Stones Throw

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Expect God‘s message of hope in times of spiritual crisis (Jer 51:62–64). #Changed #HopeInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oppressors of God’s People Will Sink & Never Rise Again

After Seraiah had read the scroll (Chs 50, 51) he was to summarize what the Lord had said: “Babylon would be utterly destroyed, abandoned forever.” Then, in a final expression of hope for God‘s people, Seraiah was to tie the scroll to a stone and throw it into the Euphrates River. He was to say, “In this same way, Babylon and her people will sink, never to rise again because of the disasters God will bring upon her.“

It is just a stones throw away from understanding the hope that is made clear to God’s people. They will ultimately find favor in God’s eyes again. He will deliver them from their oppressor in due time, CHANGED (see 50:4,5). God’s discipline is not forever, but it is forever intended to bring about the hope of godly change in his people. Lord, start right here with this old sentry.

Restoration Promise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we know as a people the joy of the full restoration of God (Jer 27:22). #God’sRestoration #RestorationPromise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Lord does not leave his people without hope. Though judgment may fall upon the land of Judah, the precious implements of worship be removed from the temple in Jerusalem, God promises to restore them to their place (people & worship).

God reveals here that there will be restoration after judgment and discipline has befallen his people. God never leaves us without Hope. America is not without hope. Lord, though this sentry, my beloved country, may feel the pain of your discipline, may I (we) also know joy and hope in the promise of your full restoration.

God Uses Whom He Choses

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust God to work all things for our good (Jer 27:2–6). #TrustGod #SurrenderAllToGod #WhomGodChoosesHeUses

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God instructed Jeremiah to use an object lesson to speak to the ambassadors of five surrounding nations of Judah. “Make a YOKE (symbol of bondage) and fasten it around your neck. Send these men home to their respective kings with the message,* submit to Babylon.“ He also was to remind them that God (not their gods) made the earth and the men and animals that inhabit it. He is all powerful. He exalts whom he chooses.

Babylon at this time was God’s chosen servant and it would, for a time, conquer and control these nations. They should surrender to the YOKE of Babylon’s control, for their own good. These words reveal that God is at work behind-the-scenes for the good of all people – especially his own people. Lord, may I take to heart the words of Romans 8:28 and trust you in “all things”.

This is still true today, for America and all other nations

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* It’s possible that Jeremiah may have sent a YOKE home with each ambassador to reinforce the message to surrender to Babylon.

A Good Plan

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust God with all of your future (Jer 29:10-14). #TrustGod #BelieveGod #AFutureAndAHope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the most hope filled passages in the Old Testament. God’s people are given assurance of deliverance, in spite of their dire circumstances. God will not forget his people. His plan is purposeful, and his discipline will achieve its desired outcome.

God‘s people will once again call Upon him. He will be found and present with them. He will restore their fortune and return them to their land, and so he did. Our God is a God of purpose and hope. Lord, I am encouraged about my own future by the words of this passage.

Doing Life in Trials

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Stan squarely on the veracity of God‘s word & pray for America (Jer 29:4–10).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles who were deported following the demise of Judah’a king Jehoiachin and the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon (vv1–4). He told them to prepare for a long stay, 70 years.

Jeremiah also tells them to build houses and plant gardens to sustain themselves. They were to marry, have children, find them spouses and have grandchildren – multiply, not stagnate. They were to work for and pray for the welfare and prosperity of the land in which they were living. They were not to listen to the false prophets telling them any different.

Why listen to Jeremiah? Because all his prophecies came to fruition. So would this one. Lord, may I stand on your word; work for and pray for the welfare of my country.

Having Peace With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we (America) resolve to walk humbly before God (Jer 48:1-49:39 as selected). #WalkHumblyWithGod #BeJustAndMerciful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah chapters 48 and 49 name the nations and cities around Judah to be judged and destroyed (Moab- 48:1, Ammon- 49:1, Edom- 49:7, Damascus- 49:23, Kedar/Hazor- 49:28 and Elam- 49:34).*

Scripture does not explain the specific sins of each nation. A few sins in these nations do take center stage: godlessness, idolatry, pride/arrogance and harassment of Israel. None will be spared who pridefully stick their finger in God’s eye and consider themselves beyond reproach. The key to living at peace with God is to “be just and merciful to others to live humbly before him (Mic 6:8).

