Honored Vocation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Strive to honor those in ministry; follow God when called to ministry (Psm 134:1-3).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Psalm addresses a very small group in Israel, the Levites. They were those who served night and day as watchmen, protecting and maintaining the Temple.

The view here is to see their work as an act of worship – praise to God. What an honor it is to serve God as a lifetime vocation.

More than a job, the pursuit of ministry should be to carry it out in a reverent and responsible manner. Those who come to the house of God every week see ministers and recognize them as something special. Neither will God overlook the special work you do (Heb 6:10). Lord, I am honored to serve; I honor others who serve.

Free Bird

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know the rescuing hand of our caring God (Psm 124:6-8).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Give praise to the Lord. Those who assail his godly ones did not tear them limb from limb. But in God‘s sovereign will his godly ones escaped total destruction. They were trapped like a frantic bird ‭‭(1 Pet ‭5‬:‭8‬). But she is unexpectedly loosed from the hunters trap. She sores back into the her abode in the skies.

Who is that rescuer? It is none other than the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. He is the one who determines our destiny. He is our deliverer. Praise his holy name! Lord, you rescued this old bird from the hunters trap. I praise you; I otherwise would never have escaped.

What If?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know God‘s deliverance From overwhelming circumstance (Psm 124:1–5).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Psalm of praise begins, “What if God had not been with us“ (repeated twice for emphasis). Our attackers, the psalmist says, would have swallowed us alive. They would have overtaken us by overwhelming surprise.

The enemy, without the Lord’s help, would have been like proud waters, a tsunami of destruction, that would have blotted us off the map. But no, it was the Lord, who came to the rescue of Israel. History tells me that Israel is the only people group to survive after obliteration as a nation (returning as a nation in 1948).*

Lord, may my heart give praise to our God for his deliverance of Israel and to his godly ones.

_______

* Many nations, such as the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Girgasites, Jebusites and Perizzites were destroyed, never to rise again.

Israel is the only nation to be destroyed, dismantled, and scattered as they were after the Babylonian invasion of 585 BC and then centuries later recover as a nation (reestablished in 1948). No other nation has survived total obliteration and returned as has Israel.

You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Til…

(Lam 1:1-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Don’t wait to turn from sin back to God (Lam 1:1-22). #Don’tKnowWhatYouGotTillItsGone #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Lamentations chapter one begins by mourning the great losses of a once glorious and majestic nation. That nation, Israel, is now a shell of its former self (vv1-11). Then he expresses deep remorse, agony, devastation and despair for the sins of Israel. He feels deep conviction and sorrow for sin (vv12-22).

I think of the saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”* Here, I learn to not take the blessings and grace of God for granted. Lord, keep my heart, sensitive to the things (sins) which lead me far from you.

________

* Canadian singer Joni Mitchell sang about this in the in 1970s.

Stand With Israel

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek always for the peace, well-being of Jerusalem (Psm 122:6-9). #PrayForIsrael #SeekTheProspertyOfIsrael

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist prays a blessing over his fellow Israelites, and over the House of God in Jerusalem. The imagery here is one who stretches out his hand towards those for whom he is speaking and praying this blessing.

May the good people of Jerusalem be blessed, and prosper. May the city and the House of God be blessed and know peace. May all those who love and stand with Israel, be blessed and prosper. May they too know peace. Lord, I stand with Israel in prayer and pray for her salvation and her prosperity.

City View

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Come joyfully, expectantly, to worship (Psm 122:1-5).#PraiseAndWorship

The psalmist is here recounting his trip (pilgrimage) to the Temple (God‘s house) in Jerusalem. He is overjoyed. His vision of what he saw put him in awe; the city (as he stood in the gate) he viewed as a fortified and unified city and the mountains all around it (121:1)*.

I remember my first trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was mesmerized by the mountains and the city in the valley. It was not the Holy City, which I’ve never seen, but it gives me some idea of what the psalmist must have felt as he approached Jerusalem and the Temple to worship.

Lord, may I come every week to worship with such a vision of joy and awe.

_______

* Here is a brief description of Jerusalem and the surrounding mountains.

https://sareltours.com/article/mountains-surrounding-jerusalem

Faithfulness Remembered

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Never fear coming to God in repentance (Psm 119:169-176).#Repentance #TurnToGodEarly #GodIsFaithful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist ends his writing in a way I did not expect. He sounds like a man who has been faithful to God all his life. But in the end, he makes an open confession – “I have wandered like a lost sheep“ (v176). However, he has not forgotten the importance of God’s word. So, there is hope for every soul that has wandered – haven’t we all? I have.

I am reminded here that the effect and wisdom of God‘s word will see me through, even in times I wander…if I am willing to turn to God and his word. Lord, may my heart trust your faithfulness even through times when I have not been so faithful (2Ti 2:13).

