Life, Hope Spoken Here

You may anticipate the Lord of Glory entering into your life with power (Isa 30:23-26). #JesusLordOfGlory #JesusNowAndForever

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is true for God’s people in ancient days is true today and at the end of time as we know it. All of God’s enemies, not just the Assyrians against Judah, will be annihilated. The world order will be reassembled according to God’s order. Now is the time to trust in him as Savior.

In the beginning God created light in its perfection. In the end light will again shine in perfection. In between is a present darkness. In the end will come the rains and the wonderful harvests. Men will feast and eat (figuratively) before God. His people will be delightfully full of God. Lord, you have spoken life and hope into my life. That is true for all who turn to you.

Day By Day Renewal

Your daily surrender to God achieves daily renewal (Isa 30:22-26). #Surrender #Renewal #Repentance https://www.bible.com/116/isa.30.22-26.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Even in the midst of suffering God is not far from his sinful rebellious child. He stands by to teach us, to instruct us by his voice. When once we have surrendered to him it will be clear the way in which we are to go (vv19-21).

The way which we choose will reject all other gods. We will be happy to destroy the idols in our lives and put Jehovah God at the center. In response God will heal his people and cure them from the wounds he gave them. If this sentry is to know daily renewal then certainly he must daily surrender afresh to God.

If my beloved country is to know renewal and spiritual awakening then she must turn in repentance to the God of her fathers.

God’s Greatest Delight

Surrender and God will fight your battles (Isa 29:5–8). #GodWins #GodWillFightForYou https://www.bible.com/116/isa.29.5-6,8.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When once the wayward, rebellious, child of God surrenders, his/her whimpers of repentance are heard from on high (v4). Then, like the father greeting the prodigal home from the far country of sin, God is first on the scene to help. This is the message of the prophets.

The enemies, the attackers, God had used to discipline his child will be crushed. Their course of pain and suffering will come to a sudden end. They will be driven away by heaven’s armies. They will “vanish like a vision in the night.“ It is God‘s greatest delight to vanquish the enemy of the child of God. Thank you Lord, for hearing in the night this sentry’s prayer of surrender so many years ago.

FOR AMERICA: Lord, I pray that my beloved nation may surrender her heart fully to you. May she know the fires of revival & spiritual awakening from sea to shining sea. May the power of heaven’s armies be used to deliver her from the enemies that would seek to destroy her.

The Indifferent & Deceitful Heart

Worship God in sincere devotion (Isa 29:1,13-16). #WorshipInSpiritAndTruth #DeadReligion https://www.bible.com/116/isa.29.1,13-16.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At the center of the Jewish faith is the temple in Jerusalem and the worship of Jehovah God. At the center of the Christian faith is the temple of the Holy Spirit (my body – 1Co 6:19) and the collective worship of God by believers in union together with Christ (Jhn 4:23,24).

The call has always been to worship God in spirit and in truth. But we see here that rote ritual, rules and observances had supplanted sincere worship of, and devotion to, God. It was indifferent and deceitful. It happens today as well. This brings the holy ire of God on dead lifeless religion. Father, may this sentry worship & serve you with a whole heart, given in spirit and in truth.

Lord, would you bring America to a place of sincere worship and devotion to you. Would you intervene and give her a whole heart for you. Would you sweep our land in renewal, revival and spiritual awakening.

Discipline’s Journey

Trust God to take you on a journey of discipline AND bring you safely home (Isa 27:7-13) #LongJourneyHome #TrustGod https://www.bible.com/97/isa.27.7-13.msg

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I can sense the joy in Isaiah‘s voice as he explains the purposes and plan of God in the discipline of his people. When he judges the nations (speaking of Babylon), God utterly destroys them. But Israel, his child, he purges, measure by measure, in increasingly harsh ways until all the alien gods in their lives are destroyed, ground to powder. Israel will then be regathered from various regions, one by one [the shepherd leaving the 99 to find the one lost sheep comes to mind – Luke 15:1–7].

After Israel’s captivity for her recalcitrance she was released by Persian King Cyrus in 539 B.C. God fulfilled his promise. He called his people back to community, back to worship and feasting in a right relationship with their God.

