May we know a working faith of both repentance and righteous deeds (Ezk 33:12-20). #Repentance #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What is the eternal effect of righteous deeds? If one does righteous or good deeds, but persists in rebellion against God, that one is bound for judgment. E.g.: it is not consistent to oppress the poor, cheat on your spouse or deceive in business and then stand in church to pray, sing or teach God‘s word.
But the one who has lived in rebellion against God, turns from sin and then goes about giving of his/her time and resources for good (doing righteous deeds), that one proves faith and will be saved (Jas 2:14-18; Luk 19:1-10; Eph 2:10
May your lifestyle of godly words & actions reflect Christ (3Jn 1:11). #SavedForSure #ReallySaved! #SecureInChrist
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
If I am honest, I have to ask, “If I sin, am I truly saved; have I truly trusted Christ as my savior?“ This verse, taken in context with other writings of John, answers that question. The “doing” here is in a verb form that means the HABITUAL act of “doing“ what is good. This is as opposed to HABITUAL sin that is evil and bad (note 1Jn 3:4-7, 16-21).
So, even if I am feeling guilty about a sin, God‘s grace is greater. He has conquered my guilt and shame. He has forgiven ALL my sin. Is that license to sin? Paul says, “Not only no, but heck no!” (Rom 6:1,2) Lord, may I be reminded by my lifestyle of grace and godly “doing” that I belong to Christ.
Give thanks to God for his mercy, grace and redemption (Jer 31:35-40). #NewCovenant #TheNewWay
We are new creatures in Christ; the old is passed away, the new is come
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The “New Covenant” is not only a premier promise of God, it is a watershed moment in the life of Israel as a nation. I don’t write to belabor the point, but to understand the significance of the inauguration of the “New Covenant.” The old Mosaic Covenant was an external one. It focused on external rituals, washings, and sacrifices as symbolic of righteous living. Israel, over the centuries, had prostituted the sacred by mixing it with what was pagan and immoral. She had lost the symbolic significance of what God had intended. It symbolized what was to come in the person of Christ.
The “New Covenant“, this New Way, would be one of spirit rather than letter. God had never intended to set up an earthly kingdom. It has always been about a spiritual kingdom from heaven. The response to God‘s divine mercy [his steadfast love] would be a worship that springs from the depths of man’s being. Deep and eternal forgiveness would elicit a surge of gratitude from within man’s soul. Fellowship with God would be the result.
Allegiance to this covenant would be motivated not by laws and judgment, but internally by freedom of choice to love and follow after God. This New Way was inaugurated by the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for the redemption of all men. The Bible teaches, “Whosoever will may come” (Rom 10:13; Rev 22:17 (KJV)). It is a daily living choice.
Lord, thank you that you included me in your plan of redemption.
________
Harrison, R.K., Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, D. J. Wiseman, editor; Jeremiah and Daniel; Tyndale Press, Downers Grove, Illinois (1973). (pgs. 138-140)
Rejoice in the certainty of God’s promises (Jer 31:35-40). #GoodNews #ThePromise
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Herein lies, the premier reference to God‘s fixed promise to preserve the nation of Israel for all time. There is no nation on earth that has been more maligned, denigrated or persecuted than Israel. Many have tried to eliminate her completely.
Here’s what God says: “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish [all of creation]“ (v36). While Israel’s status as a nation still holds today, she continues to formally reject Christ as Messiah. But in the millennium when Christ returns to reign on earth, she will turn to him in vast numbers.
Lord, I am anticipating the promise of your soon return and the salvation of your people.
Trust in the everlasting promises of God (Jer 31:7-14). #GodOfPromise #TrustAlwaysInGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After years of exile, Judah will know restoration. All of of Israel will know reconciliation with God. There will be joy in the streets, shouts of praise. A remnant of repentant Israelites will be returned to their land. No one will be too insignificant for God to restore.
God will be a caring father. This remnant will come from every part of the world. Their path home will be straight and unhindered. He will be a Shepherd to this flock. He will lead them beside quiet streams. Their store houses will be full. Life will be like a well-watered garden. This is the Lord‘s promise. God’s word is full of promises kept, with more yet to come.
Lord, my heart trusts in your everlasting promises.
May your heart be quickly moved towards repentance (Jer 31:2-6). #Repent #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is an abiding truth: those coming out of a barren land of sin and destruction will find rest and peace with God. God reminds his people that he has always loved them with a love that is steadfast (hesed) and everlasting.
God will restore to himself those who turn again to him in sincere repentance. They will once again go to worship with hearts full of joy and expectation of eternal peace. This is the promise God makes to Israel and to all men. Lord, may my heart be moved towards you.
