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.
Remain open to God‘s searching of your heart (Psm 139:19-24). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #SearchMyHeart
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
David concludes this Psalm – he has reflected on God‘s absolute knowledge, presence and power. He, enlists every one of these attributes of God to not only destroy his enemies, but to expose and separate him from any sinful offensive motivation, thought or word flowing from his own heart.
David knew he could not fool God, hide from or outrun God. He seeks genuine honesty before God regarding even his enemies. He seeks to be led by God along the pathway of everlasting life. Lord, I desire, invite, your deepest searching of my heart for any wayward or offensive word, or deed.
Don’t wait to turn from sin back to God (Lam 1:1-22). #Don’tKnowWhatYouGotTillItsGone #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Lamentations chapter one begins by mourning the great losses of a once glorious and majestic nation. That nation, Israel, is now a shell of its former self (vv1-11). Then he expresses deep remorse, agony, devastation and despair for the sins of Israel. He feels deep conviction and sorrow for sin (vv12-22).
I think of the saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”* Here, I learn to not take the blessings and grace of God for granted. Lord, keep my heart, sensitive to the things (sins) which lead me far from you.
________
* Canadian singer Joni Mitchell sang about this in the in 1970s.
May you earnestly seek God in your trials (Psm 119:73-80). #SchoolOfAffliction #SeekGodInAflictions
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I should be aware that others eyes are upon me. The psalmist says, “May all who fear you [God] find in me a cause for joy.” The School of Affliction may be for a time bitter. But with affliction comes the comfort of God for those who look to his word for help (Heb 12:10,11; Psm 119:50).
In the face of trials and affliction, I will seek God in his word to surround me with his tender mercies. I may also draw strength from those godly ones around me (v79). My delight is in God‘s word and among those who fear him. Lord, may I have the good sense to seek you in my afflictions.
May we (America) separate ourselves from sin early; sooner than later (Ezk5:11-17).#RepentTurnToGod #Awakening #RealChange #ComeEarlyToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In Ezekiel’s model (v4:1,2), Jerusalem (Israel) was to be a beacon of God’s love and protection, a light to the nations (5:5,6; Gen 22:15-18; Isa 49:6). But she rebelled. She left God and worshipped all manner of other gods, and in grotesque detestable ways. In this text she is still a model, but for horror, mockery and taunting.*
The condemnation of Jerusalem will be a warning to the nations. They will see how the Lord punishes a nation that is being rebuked for their sin. The horrific acts of men reveal the depravity of their hearts. If God is willing to punish his own, how then shall others escape (Heb 2:1-4)?
Lord, I am reminded of sin’s full capacity to destroy life, God’s intense jealousy and my need for repentance.
_________
* So, is the God of the Old Testament just a God of anger? No! Verse 13 tells me that he is a God of covenant love driven to jealousy by the betrayal and adultery of his people.
May you know the conviction and compassion of God’s word (Ezk5:1-4). #GodsMeasureOfJustice
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After Ezekiel had shaved his head and beard, he was to weigh out three equal parts:
1/3 he would burn over his model city (4:1,2). These are those who would die by famine and disease in the siege of Jerusalem (5:12).
1/3 were to be chopped up by his sword. These are those who would die by the sword of the enemy (v12).
1/3 was to be scattered to the wind. These are those who would be chased down by the enemy and slaughtered (v12).
Ezekiel was to save some hair out and tuck it into his robe, but some of these would also be thrown into the fire. These are the remnant to be saved who believe (but even some of those will be lost – Mat 7:21-23).
God may be speaking harshly here, but he always speaks clearly and for our good. Lord, may I know and understand clearly the conviction and compassion of your word.
Acknowledge sin, turn to God in humble repentance (Ezk5:1).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Continuing his “living prophecy,” Ezekiel is instructed to shave his head and beard with a sword [sharp knife]. Such an act was a sign of mourning and humiliation, even repentance.
One commentary pauses here to imagine the surprise as spectators gather around Ezekiel and watch him shave his head and beard with so cumbersome and instrument.
“What does it mean,“ they might ask? Of course Ezekiel is obliged to tell them of the coming destruction of Jerusalem (revealed further in the next few verses). It should be a time of mourning, humiliation, and hopefully repentance. Lord, thank you for revealing my own sinful past, and giving me the good sense to repent and reverse my course.
May we laud and yield to our holy & loving Heavenly Father (Ezk5:5,6). #WorshipTheLord #GivePraiseToGod #ServeTheLordGladly
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As clear a representation as chapter four of Ezekiel is of God‘s judgment on Judah, chapter five gives further definition to Judah’s destruction.
