A Disloyal Passion

(Ezk 23:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn your heart’s love/loyalty to God alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:1-4). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the second of three oracles by Ezekiel. It is spoken by God as a parable. It regards to two sisters, both of whom had gone the way of prostitution in Egypt. The one named Ahola (the older), represented Samaria (capital citi of the northern kingdom, Israel). The second named Ohlibah, represented Jerusalem (capital city of the southern kingdom, Judah).

The two sisters’ Origen: their story begins in Egypt, the place from which God delivered them (his people) out of slavery. These two sisters showed their unfaithful and ungrateful heart towards God by their disloyal passion for idolatry.* Lord, reveal any idolatrous, adulterous way in me, that I may turn from it in loyal love to you.

_____

* For a full explanation of the disloyal idolatry of these two sisters (God’s people) in Egypt, read Ezekiel 20.

Reaping A Whirlwind

(Jer 30:23,24; 3:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our actions reap honor and not judgment (Jer 30:23,24 & 31:1). #ComeCleanWithGod #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah posts this brief reminder that God‘s judgment will be like a driving whirlwind on the heads of the wicked. It will not stop until God has finished what he planned. Eventually, all will thoroughly understand God‘s actions and intentions.

Nevertheless, Israel, well once again lay claim to honor towards Jehovah God, and he will lay claim to them. Reconciliation and restoration will be the end result. Israel will once again flourish. Lord, may my daily actions reap honor and not a whirlwind of judgment.

HOPE THAT SECURES

(Psm 43:1-5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn quickly to God when lonely or discouraged (‭‭Psm‬ ‭43:1-5). #TurnNowToGod #GodOurHope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[Psalm 43 is actually a part of Psalm 42 in Hebrew manuscripts. It is also a stand alone Psalm (note 42:5,11 & 43:5). The theme in both psalms are HOPE in times of discouragement and loneliness]

The Psalmist declares it is HOPE in God that assures, rescues and secures him in times of discouragement, loneliness and attacks from enemies.

His questions are sincere and thoughtful. They clarify his values and give him strength in times of grief. He looks to the light of God‘s truth, his source of joy. His HOPE is firmly in God. Lord, may my heart turn quickly to you in times of discouragement.

Self-talk, Questions & God

(Psm 42:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Ask of God sincere, thoughtful and reflective questions (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭9-11). #GotQuestions #AskGod #SearchYourHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psalmist is here doing a fair amount of self-talk. He is making an honest appraisal of his life circumstances. On the surface it feels like he is questioning God. But it is only his enemy that insolently asks, “Where is your God?“, and that pains the Psalmist (v10).

The questions the Psalmist asks here are mostly of himself; “Why am I discouraged…sad?” (V5,11 & 43:5). His questions are reflective, thought provoking and sincere.

These questions move him to action, discovery and further intimacy with God. They clarify his values. “I put my hope in God.”

Lord, may my questions lead me further into an intimate relationship with you.

A Song For The Dark Nights

(Psm 42:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Listen for God’s song in the desperate night watches (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‬‬). #TurnNowToGod #GodIsYourSong

“Raging seas and surging tides sweep over me” (Psm‬ ‭42‬:‭7‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How easy it is to become discouraged. At times we, like the Psalmist, might feel like troubles just sweep over us. They are like wave after wave that washes over us. One becomes frantic and breathless, trying to survive the surging seas of troubles.

“But,“ by God’s grace and unfailing love I pray in the night watches, and though my loss is great, he gives me new life. I am able to rise above the maelstrom and receive the gift of God‘s beautiful song through each dark night.

Lord, even now I sit in the night watch and meditate on your goodness; I hear your song.

Hope Rests In God

(Psm 42:1-3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn fully towards the face of God (Psm 42:3-5). #PraiseTheLord #SeekGodWithAWholeHeart #HopeAloneInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is disheartening when you feel attacked by those who would kick you while you’re down, make light of your frailties or mishaps. Malevolent marauders may come from places you least expect.

I have been the target of such senseless accusations. It’s hard. But then I recalled the joys of better days. I remembered when there was celebration of victories won. I recalled the joys of the movements of God in revival. I can strengthen my discouraged heart with hope in God.

I will praise the Lord again, my Savior and my God. Lord, may I look to the hills, the great mount of God, from whence comes my help.

“Obey Your Thirst”

(Psm 42:1-3a)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart thirst for God; get there quick as you can (Psm 42:1-3a). #SeekGodWithAWholeHeart#ObeyYourThirst #ThirstyForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is an ad for a power drink that beckons athletes to, “Obey Your Thirst“. It promotes an energy drink that satisfies the thirst and refreshes nutrients in the body. The Psalmist had said this ages ago. “As a deer pants after water so my heart thirsts for God.“

The spirit of the Psalmist within him longs for that “living water“ that only God can give. This living water refreshes the soul and renews the spirit of man like no other. Jesus tells us that he is that living water (Jhn 4:14; 7:37–38). The Psalmist can’t get to God soon enough.

Lord, I bring my old broken and thirsty heart to you today.

