Discerning the Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God’s word and be discerning of truth. (Psm 119:97-104). #TrustInGodsWord #BeDiscerningOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist is looking at God‘s word as practical instruction, wisdom. He says God‘s word makes him “superior“ in wisdom, understanding and judgment to his enemies, teachers and elders.

This is no arrogant statement. It simply points out that God‘s word gives men the capacity to be discerning of the spirits. Men may know the difference between truth and error. It is seeing through the spirit of the age; any spirit hostile and/or lax towards truth. This false spirit persecuted the writer for trusting in God’s word. It will us too.

Lord, you give me good reason to trust in and believe your word.

Words of High Value

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Value God‘s word above all other wealth (Psm 119:65-72). #LoveGodsWord #ValueGodsWordAboveAllElse #GodsWordABlessing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist asks God for good judgment and knowledge.* A lot of good judgment comes from having made bad judgments – not that it has to be that way. But the psalmist admits to have wandered off the path of understanding. Yet, God was merciful. He reveals that the suffering from bad judgment teaches us to pay more close attention to God‘s word, follow it more carefully (vv67, 71; Jas 1:2-7).

Others may devalue God word. But God’s word will always lead me in truth. I can have confidence in that. God‘s word is more valuable than any precious metal. Lord, I have learned from experience to value highly your word.

__________

* The Knowledge Riddle

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is ignorant – Avoid him.

He who knows not and knows that he knows not is hungry – Feed him.

He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep – Awaken him.

He who knows and knows that he knows is a leader – Follow him.

McCoy McLemore Jr. – American NBA basket ball player in the 1960s and 1970s. As a Christian speaker he spoke these words to prison inmates in a Bill Glass evangelistic Weekend of Champions.

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.

P.U.S.H. PRAYER!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our prayers reflect our obedience to God (1Jn 3:21-22). #AskingAndReceiving #WhyGodAnswersPrayer #PUSHPRAYER

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If we know that we are walking in the light of Christ, we have a confident faith, we will have whatsoever we ask. We may know that if we are walking in obedience to Christ, doing things that please God, we can be confident that the things we ask will truly line up with God’s will.

This is the reality of prayer for the believer. How could God ever deny that which comes from his heart through us and back to him? This is the ”whatsoever you ask in my name“ promise that he will do. So P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens.

Lord, may my prayers reflect a heart that is wholly surrendered to you.

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.

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.

Prophet Minstrel: An Ode (v.4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Never abuse the power of your influence over others (Hab 2:15-17).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet continues his song of taunts; a woeful dirge, v.4. A graphic allegorical lyric depicts Babylon as the host of a drunken, debauched party [drunken debauchery being a Babylonian characteristic]. Her nation neighbors were forced to drink, in a drunken orgy of false promises. Then, as in the parable of “The King With No Clothes,” they were stripped naked of resources, laughed at, mocked and made the fool.*

God says, “Soon it will be your turn, O Babylon, to be disgraced. For the Lord will force you to drink full from his cup of judgment. Your glory will be turned to abject nakedness and shame. You have built towns with wood stripped from the beautiful forests and those towns are filled your murder and terror. Soon it will be you, O Babylon, who is stripped, terrorized and cut down. Your end will come in violent destruction (Pro 24:17,18). The abuse of power and privilege is unconscionable. ”The Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him” (2:20).

Lord, may I never abuse my position of influence to torment those within my circle of reach.

_________

* How simple-minded it is to be made to look a fool as the butt of another’s heinous joke. But how much more deranged to be the tormentor of such a fool?

Speak Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you faithfully serve God whether rejected or not (2Ch 34:8). #GoHardForGod #ShowThemJesus #GodAboveAllOthrrs

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah has undergone serious rejection by the religious leaders and people of Judah for his message of repentance. He will endure more to come. The young king of Judah, Josiah, has been a good king. He, at age 20, took measures to rid Judah of its idle worship and pagan practices (2 Ch 34:3–7).

Now, at age 26, Josiah determines to repair the temple, which had been ignored and left in disrepair from an era of pagan worship. Neither Jeremiah, nor Judah, realized that they were on the brink of a spiritual revival. Who knows the impact Jeremiah may have had on young Josiah. We will never know the impact of our lives on others.

Lord, may my life always reveal the living God.

