Remain open to God‘s sovereign will in your life (Ezk 1:19-21). #God’sSovereignRule #QuietResolve #Surendered
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There is no lack of spiritual explanations for the movement of the living beings described by Ezekiel. But everything described thus far prepares us for what will follow. These cherubim support some kind of horizontal surface, upon which our deity (God) is enthroned (vv26–28). The entire structure moves as our God instructs these cherubim.
The will of these beings is harnessed by God . They serve at his command. Their will (or “spirit“) exists in the wheels. The cherubim remain still, as if motionless. The wheels alone move this heavenly chariot-throne in all directions and up and down. This would seem to represent our God as not being bound by any earthly model. They whose will is surrendered to him, serve with a still, quiet and peaceful resolve (Isa 26:3).
Lord, may my will be so surrendered to you that I may serve you quickly and with quiet resolve.
Pray to persevere to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:13,14;1Pe 2:2). #PersistInGodsWord #CallUponGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel further elaborates on the living beings he saw in vv4-7, as if they were bright coals of fire or brilliant, burning torches. He saw what seemed like lighting, flashing back-and-forth between the beings. The reference to coals of fire, burning torches and lightening likely refer to the message of judgment of God on Judah that Ezekiel will soon deliver.
The 21st century observer might look at this vision as “sci-fi.“ Who could have imagined such a thing hundreds of centuries ago (some 600 years before Christ)? Yet, there is still more of this vision to unpack.
I’m trying hard not to get lost in the weeds. I’m trying to just imagine the sheer power and majesty of God revealed here. Lord, I pray for understanding and the perseverance needed to press into this vision and message of Ezekiel.
Seek humbly to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:28; 2:1,2; 3:23,24). #ListeningToGod #SayWhat
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
My heart is perplexed as I read God‘s call of Ezekiel. It is a call like no other prophet in length, scope and vision. His call is three chapters long. It is simple yet, complex. I have pondered the vision and message (the call) of Ezekiel for several days. I want to understand all of it, but my heart is perplexed, hesitant. Yet I am moved to grasp its meaning.
I am asking God for understanding. I am asking him to overcome my hesitations and lack ofCOURAGEto press into this prophetic book. I wish to emulate Ezekiel, coming face down to the ground in humility before God. I pray to God, “Lord, may this old sentry receive understanding of all that you intend from this prophetic book.” As I pray, I’m hearing God say, as he said to Ezekiel, “Stand up, I want to speak with you by my Spirit” (2:1,2; 3:24 above).
Thank God for his enduring compassions for men (Psm 113:1-9).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Our praise to and for God is centered on his great concern for all of his creation (Psm 104) and all of his compassions for the people of his creation (Psm 103). Here we see God’s concern is especially for the poor and oppressed.
Though God sits enthroned on high, above heaven and earth. he is not aloof from man and those who suffer. We may rightfully give praise to God for his greatness and favor. Lord, you make your abode on high and with those contrite in heart (Isa 57:15).
Give praise to the Lord for his many blessings (Pam 104:1). #PraiseToTheLord #CountYourBlessings
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The psalmist David opens and closes this song as he did Psalm 103, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“ [Read that a couple times]
David encourages himself; calls upon his whole being to give praise to the Lord.
Yesterday I was thinking about the medical condition of my dear bride of nearly 53 years (Alzheimer’s; diagnosed, 2011). I noted in my spirit that I was not angry with life or at God, as some may be prone. My heart instead was immediately inclined towards giving praise to God. Why? For all his rich goodness to us in those 53 years of marriage…AND COUNTING.
How could I be so thoughtless and ungrateful as to complain? Our lives (though filled with many ups and downs) have been so blessed by God. Lord, I cannot even begin to count the ways you have blessed us in life, marriage, family, friendships and ministry. “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“
Rely fully on God‘s unchanging word; eternal life is a certainty (1Jhn 5:13). #HopeForTheFuture #EternallySecure
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Concluding his letter, John states for the third time (words to the effect) “These things I have written“ (see 1:4 & 2:1). These words in this epistle point to the believer’s assurance. There is a certainty about the life of faith and following Christ.
Here I see that eternal life for the Christian is a certainty. There is no guessing, no “hope so“ kind of uncertain future. Eternal life is an absolute certainty. The word of God is our authority on that truth. Lord, my faith is based upon the truth of God’s word – he won’t lie, cannot lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18).
Lean fully upon God’s promise of eternal life (1Jhn 5:10-12).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John is finishing his case for believing in the living Christ. Verse 10b explains clearly that to refuse to accept the threefold witness of God for Christ (vv6-10a) is to call God a liar. Continuing in defiance of God is a sin from which to run.
