Good Testimony of Conscience

(Psm 25:16-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Make certain a clear conscience before God and man (Psm 25:16-22). #GoodConscience #CallUponGod

“I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men.” (Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This prayer closes as it began (v1,2). The deep distress of soul reaches for divine favor and mercy. Things have gone from bad to worse in the life of the psalmist. The difficulty, sorrow and distress of spirit is heavy upon him. He relies upon his good testimony of conscience. He has done nothing to provoke his adversary.

The psalmist closes seeking remedy and relief from those who wish to do him harm. But God knows the truth. His trust and hope is in God alone. He calls upon God to redeem him from his troubles. At times, only I alone and God know the motivations of my heart and actions. Lord, may I always have a clear conscience toward God and man.

Life Purpose

(Psm 25:11-15)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Make this be your one purpose, to please God alone (Psm 25:11-15). #HonorGod #PleaseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is a powerful promise of God. Those who reverence, honor God, will be shown the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity [peace, health, well-being; security and abundance].

Their children will inherit a good fortune. The Lord will be their friend and clearly teach them his covenant. A life characteristic of such a one is that his/her eyes are always on the Lord.

The Lord will steer them clear of any enemy, adversary or temptation.

Lord, may it ever be my one purpose in life to please you alone.

The Path

(Psm 25:8-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain faithful to follow the path God sets you upon (Psm 25:8-10). #FollowGod #ThePath #TheWayOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God can be counted upon to do what is right. If I go astray, he shows me the way back to his path. The humble he will guide. He will lead them on his path for them.

If I am faithful, keep covenant with God and obey his commands, I can count on him to continue to guide me in mercy and truth. Why would I not give myself wholeheartedly to following my Lord?

Lord, may I remain walking in THE PATH you have laid out for me; correct me when I stray.

Staying Open

(Psm 25:4-7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Maintain an open, seeking heart towards God (Psm 25:4-7). #StayOpenToGod #ListenToGod #SeekGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The first step in gaining knowledge and wisdom is to have a seeking heart. I must desire it and be willing to receive it. God’s word is opened to me. That is David as he writes, “Show me Lord, point out my path and lead me daily in it.“

Further, the psalmist explains, this is how I know God‘s unfailing love; I have seen it at work in the past. He prays, remember me in my seeking, and not as I was, in my rebellious youth. Boy, do I need a good dose of that. I am glad that in Christ, God does remember my sin. How merciful is God!

Lord, may I have an open, seeking heart towards your will in my life.

Hale The Victor

(Psm 20:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you surround and be surrounded by others in prayer (Psm 20:1-5: ). #America #Prayer #Intercession

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The king responds to the prayers of his people with assurance that God will be with him. He is absolutely certain of God‘s deliverance. Some put their faith in “chariots and horses.“ Their strength is in their own limited resources. But the people of God put their faith in the mighty name of the Lord. He will cause his people to rise up and stand firm. The people then lifted their voices, declaring victory.

Going through a trial recently in my life, I was surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ praying for my family. I felt like the winning coach being carried off the field in victory. Lord, the prayers of the saints will literally carry one through the battles of life. Lord, may I be surrounded by prayer warriors; may I also join in prayers for others.

Called to Help

(Psm 12:5,6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stay open and ready to meet the needs of others (Psm 12:5,6). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #ShowConpassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word is 100% reliable. It has stood the test of time and credibility. What God says, he will do. He cares for the helpless and the oppressed. When they cry out to him, he hears them and will meet their need. How? I am called to be God‘s hands and feet in this world.

Every believer is called upon to seek ways in which we might minister and support those who are in genuine need. Matthew 9:35-38 might be a companion passage and also an example for me to follow. Lord, may I be alert to pain or suffering around me and take action.

‘Tween A Rock and A Hard Place

(Psm 4:1-3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put full faith in God; trust him to deliver you (Psm 4:1-3). #CallUntoGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist (likely David) calls upon his God, Jehovah, to have favor on his servant who has been declared upright and faithful. He asked God to enlarge his way, give him some space to breathe in the midst of whatever trouble he was facing.

Men can be harsh in their judgments. They may lie and misrepresent those who are godly. But his godly ones are set apart by God. He will answer when they call out to him. The psalmist has no reason to believe that he won’t. Lord, I have every reason to believe you will come to my aid when I am between a rock and a hard place.

