WORD!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Lift high, the virtues of God’s word in your life (Psm 119:11,105). #TrustGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 119 is organized according to the Hebrew alphabet, as in an acrostic. With 22 subsets (22 letters of the alphabet), each begins with the corresponding alphabetic letter. Each subset contains eight verses. With 176 verses in this chapter, it is the longest chapter in God‘s word.

Nearly every verse in this psalm mentions God‘s word in one form or another. It is not surprising that two of the most familiar verses about God‘s word come from this psalm (vv11,105). This psalm extols the virtues of God‘s word in an eloquent yet simple way. Its structure is easy to follow and memorize.

Father, the presence of your word in my life gives me hope, courage, and purpose.

In Troubled Times

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look to God’s word in times of hardship and struggle (Psm 119:9,23,109). #TrustGod’sWord #TrustGodInTheMidstOfTroubles

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My Life Application Study Bible introduces this unique Psalm (ch 119) by saying, “God‘s word is true. Stay true to God and his word no matter how bad the world becomes.“ It is unknown who wrote this Psalm, but it was likely a young man (vv 9, 99, 100).

The writer appears to be one who is, persecuted for his faith (vv 23, 46, 161), even in bonds, perhaps even expecting death (vv 61, 83, 109).* Yet, in the midst of this, God‘s word is his comfort. This whole Psalm is a prayer for steadfastness in the midst of ungodly troubles.

Lord, no matter my trouble, your word is always a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path (v105).

________

* Keil-Delitzsch. PSALMS, Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Erdmans Publishing Co., 1975), 243.

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.

Reason To Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Come humbly into God‘s presence; praise and worship him (Psm 114:4-8). #WorshipTheHoly #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God delivered Israel out of Egypt he turned back the Red Sea. He met with Moses on Mount Sinai. When God descended to meet with Moses, there was thunder, lightning, dark clouds, smoke, the blast of a trumpet and a terrible quaking of the earth. it was holy ground (Exo 19:16–19). When Israel crossed over into the promised land, the Jordan River was stopped up.

The psalmist here references all of that when he says, “The waters turned back and the mountains and hills skipped like Rams and lambs.“ The psalmist speaks rhetorically, “So, waters, why do you turn back? Mountains, why are you quaking?” The assumed answer is, because God is a holy presence – full of awe and power. God calls all of nature to worship, to give praise to him.

Lord, you give me reason to praise and worship you.

God, Never Not Leading

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rely on God to place you where he wants you (Psm 114:1–3). #FollowGod’sLeading

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am temporarily stepping away from the intensity of God‘s call of Ezekiel. Centuries prior to Ezekiel‘s call, God had delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt. The psalmist here reminds God people to be mindful that God chose them.* Circumstances then led them to Egypt and into bondage. But God led them out, delivered them from Egypt.

God parted the Red Sea in a mighty act of deliverance. Following the forty year wilderness journey, he stopped up the Jordan River and made a path for his people to enter into the land promised to them. Lord, I am reminded that I may rely upon your absolute determination to lead me to the places of your choosing.

__________

* Why God chose Israel – this blog:

Remembering Altars

One year ago today the beautiful companion of all my dreams, my bride my queen, of fifty-three years, the gracious mother and grand mother of our children and grand children stepped across the heavenly threshold.

My sweet Dianne gave up her earthly form for her promised heavenly form. She let go of my hand while simultaneously, with her other hand, she took the hand of the one she so loved and served – the Lord Jesus.

I brought her to an altar just as her dad had brought her in 1971. Her dad gave his daughter into my safe earthly keeping. He had faith in me to love, honor and cherish her. With much joy, hope and anticipation he gave her away to me. She left their earthly home in exchange for another. In the years to come I would come to other altars and know the same experience with my children.

Altars are places where religious rites are performed, commitments and vows are made, where sacrifices are laid down before the Holy.

One year ago, on July 4, 2024, I would bring the one given to me at an altar to another altar. It was not an altar made with human hands or forethought. It was an altar of another kind, one made of the things of heaven. Things, that if I saw, I could not describe.

It was here, at 8:30 pm, that night a year ago, that I brought my precious life partner. I, like her dad placed her hand in mine those years ago, placed her hand in the hand of her Lord. I gave this gracious gift given by God back to him. I did so with anticipation of her good keeping in his hands. My hope is in the joy she is experiencing now and soon enough, I will too. She exchanged her earthly home for another. A heavenly home.

