Struck Dead

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not persist in sin until God must act dramatically in your life (Ezk 11:13). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Whether still seeing the judgment of Judah (Jerusalem) in a vision or thereafter prophesying to the people what God told Ezekiel in that vision (vv24,25), one of the named officials (Pelatial) in verse 1 was struck down dead.

This death was an affirmation of the seriousness of the coming and eminent judgment of God for sin (see also Acts 5:1-11). Ezekiel is so shaken by this death that he falls face down crying out to God – would God kill everyone in Israel? Lord, may I not persist in sin, causing dramatic acts of God in my life.

Can’t Run, Can’t Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain humble and open to God’s conviction (Ezk 11:1-12). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #RemainOpenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The leaders of Jerusalem were leading God‘s people away from God. They believed that they were insulated from further Babylonian attacks (our city is like an iron pot; we the people are like meat safe in the pot). Neither the leaders, nor the people of Israel would acknowledge their sin.

Arrogance, pride, worship of pagan gods, ignoring God‘s word and his warnings was a recipe for failure and God‘s judgment/discipline. It was for Israel then and it is for us today. God put his finger directly on their faulty thinking – he knows our thoughts. Hiding from God is futile. Lord, keep the heart of this ol’ sentry from arrogance and pride.

Invoking God’s fury

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Worship the Lord alone with a whole heart (Ezk 10:1-4). #SeekGodsPresence #NothingRivalsJehovahGod #NoOtherGodsBeforeMe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision, God told the man in linen to take hot coals from the cherubim and spread them around the city (Jerusalem). This was a sign of God‘s judgment, just as with Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24,25). Israel had invoked God’s fury and would pay for her sins of (9:9,10).

God‘s glory is now on the move (8:6). The glory of God moves from the Holy of Holies to the doorway of the Temple (9:3; 10:4). The mobile throne (God‘s holy chariot) was waiting there at the door to the inner court of the Temple. The entire house of God and inner court was filled with a cloud and a shimmering, bright glow.

This public display of God‘s glory, God‘s presence, leaving the temple is a reminder that God is true to his word. He will not be rivaled by other gods who are no gods.

The drama of this scene is traumatic as the fury of God is in play over the transformation of his holy place, his house of worship and prayer, into a place of pagan idolatrous worship. [Picture someone moving pagan idols into the worship center and halls of your church]

Lord, may I worship you and you alone with a whole heart.

Consequences of an Unyielded Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God‘s glory remain resting upon your life; it’s your call (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭10:4,18-19). #DangerToDelayRepentance #DontDelayToRepent #GodsGloryDeparted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I see God‘s judgment of Israel as justified (ch 8). God‘s judgment is outlined and eminent (ch 9). God‘s glory departs the temple, then Jerusalem (ch 10-11). Israel is now vulnerable to the destruction of her enemies. She will fall.

Chapter 8, verse six, notes that the sin and idle worship carried out in God‘s Temple was driving God to depart from his people. God had made his dwelling with his people (Exo 25:8). He dwelt in the wilderness Tabernacle (Exo 40:34, 35). His glory dwelt in the Temple built by Solomon (2Ch 6-7). Now, centuries later, we see that God‘s presence [his glory] was departing the Temple and Jerusalem altogether (Ezk 11:22,23).

Lord, I never again want to be in a place where you would threaten to remove your glory, your presence, from me.

WAIT, Wha?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Take the time now to adjust your heart to God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭9:7-11‬). #NoEscapingJudgment #Repent #TurnNowToGod #JudgmentBeginsWithGodsPeople

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Wait, Wha? Yeah, time was literally quite up for Israel.

The Temple would be filled with dead bodies in Ezekiel‘s vision – the ultimate defilement. But the Temple was already deeply defiled. (A review of chapter 8 will remind you of that) Ezekiel cries out to God in compassion at the sight of his vision.* He deeply cares for Israel.

But Israel had gone too far to avert disaster. They had been given ample time to repent. But they became more perverse in their ways. They would receive what they justly deserved. Lord, may I (we in America) use the time we have been given to align our hearts with God. Before it’s too late.

___________

* Abraham and Amos cared similarly (Gen 18:20-33; Amo 7:1-9).

Disdaining God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Identify and turn quickly from things not honoring to God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:13-18‬). #FullBlownSin #NoTurningBack #TimeIsUp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In two final scenes is seen the people’s disdain for God. First is observed: women in the Temple weeping for the Babylonian god, Tammuz. He was the god of vegetation life. He “died“ in the summer months and the grass and vegetation withered. In the spring, he is said to be “reborn” (rose from the dead), bringing a new life.

The second and last scene depicts priests who should have been interceding for the people at the altar of sacrifice for sin. But their backs were turned toward the altar (God), and they worshiped the sun. The stage was now set for God‘s judgment. Lord, may my heart be turned always fully towards you

The Depths & Darkness of Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not let secret sin consume you (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:6-13‬). #NoSecretsWithGod #NothingHiddenFromGod #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Depicted in these verses are elders/leaders of the nation of Israel. Somewhere in the dark recesses of the Temple, these men courted pagan gods. Some say, they were caricatures of the gods of Egypt, Canaan, and/or Babylon; “a pantheon of idolatry.“ Perhaps each elder was standing and worshiping at the shrine of his favorite idol.

