Spiritual Malpractice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

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.

Finding Forgiveness & Cleansing

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

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.

Torched & Burned

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Trust God to exact perfect judgment on his people’s oppressors (Jer 51:50-58). #TorchedAndBurned #WagesOfSin #Judgment #BabylonHasFallen

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As Jeremiah concludes his writing of the Scroll to the Hebrew captives in Babylon, he acknowledges their shame and discouragement for the desecration of the Temple. “Yes, but;” the Lord reminds them again that he will destroy Babylon, her God (v52), her military (V56), her officers, counselors, captains and warriors (v57). The Lord will repay in full.

All the mighty of Babylon will be put to sleep, never wake up again. The builders of the great city of Babylon and its fortresses will be mere kindling. The King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will torch and burn her to the ground. Lord, I rely upon you to deliver your people and repay the oppressors of your people fully for their sin.*

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* The wages of sin is eternal death, destruction and separation from God, but the gift of God is eternal life, deliverance from death, destruction and separation from God” (Rom 6:23).

Our Avenging God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Seek God for deliverance; trust not your own strength (Jer 51:34-44). #GodOurAvenger

All that is left of Babylon’s temple to her God, Bel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah’s complaint of Babylon’s overwhelming violence against them is taken up by God. He is Judah’s defense, Babylon’s judge; her fate is sealed, Judah is avenged. The cup of God’s judgment will put Babylon into a deep sleep from which she will never awaken. She is finished. Like crashing waves of the sea demolishes sandcastles on the beach (my interp), Babylon is gone.

Babylon’s God Bel is demolished and in her last gasp of life, she will vomit out all the those she has consumed (all the people are freed from her captivity). She will never again be hailed, but only derided. God hears our complaint and takes vengeance on arrogant oppressors in his way, in his time. But God delivers his own. Lord, I take cover in your avenging grace and put no stock in my own strength.

Dangerous False Narratives

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be discerning of false and lying leaders (Jer 23:13–15). #GodlySpiritualLeaders #PastorsTeachersProphets #DevotedToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah compares the prophets in Jerusalem (Judah – southern kingdom) to the Samarian prophets of Israel, the northern kingdom, already judged and gone. These Samarian prophets prophesied in the name of Baal (the Canaanite deity). They were wicked men and lead Israel into all kinds of sin.

Jeremiah saw the prophets of Judah as worse than the their counterparts. They were dishonest, liars, and adulterers on par with the people of Sodom & Gomorrah (symbolizing ultimate depravity). These prophets led the people of Judah into all manner of sin. They would be made to drink of the bitter waters of judgment.

Lord, may I (our nation) be discerning of those who paint a false view of God and the future.

Broken-hearted

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.

Serious About Sin

[This text requires a slightly longer post]

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we live our lives in faithful surrender to God (2Ki 24:13-16). #Surrender #ReturnNowToGod #FaithfulForGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, took captive Judah’s king, his family and all of the commanders and officials. He also took 7000 of the best most fit soldiers, 1000 craftsman and many more of the royal’s (including Daniel – Dan 1:1,2).* This was by far the largest siege and deportation of people from Jerusalem to Babylon (the second of three).

In all Nebuchadnezzar removed 10,000 people out of Jerusalem and left only the poorest in the land. Finally, he looted all the treasures from king’s palace. He looted, destroyed and burned the Temple and destroyed the walls around Jerusalem.

All of this was in consequence for unrepentant sin.

Know this, God is serious about sin.

Know also that, in loving kindness, God offers salvation to all who will turn to him in repentance. Lord, it is my desire to live my life in faithful surrender to you.

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* Be reminded that all of this was an ongoing fulfillment of several prophecies (Isa 39:1-7; Hab 1:5,6,12). God’s word is true and he keeps his word.

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.

Last Act of Defiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain surrendered in your heart to God (2Ki 24:1–5). #RepentAndReturnToGod #FullSurrenderToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Johoiakim, king of Judah, has defiantly burned the scroll containing Jeremiah‘s prophecy (Jer 36:21,26–32). He is destined to live out his days as a king in conflict. He loses his ally Egypt – defeated by Babylon. As a result, Judah and the nations around her become vassal states of Babylon.