God has given us eternal life in his son, Jesus. If you have the son, you have the life. It is a gift. In Christ, God has “given us eternal life.” John McArthur makes a clear and simple statement of this truth: “Eternal life is the divine presence of Jesus in us.“ It is aforever gift. Lord, 1Jn 5:11-13 has long been a precious promise to my heart.
Give praise for our overwhelming hope in Christ (1Jhn 5:4,5). #ChristIsTheVictory #JesusOvercomesTheWorld
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Every child of God, no exceptions, defeats the evil in this world. Victory is achieved through our faith in the Son of God – Jesus. That is to say, as long as there are committed believers, followers of Christ in this world, there will be hope.
Hope that men can be loving towards each other;
Hope that nations can/will repent and come to Christ;
Hope that even one child of God can make a vast difference;
Hope that gives assurance of ultimate eternal victory over the evil of this world.
Lord, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
May your heart follow Christ always (1Jhn 5:3). #AssertingGodsLove #GodsLoveLeads #LoveGodLoveOthers
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
When I am following the teachings (the commandments) of Jesus, I am asserting my love and yieldedness to him. No one follows the ways, views or teachings of someone they don’t respect. Further, it is not a burden to follow Christ commands, teachings (Mat 11:29,30).
I often fail to follow those teachings as well as I could – not because they are hard, but because at times I choose to go my own way. I am always better off when I follow God’s ways…and others are blessed in the process. Lord, may my heart always be to follow your ways.
Resolve to love all those in your spiritual family (1Jn 5:1,2). #LovingGodsFamily #LoveEachOther
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In a family, we don’t get to pick (as children) our brothers and sisters. Parents determine that. It is the same in God‘s family. God is the one who determines who our family members might be. So it is, as in any family, We’re called upon by the Father (God) to love our brothers and sisters (Jhn 13:34,35).
When my younger sister and I had disagreements at home, our parents would tell us, “Work it out.“ Our parents loved us, but they didn’t solve our differences. Our task was to love each other and work things out. Today, 75+ years later, I still love my sister and her family. We’re friends.
Lord, I give thanks for the family you have given to me…biologically and spiritually.
May God‘s love govern all your relationships (1Jn 4:17-21). #TheLoveFactor #LoveGodLoveOthers
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Because (if) we live genuinely in a love relationship with God, we fear not the judgment. We live confidently. All fear is removed because this perfect love in us casts out, removes, our fear. If one lives in fear of judgment, it exposes their real problem. They have no love relationship with God.
Further, it is not possible to say you love God, but hate your brother or sister in Christ. The Love Factor says I may have a disagreement with a brother or sister in Christ, but I can still, by the Spirit of God, love them. Lord, may your love govern all my relationships.
Surrender daily to a love relationship with Christ (1Jn 4:16,17).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
We know how much God loves us. He offered up his only Son on a cross to take all the punishment we deserved for our crimes, our sin (vv9,10; Jhn 3:16). We put all our trust in that sacrificial event of love. We are in him by that love and he is in us by his Holy Spirit (v13).
As we continue abiding in that love it grows into greater maturity. The result, the outcome is that we will have nothing to fear on the day of judgment. We will be able to face our Lord with confidence because we have genuinely sought to live like Christ in and before a watching world.
Lord, this old sentry continues daily pressing into this love and relationship with you.
Rely on the Spirit of God for meaningful day-to-day relationships (1Jn 4:13-15).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
… And just what exactly is it that motivates Christians to live out this “love,” that is so willing to sacrifice self for others? It is the Holy Spirit of God that lives inside of those who have trusted Christ as Savior. This Spirit, given us at salvation (Eph 1:13), provides the unction and motivation that moves us to love God and love others (Gal 5:22–25).
Loving others in sacrificial ways is the evidence, the proof of the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers; that motivation for believers. Lord, my obedience to do anything you ask of me is totally dependent upon the motivation of your Spirit within me.
May the world see God in us by our love (1Jn 4:9-12). #GodIsLove #ShowGod’sLove #God’sLoveOnDisplay
“No one has ever seen God. But his love is made known in believers” (1Jn 4:12)
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is John’s companion verse to John 3:16. God so loved us. he sent his only son into our world, that we might have eternal life through him. He (Jesus) sacrificed his life, bearing our punishment for sin’s absolution (1Jn3:16). God gave us the model for how we ought to love each other (sacrifice).
This is profound: “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is brought to full expression in us.“ People see the living compassionate God in our love for each other. Lord, may this old sentry truly manifest, give expression to, the reality of the living God.
Express God’s love in your choices and actions (1Jn 4:7,8). #GodIsLove #ShowGod’sLove #ChoicesAndActions
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“God is love“ – he defines love. We don’t impose our view or definition of love on God. That is to say, “love is God.“ NO! God is the very essence of love. Man’s view of love is “feeling“ oriented. It is wrapped up in self and satisfaction of the flesh.
