Lean into God in the face of evil (Psm 12:6-8). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #Impregnable #AFortressIsOurGod
God’s fortress: IMPREGNABLE !
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
To reiterate, the Lord is the only sure fortress for those oppressed by evil men. When his godly ones are marginalized and persecuted, they may cry with Job, “Though he slay me, yet well I trust him“ (Job 13:15).
Wicked men may flaunt their power over others in the “VILEST” of ways (only used here in the OT: horrid, vulgar, degenerate, et al.); engaging with contemptible followers. But the Lord is an IMPREGNABLE wall, a fortress against evil men. They may destroy me bodily, but I stand with God (Mat 10:28).
Lord, I am forever, eternally preserved in your protective care.
Stay open and ready to meet the needs of others (Psm 12:5,6). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #ShowConpassion
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God‘s word is 100% reliable. It has stood the test of time and credibility. What God says, he will do. He cares for the helpless and the oppressed. When they cry out to him, he hears them and will meet their need. How? I am called to be God‘s hands and feet in this world.
Every believer is called upon to seek ways in which we might minister and support those who are in genuine need. Matthew 9:35-38 might be a companion passage and also an example for me to follow. Lord, may I be alert to pain or suffering around me and take action.
Trust that God is with his godly ones in the battle against evil (Psm 12:1-4). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #FullyRelyOnGod #YouDoNotStandAlone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
It is difficult to read these verses and not be mindful of the godless cultural rhetoric and dialogue of recent years in our own nation. David decries the open lies, boastful pride and defiance running rampant in his culture. “Who can stop us?“ was their arrogant cry.
David finds himself hard-pressed to find anyone faithful to core biblical values. Like David, I may at times feel alone in the fight against ungodliness. Well, I am not alone and there is one who can stop it.* David calls upon Jehovah God to silence lying lips and boastful, arrogant tongues.
Lord, may I have confidence in knowing that I do not stand alone and you are with me.
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* Wicked King Ahab of Israel and his wife Jezebel had the great prophet Elijah on the run after he took out 700 prophets of Baal. Elijah mourned that he was the “only one left” in the fight against evil. This account is worth the read. (1Ki 19:1-18)
Walk in peace and inner contentment with God (Psm 4:4-8). #WalkInSurrenderToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
When coming to God for help, make certain you come in the right spirit. Take time to examine the motivation of your heart (think on it a bit). No amount of prayers can overcome a disobedient heart focused only on external happiness.
The psalmist knows there is much more to be had beyond the externals. It is the inner joy that comes from knowing God and walking daily with him. That kind of inner joy and peace will give you confidence in God to keep you safe. Lord, you are the keeper of our inner peace and joy.
Put full faith in God; trust him to deliver you (Psm 4:1-3). #CallUntoGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The psalmist (likely David) calls upon his God, Jehovah, to have favor on his servant who has been declared upright and faithful. He asked God to enlarge his way, give him some space to breathe in the midst of whatever trouble he was facing.
Men can be harsh in their judgments. They may lie and misrepresent those who are godly. But his godly ones are set apart by God. He will answer when they call out to him. The psalmist has no reason to believe that he won’t. Lord, I have every reason to believe you will come to my aid when I am between a rock and a hard place.
Acknowledge, revere the faithfulness of God (Ezk 20:39-44). #GodIsFaithful #ReturnNowToGod #DisciplineCorrectsAndRestores
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In this passage lies the supreme promise of redemption and restoration. At the end of the Babylonian exile Israel will return to her homeland. This promise is based on God‘s faithfulness, not Israel’s (v42). It will be a partial fulfillment of this prophecy. There’s more to come.
A new day will dawn for Israel – not yet fulfilled, but will be. Israel will fully lament the evil she has done. She will repent. The Lord will be recognized as her God. The nations will recognize God‘s holiness, honor and glory. Those days of complete fulfillment still lie ahead today.
Lord, you are a promise keeping lsovereign. Thank you for your faithfulness to those you call your people.
Speak the truth of God by your words and actions (Ezk 12:8-13). #SpeakForGod #WitnessForChrist #ActLikeAFollowerOfJesus
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel‘s pantomime, which he likely did not understand as he did it, is explained. The “rebellious“ Israelites wanted to know the meaning of Ezekiel‘s pantomime. The Lord says to tell them, “This is what the Lord is saying.“ Your mime is a message to the last king of Judah, Zedekiah in Jerusalem and the people there.
Ezekiel’s actions (vv 3-7) reflect what will soon happen to all of them. The king and those remaining in Judah will be driven into exile as captives. Zedekiah himself will escape Jerusalem incognito through a hole in the city wall at night, taking only what he can carry. The Lord speaks truth through Ezekiel’s actions to those around him.
