Live your life before God in sincere and humble repentance (Nah 3:1-8). #CityOfShamelessSin #JudgmentOfSinInevitable #RighteousAnger
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What was Nineveh to God? She was a “city of murder, city of lies“ (v1); her victims reveal “countless casualties, heaps of bodies“ (v3). She was a “city of faithlessness, a city of deadly charm“ [fatal attraction] (v4). Nineveh was a city of extreme violence, brutality and cruelty (v19). She was a city of pride and arrogance (v8).
There is bad, and then there is evil. Nineveh was evil, on par with Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24). Though Nineveh had repented under Jonah’s preaching (Jon 3:6–10), she later ruthlessly destroyed Israel (the northern kingdom). She was now threatening Judah (the southern kingdom) and the entire history of God’s people.
When sin/evil threatens the work of God and his redemption plan, God, in righteous anger, will move to eliminate the threat (note also Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5). Lord, may I live a life of sincere repentance towards you.
May the Lord God break the back of the faithless, murderous and despotic leaders of Russia and deliver the Ukrainian people (Nah 3:1-19). #FallOfEvil
My sentry’s prayer this morning Lord, is that you would stand against the faithless, murderous, cruel, oppressor Russia. May the good and decent people of the world stand against the evil greedy intentions of the authoritarian dictator Vladimir Putin.
Lord, would you show yourself as the enemy of the cold-blooded and demonic intentions of Vladimir Putin. May the fate of his regime and power be the same as Nineveh of old. Reveal to the world The stink and the foul odor of his real intentions. May he find himself on the wrong side of history and on the wrong side of righteousness.
May the fortress of nuclear power and the façade of strength be broken down and brought to nothing. Remove from Vladimir Putin’s arsenal the princes, officers, advisers and allies around him. May he find himself alone, isolated and without recourse. May his demise be fatal politically and in every other way. Then the good and decent nations of this world will celebrate. May they acknowledge the goodness and greatness of the Lord God.
May the nations and people of our world humbly surrender their hearts to God (Nah 2:11-13). #FallOfANation #RepentenceOfTheNations
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The great city of Nineveh, the great Assyrian empire, will be no more. She roamed about the earth fearing no one – all feared her. But she was ravenous for power and shredded without mercy everything on her way to it.
Assyria’s mighty military would be decimated by the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. She would never mercilessly plunder the nations again. Her voice will be utterly silenced for the ages.
Lord, pity the nation steeped in raw power, mercilessly and brutally overthrowing other nations. May we know the goodness of nations that are surrendered to God.
• The sentry cries out: I am no prophet. I am no judge. But nations in our world who brutalize their own people and the people of other nations will suffer mightily. Will Russia suffer the consequences of her brutal attacks on Ukraine? God will be the judge.
Stand in awe of God‘s ability to fight your battles (Nah 2:3-10). #LetGodFightYourBattles
NO MATCH FOR GOD
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The scene in Nineveh looks like something out of a movie: the enemy of God puts on a dazzling display of offensive weaponry. Then God strikes confusion within the ranks. One by one the enemy is eliminated by death, fear or surrender. The treasures of the enemy are pillaged, ransacked.
Finally, the heart to go on in the people leave them. The battle is over. God is all powerful over every enemy of the soul of man. He will fight for me. His tactics are sure and effective. This old battle worn sentry is in awe of God’s tactics against every enemy of the soul (Exo 14:14; Deu 3:22; 20:4; Jos 23:3; 2Ch 20:17). Lord, thank you for standing in my defense.
Look to God to defend and deliver you from oppressors (Nah 2:1,2). #GodIsMyDeliverer #GodIsDefenderOfTheDefenseless
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God says to the godless rebels who defy him and ransack his people, “Prepare for battle. Put on your best readiness. Then watch, as I destroy the one who destroys. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. God mocks the defenses of the wicked (note Psm 37:12-15). They are no match for the God of Israel.
Chapter 1 has introduced Assyria to her assailer, her judge. Chapter two and three will define her judgment. Make no mistake, God will destroy the godless in the end. He will rescue the defenseless. Lord, may I always look to you as my defender.
