Can’t Run, Can’t Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain humble and open to God’s conviction (Ezk 11:1-12). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #RemainOpenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The leaders of Jerusalem were leading God‘s people away from God. They believed that they were insulated from further Babylonian attacks (our city is like an iron pot; we the people are like meat safe in the pot). Neither the leaders, nor the people of Israel would acknowledge their sin.

Arrogance, pride, worship of pagan gods, ignoring God‘s word and his warnings was a recipe for failure and God‘s judgment/discipline. It was for Israel then and it is for us today. God put his finger directly on their faulty thinking – he knows our thoughts. Hiding from God is futile. Lord, keep the heart of this ol’ sentry from arrogance and pride.

Too little, Too Late

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart put faith in God alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭14-18‬). #TimeIsUp #Repent#TrustInGodAlone #TooLittleTooLate

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When the hammer of God‘s justice comes down, there will be no military might that can stave off the destruction. Here we see that God‘s judgment on Israel is manifested in the death of those in towns outside Jerusalem‘s walls. Inside the walls, famine and disease is a double edge sword.

Those who do escape will weep and mourn for their sin. Repentance will come…too little, too late to save their beautiful culture. This is the result of a nation who ignores God and puts faith in wealth, economy, military might, influence and political parties. Lord, may my heart learn to put its faith and trust in you alone.

Honored Vocation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

Discerning the Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

Words of High Value

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

__________

* The Knowledge Riddle

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

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

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

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

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

Freedom’s “Best Practices”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

God’s Word, Relevant

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s word…

… Broadens my horizon

… Expands my understand

… Elevates my perspective

… Revives my heart

… Informs my plans

… Speaks into my sorrows

… Strengthens my faith

… Sets my course of life

… Bolsters my confidence

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

B. I. B. L. E.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

B. I. B. L. E.

Basic Instructions Before

Leaving Earth

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

Actions Reflect Allegiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Living Example

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to demonstrate God’s grace with your life (Ezk 4:7). #UnderstandGod’sWord #God’sWordInLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am familiar with what they call a “living nativity scene.“ That is similar to what Ezekiel is doing here. He is acting out prophecy. He is a “living prophecy scene.”

Ezekiel will lay out a model of Jerusalem as under siege (vv1-3). He is then to emulate the people as bearing the weight of their sin (vv4–6). In verse 7 Ezekiel, while laying on his side, portrays God by “baring his arm” (a sign of readiness for drastic action – Isa 52:10) and prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem, to those already captive in Babylon.

This living prophecy scene is presumably observed by those coming by his quarters (as one might drive by a living nativity at Christmas).

Lord, may my life be a living example, a “living letter” that points to God’s grace (2Co 3:2,3).

Sieges of the Heart (Pt1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our hearts be open to God’s word; ready to listen & obey (Ezk 4:1-8). #ListenToGod’sWord #GodIsSpeaking

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Often the prophets would speak through object lessons (Jesus himself spoke in similar ways). This was always done to make a spiritual point about God‘s mercy and plan for men. This first object lesson of Ezekiel‘s was certainly done in plain view of many onlookers.

The onlookers here would be those Israelites living captive in Babylon. Word would spread quickly, “Come and see what Ezekiel is doing.“ Perhaps he laid out his object lesson in the front yard of his own living quarters. In confined living, ev’one would know where “the prophet” lived. The point was to draw disobedient hearts back to God and his plan for Israel.

Lord, may your word pique the interest of my heart to listen to what you are saying to me (to all of us).

Silent Mouthpiece

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Speak for God, only as led to do so (Ezk 3:24-27). #SilentForGod #SpeakForGod #SilentMouthpiece

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What happens next after the reoccurrence of the vision of God in his glory and Ezekiel’s call into the prophetic ministry is indeed strange. Nevertheless it is important to his inauguration as a prophet. He is to go to his house, be tied (bound) with rope so as not to go out among the people. He would also be struck dumb – unable to speak (silent mouthpiece).

Strange instructions for a prophet. However, when Ezekiel does get a message from God, he would be allowed to go out and speak.

Otherwise, he is rebound and speechless. This went on for over a year (4:4-6). He is to speak only when he is given God‘s message.* How often I am ready to spout off before I have heard from God. Lord, may I learn to wait upon you; deliberate on your message before I speak as for you.

________

* History records that Ezekiel was unable to speak, except when his tongue was loose by God to deliver God‘s message to the people (note 3:26,27 – the beginning of his prophetic ministry; approx. 593 BC). Ezekiel would be allowed to speak freely again when a fugitive survivor from Jerusalem reported its final destruction to Ezekiel and the exiles in Babylon (note 33:21,22 – approx. 586 BC).

Speak When Directed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you listen when God speaks; speak when he directs (Ezk 3:17-21). #DeliverGod’sMessage #ListenWhenGodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has issued his call to Ezekiel to the prophetic ministry. He is to be a “watchman” over Israel. God instructs Ezekiel to speak without delay, any message that God gives him. It matters not whether the message is to the wicked or to the righteous who have stumbled. Ezekiel is to tell them to turn to God or suffer the consequences; even death.

God informs Ezekiel that he is responsible for getting the message out. If he does, and the people listen and repent, they will be saved, as well as Ezekiel. If Ezekiel does not tell them, they will die in their sin and God will hold Ezekiel accountable for not delivering the message. Lord, may I listen when you speak to me and speak if you so direct me; lives will depend upon it.