Lord, may I be willing to speak the truth of God in my words and actions.*
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* Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of things to come, Ezekiel’s pantomime was a sign of things to come.
It has been my habit following my Morning Watch time to stand and pray in my driveway (usually between 6-7 AM). Many neighbors drive past me and wave. Most have stopped to greet me; even ask me to pray for them. I let them know that I am standing my post and praying for them. After a brief greeting, I will pray a short prayer over them as they leave. What an honor. Others may stop also: dog walkers, joggers, Amazon and school bus drivers. I share Christ and pray as I have opportunity. I’ve done that for years.
The Lord spoke to me this morning saying, that every day as you stand in your driveway you are a sign to those around you of your belief in God and love for them as neighbors.
Lift your voice in praise to the living God (Psm 150:1-6). #PraiseTheLord #ReasonToPraise #LiftYourVoiceToGod #ExaltTheNameOfGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In conclusion, “Praise the Lord!“ This is the psalm of Psalms. It is a fitting conclusion to the book of songs of praise to God. Exalt the name of our God in his sanctuary. Praise God for his mighty works and unequal greatness.
Praise God loudly on the horns, lyre, harp, and tambourine. Praise God with stringed instruments, flutes, and loud clashing symbols.
Dance vigorously before him in praise. “Let everything that has breath [can fog mirror] give praise to the Lord!“
Lord, your faithfulness, is more than reason enough for this aged sentry to praise you; you sustain, provide and protect.
May the deep wells of your soul erupt with praise to God (Psm 148:12-14). #PraiseTheLord #ReasonToPraise #ExaltTheNameOfGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
May all men (young and old; birth to end of days) give praise to the Lord. When the forces of nature are right, a geyser will erupt in glorious fashion. May all men in the same way, lift their voices in an eruption of praise to God. His name alone will be exalted above the heavens.
Let the people say, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is the name in all the earth “ (Psm 8:1). His glory resides in and above the earth (Psm 113:4). The Lord gives his holy ones reason to erupt in praises to him; he has made them strong. They are near to him and he to them (Eph 2:12,13).
PRAISE THE LORD!
Lord, this old sentry has reason, days without end, to PRAISE & EXALT THE NAME OF OUR LORD!
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.
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.
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.”*
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* 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.
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.
That The Generations Know
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.
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.
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.
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* 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).
Come early in repentance for sin to God (Ezk 6:8-10). #Repentance #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In the midst of Ezekiel’s message of war, destruction, famine, and exile there is a word of REPRIEVE. Though God will bring death and devastation upon his people, a remnant will be delivered through this judgment. This remnant will escape destruction but be scattered and exiled.
The remnant will repent when they realize how good God has been to them and how hurt God has been by their unfaithfulness to him. They will see God for his love and grace and turn back to him. Lord, you brought me through my exile in 1968*, leading me mercifully back to you.
Remain open to God‘s searching of your heart (Psm 139:19-24). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #SearchMyHeart
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
David concludes this Psalm – he has reflected on God‘s absolute knowledge, presence and power. He, enlists every one of these attributes of God to not only destroy his enemies, but to expose and separate him from any sinful offensive motivation, thought or word flowing from his own heart.
David knew he could not fool God, hide from or outrun God. He seeks genuine honesty before God regarding even his enemies. He seeks to be led by God along the pathway of everlasting life. Lord, I desire, invite, your deepest searching of my heart for any wayward or offensive word, or deed.
May your heart & voice never cease to offer praises to our God. (Psm 135:1-4).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Lord, I worship you. I lift high the name of the Lord God, Jehovah. May my words, thoughts and actions towards you resound in the courts of heaven.
I come this morning, celebrating your beautiful name with music (Open The Eyes Of My Heart; I Surrender All). Thank you for choosing me and grafting me into your chosen people (Rom 11:17). Your blessings never cease.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Broken, Not Destroyed
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.
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.
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.
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* 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Come humbly into God‘s presence; praise and worship him (Psm 114:4-8). #WorshipTheHoly #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
When God delivered Israel out of Egypt he turned back the Red Sea. He met with Moses on Mount Sinai. When God descended to meet with Moses, there was thunder, lightning, dark clouds, smoke, the blast of a trumpet and a terrible quaking of the earth. it was holy ground (Exo 19:16–19). When Israel crossed over into the promised land, the Jordan River was stopped up.
The psalmist here references all of that when he says, “The waters turned back and the mountains and hills skipped like Rams and lambs.“ The psalmist speaks rhetorically, “So, waters, why do you turn back? Mountains, why are you quaking?” The assumed answer is, because God is a holy presence – full of awe and power. God calls all of nature to worship, to give praise to him.
Lord, you give me reason to praise and worship you.
The Prayer Sentry 