Lord, may I (may the American people) be resolved to follow faithfully and walk humbly before you.

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* Moab, Ammon and Elam are prophesied some sort of restoration. Commentators mostly agree that these and similar promises of mercy after judgment are chiefly to be understood as the conversion of the Gentiles under the gospel.

Compelled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Speak God’s word that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God (Jer 36:5–7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point, over 20 years into the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah (25:3) he is banned, restricted from entering into the Temple. So, he instructs Baruch (his scribe) to go to the Temple on the “day of fasting” and read the scroll he has written as dictated by Jeremiah (v1,2). He was to read it out loud in the hearing of those come to fast and pray.

Jeremiah further expresses God‘s sentiment about it to Baruch. Perhaps the people will hear and be COMPELLED to turn from their sin and ask God‘s forgiveness before it is too late (v7; also v3). [see 0pen Our Eyes, this blog) Lord, may I take every opportunity to speak God’s word, that others might be COMPELLED to repent towards God.

God of Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Heed God’s written word as his loving appeal to seek him (Jer 36:1-4) #GodOfMercy #Compassion #God’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After 23 years of preaching (Jer 25:3), God instructs Jeremiah to write down every message he has preached to Israel and Judah. [That’s a lot of sermon notes]. So, Jeremiah dictated his messages to his secretary Baruch.

God explains why Jeremiah should write down his messages. “Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again [all the judgments against them]. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings“ (v3).

God continues to show mercy and compassion for sinful people. He is never willing for any to perish (2Pe 3:9). It is his desire for people to trust and follow after him and live an abundant life (Jhn 10:10). Lord, I am reminded that your compassions never fails us and they are new every morning (Lam 3:22,23).

70 Year Exile: Significance (Prt 3of3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Put your hope in the reliability of God‘s word (Jer 25:11–14). #WakeUpAmerica #God’sWordIsTrue #TrustGodToJudgeSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

One last point can be made on the significance of Israel’s 70 year exile: Babylon is on the clock for destruction. God says he will punish Babylon for her sin, godless cruelty, moral perversion and lawlessness. Babylon will be no more, gone forever as a nation. The prophecies of her destruction are written by Jeremiah in chapters 50 and 51.

Babylon will become the slave to the many nations they conquered and enslaved. She will be punished in proportion to the suffering she perpetrated on others. Seventy years later, in 537 BC under King Cyrus, the Persians conquered Babylon (see Daniel 5:22-31). Babylon would never be heard from again. God’s judgments are reliable, thorough and on-time.

Will God deal with godless nations? Absolutely! Should America be concerned? Absolutely! Lord, I may put my complete hope in the truth and reliability of your word.

70 Year Exile: Significance (Prt 2of3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

It’s Time!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be not deterred from sharing God‘s message of salvation (Jer 25:1–4). #GoodNews #StandFast #MissionMakeDisciples #MessageTurnToGod.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Time has now come, as warned by Jeremiah. God’s judgment was about to fall on the nation of Judah, for her sin and idolatry. We know from this text and the prophet Habakkuk that Babylon would be God‘s instrument of that judgment (v9; Hab 1:6). Jeremiah had been warning the people of this for twenty-three years.

Imagine preaching for 23 years the same basic message with no response. God’s people continued in their indifference and even hostility towards the message and the messenger. Other prophets of God in that day receive the same treatment. Lord, may I be as faithful to the message and mission (Mat 28:19,20) as Jeremiah was to his message and mission. ITS TIME!

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we live joyfully and as sure-footed as the hind in the rocky craggy places of life (Hab 3:16-19). #Surefooted #SongOfDeliverance #GodsJudgmentsAreCertain #ClimbTheHeightsWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sing the song of deliverance. I begin my watch today at the end of this passage (verse 19). The prophet minstrel instructs the choir director to accompany the foregoing prayer with music (with instruments). Why? Because God‘s righteous ones are able to sing with joy in the midst of trouble, heartache and crisis.

For God’s righteous ones, joy and praise are centered on the promises of the sovereign God of heaven and not on our circumstances. God’s judgments, and timing of such, are certain. They will happen without fail. In the meantime we wait patiently on him. And like the hind scaling the high and craggy mountain cliffs, so God has given this old sentry a surefooted reliance upon him.