Be Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Speak the truth of man’s sin and God’s forgiveness (Jer19:14–20:2). #NoIntimidation #SpeakTheTruth #GospelOfForgiveness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah returns from the city dump of Jerusalem, where he smashed a clay pot before the temple and city leaders. There he prophesied to them the judgment of Judah for her sin (19:1–13).

Upon Jeremiah’s return, he stops in front of the Temple and prophesies the same message of judgment to the people gathered there. For this the Temple authority removes Jeremiah, has him arrested, whipped and put in stocks as a public spectacle.

There will always be naysayers, those who ignore and/or discredit the truth. It may be passive indifference or it may be hostile. The question is always, “How do I handle the truth?” Lord, mat every duty sentry always state the truth of man’s sin and the gospel of forgiveness, no matter the personal cost. May the sentry also be sensitive to the truth him/herself and respond accordingly.

The Dump

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Get Self Out Of The Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

America (even I myself) needs to rid its heart of indifference towards God (Jer 18:12-16). #RepentNow #TurnNowToGod

“You would turn away from God, your provider?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people express their resolve to continue in their wicked ways (v12). It makes no sense. God’s people have known his goodness to them, yet they turn their backs on him. Even the godless pagan can see the foolishness of such a response. It is seen as appalling, ghastly, even to them.

The response is in opposition even to the natural world. The snow in the mountains continually flows to the valley below (pictures God’s goodness). Rivers of living water flow from the “Rock,” also pictures God as the source of all goodness. Astonishingly God’s people opt for the waters of another (worthless gods). They cause their own stumbling off the true path that leads to God.

Lord, in light of all your goodness to me (to America) I (we) need to get out of my (our) own way and turn you.

_____

This old hymn says it well:

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

A Repentance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Sincerely, open your heart to examination by God (Jer 18:11,12). #ThePotter’sHouse #RepentOfSin #ThePotterAndTheClay #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is hard to read these words, Israel’s reply to Jeremiah‘s message of “The Potter & The Clay.“ The people said, “Don’t waste your breath, we will continue to live how we want to live.“ I wish I could say I have never said that to God. But I have. I pushed God to the limits of his mercy. (See my testimony: this blog)

Even now, as I read the message of “The Potter,“ I am urged by God to stop and reflect this morning. I’m asking God to search my heart for any wicked way; that I may be lead in the way, everlasting (Psm139:23,24; Jas 4:7-10). Lord, I open my whole heart and life for your close examination. Show me any sin I need to confess that I may change. (See the end of self: this blog)

The Fruit of Discipline

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Respond by faith to God’s discipline (Heb 12:5–11). #WhomGodLovesHeDisciplines #GodDisciplinesForOurGood

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At times we endure suffering at the hands of evil men, just as Christ did. But at other times we endure hardship because of our own disobedience toward God. Like a loving Father, God will discipline his children’s bad behavior.

God’s discipline proves his love for us. His discipline is always for our good, to lead us back into holiness. Discipline is not an enjoyable event, but after it is over, it leads to a good harvest of right living – that is, living according to God‘s will and purposes (1Pe 4:16–19). Father, your discipline in my life has always resulted in good fruit.

Unwavering faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Stand faithful to Christ no matter the cost (Heb 10:32-35). #StandingForChrist #ThePersecutedChurch

Persecution: I could not publish pictures of actual persecution; ridicule is a beginning

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We who live in the western world know little of persecution. Many in the early church were put to death in public coliseums, lost all their worldly possessions and were put in jail/prisons. [There are those today who suffer such indignity] The writer of Hebrews calls these early Christians to remember the days of their persecution and stay engaged in their faith. There is a far greater reward awaiting those who persevere (Heb 12:1-3).

The church has always fared much worse under prosperity than under persecution. Due to changes in our culture today, the American and free world church is coming under increasing attack. Will she stand? The question for us is, will we stand with brothers and sisters in Christ against the growing tide of persecution? Lord, may I have the courage to stand up to any persecution.

Letter to the American Church – Eric Metaxas: Review & Response

I begin this review and response with these words from Nehemiah, chapter four, verse fourteen: “Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and [fearlessly spoke the truth] to them, ‘Don’t be afraid of the enemy! [But confidently] Remember the Lord, who is great and [awesome], and [with courage from him] fight for your [friends, your families], your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!’ “ (NLT w/translation interpretations in brackets)

Eric Metaxas asks the question, “Would the American church have acted any differently than the German church [in the 1930s & 40s]”, leading up to the Hitlerian holocaust – the extermination of millions of Jews? The answer is, “No.” She’d like to think she would, but she is not. The American church today, like the German church then, has turned a blind eye to the cultural breakdown of our society. Does she has a duty to respond, to stand for truth? Absolutely!^[1] This is the premise of the book.