Covenant Love, Jealous Love

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we (America) separate ourselves from sin early; sooner than later (Ezk5:11-17).#RepentTurnToGod #Awakening #RealChange #ComeEarlyToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel’s model (v4:1,2), Jerusalem (Israel) was to be a beacon of God’s love and protection, a light to the nations (5:5,6; Gen‬ ‭22‬:‭15‬-‭18‬; Isa 49:6). But she rebelled. She left God and worshipped all manner of other gods, and in grotesque detestable ways. In this text she is still a model, but for horror, mockery and taunting.* ‭‭

The condemnation of Jerusalem will be a warning to the nations. They will see how the Lord punishes a nation that is being rebuked for their sin. The horrific acts of men reveal the depravity of their hearts. If God is willing to punish his own, how then shall others escape (Heb 2:1-4)?

Lord, I am reminded of sin’s full capacity to destroy life, God’s intense jealousy and my need for repentance.

_________

* So, is the God of the Old Testament just a God of anger? No! Verse 13 tells me that he is a God of covenant love driven to jealousy by the betrayal and adultery of his people.

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.

Measured Justice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know the conviction and compassion of God’s word (Ezk5:1-4). #GodsMeasureOfJustice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After Ezekiel had shaved his head and beard, he was to weigh out three equal parts:

1/3 he would burn over his model city (4:1,2). These are those who would die by famine and disease in the siege of Jerusalem (5:12).

1/3 were to be chopped up by his sword. These are those who would die by the sword of the enemy (v12).

1/3 was to be scattered to the wind. These are those who would be chased down by the enemy and slaughtered (v12).

Ezekiel was to save some hair out and tuck it into his robe, but some of these would also be thrown into the fire. These are the remnant to be saved who believe (but even some of those will be lost – Mat 7:21-23).

God may be speaking harshly here, but he always speaks clearly and for our good. Lord, may I know and understand clearly the conviction and compassion of your word.

NOW, A Good Time to Repent

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Acknowledge sin, turn to God in humble repentance (Ezk5:1).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Continuing his “living prophecy,” Ezekiel is instructed to shave his head and beard with a sword [sharp knife]. Such an act was a sign of mourning and humiliation, even repentance.

One commentary pauses here to imagine the surprise as spectators gather around Ezekiel and watch him shave his head and beard with so cumbersome and instrument.

“What does it mean,“ they might ask? Of course Ezekiel is obliged to tell them of the coming destruction of Jerusalem (revealed further in the next few verses). It should be a time of mourning, humiliation, and hopefully repentance. Lord, thank you for revealing my own sinful past, and giving me the good sense to repent and reverse my course.

Losing Touch With The Holy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we laud and yield to our holy & loving Heavenly Father (Ezk5:5,6). #WorshipTheLord #GivePraiseToGod #ServeTheLordGladly

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As clear a representation as chapter four of Ezekiel is of God‘s judgment on Judah, chapter five gives further definition to Judah’s destruction.

God had placed Judah at the center of the Nations. She was to be an example of God‘s great interest and engagement with all the nations; an influence for godly living. But she rebelled. She lost touch with the Holy, she became even more wicked than her surrounding nations. She refused to follow after God. Her attitude and actions would now come under God’s discipline.

The words of Jesus even decry the pain God feels for his rebellious people (Mat 23:37–39). Lord, may I ever be in touch with the Holy One.

A Living Choice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your living choice be a life well lived for Christ (Ezk 4:16,17). #TheLivingChoice #LifeInChrist

Morning Watch Notes:

The point of Ezekiel‘s “living prophecy“ was to symbolize the Israelites living in exile in Babylon, that God’s people were indeed undergoing the discipline of the Lord.

The self imposed rationing of bread and water by Ezekiel was ordered by God. It characterized the devastation of the Israelites’ homeland (Lam 1:11; 2:11-12,19; 4:4-5,9). There should be no question that God was allowing the demise of Judah as result of her decades of sin (Lam 4:12,13; 5:15-18). This Ezekiel would preach and demonstrate God’s judgment through his living model prophecy.Lord, may my heart remain purely focused on a life well lived for you.

Cow Patty Bread Recipe

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Never fear to have an honest conversation with God (Ezk 4:14,15). #Prayer #CowPattiesInTheKitchen #TheDigustOfSin

Cow dung mixed with straw was commonly used as fuel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In these verses, we see Ezekiel speaking himself for the first time, since the opening of this book. He has an honest conversation with God. The use of human excrement as fuel to bake bread would be the most vile and detestable means of doing what God had asked. Ezekiel is mortified at this.

