Grievous Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

May we understand how deeply sin grieves the heart of God (Ezk 4:4-6).

#God’sGriefOverSin #RepentOfSin

The symbolism, revolving around the facts and meaning of “390 days” and “40 days” (a day for every year of sin), are very difficult historically, textually and interpretively. Biblical scholars don’t all agree. What is clear is that both Israel and Judah have committed deeply grievous sins against God (made clear in v3) for a long time.

For this purpose Ezekiel portrays Israel as having borne the consequence of their sin (symbolically). The weight their sin is understood as heavily on them as Ezekiel lays down: first on one side for “390 days” (head pointed north towards Israel) then, “40 days” on the other (head pointed south towards Judah).

What is portrayed here is the seriousness of sin against God. It further shows the lengths to which God will go to convey his deep anguish, concern over and correction of sin. Lord, may this old sentry’s heart remain steadfast in its stand against personal sin.

The End of Hypocracy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we turn quickly from pride, arrogance and disdain for God (Jer 34:17-22). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The end of hypocrisy before God spells disaster for the nation of Judah. Here we see God‘s hand of protection as removed from Judah.

Because of pride and disobedience, God will allow an enemy, the Babylonians, to swoop in and destroy Jerusalem, the towns and cities of Judah.

Further, the bodies of the people (officials & citizens) will become food for vultures.

The king, Zedekiah, and his officials will be taken captive. War, disease and famine will be Judah’s end. This is the word of the Lord to Jeremiah.

Lord, may my heart (my nation, its leaders & people) turn from pride, arrogance and disdain for God. May we return to God.

Spiritual Malpractice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

May sin lead us to brokenness, repentance, confession & renewal (1Jn 3:4-10). #Repentance #Confession #Brokenness #Renewal

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If one is a true believer (has repented of sin and trusted Christ as Savior), that one will not continue in sin. Are believers sinless? Obviously not. There is only one sinless, Jesus, and he died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. To say one “believes” but continues in sin is spiritual malpractice.

What John is saying here is that true believers will not go on practicing sin as a habit or lifestyle. They are not indifferent to God‘s moral law. When a believer sins, he/she is broken, sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confesses that sin. “God is faithful to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9).

Lord, thank you for a heart to follow Christ; for loving me through my failures.

Finding Forgiveness & Cleansing

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Remain open to the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit (1Jn 1:8-10). #ConfessAllKnownSin #BeRightWithGod #PracticeTheTruth #ListenToTheSpirit

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It may seem odd that some might claim that they have no sin, now that they have trusted Christ. But some were doing exactly that. That is delusional. It calls God a liar and ignores God’s word. Christians do not become sinless at the point of salvation. But neither do they still desire to continue in sin.

Christians are not perfect. I need only to look into my own heart to know that. Walking in the light does not mean sinless perfection. It means that my heart is always open to the scrutiny of the Spirit of God. When some sin is there exposed, I agree with God and confess it. Christ forgives the sin and cleanses me from all wickedness.

Lord, at risk here is this sentry’s closeness with you, as “darkness” tries to edged out the light. But my relationship with God in Christ is secure and never in question.

The Way Home

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Do not let shame, pride, fear or guilt prevent you from returning home to God (Jer 51:50,51).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people are directed by God to return to their homeland at the fall of Babylon (vv45,50). But they are mortified, ashamed and disgraced because foreigners and aliens had desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem. They felt so ashamed (v51).

“Yes, but God.“ What God says to them in essence is I am coming to deliver (v52). Don’t be paralyzed by shame. Though you may feel far from God, he is closer to you than you think. Turn your eyes on God. Set your gaze on your homeland. (v50). The way home is to repent, turn your heart towards him again and he will see you through. He will do a work of revival in you.

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WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT RECEIVE SO COMPASSIONATE A LOVE AS THE FATHER OFFERS?

S H A M E ! F E A R ! P R I D E !

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Adam and Eve reacted to their sin and disobedience towards God, not by humbly seeking God to admit guilt. But in their newly acquired shame, pride, guilt and fear (having eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil) they tried to cover up their sin. They thought they could hide from God (Gen 3). They thought they could outsmart God and somehow avoid accountability.

