Follow God Fearlessly

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stand up, listen to God, follow fearlessly, speak boldly (Ezk 2:1-10). #GodSpeaks #StandWalkRun

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses capture the very moment of God‘s call of Ezekiel. All of this happens at once: God speaks, “Stand up – I want to speak to you.” As God speaks, Ezekiel’s spirit is energized to stand upright. He is prompted to listen.

God speaks again, “I am sending you to a stubborn, hard-hearted nation. Do not fear nor be dismayed. They may not listen, but they will know that a prophet of God has been among them. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.” A hand reached down to Ezekiel with a scroll for him to eat and he ate.

Lord, I remember the day you called me. I remember a subsequent day when you refined my vision. You filled my heart with your message. I still walk in that call today.

Ready, Go for God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be ready to go for God today (Ezk 2:1,2). #GodSpeaks #GoForGod #StandWalkRun

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When we have worshiped, been before God on our face, God does not expect us to stay prostrate, paralyzed, on the ground. No, we must then stand and be ready to go on in humble service. Micah 6:-8 compels us to “WALK humbly before God.” Roman 12:1 leads us to present our bodies as living sacrifices in honorable SERVICE to God.

Ezekiel was renewed in his spirit (note Isa 40:29-31). The Lord stood him on his feet. This was a sign that he was ready to go for God. Humble worship leads to faithful service. Lord, coming out of my daily personal cathedral of praise, my heart is renewed. I am ready to go for God today.

A Marked Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be alert to, listen for, God‘s call on your life (Ezk 1:28). #MarkedMan #AlertToGod’sCall #MarkedByGod’sGlory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel here mentions that he hears a voice for the second time. The first reference to a voice (v24) seems to be unintelligible. But here, the voice was speaking directly to Ezekiel. God is preparing to call Ezekiel and instruct him in his prophetic ministry.

The entire first chapter has set the stage and will carry Ezekiel through his entire ministry. He will never think of God again without a sense of awe, holy fear and wonder. “The man of God comes out from [HIS] presence indelibly marked by the glory of his Lord.” *

Lord, reading in this Old Testament book, may I be a man alert to your call and marked by your glory.

____________

* Taylor, John B. EZEKIEL, An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1969), 41.

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.

We Are What We Do

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Understand the severity of hypocrisy with God (Jer 34:17,18). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay

We Are What We Do;
Not What We Say We Will Do

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hypocrisy before God is something for which every believer ought to be aware: telling God you will do one thing, but doing another. The reference to cutting a calf in half and then walking between the halves to solemnize their vows was tantamount to signing a contract (Gen 15:9,10).

Significantly, the vows made here were made before God in the temple of God (v15). This is a fiercely defiant sin. It is the same as going to church on Sunday and putting on a show of piety, then living a life of sin and debauchery the rest of the week. Lord, may I always do what my words imply that I am.

The Love Factor

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Love’s Motivation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

What Is Love?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Guilty Of Being A Christian

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

LOVE CAME DOWN, ACTUS MAXIMUS

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

May you love and be loved to the max as Christ loved (1Jn 3:18,19). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrifice

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 As Christ Loved Us

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Love others unconditionally as christ loved (1Jn 3:16,17). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrafice

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.

Paths of Righteousness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Remain steadfast in the paths of righteousness (1Jn 2:29). #PathsOfRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John concludes, a sign that one is in Christ is he/she will manifest righteous behavior. At the same time, we know that good behavior and good works do not save us (Eph 2:8,9; Jas 2:14–17). It is simply a sign of one’s faith in Christ.

True righteousness will exalt Christ. It will be accomplished in all humility and stand the test of time. It will seek to put the needs of others ahead of its own and love unconditionally (1Co 13:4-7).

In the end, true righteousness acknowledges that there are none righteous but one – Christ the righteous one (1Jn 2:1). Finally, it relies upon God’s Holy Spirit for divine enablement.* Lord, may I follow paths of righteousness for the sake of the Name (Psm 23:3)

_________

* Jhn 14:16,26; Acts 1:8; Rom 8:26,27; Gal 5:22-24

“Only One Life”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Choose to love the Father in Heaven; love not the world (1Jn 2:15-17). #CTSudd #LoveNotTheWorld

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If your love is centered on desiring the things that please God and love for the Father, your reward is knowing that the fruit of your life and your very life itself will be preserved forever.

