God, Never Not Leading

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Rely on God to place you where he wants you (Psm 114:1–3). #FollowGod’sLeading 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am temporarily stepping away from the intensity of God‘s call of Ezekiel. Centuries prior to Ezekiel‘s call, God had delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt. The psalmist here reminds God people to be mindful that God chose them.* Circumstances then led them to Egypt and into bondage. But God led them out, delivered them from Egypt. 

God parted the Red Sea in a mighty act of deliverance. Following the forty year wilderness journey, he stopped up the Jordan River and made a path for his people to enter into the land promised to them. Lord, I am reminded that I may rely upon your absolute determination to lead me to the places of your choosing.

__________

* Why God chose Israel – this blog:

Who Am I? Where am I?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May our hearts hunger & thirst for righteousness (Psm 139:23,24; Mat 5:6).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Five to six days into my reading of Ezekiel, I had to stop and ask myself the question, “How do I apply what I am hearing God say to me? Where do I fit myself in these messages from God?” I had to stop and consider these few following thoughts:

If I am able to say that I am a man who is essentially following God‘s direction, I might be able to say that I relate to Ezekiel (or to some remnant of the godly, who are left in Jerusalem). But, if I must say that I am a man who has essentially been or currently am being disobedient, then I must relate to God’s rebellious people.

WHO DO I THINK AM I?

If I relate with Ezekiel, then it is a matter of obedience for me. I must continue to have daily conversations with God, listen to what he tells me in his word and then boldly carry out his instructions, no matter how difficult. I must ask, “Am I willing to follow God? How far would I go to proclaim God‘s truth?”

If I relate to those who have been disobedient to God, then I must stare into these prophetic words of Ezekiel, hear the truth of what God tells me about my sin/defilement, repent and turn back to him or suffer the consequences. Here I must ask, “Am I recalcitrant? How far have I gone, how far am I willing to go into sin before yielding to God‘s truth?“

WHERE DO I THINK I AM?

At times, I may come close to following Ezekiel‘s example. But I have certainly also had my times of extreme wayward behavior. God has had to deal harshly with me.

If I am honest, I would have to put myself in between the two ends of this spectrum – somewhere between obedient and recalcitrant. The questions for me daily are, “Where do I want to be on that spectrum? Am I seeking after righteousness? What am I willing to do to get there? Does God still communicate with me and I with him?” If I am still on speaking terms with God then there is still hope, mercy and grace for me. 

This is all tied to that process we call “sanctification”. So, I am always in a state of growth. If I am sincerely walking in the Spirit I am not fulfilling the desires of the sinful nature (Gal 5:16-17). I am always growing and moving upward not down, forward not back. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (ICo ‭15‬:‭57‬).

Sieges of the Heart (Pt3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Let not the siege of sin and disobedience put a barrier between you and God (Ezk 4:3). #FullSurrender #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I have to remind myself as I read Ezekiel, the prophet is not addressing residents of Jerusalem. He is addressing citizens of Judah (Jerusalem) who have already been removed and deported to Babylon. False prophets have been telling them this season of captivity would be short-lived. Not so! (Jer 29:8-11)

The iron griddle in v3, placed between Ezekiel and his clay model city under siege, symbolizes the severity of the siege against the hearts of Jerusalem and the impregnable barrier between them and God because of sin (Isa 59:2). Jerusalem would cry out to God, but get no answer. The city would eventually fall.

Lord, there is no bargaining, no deal to be had with you. Only my full surrender and reverent obedience will suffice.

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). 

Pursuit of God 

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Live a life of unqualified pursuit of God (Ezk 3:22,23). #PursueGod #ReverenceForGod 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel has been called and appointed by God to the office of Prophet (v17a). He has been given a charge to speak quickly, boldly and truthfully whatever message God gives him (v17b). Now Ezekiel is directed to remove himself to a valley-plain (perhaps the valley where his vision of dry bones occurred – 37:1). 

Having removed himself to said valley, Ezekiel sees the same vision of God on his chariot-throne as in chapter one. Seeing God in all his glory, Ezekiel falls down on his face prostrate before God. Lord, I see in a man, Ezekiel, one who models for me an unmitigated reverence for God.

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:

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 

Be not dismayed when rejected

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.