After three years, Johoiakim defiantly rebels against Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon is quick to respond through new proxy nations they control and put the rebellion down (first of three invasions; captives, including Johoiakim, were deported to Babylon). All this happened just as God promised through the prophets due to the sins of Manasseh (2Ki 21:10–16). Johoiakim returned and died in Jerusalem, but had no royal burial (Jer 22:18,19).

Men foolishly think that they can defy God without consequence. Lord, may I always know a surrendered heart to you.

Storm Warning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Heed the warning signs of sin’s consequences (Jer 36:26–32). #WarningSigns #StormWarning #SinHasConsequences

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After the defiant Jehoiakim had burned the scroll of Jeremiah‘s prophecies he ordered Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch to be arrested. But God had hidden them and they were not found. After that, the Lord spoke to Jeremiah another message:

“Write the scroll again. Inform the king, “You did not like what the scroll said regarding the king of Babylon who would destroy Judah completely. Now this is what I [the Lord] say about you, king of Judah. You will have no heirs to succeed you on the throne of David. Your body will be unburied and exposed to the elements (Jer 22:17-19). I will pour out disaster on Judah just as I have promised. For neither you nor my people would listen to my warnings.”

Lord, may every sentry recognize that there will be grave consequences for sin.

Signs of Destruction

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we in America not neglect a sincere repentance (Jer 36:5–7). #Repent #ReturnToGod #NationalRepentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The dating of this chapter (“the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah“ – v1) is significant. The Babylonians had already taken over Palestine* and had enforced their will on Judah. Jehoiakim was already paying tribute (taxes) to Nebuchadnezzar. Jerusalem and the land around it had not yet been destroyed. But signs of destruction were present. Jeremiah’s prophecies were unfolding.

The day of fasting mentioned here would have been an important event, as it was being held in response to a national emergency. Babylonian incursions into the territory, would have certainly triggered such a religious act. But a sincere fast would also include genuine repentance. That would not happen (v24). Lord, how can we not repent at so grave a time as we face today.**

* The Babylonian incursion into Palestine would have been today’s equivalent of Russia annexing Crimea and threatening Ukraine.

** Today our world order is shifting. America, though still fairly strong, is becoming less influential and more vulnerable to attacks on many fronts. China, Russia, Iran and N Korea (especially China) present significant threats to democracy and free societies. Anyone who can read the news has to be able to see that.

Things that are weakening the United States of America today are crime, immorality, illegal immigration, weak leadership, revolutionary ideologies, national disunity and vitriol, declining education, a weakening of the family, et all. These are the things that are making America more vulnerable to those hostile towards her way of life.

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).

Nowhere to Run or Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be warned and alert, God will judge sin (Jer 25:34-38). #NowhereToRunNowhereToHide #God’sJudgmentIsCertain #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah continues the metaphor of a lion attacking the shepherd’s flocks. The shepherds (leaders of godless nations) look on helplessly. They are left weeping, broken, for their loss of power, wealth, and prestige. Their peaceful pasture lands (source of power and wealth) are laid waste by God‘s judgment. Their fortunes and lives are decimated (Luke 12:18–20 comes to mind). Their resources provide no means of escape.

The lion of Judah has left his den and is stalking and devouring those who stand against him. God‘s fierce anger will not be denied. The nations shepherds are powerless before Jehovah God. Lord, this sentry is awake and alert; no godless nation, leader, people or individual will escape God’s anger and judgment of sin. America, are you taking notes?

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 1of3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be alert to the commands of God (Jer 25:11). #SinsConsequences #GodHasHisReasons #ListenWhenGodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Seventy years of captivity in Babylon: three things may be said about the 70 years. First, because the people of God ignored the command to let the land rest every seven years (Lev 25:3-5), God would punish them. He would destroy his people and send them into exile. Seventy years represents the years the land did not get its Sabbath rest (Lev26:33–35).

So, for their sin against God (idolatry), their sin against each other, (moral breakdown) and their sin against the land, the people of God suffered loss, devastation and honor. Lord, your judgments are complete and righteous. May I always be alert to and follow your commands.

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.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Bridle any form of intemperance: be humble (Hab 2:9-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet continues his lyrical song of taunts; a woeful dirge, Verse 2 – Here, find we, the lofty haughty heart which seeks to immortalize its own power. Like the eagle, Babylon attempts to build her nest (wealth and palaces) high above earth’s fray. She seeks to make herself impregnable.