God’s love is “sacrifice” driven. It’s about choices we make and actions we take. It puts others first. It seeks the best for others. This is how we are to love one another. It shows we belong to God. Lord, may my choices and actions reveal God’s love in me.
Make a profound profession of faith in Christ (1Jn 4:4-6). #FaithInChrist #ListenToTheSpiritOfTruth #ProfoundFaith
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In these verses the people whose lives are represented by the spirit that lives and rules in this world, are people who speak only from this world’s viewpoint. They listen only to the spirit of this world, they belong to this world.
But believers have had victory over this world and the things in this world. They belong to God‘s kingdom. They know God and they listen to his Spirit. Those of this world do not know God nor do they listen to him. This is how we may know that someone has the Spirit of truth or a spirit of deception.
Lord, listening to and heeding your Spirit is a clear sign of a genuine and profound faith in Christ.
May our lives, give evidence of our faith in Christ (1Jn 3:23,24). #EvidenceThatDemadsAVerdict #ChristianGuiltyAsCharged
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What is the proof of our faith?
1) That we genuinely believe in the name of God‘s son, Jesus Christ. To believe in the name is to take the name as our standard, our banner (vv2,3).
2) That we will have a genuine love for our brothers and sisters in Christ (vv11,14).
3) That the Spirit bears witness to our faith (v24; 1Co 12:3).
We will pattern our lives after Christ, love our brothers and sisters in Christ and allow the Spirit to control our lives. Lord, may my life be ample evidence to convict me of being a Christian.
May our prayers reflect our obedience to God (1Jn 3:21-22). #AskingAndReceiving #WhyGodAnswersPrayer #PUSHPRAYER
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
If we know that we are walking in the light of Christ, we have a confident faith, we will have whatsoever we ask. We may know that if we are walking in obedience to Christ, doing things that please God, we can be confident that the things we ask will truly line up with God’s will.
This is the reality of prayer for the believer. How could God ever deny that which comes from his heart through us and back to him? This is the ”whatsoever you ask in my name“ promise that he will do. So P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens.
Lord, may my prayers reflect a heart that is wholly surrendered to you.
Be motivated by genuine love for others (1Jn 3:20). #ServeOutOfLove
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Guilt, condemnation, are not virtues of the Christian faith. This is NOT WHY Jesus came. Conviction, on the other hand, is a tool of the Holy Spirit to get our attention.
Perhaps we are “feeling“ guilt over not having done something right or enough in our love for others. God is greater than those feelings.
Perhaps we did something, but our motivation was off the mark (we were self-serving, seeking attention). Conviction, will notify us of our need to confess. God is then faithful to forgive and restore (1Jn 1:9). This IS WHY Jesus came. Lord, may we serve from a heart of genuine love and not duty.
May you love and be loved to the max as Christ loved (1Jn 3:18,19). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrifice
ACTUS MAXIMUS
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Simply put, love, as Christ loved, is more than a feeling. It is more than pleasant words. Someone has captured the essence of this in the oft repeated phrase, “Don’t tell me how much you care until you show me how much you care“. A relief organization (ministry) uses this motto, “Love, More Than Words“. Latin: ACTA NON VERBA”.
This is exactly what John is saying. As Christian’s we are to “show“ our love by the “actions“ we take. This is Christmas. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jhn 15:13). That is an ACTUS MAXIMUS. This is the Christ of Christmas. Lord, may I know love and express love to the max just as Christ loved.
Love others unconditionally as christ loved (1Jn 3:16,17). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrafice
God Loved Us; He Sent His Son
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As believers, we are not without an example of unconditional love. This word love in the Greek is agápē. It is a self sacrificing love. It is conditioned solely on the one loving, not on how good or bad the recipient of that love may be.
This love will always give out of its own resources, no matter how small or great. that is how Jesus loved. That is how we are love. We love others as Christ loved us. That is often hard work. It takes a surrender and reliance on God’s Holy Spirit. Lord, may I love with the heart of Christ.
Love others unconditionally as Christ loved (1Jn 3:11-15). #LoveMoreThanWords#LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Christianity, (faith in Christ) is, at its core, a religion of the heart. Cain killed Abel because Cain’s heart was dark and corrupt (v12).* He hated his brother Abel. Abel‘s righteousness exposed Cain’s unrighteous and intemperate heart. Hate grew into a root of bitterness – a heinous murderous mindset (Heb 12:15; Mat 5:21,22).
Believers may not always agree with each other, but they will truly love one another as Jesus taught. That proves our love for God (Jhn 13:34,35; 15:12). That love will often be despised by the world. They hated Christ, they will hate you as well (Jhn 15:18). Lord, may I have and show a genuine love that comes from above, for all people.