Even today, God may be counted upon to discipline, deal justly, with his people, the Jew and the church. O Lord, “A bruised reed you will not break, but will bring to truth“ (Isa 42:3). O how this sentry remembers his journey of discipline and the grace of a loving God.

Is America Facing Judgment? What To Do

Enter into your inner chamber of prayer* to watch and wait for God’s deliverance (Isa 26:20,21). #WatchAndWait #PrayForDeliverance https://www.bible.com/1588/isa.26.20-21.amp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The remnant of God, those who have believed in Jehovah and follow him obediently, will be spared in the midst of the righteous judgments of God upon sin. They are instructed to take shelter, enter into their hidden chambers “for a little while, until the Lord‘s anger has passed“ [Babylon fell in one night – 539 b.c.] How shall any nation who stands against God survive?

Even today we, like Israel, may “see the Lord coming from heaven to punish men for their sin.“ Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Sin will be exposed and all will know. Meanwhile, God’s remnant will be kept in his “perfect peace” (v3). I may take seriously that God will judge sin. Lord, this sentry will enter into his inner chamber of prayer and intercede for my family, my friends and my country.

*The inner chamber of prayer is the storm center on the battlefield. F.F. Bosworth (1877-1958), an American evangelist in the 1920s, makes this statement on prayer: “The inner chamber of prayer is the place, the strategic position, where the decisive victory is obtained, and maintained. Therefore, the enemy uses all his power to get the Christian, and above all the minister, to neglect prayer.”

To Live Again

Be quick to recognize your sin and humbly repent (Isa 26:16-19). #Repent #TurnToGod #NationalRepentance https://www.bible.com/97/isa.26.16-19.msg

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When once one has seen God as the only remedy for deliverance (vv12-14); after one has spuriously exhausted all to save him/herself; when one recognizes the extreme distress of oppressing circumstances as discipline from the Lord, there is a halting silence and shame. There is the realization of sin in the presence of a holy God, then a mournful prayer for help, for grace and forgiveness.

To the joy of the remorseful heart comes the life giving grace of God. It comes down like dew refreshes the earth. It revives and renews the life of the penitent one. Whether it be an individual, a church, a city or a nation, if one dies, that one shall live again. O Lord, thank you for so great a deliverance as you brought to me, so great a sinner.

Before The Break Of Dawn

Earnestly seek after God in the night watches (Isa 26:9-12). #AlertToGod #GodInTheNightWatches https://www.bible.com/116/isa.26.9-12.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The lives of men will not be changed by providing a good environment. Although, that may help enormously. But even the most gracious of divine kindnesses, which God may display, are ignored by many. They take no notice of God’s daily mercies. They are taken for granted.

Men seem far more likely to respond better to judgment then to blessing. Judgment brings me face-to-face with my own inadequacies; my need to surrender to God. To this aging sentry this becomes far more evident. So, for me Lord, it is in the morning watches, before the dawn breaks, that I will earnestly seek you. In you I will find peace and accomplishment.

The Road Forward

Honor God and the path before you will be level, smooth and straight (Isa 26:7-9). #StraightPath https://www.bible.com/116/isa.26.7-9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If my mind and heart are fixed on God, not only will I be kept in perfect peace (vv3,4), but God also promises to set me on a path that is level, smooth and straight ahead.

My trust in God, obedience to his word and sincere desire to glorify him enables me to perceive even God’s judgments as a means to a righteous and redemptive end. After a dark night comes a sincere, relief-seeking daybreak in the morning. Lord, may the path before me be one of righteousness and goodness.

Election Day 2020: Assignment

No matter the election outcome, the Sentinel Orders of watchmen remains unchanged (Isa 62:6,7). #StandFaithfulForGod https://www.bible.com/116/isa.62.6-7.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Never have I been so glad for an election to be over. But one thing this sentry knows for sure. God is sovereign and he will work his will in and through all the affairs of men.

The Standing Orders of the Sentinel are to engage in life with a surrendered heart to the Commander of our faith, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. It is for this duty sentry to stand faithfully, watch vigilantly, pray earnestly and warn clearly (Isa 62:6,7).