Live daily in the victory of God in Christ Jesus (Nah 1:15). #TheBattleIsTheLord’s #EvilVanquishedGodVictorious #TheParty’sOver
Send In The Clean Up Crew – The Party’s Over
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Judgment of Nineveh, capital of Assyria, is on the way. Bad news for Assyria. But there is good news, just not for Nineveh. “Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news.“ Isaiah uses this same imagery (Isa 52:7). Start the celebration, renew your worship. Fulfill your vows made to God. Your affliction is over. The battle is the Lord’s.
The agency of evil (Assyria) will be vanquished, destroyed asunder…and so she was. It was over! History reveals that Nineveh was so completely destroyed that it’s ruins were not discovered until 1845 A.D. Lord, my victory is in you, for Jesus has delivered his own from evil and guarantees the eventual destruction of all evil.
Awaken a spirit of repentance in the godless and indifferent of the world (Nah 1:9–14). #NowhereToRunNowhereToHide #Despicable
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
For the godless nation, there will be no amount of scheming that will outsmart God. Their plans will go up in one puff of smoke. They will be left reeling and brought to ashes. “We have allies,“ you say. They too will be consumed.
The yoke of bondage and destruction you have leveled against God’s people will be broken. Your grave has been dug and you will go down into it. Why? “Because you are despicable [contemptible].“ Your atrocities against the people are beyond loathsome.
Lord will you awaken the spirit of repentance in the godless and indifferent nations and people of the world.
Treat God with all the respect and reverence due him (Nah 1:2-8). #HumbledBeforeGod #Don’tTemptGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God used Assyria to judge the northern kingdom of Israel. Assyria was the superpower of her day. But she became proud, reckless, cruel and defiant towards God and all men (note 2 Kings 18). But God will not share his glory with anyone. He is awesome in power and will stand against such arrogance.
Though God is slow to get angry, those who defy him, his enemies, will feel the fury of his power. But to those who put their trust in him, he will be their refuge. He will be with them in their times of trouble. The mighty nations of this world who defy God, who put trust in their military and economic power and might, will be sorely shaken. Lord, may the nations, leaders and peoples of this world be humbled and reverential towards you.
May God bring a halt to predatory rapacious nations today (Nah 1:1-3). #WarningToTheNations
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The scene shifts from Judah to Nineveh (capital of Assyria; It is CIRCA 620 BC). A century earlier the prophet Jonah preached judgment in the streets of Nineveh. She repented and was spared. But she has since descended into a cesspool of sin – idolatry, extreme violence, pride, murder, treachery and injustice. The prophet Nahum now announces that Assyria’s cup of judgment is full. Judgment is about to fall.
Nations today who overpower other nations, because they can, who show indifference to the destruction of life, property and human suffering will face the full fury of God’s anger. Father in these days the barbarian attack of Russia on Ukraine comes clearly into view. Woe to this godless and abominable leader, Vladimir Putin.
May the Ukrainian people know the full mercy of God. May Russia be decimated in her efforts to trample the sovereign nation of Ukraine.
Express true repentance and change for genuine renewal (2Ch 33:14–17). #TrueRepentance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“I’m sorry,“ may get a do over, but “I repent,” changes everything. What happens when God sends renewal to a person soul? Often after a crisis in a person’s life comes deep remorse and apologies (vv11–13). In the case of King Manasseh, he appears to have made amends. He began to secure his kingdom against further attack. He removed idols from the temple and rebuilt the alters to Jehovah God.
But, the people were never really led to reform. They continued to worship pagan deities. Manasseh’s efforts were worthy, but not nearly what we would call “total surrender.“ It was more of an, “I’ll fix this Lord,“ approach to his leadership. Lord, it is never enough to simply be sorry for sin. Genuine change must come. “True religion is not a way of doing certain things. It is a certain way of doing everything.“ – James T Draper
May we as a people and as a nation understand the depths of God‘s love for us (2Ch 33:11-13) #TheDepthsOfGod’sLove #NothingIsImpossibleForGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Because of King Manasseh’s deep dive into disobedience toward God and his extreme wickedness, he was taken prisoner, enslaved by Assyria and removed from Jerusalem. While in deep distress he was broken. He humbled himself before God and prayed a prayer of deep remorse.
