God Is Good, all The Time, Every Time

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God fully to always act in your best interest (Psm 145:17-19). #GodIsGood #TrustGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who could ever claim that all their ways are righteous and good? But God does. In all his dealings with men he does what is best. He violates no right, he wrongs no man, he demands no unjust work.

The Lord is near to all men. But he is especially near to those who call upon him in sincerity and truth. To those, he reveals himself. He fulfills their desire and hears their cry. He moves according to their need in all righteousness and mercy.

Lord, may this prayer sentry trust you fully to hear me and act always in my best interest.

“The Lifter Upper”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look to God to defend and strengthen you (Psm 145:13-16). #GodOurSustainer #GodOurDefender #GodOurStrength

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The one whose heart and hands it is to help, show mercy, and compassion, is the one whose heart has been moved by God. It is by those hands and inner compulsions of mercy that God sustains (preserves & defends) and upholds those unable to help themselves. They would otherwise sink beneath their load.

To those bowed down, bent over by their load of care, God will strengthen so that they may not be crushed under the load. He opens his hand of provision to every creature and satisfies their thirst and hunger (Mat 5:6; Jhn 4:14; 6:48; 7:37).

Lord, you have been to me my defender and my strength, my “lifter upper” through every circumstance.

Wha’s Up?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we lead every generation to know and follow Jesus* (Psm 145:11-13). #WitnessForChrist #GoIntoAllTheWorld #ShareChrist #PreachTheGospel #TheKingdomOfGodIsHere

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Men will see/have seen the evidence of God‘s goodness, greatness, mercy, and how he governs in his kingdom. So they speak about it – proclaim its virtues and glory. They will site examples of God‘s power, mighty deeds and the glory of God‘s eternal reign. They will extol God’s faithful governance as gracious and good.

Barnes’ Notes points out that men talk about that which is of great interest to them; things they wish to understand and pursue.

Believers talk about God‘s kingdom. They meditate on it. It is a part of their everyday, “Wha’s Up” conversations.** Lord, may I be engaged with daily conversations that “lead every generation to know and follow Jesus.”*

__________

* This is the mission statement of my church: CrossCreek Church, Colleyville, Texas, https//www.CrossCreekChurch.com

** Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on The Old & New Testaments, Psalms Vol lll, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fifteenth Edition 1979, Pg 322.

Open Book Of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your life reveal a loving God (Psm 145:8-10). #GodOfCompassion #GodOfUnconditionalLove #GodOfMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

David here affirms God‘s nature. He sees God as merciful, long suffering, loving, and compassionate. This is consistent with what other writers, centuries apart, have said (Exo 34:6; Neh 9:17; Jol 2:13; Jon 4:2; 1Jn 4:8).

I have only to look at my own life to know the truth of these words. I have failed God too many times to count. But he has never failed me. He has blessed me mightily; showered compassion on me. How could I not praise him?

Lord, may my life be an open book of praise for the wonderful goodness of God.

Proclaim God’s Greatness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our hearts not grow indifferent to God’s goodness around us (Psm 145:1-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The scribal note identifies this Psalm as “A Psalm of Praise“; the only psalm given this title. This psalm introduces the final six psalms (Psm 145-150) as a grand doxology to the whole collection of Psalms – a finale of praise.

In verses 1-3, David calls on his heart to praise God every day. For God‘s greatness is immeasurable. In verses 4-6 he calls on men to pass on to every generation God’s greatness, to meditate on God‘s splendor and to proclaim God‘s awe-inspiring deeds, goodness and righteousness.

Lord may my heart not grow indifferent towards your greatness and goodness all around me.

The Gifts of Christmas III

LIFE

When the Christ Child arrived in Bethlehem, those many years ago, wise men brought gifts fit for a king. We take our Christmas tradition of gift exchanges from this example in antiquity.

The truth is that it was God who initiated the gift giving. He gave the gift of his Son, Jesus, and it was manifested in three ways. He was and is the gift of LOVE, the gift of LIGHT and the gift of LIFE.

______________________________

Jesus is life. He is actual factual life. If you believe trust in and rely upon) you will live. There is a transfer/exchange at Salvation (his life for ours). He has the power. He created life itself.

John 14:6 says, “I am the way the truth in the life. No one comes to the father but by me.” “That’s narrow!“ No, actually he made it possible for all sinners to go to heaven by trusting in him.