Hard-headed Compassion

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.

The Measure of a Ministry

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Clearly speak God‘s message and trust God for the results (Ezk 2:4,5). #Obedience #TrustGodForResults 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is hard to dwell on the various elements of God‘s call on Ezekiel. What compels me to dwell here is God‘s intense concern for his rebellious people. He calls them “stubborn,” hardheaded people. Their hearts were set on rebellion. 

God’s people had been shameless and unyielding in their will. They wouldn’t yield, even when proven guilty (Isaiah 48:4-6). Irregardless, Ezekiel‘s charge was to speak God‘s undiluted message and they would know that a prophet of God had spoken to them. God measures success by our obedience. 

Lord, I will speak your truth and be judged by my obedience not how successful I was.

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 

Marked for God

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.

Surrender – No Reservations

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Surrender in obedience to the radiant Lord of Heaven (Ezk 1:26-28). #SeeGodInNewWays #Surrender #RadiantLordOfHeaven  #RevereGod’sTruth-Faithfulness 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s initial impression of God’s throne is taken with its azure-blue appearance. He is then taken with a figure that looks like a man on that throne. The upper body was glowing like amber, flickering like fire. The lower body looked like burning flames shining with great splendor. Around the entire image of this throne was the appearance of a rainbow-like brilliance. Its radiance engulfed the vision in multicolored splendor. 

All of this would seem to point to the judgment of God (the fire) and at the same time the covenant of peace that comes after the judgment (the rainbow). This would seem to express the focus of Ezekiel’s prophetic call. He would see it again three more times (3:22,23; 8:3,4; 43:2,3)

I am left without imagination enough to express my thoughts. I read the words and know their definitions. But I am left dumb at how to express them. Lord, my only response is to just fully surrender in obedience to you. No reservations.

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.

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.

Raising The Ire Of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Follow through on your vows/promises made to God (Jer 34:12-17). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay

Lion of Judah

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If anyone should be grateful for their freedom, it should be these old testament Hebrews. God reminds them that he made a covenant with their ancestors who were slaves in Egypt. He would free them…which he did. At that time he told them they must never hold a fellow Hebrew as a slave for longer than six years. Then they must free them.*

Lion of Judah

Here, the people pledged to return to that covenant (vv8-11). They released all their countrymen slaves, but then immediately went back on their pledge and re-enslaved them. I think that nothing raises the ire of God more than lying to him. For this, God WILL carry out his pledge to judge Judah. Lord, may my heart always keep covenant promises with you.

___________

* Note: Exo 21:1–6; Lev 25:39–43; Deu 15:12–15

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.

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.

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.

The Gift: Serve out of Love

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

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

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.

Road to Fullness in Christ

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Expect to see God’s fullness for you in Christ (1Jn 3:2,3). #GrowUpInChrist #FullnessOfChrist

Every Step in Faith Moves Us Closer to His Fullness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As children of God we’re incentivized to continue our growth towards knowing Christ. It is a step by step process, just as a child grows to maturity (Rom 8:12-14). We follow Christ eagerly, expectantly and patiently so that we may remain full of faith and pure in him.

While we do not yet know him (Christ) fully, in a little while we will see and know him fully. By this we are motivated to walk in purity, fully engaged in the process of knowing him fully (1Pe 1:22). Lord, my age (longevity) in Christ is not as important as my journey towards fullness in him.

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

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.

Perfect? No. Consistent? The Goal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Strive for consistency following Christ (1Jn 2:3-6). #PracticeThePresenceOfJesus

Follow. Obey. Serve.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

So, do I really love God? Yes! How do I know I love God? Because I strive to faithfully live out, obey God’s word. I strive to faithfully pattern, my life after the life of Christ. There’s no pride in that statement. It is what I do. “That’s impossible,” one might say. Well, yes, it is.

The impossible requires that I must depend daily on God’s Holy Spirit to fill me and to lead me. (Psm 143:10; Jhn 14:17; 16:13; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:16, 22-25; Eph 5:18). I’m not perfect. I often fail. 1Jhn 1:8,9 is often my retreat. But I continue moving forward in the practice of following Christ. Lord, my love for you drives me to follow you, obey you and serve you. I strive to be consistent.

The Way Home

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

__________

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.

Behind The Veil

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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