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/

Too Wonderful

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek God in all of his mystery and wonder (Psm 139:1-6). #OmniscientGod #AllKnowingGod #TheMysteryOfKnowing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King David expresses his wonder at the omniscience of God. God is on the inside of my heart, mind and motivations. He is aware of my movements from sun up to sundown. He knows my thoughts and words before they ever leave my mouth. He knows my motivations for all I do.

There is no hiding from God any secret thing. Yet, God blesses me.

He goes before me. David is struck by wonder the way a child might view the beauty and mystery surrounding Christmas,

floating bubbles or the quirks in nature.

Lord, how this old sentry longs to redeem my enchantments with the great mysteries of God.

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.

“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.

A Marked Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be alert to, listen for, God‘s call on your life (Ezk 1:28). #MarkedMan #AlertToGod’sCall #MarkedByGod’sGlory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel here mentions that he hears a voice for the second time. The first reference to a voice (v24) seems to be unintelligible. But here, the voice was speaking directly to Ezekiel. God is preparing to call Ezekiel and instruct him in his prophetic ministry.

The entire first chapter has set the stage and will carry Ezekiel through his entire ministry. He will never think of God again without a sense of awe, holy fear and wonder. “The man of God comes out from [HIS] presence indelibly marked by the glory of his Lord.” *

Lord, reading in this Old Testament book, may I be a man alert to your call and marked by your glory.

____________

* Taylor, John B. EZEKIEL, An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1969), 41.

To Know God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God in new ways (Ezk 1:22-28). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I can hardly imagine what Ezekiel must have been experiencing as this vision of God unfolds before him. I am struggling to wrap my brain around what he must have been seeing. The enormity and expanse of it, the splendor and the magnificence of it is beyond what the human mind could imagine or comprehend.

My initial response is to close my Bible and go find something easier to read. But I know that our God wants to be known. Jesus proves that. Lord, may I push past not knowing, not understanding, may I know you in a new and meaningful way.

What Does It Mean?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek humbly to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:28; 2:1,2; 3:23,24). #ListeningToGod #SayWhat

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My heart is perplexed as I read God‘s call of Ezekiel. It is a call like no other prophet in length, scope and vision. His call is three chapters long. It is simple yet, complex. I have pondered the vision and message (the call) of Ezekiel for several days. I want to understand all of it, but my heart is perplexed, hesitant. Yet I am moved to grasp its meaning.

I am asking God for understanding. I am asking him to overcome my hesitations and lack of COURAGE to press into this prophetic book. I wish to emulate Ezekiel, coming face down to the ground in humility before God. I pray to God, “Lord, may this old sentry receive understanding of all that you intend from this prophetic book.” As I pray, I’m hearing God say, as he said to Ezekiel, “Stand up, I want to speak with you by my Spirit” (2:1,2; 3:24 above).

Thank you Lord for your

EN-COURAGE-MENT

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.

The Way Home

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Do not let shame, pride, fear or guilt prevent you from returning home to God (Jer 51:50,51).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people are directed by God to return to their homeland at the fall of Babylon (vv45,50). But they are mortified, ashamed and disgraced because foreigners and aliens had desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem. They felt so ashamed (v51).

“Yes, but God.“ What God says to them in essence is I am coming to deliver (v52). Don’t be paralyzed by shame. Though you may feel far from God, he is closer to you than you think. Turn your eyes on God. Set your gaze on your homeland. (v50). The way home is to repent, turn your heart towards him again and he will see you through. He will do a work of revival in you.

__________

WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT RECEIVE SO COMPASSIONATE A LOVE AS THE FATHER OFFERS?

S H A M E ! F E A R ! P R I D E !

_________

Adam and Eve reacted to their sin and disobedience towards God, not by humbly seeking God to admit guilt. But in their newly acquired shame, pride, guilt and fear (having eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil) they tried to cover up their sin. They thought they could hide from God (Gen 3). They thought they could outsmart God and somehow avoid accountability.