Election Prediction

Let your faith not be shaken by the affairs of men (Isa 25:6,8-11). #ComeLordJesus #JesusIsLord https://www.bible.com/116/isa.25.6,8-11.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The affairs of men will not change God‘s plan.

It is clear that Isaiah‘s view here is apocalyptic and messianic. “In that day,“ is the Day of the Lord. “In that day,” the Lord will rule in richness and abundance. Death will be banished, a thing of the past. Elections? No bearing.

The cause of all tears will be eliminated – hurt, pain, suffering, sickness, persecutions – GONE! God has spoken! The people will shout, “YES! This is the One [Jesus Christ] in whom we have trusted. Finally, every enemy of God will be forever gone. Vanquished. Done. Elections? No bearing.

Lord, my rejoicing and confident heart does not even begin to express my inner excitement at the outcome of your promised return. Elections? No bearing.

Tower Of Strength

The Lord is our strength like no other (Isa 25:1-5). #GodIsForYou #GodIsTheStrengthOfMyLife https://www.bible.com/116/isa.25.1-5.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The song (Psalm) of Isaiah (Ch 25) highlights the wonderment of the believer towards God. On the one hand seeing, understanding and praising God for his vast wisdom and forethought in righteous judgment of the nations. On the other acknowledging God‘s mercy and deliverance of the poor and needy.

God is a strong impregnable tower of salvation. He is protection from the storms of oppression and the heat of persecution. His covering for his chosen ones will bring sweet relief to all who stand with him. Lord, you are to this sentry a tower of strength like no other.

Unashamed, Undeterred

Stand Faithfully; live and speak out for God daily (Isa 24:16-23). #Witness #TurnToGod #NowIsTheDayOfSalvation https://www.bible.com/116/isa.24.16,20-21,23.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A remnant is joyfully celebrating having dodged the bullet of judgment (vv13-16a). But in the midst of this resounding joy, Isaiah, the man of God is disconsolate. His pain is palpable. He is the sentry on the wall who has delivered the warning at the gates of the city. But the city harkened not to his voice.

Isaiah’s words for then also resonate forward to a time in the far away future, when a final judgment will fall. He says, “My heart is broken because deceit still prevails.” The treachery continues, even into our day. Isaiah sees the destruction of the last days of earth. The Lord is coming. It may be very soon. He will reign on earth. We are living in the end times.

The Good News is that God is not willing that any should perish but have everlasting life. Lord, may the heart of this sentry be devoted to you, compassionate toward others, unashamed in my witness and undeterred to speak truth.

Harbinger In The American City

Are your ears open to the cries of the city (Isa 24:4-6)? #GodForTheCity https://www.bible.com/116/isa.24.4-6.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What keeps you awake at night? Securing your family, your home, your wealth? Your life? In God’s judgment none of these things will be safe.

The crisis of our day is but a harbinger of what is to come. The Scriptures read like a current news story: “There is no new wine – [where are the voices for God’s word?]. Joy is silenced. THE CITY WRITHES IN CHAOS; every HOME IS LOCKED to keep out intruders. MOBS GATHER in the streets, crying out for wine. Joy has turned to gloom. Gladness has been banished from the land. THE CITY IS LEFT IN RUINS, it’s gates battered down” (24:7-12). Sometimes I read Scripture and cannot believe my own eyes. Today we are seeing a picture of what God’s judgment will look like.

This old sentry has stood his watch many a day and night, near 75 times around the sun. From my watchtower I have not seen such chaos inside my own walls, in my own streets and political landscape as seen today. This sentry cries out in the Morning Watches, “Lord, enlarge my heart for the city. Much of my days are past, but my heart breaks for my city. I will do whatever I can.”

“Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. . . Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” (Psm 31:21–22,24)

“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (Jer‬ ‭29:7‬)

For the serious reader: Phenomenal article on the heart of God for the heart of the city, written by Cory Seibel, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and Worship Pastor at Bethany Mennonite Brethren Church in Fresno, California. https://directionjournal.org/39/1/heart-of-god-in-heart-of-city-missional.html

Find Your Voice

Find your voice to speak of judgment and redemption (Isa 24:1). #Repent #TurnToGod https://www.bible.com/116/isa.24.1.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

All of the fallen nations (Asyria, Moab, Damascus, Ethiopia, Babylon, Arabia and Tyre – Isa 14-23) serve as a backdrop for Isaiah‘s prophecy for end times nations. The fulfillment of these prophecies means that God will certainly fulfill judgment on all the nations of the world…and for the same reasons (pride in their wealth and power; rejection of God and idolatrous worship of man-made gods; gross immorality and cavalierly godless behavior).