Contrast that life with the life that is centered purely on prideful self and desiring only the things of this world (what one can see and touch). The life of that one will slip ultimately into oblivion along with the fruit thereof. C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.” *

Lord, may the heart of this aged sentry be always centered upon you and a desire to please only you.

__________

* Consider the full text of this poem by C.T.Studd:

C. T. Studd – A Poem to Meditate on

Bulking Up Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

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 spiritual equity 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.

Selfless

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

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.

Know When to Hold’em..Fold’em

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Exercise godly wisdom in the heat of confrontation (Jer 28:1-11). #KnowWhenToHold’em #ShowRestraint #SeekGodlyWisdom

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Another prophet in Judah, Hananiah, confronted Jeremiah publicly in the Temple and before the priests and people. It was dramatic. Hananiah prophesied that the “yoke“ (27:2) of Babylon on the people of God would be removed within two years. All the Temple treasures and people in exile would be returned. Jeremiah had prophesied a 70 year exile (29:10).

To further dramatize his prediction, Hananiah removed the yoke on Jeremiah‘s neck and broke it into pieces. Jeremiah in his own dramatic way and waiting on God’s answer, turned and walked out of the Temple. How many times have I been in a confrontation and pushed back hard “knowing“ that “I” was right; later regretting my words/actions?

Lord, may I exercise godly wisdom in the heat of confrontation. “I got to know when to hold’em..fold’em.”

A Radiant Faith

I’m writing to share with you that my bride of 53 years (in August), passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, her heavenly Prince between 9:30 and 10:00 pm, July 4 (Her day of independence from this old world).

Diagnosed in 2011, she battled Alzheimer’s for some 14 years.

Dianne deeply loved her family, friends and faith family. Her heart for people and her Lord has stood the test of time.

I moved her to memory care last November ‘23. Five months later (Apr) she experienced a sudden and steep decline. After nursing her back to some modicum of heath, she suffered another decline last week. She would not recover from that.

Never complaining once in these few months, her faith remained strong. Her faith remained radiant all the way to the end.

Lesson of the Recabites

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain steadfast and devoted to God and his word (Jer 35:12-19). #SteadfastObedience #Judgment #Recabites #Devoted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah chapter 35 draws a contrast between the Recabites and Judah. For 300 years this Israelite tribe firmly stood by their ancestor, Johanadab’s “man-made” command, not to drink wine nor assimilate into the culture of the time; they remained nomads. But Judah could not, would not, remain true to the very words, commands, of God.

The result was Judah would be judged and the Recabites would be blessed with descendants that would serve God. It is God‘s desire that his people live in obedience and steadfast devotion to him. Lord, may my life honor you by steadfast devotion and obedience to you.

70 Year Exile: Significance (Prt 2of3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Respect God‘s discipline; fulfill his plan (Jer 25:11–14). #ForOurGood #GodDisciplinesHisLovedOnes #God’sDiscipline

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Another significant thing that can be said for the announcement of the 70 years of captivity is that it gives hope to those faithful to God. The godly remnant can take heart knowing that God‘s anger would not last forever. The joy of the bridegroom, the prosperity of the land would return. His mercy and grace endure forever (Jer 33:11). (See also Psm 30:5; 103:8-11; 136:1–3; Mic 7:18)

The godly would be able to endure the coming devastation (God‘s discipline) with patience, knowing that this discipline is for their greater good and well-being (Heb 12:10-13). They would not turn against God, but to him in greater love and devotion. God‘s discipline in our lives serves to make us more devoted followers. Lord, give this old sentry a healthy respect for your discipline in my life.

“Cancel Culture”, 600 B.C. – Alive & Well

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be discerning of the voices around you (Jer 26:20-24). #CoolHeadsPrevail #BeDiscerning #StillSmallVoiceOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In contradistinction to king Hezekiah, who led the people to repent at the words of Micah, the prophet (vv18,19), Jehoiakim killed Uriah the prophet for delivering a similar message as Jeremiah to Judah. (Hezekiah was Jehoiakim‘s great great grandfather). “Cancel Culture“ – alive and well in 600 BC. Jehoiakim tracked Uriah down in Egypt, brought him back to Judah, and executed this prophet of God.