The Psalmist felt shame (Psm 73): ”Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you” [but God reminded him of his compassions]. The Psalmist continues, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth“ (Psm 73:21-22,24-25 NLT).

Paul says there is no disappointment in Jesus (Rom 10:11).

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In Jeremiah 51:50-51, God essentially explains how to defeat shame. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God through Jeremiah tells them to return home to Jerusalem when Babylon falls. But the children of Israel express shame that the temple in Jerusalem was desecrated on their watch.

in these two verses God is saying, THE WAY HOME IS…

1) don’t be paralyzed by shame, pride, guilt and fear,

2) turn your eyes on God [on Jesus],

3) set your face to your homeland [set your eyes on your future glory] and…

4) though you feel far from God, he is closer than you think.

Turn to him now. There is hope. Ask God’s forgiveness for sin. Invite him to take his rightful place in your heart. Then follow him…all The Way Home.

Read The Signs, Prepare

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Put your hope in God in time of national troubles (Jer 51:45-50). #Homeland #SignsOfTheTimes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this prophecy of the fall of Babylon, the Lord tells the people there will be signs of Babylon’s breaking apart. God says to his people, “Don’t panic or be afraid, but remain confident. Prepare to exit. Save yourselves from God’s fierce judgment.” Read the signs and prepare.

Here are the signs of the coming judgment (America be alert): there will be rumors of approaching enemy forces (year after year, rumors grow). There will be violence in the land. Leaders fight against each other. Judgment has begun on this prideful land of Babylon. You of the remnant, remember the Lord and think of your Homeland.

Are you prepared to exit this earth? Have you settled the question of your eternal destiny? Have you trusted Christ as savior? Is your mind focused on the things of Christ? Father, I am reminded in the face of national troubles to stay focused on you my mission and my eternal Homeland.

Our Avenging God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Seek God for deliverance; trust not your own strength (Jer 51:34-44). #GodOurAvenger

All that is left of Babylon’s temple to her God, Bel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah’s complaint of Babylon’s overwhelming violence against them is taken up by God. He is Judah’s defense, Babylon’s judge; her fate is sealed, Judah is avenged. The cup of God’s judgment will put Babylon into a deep sleep from which she will never awaken. She is finished. Like crashing waves of the sea demolishes sandcastles on the beach (my interp), Babylon is gone.

Babylon’s God Bel is demolished and in her last gasp of life, she will vomit out all the those she has consumed (all the people are freed from her captivity). She will never again be hailed, but only derided. God hears our complaint and takes vengeance on arrogant oppressors in his way, in his time. But God delivers his own. Lord, I take cover in your avenging grace and put no stock in my own strength.

Behind The Veil

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Expect that God is always at work to speak into the lives of his people, pointing us back to him (Jer 51:59-61). #God’sCanvas #BehindTheVeil #GodIsWorking

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah Chapters 50 and 51 records the message of the prophet concerning the eventual demise of Babylon. The intention is to encourage the Jews in exile there. This text explains how the message would arrive and be read to the exiles.

A man named Seraiah was a staff officer of King Zedekiah (vassal king to Babylon in Judah). Seraiah would accompany Zedekiah on a trip to Babylon; likely summoned there by King Nebuchadnezzar. Seraiah’s Instructions were to read the scroll prepared by Jeremiah (Chapters 50 and 51) to the Israelites in exile.

From this and other Scripture, I gather that we may expect that God is always working on his canvas, behind the veil of life, to speak truth and encouragement into the hearts of his people. Even when his people are far from him.

Lord, I take heart knowing that, no matter how far I wander, you continue working in my circumstances (even when held captive in my own exile) to point my heart back to you.

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I just have to say that I truly understand the wandering heart. I spent some years doing a lot of wandering myself in my late teens and early 20s. The Lord spoke into my life during those years numerous times, in various degrees of intensity.

Finally, I found myself in exile (like the children of God taken captive and moved to Babylon). My exile was Vietnam. I had no choice. Drafted into the Army, I was literally uprooted and physically moved. It was in Vietnam that God got his message through to me.

While I was in my exile God sent a man named “Smitty” (a fellow soldier) with a message to me, just like he sent “Seraiah” to his people in exile. I will always be forever grateful to God for Smitty. He spoke into my life, just as Seraiah spoke into the life of the Israelite exiles. At one point while in a guard tower (2 -3 AM, December 28, 1968), God turned the light. I heard from him and I began my journey back to God‘s plan and purpose for me. I never looked back.

