Life Song

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God’s word be your life song (Psm 119:49-56). #LoveGodsWord #LiveGodsWord #GodsWordMySong

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word provides gracious refreshing. In the midst of hardship and struggle, it brings hope, revives my spirit. God‘s word comforts me in my early morning rising and in my night watches.

God‘s word is the theme song of my life – it orders my days in whatever circumstances I find myself. Others may reject God’s word, hold me in contempt, but I do not turn away from God’s word. Lord, the theme of my life, the song of my life, is ordered and harmonized by your word.

God’s Word, Relevant

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you find your relevance in God‘s word (Psm 119:25-32). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s word…

… Broadens my horizon

… Expands my understand

… Elevates my perspective

… Revives my heart

… Informs my plans

… Speaks into my sorrows

… Strengthens my faith

… Sets my course of life

… Bolsters my confidence

Lord, your word determines my relevance and who I am.

Truth = Freedom

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your desire for God‘s word increase (Psm 119:17-24). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord #DesireGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the past I often looked at rules and commands as restricting my freedoms, holding me back from some good thing. Truth = Freedom. God’s word keeps me from doing things that might hurt me and not doing my best. God‘s word is like a roadmap for me in a strange land. It guides me along my way.

The psalmist asked God to, “Open my eyes to wonderful [spiritual] truth.” While all the world around me may scorn, sit in judgment and try to silence me – I should desire, obey and meditate on God‘s word as wise counsel for me. Lord may my desire for your word supersede all that overwhelms me.

B. I. B. L. E.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know and follow God‘s word (Psm 119:9-16). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How will a young person stay pure and faithful? How will anyone stay pure and faithful? That is the question posed by the psalmist. The answer is, “by being obedient to God‘s word.“ The psalmist searches God‘s word. He hides it in his heart. He digests God‘s word, he studies and understands it. He speaks it, meditates on it, applies it, rejoices in it, and retains it.

B. I. B. L. E.

Basic Instructions Before

Leaving Earth

God‘s word is the field manual for the soldier-saint; the “HOW TO” manual for survival. Lord, I am never without the carefully prescribed instructions of God‘s word to guide my life every day.

Actions Reflect Allegiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to be loyal to the word of God (Psm 119:1-8). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Blessed is the man or woman who acts with integrity, who obey God‘s word from their heart. They seek to carry out God‘s word carefully. I join the psalmist wishing to reflect this in my life. I need not be ashamed when God‘s word is clearly at work in me.

God teaches me from his word. Living according to God‘s word is how I thank God. The plea of the psalmist is that God never give up on him. God never will give up on me when I genuinely seek him. Lord, may my allegiance and devotion to your word be seen in my daily living.

No One Excluded

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Personally know and engage others with God’s love and faithfulness (Psm 117:1,2). #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise #TruthForAllMen #NoExceptions

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is recorded the shortest chapter in the Bible and the middle chapter of the Bible. It is a psalm of thanks. While Psalm 114 gives praise for God‘s love and faithfulness to Israel, Psalm 117 offers praise for God‘s work – his love and faithfulness – with/for the Gentile world (see also Rom 15:11).

These two verses strike a truth that resounds as a worldwide mission. It is for all people without distinction and all nations without exception.* There is superabundant covering for sin to Jew and Gentile alike. “HALLELUJAH!” it concludes. Lord, you have extended your love and faithfulness to all men everywhere.

____________

* Keil-Delitzsch. PSALMS, Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Erdmans Publishing Co., 1975), 221.

Sieges of the Heart (Pt3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Sieges of the Heart (Pt2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

“DOWNLOADING”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Carefully digest all God’s word speaks to you (Ezk 3:14,15). #HearingGodsCall #UnderstandingGodsCall

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Like watching the “Download” icon on my computer, I find myself here, waiting for the download; trying to discern and describe what Ezekiel himself must have felt woefully inadequate to describe. It would be easy to get bogged down in the symbolism of his vision of God. But the point here is to try and understand the depth and far reaching impact of Ezekiel’s vision on his whole psyche.