Now You See Me; Now You Don’t

(Ezekiel 20:5-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we live in this world without acting like the world (Ezk 20:30-31). #WalkWithGod #InTheWorldButNotOfIt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The bulk of this chapter details how Israel, God‘s chosen people, went off the rails time and time again. They disobeyed God‘s commands, rejected his decrees, flagrantly ignored God’s Sabbath rest and they went about sacrificing their children on alters of fire to other gods. Despicable!

Ezekiel makes reference to idol worship 17 times. Verse 32 implies that the elders speaking to Ezekiel (v1), had syncretized their worship of God with many other gods. Jehovah was just one of many. They had become and were becoming more like the culture around them. God was abandoning his people to the consequences of their sin (vv 25,26; Rom ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭25‬).

Lord, may my life reflect you‬; may I not grow accustomed to [be a reflection of] the culture around me.

Own Your Sin

(Ezekiel 18:20)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Choose to walk faithfully with God (Ezk 18:20). #WalkWithGod #YouOwnYourSin #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is only one theme to chapter eighteen. The person who sins will pay for his/her sin; the person who is righteous will live. The problem in Judah (and Israel) was that they believed because their ancestors were chosen of God, they were off the hook for sin.

But the coming destruction of Jerusalem was due to their own sin. They would not be saved because their ancestors were God‘s people. Every person must choose to live honorably before God and follow him or not. Our choices determine our eternal destiny.

Lord, I choose to wholeheartedly follow you and serve you.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 3)

(Ezk 17:22-24)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God to sustain you even in times of correction. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Is God the third and greatest eagle in this passage? He will provide wayward Israel with prosperity and security like no other. Neither Babylon nor Egypt could provide for Israel. These words give God‘s people assurance in the midst of corrective judgment. God will restore the land and reveal his glory.

God would pluck a branch from the tall cedar tree and replant it on Israel’s tallest mountain. This cedar (God’s kingdom) will become a majestic tree, a shelter to many nations, peoples (an allusion to the coming Messiah). The nations will know that God is a sovereign God. He causes nations to rise and fall. He alone gives life.

Lord, this old sentry may take heart in any remedial judgment. You will not forsake me.

Why’d The Chicken Cross…?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look always to God from whence comes your help (Ezk 17:1-3). #LookToGod #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sometimes life confronts us with a conundrum – a mystery or problem for which there seems to be no clear understanding. God uses such riddles to convey spiritual truth.* This riddle of two eagles (vv1-10) would be explained by Ezekiel (vv11-24).

Real life problems will either drive us closer to God or drive us further away; the later not being the better path. Though God explains this riddle, sometimes God‘s intended outcomes for us are not immediately known in the moment. But if we surrender to God‘s will, walk with and seek him, in due time it shall be made clear. **

Lord, may I, in every season of my life, look to you, my hope for your glorious outcomes.

_______

* Other Bible riddles: Samson to the Philistines – Jud 14:12-19; Sheba to Solomon – 2Ch 9:1)

** The answer “in due time”: Lam 3:23-26; Psm 27:13,14; 49:1-4; Pro 3:5,6; Mic 7:7; Hab 2:3; Gal 6:9; 1Pe 5:6,7

“The years teach us what the days never knew” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

1 Act Play – The Prophecy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you heed the clear council of God‘s word (Ezk 12:12,13). #HeedGodsWord #HeedGodlyCounsel

The prophecy concerning King Zedekiah, last king of Judah. Zedekiah was disobedient to God (2Ki 24:19,20; Jer 52:2,3). As a result Babylon overran Jerusalem (587 or 586 BC). Zedekiah would flee unceremoniously under cover of night through a hole in the city wall.

Babylonian troops perused and captured Zedekiah. He was made to look on as his two sons were put to death. Then his eyes were put out, he was wrapped in chains and taken captive to Babylon. He died a prisoner in Babylon (2Ki 25:1-7; Jer 32:4,5; 34:2,3; 34:1-7; 52:4-11; Ezk 12:13). Lord, may I always heed the plain council of your word.

1 Act Play – The Meaning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Speak the truth of God by your words and actions (Ezk 12:8-13). #SpeakForGod #WitnessForChrist #ActLikeAFollowerOfJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s pantomime, which he likely did not understand as he did it, is explained. The “rebellious“ Israelites wanted to know the meaning of Ezekiel‘s pantomime. The Lord says to tell them, “This is what the Lord is saying.“ Your mime is a message to the last king of Judah, Zedekiah in Jerusalem and the people there.