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See the Christian classic, Hinds’ Feet On High Places, Hannah Hurnard, published in 1955.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 4)

No force on earth can stand against our righteous God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give God praise for his protective hand on his own; may the soul of America be turned to giving thanks for God’s protective hand on her (Hab 3:12-15).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this ode, the prophet minstrel sees a vision of God, thrashing the nations for their godless, idolatrous attitudes and immoral behavior (vv 8-10) God will do to Babylon what he did to Egypt. God‘s motive is to crush evil and deliver his own. Reference to the “anointed“ is a reference to the coming Messiah. Saving his oft erring people also preserves the coming Anointed One, Christ.

Thinking Israel would be sitting ducks at the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army of charioteers were thrown into panic, disarray and death (Exo 14:23-28). “Selah“ following these remarks means, stop and think about what was just spoken. Lord, you are a force to reckon with when it comes to protecting your righteous ones. As one of yours, I know that I am eternally secure in your care.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 3)

Even nature is awestruck by the mighty Power of God.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

View God with the honor and respect due him (Hab 3:8–11). #HonorGod #GodsJudgment #GodsDeliverance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Was God angry when he struck the rivers and parted the sea (references to God‘s judgment on Egypt & deliverance of his people*). The answer is, “No, God was not angry with the seas.“ He was sending judgment on the godless and salvation to his people. So here, God is bringing down judgment on Babylon and will deliver his people from captivity.

God is seen here as brandishing his bow and mighty arrows (symbols of power). The mountains writhe like a woman with birth pangs. The deep (oceans) lift “hands” in awe. The sun and moon stand still before God‘s mighty power. His arrows strike their intended target. His glittering spear flashes before him.

One thing is clear. God’s might and power is clearly unmatched by any other power, even the mighty forces of nature. When God moves in deliverance or judgment he does so with great force and power. Lord, I acknowledge your mighty power to judge to deliver.

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* Nile River (Exo 7:20,21); Red Sea (Exo 14:21-28); Jordan River (Jos 3:14-17).

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give praise to God for his radiant splendor and certain glorious coming (Hab 3:3). #TheComingOneTrueGod #ExaltTheComingChrist #TheGloryOfGod #Redemption

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After Hsbakkuk’s opening petition (for revival and mercy) praise is his response to all that God had shown him. No more questions. Only praise. Just as the watchmen sits high above the camp looking, watching for activity on the horizon, so Habakkuk sees in the distance a theophany of the glorious and radiant splendor of the coming one true God.

Habakkuk’s imagery recalls a great and glorious event in Israel’s history (deliverance from Egypt). Moses describes God as coming in glory to establish his nation at Mount Sinai in Teman and Mt Paran in the region of Edom (Deu 33:1,2). God appears to Habakkuk in the same glorious light and regal splendor. He will come to deliver Israel again and judge Babylon for her godlessness.

“SELAH!” (A musical term for a symbol crash or trumpets to blow; stop and let those preceding words sink into your heart and mind). Lord, what an amazing sight to behold. From Habakkuk’s watchtower to mine I see through his eyes the glory of God‘s certain coming in power. The sentry joins him in giving praise to God for his certain coming in radiant glory.

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Consider Ezekiel’s description of God’s glory (Ezk 1:28; 10:4; 43:2):

1:28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

10:4 And the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.

43:2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.

The Apostle John’s description of God’s glory (Rev 18:1; 21:11; 21:23):

18:1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.

21:11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

21:23 And the city phas no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for qthe glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Prophet Minstrel: A Song of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Come to your altar of personal praise and worship of God (Hab 3:1,2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is a prayer of Habakkuk sung to the Lord. It is to be sung with instruments (v19). This is intimate union with and worship of our great God. The prophet comes with questions as to how long God will allow evil to prevail (Ch 1).

The prophet then comes to his post to hear God‘s reply. He becomes the prophet minstrel, singing God‘s reply as a song of taunts, a woeful dirge (Ch 2).

Now the prophet minstrel sings a glorious hallelujah chorus. It is a song of praise and worship stemming from his intimate communion with God. Lord, I join the prophet in coming to my own cathedral of private devotion. I lift my heart, hands, and voice in worship of you for all that is mine in redemption. Thank you Lord!