The vision has obviously exhausted Ezekiel. He is moved by the spirit within him to arise. He is pressed upon by God to digest all that God has said (v1-4). He is at once empathic with God over Israel’s sin and his heart is in turmoil. He is in need of time to process all he has seen and heard. He is led to go and sit among his exiled brethren. For seven days he sits quietly and pensively, considering all God has downloaded; his call and message.

Lord, it is necessary that I take the time to process what you speak into my life daily.*

_______

* I am by no means any superior example of righteous living. But my heart goes back to the year 2011 or 2012. At the time I was on a, “read through the Bible chronologically in a year,” plan.

I found myself daily trying to digest huge portions of scripture just to finish the plan. I realized then that if I did not stop and try to process what I was receiving it would not do me as much good as I would hope. At that point, I made the decision to slow down and take the time to read through God’s word processing it as I go [ingest, digest, manifest] (Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4‬).

Here I am in 2025. It’s been roughly 13 years since I made that decision. That doesn’t make me spiritual giant. It just proves that I am a slow learner.

I recently finished the New Testament and am currently trying to finish the Old Testament. I don’t know when I will be done. But my priority is to understand what I am reading in God’s word and not just finish a project. A GREAT DECISION FOR ME.

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.

God’s Message for Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give thanks for God‘s word to man (Ezk 2:9,10). #TheWordOfGod #GodSpeaksByHisWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point in Ezekiel‘s massive vision, a great hand reaches down with a scroll and hands it to him. On it is inscribed God‘s message to be delivered by Ezekiel to the nation of Israel/Judah. It is the word of the Lord.

The message is not only one of mournful pronouncements of doom for Israel’s continued sin and rebellion. It is full to the brim of such words. So much so that the inscription was written on both sides – a highly unusual practice. This is God’s word to men.

Lord, thank you for your word, so complete, honest and true.

Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you be fearless in the face of gospel critics (Ezk 2:6-8). #Obedience #TrustGodForResults #StandFearlessForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God reinforces the thought that his people will not respect the words of the prophet. Worse, they will scoff at Ezekiel – brutal with their rank criticism. But Ezekiel should not be afraid, back down or emotionally shattered by their words.

Ezekiel 3:9 says that God had made Ezekiel just as hard-headed as the people.

God further warned Ezekiel that not speaking his message would be equivalent to joining them in their rebellion. Ezekiel was ultimately a fearless prophet. He stood powerfully before an unbelieving people and delivered God‘s message. Lord, I surrender my feelings to you; may I not be intimidated by those who criticize me over the gospel.

The Measure of a Ministry

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Clearly speak God‘s message and trust God for the results (Ezk 2:4,5). #Obedience #TrustGodForResults

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is hard to dwell on the various elements of God‘s call on Ezekiel. What compels me to dwell here is God‘s intense concern for his rebellious people. He calls them “stubborn,” hardheaded people. Their hearts were set on rebellion.

God’s people had been shameless and unyielding in their will. They wouldn’t yield, even when proven guilty (Isaiah 48:4-6). Irregardless, Ezekiel‘s charge was to speak God‘s undiluted message and they would know that a prophet of God had spoken to them. God measures success by our obedience.

Lord, I will speak your truth and be judged by my obedience not how successful I was.

My “Blue” Heaven

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in reverent fear of God‘s truth & faithfulness (Ezk 1:26-28). #SeeGodInNewWays #Truth #GodIsFaithful #RevereGod’sTruth-Faithfulness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every prophet of God has a call that is unique to them. Ezekiel‘s call stands alone as a vision of the likeness of God in all his glory. Ezekiel describes God and his throne. It’s made of brilliant blue lapis lazuli (blue sapphire). The heavens declare his glory (Psm 19:1).

Biblical sources reveal sapphire (the color blue) as representative of truth – the accuracy and sincerity of God‘s word.* It’s the ground upon which God’s feet rest (Exo 24:10). I come away with an overwhelming sense of sheer reverence for the God I serve, his faithfulness and authenticity.

Lord, may my walk before you exemplify that reverent honor for your truth & faithfulness.

_______

* Sapphire is blue in color. In the Bible the color blue or sapphire stones may represent God and things dedicated to a holy purpose (Exo 24:10; Ezk 1:26; Num 4:5,6; Rev 21:19). Blue may also represent things like the Spirit, heavenly visitation, heaven itself, grace, truth, faithfulness and cleansing.