The hidden dark nature of this scene, room full of smoke from incense, implies how these men thought they were hiding from God. This act of idolatry right under God‘s nose was the height of insult to the God of Israel. Their actions said they believed that God was absent and insignificant to them. Oh, my Lord, how devilish secret sins work to dethrone, our love of Jehovah God.

Every sin committed in darkness will be revealed (Num 32:23; Isa 29:15; Job 34:21,22; Luk 8:17; Jhn 3:19,20). Lord, if I conceal my sin, I will languish. But if I confess and renounce my sin, I will find mercy. (Pro 28:13).

Moral Breakdown

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you turn from any perverted or immoral behavior (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:5,6‬). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I need to take a deeper dive on the idolatrous worship outlined in these verses. Asherah, chief female deity of the Canaanites and Babylonians is the likely reference here. A wicked Israelite King, Manasseh (2Ki 21:7), had an Asherah pole (phallic symbol) manufactured and put in the Temple at Jerusalem.

Asherah was the goddess of fertility. All manner of sexual rites, perversions and worship were centered around this deity. It was obscene and immoral. It led to all manner of sexual perversion, including temple prostitutes (male and female). Israel’s leaders led her into this sin.

Lord may my life be free of lustful sin, perversion and any immoral behavior.

National Disgrace

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be wise to any idol infiltrating your life (Ezk 8:5-17). #SinsOfANation #NationalDisgrace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision where he observed detestable sin in worship in the Temple of Jerusalem, he saw four gross scenes. Versus 3-6 describes what was likely an Asherah pole (fertility, phallic symbol); a Babylonian idol in God‘s Temple.

Versus 6-13 describes a scene in the inner court of the Temple. 70 Elders (prescribed by God in Numbers 11:16,17) stood worshipping before walls engraved with grotesque, crawling animals and detestable creatures.

Verses 13-16 pictured people worshipping the natural world and leaders of the nation, backs turned to God, facing the sun and bowing down in worship. The whole nation was led by its leaders into disgraceful national sin.

The sins of the leaders turning from God will infect the people of any nation (Pro 29:2; 16:12; Isa 5:20 – I pray for our people and our leaders 1Ti 2:1,2). Lord lead me away from any idol that seeks to control in my life.

Open to Scrutiny

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to the scrutiny of God in your heart (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:1-4‬). #SearchMyHeartOGod #OpenToScrutiny

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Some elders were with Ezekiel. Perhaps they were consulting with him at his home. Early in his ministry he worked from his house in exile (note 3:24). Ezekiel is transported in a vision to the scene of ungodly detestable worship called out in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel is taken from one scene to the next. Each more vile and detestable than the last. “Do you see it son of man?” God asks. “The whole nation thumbs their nose at me. I will respond in merciless fury.“

This only scratches the surface of the sins committed here in the Temple of God.

Lord, if I am honest, I must be willing for God to search my heart for any wicked way. (Psm 139:23,24).

Man In The Mirror

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Consider what life corrections you might need to make with God and change (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:1‬). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ManInTheMirror

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

With so much prophetic content regarding sin and destruction (and more to come) I needed to go back and review where I am. It’s a hard read.

Ezekiel Chapters 1-3 described Ezekiel‘s call into his prophetic ministry. In Chapters 4-24 there are three prophetic judgments related to Judah and Jerusalem. In the first section (ch 4-11), God is speaking messages of judgment on Judah because of her disobedience, idolatry and pride. I am in the last half (ch 8-11) of this first of three pronouncements of judgment.

In Chapter 8 God shows Ezekiel Judah’s wickedness in the Temple. Chapter 9 explains the coming slaughter because of their sin. Chapter 10 shows God’s glory as departing the Temple and Chapter 11 reveals judgment on Judah’s leaders.

Lord, may I have the spiritual stamina to proceed through the process for how God deals with sin.

Personally, may I not be like the man who looks in the mirror (God’s word), sees himself (the sinner that he is), walks away and forgets what he looks like (unrepentant) [Jas 1:23-25].

The Worst of Times

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in close fellowship/harmony with God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭23-27‬). #Repent#WalkWithGod #HonorGodForLife #WorstOfTimes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the saddest passages concerning God‘s wayward people in the Bible. Their crimes against others and against God will bring the vengeance of God. It will come at the hand of other ruthless nations.

Their fortress walls will be broken down, homes luted, sanctuaries defiled. They will look for peace and not find it.

There will be no vision or message from prophets or priests; no counsel from leaders. King and prince will stand helpless. The people will tremble in fear.

It is the worst of times. When I examine my own wayward heart it is not hard to imagine how quickly I might fall myself. Lord, may this old sentry always be in close fellowship with you.

Abusing God’s Gifts

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Take not for granted nor abuse God‘s gracious gifts and provisions (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭19-22‬). #Repent# TrustInGodAlone #HonorGodForLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Besides Israel‘s lament over sin (vv14-18), she will see her proudly displayed wealth and misplaced faith in despicable idols and vile images become plunder to vile wicked nations. Not even God‘s temple, center of Israel’s treasured land and faith, will be safe from destruction.