So, when I say that you can expect God to be working behind the veil of life in order to speak into our lives, I know that not only from Gods word, I know that from experience as well.

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See expanded testimony this blog: https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

God Uses Whom He Choses

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust God to work all things for our good (Jer 27:2–6). #TrustGod #SurrenderAllToGod #WhomGodChoosesHeUses

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God instructed Jeremiah to use an object lesson to speak to the ambassadors of five surrounding nations of Judah. “Make a YOKE (symbol of bondage) and fasten it around your neck. Send these men home to their respective kings with the message,* submit to Babylon.“ He also was to remind them that God (not their gods) made the earth and the men and animals that inhabit it. He is all powerful. He exalts whom he chooses.

Babylon at this time was God’s chosen servant and it would, for a time, conquer and control these nations. They should surrender to the YOKE of Babylon’s control, for their own good. These words reveal that God is at work behind-the-scenes for the good of all people – especially his own people. Lord, may I take to heart the words of Romans 8:28 and trust you in “all things”.

This is still true today, for America and all other nations

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* It’s possible that Jeremiah may have sent a YOKE home with each ambassador to reinforce the message to surrender to Babylon.

God’s Plan For The Nations

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Acknowledge and surrender to God’s will and plan (Jer 27:1–8). #ISurrenderAll #YesGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s plan for his people was a 70 year exile into Babylon. Babylon was God’s servant in this process. They were conquering all the nations around and including Judah. It is likely that these nations, represented by ambassadors, were in Jerusalem to meet with king Zedekiah (a meeting of the minds) to discuss an overthrow of Babylon.

By God‘s will however, there would be no such plan, enabling his people to escape judgment. God‘s purposes were to lead them into brokenness, repentance and renewed passion to serve him (Jer 29:10-14). Nothing would stand in God‘s way, then or now, of accomplishing those purposes. Lord, I acknowledge your will and surrender my will to you and your plan for me. I acknowledge that you have a plan too, for America. May she listen and surrender.

Incredulous!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Pay careful attention to God‘s discipline (Jer 24:5–7). #Father’sHeart #God’sDiscipline

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Whom the Lord loves he disciplines; NOT FUN, but yields the fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:6–11; Pro 3:12,24). Those exiled to Babylon would yet know the blessings of God. The rod of God’s discipline would yield good fruit (“good figs”). Those in Babylon were not enslaved as in Egypt. They had homes, businesses and basic freedoms to live (Daniel became a person of great influence).

Those who ran from God‘s discipline thought the exiled ones were the ones far from God. But incredulously, they were the ones unyielded to God. Those in exile would know the blessings of God (Ezk 11:14–17ff); find their way back to God. Those who ran would know only disgrace. Lord, may I listen to my heavenly Father and know the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

Having Peace With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we (America) resolve to walk humbly before God (Jer 48:1-49:39 as selected). #WalkHumblyWithGod #BeJustAndMerciful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah chapters 48 and 49 name the nations and cities around Judah to be judged and destroyed (Moab- 48:1, Ammon- 49:1, Edom- 49:7, Damascus- 49:23, Kedar/Hazor- 49:28 and Elam- 49:34).*

Scripture does not explain the specific sins of each nation. A few sins in these nations do take center stage: godlessness, idolatry, pride/arrogance and harassment of Israel. None will be spared who pridefully stick their finger in God’s eye and consider themselves beyond reproach. The key to living at peace with God is to “be just and merciful to others to live humbly before him (Mic 6:8).

Lord, may I (may the American people) be resolved to follow faithfully and walk humbly before you.

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* Moab, Ammon and Elam are prophesied some sort of restoration. Commentators mostly agree that these and similar promises of mercy after judgment are chiefly to be understood as the conversion of the Gentiles under the gospel.

DEFIANT!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Respect & revere God’s word; repent & return to God (Jer 36:20-26). #Repent #ReturnToGod #RespectGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“DEFIANT!“ That is the only word that comes to my mind reading this passage. The king of Judah listened to the reading of Jeremiah‘s prophecies against Judah. Then, section by section, as it was read, he DEFIANTLY cut the scroll and put it in a fire pot…burned it completely up.