Isaiah 24–27 describes a future time of intense tribulation followed by the ultimate blessings of the coming kingdom of God. The future of the world comes into sharp focus. Lord, make of this sentry a voice that elevates, sings out, the Good News of redemption in the face of certain judgment.

JESUS and me, In The Gap

“So I sought for a man among them who would [rebuild the] wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”– Ezk 22:30 (NKJV)

“No one?” Can I be “one?” Who can be “one?”

I have many times wondered at Ezk 22:30. This morning my pastor preached on this passage. He basically raised a similar question. Ezekiel was among those who had been deported from Judah. He was the prophet of the hour as judgment fell on Judah. Was he not in the gap? What about Daniel and his three friends? They were all in that first deportation. They to were all prayer warriors. Jeremiah was also in that deportation. Was he not adequate to stand in the gap? If those guys aren’t qualified, who is qualified, who is adequate to fill the breach?

From his own personal quiet time, my pastor announced, “God is always looking for people to pray. He is always looking for that “one” intercessor who can be used to save many.” Then my pastor said, “Jesus became the man in the gap.”

MY TAKE AWAY NOTES:

There is only one who is 100% adequate to stand in the gap. That one is Jesus! Jesus is the great intercessor (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25). Jesus is the “gap man,” reaching up to God with one hand and reaching down to man with the other. What does that mean to me as a prayer sentry? It means that IF I AM IN CHRIST, THEN I TOO AM IN THE GAP. I pray in the name of Jesus, the “gap man.”

Whenever I am standing in prayer, I am in the gap (so it is for any prayer sentry). This sentry stands in the adequacy of Jesus. This sentry never was qualified, never was adequate. But Jesus is always qualified, always adequate. What pure joy to my soul. What a grand assurance of prayer. I am fortified to stand my post.

Behind The Curtain, GOD

Put your faith in a sovereign God who works his will through the affairs of men (Isa 18:3;21:8,9). #ComeLordJesus #JesusWillReign https://www.bible.com/116/isa.18.3.nlt https://www.bible.com/116/isa.21.8-9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Praying through the ancient prophecies of Isaiah regarding all the godless nations surrounding Israel and Judah. Not an easy read. I was considering the fact that EVERY PROPHECY over every nation has been FULFILLED (Isa 14-23).

God is a sovereign, who providentially works his will through all the affairs of men. I have every reason to believe that the prophecies of the future (Isa 24-27, New Testament, et al.) will be fulfilled, just as they were in those ancient of days. My sentinel faith rests in an eternal Commander who seeks the ultimate good and will destroy all evil.

Exposed

Be wise to the Satan’s strategy and rely on God (2Ch 32:10-15; Jas 4:7,8). #SatanIsALiar #GodSpeaksTruth https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.32.10-11,15.nlt https://www.bible.com/116/jas.4.7-8.nlt

MORNING WATCH:

When king Sennacherib of Assyria showed up to conquer Jerusalem he employed the very same tactic Satan uses to defeat us – DOUBT! In Genesis 3:1-4, Satan casts doubt on God‘s word. “Surely God hath not said…” Here, the Assyrian enemy casts DOUBT on the word of a godly king. “Surely the king has misled you…” EXPOSED!

From DOUBT comes all manner of defiance, discouragement and defeat. How do we win the great battles against Satan? James 4:7,8 tells us to 1) Rely humbly on God, 2) Resist Satan (he will flee) and 3) Rest, draw near to God, who will come quickly to your aid. Lord, may this sentry recognize when he’s under attack by the enemy. Then rely, resist and rest in God.

One Assault, One Angel

Prayerful Preparation Produces Powerful Possibilities (2Ch 32:20–22). #OneAngel #LordOfHeavensArmies #PrayerPreparation https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.32.20-22.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is a saying in Texas – “One Riot, One Ranger.” Heaven also has a saying, “One Assault, One Angel.”