Buried Treasure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know peace beyond all comprehension (Psm 119:161-168). #PeaceWithoutLimits #PeaceBeyoundComprehension

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We love to watch movies of great adventurous raiders of ancient tombs, or pirates searching for buried treasure in uncharted islands. Here the psalmist becomes the happy hunter of great treasures – he finds untold wealth in the pages of scripture (vv162,165).

This buried treasure in the pages of God‘s word brings what wealth, power, and fame cannot – PEACE. Peace to the troubled soul. Peace to the broken heart. Peace to the nations whose people are harassed by godless men. Lord, your word gives me peace that passes all understanding (Jhn 14:27; Phi 4:7).

Resolved!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Find your resolve for life in God’s word (Psm 119:153-160). #ResolvedToFollowGodsWord #ResolvedInLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Many there are that disregard God’s word. They are not satisfied with unbelief. No, they feel it is their job to ridicule me or persecute me.

While I struggle to understand why they so hate God‘s word, even me for loving it, I trust God to argue my case and protect me. I do not swerve from the truth of God‘s word. It is the very essence of truth. It will win the day.

Lord, may my heart be resolved & steadfast in your truth.

Renewal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look daily to God‘s word and prayer for renewal (Psm 119:145-152). #RenewalOfSpirit #PrayerAndGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 119:147 has long been the motivation for my early Morning Watch hour. I come praying, seeking, crying out to God in the early morning hours. I read God‘s word daily. It fuels my prayer for those I love and have committed to pray.

God‘s word revives, refreshes, renews, and restores my soul. The Lord is near in his word and in my intercessions. No matter the challenges in my life, God‘s word and prayer have been a fortress around me. Lord, I have found no sustaining power like prayer and the knowledge of God‘s word.

Perfect Treasure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know the treasured enlightenment of God‘s word (Psm 119:137-144). #GodsWordThoroughlyTested #TreasuredEnlightenment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My heart agrees with the psalmist here. I have found God‘s word to be fair, trustworthy, and perfect in every way. It has never failed me in any circumstance of life.

God‘s promises truly are thoroughly tested and found 100% adequate for all of life’s circumstances. When pressure and stress overwhelm me I find comfort, peace and joy in God‘s word. Lord, I find in your word, the perfect treasure of valued enlightenment.

Open For Business

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Retain a heart that is open for business to God‘s word (Psm 119:129-136). #HeartOpenForBudiness #NoClosedMind

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word is no lofty book of exalted philosophies reserved only for the most learned. No! It’s teaching gives light (understanding) to the simplest of minds. Even a child can grasp its meanings.

God’s word guides every step…if I am so predisposed to listen. It keeps me from being overcome by evil. It delivers me from those whose aim it is to do harm. The Lord teaches me from his word. Lord, may my heart remain “open for business” to the teachings of your word.

More Desirable Than Gold

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God’s word above all else (Psm 119:121-128). #Undivided #WhollyDevotedToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The word of God – “more desirable than gold“ (v127). The psalmist exalts the word of God to the level of a most treasured possession. He expresses a deep love and respect for God‘s word.

Further, the psalmist points to his life as one who serves the living God because of his living word to men. He seeks justice, mercy, and love from God as he faithfully seeks to learn from and follow God‘s word. Lord, I receive your word as exceeding all other sources of wisdom in my life.

UNDIVIDED!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be undivided in your devotion to God and his word (Psm 119:113-120). #Undivided #WhollyDevotedToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am reminded immediately here that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways (Jas 1:5–8). Jesus said, “You cannot serve two masters“ (Mat 6:24). I must rid my life of evil minded people and fill my life with people who love God‘s word; are undivided in their loyalty to God.

It is God and his word that sustains me, rescues and informs me in the choices I make and the voices I follow. I am in awe of God‘s word and his work in my life. Lord, my choice in life is clear. I will serve and devote myself to the Lord God (Josh 24:15).

Trust To The End

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust, obey and follow God’s word to the end (Psm 119:105-112). #TrustInGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is found a most familiar memory verse, Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp onto my feet, a light into my path.“ The psalmist renews his own ongoing promise to trust, obey and follow God‘s holy word.

No matter the circumstances in life, the call to God is for renewal and restoration. Even in the face of adversaries and suffering, the psalmist finds God‘s word as a precious treasure – a delight. He is determined to keep it all the way to the very end.

Lord, your word is always a faithful guide in my life, for which I am grateful.

Discerning the Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God’s word and be discerning of truth. (Psm 119:97-104). #TrustInGodsWord #BeDiscerningOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist is looking at God‘s word as practical instruction, wisdom. He says God‘s word makes him “superior“ in wisdom, understanding and judgment to his enemies, teachers and elders.