Frighteningly, no one present in his court showed any remorse or repentance for sin. Three officials from the Temple briefly protested, but to no avail. Jehoiakim‘s actions revealed his attitude toward God, DEFIANT! It would not end well for him or the nation of Judah.

Lord, may I respect and revere your word, repent where convicted and return to you.

Compelled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Speak God’s word that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God (Jer 36:5–7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point, over 20 years into the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah (25:3) he is banned, restricted from entering into the Temple. So, he instructs Baruch (his scribe) to go to the Temple on the “day of fasting” and read the scroll he has written as dictated by Jeremiah (v1,2). He was to read it out loud in the hearing of those come to fast and pray.

Jeremiah further expresses God‘s sentiment about it to Baruch. Perhaps the people will hear and be COMPELLED to turn from their sin and ask God‘s forgiveness before it is too late (v7; also v3). [see 0pen Our Eyes, this blog) Lord, may I take every opportunity to speak God’s word, that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God.

Eyes On The Prize

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain always faithful to whatever life task God calls you too (Jer 45:1-5). #EyesOnThePrize #BeFaithful #RunYourRace.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Baruch, Jeremiah‘s amanuensis had become disaffected with his work. He began to feel sorry for himself; probably thought he had thrown away a lot of years working for an unpopular prophet. Probably felt he was getting no respect. He took his eyes off the prize.

Jeremiah exhorts Baruch, a servant of God: “Do not seek greater things for yourself.” Get your eyes off yourself. Get your eyes back on the prize, the upward call in Christ Jesus (Phi 3:12-14). Run the race God calls you to run. Do it heartily and faithfully. God will reward you. Lord, may this sentry remain ever faithful to your call.

Ignore God at Your Own Peril

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

When God confronts sin in your life, do not ignore him; confess it and live (Jer 25:1-7). #AgreeWithGod #ConfessSin #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is a second message in this text; 1) be faithful to proclaim God‘s message and 2) be open to what God says about your sin and repent.

When Elijah confronted king Ahab with his sin, Ahab humbled himself before God (1Ki 21:25–29). Disaster was postponed. The prophet Nathan, confronted king David over his sin. David confessed and repented (Psm 51:7–14). God forgave David and used him. God sent many prophets to Israel and Judah. He confronted them with their sin and idolatry. But the people of God would not listen to him (Jer 25:7).

Scripture says, “Today if you hear God‘s voice, do not harden your heart…” (Heb 3:15). Elsewhere scripture beckons us to bring our broken self to God (Pro 29:1; Psm 66:17-20) and fall into his open arms. When God confronts us with our sin, repentance is the only response. If we ignore God’s word to us we will face certain dyer repercussions.

Lord, may this sentry’s heart always be open to your scrutiny; may I turn quickly to you in humble repentance.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Never abuse the power of your influence over others (Hab 2:15-17).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet continues his song of taunts; a woeful dirge, v.4. A graphic allegorical lyric depicts Babylon as the host of a drunken, debauched party [drunken debauchery being a Babylonian characteristic]. Her nation neighbors were forced to drink, in a drunken orgy of false promises. Then, as in the parable of “The King With No Clothes,” they were stripped naked of resources, laughed at, mocked and made the fool.*

God says, “Soon it will be your turn, O Babylon, to be disgraced. For the Lord will force you to drink full from his cup of judgment. Your glory will be turned to abject nakedness and shame. You have built towns with wood stripped from the beautiful forests and those towns are filled your murder and terror. Soon it will be you, O Babylon, who is stripped, terrorized and cut down. Your end will come in violent destruction (Pro 24:17,18). The abuse of power and privilege is unconscionable. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20).

Lord, may I never abuse my position of influence to torment those within my circle of reach.

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* How simple-minded it is to be made to look a fool as the butt of another’s heinous joke. But how much more deranged to be the tormentor of such a fool?

Deeply Stained Within

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be deeply moved in waves of contrition and repentance for our own sin & rebellion (Hab 1:6-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #America #TheNations

MORNING WATCH NOTES (and extended subscript to the nations):

This is the horrific vision that God gave the prophet, Habakkuk. A pagan nation of cruel violent people (Babylon) will descend on Judah like a blazing relentless desert wind. This godless nation will gobble up other nations as well, having their way with whatever cruelty they wish.