The fierce fighting monarch, King Sennacherib of Assyria, showed up in full battle array to assault Jerusalem’s gates. He sent messages taunting King Hezekiah and the citizens of the city (vv10–19). He mocked and derided Jehovah God.

Although smaller in numbers the people of Jerusalem were prayed up, prepared and putting faith in God (vv1-8). Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out to the God of heaven. God sent ONE ANGEL and destroyed the whole Assyrian army. Sennacherib went home in disgrace, never to be heard from again – he was killed in the temple of his god, by his own sons. Lord, this one lone sentry has reason to prayerfully expect you to do great things in any given day.

Mighty Fortress

Pray much, plan well, work smart, TRUST GOD (2Ch 32:1-8). #GodIsGreater #TrustGod https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.32.5-8.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Hezekiah of Judah was faced with insurmountable odds by the Assyrian Army. We already know Hezekiah is a man of prayer and strategic action (chapters 29-31). So with wise counsel he devises a carefully thought out plan of no small consequence (vv1–3). Then he communicates his plan and methodically carries it out (vv4,5).

Finally, he calls all the people together and points them to the only One who can save them. “Be strong, don’t be afraid – there is more with us then with them – we have the Lord our God on our side.” My take away from this is to pray much, plan well, work smart and TRUST GOD throughout the process. Father, you are the Mighty Fortress of my life. In you I stand as a watchman. “Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world” (1Jhn 4:4).

Who Is Useable To God?

Make yourself useable in God’s hands (2Ch 31:20,21). #UseableToGod https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.31.20-21.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A careful reading of Second Chronicles, Chapters 29, 30 and 31 would reveal three characteristics of the person that God uses and honors with success. In Chapter 29, King Hezekiah shows himself as a godly and principled man. In Chapter 30 he shows he is not afraid to call out sin with a view toward God’s loving mercy. In Chapter 31 he shows obedience in following God with a whole heart.

King Hezekiah of Judah challenges me to be a man who God uses, with my associates, my friends and my family – principled in life, fearless for good and wholehearted for God. It calls to mind Micah 6:8 – He has told you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God. Lord, make of this watchful sentry a man that is usable to you.

Revival & Awakening Changes Ev’thing

May our hearts be changed and turned toward God (2Ch 31:1-6). #Revival #Awakening https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.31.1-6.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Revival, awakening, under Hezekiah had long lasting effects. Those who had been touched by revival were RADICALLY CHANGED. The hearts of these people were refocused on purity and righteousness. Altars to pagan gods all over the land of Judah and Israel were torn down. There was an outpouring of generosity and giving toward the work and ministries of God. Such is the work of God in revival and awakening.

The same can happen in America. It has before, in the Great Awakenings of the 1700s & 1800s. Sweeping moral and ethical changes in society took place. Lying, cheating and corruption in business and government ceased. Bars and brothels were shut down. A new and benevolent generosity occurred. People gave with abundant joy to the work of God in the world. Great mission organizations were founded. Many new ministries were begun. The work of evangelism was renewed and expanded. There was a renewed hunger for the word of God and worship. it can happen again. It must!

Lord Jesus, the broken heart of this aged sentry is in need of an out-pouring of your Spirit. My beloved nation, America, is in desperate need of such a touch of your Spirit. Renew us Lord.

“Revival Held Over”

Believe God will do far beyond what we ask or think (2Ch 30:23,25–27). #GreatExpectations #BelieveGod https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.30.23,25-27.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When a godly leader (King Hezekiah) followed God‘s leadership, went against conventional wisdom, good things happened. He called the people to return to God (v6). After a week long celebration of God‘s redemption (revival) the people decided to EXTEND THE CELEBRATION another week.

There was great purification from sin, people and priests were getting right with God. The revival exceeded anything ever seen before. In the end, God made good on the promise of 2Ch 7:14. Healing was on the way. God heard their prayer from heaven (v 27). Lord, turning my sentinel’s heart to you, I am prepared for you to exceed all my expectations (Eph 3:20).