1 John 5:11-13 says, “The witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life. He who does not have the Son does not have a life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God in order that you might know that you have eternal life.” If you believe, you have the Son, you belong to God and you have his Life.

John 10:10 says, “I come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.“

When a person believes in Christ (trusts in relies upon), that one will live eternally. There is a transfer/exchange at the point of Salvation (Christ’s life for ours). He has this power. He created life itself (Jhn 1:4; 3:15).

BELIEVE IN HIM AND KNOW

A jailer asked the Apostle Paul and and his companion Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer was for them then and for us today as well. “Believe in Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30,31).

THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

JESUS

HIS LOVE, HIS LIGHT, HIS LIFE

The Gifts of Christmas II

LIGHT

When the Christ Child arrived in Bethlehem, those many years ago, wise men brought gifts fit for a king. We take our Christmas tradition of gift exchanges from this example in antiquity.

_________________________________________

Jesus is also the gift of LIGHT. Not the light that comes on in a room. Luke 1:78,79 says the he is like the morning light that gives light to those needing guidance to the pathway of spiritual peace.

Heb 1:3 tells us that Jesus radiates God’s own glory. That is, Jesus projects a glow that is not of this world. That glowing light is a reflection of God himself.

John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭5 tells us that the “Word” was before all things. The Word created all things. The Word is Jesus. He gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought LIGHT to everyone. It cannot be extinguished.

Jesus is the gift of LIGHT that enlightens the hearts of men towards redemption, forgiveness and eternal life. That’s why he came.

The Gifts of Christmas

LOVE

When the Christ Child arrived in Bethlehem, those many years ago, wise men brought gifts fit for a king. We take our Christmas tradition of gift exchanges from this example in antiquity.

The truth is, that it was God who initiated the gift giving. He gave the gift of his Son Jesus, and it was manifested in three ways. He was and is the gift of LOVE, the gift of LIGHT and the gift of LIFE.

_________________________________________

Where does the idea of God‘s LOVE come from? Matthew 1:21,22 tells us that the Christ was named Jesus meaning savior. “He will save his people from their sins“ why would God do that? Because he loved us.

John 3:16 & 17 says, “For God LOVED us that he gave his Son.” This was a unique form of love never before used. It is used 115 times in the New Testament. The Greek word is agape, an unconditional sacrificial (revolutionary) kind of love.

1 John 4:8–10 tells us, “God is LOVE” (agape) the very essence of love. Love is God‘s nature: water is wet, ice is cold, God is love. Christ’s birth and his death on the cross proves God‘s love for us. He came into this world…and what did the angel say? “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” God sent his son because he loved us.

Jesus is the gift of LOVE that went to the cross of Calvary and paid the ultimate price to redeem men from sin.

The Savior, Better Than The Santa

At Christmas, we read in the windows of shops and stores, “Believe!” Most people think of this as believing in the “Santa” of Christmas, not the “Savior“ of Christmas.

Consider some reasons that the Savior is better than the Santa:

Santa’s throne is in the mall. The savior‘s throne is in heaven. Ephesians 1:20 says, “He raised him (Jesus) from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand in the heavenly places.
You have to wait in line to talk to Santa. But the Savior is as close as the mention of his name. Matthew 68:8 says, “Your father knows what you need before you ask him.“
With Santa, “Batteries not Included.“ But the Savior says his Spirit is our power. Acts 1:8 says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be wetness to me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.“
Santa doesn’t know your name. He says, “Hello little boy or little girl, what is your name? The Savior knew your name and all about you before you were even born. Psalm 139:1 says, “Thou has searched me and known me. John 10:27 says, “The Good Shepherd knows his sheep. He calls them by name.“
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly. The Savior has a heart full of love. John 316 says, “For God still love the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.“

How God Grieves Over Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Don’t delay to humbly repent and surrender fully to God (Ezk 11:22-24). #GodsGrief #TurnNowToGod #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the saddest days in Israel’s history. The Glory of God, his presence, left the Temple, then the city of Jerusalem.

But the Glory of God stopped above the Mount of Olives and hovered there. Presumably it then ascended into heaven.

I wonder if, in that hovering, God stopped to look one more time at Jerusalem, grieved and weeping over Israel’s sin and rejection.

Jesus, The the Radiance of God’s Glory Weeps over Jerusalem

I wonder if Jesus (as God, the radiance of God’s glory) remembered that moment in the Old Testament when he saw the sin and rejection of Israel happening all over again [Jesus wept and spoke words of deep grief – Luk 19:41-44].