GODLY SORROW

(Psm 38:15-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not delay to confess sin and live (Psm 38:15-22). #ConfessSin #GodlySorrow #ReturnToGod #Repentence

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is clear that the Psalmist models for me, the importance of my immediate and sincere confession of sin. He expresses a deep sorrow for sin committed (2Co 7:10). But he has ignored his sin until he is at the point of total collapse of his health and life. He wishes for, prays for, God to hurry up and save him.

Of course, God always forgives the repentant sinner, but oh how much better it would be if we would come sooner than later to God. How much hurt, pain and anguish would be avoided? My repentance clears the way for God to move. Lord, may my life be marked by a “godly sorrow” for sin.

Cleared Conscience

(Psm 38:12-20)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender, repent and let God clear your conscience (Psm 38:12-20). #UnconfessedSin #Repentence #LeanInToGod #ClearYourConscience #LetGodFightYourBattle

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When, in my heart, I know I have sinned, and my conscience has called out to God for forgiveness, he will not disappoint. Yet, the residual effects of my sin may continue to cause me pain. No one knows the agony of soul I feel for my sin and its results, but God.

My sin has taught me that I deserve nothing. But those who wish to do me harm, “kick me while I’m down“, gloat over me. I call upon God to fight my battle for exoneration (Exo 14:14). Only God‘s grace can sustain me through the process of repentance (1Jn 3:19-21).

Lord, may the repentance in this old sentry produce a clear conscience before you.

Collateral Damage

(Psm 38:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stay alert to the effects of unconfessed sin (Psm 38:9-12). #UnconfessedSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I see the effects of unconfessed sin on me personally (vv1-8). But I do not exist in a vacuum. The effects of my unconfessed sin radiates out. Collateral Damage: First, my sin is always open to the Lord. My broken condition (spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically) is laid bare before God.

Second, my condition will eventually cause friends and family to avoid me. Unconfessed sin is like a disease. No one wants what I’ve got.

Finally, my enemies, which includes Satan, will use my condition to torment and accuse me. Satan and all his minions would ruin me if they could.

Wish I could say, “It ain’t so.“ But, unfortunately it is. So, I need to ruminate on the collateral damage of my unconfessed sin. I long for something better. Lord, may it be so.

SIGNS

(Psm 38:1-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Pay attention to SIGNS of unconfessed sin (Psm 38:1-8). #UnconfessedSin #SourcesOfPain

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist here acknowledges his sin up front. He owns it. But he also seeks mercy from God. Sin has caused the psalmist much physical sickness. His guilt/shame is an emotional burden. He regards his sin as foolish. It has caused him physical and emotional pain and grief. It has manifested itself in SIGNS of fever, ill-health, and distress of soul.

Not every health problem is caused by sin. But when I violate God‘s moral code and persist in hiding it, it may be accompanied by SIGNS of anxiety, depression, and isolation as a result. Confessing sin and clearing the conscience will lead to peace with God and man. These are facts that have been proven across many cultures.

Lord, may I be alert of any physical SIGNS revealing unconfessed sin in my life.

Willing Surrender

(Psm 32:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Willingly surrender to God‘s direction (Psm 32:9-11). #WillingSurrender #FollowTheLord #ListenToGod

Verse eight promises guidance from the Lord. Here is some of that guidance. Don’t be unwilling or too stubborn to be tamed or moved by God towards a willing spirit.

The horse and the mule can be ornery by nature, brought under control only by brute force or fear. But man Should not be the same. He can reason and has a conscience. Men are not meant to be governed in such a corporeal manner.

“Men should allow themselves to be controlled by appeals [from God] to their moral conscience. Man is of a higher [moral] nature and should allow themselves to be governed by it.“*

Lord, may I willingly surrender to God’s leadership & direction

_________

* Barnes Notes on the Old Testament, Pg. 276.

Time is Now

(Psm 32:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn quickly to God in repentance & surrender (Psm 32:6-8). #GoodConscience #ConfessSin #RepentTowardsGod

Churchman (1914-2004): renown American philosopher; man of faith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The time to repent of sin is now. Keep short accounts with God. Don’t wait until some calamitous event drives you to God. To God is the place we need to go. Seek God now while he may be found (Isa 55:6,7).

God can calm the noisy waters of trouble and instead, surround us in victorious songs. Conceal sin and suffer; confess and prosper (Pro 28:13). God will turn us back on the right path for our lives. From there, he promises to guide us, advise and watch over us.

Lord, lead my oft wayward heart quickly to you in repentance and surrender.

The Best Joy

(Psm 32:1-5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Confess your sin; know the joy of forgiveness (Psm 32:1-5). #GoodConscience #ConfessSin #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When I sin egregiously against another I hope to be forgiven. Yet even that forgiveness may not relieve the guilt I feel, or remove the sin from the mind of the offended. BUT God…forgives my sin, he puts it out of his sight and memory and he clears my conscience of all guilt.

When I refuse to confess* my sin, it weighs me down. It turns against me – consequences/discipline will break me down and sap my strength. When I confess* my sin and expose my guilt, God is faithful to forgive, forget and free me of all guilt (see also Rom 4:4-8; 1Jn 1:9,10). I am able to face the truth and any lingering consequences of sin.

Lord, may my heart confess sin and know the joy of forgiveness.

______

* To confess sin is to agree with God about my rebellion against him.