Deeply Stained Within

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be deeply moved in waves of contrition and repentance for our own sin & rebellion (Hab 1:6-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #America #TheNations

MORNING WATCH NOTES (and extended subscript to the nations):

This is the horrific vision that God gave the prophet, Habakkuk. A pagan nation of cruel violent people (Babylon) will descend on Judah like a blazing relentless desert wind. This godless nation will gobble up other nations as well, having their way with whatever cruelty they wish.

The war horses of Babylon run like the cheetah and are more fierce than ravenous wolves. Their charioteers charge from a far off and swoop down like eagles, picking off and devour their unsuspecting prey. They scoop up captives as they go. No one is safe. They scoff kings & princes; laugh at their fortresses and walls. Then, like the wind, they are gone, leaving behind nothing but a sweltering desolate landscape.

But God tells the prophet, Babylon was not innocent for having been God‘s instrument. NO! They went beyond all restraint to their own destruction. They were deeply guilty and flawed because they viewed their own strength was their God.

Lord, the prayer sentries, the watchmen on the walls, must sit dumbfounded with the prophet and consider what horrific plan lay ahead for Judah. Would God, could God, do such a thing (vv12-16)?

May this Sentry be moved to waves of contrition and repentance for my own deep sin.

________

SUBSCRIPT TO THE NATIONS:

I ask what will be in store for my own great nation (America) and her great allies. Where will pride in our own strength, our arrogant disregard of God and our distain of justice bring us? Is there any nation on earth today that God may be raising up to do to us what Babylon did to Judah and the ancients?

That is not a far fetched question. Consider China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. All of these are mentioned in one way or another in prophecies of these end times.

A local pastor spoke recently and reminded his congregation of how the nations viewed the nation of Israel after her 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

”When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” (Psm 126:1-2)

“The other nations were amazed” to see how God had blessed Israel.

There was a day when the nations would have looked upon America and said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” But today that light has grown dim and the nations laugh at us. Mock us. Scorn us. America has left the God of her fathers. May the Lord send sweeping revival across this land like a fast moving prairie fire. May there be an awakening of national one global proportions.

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Perhaps the prophet Habakkuk and those righteous who were with him, like we today, could find some comfort in the words of Israel’s king, David, the Psalmist:

”But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence…

[…no matter who: Babylon, China, Russia, Iran; AMERICA, GREAT BRITAIN and others are not without their own history of violence]

“[God] will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.

[If God spared not his own chose people from judgment and correction, how safe are those without God’s covering of mercy and grace?]

[But our] righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.“ (Psm 11:4-7)

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GOD PROMISES TO SHOW HIS FACE TO THOSE WHO ARE HIS RIGHTEOUS ONES, WHO CHOOSE VIRTUE

Soul Ablaze In Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May hearts be set ablaze in prayer for revival and awakening (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who learns more quickly, the student who is uninterested in a subject, or the student who is inquisitive and asks questions about the subject? Just so, who would pray more effectively, the person told he must pray, or the person who knows the call of God to intercede? This is Habakkuk.

J. Edwin Orr (authority on revival*) says, “Whenever God is ready to do something new with his people, he always sets them to praying.“ Look again at verse one. It is God who sends the questions that stir the prophet’s heart and sets him ablaze in prayer.

The questions that burn in the heart of Habakkuk are the questions God intends to use to set the prophet’s heart ablaze in prayer for his people. Lord set my heart and soul on fire in prayer for revival, awakening and restoration.

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* For those interested: J. Edwin Orr on Revival

God Quiet? Ask Why!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you never fear to ask God honest questions (Hab 1:1–4). #AskGod #HonestQuestionsHonestAnswers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here we have the prophet Habakkuk (his name may mean “embracer” or “embraced“ (literally it means to hold in one’s hands). Was Habakkuk the “embracer” of the people to comfort them, or to be an “embracer” of the problem of divine justice in a wicked world? Or was he the “embraced” one who God had chosen as his messenger?

Either way, Habakkuk was God‘s prophet and his message stands as unique among the prophets. His writings are more the record of a dialogue between him and his Creator God. His primary question, as ours is today, why does such evil persist in our world without any consequences?* These first four verses could be internet headlines today. Lord, if I am honest, I must admit that I too wonder just how long before you set this crooked old world straight again?