The war horses of Babylon run like the cheetah and are more fierce than ravenous wolves. Their charioteers charge from a far off and swoop down like eagles, picking off and devour their unsuspecting prey. They scoop up captives as they go. No one is safe. They scoff kings & princes; laugh at their fortresses and walls. Then, like the wind, they are gone, leaving behind nothing but a sweltering desolate landscape.

But God tells the prophet, Babylon was not innocent for having been God‘s instrument. NO! They went beyond all restraint to their own destruction. They were deeply guilty and flawed because they viewed their own strength was their God.

Lord, the prayer sentries, the watchmen on the walls, must sit dumbfounded with the prophet and consider what horrific plan lay ahead for Judah. Would God, could God, do such a thing (vv12-16)?

May this Sentry be moved to waves of contrition and repentance for my own deep sin.

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SUBSCRIPT TO THE NATIONS:

I ask what will be in store for my own great nation (America) and her great allies. Where will pride in our own strength, our arrogant disregard of God and our distain of justice bring us? Is there any nation on earth today that God may be raising up to do to us what Babylon did to Judah and the ancients?

That is not a far fetched question. Consider China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. All of these are mentioned in one way or another in prophecies of these end times.

A local pastor spoke recently and reminded his congregation of how the nations viewed the nation of Israel after her 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

”When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” (Psm 126:1-2)

“The other nations were amazed” to see how God had blessed Israel.

There was a day when the nations would have looked upon America and said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” But today that light has grown dim and the nations laugh at us. Mock us. Scorn us. America has left the God of her fathers. May the Lord send sweeping revival across this land like a fast moving prairie fire. May there be an awakening of national one global proportions.

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Perhaps the prophet Habakkuk and those righteous who were with him, like we today, could find some comfort in the words of Israel’s king, David, the Psalmist:

”But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence…

[…no matter who: Babylon, China, Russia, Iran; AMERICA, GREAT BRITAIN and others are not without their own history of violence]

“[God] will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.

[If God spared not his own chose people from judgment and correction, how safe are those without God’s covering of mercy and grace?]

[But our] righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.“ (Psm 11:4-7)

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GOD PROMISES TO SHOW HIS FACE TO THOSE WHO ARE HIS RIGHTEOUS ONES, WHO CHOOSE VIRTUE

Embracing A World In Crisis

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the darkness of sin around us lead us to pray for the justice and mercy of God (Hab 1:1; 3:2). #DeepIntercessions #TheWorldInCrisis

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk is a prophet of God who shows up sometime prior to the Babylonian captivity of the Jews. He is a contemporary of Jeremiah. Nothing more is known of him. There is however, some wide agreement that he may have been a musician of the Levitical office (see 3:19). Further, his writings resemble the literary style of the psalms.*

Habakkuk often sounds more like David pouring out his heart to God than a preacher raining down judgment on the people. He is more poet than prophet. The darkness of sin running rampant in our world, should bring God‘s people to a deeper place of repentance and devotion to him. Lord, Habakkuk calls me to think more deeply on the state of our world and to plead for God’s justice and mercy (3:2).

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* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.

National Reckoning Pt4

NONE TOO BIG TO FAIL

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wholehearted in your surrender & devotion to the Lord (Jer 22:24-30). #NoneTooBigToFail #WholeheartedSurrender #WholeheartedDevotion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the prophecy and plight of Jehoiachin (verb structure here implies the prophetic). He was as evil/wicked as his father Jehoiakim (2Ki 24:9). Jeremiah delivers God’s word to Jehoiachin. The Lord will abandon him to his enemy the Babylonians. He will die in exile.

“Signet ring” here does not imply some quality of character. God is simply saying, “Even if you were as valuable as a jeweled ring, I would still cast you off.” Why? Because of Jehoiachin’s evil nature. He may as well be “childless.” None of his lineage would ever succeeded him on the throne. There are just simply none too big to fail. That includes my great country, America.

Lord, may my and my nation’s surrender and devotion to you always be wholehearted.