Metaxas explains that the American church (as a whole) is being gobbled up by the new cultural norms (e.g., abortion, transgenderism, homosexuality, critical race theory and the like). The American church needs to read the signs of a corrupt society. She must respond to the changing cultural norms and not simply conform. She must see the evil forces behind such things.^[2]

Dietrick Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident, writes in The Church and the Jewish Question (his response to the increasing hostility of Hitler towards Christian values): “The church [must be] the conscience of the state, call it into account – object when the state does wrong – not remain silent. The Christian, the church must help those who are victims of the state [those who cannot speak for themselves]. If the state refuses to change course, it is the solemn obligation of Christians to take action.”^[3]

Metaxas says the German church made four grave errors that led to a culture of silence. This culture led to the German church’s mistaken idea that they could somehow stand apart from the destructive, Nazi governmental demise of the nation’s soul. [When our American President proclaims that he is “fighting for the soul of America”, that should alarm us. The church should be extremely concerned, stand up and say something].

The leaders of the German church thought it better to mind their own business and stay out of politics; focus on faith, evangelism, “teaching the Bible” and living a quiet Christian life. The church’s silence on the tragic murder of millions of Jews, the church’s silence on the “cancel culture“ of their day, led to a cowardice end. Metaxas deals with these errors one by one:

Too many in the church were Christians in name only (cheap faith; cheap grace)
Evangelism became the sole endgame of the church (just talk about Jesus)
A “Do no harm” mentality meant, no political speak, be “inclusive” (silence)
Piety, avoiding sin, stood above civic engagement (separate secular from spiritual)^[4]

Metaxas says, “When the German Church in the 1930s and the American church of our day focuses on doctrinal statements but forgets that we are obliged to live out what we claim to believe, it makes a mockery of what God actually requires of us.” Bonhoeffer was calling the German church to repentance.^[5] Metaxas, in this book, is calling the American church to repent today – or we have learned nothing from history.

RESPONSE – REFLECTIONS:

When I began reading, Letter to the American Church, I was expecting and hoping for a “To Do“ list on how to impact our 21st-century culture. Ultimately there was no list. But by the middle of the book, it became clear to me what Metaxas was saying that I should do. I must be fearless and stand for the truth, God’s truth. I must seek after God for the holy boldness and courage that I might lack, to speak up. I said, “But Lord, I am only one.” God replied, “Yes, but you ARE one!” This Latin term came to my mind: “Acta Non Verba” (action not words).

I do not want, nor do I wish, to live a “safe faith,“ a mere intellectual assent to Christianity. I want to live a “Lionized Faith.“ I want to live with a bold faith in Christ. My commitment to evangelism should be more than just convincing someone to say a prayer. My evangelism must not be a milquetoast call to “join up”, being oh so careful not to offend anyone. I must proclaim the true cost of discipleship, the cost of following Jesus. I conclude again, Acta Non Verba! Speak the truth in love and do something, say something. Risk everything. Risk being misunderstood. But speak the truth of God without fear, leaving the results with our loving (not angry) God.

The great lies of our day are confused sexuality and transgender madness, the breakdown of the family unit. They are the Marxist critical race theory (CRT) being taught along with misguided lies about sexuality in our children’s classrooms. They are the lies being taught that carry a hateful undertone of racial bigotry, social justice and class warfare throughout our government, education system and even in many churches of America. Can we (can I) be silent in the face of this evil ideology? I cannot. I am only one… But I am one.

I will not be held bondage to the spirit of this age (Gal 5:1)^[6]. The strategy is clear:

I must speak.

I must speak truth.

I must speak truth fearlessly.

But how? When? However and whenever the opportunity arises (Acta Non Verba!). if I do not speak up and act, then I am condemned by God…Not necessarily to hell, but to the destruction of my culture. A destruction then of my own making.

Metaxas quotes Bonhoeffer (I make it personal): “[I must] live out [my] faith with every atom of [my] being in every second [I] have on this earth and with every breath God gives [me] to breathe. Anything less than this kind of faith is [no faith at all].^”[7] William H Johnson once proclaimed, “If it is to be, it is up to me!“Those ten words say it all.