Ezekiel’s actions (vv 3-7) reflect what will soon happen to all of them. The king and those remaining in Judah will be driven into exile as captives. Zedekiah himself will escape Jerusalem incognito through a hole in the city wall at night, taking only what he can carry. The Lord speaks truth through Ezekiel’s actions to those around him.

Lord, may I be willing to speak the truth of God in my words and actions.*

__________

* Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of things to come, Ezekiel’s pantomime was a sign of things to come.

It has been my habit following my Morning Watch time to stand and pray in my driveway (usually between 6-7 AM). Many neighbors drive past me and wave. Most have stopped to greet me; even ask me to pray for them. I let them know that I am standing my post and praying for them. After a brief greeting, I will pray a short prayer over them as they leave. What an honor. Others may stop also: dog walkers, joggers, Amazon and school bus drivers. I share Christ and pray as I have opportunity. I’ve done that for years.

The Lord spoke to me this morning saying, that every day as you stand in your driveway you are a sign to those around you of your belief in God and love for them as neighbors.

Extra-Ordinary

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you pay ExtraOrdinary attention to God’s word (Ezk 12:1,2). #Extraordinary #ListenToGod #FollowGodFaithfully

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel is a man of extraordinary (EO) proportions. He was called in an EO way (visions seeing God on his throne, Ch 1-3). He has been directed to act out the prophecies of God in EO and dramatic ways (Ch 4-8). He experienced the EO departure of God from the Temple in Jerusalem (Ch 9-11).

But the people of God were extraordinarily indifferent and rebellious towards God. Here, Ezekiel will receive two EO messages from God to deliver to the people. He will carry out God‘s wishes faithfully and fully. Lord, may I be such a man as Ezekiel; may I see you, listen to you and follow you faithfully.

Eruption of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May the deep wells of your soul erupt with praise to God (Psm 148:12-14). #PraiseTheLord #ReasonToPraise #ExaltTheNameOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

May all men (young and old; birth to end of days) give praise to the Lord. When the forces of nature are right, a geyser will erupt in glorious fashion. May all men in the same way, lift their voices in an eruption of praise to God. His name alone will be exalted above the heavens.

Let the people say, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is the name in all the earth “ (Psm 8:1). His glory resides in and above the earth (Psm 113:4). The Lord gives his holy ones reason to erupt in praises to him; he has made them strong. They are near to him and he to them (Eph 2:12,13).

PRAISE THE LORD!

Lord, this old sentry has reason, days without end, to PRAISE & EXALT THE NAME OF OUR LORD!

God Is Good, all The Time, Every Time

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God fully to always act in your best interest (Psm 145:17-19). #GodIsGood #TrustGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who could ever claim that all their ways are righteous and good? But God does. In all his dealings with men he does what is best. He violates no right, he wrongs no man, he demands no unjust work.

The Lord is near to all men. But he is especially near to those who call upon him in sincerity and truth. To those, he reveals himself. He fulfills their desire and hears their cry. He moves according to their need in all righteousness and mercy.

Lord, may this prayer sentry trust you fully to hear me and act always in my best interest.

Wha’s Up?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we lead every generation to know and follow Jesus* (Psm 145:11-13). #WitnessForChrist #GoIntoAllTheWorld #ShareChrist #PreachTheGospel #TheKingdomOfGodIsHere

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Men will see/have seen the evidence of God‘s goodness, greatness, mercy, and how he governs in his kingdom. So they speak about it – proclaim its virtues and glory. They will site examples of God‘s power, mighty deeds and the glory of God‘s eternal reign. They will extol God’s faithful governance as gracious and good.

Barnes’ Notes points out that men talk about that which is of great interest to them; things they wish to understand and pursue.

Believers talk about God‘s kingdom. They meditate on it. It is a part of their everyday, “Wha’s Up” conversations.** Lord, may I be engaged with daily conversations that “lead every generation to know and follow Jesus.”*

__________

* This is the mission statement of my church: CrossCreek Church, Colleyville, Texas, https//www.CrossCreekChurch.com

** Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on The Old & New Testaments, Psalms Vol lll, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fifteenth Edition 1979, Pg 322.

Stone Cold

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to God for a new heart (Ezk 11:14-21). #HeartOfGod #StoneColdHeart #NewHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God speaks to Ezekiel in response to his prayer in verse 13. Those in Jerusalem spoke arrogantly and pridefully about those who had been taken into exile and Babylon.