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* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.

Embracing A World In Crisis

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the darkness of sin around us lead us to pray for the justice and mercy of God (Hab 1:1; 3:2). #DeepIntercessions #TheWorldInCrisis

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk is a prophet of God who shows up sometime prior to the Babylonian captivity of the Jews. He is a contemporary of Jeremiah. Nothing more is known of him. There is however, some wide agreement that he may have been a musician of the Levitical office (see 3:19). Further, his writings resemble the literary style of the psalms.*

Habakkuk often sounds more like David pouring out his heart to God than a preacher raining down judgment on the people. He is more poet than prophet. The darkness of sin running rampant in our world, should bring God‘s people to a deeper place of repentance and devotion to him. Lord, Habakkuk calls me to think more deeply on the state of our world and to plead for God’s justice and mercy (3:2).

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* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.

Break Through Fear

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Deny the fear of men and speak boldly for God (Jer 26:12–15). #SpeakTruth #DoNotFearMen #FearGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the trial of Jeremiah, the prophet gives his own defense: 1) he declares the authenticity of his prophetic words, as from God; 2) the destruction of the temple is conditioned on the repentance of the people of Judah; and 3) he declares that killing him would be to execute an innocent man – this would compound the sin of Judah, and seal their fate. What a defense!

I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Luke 12:12. “Do not fear men…do not worry about how to defend yourself…the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say” (read in context, Luke 12:4–12). We may take courage and reverence God above all others. Break through the fear of men or what they can do to you. Stand on the truth. Lord, I know that you will be my defense in time of trouble.

Seed of Hatred Towards Israel

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we walk daily in humble obedience to God (Jer 26:1–6). #MessageForAmerica #Repent #TurnNowToGod

Repentance in Israel, America, any Nation Remains Our Best Hope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In spite of God‘s intended judgment on Judah the message is still, “If you will repent, I will change my mind (says God) about the disaster I am ready to pour out on you because of your sin.“ (Sounds like 2 Chronicles 7:14). If not, after repeated warnings, God says, I will destroy the temple and make Jerusalem an object of cursing in every nation on earth.

Such was, and is the case in Israel, even unto this day. Know what? Israel is still unrepentant – she even crucified the Messiah, Jesus. No wonder Israel has suffered so much through history. No wonder she is in crisis today. Unrepentance sows terrible seeds of disaster. Lord, may I live in humble obedience to you. I “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psm 122:6-9).

[Are you paying attention America? Will you turn to Jehovah God?]

National Reckoning Pt2

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we learn from history, turn quickly to God and know his favor. (Jer 22:6-9). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah, the prophet, continues his prophecy over the rebellious kings and nation of Judah:

The hard reality for God‘s people is, God loves us, but he will severely discipline his own for their sin, disobedience and worship of other gods (who are no–gods). If God is willing to send in the “wreckers“ and dismantle an entire city devoted to him (Jerusalem) and set it afire, what will we today, in America, face for turning our backs on him?

People may one day ask of this great nation America, what was then asked of Jerusalem. “Why did she fall into such disrepair?” The answer will be, because she scoffed at the God who so blessed her and she went after other gods. Lord, teach my heart, remind me of your goodness so that I might not sin against thee.

More to follow.

Open Our Eyes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Lord, open our eyes to a fresh vision of the truths of your word (2Ch 34:18-21) #FreshVision #SendRevival #OpenOurEyes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is not clear in Scripture (2Ch 34:8-21) whether young King Josiah merely knew by verbal tradition of the “Book of the Law;” or if he had a copy, but only a superficial understanding of it. It is more likely that he had never seen a copy of the Law. The kings before him were wicked ungodly men with no interest in God’s word. What is clear is that when the words of the Law were read to Josiah, they brought him to his knees in repentance.

Reading this account in Scripture reminds me of how, at times, we as believers become numb to God’s word. Our familiarity with it makes us tone deaf. For whatever reasons, we neglect God’s word until it no longer has an influence on our lives. Or, we’re engaging in God’s word with a verse we may have read a month ago or a year ago, it suddenly comes alive. The words leap off the page at us with an entirely new meaning. We are suddenly stricken with truth that we had not seen before. It requires and precipitates change. That is the work of the Holy Spirit, the work of revival and awakening. That is what happened to Josiah.