As a priest, Ezekiel had carefully followed God‘s prescribed laws of cleansing for heart and life. Of all Ezekiel had seen and experienced so far in his call, this made the least sense – although he understood the meaning of it (vv12-13). Ezekiel‘s heart was not stubborn and rebellious. He was simply convicted about breaking God‘s laws (Lev 18:19; see Deu 23:12-14 and footnote).* At this point, God relents and substitutes cow dung (cow patties) for human dung.

Lord, I understand that you may require many things of me, but you will never require anything contrary to your word.

_________

* There is some disagreement over the issue of human excrement. There is no law specifically forbidding contact with it. However, due to the Deuteronomy text listed, some take the position that human excrement may fall into the category of contact with human bodily fluids. These are listed in the Leviticus text and are considered unclean.

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.

Living Example

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to demonstrate God’s grace with your life (Ezk 4:7). #UnderstandGod’sWord #God’sWordInLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am familiar with what they call a “living nativity scene.“ That is similar to what Ezekiel is doing here. He is acting out prophecy. He is a “living prophecy scene.”

Ezekiel will lay out a model of Jerusalem as under siege (vv1-3). He is then to emulate the people as bearing the weight of their sin (vv4–6). In verse 7 Ezekiel, while laying on his side, portrays God by “baring his arm” (a sign of readiness for drastic action – Isa 52:10) and prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem, to those already captive in Babylon.

This living prophecy scene is presumably observed by those coming by his quarters (as one might drive by a living nativity at Christmas).

Lord, may my life be a living example, a “living letter” that points to God’s grace (2Co 3:2,3).

Window To Conversations With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your conversations with God yield the intended result (Ezk 4:7,8).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is a little hard to picture Ezekiel doing all the things as God directed if he was tied up the entire time (v8). So one has to imagine that Ezekiel was carrying out these symbolic activities, 1) at chosen times when there were people around to observe his activities and hear him prophesy destruction (v12); and 2) as he was himself carrying out these living prophecies in public, he was living a normal life in private and preparing for the public activity.

I don’t want to get caught up in the “form” of what Ezekiel was to do. I want to understand God’s “motives.” This passage is not only about Ezekiel’s activity. It is a window into his ongoing conversations with God about that activity (v14). Often, God gives instructions but gives us latitude in how we carry them out. Lord, may my conversations with you produce their intended outcome.

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.

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.

Sieges of the Heart (Pt1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our hearts be open to God’s word; ready to listen & obey (Ezk 4:1-8). #ListenToGod’sWord #GodIsSpeaking

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Often the prophets would speak through object lessons (Jesus himself spoke in similar ways). This was always done to make a spiritual point about God‘s mercy and plan for men. This first object lesson of Ezekiel‘s was certainly done in plain view of many onlookers.

The onlookers here would be those Israelites living captive in Babylon. Word would spread quickly, “Come and see what Ezekiel is doing.“ Perhaps he laid out his object lesson in the front yard of his own living quarters. In confined living, ev’one would know where “the prophet” lived. The point was to draw disobedient hearts back to God and his plan for Israel.

Lord, may your word pique the interest of my heart to listen to what you are saying to me (to all of us).

Silent Mouthpiece

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Speak for God, only as led to do so (Ezk 3:24-27). #SilentForGod #SpeakForGod #SilentMouthpiece

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What happens next after the reoccurrence of the vision of God in his glory and Ezekiel’s call into the prophetic ministry is indeed strange. Nevertheless it is important to his inauguration as a prophet. He is to go to his house, be tied (bound) with rope so as not to go out among the people. He would also be struck dumb – unable to speak (silent mouthpiece).

Strange instructions for a prophet. However, when Ezekiel does get a message from God, he would be allowed to go out and speak.

Otherwise, he is rebound and speechless. This went on for over a year (4:4-6). He is to speak only when he is given God‘s message.* How often I am ready to spout off before I have heard from God. Lord, may I learn to wait upon you; deliberate on your message before I speak as for you.

________

* History records that Ezekiel was unable to speak, except when his tongue was loose by God to deliver God‘s message to the people (note 3:26,27 – the beginning of his prophetic ministry; approx. 593 BC). Ezekiel would be allowed to speak freely again when a fugitive survivor from Jerusalem reported its final destruction to Ezekiel and the exiles in Babylon (note 33:21,22 – approx. 586 BC).