THE WATCHMAN

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you hear and surrender to God‘s call (Ezk 3:16,17). #HearingGodsCall #UnderstandingGodsCall #SurrenderToGodsCall

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After two and one half chapters (53 verses) and one bodacious vision of God‘s absolute glory, Ezekiel‘s call from God to his prophetic ministry is articulated (1 verse). “Son of man, I [God] have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately” (v17).

The task of the watchman was to stand guard on the wall of the city and warn the people of any approaching danger. As a spiritual watchman, Ezekiel‘s task was to warn the people of the judgment to come if they did not turn from their sin back to God.

Lord, this aged prayer sentry must honor your time and resources invested in me by surrendering to you daily for whatever work I am called upon to do.

___________

I count 9 separate calls of God upon my life. Here’s a time line:

Throwing Stones

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we walk the walk before we talk. (Ezk 3:10,11) #WalkTheWalkB4UTalk #DoWhatYouSay #CastingStones

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Advice to any student of scripture: God says, “Let all my words sink deep into your own heart first (recall Ezk 3:1-3). Listen to my words carefully for yourself. Then go to the people and say this is what the Sovereign Lord says.“ Especially teachers and preachers take note. “Let him or her without sin cast the first stone” (Jhn 8:7).

Before you go expounding and exhorting, make certain that you yourself have listened to God’s message with a heart turned towards obedience. Do this before telling others what God says they are to do (1Co 9:27). Lord, as a dad, granddad and minister of the gospel, may I be first to listen and respond to the truth of Scripture.

Equal to the Task

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God to prepare you for that to which he calls you (Ezk 3:5-9) #EqualToTheRask #HardheadedProphet

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God reminded Ezekiel that his commissioning was not to go speak to a foreign people of some hard to understand language group. If he were, they would listen. But he is going to his own people in a foreign land (Babylon). There is no language barrier. It should be easy. But it will not be.

God says Israel is hard-hearted and hard-headed. She won’t listen to you – she won’t even listen to me, their God. But God, through Ezekiel, will withstand them. God has made Ezekiel just as hard-headed (determined and brazen) as they. Ezekiel need not fear their angry, defiant, rebellious response.

Lord, you will always make me equal to the task to which you call me.

Ingest, Digest & Manifest

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Read and heed the whole counsel of God (Ezk 3:1-4). #TheWordOfGod #GodSpeaksByHisWord #ReadAndHeed

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The scroll given to Ezekiel is symbolic of the word of God. Ezekiel is instructed to eat the scroll. He opened his mouth and the scroll was fed to him (INGEST). He was to fill his stomach completely with the scroll (DIGEST). Then he was to deliver its message (MANIFEST).

Though the scroll is full of doom and mournful proclamations over Israel and Judah, its taste to Ezekiel is like honey in his mouth. God’s word in its harshest critique of men will produce the sweet and peaceable fruit of righteousness.* Lord, may I receive the whole council of your word; ingest it, digest it, manifest it.

___________

* Psm 19:7-11;119:101-104; 2Ti 3:14-17; Heb 12:10,11

Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you be fearless in the face of gospel critics (Ezk 2:6-8). #Obedience #TrustGodForResults #StandFearlessForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God reinforces the thought that his people will not respect the words of the prophet. Worse, they will scoff at Ezekiel – brutal with their rank criticism. But Ezekiel should not be afraid, back down or emotionally shattered by their words.

Ezekiel 3:9 says that God had made Ezekiel just as hard-headed as the people.

God further warned Ezekiel that not speaking his message would be equivalent to joining them in their rebellion. Ezekiel was ultimately a fearless prophet. He stood powerfully before an unbelieving people and delivered God‘s message. Lord, I surrender my feelings to you; may I not be intimidated by those who criticize me over the gospel.

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.

How To Hear God’s Voice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Humble your heart to listen to God (Ezk 2:1). #ListenForGod’sVoice #GodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the call of God on Ezekiel‘s life. I am reminded first that there is a separation between man and God. “Son of man“ is a reminder to Ezekiel (and to me) that he is a man and nothing more. But he is a man with whom and to whom God will speak.

God saw Ezekiel‘s humble response to the vision in Chapter One. To “stand up” (as God here instructs), one must first go down (Ezk 1:28) in humble acknowledgment of God‘s presence. Humble hearts will illicit the voice of God speaking. Lord, my Morning Watch is dedicated to an open heart to listen to your voice.

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.

Serve With Quiet Resolve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

In Him We Move

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to move in unison with the heartbeat of God for this world (Ezk 1:10-14). #HeartForGod #UnityOfPurpose

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel continues his elaboration of the four beings and what he saw in his vision of God. Each of the four living beings that he saw (vv 5–9) came out of dark clouds above him and each had four faces. A human face was on the front, a lion’s face was on the right side, an ox face was on the left, and an eagle’s face was on the backside. All were covered in seeing eyes.

The four faces enable them move to forward in any direction without turning. They did so in a lightening fast, darting fashion as they were led by the spirit. The eyes enable them to see everywhere and at once. Spirit here likely refers to the mind or will; metaphorically as the wind and human soul (note Psm 104). The will of these beings was harnessed by God as one. They moved as God led them and in unison and in any direction.

Lord, may I move in unison with the heartbeat of God for my world.

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.

Hope That Overcomes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Love’s Assertion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Loving God’s Family

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

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.

Profound Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.