Lord, may we have a fresh vision of the truths of your word. May it lead us individually to repentance. We can then pray with David, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted and return to You.” (Psm 51:12-13)

Mañana: No Option

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Yield without delay to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (2Ch 34:21). #Repent #TurnFromSin #ConvictionOfSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having heard a reading of the “Book of the Law,“ King Josiah realizes the danger Israel is in because they had not followed God’s prescribed law (Deu 28:15ff). Josiah’s instructions at that point, to the High Priest and other officials, was to go and inquire about the meaning of what had been read to him.

In other words, Josiah said, “Go now and seek counsel from the Prophet. Confirm what had been read to him. Inquire what should be done.” The nearest prophet was Huldah, the Prophetess, who lived near the Temple (v22). Lord, I understand that conviction of sin will lead me to further and quickly inquiry as to what next to do. Do it now, not tomorrow.

Be Reconciled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain open to the convicting power of God’s word (2Ch 34:19–21). #RepentOfSin #TurnFromSin #TurntoGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah‘s response to what he heard as God‘s word to all of Israel was great remorse and conviction. He immediately recognized the sin of his nation. His grief led him to repentance (2Co 7:9-11). He did not cast off his sin, or blame another or excuse it. He owned it.

God‘s word leads us to acknowledge sin, leads us away from sin and expresses sorrow for sin. Conviction of sin causes a desire within us to change. It leads us to turn away from that sin and follow God. God‘s word is powerful to judge the intentions and motives of the heart (Heb 4:12). Lord, may I daily consider my obedience to you, make course corrections in my life and be reconciled with you.

Judgment Will Roll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Know Your Enemy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wise in your understanding as to how Satan operates (Jer 18:18). #ResistSatan #KnowYourEnemy #ListenToGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage reveals how our enemy, Satan, operates. He can’t stop the man or woman of God from speaking God’s word. So he causes God’s people to doubt and/or ignore God’s word. Look at Genesis 3:1–4.* “Did God really say don’t eat of the fruit?…If you eat the fruit, you won’t die!” So, deceived, man ate the fruit.

Jeremiah’s detractors determined that they would spread lies about him, cause people to doubt what he says. They determined that they can just ignore what Jeremiah says. They said, “Our priests, wisemen and prophets can teach us. We don’t need Jeremiah to tell us what he thinks God is saying.” Lord, make me wise to Satan‘s tactics to throw me off of God’s message.

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* Know your enemy: Jhn 8:44; 2Co 11:3,4; Eph 6:10–13; Jas 1:14-16; 1Pe 5:8,9; 1Jn 3:12,13; Rev 12:9,10. God fits the believer for battle: Psm 144:1,2; Eph 6:13-18; Jas 4:7.

Unbridled Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust the unfailing, limitless love and forgiveness of God (Psm 103:11-18). #UnfailingLoveAndForgiveness #UnbridledCompassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Speaking of the fear of God, the Psalmist gives us a window into the nature of God’s character. He is more like a loving, compassionate father than a cruel uncaring tyrant (v10). God’s unfailing love (unbridled compassion) has no limits. He is able to discern between the sin and the person. Fear in this sense is to revere, honor, and respect God as one would a father.

God also knows our weakness as compared to his vast power. To be a compassionate dad is to know the limits of one’s power. Unbridled power is hurtful, not helpful. God bridles his Justice (v10). He unbridles his compassion. So, we are able to honor and obey without limits. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate towards me, your oft disobedient child.

Not What We Deserve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks for God’s unfailing justice, mercy, and love (Psm 103:6–10). #UndeservedFavor #UnfailingLoveAndMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this God of tender mercies towards men (vv1-5)? He is the God who gives. He gives righteousness, puts men in good stead with him (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; Jer 33:15). He gives justice to the oppressed, making men right with each other. He is the God who reveals who he is. He did so with Moses (Exo 20:1,2; 33:13–20) and his people.

God is the God of all compassion and mercy, long-suffering, full of unfailing, unconditional love. He is the God who mitigates his actions towards sinful men by his mercy. He does not give us all that we deserve for sin (grace). Lord, I may count on your promises to forever wash and cleanse me from all sin.