Jerusalem would continue to be devoid of God‘s blessing until his Glory returns for the final time in the millennium (Ezk 43:1–7; Acts 1:11–12). Ezekiel‘s vision ends here. He was then moved by the Spirit of God to go and share with the Jewish exiles in Babylon all that he had seen and heard.

Lord, my delay to repent of sin, cuts deeply into the heart of God. May my words be few and may they speak surrender.

Promise Made, Promise Kept

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put faith in all the promises of God (Ezk 11:17-20). #PromiseMadePromiseKept #GodIsFaithful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage is a prophesy of the return of those Israelites exiled to Babylon back to Jerusalem (538, 539 BC) after King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon. The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah record one of those returns.

But this passage also has eschatological meaning. It points to spiritual renewal. The word “spirit“ in verse 19 could also be translated “Spirit,“ as in God‘s Holy Spirit. Whereas, God‘s Spirit would indwell certain people at certain times for certain work, this is a reference to an indwelling of the Spirit in all Believers. This was inaugurated after the death of Christ (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4,7). Full restoration of Israel in their hearts toward God will come to full fruition in the millennium when Jesus Returns (Isa49:6-18).

Lord, may I have faith your word as promises made, promises kept and promises yet to be fulfilled.

Stone Cold

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to God for a new heart (Ezk 11:14-21). #HeartOfGod #StoneColdHeart #NewHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God speaks to Ezekiel in response to his prayer in verse 13. Those in Jerusalem spoke arrogantly and pridefully about those who had been taken into exile and Babylon.

They were the ones considered far from God, far from the temple in Jerusalem “where God was.“ But God‘s presence was about to leave the temple. God promises here to himself be the sanctuary of those in exile in Babylon.

It is not about a building. It is about a surrendered heart. Those remaining in Jerusalem were not repentant and knew nothing of that. God promises, Ezekiel and those in exile, to return them to their homeland.

They would return with a new spirit and a new heart (also 36:25-27). They would obey God faithfully and be his people. He would be their God.

Lord, thank you for not only the promise, but the reality of changing the stony cold heart of this old sentry into one that is new and surrendered to you.

Struck Dead

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not persist in sin until God must act dramatically in your life (Ezk 11:13). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Whether still seeing the judgment of Judah (Jerusalem) in a vision or thereafter prophesying to the people what God told Ezekiel in that vision (vv24,25), one of the named officials (Pelatial) in verse 1 was struck down dead.

This death was an affirmation of the seriousness of the coming and eminent judgment of God for sin (see also Acts 5:1-11). Ezekiel is so shaken by this death that he falls face down crying out to God – would God kill everyone in Israel? Lord, may I not persist in sin, causing dramatic acts of God in my life.

God’s Word, Like A Rock

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put your full faith in God‘s word as true & reliable (Ezk 11:10,11). #TrustGodsWord #GodsWordIsReliable

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Versus 10 and 11 are not mere hyperbole or some metaphor used to explain God‘s judgment. This prophecy became Jerusalem‘s reality when Babylon took over Jerusalem and destroyed the temple, 596-581 BC (Jer 52:8-11, 24-28).

Further, God‘s people thought they were impregnable because God had given them their land – but God had also warned them if they did not follow him wholeheartedly he would remove them from it (Deu 28:15, 36, 64-68). HE DID! But in their near future God would return them to their land (11:17-19). Ezekiel also predicts Israel’s full restoration to the land as yet to unfold at Christ’s return (Ezk 36:24-28; 37:21-28).

God’s word is trustworthy and reliable. It is able to discern the hearts of men (Heb 4:12). Lord, may I know an unwavering faith in the truth and reliability of your word.

Can’t Run, Can’t Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain humble and open to God’s conviction (Ezk 11:1-12). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #RemainOpenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The leaders of Jerusalem were leading God‘s people away from God. They believed that they were insulated from further Babylonian attacks (our city is like an iron pot; we the people are like meat safe in the pot). Neither the leaders, nor the people of Israel would acknowledge their sin.

Arrogance, pride, worship of pagan gods, ignoring God‘s word and his warnings was a recipe for failure and God‘s judgment/discipline. It was for Israel then and it is for us today. God put his finger directly on their faulty thinking – he knows our thoughts. Hiding from God is futile. Lord, keep the heart of this ol’ sentry from arrogance and pride.