Finally, in the case against Jeremiah, Ahikam, who served under godly king Josiah (2Ki 22:12-14) sided with the elder wiser men in the room (v17). The court acquitted Jeremiah. One innocent, prophet killing was one too many (v15). Lord, I cannot always rely on the loudest voices in the room and must listen for the still small voice of God.*

___________

* See a similar event when hot headed priests planned to kill Peter. A wise and elder Pharisee shed wisdom on their deliberations.

Cooler Heads Prevail

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek counsel from wiser, more knowledgeable and cooler heads (Jer 26:16-19). #CoolHeadsPrevail #SeekOutListenToWisdom #KnowYourHistory

Following Jeremiah‘s threefold defense (vv12–15) the court officials, in agreement with the people, sided with Jeremiah and against the priests and false prophets: Jeremiah was speaking for God, and did not deserve to die.

Some wise and cooler heads also spoke. They recalled when the prophet Micah predicted disaster for Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah (Mic 1:1; 3:12), Hezekiah led the people to turn from their sin and worship God. They begged God‘s mercy. God heard their prayer and changed his mind. Jeremiah’s court concluded that to kill Jeremiah would serve only to do themselves great harm.*

Lord, may I always seek out and listen to counsel from wiser cooler heads; may I be wise in my counsel to others.

___________

* See a similar event when hot headed priests planned to kill Peter. A wise and elder Pharisee sheds wisdom on their deliberations.

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.

Semblance V. Substance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be people of deep faith and substance (2Ki 23:34-37; Jer 22:13–17). #SubtanceOverSemblance #PursueFaithAndSubstsnce

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]

A second of King Josiah‘s sons was made a puppet vassal-king by Pharaoh Neco. His name was changed to Jehoiakim. He reigned 11 years. He heavily taxed the Hebrew people to pay the tribute demanded by Neco. He was an unjust, greedy, dishonest and ruthless man (Jer 22:13–17). He had Uriah the prophet killed (Jer 26:20-23). He was nothing like his father, Josiah. [You can inherit many things, but you cannot inherit faith and substance]

Jehoiakim indulged himself at the people’s expense. “I will have a magnificent palace,” he said. But Jeremiah said, “A beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king” (Jer 22:15). Semblance: sad substitute for substance (1Sa 16:7). Leadership and authority is not validated in raw power. It is validated in humility of heart (in the home first, then to those with whom one works/serves, finally to the uttermost parts of one’s reach). Lord, may this old sentry always strive for deep faith and substance.

You Make Choices; Choices Make You

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Choose to follow after God (2Ki 23:31-33). #ChooseJesus #ChoicesMakeTheMan

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

With the passing of King Josiah comes the fulfillment of the prophecy by Huldah (2Ki 22:18-20; 2Ch 34:26–28). Disaster was about to overtake Judah. Judgment for her sin (the sin of her leaders and people) was on the horizon in Egypt. Neither of Josiah‘s sons were able to curb the sin of Judah – nor did they even desire to.

The first son to succeed Josiah was Jehoahaz. He was anointed as king by the people. He was an evil man. He reigned 90 days. Pharaoh Neco took him prisoner, removed him from power and exiled him just as Jeremiah had predicted (Jer 22:10-12). He died an exile in a foreign land. Heritage does not a righteous man make. Lord, may I always choose to follow Christ.

Tribute to a Godly King

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our nation’s leaders and people humbly follow after God (2Ki 23:25; 2Ch 35:24-25). #FollowHardAfterGod #HumblyFollowAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“Never before (or since) had there been a king like Josiah.“ Jeremiah also honors Josiah as an extraordinary king; “Josiah was just and right in all his dealings (Jer 22:15,16). Josiah sought God early in his life as a boy (2Ch 34:2,3). He honored the written word of God (2Ki 22:11; 23:2,3). He humbled himself in repentance and turned his heart towards God.

Josiah sought to obey God “with all his heart, soul and might” as recorded in Deuteronomy 6:5. He brought about sweeping reforms in the nation of Judah and pointed the people back to God. Josiah was elevated as the most righteous and highly regarded King ever in Israel. Lord, this king challenges me to the core, to be obedient to you in all my ways, all of my days left on this earth.