The Lord listened to Manasseh and was deeply moved. He brought him back to Jerusalem and restored his kingdom. Manasseh finally understood that the Lord alone is God. Perhaps, in his deep distress, he recalled the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The Lord’s arm is not so weak that it cannot save and his ear is not so deaf that he cannot hear” (Isa 59:1).
Thank you Lord. You heard a young soldier’s cry of deep repentance in Vietnam, 50+ years ago. This old sentry was changed forever.
Christians around the world are praying for Ukraine. Churches are praying in their gatherings every week. We wanted to offer some ways to pray, along with some accompanying Scripture passages (These prayer notes come from Radical.Net a David Platt Site with some modifications by The Prayer Sentry; See also LINK AT THE END FOR ANSWERS TO PRAYER; Continue to pray.
Pray for the safety and protection of the Ukrainian citizens, military personnel and citizen patriots.
“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)
Pray for Ukrainian government leaders, for European and U.S. leader’s decision making and guidance: for wisdom, courage and faith in God.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
Pray for the displaced and orphaned children in the Ukraine.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” (Matthew 18:6-7)
Pray for Ukrainian church leaders as they care for the church members that are affected by this conflict.
“ … For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)
Pray for displaced missionaries as they seek to minister to those who remain in harm’s way.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Pray for the Ukrainian people to look to the gospel of Jesus Christ for hope during this challenging time.
“ … there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Pray for followers of Jesus in Ukraine to be a light for the gospel during this dark time.
“ … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Pray for God to put a stop to Russian aggression and to change Vladimir Putin’s plans in regard to Ukraine.
“Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
Brief Ukraine’s Political History
“Once one of the Soviet Union’s most fertile republics, Ukraine was a major producer of Europe’s wheat and a primary source of minerals such as coal and iron. The country’s rich, black soil generated more than 25% of the Soviet’s agricultural output. Since gaining its independence in 1991, the nation has struggled to take advantage of its economic potential and remains largely dependent on Russia for oil and gas. And while Ukraine has become a mixture of ethnicities, traditions, and customs, Ukrainians continue to be a very hospitable people.
During the seventy-one years of Soviet rule, Ukraine endured engineered famines in which an estimated eight million died. The government strictly limited attempts to develop Ukrainian culture, even forbidding the study and use of the Ukrainian language. The nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl in 1986 continues to inflict environmental damage, disease, and death. In 2013, after the government abandoned close trade ties with Europe for more favorable ties with Russia, massive protests began with hundreds of thousands in attendance.
When the government passed anti-protest laws, the protests escalated into deadly riots. Though these laws were later annulled, fighting and unrest continued across Ukraine, resulting in a civil war that has since taken thousands of lives. In the midst of this internal chaos, Russia annexed Crimea, adding further confusion to an already divided nation. Attempts at peace and reconciliation have been largely unsuccessful. In addition, the population suffers greatly from HIV/AIDS and alcoholism. Rampant drugs, crime, and prostitution enslave many of Ukraine’s most vulnerable, including orphans.
Ukraine’s Religious History
As the “Bible Belt” of the former Soviet world, the Ukrainian Church has faced a long history of persecution. Though freedom of religion is improving, it is not yet protected in both law and practice. Leadership training and direction are greatly needed among Christians, especially with the rapid growth of thousands of new congregations since 1991. Doctrinal schisms in the Orthodox church and divisions between Catholic and Protestant believers hinder their witness. The pain suffered under Soviet rule and during the most recent conflicts has greatly divided the Ukrainian people. But even amid recent violence, the Church has responded as the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting physical and spiritual needs. This has provided increased opportunities for Ukrainians to know and follow Christ.”
Jewish history reveals Manasseh, king of Judah, as one of the nation’s most wicked and vile kings. He built pagan shrines. He erected alters with images of Baal and other evil symbols. He worshiped, bowed down, to the powers of the heavens; built alters to these powers in God’s holy temple. He sacrificed his own children to Baal.
Manasseh practiced sorcery, witchcraft and the like. He consulted mediums and psychics – all things forbidden by God. He stirred God’s anger against him. He did more evil than even the pagan nations God had destroyed. He ignored all God’s warnings.
The sentry may question how God can tolerate such sin. Then I am reminded of my once rebellious heart and the extravagant Grace of God.