Driving God Away

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not neglect the glory and salvation of the Lord (Ezk 10:9-17). #SeekGodsPresence #live#LiveToGodsglory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses comprise half of Ezekiel 10. They are Ezekiel’s description of the cherubim, the mobile throne and glory of God. This was seen in Ezekiel chapter 1. All of this informs us of God‘s intent to judge sin in Israel and in the nations, even for us today; all of us individually.

Colossians 1:27 tells us that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.“ Ezekiel teaches that God will only stay where he is wanted and obeyed. God never wants to withdraw his presence from his people. But when we (I) fill our lives with idolatrous worship we drive God’s presence from us (Isa 42:8).

Lord, your word warns not to neglect so great a salvation (Heb 2:1-3); we (I) need to wake up (Rom 13:11), hear your message and turn now to God.

Forever Glorious

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you see the glory, faithfulness, purity and eternal righteousness of God (Ezk 11:22,23). #ForeverGlorious

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am skipping ahead to the movement of God‘s glory from the east gate to the mountain on the east side of Jerusalem (that would be the Mount of Olives). From there, the glory of God would ascend into heaven and not return to the Temple.

Centuries later, Christ, the radiance of God‘s glory (Heb 1:1-3) would return in fulfillment of many prophecies concerning his birth, death and resurrection. Much of the later ministry of Christ centered in and around the place of God’s departure from Israel, the Mount of Olives in Ezekiel’s vision.*

Lord, may I not get bogged down in the daily struggle through the imagery of the prophets, time lines and prophetic utterances. May my reading, study and meditation on the your word lead me to see the glory of God, the faithfulness of God, purity of God, the patience of God with man and God‘s ultimate judgment of sin and God’s deliverance of his righteous ones into the eternal glorious homeland of Heaven.

_______

* Hailed as King of the Jews, Christ would make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem by an east gate (by that time Jerusalem and the Temple of Ezekiel’s day would have been destroyed and rebuilt).

One week later Christ would be crucified and resurrected from the dead. 40 days after that Christ would ascend from the Mount of Olives back into heaven (Acts 1:9-12). He would fill all believes with his glory (Col 1:27). He will one day return again descending in this same place (Zec 14:1-4; Acts 1:10,11). He will return as the reigning king over his new eternal Kingdom (Rev 11:25).

Reflecting God’s Glory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our lives reflect the glory of God and pleasing him. (Ezk 10:18,19). #SeekGodsPresence #NothingRivalsJehovahGod #NoOtherGodsBeforeMe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The glory of God moved from the doorway to the inner court of the Temple. It then ascended over the mobile chariot above the cherubim (v18). The chariot, with God‘s glory hovering over it, then moved to the east gate of the Temple.

The east gate is significant (Psm 24:7-10; 118:19,20). The Jewish Talmud calls it the “Sun Gate“. Daily the dawning sun shown through the eastern gate of the Temple. The scene is rich with symbolism pointing to the return of Christ. (Mat 24:27; Zec 14:4; Ezk‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬-‭4).

Lord, may my focus ever be on the glory of God and living my life so as to please you.

Invoking God’s fury

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Worship the Lord alone with a whole heart (Ezk 10:1-4). #SeekGodsPresence #NothingRivalsJehovahGod #NoOtherGodsBeforeMe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision, God told the man in linen to take hot coals from the cherubim and spread them around the city (Jerusalem). This was a sign of God‘s judgment, just as with Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24,25). Israel had invoked God’s fury and would pay for her sins of (9:9,10).

God‘s glory is now on the move (8:6). The glory of God moves from the Holy of Holies to the doorway of the Temple (9:3; 10:4). The mobile throne (God‘s holy chariot) was waiting there at the door to the inner court of the Temple. The entire house of God and inner court was filled with a cloud and a shimmering, bright glow.

This public display of God‘s glory, God‘s presence, leaving the temple is a reminder that God is true to his word. He will not be rivaled by other gods who are no gods.

The drama of this scene is traumatic as the fury of God is in play over the transformation of his holy place, his house of worship and prayer, into a place of pagan idolatrous worship. [Picture someone moving pagan idols into the worship center and halls of your church]

Lord, may I worship you and you alone with a whole heart.

Consequences of an Unyielded Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God‘s glory remain resting upon your life; it’s your call (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭10:4,18-19). #DangerToDelayRepentance #DontDelayToRepent #GodsGloryDeparted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I see God‘s judgment of Israel as justified (ch 8). God‘s judgment is outlined and eminent (ch 9). God‘s glory departs the temple, then Jerusalem (ch 10-11). Israel is now vulnerable to the destruction of her enemies. She will fall.