The Psalmist felt shame (Psm 73): ”Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you” [but God reminded him of his compassions]. The Psalmist continues, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth“ (Psm 73:21-22,24-25 NLT).

Paul says there is no disappointment in Jesus (Rom 10:11).

______

In Jeremiah 51:50-51, God essentially explains how to defeat shame. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God through Jeremiah tells them to return home to Jerusalem when Babylon falls. But the children of Israel express shame that the temple in Jerusalem was desecrated on their watch.

in these two verses God is saying, THE WAY HOME IS…

1) don’t be paralyzed by shame, pride, guilt and fear,

2) turn your eyes on God [on Jesus],

3) set your face to your homeland [set your eyes on your future glory] and…

4) though you feel far from God, he is closer than you think.

Turn to him now. There is hope. Ask God’s forgiveness for sin. Invite him to take his rightful place in your heart. Then follow him…all The Way Home.

Reading The Signs: Approaching Hoofbeats

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

May God’s sentries on the American wall “Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly” to warn of approaching hoofbeats (Jer 51:45-50). #ApprochingHoofbeats #StormWarning

Morning Watch: Extended

It would be foolish to declare the words of Jeremiah 51:45-50 as prophecy over America. That is not the context. However, it would also be foolish not to take a lesson from history. Especially when I see these very same things happening in America. It is a wake up call!!!

This is what the sentry on the wall, the American wall, ought to be doing – pointing to the signs of God’s impending judgment and crying out a warning of the approaching hoofbeats of an overwhelming adversary being sent by God himself.

In 2024 is America headed for judgment? There are signs to be read:

1. Rumors arise every year of growing adversarial threats. (China, Russia, North Korea, Iran).

2. There is violence and lawlessness in our streets, judicial oversight is falling apart.

3. Leaders in government fight against each other (interagency fighting, federal and state governments fighting, congressional fighting).

4. America will certainly see her great idols fall (great institutions of science, education, her military complex, financial markets, false religions, et.al).

5. I would humbly add to this list the demise of the family unit and the breakdown of morality.

It is the ultimate hubristic and godless mind that could think such a society could survive.

Consider the words of Christ who said, “Fools, you can read signs of weather, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times” (Luke 12:56). You don’t have to be a prophet to read the signs of our times.

The sentry on the wall has standing orders: Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly (ISA 62:6; NEH 4:16-18; Hos 8:1-4).

But I don’t come to this passage with some pessimistic fatalism. I come to this passage with some excitement about the future. May we see either a GREAT AWAKENING that sweeps thousands into the Kingdom of a God and/or a GREAT EXIT in the second coming of Christ.

COME HOLY SPIRIT!

COME LORD JESUS!

Restoration Promise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we know as a people the joy of the full restoration of God (Jer 27:22). #God’sRestoration #RestorationPromise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Lord does not leave his people without hope. Though judgment may fall upon the land of Judah, the precious implements of worship be removed from the temple in Jerusalem, God promises to restore them to their place (people & worship).

God reveals here that there will be restoration after judgment and discipline has befallen his people. God never leaves us without Hope. America is not without hope. Lord, though this sentry, my beloved country, may feel the pain of your discipline, may I (we) also know joy and hope in the promise of your full restoration.

A Good Plan

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust God with all of your future (Jer 29:10-14). #TrustGod #BelieveGod #AFutureAndAHope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the most hope filled passages in the Old Testament. God’s people are given assurance of deliverance, in spite of their dire circumstances. God will not forget his people. His plan is purposeful, and his discipline will achieve its desired outcome.

God‘s people will once again call Upon him. He will be found and present with them. He will restore their fortune and return them to their land, and so he did. Our God is a God of purpose and hope. Lord, I am encouraged about my own future by the words of this passage.