May our nation and our people make choices that honor God (2Ch 32:32–33:2). #ChooseToHonorGod #ChooseWell
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As Isaiah goes off the scene Manasseh becomes king of Judah. He did what was evil in God’s sight. It is hard to imagine how anyone could ignore the prophet Isaiah and his prophecies of destruction in the face of rejecting God. But the draw of the world and the empty promises of false religion blind men to the truth.
Manasseh ignored Isaiah. His rejection of God will lead to serious consequences (as it will for any who reject God). He will soon feel the weight of God‘s hand against him. Lord, the years have shown this sentry what a foolhardy choice it is for nations and individuals to reject your love and direction.
May you know Lord‘s presence and grace all your days (2Ti 4:22). #GraceBeWithYouAll #Paul’sLastWrittenWords #WordsOfLife
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“May the Lord be with your spirit. May his grace be with you all.“ Those are the last known written words of the Apostle Paul.
Having prayed through Paul’s two letters to Timothy, I find myself leaning into these final words. I feel them in my soul. Because of Paul and Timothy generations of believers have followed Christ. Paul speaks words of life directly to me…”The Lord be with you, may his grace be with you.“
Closing The Book on those words this morning, other of Paul’s words come to mind. Ephesians 6:13, “be dressed and ready. Then having done all stand.“ I can do no less. Lord, what a debt of gratitude this aged sentry owes for the written record of the great Apostle Paul and his encouraging words to me; to future generations of believers.
Lean forever on God’s delivering hand (2Ti 4:17,18). #GodDelivers #God’sDeliverance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I have pondered the litany of names mentioned here by the apostle Paul (vv9–14;19-21). What we know is that the time of Paul’s execution is near. He pauses to recall those who have impacted his life – positively and, oh so negatively.
But only one changed the trajectory of his life and work. The Lord Jesus stood with him, gave him hope, strength. It is the Lord Jesus to whom he turns under every evil attack. Jesus has and will deliver him and bring him safely into the harbor of God’s heavenly kingdom. Lord there is no deliverance like your deliverance.
Be not drawn by the world away from faith in Christ (2Ti 4:9,10). #Deserter
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Among Paul’s closing words to Timothy, he mentions Demas. I had a pastor in the mid-1970s who preached a message on Demas. I’ve never forgotten it. He showed the progression of a man from follower of Jesus to failed deserter of the faith. All that is known of Demas is in three verses. But the message is clear.
In Philemon 1:24, Demas is called,“fellow laborer.“ In Colossians 4:14, he is listed last, with no ministry designation. Finally, here, he is listed as “deserter.” Lost to the things of the world. Somewhere along the way the gospel seed in him was overwhelmed by the world (Mat 13:22). Lord, it is my joy and my testimony, by grace, to have lived out many years in faithfulness to you.
Live life fully for Christ; expect a victor’s crown (2Ti 4:8). #CrownOfRighteousness #ThePrize #Victor’sCrown
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As Paul faces execution, his thoughts are not focused on fears and/or regrets. He is focused on the thought of having run his race well in this life and the crown, the winner’s victory wreath, awarded by the victorious King Jesus.
Indeed, every believer who loves the Lord Jesus and eagerly looks forward to his soon return, may also look forward to this crown of righteousness. Hail King Jesus, the righteous judge. Lord, I may thank you for life and thank you for death, all in the same breath. You are my reward.
Put faithful boots on the ground for the cause of Christ (2Ti 4:6,7i). #BootsOnTheGround #FightTheGoodFightRunTheRace
Service For Christ: Boots On The Ground
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Paul writes, “The time of my death is near.” Paul is not just closing his letter to Timothy. He is closing in on the end of his life. These words are literally some of the final written words of the great Apostle. Paul reflects on his life as a leader in the early church movement.
Paul sees his life as having been poured out as an offering for the cause of Christ and the gospel. Romans 12:1 comes to my mind. Paul has fought a good fight, and he has run the good race (boots on the ground), and he has remained faithful. This was his reasonable service of worship.
Lord, at the end of my duty watch, may I say with Paul, “I gave it all, put faithful boots on the ground for Christ and didn’t flinch.”
Remain clear-eyed in your intentions for speaking truth and doing ministry (2Ti 4:3-5) #CleareyedIntentions #SpeakTruth #DoWhatGodCalledYouToDo
What Do You See?