Prosperity Lost

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Honor God in your days of prosperity, while his blessing is upon you (Jer 22:18-23). #HonorGodInProsperity #RememberTheGoodnessOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having described the reign of Jehoiakim as godless and self-indulgent (2Ki, 23:34–37; Jer 22:13–17), Jeremiah prophesies his plight. Jehoiakim will go down in ignominy. No one will mourn for him (as they did for his father Josiah).

His body will be ingloriously dragged to the city dump, like a dead animal (a “donkey”). It will be discarded as refuse.

Then, as Judah’s allies are slowly eliminated (by Babylon), Jeremiah tells the people of Judah to mourn for the terrible fate that is about to come upon them. They had been warned of this in their days of prosperity, but they snubbed their nose at God. God is good to remind us of our responsibility as a blessed people and nation (America). Lord, may we turn and honor you before all prosperity is lost.

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt3

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we know genuine repentance from sin individually and as a nation (2Ki 24:1-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jehoiakim was king of Judah at the start of the Babylonian rise to world domination under King Nebuchadnezzar. Judah fell to the Babylonians. The formerly stayed hand of God’s Judgment was now lifted. The promised judgment for the sins of King Manasseh, Jehoiakim’s grandfather were underway (2Ki 21:11–16; 2Ch 34:26-28).

Judah’s alliance with Egypt proved fatal against Babylon. After Egypt fell to the Babylonians, they came after Judah. That ended Jehoiakim‘s reign. How he died is unknown. What we do know is that God keeps his word. Lord, I am reminded that only sincere repentance will stay the hand of God‘s judgment (2Ch 33:12,13; 34:27,28). DO NOT SKIP OVER THESE TWO SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

[Is America impregnable? Are there any nations in our world today that aspire to and are capable of world domination? Has America scoffed at God, disdained his blessings and spurned his hand of mercy? Is America so arrogant to think that she does not need Jehovah God’s hand of protection?]

More to follow.

Jehoahaz Prophecy & Plight

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive to understand the works of God in history and the truth of his word (Jer 22:10–12).

Prophecy leading to the plight of Jehoahaz

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason, Jeremiah Chs 21 & 22 are out of sequence. These chapters contain prophecies of the last four kings of Judah. I insert them as a matter of cohesive devotional understanding. This is not a critical analysis, but the best of my understanding in my study]

This is the word of the Lord, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah. After addressing the leadership in Judah (22:1–9), he prophesies the end and plight of Jehoahaz. Jehoahaz is taken captive by Pharoh Neco. He is deported, exiled, never to return again to Judah (2Ki 23:31-33).

Though the order of these chapters here may be a question, it does not abrogate the truth of God’s word. Lord, may I always seek to understand the works of God in history through your word.

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt1

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our leaders and people turn to God and know his blessing (Jer 22:1–5; 2Ki 23:31-33). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Jehoahaz became King of Judah, Jeremiah, the prophet, came to him with a message. It was a simple message for all the kings of Judah:

1) listen to the Lord and may your advisers and the people listen to God;

2) be fair minded, and do what is right;

3) help those who have been cheated and robbed, deliver them from their oppressors;

4) repent of your evil deeds;

5) don’t mistreat the foreigners, orphans and widows in your midst;

6) stop sacrificing, murdering the innocent.

Do these things, and you shall be hailed as a great king. Ignore them and suffer a national reckoning and ignominy. Lord, may the heart of this old sentry and the hearts of our leaders and people be turned to you and know the blessing of God.

More to follow.

Whole-Hearted Pledge

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we humbly repent, listen to God’s word and pledge to follow him whole-heartedly (2Ch 34:29-32). #PledgeAllegianceToGod #Repent #ReadGod’sWord #FollowGod’sWord

King Josiah Reads the Lost Book of the Law to the People

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As a result of #1, the Book of the Law being found and #2, the word of the Lord, delivered to King Josiah by the Prophetess Huldah, the King called an assembly of all the people in Judah and Jerusalem. In this assembly, Josiah himself read the Book of the Law to the people.

King Josiah then took his place of authority in the Temple. He pledged himself to obey all the commands of the Lord. Then he called on the people of Judah and Jerusalem to pledge the same. They did so. Lord, I see hope for America (the church and our world) if those in authority will repent, look to your word and commit to follow Christ with a whole heart.