This is no arrogant statement. It simply points out that God‘s word gives men the capacity to be discerning of the spirits. Men may know the difference between truth and error. It is seeing through the spirit of the age; any spirit hostile and/or lax towards truth. This false spirit persecuted the writer for trusting in God’s word. It will us too.

Lord, you give me good reason to trust in and believe your word.

Plan With No Limits

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Strive daily to follow and obey God‘s word, his plan (Psm 119:89-96). #TrustInGodsWord #GodsWordIsEternal

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word is eternal. It is as certain as the earth we stand on, that he created and sustains. All of the earth and all those in the earth serve his plan. It is a plan for good and not evil (Jer 29:11).

God’s plan, his commandments, give me life, hope, and joy in the midst of any misery I may endure. I should quietly and eagerly be always mindful of God‘s word. It is perfect, without limits and is good for my instruction (2Ti 3:16,17). Lord, I will strive daily to willingly obey your word.

It is Enough

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God’s word/faithfulness to carry you through (Psm 119:81-88). #SchoolOfAffliction #BrokenNotDefeated #TrustingGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the psalmist, pressed hard by derogatory elements, as a leather skin is shriveled by exposure to adverse elements of smoke. Perhaps even the heat of flame. Yet, he is undaunted.

This reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8–10, he is “…struck down, but not destroyed…“ et al.

The psalmist’s detractors have near destroyed him, but they have not shaken his faith in God’s word. Yet, he stands in need of God’s grace to continue in his walk of faith – which his tormentors hate. Lord, I rely on the sufficiency of your grace in time of need to carry me through.

IT IS ENOUGH!

The School of Affliction

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you earnestly seek God in your trials (Psm 119:73-80). #SchoolOfAffliction #SeekGodInAflictions

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I should be aware that others eyes are upon me. The psalmist says, “May all who fear you [God] find in me a cause for joy.” The School of Affliction may be for a time bitter. But with affliction comes the comfort of God for those who look to his word for help (Heb 12:10,11; Psm 119:50).

In the face of trials and affliction, I will seek God in his word to surround me with his tender mercies. I may also draw strength from those godly ones around me (v79). My delight is in God‘s word and among those who fear him. Lord, may I have the good sense to seek you in my afflictions.

Words of High Value

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Value God‘s word above all other wealth (Psm 119:65-72). #LoveGodsWord #ValueGodsWordAboveAllElse #GodsWordABlessing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist asks God for good judgment and knowledge.* A lot of good judgment comes from having made bad judgments – not that it has to be that way. But the psalmist admits to have wandered off the path of understanding. Yet, God was merciful. He reveals that the suffering from bad judgment teaches us to pay more close attention to God‘s word, follow it more carefully (vv67, 71; Jas 1:2-7).

Others may devalue God word. But God’s word will always lead me in truth. I can have confidence in that. God‘s word is more valuable than any precious metal. Lord, I have learned from experience to value highly your word.

__________

* The Knowledge Riddle

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is ignorant – Avoid him.

He who knows not and knows that he knows not is hungry – Feed him.

He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep – Awaken him.

He who knows and knows that he knows is a leader – Follow him.

McCoy McLemore Jr. – American NBA basket ball player in the 1960s and 1970s. As a Christian speaker he spoke these words to prison inmates in a Bill Glass evangelistic Weekend of Champions.

Life Song

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God’s word be your life song (Psm 119:49-56). #LoveGodsWord #LiveGodsWord #GodsWordMySong

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word provides gracious refreshing. In the midst of hardship and struggle, it brings hope, revives my spirit. God‘s word comforts me in my early morning rising and in my night watches.

God‘s word is the theme song of my life – it orders my days in whatever circumstances I find myself. Others may reject God’s word, hold me in contempt, but I do not turn away from God’s word. Lord, the theme of my life, the song of my life, is ordered and harmonized by your word.

Freedom’s “Best Practices”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Find your freedom in honoring (doing) God’s word (Psm 119:41-48). #LoveGodsWord #LiveGodsWord #BestPractices

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Honoring God‘s word is to walk in freedom. Assured of God‘s love and promises, we will have an answer for those who harass us. We will have a hope that is secure. We will speak to anyone without shame. Why would I not want to do that?

I would not neglect to read and follow the instruction manual to operate my washing machine. Those instructions don’t inhibit my freedom. They make its use more effective in cleaning my clothes. My clothes will be cleaner. Why would I look at God‘s word any differently?

Lord, may I view your word as applying “best practices” in my life.

No Earthly Alternative

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Set your heart on loving & doing God‘s word (Psm 119:33-40). #LoveGodsWord #LiveGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At the heart of this passage is to have a heart that is set on knowing, understanding and living God’s word. Striving for earthly treasure and things worthless to eternity will not bring satisfaction (vv36,37). Joy comes in knowing God‘s word, keeping it and putting it into practice to the end of days.