Know the hope of restoration through God‘s correction (Jer 30:10,11). #TrustGod’sPlan #Prophecy #God’sCorrection #HolyDiscipline
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The utter destruction of Israel and Judah is predicted (and accomplished). But God says to take hope. Be encouraged. The justice for their sin would be complete and all encompassing. God is justified in his actions. But the judgment is remedial, temporary. It is for the purpose of correction, redemption.
Further, God promises to bring judgment upon every nation who has participated in Israel’s destruction due to their own evil intentions. But the promise to Israel is that she will one day return to her homeland. There she will find rest and peace. No discipline is fun. But it will bring the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:11).
Lord, may I respond to your correction with repentance, hope and gratitude.
Walk in reliance and trust in God’s sovereign will and plan (eg. JER 30:1-7). #TrustGod’sPlan #FullyRelyOnGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Through the voice of Jeremiah, God makes it clear that though Israel and Judah will live through terrifying times, the nation, as one, will survive. Because of sin and rebellion, the land of Israel and the holy city of Jerusalem will be lost, the people dispersed throughout the world. However, God will restore the nation of Israel.
Make no mistake, recovery of the nation of Israel and its people will not be a coincidence of history. It is a matter of prophetic utterance and record (v1,2). God is sovereign and in view of history we see his hand at work, even today, to restore his people to their land. Lord, may I trust and rest in your sovereign will and plan.
Live in great expectations of the promises of God (eg. Ezk 28:24-26). #DressedAndReady #SoonReturnOfChrist
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Halfway through eight chapters of prophetic oracles of judgment against the nations surrounding Israel and Judah, God drops a promise of restoration to Israel.
There was a return of God‘s people to their land from exile in Babylon under Zerubbabal, Ezra and Nehemiah. In addition, the nation-state of Israel was reborn in 1948.
But there is yet to come the complete fulfillment of verses 25,26. The final fulfillment will take place when Christ returns to set up his eternal kingdom. We are closer to that day now than ever before. Come Lord Jesus!
Lord, may I remain in step with you in great expectation of your glorious return and restoration.
Savor every day with loved ones; covet times with them (Ezk 24:15-17). #LookingForwardToGlory #SeeGodInYourTrials #SeekGodInYourMourning
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel’s “dearest treasure,” his wife, has died suddenly as part of God’s prophetic purposes (vv22-25). He is to show no grief; no tears, no public display of ritual mourning, accept no consolation from friends.
I note that on this date it is a little over two years (hard to believe) since my “dearest treasure”, my bride of 53 years, Dianne, joined her Lord in her eternal home.
I cannot imagine not being able to express my grief, no mourning the loss of my bride: no friends allowed to console and no traditional public expressions or ritual services; only personal and private mourning allowed. The painful loss of such a long time partner in life and ministry would seemingly be too much to bear alone.
When I think about how Ezekiel could do such a thing, I can only recall my own private tearful laments with God. I can recall God’s quiet gentle assurances to me (eg. Jer 17:7,8). I know that God was as present with Ezekiel then as he was/has been with me now.
Lord, I look ahead to the day when we shall be reunited in a heavenly glory, along with many others who have gone before us. It won’t look like it did here on earth. It will be a glory, infinitely better.
Confess your sin; know the joy of forgiveness (Psm 32:1-5). #GoodConscience #ConfessSin #RepentTowardsGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
When I sin egregiously against another I hope to be forgiven. Yet even that forgiveness may not relieve the guilt I feel, or remove the sin from the mind of the offended. BUT God…forgives my sin, he puts it out of his sight and memory and he clears my conscience of all guilt.
When I refuse to confess* my sin, it weighs me down. It turns against me – consequences/discipline will break me down and sap my strength. When I confess* my sin and expose my guilt, God is faithful to forgive, forget and free me of all guilt (see also Rom 4:4-8; 1Jn 1:9,10). I am able to face the truth and any lingering consequences of sin.
Lord, may my heart confess sin and know the joy of forgiveness.
______
* To confess sin is to agree with God about my rebellion against him.
Revere God in humility and worship (Psm 25:11). #GodHighAndLiftedUp #RevereGod #Forgiveness
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God is honored by forgiving my sin because forgiveness is centered in his character, not mine. Who is the bigger person in forgiveness? Ans: The one who forgives! Isaiah 43:25 says, “I blot out transgressions for my own sake.“
Forgiveness glorifies God because it reveals his divine nature. When Jesus died on the cross, his death was payment for all our sin (Exo 23:7; Nah 1:3; Rom 1:18; Isa 53:10). I am justified, made right with and reconciled to God. Only God can do this. Lord, I am humbled and acknowledge you as Lord and friend.
Lean into God in the face of evil (Psm 12:6-8). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #Impregnable #AFortressIsOurGod
God’s fortress: IMPREGNABLE !
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
To reiterate, the Lord is the only sure fortress for those oppressed by evil men. When his godly ones are marginalized and persecuted, they may cry with Job, “Though he slay me, yet well I trust him“ (Job 13:15).