A Living Example

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Live fully for God; point others to him (2Ch 34:33). #HumblyFollowAfterGod #InfluenceMenForChrist #BeAChristlikeModel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah did everything he could to point the people to God. He renewed his vows to the Covenant of God. He informed the people of the need to follow God alone. He tore down all the idols in the land, to prevent further open worship of pagan gods (no gods). He provided the religious leaders, and the people with a godly model of worship towards God alone the rest of his life.

But, real change of heart cannot be ordered or legislated by law. People must themselves read God’s word and be open to God for genuine change to occur. Our lives should reflect humble obedience to God’s word. Lord, may my life be an example of following Christ. May it be that others are drawn to follow Christ by the life, the words and the actions of me as a sentry for God.

Got Troubles?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you know God’s grace & mercy in times of painful struggles (Jer 20:1–6). #Struggles #GotTroubles?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The day after Jeremiah was arrested, whipped, put in leg irons and locked in torturous stocks; publicly humiliated by Pashhur, he was released. Pashhur was the temple administrator (a priest). He was wrong to do what he did. He was indifferent to Jeremiah’s message. He stood against God in his actions.

[Gamaliel, Paul’s Pharisee mentor, had a thought on this. He intervened for Peter before the Jewish council who intended to kill them (Acts 5:38,39)]

In 50 plus years of ministry I have, at times, felt the backbiting ire, of religious people. It was certainly not to the extent of Jeremih’s pain. But it was enough for me to understand the sorrow and hollow feeling of rejection for simply trying to do the right thing.

In those times, I may not have been perfect in my methods, but I know the intents of my heart were genuinely fixed on doing God’s will (which, by the way, ultimately prevail). Things have been put right with most of those detractors; others, not so much. What I remember in those times is how I learned to rely upon God‘s grace and mercy (Heb 4:16).

Judgment Will Roll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not ignore the pleadings of God to repent and turn to him (Jer 18:18–23). #TurnNowToGod #RepentAndTurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While the obstinate people of God and their leaders are saying, “Do not listen to Jeremiah’s thunderous words of repentance,“ Jeremiah is saying to God “Listen to their words of evil” towards him. Jeremiah has warned the people of God’s of coming judgment (vv15–17). Their response is to discredit and kill Jeremiah.

Jeremiah‘s prayer is not one of vengeance, for he has earnestly contended for their souls (14:7-9; 19-22). Jeremiah is now praying for protection, because of his faithfulness to deliver the message. He is also praying that God would now allow his stated judgments for sin to roll down on his unrepentant people. Lord, remove any obstinate way within my heart.

The Partridge & Ill-gotten Gain

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Exalt Jehovah God as the undisputed Lord of your life (Jer 17:11-13). #GodHighAndLiftedUp #ThereIsNoGodLikeJehovah

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The principle of judgment is explained here – so there is no misunderstanding. Consider the rich man who acquires his wealth unjustly. He is like a Partridge, who hatches eggs she did not lay. When the baby birds learn to fly, they take their flight never to roost again with their “nanny mother.“ Just so, ill gotten gain shall eventually “take flight“ and leave the wealthy man in poverty.

Those who turn to God will be blessed (v7). All others will be forsaken. Their names will disappear, leaving no trace of them (v13). The solution to judgment is to humbly worship at the throne of God, who is eternal, exalted, and glorious (v12). Lord, I am called upon by you to enthrone, the Lord Christ as the exalted one, high, and lifted up in my life.

Pastor, Rejoice!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive to give your pastoral leaders, a reason to rejoice (Heb 13:7,8,17). #HonorPastoralLeaders #EncourageSpiritualLeaders

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer points once again to spiritual leaders who have lived their lives faithful to God (Ch 11). He tells his readers to remember them, revere, and honor them for their example. Many are now gone off the scene. But our supreme leader, Jesus Christ, is still here. He is, he was and he will be the model we all follow. He never changes.

With respect to current spiritual leaders, listen to them with a heart to hear what they say regarding the faith. I would add, pray for them. Spiritual leaders are accountable to God for what they teach and for the care of their flock. Give these leaders a reason to sing, to rejoice.

Lord, it is incumbent upon me to pray for and heed my pastoral leaders. They strive to carry the message of truth and care for my growth in Christ.