Chapter 8, verse six, notes that the sin and idle worship carried out in God‘s Temple was driving God to depart from his people. God had made his dwelling with his people (Exo 25:8). He dwelt in the wilderness Tabernacle (Exo 40:34, 35). His glory dwelt in the Temple built by Solomon (2Ch 6-7). Now, centuries later, we see that God‘s presence [his glory] was departing the Temple and Jerusalem altogether (Ezk 11:22,23).

Lord, I never again want to be in a place where you would threaten to remove your glory, your presence, from me.

WAIT, Wha?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Take the time now to adjust your heart to God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭9:7-11‬). #NoEscapingJudgment #Repent #TurnNowToGod #JudgmentBeginsWithGodsPeople

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Wait, Wha? Yeah, time was literally quite up for Israel.

The Temple would be filled with dead bodies in Ezekiel‘s vision – the ultimate defilement. But the Temple was already deeply defiled. (A review of chapter 8 will remind you of that) Ezekiel cries out to God in compassion at the sight of his vision.* He deeply cares for Israel.

But Israel had gone too far to avert disaster. They had been given ample time to repent. But they became more perverse in their ways. They would receive what they justly deserved. Lord, may I (we in America) use the time we have been given to align our hearts with God. Before it’s too late.

___________

* Abraham and Amos cared similarly (Gen 18:20-33; Amo 7:1-9).

Judgment of Sin is Inevitable

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we remain pure from the practice of sin in our lives (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭9:5,6‬). #JudgmentBeginsWithGodsPeople #NoEscapingJudgment #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision, the man (an angel) with writing implements was instructed by God to mark the foreheads of those who mourn over Israel’s sin (vv3,4). They would be a remnant saved through the judgment. Judgment was inevitable.

The other men (angels) in the vision were instructed to follow the inscribing angel and kill all those not marked. They were to start at the Temple. So judgment began with the 70 elders worshiping pagan idols in the temple (8:9-11). Judgment began at the household of God (1Pe 4:17).

Lord, may I do my part in the body of Christ to remain pure of the practice of sin, else the world suffers.

No Turning Back

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart be marked as repentant for sin (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭9:1-4‬). #Repent #Judgment #Remnant

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The stench of pagan idolatry and worship had reached its zenith (8:17,18). The vision of Ezekiel now moves to the execution of God‘s judgment. God‘s tolerance had reached its limits (Gen‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬-‭13‬). There was no turning back. Six men appeared before Ezekiel (likely angels). They were armed. Another man appeared, dressed in linen. He carried implements of writing.

These men stood at the entrance of the temple. God‘s glory moved from the mercy seat to the threshold (entrance) of the temple. Judgment had begun. The angel dressed in linen was directed to walk through the streets of Jerusalem, and mark the foreheads of those who mourned for the detestable sin in the city. Lord, may I learn to mourn for my sin and the sins of my nation.

Disdaining God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Identify and turn quickly from things not honoring to God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:13-18‬). #FullBlownSin #NoTurningBack #TimeIsUp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In two final scenes is seen the people’s disdain for God. First is observed: women in the Temple weeping for the Babylonian god, Tammuz. He was the god of vegetation life. He “died“ in the summer months and the grass and vegetation withered. In the spring, he is said to be “reborn” (rose from the dead), bringing a new life.

The second and last scene depicts priests who should have been interceding for the people at the altar of sacrifice for sin. But their backs were turned toward the altar (God), and they worshiped the sun. The stage was now set for God‘s judgment. Lord, may my heart be turned always fully towards you

The Depths & Darkness of Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not let secret sin consume you (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:6-13‬). #NoSecretsWithGod #NothingHiddenFromGod #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Depicted in these verses are elders/leaders of the nation of Israel. Somewhere in the dark recesses of the Temple, these men courted pagan gods. Some say, they were caricatures of the gods of Egypt, Canaan, and/or Babylon; “a pantheon of idolatry.“ Perhaps each elder was standing and worshiping at the shrine of his favorite idol.

The hidden dark nature of this scene, room full of smoke from incense, implies how these men thought they were hiding from God. This act of idolatry right under God‘s nose was the height of insult to the God of Israel. Their actions said they believed that God was absent and insignificant to them. Oh, my Lord, how devilish secret sins work to dethrone, our love of Jehovah God.