But Babylon’s murderous heart is her shame, not her glory. She will be cut off. The stones and timber obtained by dishonest and rapacious cruelty cry out as witness against her. Soon this nation, and any other nation that thrives on cruelty toward others, will itself be cut down. No matter how impregnable she thinks she is. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20)

Lord, self-aggrandizement can never be seen as honorable. May my heart humbly bridle any such attitudes and surrender to God‘s glory.

Rapacious Evil

May America turn from her godless path and may righteous faith prevail (Hab 2:4,5). #TheJustLiveByFaith #RapaciousEvil #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk sits pensively with his spiritual ears open to hear how God will answer his questions (1:2–4). The silence is deafening. Then, into the silence, God begins his woeful dirge of condemnation for Babylon. Her rapacity will not go unpunished; judgment will come.

Babylon (even America) is a nation become arrogant, swollen and puffed up like an old toad. Her passions are only for rapacious evil and unrighteousness. She makes a mockery of all that is morally good. She is a godless, corrupt and perverse nation. She is a drunken nation state with an insatiable appetite to enslave all people to government. Judgment is certain. It is already crouching at the door.

In stark contrast stands God’s righteous ones. “The righteous will live [know abundant life] by their steadfast faith [in Jehovah God].” These words sparkle like a jewel shinning through the darkness from deep within an earthen cavern. These words have given hope to God’s righteous ones through the ions of time, from Habakkuk to the Apostle Paul to Martin Luther and beyond.*

Lord, may a righteous faith prevail from deep within my soul; from deep within the soul of America. .

__________

* The Faith of the Righteous

Rom 1:17

Gal 3:11

Heb 10:38

AN “OMG” MOMENT

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Bring your perplexed heart respectfully to God (Hab 1:12-17 to 2:1). #SeekGodsUnderstanding #BoldlyRespectfullySeekGod

PERPLEXED: Habakkuk Stands Watch to Hear God’s Reply

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is Habakkuk’s “OMG“ moment with God. He is perplexed. His complaint, however, is rooted in his view of God – Holy and Eternal One; “our Rock” who is pure through and through, who cannot, will not, wink at evil. How does God justify using godless (more treacherous people than Judah) to punish them?

These Godless Babylonians will justify their conquests as affirming their own belief in their own strength as their power – they will worship at their altars of success, wealth and might. How do you let that happen God? “I will stand in my watchtower, ready to hear what you say Oh, Lord.”

My Lord, it is incumbent upon this duty sentry to respectfully bring my oft perplexed heart to you for answers and understanding.

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.

______

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

Did God Exalt Evil?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we turn daily and acknowledge God, our gracious Sovereign (Hab 1:6) #AcknowledgeGodAsSovereign #GodExaltsNations #GodAbandonsNations #RighteousnessExaltsANation #SinDestroysANation

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

So what is so “astounding“ about God‘s vision to Habakkuk? Well, God says, incredibly, that he has raised up a nation of cruel and violent people. EVIL: did God make this nation cruel and violent? NO! He elevated this nation on the world stage (Job 12:23). Men are cruel, violent and evil because of the lust and greed in their own fallen hearts (John 3:18-20).

This nation, Babylon (also a key metaphor of evil throughout much of Bible prophecy – Dan 2:36-39; Rev 18:2,3) and its king, did not acknowledge God as its source of strength. They attributed their wealth, might and power to their own strength and ability. Instead of blessing the world, they became a curse to the world. Ultimately God would cast them off as well.

[William Grunall states in his classic, The Christian In Complete Armour, “Sometimes [God] allows an opposing force to arise, so that at precisely the right moment he can raise up a more magnificent pillar of remembrance to himself. This pillar will stand in the very ruins of that which contested [God’s] power. Thus, when he intervenes, all must say, “Almighty Power was here“ Pg.46]

It is foolish to ignore and disrespect a gracious God, who exalts men and nations. Lord, may I (may America) daily acknowledge you as my (and our) Sovereign.

Ignore God? Perilous!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Turn now to God from any godless way (Jer 47:1-7) #TurnNowToGod #Repent #IgnoringGodIsPerilous

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A lot has been written and a lot can be said of the history between Israel and the Philistines.* The Philistines have always been a thorn in Israel’s side; even to this day with Palestinians and Gaza. Israel should have driven them from the land in the Exodus. (Exo 23:31-33; Jos 13:1–3). They did not and they worshipped pagan Philistine gods.