They were the ones considered far from God, far from the temple in Jerusalem “where God was.“ But God‘s presence was about to leave the temple. God promises here to himself be the sanctuary of those in exile in Babylon.

It is not about a building. It is about a surrendered heart. Those remaining in Jerusalem were not repentant and knew nothing of that. God promises, Ezekiel and those in exile, to return them to their homeland.

They would return with a new spirit and a new heart (also 36:25-27). They would obey God faithfully and be his people. He would be their God.

Lord, thank you for not only the promise, but the reality of changing the stony cold heart of this old sentry into one that is new and surrendered to you.

God’s Word, Like A Rock

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put your full faith in God‘s word as true & reliable (Ezk 11:10,11). #TrustGodsWord #GodsWordIsReliable

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Versus 10 and 11 are not mere hyperbole or some metaphor used to explain God‘s judgment. This prophecy became Jerusalem‘s reality when Babylon took over Jerusalem and destroyed the temple, 596-581 BC (Jer 52:8-11, 24-28).

Further, God‘s people thought they were impregnable because God had given them their land – but God had also warned them if they did not follow him wholeheartedly he would remove them from it (Deu 28:15, 36, 64-68). HE DID! But in their near future God would return them to their land (11:17-19). Ezekiel also predicts Israel’s full restoration to the land as yet to unfold at Christ’s return (Ezk 36:24-28; 37:21-28).

God’s word is trustworthy and reliable. It is able to discern the hearts of men (Heb 4:12). Lord, may I know an unwavering faith in the truth and reliability of your word.

Driving God Away

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not neglect the glory and salvation of the Lord (Ezk 10:9-17). #SeekGodsPresence #live#LiveToGodsglory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses comprise half of Ezekiel 10. They are Ezekiel’s description of the cherubim, the mobile throne and glory of God. This was seen in Ezekiel chapter 1. All of this informs us of God‘s intent to judge sin in Israel and in the nations, even for us today; all of us individually.

Colossians 1:27 tells us that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.“ Ezekiel teaches that God will only stay where he is wanted and obeyed. God never wants to withdraw his presence from his people. But when we (I) fill our lives with idolatrous worship we drive God’s presence from us (Isa 42:8).

Lord, your word warns not to neglect so great a salvation (Heb 2:1-3); we (I) need to wake up (Rom 13:11), hear your message and turn now to God.

Forever Glorious

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you see the glory, faithfulness, purity and eternal righteousness of God (Ezk 11:22,23). #ForeverGlorious

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am skipping ahead to the movement of God‘s glory from the east gate to the mountain on the east side of Jerusalem (that would be the Mount of Olives). From there, the glory of God would ascend into heaven and not return to the Temple.

Centuries later, Christ, the radiance of God‘s glory (Heb 1:1-3) would return in fulfillment of many prophecies concerning his birth, death and resurrection. Much of the later ministry of Christ centered in and around the place of God’s departure from Israel, the Mount of Olives in Ezekiel’s vision.*

Lord, may I not get bogged down in the daily struggle through the imagery of the prophets, time lines and prophetic utterances. May my reading, study and meditation on the your word lead me to see the glory of God, the faithfulness of God, purity of God, the patience of God with man and God‘s ultimate judgment of sin and God’s deliverance of his righteous ones into the eternal glorious homeland of Heaven.

_______

* Hailed as King of the Jews, Christ would make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem by an east gate (by that time Jerusalem and the Temple of Ezekiel’s day would have been destroyed and rebuilt).

One week later Christ would be crucified and resurrected from the dead. 40 days after that Christ would ascend from the Mount of Olives back into heaven (Acts 1:9-12). He would fill all believes with his glory (Col 1:27). He will one day return again descending in this same place (Zec 14:1-4; Acts 1:10,11). He will return as the reigning king over his new eternal Kingdom (Rev 11:25).

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.

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/

Pro Life: Impassioned, Devoted, Surrendered to God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your life express passion, devotion, and surrender to God (Psm 139:13-18). #Omnipotence #CreativeAbility

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I don’t have trouble imagining God’s Omniscience or his Omni-presence. It is otherworldly and expected in the divine, the holy. Even Omnipotence (all powerful) is not hard to grasp – if it is thought of as raw power. But there is so much more to Omnipotence.

