PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:
May we in America not neglect a sincere repentance (Jer 36:5–7). #Repent #ReturnToGod #NationalRepentance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The dating of this chapter (“the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah“ – v1) is significant. The Babylonians had already taken over Palestine* and had enforced their will on Judah. Jehoiakim was already paying tribute (taxes) to Nebuchadnezzar. Jerusalem and the land around it had not yet been destroyed. But signs of destruction were present. Jeremiah’s prophecies were unfolding.
The day of fasting mentioned here would have been an important event, as it was being held in response to a national emergency. Babylonian incursions into the territory, would have certainly triggered such a religious act. But a sincere fast would also include genuine repentance. That would not happen (v24). Lord, how can we not repent at so grave a time as we face today.**
* The Babylonian incursion into Palestine would have been today’s equivalent of Russia annexing Crimea and threatening Ukraine.
** Today our world order is shifting. America, though still fairly strong, is becoming less influential and more vulnerable to attacks on many fronts. China, Russia, Iran and N Korea (especially China) present significant threats to democracy and free societies. Anyone who can read the news has to be able to see that.
Things that are weakening the United States of America today are crime, immorality, illegal immigration, weak leadership, revolutionary ideologies, national disunity and vitriol, declining education, a weakening of the family, et all. These are the things that are making America more vulnerable to those hostile towards her way of life.
The Prayer Sentry 
Reminded of these verses from Psalm 106:
36 http://biblehub.com/psalms/106-36.htmThey served their idols, which became a snare to them. 37 http://biblehub.com/psalms/106-37.htmThey sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; 38 http://biblehub.com/psalms/106-38.htmthey poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. 39 http://biblehub.com/psalms/106-39.htmThus they became unclean by their acts, and played the whore in their deeds.
40 http://biblehub.com/psalms/106-40.htmThen the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage; 41 http://biblehub.com/psalms/106-41.htmhe gave them into the hand of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them.
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