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Apostle Paul continues with the idea of standing “ready“ with good teaching from God’s Word and telling others the “Good News“ of the Gospel. Times will deteriorate and people will no longer want to listen to good teaching. They will simply want to satisfy their own pleasures and seek out teachers who will tell them what they want to hear.
Further, people will reject the truth in favor of myths (fables and superstitions) that excite them. So Paul says to the Christian, stay clear-eyed about the Gospel of Jesus and do not fear even suffering for the cause of the Gospel. Just keep doing the ministry to which God called you.
Lord, the eyes of this aging sentry grow dimmer with every passing year. But my focus on what you have called me to do has never been more clear.
Be ready and faithful to share God’s word (2Ti 4: 1,2). #NotJustAnyWord #AnyTimeAGoodTimeForGodsWord #InSeasonAndOutOfSeason
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Faithfulness to the holy Scriptures is a recurring theme in Paul’s letters to Timothy. God‘s Word is to be preached in any and all situations and ages. It is useful to correct what is wrong, drive back with his dissident and encourage the people of God. I must use every opportunity to share God’s Word.
Jesus will one day return and set up his eternal kingdom and judge the world. Preaching God‘s word faithfully will help to prepare people for this event on the world stage. Lord, give me the love, the boldness and the holy want to, to share God’s word.
Put your full trust in the reliability of God’s Word (2Ti 3:15-17). #WORD #TrustGodsWord #GodsWordEqualsGodsVoice
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Bible is an amazing book. It was written by 66 authors over hundreds of years. It’s reliability has been proven over and over again. It is the written record of God’s whole plan of redemption.
God speaks to us through his word. It is good for teaching and understanding truth. It shows us how to live right and do right. It shows us where we are wrong, corrects us. If you want to hear God speak audibly, read God’s word out loud. Reading God‘s word is an encounter with the living God. Lord, thank you for the reliability of your to man.
Persist in faithfulness, even in the presence of godlessness (2Ti 3:10–14). #AlwaysFaithful #PersistAgainAndAgain
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Godlessness shall continue “in the last days“ (3:1–9)…and so it does. But you, who have known by example men and women of faith like Paul, you have seen how the people of God endure all manner of ungodly mess and persecution. Anyone who knows, loves and follows God will themselves be persecuted. But The Lord will stand with you…rescue you.
Godlessness will exist until the Day of Christ. Jesus himself explained this phenomenon (note Mat 13:36-43). But you may trust those godly examples in your life who, like Paul, have been persistently faithful to live out God‘s word and have taught it to you. Lord, may I persist to be faithful even in the presence of godlessness.
God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in him (Isa26:3)
Be on the alert for those who misrepresent God’s truth (2Ti 3:6–9). #BeVigilantForTruth #FaithWatch
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“In the last days.” Men will deceitfully contrive and deliberately attempt to mislead vulnerable people into all manner of sin and dispute the truth of God’s word. But such men of depraved minds and counterfeit faith will ultimately be exposed for the imposters that they are.
Just as Moses defeated the magicians in the court of pharaoh (Exo 7:11,12; 8:18,19), so shall deceitful men and imposters of the faith be undone, vanquished. Will I be undiscerning and gullible? Will I be alert and vigilant regarding the truth of God’s word? Lord, may your duty sentry always be alert and on guard for imposters.
Behave in a way that reflects true faith and virtue, not godless disrespect (2Ti 3:3-5) #AvoidGodlessBehavior #InfluenceOthersForChrist
The Chaos Of Godlessness
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“In the last days.“ Paul breaks down how men, in the last days, violate the 10 Commandments (v1,2). They reject God (Commandments #1-4). They dishonor parents (Com #5). Now we see in verses 3-5 that they will betray others around them (Coms # 6-10).
Paul describes the behavior of men in the last days as unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, undisciplined, cruel, contemptuous, treasonous, reckless, arrogant and hedonistic. In all of this, many claim to be religious, but there is no proof of that in their lives. Is it any wonder that many people look at “Christians“ as bigoted, confrontational and self-righteous?
Lord, 1) fill thy sentry with your Spirit, 2) may no such behavior be attributed to my life and 3) may my life be an influence for faith, virtue and goodness.
The Prayer Sentry 