God had placed Judah at the center of the Nations. She was to be an example of God‘s great interest and engagement with all the nations; an influence for godly living. But she rebelled. She lost touch with the Holy, she became even more wicked than her surrounding nations. She refused to follow after God. Her attitude and actions would now come under God’s discipline.
The words of Jesus even decry the pain God feels for his rebellious people (Mat 23:37–39). Lord, may I ever be in touch with the Holy One.
May your living choice be a life well lived for Christ (Ezk 4:16,17). #TheLivingChoice #LifeInChrist
The Desolation of Jerusalem by Babylon
Morning Watch Notes:
The point of Ezekiel‘s “living prophecy“ was to symbolize the Israelites living in exile in Babylon, that God’s people were indeed undergoing the discipline of the Lord.
The self imposed rationing of bread and water by Ezekiel was ordered by God. It characterized the devastation of the Israelites’ homeland (Lam 1:11; 2:11-12,19; 4:4-5,9). There should be no question that God was allowing the demise of Judah as result of her decades of sin (Lam 4:12,13; 5:15-18). This Ezekiel would preach and demonstrate God’s judgment through his living model prophecy.Lord, may my heart remain purely focused on a life well lived for you.
Five to six days into my reading of Ezekiel, I had to stop and ask myself the question, “How do I apply what I am hearing God say to me? Where do I fit myself in these messages from God?” I had to stop and consider these few following thoughts:
If I am able to say that I am a man who is essentially following God‘s direction, I might be able to say that I relate to Ezekiel (or to some remnant of the godly, who are left in Jerusalem). But, if I must say that I am a man who has essentially been or currently am being disobedient, then I must relate to God’s rebellious people.
WHO DO I THINK AM I?
If I relate with Ezekiel, then it is a matter of obedience for me. I must continue to have daily conversations with God, listen to what he tells me in his word and then boldly carry out his instructions, no matter how difficult. I must ask, “Am I willing to follow God? How far would I go to proclaim God‘s truth?”
If I relate to those who have been disobedient to God, then I must stare into these prophetic words of Ezekiel, hear the truth of what God tells me about my sin/defilement, repent and turn back to him or suffer the consequences. Here I must ask, “Am I recalcitrant? How far have I gone, how far am I willing to go into sin before yielding to God‘s truth?“
WHERE DO I THINK I AM?
At times, I may come close to following Ezekiel‘s example. But I have certainly also had my times of extreme wayward behavior. God has had to deal harshly with me.
If I am honest, I would have to put myself in between the two ends of this spectrum – somewhere between obedient and recalcitrant. The questions for me daily are, “Where do I want to be on that spectrum? Am I seeking after righteousness? What am I willing to do to get there? Does God still communicate with me and I with him?” If I am still on speaking terms with God then there is still hope, mercy and grace for me.
This is all tied to that process we call “sanctification”. So, I am always in a state of growth. If I am sincerely walking in the Spirit I am not fulfilling the desires of the sinful nature (Gal 5:16-17). I am always growing and moving upward not down, forward not back. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (ICo 15:57).
May we experience a deep consciousness and rejection of sin (Ezk 4:8-13). #Repentance #TurnFullyTogod #DoNotIgnoreSin
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
During the times of Ezekiel‘s prophesying, he will be tied/bound with rope portraying Israel’s captivity. There will be no escape until the days of their destruction are complete. He is again a “living prophecy“ to the people.
To prepare for his living prophecy scene, he is to gather specified ingredients to bake bread periodically during his days of interaction with prophetic preaching (vv4–6). He is to bake the bread over human dung and eat it (vv12). Detestable in the eyes of Jews! This was to portray how God’s people will suffer defilement in their days of captivity in a gentile land of profane people (Babylon).
Lord, these readings lead me to a deep consciousness and rejection of sin’s misery.
May we understand how deeply sin grieves the heart of God (Ezk 4:4-6).
#God’sGriefOverSin #RepentOfSin
The symbolism, revolving around the facts and meaning of “390 days” and “40 days” (a day for every year of sin), are very difficult historically, textually and interpretively. Biblical scholars don’t all agree. What is clear is that both Israel and Judah have committed deeply grievous sins against God (made clear in v3) for a long time.
For this purpose Ezekiel portrays Israel as having borne the consequence of their sin (symbolically). The weight their sin is understood as heavily on them as Ezekiel lays down: first on one side for “390 days” (head pointed north towards Israel) then, “40 days” on the other (head pointed south towards Judah).
What is portrayed here is the seriousness of sin against God. It further shows the lengths to which God will go to convey his deep anguish, concern over and correction of sin. Lord, may this old sentry’s heart remain steadfast in its stand against personal sin.