Every sin committed in darkness will be revealed (Num 32:23; Isa 29:15; Job 34:21,22; Luk 8:17; Jhn 3:19,20). Lord, if I conceal my sin, I will languish. But if I confess and renounce my sin, I will find mercy. (Pro 28:13).

Moral Breakdown

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you turn from any perverted or immoral behavior (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:5,6‬). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I need to take a deeper dive on the idolatrous worship outlined in these verses. Asherah, chief female deity of the Canaanites and Babylonians is the likely reference here. A wicked Israelite King, Manasseh (2Ki 21:7), had an Asherah pole (phallic symbol) manufactured and put in the Temple at Jerusalem.

Asherah was the goddess of fertility. All manner of sexual rites, perversions and worship were centered around this deity. It was obscene and immoral. It led to all manner of sexual perversion, including temple prostitutes (male and female). Israel’s leaders led her into this sin.

Lord may my life be free of lustful sin, perversion and any immoral behavior.

National Disgrace

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be wise to any idol infiltrating your life (Ezk 8:5-17). #SinsOfANation #NationalDisgrace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision where he observed detestable sin in worship in the Temple of Jerusalem, he saw four gross scenes. Versus 3-6 describes what was likely an Asherah pole (fertility, phallic symbol); a Babylonian idol in God‘s Temple.

Versus 6-13 describes a scene in the inner court of the Temple. 70 Elders (prescribed by God in Numbers 11:16,17) stood worshipping before walls engraved with grotesque, crawling animals and detestable creatures.

Verses 13-16 pictured people worshipping the natural world and leaders of the nation, backs turned to God, facing the sun and bowing down in worship. The whole nation was led by its leaders into disgraceful national sin.

The sins of the leaders turning from God will infect the people of any nation (Pro 29:2; 16:12; Isa 5:20 – I pray for our people and our leaders 1Ti 2:1,2). Lord lead me away from any idol that seeks to control in my life.

Open to Scrutiny

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to the scrutiny of God in your heart (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:1-4‬). #SearchMyHeartOGod #OpenToScrutiny

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Some elders were with Ezekiel. Perhaps they were consulting with him at his home. Early in his ministry he worked from his house in exile (note 3:24). Ezekiel is transported in a vision to the scene of ungodly detestable worship called out in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel is taken from one scene to the next. Each more vile and detestable than the last. “Do you see it son of man?” God asks. “The whole nation thumbs their nose at me. I will respond in merciless fury.“

This only scratches the surface of the sins committed here in the Temple of God.

Lord, if I am honest, I must be willing for God to search my heart for any wicked way. (Psm 139:23,24).

Man In The Mirror

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Consider what life corrections you might need to make with God and change (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:1‬). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ManInTheMirror

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

With so much prophetic content regarding sin and destruction (and more to come) I needed to go back and review where I am. It’s a hard read.

Ezekiel Chapters 1-3 described Ezekiel‘s call into his prophetic ministry. In Chapters 4-24 there are three prophetic judgments related to Judah and Jerusalem. In the first section (ch 4-11), God is speaking messages of judgment on Judah because of her disobedience, idolatry and pride. I am in the last half (ch 8-11) of this first of three pronouncements of judgment.

In Chapter 8 God shows Ezekiel Judah’s wickedness in the Temple. Chapter 9 explains the coming slaughter because of their sin. Chapter 10 shows God’s glory as departing the Temple and Chapter 11 reveals judgment on Judah’s leaders.

Lord, may I have the spiritual stamina to proceed through the process for how God deals with sin.

Personally, may I not be like the man who looks in the mirror (God’s word), sees himself (the sinner that he is), walks away and forgets what he looks like (unrepentant) [Jas 1:23-25].

The Worst of Times

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in close fellowship/harmony with God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭23-27‬). #Repent#WalkWithGod #HonorGodForLife #WorstOfTimes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the saddest passages concerning God‘s wayward people in the Bible. Their crimes against others and against God will bring the vengeance of God. It will come at the hand of other ruthless nations.

Their fortress walls will be broken down, homes luted, sanctuaries defiled. They will look for peace and not find it.

There will be no vision or message from prophets or priests; no counsel from leaders. King and prince will stand helpless. The people will tremble in fear.

It is the worst of times. When I examine my own wayward heart it is not hard to imagine how quickly I might fall myself. Lord, may this old sentry always be in close fellowship with you.