Pursuit of God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live a life of unqualified pursuit of God (Ezk 3:22,23). #PursueGod #ReverenceForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel has been called and appointed by God to the office of Prophet (v17a). He has been given a charge to speak quickly, boldly and truthfully whatever message God gives him (v17b). Now Ezekiel is directed to remove himself to a valley-plain (perhaps the valley where his vision of dry bones occurred – 37:1).

Having removed himself to said valley, Ezekiel sees the same vision of God on his chariot-throne as in chapter one. Seeing God in all his glory, Ezekiel falls down on his face prostrate before God. Lord, I see in a man, Ezekiel, one who models for me an unmitigated reverence for God.

Speak When Directed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you listen when God speaks; speak when he directs (Ezk 3:17-21). #DeliverGod’sMessage #ListenWhenGodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has issued his call to Ezekiel to the prophetic ministry. He is to be a “watchman” over Israel. God instructs Ezekiel to speak without delay, any message that God gives him. It matters not whether the message is to the wicked or to the righteous who have stumbled. Ezekiel is to tell them to turn to God or suffer the consequences; even death.

God informs Ezekiel that he is responsible for getting the message out. If he does, and the people listen and repent, they will be saved, as well as Ezekiel. If Ezekiel does not tell them, they will die in their sin and God will hold Ezekiel accountable for not delivering the message. Lord, may I listen when you speak to me and speak if you so direct me; lives will depend upon it.

THE WATCHMAN

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you hear and surrender to God‘s call (Ezk 3:16,17). #HearingGodsCall #UnderstandingGodsCall #SurrenderToGodsCall

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After two and one half chapters (53 verses) and one bodacious vision of God‘s absolute glory, Ezekiel‘s call from God to his prophetic ministry is articulated (1 verse). “Son of man, I [God] have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately” (v17).

The task of the watchman was to stand guard on the wall of the city and warn the people of any approaching danger. As a spiritual watchman, Ezekiel‘s task was to warn the people of the judgment to come if they did not turn from their sin back to God.

Lord, this aged prayer sentry must honor your time and resources invested in me by surrendering to you daily for whatever work I am called upon to do.

___________

I count 9 separate calls of God upon my life. Here’s a time line:

“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.

Devine Movement

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God to be always present and always working (Ezk 3:12,13). #ExpectDevineMovement #SeekingTheLordOfGlory #DevineEncounters

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While Ezekiel is trying to absorb his vision of God in his flying chariot throne, he is transported (lifted up). He seems startled. Verse 14 expresses his disconcertment as turmoil. He was mentally startled.

The throne of God is moving. The living beings are arosed and the great wheels begin turning. There is a thunderous noise as the glory of the Lord is lifted up. Ezekiel himself is lifted up by the same spirit in Ezk 2:2. He is transfixed as like in a trance; dazed and bewildered. Yet, he is safe at the center of Devine movement.

Lord, I have never had any vision like Ezekiel’s. But I have seen Devine movement at work at crucial times in my life.

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.

Equal to the Task

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God to prepare you for that to which he calls you (Ezk 3:5-9) #EqualToTheRask #HardheadedProphet

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God reminded Ezekiel that his commissioning was not to go speak to a foreign people of some hard to understand language group. If he were, they would listen. But he is going to his own people in a foreign land (Babylon). There is no language barrier. It should be easy. But it will not be.

God says Israel is hard-hearted and hard-headed. She won’t listen to you – she won’t even listen to me, their God. But God, through Ezekiel, will withstand them. God has made Ezekiel just as hard-headed (determined and brazen) as they. Ezekiel need not fear their angry, defiant, rebellious response.

Lord, you will always make me equal to the task to which you call me.

Ingest, Digest & Manifest

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Read and heed the whole counsel of God (Ezk 3:1-4). #TheWordOfGod #GodSpeaksByHisWord #ReadAndHeed

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The scroll given to Ezekiel is symbolic of the word of God. Ezekiel is instructed to eat the scroll. He opened his mouth and the scroll was fed to him (INGEST). He was to fill his stomach completely with the scroll (DIGEST). Then he was to deliver its message (MANIFEST).

Though the scroll is full of doom and mournful proclamations over Israel and Judah, its taste to Ezekiel is like honey in his mouth. God’s word in its harshest critique of men will produce the sweet and peaceable fruit of righteousness.* Lord, may I receive the whole council of your word; ingest it, digest it, manifest it.

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* Psm 19:7-11;119:101-104; 2Ti 3:14-17; Heb 12:10,11