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 eyes be opened to the sin that so besets us (Ezk 4:1-3).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
[This is the first of many object lessons given to us by Ezekiel. It reveals judgment for sin against Jerusalem. Picture it as a Play-Doh war zone]
Ezekiel places a clay brick with a map of Jerusalem etched on it. He molds a wall around the brick; toy soldiers surround the brick with siege ramps and battering rams. Then Ezekiel places in iron griddle between himself and the Play-Doh city under siege.
The point here is that no wayward sinful heart can escape from the city. The image demonstrates how harsh the siege against Jerusalem will be. It pictures a warning to the people of Israel.
Jesus spoke in parables. Often the prophets spoke through object lessons. All were done to make a spiritual point about God‘s love and plans for man. God always intends to break the wayward heart because he is merciful. Lord, open our (my) eyes to your merciful warnings concerning the siege of sin and judgment.
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.
May we walk the walk before we talk. (Ezk 3:10,11) #WalkTheWalkB4UTalk #DoWhatYouSay #CastingStones
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Advice to any student of scripture: God says, “Let all my words sink deep into your own heart first (recall Ezk 3:1-3). Listen to my words carefully for yourself. Then go to the people and say this is what the Sovereign Lord says.“ Especially teachers and preachers take note. “Let him or her without sin cast the first stone” (Jhn 8:7).
Before you go expounding and exhorting, make certain that you yourself have listened to God’s message with a heart turned towards obedience. Do this before telling others what God says they are to do (1Co 9:27). Lord, as a dad, granddad and minister of the gospel, may I be first to listen and respond to the truth of Scripture.
Understand the severity of hypocrisy with God (Jer 34:17,18). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay
We Are What We Do; Not What We Say We Will Do
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Hypocrisy before God is something for which every believer ought to be aware: telling God you will do one thing, but doing another. The reference to cutting a calf in half and then walking between the halves to solemnize their vows was tantamount to signing a contract (Gen 15:9,10).
Significantly, the vows made here were made before God in the temple of God (v15). This is a fiercely defiant sin. It is the same as going to church on Sunday and putting on a show of piety, then living a life of sin and debauchery the rest of the week. Lord, may I always do what my words imply that I am.
Thank God for his enduring compassions for men (Psm 113:1-9).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Our praise to and for God is centered on his great concern for all of his creation (Psm 104) and all of his compassions for the people of his creation (Psm 103). Here we see God’s concern is especially for the poor and oppressed.
Though God sits enthroned on high, above heaven and earth. he is not aloof from man and those who suffer. We may rightfully give praise to God for his greatness and favor. Lord, you make your abode on high and with those contrite in heart (Isa 57:15).
Remain open to the conviction of God‘s Holy Spirit (1Jhn 5:16,17).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“The sin unto death.“ Here is another prickly topic in Scripture. What is the sin unto death? There is no consensus among Bible commentators. There are instances in Scripture where such a sin may have been committed (e.g., 1Co 11:27–30; Mrk 3:29; Heb 6:4–6).
[I am personally acquainted with an example where a beloved sister in Christ found herself deeply involved in a sin. She rejected all attempts to change course. Her life was taken suddenly.]
Since these examples all differ, I think it is best to leave such judgment up to God. The role of brothers and sisters in Christ is to pray for one another and lovingly challenge one another to godly living (Heb 3:12-15). Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to change the direction of my life (see Window of Opportunity; my story, this blog).
May sin lead us to brokenness, repentance, confession & renewal (1Jn 3:4-10). #Repentance #Confession #Brokenness #Renewal
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
If one is a true believer (has repented of sin and trusted Christ as Savior), that one will not continue in sin. Are believers sinless? Obviously not. There is only one sinless, Jesus, and he died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. To say one “believes” but continues in sin is spiritual malpractice.
What John is saying here is that true believers will not go on practicing sin as a habit or lifestyle. They are not indifferent to God‘s moral law. When a believer sins, he/she is broken, sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confesses that sin. “God is faithful to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9).
Lord, thank you for a heart to follow Christ; for loving me through my failures.
Trust Christ’s sacrifice for all sin and forgiveness (1Jn 2:1,2). #ChristOurAdvocate
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The aged apostle John addresses his readers fondly, as a loving father would to his children. Of course his desire is that they not sin. What father would not wish that for his children? But he knows also that no one is immune to sin.
So, John wants his readers to know that when sin does enter into a life, there is hope. Jesus Christ advocates for us based on his death sacrifice for sin. His defense never rests. Our God hears his plea and forgives all sin based on Christ’s righteousness in us (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21). Lord, I may trust my eternal counselor who is my advocate with God.