The message and meaning here is clear. When men (including myself) prostitute the gifts, resources and opportunities given by God in base and unworthy ways not intended by God, there will be a reckoning of severe consequence. Lord, may I honor you with the gifts and resources given me.

Too little, Too Late

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart put faith in God alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭14-18‬). #TimeIsUp #Repent#TrustInGodAlone #TooLittleTooLate

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When the hammer of God‘s justice comes down, there will be no military might that can stave off the destruction. Here we see that God‘s judgment on Israel is manifested in the death of those in towns outside Jerusalem‘s walls. Inside the walls, famine and disease is a double edge sword.

Those who do escape will weep and mourn for their sin. Repentance will come…too little, too late to save their beautiful culture. This is the result of a nation who ignores God and puts faith in wealth, economy, military might, influence and political parties. Lord, may my heart learn to put its faith and trust in you alone.

Time’s Up!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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).

__________

* When God called this sentry to accountability:

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Holy Reluctance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

The Reprieve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

__________

* MY 1968 EXILE:

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Only One Worthy of Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Offer genuine worship of Jehovah-God alone (Ezk 6:3-7, 11-14). #NoOtherGods #GenuineWorshipOfJehovah

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here describes a message of absolute condemnation and destruction of idols. Here, judgment upon “the mountains” surrounding Israel is a metaphor of judgment on Israel itself. She was blatant in her worship of pagan idols on altars built in the safety of her mountains.

Pagan Idols will be crushed. Israelites will die by their pagan altars. The corpses and bones of Israelites will be scattered around altars that have been torn down, destroyed and demolished. God will, by this, show that he alone is God. He alone is the people’s safety and strength.

Lord, may this old sentry be reminded of the vast power of Jehovah-God; worship Him alone.

False Hope

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust in God alone for your deliverance (Ezk 6:1-3). #NoOtherGods #TrustGodAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“The mountains“,

“the mountains“,

“the mountains of Israel“.

Three mentions of “the mountains of Israel” in two verses. Here the thrice Holy God (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8) brings a message of condemnation upon the “mountains of Israel” (symbols of power, strength, and safety); Israel by association. Her faith was in her location, not in her God.

Israel worshiped pagan gods and idols in “those mountains”. But the mountains were not her safety (neither is the church or political parties our safety today). God is the one who saves and delivers. All else is false hope. Lord, may my focus be on you and no other external force as my deliverance.

Can’t Fool, Can’t Hide, Can’t Run

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Til…

(Lam 1:1-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Crossing The Line

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we clearly understand God‘s conviction and turn to him (Ezk5:7-9). #RepentTurnToGod #TurnToGod #CrossingTheLine

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s Case Against Judah/Israel, his people. Time and time again God has called his people to repent and turn back to him. Yet, they have refused. They crossed the line.

A Clear Case of Rebellion: his people have acted worse than their surrounding pagan nations; they have refused to trust and obey God’s commandments. Over the line.

The Sentence: God promises to punish his people for their idolatrous worship. He will do so publicly while the nations look on in horror.

God further promises to punish his people like he never has before or will ever again. God will scatter any survivors to the winds.

Lord, at the end of my own days of rebellion I clearly understood what the consequences would be crossing the line. Thank you for clearly speaking to me and leading me to a change of heart towards you.*

______________

* See Behind the Veil, this blog. It points to my own testimony.

Who Am I? Where am I?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

WHO DO I THINK AM I?

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

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

WHERE DO I THINK I AM?

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

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

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

Detestable

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Grievous Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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.

Throwing Stones

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

The End of Hypocracy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we turn quickly from pride, arrogance and disdain for God (Jer 34:17-22). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The end of hypocrisy before God spells disaster for the nation of Judah. Here we see God‘s hand of protection as removed from Judah.

Because of pride and disobedience, God will allow an enemy, the Babylonians, to swoop in and destroy Jerusalem, the towns and cities of Judah.

Further, the bodies of the people (officials & citizens) will become food for vultures.

The king, Zedekiah, and his officials will be taken captive. War, disease and famine will be Judah’s end. This is the word of the Lord to Jeremiah.

Lord, may my heart (my nation, its leaders & people) turn from pride, arrogance and disdain for God. May we return to God.

Raising The Ire Of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

___________

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

Set Free

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be assured that in Christ you are no longer bound to sin (1Jhn 5:18,19). #SetFree #FreeToChooseRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Christian does not practice sin (rebellion against God). The heart of the Christian has been set free from slavery to sin. Is the Christian sinless? No. The Christian has been freed from sin’s power over them (is free to choose God’s ways).

Christians are not perfect, in a moral sense, but surrendered to the living God; has been made righteous in Christ. The world (from which the Christian has been called out) remains under Satan‘s dominion and continues in rebellion towards God. Lord, thank you that, in Christ, I am no longer under the rule of the evil one. I am set free to follow and serve God.

Sin Unto Death

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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).