Cup of Wrath

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you never abandon God (Jer 25:15–29). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

The imagery of the cup of God, filled and running over the brim, speaks of the wrath of God. All the known nations of Jeremiah‘s time (all named here) will be made to drink of this cup. They would be falling down as a drunken sot, and throwing up. That is, they would be fully overcome by God‘s judgment, as did occur at the hands of Babylon.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judgment here begins with Judah. It ends with judgment on Babylon. She would be left in the ashes of history. God states in verse 29, “If I punish Jerusalem, the city that bears my name, shall I let go unpunished the sin, corruption, and perversion of every other nation?” NO! None will escape God’s judgment. AMERICA TODAY NEEDS REVIVAL AND AWAKENING. Lord, when we abandon you and refuse to return to you, we may surely know your abandonment of us (Pro 1:24-33; Dan9:5,6; Rom 1:28,29; 1Th 5:19-22).

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give praise to God for his radiant splendor and certain glorious coming (Hab 3:3). #TheComingOneTrueGod #ExaltTheComingChrist #TheGloryOfGod #Redemption

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After Hsbakkuk’s opening petition (for revival and mercy) praise is his response to all that God had shown him. No more questions. Only praise. Just as the watchmen sits high above the camp looking, watching for activity on the horizon, so Habakkuk sees in the distance a theophany of the glorious and radiant splendor of the coming one true God.

Habakkuk’s imagery recalls a great and glorious event in Israel’s history (deliverance from Egypt). Moses describes God as coming in glory to establish his nation at Mount Sinai in Teman and Mt Paran in the region of Edom (Deu 33:1,2). God appears to Habakkuk in the same glorious light and regal splendor. He will come to deliver Israel again and judge Babylon for her godlessness.

“SELAH!” (A musical term for a symbol crash or trumpets to blow; stop and let those preceding words sink into your heart and mind). Lord, what an amazing sight to behold. From Habakkuk’s watchtower to mine I see through his eyes the glory of God‘s certain coming in power. The sentry joins him in giving praise to God for his certain coming in radiant glory.

________________

Consider Ezekiel’s description of God’s glory (Ezk 1:28; 10:4; 43:2):

1:28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

10:4 And the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.

43:2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.

The Apostle John’s description of God’s glory (Rev 18:1; 21:11; 21:23):

18:1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.

21:11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

21:23 And the city phas no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for qthe glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you embrace a righteous compassionate God; may America turn now to God. May God send awakening and be merciful in judgment (Hab 3:2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise #RunToGod #Awakening #TurnNowToGod #Repent #Revival

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk has heard God‘s reply to his heartfelt questions – why evil prevails. He is astounded and awestruck at God’s mighty work. He now enters into intimate communion with God in prayer. Presumably, he is still in his “watchtower“; that place of seeking. Like Job, he concludes “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe at what I see” (see Job 42:5,6).

The prophet sings his song of prayer admitting the deep need of the people. This is the only petition in this prayer. 1) “Help us Lord, as you have before [send revival] …and 2) In your anger, show mercy.“

If we know that God won’t allow evil to persist forever; if we know that God will ultimately rain down judgment on godless nations, would this not be an appropriate petition to God in our day concerning America? Absolutely!

There is but one place to go in times of trouble. That is to our righteous and compassionate God. Lord, you are fierce in your righteousness judgments, but I am not afraid to embrace you.

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.

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)

________

GOD PROMISES TO SHOW HIS FACE TO THOSE WHO ARE HIS RIGHTEOUS ONES, WHO CHOOSE VIRTUE

Extraordinary Evil; Extraordinary Judgment

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Pray expecting the unexpected from God in his judgment of evil (Hab 1:5). #ExpectTheUnexpected #PrepareToBeAstounded

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has stirred up the heart of the prophet toward the evil God sees. The prophet has asked the right questions of God (vv2–4) and he is a ready recorder of God‘s answers. God says, “Hold onto your Ram’s horn Habakkuk (my translation). You are not going to believe what I am doing, even now as you speak with me. You will be astounded.”

Extraordinary evil requires extraordinary acts of God. Do we see extraordinary acts of evil in our day? Is God still sovereign? Strap on your seatbelt. God is still in the business of extraordinary acts. His acts in judgment are certainly already in progress. Judgment on the nations (on America) will look nothing like we might expect. Instead, we may be astounded at what God does and how he does it.