Remain open to the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit (1Jn 1:8-10). #ConfessAllKnownSin #BeRightWithGod #PracticeTheTruth #ListenToTheSpirit
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
It may seem odd that some might claim that they have no sin, now that they have trusted Christ. But some were doing exactly that. That is delusional. It calls God a liar and ignores God’s word. Christians do not become sinless at the point of salvation. But neither do they still desire to continue in sin.
Christians are not perfect. I need only to look into my own heart to know that. Walking in the light does not mean sinless perfection. It means that my heart is always open to the scrutiny of the Spirit of God. When some sin is there exposed, I agree with God and confess it. Christ forgives the sin and cleanses me from all wickedness.
Lord, at risk here is this sentry’s closeness with you, as “darkness” tries to edged out the light. But my relationship with God in Christ is secure and never in question.
Do not let shame, pride, fear or guilt prevent you from returning home to God (Jer 51:50,51).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God’s people are directed by God to return to their homeland at the fall of Babylon (vv45,50). But they are mortified, ashamed and disgraced because foreigners and aliens had desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem. They felt so ashamed (v51).
“Yes, but God.“ What God says to them in essence is I am coming to deliver (v52). Don’t be paralyzed by shame. Though you may feel far from God, he is closer to you than you think. Turn your eyes on God. Set your gaze on your homeland. (v50). The way home is to repent, turn your heart towards him again and he will see you through. He will do a work of revival in you.
__________
WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT RECEIVE SO COMPASSIONATE A LOVE AS THE FATHER OFFERS?
S H A M E ! F E A R ! P R I D E !
_________
Adam and Eve reacted to their sin and disobedience towards God, not by humbly seeking God to admit guilt. But in their newly acquired shame, pride, guilt and fear (having eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil) they tried to cover up their sin. They thought they could hide from God (Gen 3). They thought they could outsmart God and somehow avoid accountability.
The Psalmist felt shame (Psm 73): ”Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you” [but God reminded him of his compassions]. The Psalmist continues, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth“ (Psm 73:21-22,24-25 NLT).
Paul says there is no disappointment in Jesus (Rom 10:11).
______
In Jeremiah 51:50-51, God essentially explains how to defeat shame. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God through Jeremiah tells them to return home to Jerusalem when Babylon falls. But the children of Israel express shame that the temple in Jerusalem was desecrated on their watch.
in these two verses God is saying, THE WAY HOME IS…
1) don’t be paralyzed by shame, pride, guilt and fear,
2) turn your eyes on God [on Jesus],
3) set your face to your homeland [set your eyes on your future glory] and…
4) though you feel far from God, he is closer than you think.
Turn to him now. There is hope. Ask God’s forgiveness for sin. Invite him to take his rightful place in your heart. Then follow him…all The Way Home.
May God’s sentries on the American wall “Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly” to warn of approaching hoofbeats (Jer 51:45-50). #ApprochingHoofbeats #StormWarning
APPROACHING HOOFBEATS
Morning Watch: Extended
It would be foolish to declare the words of Jeremiah 51:45-50 as prophecy over America. That is not the context. However, it would also be foolish not to take a lesson from history. Especially when I see these very same things happening in America. It is a wake up call!!!
This is what the sentry on the wall, the American wall, ought to be doing – pointing to the signs of God’s impending judgment and crying out a warning of the approaching hoofbeats of an overwhelming adversary being sent by God himself.
In 2024 is America headed for judgment? There are signs to be read:
1. Rumors arise every year of growing adversarial threats. (China, Russia, North Korea, Iran).
2. There is violence and lawlessness in our streets, judicial oversight is falling apart.
3. Leaders in government fight against each other (interagency fighting, federal and state governments fighting, congressional fighting).
4. America will certainly see her great idols fall (great institutions of science, education, her military complex, financial markets, false religions, et.al).
5. I would humbly add to this list the demise of the family unit and the breakdown of morality.
It is the ultimate hubristic and godless mind that could think such a society could survive.
Consider the words of Christ who said, “Fools, you can read signs of weather, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times” (Luke 12:56). You don’t have to be a prophet to read the signs of our times.
The sentry on the wall has standing orders: Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly (ISA 62:6; NEH 4:16-18;Hos 8:1-4).
But I don’t come to this passage with some pessimistic fatalism. I come to this passage with some excitement about the future. May we see either a GREAT AWAKENING that sweeps thousands into the Kingdom of a God and/or a GREAT EXIT in the second coming of Christ.