[There is more material here than I can write about. I have given 4-6 hours over several days pondering the meaning of these things.] Here is one link that has been helpful:

https://biblemeanings.net/sapphire-spiritual-meaning-bible/

Show Me

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Call upon God for understanding of the Scriptures (Ezk 1:10-12). #ShowMeLord #CallUponGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is difficult to know exactly the meaning of the four faces on the living beings described by Ezekiel. The most obvious leads me to creation: the human face being the apex of God‘s creation (intelligence), the lion’s face represents the wild animal kingdom (power), the ox face the livestock domesticated animals (service) and the eagle, the king of the air (swiftness).

The four heads connected form the shape of a square. They may represent the four corners of the earth and God‘s sovereignty over all of creation. Other interpretations also exist but these seem the most likely. In truth, Ezekiel is trying to describe something he’d never seen before. The word picture given by Ezekiel is incredibly luminary and mysterious at the same time. Lord, I call upon you for understanding of the mysteries of your word (Jer 33:3).

United in Purpose

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we order the many parts of our lives in unity with God’s purposes (Ezk 1:5-9). #UnitedInPurpose #ManyPartsOneWill

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The vision of Ezekiel is here further described. The four beings (cherubs) looked human in their form. Each being had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight. Each being had human hands under their lower wings. Their feet were like the hooves of a calf – were bright shining light polished brand bronze.

The upper wings stretched out and touched the wings of the other being, forming a square shape. The beings darted (v14) about in any direction without turning and did so according to the movement of the spirit within them (v12). The unity in this vision is clear. There are many parts, all of which move in unity according to the spirit within them. Lord, may I order my life in unity with your will and purposes.

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.

We Are What We Do

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Jesus = God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Place your faith in the truth of God (1Jhn 5:20,21). #JesusSonOfGod #JesusAutherOfNewLife #KnowingChristMakingHimKnown

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John’s last words: “We KNOW [by experience] the Son of God has come.“ John and the disciples knew Jesus personally. His readers knew these eye witnesses to Christ. We can know Christ also by their witness. I have myself known the abiding deep love of God in Christ, who is God and reveals God.

I am able to conclude from the veracity of scripture and the change in my life and others that Jesus is truly God; that he is our eternal life. This is in contrast to the false gods of this world. “On Christ the solid rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.“ Lord, my faith rests in the testimony of your word and the witness of Christ.

Paths of Righteousness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Remain steadfast in the paths of righteousness (1Jn 2:29). #PathsOfRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John concludes, a sign that one is in Christ is he/she will manifest righteous behavior. At the same time, we know that good behavior and good works do not save us (Eph 2:8,9; Jas 2:14–17). It is simply a sign of one’s faith in Christ.

True righteousness will exalt Christ. It will be accomplished in all humility and stand the test of time. It will seek to put the needs of others ahead of its own and love unconditionally (1Co 13:4-7).

In the end, true righteousness acknowledges that there are none righteous but one – Christ the righteous one (1Jn 2:1). Finally, it relies upon God’s Holy Spirit for divine enablement.* Lord, may I follow paths of righteousness for the sake of the Name (Psm 23:3)

_________

* Jhn 14:16,26; Acts 1:8; Rom 8:26,27; Gal 5:22-24

Spirit Life; Courageous Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Live life according to the truth of God‘s word (1Jn 2:26-28). #HoldFastToTruth #RemainFaithfulToTruth #GospelTruth #SpiritLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John reminds us that we, as believers, have been given the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. The Spirit guides us in God‘s truth (Jhn 14:16,26; 16:13). Today we also have the inspired word of God. We may test any teaching by God‘s word, whether they be true or not.

Staying true to Christ we must follow God‘s word and his Spirit. The Spirit is Christ within us living out his message. Living by the Spirit, knowing the truth, we may always be courageous and never ashamed. Lord, may I always be discerning of the truth of God.