Ambiguity to Luminary

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain faithful to God, and his word; be a light for him (2Ch 34:21–28). #RemainFaithfulToGod’sWord #BeALightForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Huldah was not just the closest prophet to the Temple, but she was highly respected as a woman who spoke for God. She had a luminary gift to teach the word of God (v22). She was a devout woman. Her family served in the temple with honors (v22). Huldah was not afraid to speak for God. Four times she says, “Thus says the Lord.“ (vv23,24,26,27).

Huldah believed God‘s word was the final authority (v24). She had discernment into the need of repentance and she recognized king Josiah’s repentance as genuine (v26,27). All her words, reported to the king, gave him the courage to lead Israel into revival and reform. Lord, I see in Huldah’s words that if I am faithful to your word, I can be used by you to encourage others.

Open Our Eyes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Lord, open our eyes to a fresh vision of the truths of your word (2Ch 34:18-21) #FreshVision #SendRevival #OpenOurEyes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is not clear in Scripture (2Ch 34:8-21) whether young King Josiah merely knew by verbal tradition of the “Book of the Law;” or if he had a copy, but only a superficial understanding of it. It is more likely that he had never seen a copy of the Law. The kings before him were wicked ungodly men with no interest in God’s word. What is clear is that when the words of the Law were read to Josiah, they brought him to his knees in repentance.

Reading this account in Scripture reminds me of how, at times, we as believers become numb to God’s word. Our familiarity with it makes us tone deaf. For whatever reasons, we neglect God’s word until it no longer has an influence on our lives. Or, we’re engaging in God’s word with a verse we may have read a month ago or a year ago, it suddenly comes alive. The words leap off the page at us with an entirely new meaning. We are suddenly stricken with truth that we had not seen before. It requires and precipitates change. That is the work of the Holy Spirit, the work of revival and awakening. That is what happened to Josiah.

Lord, may we have a fresh vision of the truths of your word. May it lead us individually to repentance. We can then pray with David, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted and return to You.” (Psm 51:12-13)

Mañana: No Option

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Yield without delay to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (2Ch 34:21). #Repent #TurnFromSin #ConvictionOfSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having heard a reading of the “Book of the Law,“ King Josiah realizes the danger Israel is in because they had not followed God’s prescribed law (Deu 28:15ff). Josiah’s instructions at that point, to the High Priest and other officials, was to go and inquire about the meaning of what had been read to him.

In other words, Josiah said, “Go now and seek counsel from the Prophet. Confirm what had been read to him. Inquire what should be done.” The nearest prophet was Huldah, the Prophetess, who lived near the Temple (v22). Lord, I understand that conviction of sin will lead me to further and quickly inquiry as to what next to do. Do it now, not tomorrow.

Road to Awakening

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the national leaders in America repent and seek after the heart of God; may we see revival and spiritual awakening (2Ch 34:8-13; 2Ki 22:3-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

On the surface, this passage seems all very administrative and organizational. But what is apparent here is the heart of a 26-year-old king (of Judah). His heart was for God, even in the face of much pagan worship, and idolatry in the land. He is contemporary with Jeremiah, the Prophet of God (there is a compelling connection between national leadership and religious leaders).

Young King Josiah sees the temple of God (symbol of the presence of God in the national life of Israel) in disrepair. What previous kings had allowed to fall into ruin, Josiah restored. Revival was close at hand. Likewise, if the national leaders in America (any country) would repent, seek God’s face and point the people to God, we would be a better nation. America would have a road to awakening.

Lord, I pray that America might experience another spiritual awakening of national proportions.

“Crisis of Belief”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live victoriously in the tension between two worlds (Jer 20:7–18). #Courage #SpeakTheTruth #BetweenTwoWorlds

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah stands by faith between two extremes. On the one hand, there are the fires of persecution, ridicule and rejection (vv7-10, 14-18). On the other hand, there is the fire of God‘s message of repentance that is ablaze within him (vv11-13). This Jeremiad gives me a glimpse into the inner conflict one may experience doing the work God has called him/her to do.

Even those closest to us may turn against us. Yet, sandwiched between two despairing emotions is the understanding that to serve God faithfully is far better and safer than to ignore his call. It is what Henry Blackaby calls, a Crisis of Belief.* God will ultimately prevail. We live and stand between two worlds. Lord, may I have the faith and courage to live in this tension.

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