Lord, the heart of this old sentry pounds in expectation for the unexpected in our day, something no one could have conceived of happening.

Evil: Prompts For Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May evil find judgment at the hand of God (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What Habakkuk sees in the vision he received from God is the state of society in his day. He sees what others might see even in our day. They are Prompts to PRAY!. “Violence is everywhere I look. It goes on and on, unchecked. PRAY! The evil running rampant in our streets creates havoc and misery for its victims. PRAY! People argue and fight at the least provocation. PRAY!

Where is the law? Nowhere. It is paralyzed. PRAY! There is no justice in corrupt courtrooms. PRAY! The wicked outnumber the righteous and justice is perverted. PRAY!” So, we too ask, “Lord, how long must we cry out for help; when will justice fall?” Lord, the press of evil begs the urgent prayer of this sentry on the wall; that God might judge the wicked and spare the righteous. PRAY!

Soul Ablaze In Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May hearts be set ablaze in prayer for revival and awakening (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who learns more quickly, the student who is uninterested in a subject, or the student who is inquisitive and asks questions about the subject? Just so, who would pray more effectively, the person told he must pray, or the person who knows the call of God to intercede? This is Habakkuk.

J. Edwin Orr (authority on revival*) says, “Whenever God is ready to do something new with his people, he always sets them to praying.“ Look again at verse one. It is God who sends the questions that stir the prophet’s heart and sets him ablaze in prayer.

The questions that burn in the heart of Habakkuk are the questions God intends to use to set the prophet’s heart ablaze in prayer for his people. Lord set my heart and soul on fire in prayer for revival, awakening and restoration.

________

* For those interested: J. Edwin Orr on Revival

Embracing A World In Crisis

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the darkness of sin around us lead us to pray for the justice and mercy of God (Hab 1:1; 3:2). #DeepIntercessions #TheWorldInCrisis

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk is a prophet of God who shows up sometime prior to the Babylonian captivity of the Jews. He is a contemporary of Jeremiah. Nothing more is known of him. There is however, some wide agreement that he may have been a musician of the Levitical office (see 3:19). Further, his writings resemble the literary style of the psalms.*

Habakkuk often sounds more like David pouring out his heart to God than a preacher raining down judgment on the people. He is more poet than prophet. The darkness of sin running rampant in our world, should bring God‘s people to a deeper place of repentance and devotion to him. Lord, Habakkuk calls me to think more deeply on the state of our world and to plead for God’s justice and mercy (3:2).

________

* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.

Break Through Fear

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Deny the fear of men and speak boldly for God (Jer 26:12–15). #SpeakTruth #DoNotFearMen #FearGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the trial of Jeremiah, the prophet gives his own defense: 1) he declares the authenticity of his prophetic words, as from God; 2) the destruction of the temple is conditioned on the repentance of the people of Judah; and 3) he declares that killing him would be to execute an innocent man – this would compound the sin of Judah, and seal their fate. What a defense!

I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Luke 12:12. “Do not fear men…do not worry about how to defend yourself…the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say” (read in context, Luke 12:4–12). We may take courage and reverence God above all others. Break through the fear of men or what they can do to you. Stand on the truth. Lord, I know that you will be my defense in time of trouble.

Seed of Hatred Towards Israel

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we walk daily in humble obedience to God (Jer 26:1–6). #MessageForAmerica #Repent #TurnNowToGod

Repentance in Israel, America, any Nation Remains Our Best Hope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In spite of God‘s intended judgment on Judah the message is still, “If you will repent, I will change my mind (says God) about the disaster I am ready to pour out on you because of your sin.“ (Sounds like 2 Chronicles 7:14). If not, after repeated warnings, God says, I will destroy the temple and make Jerusalem an object of cursing in every nation on earth.