God‘s power in this text is seen as his inherent capacity and capability to create or engineer, the intricacies of man’s physical formation (DNA – mind, will, emotions, sinew and membrane). He does all this unseen within the depths of the womb of another human being.

Then God goes on to think of and order the days of EVERY life he creates, from start to finish. Yet, God gives every man and woman the independent ability to think for him or herself and make choices. God’s efficacy points me to his potency.

Lord, may your likeness in me return to you as love, devotion and surrender.

Stop! Give Thanks!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you not take for granted the Lord‘s salvation and deliverance (Psm 136:10-25). #Saved #Delivered #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Thanks has been offered by the psalmist to God for his goodness and greatness (vv1–3); for his wondrous creative powers (vv4–9). Verses 10-16 pour out thanksgiving to God for his great salvation of Israel from Egypt and escape through the Red Sea. Then thanks is given to God for his deliverance from mighty Kings as Israel enters into the land promised them by God (vv17-25).

Finally, thanks is given to Jehovah as the “God of heaven” – a title used only here in reference to God in the entire book of Psalms (v26). God is indeed the author and finisher of our Salvation. He is also our ultimate deliverance not only from this world, but from all of our guilt and sin. Lord, may I never take for granted your great salvation and deliverance.

The Greatest Song

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Find your deepest, most abiding purpose in the enduring loving-kindness of God (Psm 136:1-3ff). #PraiseTheLord #Hallelujah #PraiseOfAllPraises #GodsLovingkindness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Appropriately, this Psalm is called the Psalm of Psalms, the song of songs; the “great Hallel ” (hallelujah of all hallelujahs; the praise of all praises).

The theme of this Psalm is God‘s loving-kindness that endures forever. (It is repeated in all 26 verses). The Hebrew word used to express this is hesed. Hesed is the loyal love of God we see worked out in the life and death of Jesus our Savior.

Hesed is the persistent, unconditional, ever-faithful, relentless, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious and loyal love of our Father, God.

Hesed is grace extended when it is not deserved.* Lord, you came seeking after this old sentry in your matchless love and mercy.

________

* Note: it is this loyalty, kindness and devotion (hesed) that King David expresses for the sake of his friend Jonathan (2Sa 9:1,3,7).

THE ONE!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you exalt the Lord God over all things in life. (Psm 135:4-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this God to whom men ought to give such high praise? He is the Lord, Jehovah. All you holy ones (Psm 134:1–3), worship the beautiful name of Jehovah. He is sovereign over all things. He chose Israel as his treasured possession (the church by extension).

Jehovah has created all things (Psm 134:3). He is greater than all gods (135:5). He does what pleases him in the heavens, on the earth, on and in the sea. He governs the clouds, the winds, the rain and lightning. There is no God like Jehovah (Deu 33:26; Jer 10:6). He is THE ONE!

Lord, I have every reason to glorify you over all things in my life.

Praise Unlimited

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart & voice never cease to offer praises to our God. (Psm 135:1-4).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Lord, I worship you. I lift high the name of the Lord God, Jehovah. May my words, thoughts and actions towards you resound in the courts of heaven.

I come this morning, celebrating your beautiful name with music (Open The Eyes Of My Heart; I Surrender All). Thank you for choosing me and grafting me into your chosen people (Rom 11:17). Your blessings never cease.

Lord, my heart and voice sing praises to you.

Honored Vocation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Strive to honor those in ministry; follow God when called to ministry (Psm 134:1-3).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Psalm addresses a very small group in Israel, the Levites. They were those who served night and day as watchmen, protecting and maintaining the Temple.

The view here is to see their work as an act of worship – praise to God. What an honor it is to serve God as a lifetime vocation.

More than a job, the pursuit of ministry should be to carry it out in a reverent and responsible manner. Those who come to the house of God every week see ministers and recognize them as something special. Neither will God overlook the special work you do (Heb 6:10). Lord, I am honored to serve; I honor others who serve.

Trust To The End

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust, obey and follow God’s word to the end (Psm 119:105-112). #TrustInGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is found a most familiar memory verse, Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp onto my feet, a light into my path.“ The psalmist renews his own ongoing promise to trust, obey and follow God‘s holy word.

No matter the circumstances in life, the call to God is for renewal and restoration. Even in the face of adversaries and suffering, the psalmist finds God‘s word as a precious treasure – a delight. He is determined to keep it all the way to the very end.

Lord, your word is always a faithful guide in my life, for which I am grateful.