiōn add to our study: Galatians 1:4 (world); Ephesians 2:2 (course); 6:12 (world)? Continue
Total dedication to Christ commences with presentation, consists of separation, continues with transformation, and culminates in discrimination. Scriptures for Study: What did Paul write on this subject earlier in Romans: 6:13, 16, and 19? Continue
We see here how Christian service is defined, described, and displayed. Scriptures for Study: What was Paul’s command in 1 Corinthians 10:31? & What did he command in Colossians 3:23? Continue
We see here how Christian service is defined, described, and displayed. Scriptures for Study: Who is God calling “my servant” in Numbers 12:7 and 2 Samuel 7:8, and then “a servant” in Philippians 2:7? Continue
The precedent in John 15:13, the principle in our text, and the practice of this principle. Scriptures for Study: What do these Scriptures add to our study: Romans 12:9–10; 13:9–10; 1 Peter 3:8; 4:8. Continue
The precedent in John 15:13, the principle in our text, and the practice of this principle. Scriptures for Study: What practical illustration does John offer of how to express our love for others in 3:17–18? Continue
The precedent in John 15:13, the principle in our text, and the practice of this principle. Scriptures for Study: A striking illustration of the operation of love for the brethren appears in Acts 11. What observations can you make? Continue
Trust in the Lord expresses our confidence, with all thine heart demonstrates our commitment, in all thy ways acknowledge him emphasizes our concession, and he shall direct thy paths accepts God’s control. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses encourage: Job 13:15; Proverbs 3:7; 28:6, 26? Continue
Chosen out of the world, still in the world, not of the world, and sent into the world. Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses encourage you: John 15:18–21 1 John 3:1–3? Continue
Achan “saw,” the step of discovery, he “coveted,” the step of desire, he “took,” the step of disobedience, and he “hid,” the step of deceit. Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses warn us: Numbers 32:23; Eccl. 12:14; Jeremiah 23:24; Amos 9:3? Continue
Loving the world is spiritual adultery, spiritual antagonism, and spiritual adversity. Scriptures for Study: What will be the world’s attitude toward the godly Christian according to John 15:19 and 17:14? Continue
Satan’s three strategies: the flesh, the eyes, and pride. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about our relationship with the world: 1 John 5:4–5; Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:1–2? Continue
We see here we see Demas’ desertion, defection, and departure. Scriptures for Study: What do these verses indicate about dedication: Luke 9:61–62; 14:26; 14:27; 14:33; 16:13; 17:32; and Philippians 2:21? Continue
The reason, the reassurance, the Regulator, the range, and the result of the famine. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses warn: Genesis 6:3; Jeremiah 14:12; and Ezekiel 8:18? Continue
The reason, the reassurance, the Regulator, the range, and the result of the famine. Scriptures for Study: What can you observe in the verses referenced today (Deut. 6:5; Pss. 119:11; cf. v. 97; 37:31; 40:8)? Continue
Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about deception: Galatians 6:3, 7; 2 Timothy 3:13? Continue
Being a Christian commences with reception of the Cross, creates transformed character, continues with obedience to Christ, and culminates in godly conduct. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about holiness: John 17:17–19; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 5:9–11 and 6:9? Continue
Being a Christian commences with reception of the Cross, creates transformed character, continues with obedience to Christ, and culminates in godly conduct. Scriptures for Study: What do these OT verses add to our study: Psalm 119:4, 146; Proverbs 8:32; Ezekiel 36:27? Continue
Being a Christian commences with reception of the Cross, creates transformed character, continues with obedience to Christ, and culminates in godly conduct. Scriptures for Study: Acts 19 records Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. What changes occurred in people when they were converted? Continue
Being a Christian commences with reception of the Cross, creates transformed character, continues with obedience to Christ, and culminates in godly conduct. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses say about the Cross: Ephesians 1:7; 5:2; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 2:2? Continue
To pray in Jesus’ name is to pray in accordance with God’s purpose, to pray admitting our poverty, and to pray acknowledging God’s praise. Scriptures for Study: What do the following verses tell us about prayer: John 15:7; 16:23, 26; 1 John 3:22; 5:14? Continue
There are those who obstruct the light and those who obscure the light, but God wants us to observe the light. Scriptures for Study: What do Matthew 5:16 and 2 Corinthians 6:14 add to our study today? Continue
God’s glory is radiant, representative, and reflective. Scriptures for Study: What do 2 Corinthians 3:18 and 4:6 add to our study today? Continue
Proverbs is about concentration, comprehension, and captivation. Scriptures for Study: What do each of the following Proverbs encourage: 2:1–9; 4:5–7; 16:16? Continue
God does not want His people to rely upon their own strength, or return to their former slavery, but to remember His security. Scriptures for Study: As God required a king to write out his own copy of the Law (Deut. 17:18), handwrite your own copy of various passages. Continue
The Christian is to be steady, stable, and steadfast. Scriptures for Study: How do the following verses encourage us: John 8:30–32; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 3:17? Continue
God delivers our soul, directs our steps, and demands our submission. Scriptures for Study: Read Psalm 34, the twin of 56. What observations can you make? How can you apply it to your Christian living. Continue
God is our energy, our engagement, and our very existence. Scriptures for Study: What do Job 12:10 and Colossians 1:17 declare? Continue
Do we not see a whole horde of “Hobabs” nowadays? Scriptures for Study: Read Psalm 19:7–9, the most concise statement on biblical sufficiency ever penned. What strikes you the most? Continue
One final look at this critical theme. Scriptures for Study: What do Matthew 6:19–21 and Philippians 3:20 declare? Continue
Inseparably linked together are the pilgrim’s journey and the pilgrim’s life. Note here the pilgrim’s heart, head, heavenly spirit, and heavy resources. Scriptures for Study: What do Ephesians 2:6 and Hebrews 10:34 declare? Continue