Getting Our House In Order

Confess sin daily; stay pure before God (2Ch 30:21-25). #ConfessSin https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.30.21-22,25.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Foreigners in Jerusalem and the nations of Judah and Israel repented of sin, returned to God. God showed up in revival. For “seven days” they celebrated the “Festival Of Unleavened Bread” (FOUB), a remembrance of the deliverance of God’s people out of Egypt. The Israelites were told (Exo 12) to make unleavened bread (flour and water) in preparation to be delivered hastily from Egypt (symbol of bondage and sin). Seven days equals the distance between Egypt and the Red Sea (symbol of deliverance).

Leavened bread is symbolic of sin. Just a little, over time, will affect the whole loaf. Unleavened bread is a symbol of purity, sincerity and truth (2Co 5:7,8). In short, the FOUB is a joyous celebration of redemption from the bondage of sin. It is about getting my house in order; ridding my life of sin. Lord, I am in daily need of cleansing from sins that beset me (1Jn 1:9). Lord, America will perish in sin without revival, confession of sin.

Human Need Trumps Ritual

Will you have a repentant heart toward God? (2Ch 30:17-20). #Repent #SurrenderedHeart https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.30.17-20.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The people sincerely and joyfully responded to King Hezekiah’s call to repentance, cleansing and return to God. They gathered from all over the land, in the capital city, Jerusalem, for Passover. It all happened so quickly that the people had not properly prepared, been physically cleansed, to take a Passover meal. So Hezekiah interceded for the people, asking God to waive the ritual requirement of cleansing. God heard his prayer. He forgave and healed them.

God will always set aside the rules for the relationship. God is not as concerned with sacrifice as he is with sincere surrender and devotion. Genuine repentance will always be preferred over rites and rituals. What I do outwardly is never more important than who I am inwardly.

Lord this sentry stands condemned by the law. Were it not for Christ, I would be hopelessly lost in my sin and without remedy before you. I humbly repent. I know you will heal and forgive

“Lord, Do It Again“

Trust God for days of revival & awakening ahead (2Ch 30:1,6,9) #Awakening #Revival https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.30.1,6,9.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The closest thing that I’ve ever seen to spiritual awakening in my lifetime was the “Jesus Movement” in the 1970s. My heart longs, times without end, to see a movement like that (and better) once again in America. That awakening/revival came out of the tumultuous decade of the 1960s. Who’da thought?

Revival in the era of King Hezekiah of Judah came out of turbulent times under his father, King Ahaz. Under Hezekiah’s leadership the nation of Judah turned back to God. Repentance and renewal led to “times of refreshing from the very presence of the Lord” as described in Acts 3:20. The 20teens have been turbulent times. Could revival/awakening be just around the corner? My prayer in the morning watches is, “Lord, do it again.”

When Leaders Repent

WITH POST SCRIPT ADDED**

Consecrate yourself to God; worship & praise him (2Ch 29:20,24,27-30)#DedicatedToGod #PraiseTheLord #WorshipThe Lord https://www.bible.com/116/2ch.29.20,24,27-30.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sixteen days after the Lord’s Temple was re-opened it had been cleansed of every defiled object (inside and out). The very next morning King Hezekiah had priests and Levites in their positions. Every city official was summonsed to be in the Temple. King Hezekiah himself led the procession.

Burnt offerings and sin offerings were made, consecrating the whole throng of leaders to God. Then there was a “joyous“ sound of praise and worship. The entire assembly sang, played instruments and read Psalms. They worshipped. How could the scene of repentance of leadership possibly be described? Only experienced. Lord, may our leaders (I myself) know such a repentance.

** I am encouraged to write the following Post Script: Eight hours after this post was published I heard Vice President Mike Pence speak to The Family Leader Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. He spoke of a night in the 1970s when he, as a nineteen year old young man, gave his life to Christ. He told the audience that there are times when we feel God has abandoned us and is no longer working. But, he said, God is always working. We ought never give up, continue in faith and in prayers. He called the nation to, “humble themselves, and pray and seek God’s face, and turn from their wicked ways, then God will hear [as he always does] from heaven, and will forgive [our] sin and heal [our] land.” This is what it looks like when godly leaders call for and lead a nation to repent.