Wicked men may flaunt their power over others in the “VILEST” of ways (only used here in the OT: horrid, vulgar, degenerate, et al.); engaging with contemptible followers. But the Lord is an IMPREGNABLE wall, a fortress against evil men. They may destroy me bodily, but I stand with God (Mat 10:28).
Lord, I am forever, eternally preserved in your protective care.
Acknowledge, revere the faithfulness of God (Ezk 20:39-44). #GodIsFaithful #ReturnNowToGod #DisciplineCorrectsAndRestores
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In this passage lies the supreme promise of redemption and restoration. At the end of the Babylonian exile Israel will return to her homeland. This promise is based on God‘s faithfulness, not Israel’s (v42). It will be a partial fulfillment of this prophecy. There’s more to come.
A new day will dawn for Israel – not yet fulfilled, but will be. Israel will fully lament the evil she has done. She will repent. The Lord will be recognized as her God. The nations will recognize God‘s holiness, honor and glory. Those days of complete fulfillment still lie ahead today.
Lord, you are a promise keeping lsovereign. Thank you for your faithfulness to those you call your people.
Trust God to sustain you even in times of correction. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Is God the third and greatest eagle in this passage? He will provide wayward Israel with prosperity and security like no other. Neither Babylon nor Egypt could provide for Israel. These words give God‘s people assurance in the midst of corrective judgment. God will restore the land and reveal his glory.
God would pluck a branch from the tall cedar tree and replant it on Israel’s tallest mountain. This cedar (God’s kingdom) will become a majestic tree, a shelter to many nations, peoples (an allusion to the coming Messiah). The nations will know that God is a sovereign God. He causes nations to rise and fall. He alone gives life.
Lord, this old sentry may take heart in any remedial judgment. You will not forsake me.
Surrender your heart to God‘s loving discipline (Ezk 16:35-45).#Repentance #RepentTowardsGod #TurnNowToGod #JealousAnger
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jerusalem, this once beautiful queen (vv13,14) had prostituted herself (forged alliances with ungodly nations and worshiped their pagan idols – snubbing God, her true lover). She would fall to destruction by these very pagan lovers (23:47). This was warned of in Deuteronomy 13:12-16 and so it came to pass.
Jerusalem forgot the God of her youth, the God who rescued her (vv6-15). But she will remember (vv61-63). God’s fury won’t last forever and his jealous anger will eventually subside.* But not until he has brought his people to repentance and redemption.
Lord, may my heart surrender to your loving redemptive purposes through your discipline (Psm 30:5; Pro 3:11,12; Heb 12:5,6).
_____
* I remember a notable pastor saying once, “God is not a God of anger in the Old Testament. He is a God of love provoked to jealousy.“
Walk in faithfulness to your redeemer (Ezk 16:1-8) #LoveTheLordThyGod #RedeemerLove #GodSoLoved
Infancy Abandoned / Infancy Redeemed
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This passage is difficult to read. God describes the unseemly birth of Israel. It is stark and harsh. It reminds me of a botched abortion. The baby is born alive. No one wanted it – it was left on the table to die. Or the baby was born at home. Then, unwanted, it was put into a trash sack and put into a trash dumpster as refuse.
“BUT I [God] RESCUED YOU.” God then spoke words of “life“ over the discarded infant, Israel. As she grew, God covered her as her redeemer (Ruth 3:8-10). God made a covenant with Israel to make her his very own bride. But Israel spurned and ignored God’s love. Lord, how could I ever ignore you? Your love for this old sentry has exceeded all expectations.
Remain open to God for a new heart (Ezk 11:14-21). #HeartOfGod #StoneColdHeart #NewHeart
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God speaks to Ezekiel in response to his prayer in verse 13. Those in Jerusalem spoke arrogantly and pridefully about those who had been taken into exile and Babylon.
They were the ones considered far from God, far from the temple in Jerusalem “where God was.“ But God‘s presence was about to leave the temple. God promises here to himself be the sanctuary of those in exile in Babylon.
It is not about a building. It is about a surrendered heart. Those remaining in Jerusalem were not repentant and knew nothing of that. God promises, Ezekiel and those in exile, to return them to their homeland.
They would return with a new spirit and a new heart (also 36:25-27). They would obey God faithfully and be his people. He would be their God.
Lord, thank you for not only the promise, but the reality of changing the stony cold heart of this old sentry into one that is new and surrendered to you.
Do not neglect the glory and salvation of the Lord (Ezk 10:9-17). #SeekGodsPresence #live#LiveToGodsglory
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
These verses comprise half of Ezekiel 10. They are Ezekiel’s description of the cherubim, the mobile throne and glory of God. This was seen in Ezekiel chapter 1. All of this informs us of God‘s intent to judge sin in Israel and in the nations, even for us today; all of us individually.