This prophecy of Jeremiah intensifies God’s intention to judge any godless people. The message is the same for the Philistines and every other nation – repent and turn to God while there is still time (Nineveh is a good example – Jon 1:1,2) Lord, every lawless, godless act will be judged. The time to turn is now. For me to ignore God comes at great risk.

_______

* History of the Philistines, Palestinians and Israel. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Philistine-people

https://www.gotquestions.org/Israel-Philistines.html

Can’t Outsmart God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Run not from God, but run to him (Jer 46:27,28) #RunToGod #Repent #TurnTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah, having taken Egypt as an ally, will find herself exposed to a new and greater threat. Was she wrong to take Egypt as an ally? No. But thinking she could avoid her judgment by putting her trust and hope in another other than God was foolish thinking.

The prophecies of Judah being overrun by Babylon, are now a certain possibility. God will route Judah and send her into exile for her sin and rebellion against God. But God will eventually return her to her land. This is a promise. Lord, no matter how I try to manipulate my welfare, you always work things out to your glory and my greater good.

Cooler Heads Prevail

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek counsel from wiser, more knowledgeable and cooler heads (Jer 26:16-19). #CoolHeadsPrevail #SeekOutListenToWisdom #KnowYourHistory

Following Jeremiah‘s threefold defense (vv12–15) the court officials, in agreement with the people, sided with Jeremiah and against the priests and false prophets: Jeremiah was speaking for God, and did not deserve to die.

Some wise and cooler heads also spoke. They recalled when the prophet Micah predicted disaster for Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah (Mic 1:1; 3:12), Hezekiah led the people to turn from their sin and worship God. They begged God‘s mercy. God heard their prayer and changed his mind. Jeremiah’s court concluded that to kill Jeremiah would serve only to do themselves great harm.*

Lord, may I always seek out and listen to counsel from wiser cooler heads; may I be wise in my counsel to others.

___________

* See a similar event when hot headed priests planned to kill Peter. A wise and elder Pharisee sheds wisdom on their deliberations.

Truth Speak

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Embrace, be faithful and courageous to speak the truth of God (Jer 26:1–11). #SpeakTheTruth #CourageToSpeakForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Standing in front of the temple, Jeremiah spoke the truth of the disaster about to fall on the temple and Jerusalem. He said exactly what God told him to say. When he had finished, the priests, the prophets, and the people present began to taunt him and ridicule him. They wanted to kill him.

When the officials in the palace heard about it, they rushed to the temple and decided to hold court right then and there. They would try Jeremiah for treason – the priests and the prophets were witnesses against him. It is clear that when you speak for God, the message may not be popular. But speak you must! Lord, may I always have courage to speak the truth of God no matter the consequences.

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.

The “Shattering”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not delay to repent of sin (Jer 19:10–13). #DoNotDelayRepentance #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After describing the judgment about to befall Judah, Jeremiah shatters the pottery jar he had brought with him. He shatters it into the city dump, also called “Topheth“ (place of burning – place, where sacrifices were burned to idolatrous, pagan gods). The picture Jeremiah portrays in the shattering act symbolizes what God intends for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They will be shattered as a people “beyond hope of repair.“

“Topheth“ (the city dump) is where the dead bodies of the coming destruction will be buried, until there is no more room. All the houses of the city, including the palace of Judah‘s kings will become as this dump – defiled and unclean beyond all remedy. There is an incalculable danger in the delay of repentance. Hearts are hardened beyond repair.

Lord, may there be no delay in my heart to daily repent of sin.

The Dump

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we quickly surrender our sinful lives to God (Jer 19:1-6). #ConfessSin #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God instructed Jeremiah to purchase a clay pot (jar). Then Jeremiah is instructed to call together some of the leaders and priests of Israel and walk to the “valley of Ben Hinnom” just outside the South Gate of the city (the “Potshard Gate” of Jerusalem – also called the “Dung Gate”). This symbolizes the broken relationship to God. This was the city dump. All the refuse of the city went through this gate. Also many sacrifices to pagan gods took place here.

This passage informs us that this valley was the place of grotesque, idol worship and child sacrifice by fire. It pictures the life of sin before God. God’s people are no longer his joy, but a garbage dump of stinking refuse. This valley would soon be called the “Valley of Slaughter“ because of the judgment about to fall on Judah (see also 7:30-33). Lord, could my heart ever be so cold and indifferent to you? Yes, it has been (17:9,10); may it never be so again.

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.