Is Revival, Awakening Happening?

Be prepared for God to release you in his service (2Ch 29:3–5,10-12). #Revival #SpiritualAwakening https:www.bible.com116/2ch.29.3-5,10-12.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I may not know all the ways of God in the onset of revival or spiritual awakening, but I can see clues from God’s word. God used King Hezekiah in Judah to implement a fresh wind of revival. Through Hezekiah God released the Levites (his godly servants) to purify themselves and the temple. Then to perform the ministry they had previously been denied.

Today there seems to be a growing alertness in the people of God. There is a man in leadership who, though not perfect, is a friend toward God. Hostility towards him, the increase of darkness and violence in our society, may be a clue that God is moving in our midst.

Lord, intensify this sentry’s alertness and prayer for those who minister before you daily, who lead in the cleansing of our national sins.

Lord, “Make Good Trouble” In America

U.S. Representative John R. Lewis (1940-2020) was a civil rights activist who worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. He was of the habit of telling folks, “Make Good Trouble.” The purpose of making good trouble was to bring about positive change. It is clear to me that God makes good trouble himself. The reason God makes good trouble is to bring about change in the human soul. I pray that God would “Make Good Trouble” in the soul of Americans today.

“Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown [us] great and severe troubles,shall revive [us] again, and bring [us] up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase [our] greatness, and comfort [us] on every side.” – Psalm 71:19-21

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, would you trouble the hearts of church members and pastors

Would you trouble the hearts of our leaders

Would you trouble the heart of our President toward God

Would you trouble the hearts of Congressmen and women

Would you trouble hearts of the Presidential Cabinet members

Would you trouble the hearts of our Supreme Court justices

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, would you trouble the hearts of our Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Would you trouble the hearts of our state legislators and it’s courts

“O Lord, do not rebuke [us] in Your anger, Nor chasten [us] in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy on [us], O Lord, for [we are] weak; O Lord, heal [us], for our bones are troubled. [Our] soul also is greatly troubled; [How long], O Lord —[until you restore [us]?” – Psalm 6:1-3

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, would you trouble the hearts of our County Sheriff and deputy staff

Would you trouble the hearts of our County Commissioners

Would you trouble the hearts of our city’s Mayor and Council

Would you trouble the hearts of our School Board members and Superintendent

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, would you trouble the hearts of my neighbors

Would you trouble the hearts in MY HOME

“They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” – Psalm 107:4-6,8-9

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord, may my heart be troubled for the soul of America

May my heart also be troubled toward you

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

Lord I pray this great country might find her way back to you again.

I pray that she would open up her heart again to you.

May she once again know the goodness and mercies of a loving God.

May she enjoy once again your protections, your resources and your wisdom.

Lord, would you turn her heart back to the God who brought her here.

I ask Lord Jesus that you would put down the rebellion of her soul toward the God of our fathers.

“Turn Yourself to [us], and have mercy on [us O Lord], for [we are] desolate and afflicted. The troubles of [our] hearts have enlarged; Bring [us]out of [our] distresses! Look on [our] affliction and [our] pain, and forgive all [our] sins.” – Psalm 25:16-18

LORD, WOULD YOU TROUBLE THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS

MAY WE, ONE BY ONE, CRY OUT TOWARD YOU;

MAY WE KNOW YOUR DELIVERANCE;

MAY WE OFFER THANKS TO YOU;

SATISFY THE LONGING OF

OF OUR SOUL; AND

FILL US UP WITH

GOODNESS

Be The Light In Darkness

Allow God to use you to point people to the light of Christ (2Ch 29:3–5,10,11). #Revival #SpiritualAwakening https://www.bible.com/1588/2ch.29.3-5,10-11.amp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Hezekiah, son of wicked king Ahaz, becomes the king of Judah. He was a man the polar opposite of his father. The first thing he did was to re-open the temple. He called a meeting of the priests and Levites. He tells them to purify themselves and clean the temple out of all impure things.

Out of the darkest of times revival was on the way. The priests and Levites begin again to minister before the Lord and to lead the people to worship God once again. Lord, would you give us a leader in our nation who will call us back to you. Lord, may I be used to bring light into dark places.