Grow in the knowledge of God; grow in every victory over the evil one (1Jn 2:12-14). #FaithIsTheVictory #BulkingUp
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John stops here to affirm the spiritualequity and proficiency of his readers. “Children“ is not a statement of spiritual sloth, but spiritual position. They are children of God. Young and old in faith, John describes their bulk in equity and proficiency.
Equity: 1) they have had their sins forgiven (v12); 2) they are mature in their knowledge of God the Father (v14).
Proficiency: they are 1) growing in their faith and knowledge of Christ (vv13,14); 2) they are strengthened through every victory over the evil one (vv13,14).
God’s word has been hidden in their hearts (Psm 129:11), they have tasted victory in their lives (v14). Lord, may I count myself among believers who are mature and strong.
Show love (selfless concern) for others, even in disagreements (1Jn 2:7-11). #LoveOneAnother #LoveYourEnemy #ShowSelflessConcern
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Not only is our love for God revealed by our obedience to his word, his commands, so also is our love for one another. If we claim to be walking in the light, we will express a selfless sacrificial love for each other (Jhn 13:34,35). We will also express this love towards our enemies as well (Mat 5:43,44).
Selfless love is a hallmark trait of Christian character. At least it should be. You cannot claim to be living in the light and at the same time hate your brother. That is cause for great concern. For such a one still remains in darkness. Lord, may I always show selfless concern for others, even when we disagree.
Trust the reliability of God‘s word (1Jn 1:1–4). #RealWitness #ReliableWitness #Truth
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Apostle John begins this epistle in a similar way as he begins his gospel account in the Gospel of John. John is testifying to the truth and veracity of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. He is speaking to believers who had never seen nor heard Jesus. But John knew him personally.
It had been a full generation since the final events of Christ’s life on earth. John begins by making the case that he (along with others) had walked with Jesus, seen him, touched him, heard him speak and talked with him. His witness is reliable.
Lord, I may trust the reliable eye witness of those who knew Jesus firsthand and wrote about it.
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.
__________
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 !
_________
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).
______
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.
Take joy and peace, knowing God is for you (Jer 50:17–20). #God’sProtection #God’sProvision
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Because of her sin, Israel was scattered and devoured by “lions” (Assyria and Babylon). God will, and did, bring down both empires. God‘s people may take hope in the ultimate provision and protection of his remnant. They will be brought safely home to his fold.
Although there was not a mass return to Israel when Babylon fell, there will be in the last days (Isa 11:11,12). Israel will again be satisfied in their fruit-filled fields. Their sin will be absolved and forgiven. This is a promise of the new, far better, covenant (Heb 8:6) God‘s people may take hope in the words of Jeremiah.
Lord, you are always at work in the world with your eye on your people.
Eagerly anticipate the second coming of Christ (Jer 50:1–10). #Maranatha #ComeLordJesus
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is no hidden prophecy. “Tell the whole world, hold nothing back – Babylon (a symbol of evil through time] will fall.” Seventy years later (539 BC), she was conquered by King Cyrus of the Medo-Persian Empire. It is further announced that God‘s people in captivity (exile) to Babylon would be set free. Having been led astray by their shepherds, they would now find their way home to the sheepfold of God’s making.
While much of this came true after 539 BC, some things are yet to be fulfilled. Babylon as a place and as a symbol of evil, was not totally destroyed by King Cyrus. Also, the total surrender of God’s people to God and return to Jerusalem was only partially fulfilled. So there is a blending of the soon to come then and the yet far away events. God’s calendar is still in play today. *
Lord, may our days today see the total fulfillment of all these events –“Maranatha!”…Oh, Lord, come! (Rev 22:20; Phi 3:20; Tit 2:13; et al.).
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* Walvoord & Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament. Victor Books, 1985), 1199.
Expect God‘s message of hope in times of spiritual crisis (Jer 51:62–64). #Changed #HopeInGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Oppressors of God’s People Will Sink & Never Rise Again
After Seraiah had read the scroll (Chs 50, 51) he was to summarize what the Lord had said: “Babylon would be utterly destroyed, abandoned forever.” Then, in a final expression of hope for God‘s people, Seraiah was to tie the scroll to a stone and throw it into the Euphrates River. He was to say, “In this same way, Babylon and her people will sink, never to rise again because of the disasters God will bring upon her.“
It is just a stones throw away from understanding the hope that is made clear to God’s people. They will ultimately find favor in God’s eyes again. He will deliver them from their oppressor in due time, CHANGED (see 50:4,5). God’s discipline is not forever, but it is forever intended to bring about the hope of godly change in his people. Lord, start right here with this old sentry.
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
Behind the Veil
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.
_________
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.
The Prayer Sentry 