My heart should be to abandon all ways not pleasing to the Lord. The result will be a life filled with God’s goodness. Lord, may I love and do your word more than any earthly alternate treasure.

God’s Word, Relevant

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you find your relevance in God‘s word (Psm 119:25-32). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s word…

… Broadens my horizon

… Expands my understand

… Elevates my perspective

… Revives my heart

… Informs my plans

… Speaks into my sorrows

… Strengthens my faith

… Sets my course of life

… Bolsters my confidence

Lord, your word determines my relevance and who I am.

Truth = Freedom

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your desire for God‘s word increase (Psm 119:17-24). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord #DesireGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the past I often looked at rules and commands as restricting my freedoms, holding me back from some good thing. Truth = Freedom. God’s word keeps me from doing things that might hurt me and not doing my best. God‘s word is like a roadmap for me in a strange land. It guides me along my way.

The psalmist asked God to, “Open my eyes to wonderful [spiritual] truth.” While all the world around me may scorn, sit in judgment and try to silence me – I should desire, obey and meditate on God‘s word as wise counsel for me. Lord may my desire for your word supersede all that overwhelms me.

B. I. B. L. E.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know and follow God‘s word (Psm 119:9-16). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How will a young person stay pure and faithful? How will anyone stay pure and faithful? That is the question posed by the psalmist. The answer is, “by being obedient to God‘s word.“ The psalmist searches God‘s word. He hides it in his heart. He digests God‘s word, he studies and understands it. He speaks it, meditates on it, applies it, rejoices in it, and retains it.

B. I. B. L. E.

Basic Instructions Before

Leaving Earth

God‘s word is the field manual for the soldier-saint; the “HOW TO” manual for survival. Lord, I am never without the carefully prescribed instructions of God‘s word to guide my life every day.

Actions Reflect Allegiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to be loyal to the word of God (Psm 119:1-8). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Blessed is the man or woman who acts with integrity, who obey God‘s word from their heart. They seek to carry out God‘s word carefully. I join the psalmist wishing to reflect this in my life. I need not be ashamed when God‘s word is clearly at work in me.

God teaches me from his word. Living according to God‘s word is how I thank God. The plea of the psalmist is that God never give up on him. God never will give up on me when I genuinely seek him. Lord, may my allegiance and devotion to your word be seen in my daily living.

WORD!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Lift high, the virtues of God’s word in your life (Psm 119:11,105). #TrustGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 119 is organized according to the Hebrew alphabet, as in an acrostic. With 22 subsets (22 letters of the alphabet), each begins with the corresponding alphabetic letter. Each subset contains eight verses. With 176 verses in this chapter, it is the longest chapter in God‘s word.

Nearly every verse in this psalm mentions God‘s word in one form or another. It is not surprising that two of the most familiar verses about God‘s word come from this psalm (vv11,105). This psalm extols the virtues of God‘s word in an eloquent yet simple way. Its structure is easy to follow and memorize.

Father, the presence of your word in my life gives me hope, courage, and purpose.

In Troubled Times

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look to God’s word in times of hardship and struggle (Psm 119:9,23,109). #TrustGod’sWord #TrustGodInTheMidstOfTroubles

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My Life Application Study Bible introduces this unique Psalm (ch 119) by saying, “God‘s word is true. Stay true to God and his word no matter how bad the world becomes.“ It is unknown who wrote this Psalm, but it was likely a young man (vv 9, 99, 100).

The writer appears to be one who is, persecuted for his faith (vv 23, 46, 161), even in bonds, perhaps even expecting death (vv 61, 83, 109).* Yet, in the midst of this, God‘s word is his comfort. This whole Psalm is a prayer for steadfastness in the midst of ungodly troubles.

Lord, no matter my trouble, your word is always a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path (v105).

________

* Keil-Delitzsch. PSALMS, Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Erdmans Publishing Co., 1975), 243.

No One Excluded

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Personally know and engage others with God’s love and faithfulness (Psm 117:1,2). #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise #TruthForAllMen #NoExceptions

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is recorded the shortest chapter in the Bible and the middle chapter of the Bible. It is a psalm of thanks. While Psalm 114 gives praise for God‘s love and faithfulness to Israel, Psalm 117 offers praise for God‘s work – his love and faithfulness – with/for the Gentile world (see also Rom 15:11).

These two verses strike a truth that resounds as a worldwide mission. It is for all people without distinction and all nations without exception.* There is superabundant covering for sin to Jew and Gentile alike. “HALLELUJAH!” it concludes. Lord, you have extended your love and faithfulness to all men everywhere.

____________

* Keil-Delitzsch. PSALMS, Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Erdmans Publishing Co., 1975), 221.