Such was, and is the case in Israel, even unto this day. Know what? Israel is still unrepentant – she even crucified the Messiah, Jesus. No wonder Israel has suffered so much through history. No wonder she is in crisis today. Unrepentance sows terrible seeds of disaster. Lord, may I live in humble obedience to you. I “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psm 122:6-9).

[Are you paying attention America? Will you turn to Jehovah God?]

The End of Godlessness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we run from godlessness and rebellion (2Ki 24:17-20 through 25:1-7). #ReturnToGod #RunFromGodlessness #FollowHardAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Nebuchadnezzar had installed Zedekiah as a puppet king in Judah. He was Johoiachin‘s uncle, the third son of godly king Josiah of Judah. He was a godless man, like his brother, the former king, Jehoiakim. His reign will not end well.

After a two year Babylonian siege against Jerusalem, Zedekiah fled the city. Babylonians pursued him and caught him. Zedekiah’s troops deserted him and scattered. Zedekiah and his sons all died unspeakable and cruel deaths at the hands of the Babylonians.

So It was just as Jeremiah said, “These things happened because of the Lord’s anger against the people of Jerusalem and Judah, until he finally banished them from his presence, and sent them into exile” (24:20). Lord, may the heart of the sentry on the wall be kept from the folly of godlessness and rebellion.

Time’s Running Out

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Move with haste to repentance, while there is still time (Jer 21:1–7). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ChooseLife #TimeIsRunningOut

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason Chs 21 & 22 are out of sequence. These chapters contain prophecies of the last four kings of Judah. I insert them as a matter of cohesive devotional understanding. This is not a critical analysis, but the best of my understanding in my study]

The days of Josiah have passed. Judah was on a path of destruction as predicted by Huldah the prophetess (2Ki 22:18–20; 2Ch 34:26–28). King Zedekiah shows no sign of repentance but “begs“ Jeremiah to speak with the Lord, that he might deliver Judah from the Babylonians. The following is what God said through Jeremiah.

“Your weapons will be useless against Babylon. I myself [God] will fight against you. I will send plagues. I will hand King Zedekiah over to Babylon. They will show no mercy, pity or compassion”. If God is for us who can stand against us? But if God is against us who can stand before him? Lord, my indifference to sin will only lead to God’s hand of discipline.

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt3

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we know genuine repentance from sin individually and as a nation (2Ki 24:1-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jehoiakim was king of Judah at the start of the Babylonian rise to world domination under King Nebuchadnezzar. Judah fell to the Babylonians. The formerly stayed hand of God’s Judgment was now lifted. The promised judgment for the sins of King Manasseh, Jehoiakim’s grandfather were underway (2Ki 21:11–16; 2Ch 34:26-28).

Judah’s alliance with Egypt proved fatal against Babylon. After Egypt fell to the Babylonians, they came after Judah. That ended Jehoiakim‘s reign. How he died is unknown. What we do know is that God keeps his word. Lord, I am reminded that only sincere repentance will stay the hand of God‘s judgment (2Ch 33:12,13; 34:27,28). DO NOT SKIP OVER THESE TWO SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

[Is America impregnable? Are there any nations in our world today that aspire to and are capable of world domination? Has America scoffed at God, disdained his blessings and spurned his hand of mercy? Is America so arrogant to think that she does not need Jehovah God’s hand of protection?]

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt2

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we learn from history, turn quickly to God and know his favor. (Jer 22:6-9). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah, the prophet, continues his prophecy over the rebellious kings and nation of Judah:

The hard reality for God‘s people is, God loves us, but he will severely discipline his own for their sin, disobedience and worship of other gods (who are no–gods). If God is willing to send in the “wreckers“ and dismantle an entire city devoted to him (Jerusalem) and set it afire, what will we today, in America, face for turning our backs on him?

People may one day ask of this great nation America, what was then asked of Jerusalem. “Why did she fall into such disrepair?” The answer will be, because she scoffed at the God who so blessed her and she went after other gods. Lord, teach my heart, remind me of your goodness so that I might not sin against thee.

More to follow.