Hold Fast

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Remain faithful to the truth of the gospel (1Jn 2:24,25). #HoldFastToTruth #RemainFaithfulToTruth #GospelTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John’s exhortation, in light of the spirit of antichrist that has gone out into the world, is to, “remain faithful“. That is, hold fast, continue and persist in trusting the truth of God. The truth has come in Christ. If you persist in following Christ you will also persist in fellowship with him and the father.

This fellowship is an eternal bond. Christ’s life is in you and this life eternal shall be yours as promised (John 3:16; 5:24; 1Jn 5:11,12). Lord, I hold fast to my confession: Jesus is the Son of God, he died for my sin, his resurrection secures my eternal life, and he will return again to inaugurate his eternal kingdom.

Are You Awake?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Be alert to the spirit of antichrist (1Jn 2:18-23). #WakeUp #SpiritOfAntichrist #DefendTheTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We live in the “last days.“ It is evident all around. There is much anti-Christian rhetoric and anti-Christian teaching. This is a spirit of antichrist. It is a sign that we are living in the “last days.” (More on this and false teachers in chapter four)

It is important that the true believer knows the difference between the truth, and the lies of an antichrist teaching. That comes by a genuine conversion to Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who teaches and guides into all truth (Jhn 14:15–17) and a study of God’s word. Lord, may every prayer sentry on the wall remain alert to the presence of the spirit of antichrist in our world.

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.

Walking in the Light

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Continue living in the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:6,7). #LightOfTheGospel #PracticeTheTruth #JesusIsTheLight

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Believers are called out of the darkness and continue (practice) living (walking) in the light. (see also Col 1:13; 1Pe 2:9). If one is living in spiritual darkness, he/she cannot also claim they are following Christ.

But if one continues (is walking) in the light, then that one may have uninterrupted fellowship with other believers – the blood of Jesus has certainly cleansed them from all sin. They live (walk) in the light as he is in the light.

Lord, may I continue living in the truth (light the gospel) enjoying a secure relationship with you and with other believers.

TRUE LIGHT

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Faithfully embrace the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:5). #LightOfTheGospel #JesusIsTheLight

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

John quickly goes to the heart of the gospel. “God is light, in him is no darkness.“ (See Jhn 1:4-9). One of the first acts of creation by God was to create light and dispel the darkness. (Gen 1:2,3). Light reveals and enables us to see the difference between good and evil. Light will always overcome the darkness.

Having a relationship with Christ is derived by coming out of the darkness of sin and embracing Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Lord, I give thanks for the light of the gospel; may I follow it faithfully.

Point Of No Return

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

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.

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.

TRUST, BUT VERIFY TOO

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our nation (people) and her leaders (religious & political) speak the truth of God (Jer 28:15-17). #BeDiscerningOfTruth #SpeakTheTruth #TrustButVerify #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah confronted the “prophet” Hananiah with the truth (vv12–14). But here, he tells this false prophet, because he led the people astray from God‘s truth, he would die within that year. Two months later, Hananiah was dead. God is serious about his plans for his people.*

Jeremiah reminds us that the proof of a true prophet is that his prophecies will come to pass (v9; Deu 18:22). By the way, Jeremiah is careful to date this message (v1). There would be no doubt who had spoken God‘s truth. History reveals Jeremiah’s prophecies as true. Those who speak falsely, rebelliously, against God, will be severely judged.

Lord, “may the words of [this old sentry] and the meditations of [his] heart be pleasing unto you” (Psm 19:14).

______________

* A similar incident occurs in Acts Chapter Five in the early stages of the inauguration of the church. Lying to God’s people is a serious offense.

TRUST, BUT VERIFY

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Have a healthy reverence for God; a discerning heart for truth (Jer 28:5–11). #BeDiscerningOfTruth #TrustButVerify #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After Hananiah‘s dramatic “prophetic show,“ Jeremiah turned and walked out of the temple. But before he did, he spoke some well, chosen words:

1) He admitted that it would be good if Judah would only be under Babylonian rule for 24 months; 2) he questioned Hananiah’s claim to be a prophet of God – time would tell [TRUST BUT VERIFY].

Jeremiah spoke wisely and correctly. That is when Hananiah broke the yoke on Jeremiah‘s neck. He then doubled down on his fake “word from God.” He showed no fear of God. Lord, may I always have a healthy respect for you and a discerning heart for truth.