Colossians 1:27 tells us that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.“ Ezekiel teaches that God will only stay where he is wanted and obeyed. God never wants to withdraw his presence from his people. But when we (I) fill our lives with idolatrous worship we drive God’s presence from us (Isa 42:8).
Lord, your word warns not to neglect so great a salvation (Heb 2:1-3); we (I) need to wake up (Rom 13:11), hear your message and turn now to God.
Do not delay to repent and turn to God (Ezk 7:1-9). #CalledToAccount #TimeIsUp #OutOfTime
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“The End Is Here!“ (vv1,6). From north to south, east to west – look in every direction. The land is finished, doom is at the door – its foot is in the door. God will call his people into accountability for their detestable sins against him (vv3,4,8,9).
Because God‘s people have refused and spurned his love, grace, and mercy they will know the limits of his long-suffering. One disaster after another will descend upon God‘s people. God will turn his back on them (vv4,7,9). Lord, may I learn from your discipline how you love me (Heb 12:10-13).
May we not mistake God’s long-suffering for approval (Ezk 7:1-9). #CalledToAccount #MatterOfTime #TimeIsRunningOut
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Message 1, from God through Ezekiel (Ch 6), gives the reasons for Israel’s eminent judgment. This second message (Ch 7) explains the nature of God‘s judgment. I am not fain to press on here. I am weary at these judgments of God, it’s hard to read of such looming devastation.
But I must remember that these warnings, calls to repent and messages took place over years (decades) of sin. I read it all in Ezekiel. Its hard.
Oh, how reluctant God is to bring such judgment on his people. How he desires men to seek him first. But be assured, time WILL run out on sin. Lord, this old sentry has wearied you in my sin – how patient you are with me.
Come early in repentance for sin to God (Ezk 6:8-10). #Repentance #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In the midst of Ezekiel’s message of war, destruction, famine, and exile there is a word of REPRIEVE. Though God will bring death and devastation upon his people, a remnant will be delivered through this judgment. This remnant will escape destruction but be scattered and exiled.
The remnant will repent when they realize how good God has been to them and how hurt God has been by their unfaithfulness to him. They will see God for his love and grace and turn back to him. Lord, you brought me through my exile in 1968*, leading me mercifully back to you.
May you not take for granted the Lord‘s salvation and deliverance (Psm 136:10-25). #Saved #Delivered #GiveThanksToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Thanks has been offered by the psalmist to God for his goodness and greatness (vv1–3); for his wondrous creative powers (vv4–9). Verses 10-16 pour out thanksgiving to God for his great salvation of Israel from Egypt and escape through the Red Sea. Then thanks is given to God for his deliverance from mighty Kings as Israel enters into the land promised them by God (vv17-25).
Finally, thanks is given to Jehovah as the “God of heaven” – a title used only here in reference to God in the entire book of Psalms (v26). God is indeed the author and finisher of our Salvation. He is also our ultimate deliverance not only from this world, but from all of our guilt and sin. Lord, may I never take for granted your great salvation and deliverance.
May your heart & voice never cease to offer praises to our God. (Psm 135:1-4).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Lord, I worship you. I lift high the name of the Lord God, Jehovah. May my words, thoughts and actions towards you resound in the courts of heaven.
I come this morning, celebrating your beautiful name with music (Open The Eyes Of My Heart; I Surrender All). Thank you for choosing me and grafting me into your chosen people (Rom 11:17). Your blessings never cease.
Personally know and engage others with God’s love and faithfulness (Psm 117:1,2). #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise #TruthForAllMen #NoExceptions
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is recorded the shortest chapter in the Bible and the middle chapter of the Bible. It is a psalm of thanks. While Psalm 114 gives praise for God‘s love and faithfulness to Israel, Psalm 117 offers praise for God‘s work – his love and faithfulness – with/for the Gentile world (see also Rom 15:11).
These two verses strike a truth that resounds as a worldwide mission. It is for all people without distinction and all nations without exception.* There is superabundant covering for sin to Jew and Gentile alike. “HALLELUJAH!” it concludes. Lord, you have extended your love and faithfulness to all men everywhere.
____________
* Keil-Delitzsch. PSALMS, Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Erdmans Publishing Co., 1975), 221.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Give thanks for God‘s word to man (Ezk 2:9,10). #TheWordOfGod #GodSpeaksByHisWord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
At this point in Ezekiel‘s massive vision, a great hand reaches down with a scroll and hands it to him. On it is inscribed God‘s message to be delivered by Ezekiel to the nation of Israel/Judah. It is the word of the Lord.
The message is not only one of mournful pronouncements of doom for Israel’s continued sin and rebellion. It is full to the brim of such words. So much so that the inscription was written on both sides – a highly unusual practice. This is God’s word to men.
Lord, thank you for your word, so complete, honest and true.