Trust God to carry out his every plan in our lives and for the nations (Jer 51:27-33). #God’sPlan
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah continues God’s call to the nations that will rise up against Babylon. The hammer of judgment God used to discipline his people will itself be hammered and broken. All the nations mentioned here were war-like people. God will use them to lay waste to Babylon, deliver his people.
Jeremiah prophesies that all the mighty warriors of Babylon will retreat for cover; offer no resistance. When God’s people realize that Babylon being trampled, they will then know that God’s harvest of judgment had arrived (the 70 year captivity will be over). Lord, except for repentance, there is no rolling back your plan for our lives nor the nations.
Lean in to God in times of bitter personal (national) conflict, trials or correction (Jer 50:33,34 – 51:1-5).
There follows here, another declarative statement of God’s intentions to destroy Babylon. She will be blown away like chaff in the wind. Her military will not even draw their first arrow. Their fierce adversary will be swift, mighty, and merciless. It will overwhelm Like a lion’s attack on a lamb.
The king of Babylon will feel great anguish over the approach of the adversary. It will be no vassal state. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will stir a powerful enemy (Psm 35:10–12) and thoroughly vindicate his people. His people had sinned against him. But still, he is their God, the Holy one of Israel.
Lord, I may lean in to you in times of bitter conflict, trial or correction (personal or national).
_____________
Two things are clear to me in this passage:
1. Any enemy of God‘s people stands no chance against our mighty God. Let the nations beware. He is the mighty force behind the rise and fall of nations.
2. Though God may at times discipline us severely, we may trust him to remain steadfast and long suffering with us. We may lean in to the arms of God in times of personal/national discipline and correction.
Expect that God is always at work to speak into the lives of his people, pointing us back to him (Jer 51:59-61). #God’sCanvas #BehindTheVeil #GodIsWorking
Behind the Veil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah Chapters 50 and 51 records the message of the prophet concerning the eventual demise of Babylon. The intention is to encourage the Jews in exile there. This text explains how the message would arrive and be read to the exiles.
A man named Seraiah was a staff officer of King Zedekiah (vassal king to Babylon in Judah). Seraiah would accompany Zedekiah on a trip to Babylon; likely summoned there by King Nebuchadnezzar. Seraiah’s Instructions were to read the scroll prepared by Jeremiah (Chapters 50 and 51) to the Israelites in exile.
From this and other Scripture, I gather that we may expect that God is always working on his canvas, behind the veil of life, to speak truth and encouragement into the hearts of his people. Even when his people are far from him.
Lord, I take heart knowing that, no matter how far I wander, you continue working in my circumstances (even when held captive in my own exile) to point my heart back to you.
_________
I just have to say that I truly understand the wandering heart. I spent some years doing a lot of wandering myself in my late teens and early 20s. The Lord spoke into my life during those years numerous times, in various degrees of intensity.
Finally, I found myself in exile (like the children of God taken captive and moved to Babylon). My exile was Vietnam. I had no choice. Drafted into the Army, I was literally uprooted and physically moved. It was in Vietnam that God got his message through to me.
While I was in my exile God sent a man named “Smitty” (a fellow soldier) with a message to me, just like he sent “Seraiah” to his people in exile. I will always be forever grateful to God for Smitty. He spoke into my life, just as Seraiah spoke into the life of the Israelite exiles. At one point while in a guard tower (2 -3 AM, December 28, 1968), God turned the light. I heard from him and I began my journey back to God‘s plan and purpose for me. I never looked back.
So, when I say that you can expect God to be working behind the veil of life in order to speak into our lives, I know that not only from Gods word, I know that from experience as well.
Give us spirit-filled leaders who honor God and speak the truth (Jer 23:9–12). #GodlySpiritualLeaders #PastorsTeachersProphetsDevotedToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Following Jeremiah‘s confrontation with Hananiah, an influential but false prophet (Ch 28), he turns his attention from the kings of Judah to the prophets and priests. Jeremiah is heartbroken at the condition of the office of prophet and priest in Judah. They were godless men who polluted and profaned the temple. They maintained a very low view of God. They did not respect God‘s word.
Spiritual and moral adultery was rampant. These so called spiritual leaders carried out their despicable acts even in the temple. God would chase them down. They would be judged for their sin, their detestable ways. Men and women who do not preach the truth will be severely dealt with by God. Lord, may I have the highest view of your word; may we have men and women in spiritual leadership, who speak truth and honor God.
May we know as a people the joy of the full restoration of God (Jer 27:22). #God’sRestoration #RestorationPromise
RESTORED!
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.
The Prayer Sentry 