Metaxas concludes, “Our Bible studies and sermons have all been meaningless if we do not make what we learned come alive in ways that are self-sacrificial and that show we really do know that God has defeated death. Many who do not yet know the God we claim to worship will see how we live and will want to know Him…come to know Him, and become a part of what He is doing in our generation. Dare we believe that, or are we already headed to the caves, believing nothing we do can matter…all we can do is save ourselves?”^[8]

I must proclaim for myself with Martin Luther of the German church, “Here I Stand.” I commit to God my personal strategy to speak the truth fearlessly, compassionately and convincingly when given the opportunity. Metaxas says that “truth is a person, Jesus Christ.“ I will speak and act as called upon, God willing, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How does one lonely voice make a difference? By starting where I am, picking up whatever tool, using whatever platform God has given me and take every opportunity that comes my way to do as I am charged by Scripture to do: stand faithfully, watch vigilantly, pray earnestly, speak/act boldly (Isaiah 62:6; Nehemiah 4:16-18). I must act like the young shepherd boy David, when faced with Goliath. I must trust God. I am, like the Israelites, fearful and powerless without God. I must depend on God alone for the victory. David said, “I come in the name of the Lord.“ (1Samuel 17:46,47). I must be quick to the fight, fast with my sling and swift with my stones.

Pick up whatever God puts in your hands and get busy. I am a dad and a granddad – I can speak truth into the lives of my children and grandchildren. I don’t have endless financial resources, but I can use what I have to support others taking the fight where I cannot go. I am a writer and blogger. I can make my voice known to the glory of God and the impact of my culture. I can vote, I can speak for candidates who promote godly values, be they Christian or not, and do so no matter the personal cost to me. It is a simple strategy:

SPEAK TRUTH FEARLESSLY

“Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and [fearlessly spoke the truth] to them, ‘Don’t be afraid of the enemy! [But confidently] Remember the Lord, who is great and [awesome], and [with courage from him] fight for your [friends, your families], your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!’ “ (Neh 4:14).

^[1] Metaxas, Eric. Letter to the American Church, Washington D.C., Salem Books, (2022), pg. 18

^[2] IBID, pg. 35

^[3] IBID, pg. 39

^[4] IBID, pgs. 51, 52

^[5] IBID, pg. 64

^[6] “Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves of the Law again.” (Gal 5:1; AMP)

^[7] Metaxas, Eric. Letter to the American Church, Washington D.C., Salem Books, (2022), pg 126

^[8] IBID, pg. 128

On The Right Path?*

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Give heed to the spiritual laws of God that offer the best for life (Jer 8:4–7). #DoTheRightThing #RepentTowardsGod #PersueRighteousness

Mindless Birds Heed Migration Laws Of Nature; God’s People Ignore The Laws Of God

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Common sense should tell us when something is wrong in our being. But the people of God seem senseless. They live contrary to all that is right. They know they are wrong but refuse to turn back. They cling, like barnacles, to their lies and rationalizations of sin. They run in a herd, down the path of destruction.

Even mindless birds follow their natural instinct [laws of nature] to migrate. But God’s people, who have incredibly capable minds, given by God, do not follow the Laws of God. Those laws that govern goodness and righteousness. The message is to open our eyes and turn to God. Lord, may my beloved country, even this old sentry, heed your Laws and stay on the path of righteousness.

* There is a path before each person that seems right,
but it ends in death. (Pro 14.12)

The Path To Peace

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Walk in the way of the godly who have gone before you (Jer 6:16). #TheAncientPath #WalkInTheGodlyWay

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is not a capricious God. He is not a god who plays guessing games – you guess wrong, you lose. God is a good and understanding God. He makes clear what he expects. He is clear about what path to take.

There are two paths in life. Look carefully at both. One is the path of the ancients, the godly and righteous path. Choose this path, no matter what the other path offers. The well worn path of the godly will always take your soul to a place of rest and peace. This is the path about which Jesus spoke in Matthew 7:13,14. Lord, lead me always in the way everlasting.

(Also note Isaiah 30:20,21)

When God Cannot Forgive

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Turn humbly to God, confess sin and know his forgiveness (Jer 5:7-14). #Repent #GodWantsToForgive #TurnToGod #UnrepentanceDeniesForgivenes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God asks, “Why should I forgive, pardon, you?“ Certainly God desires to forgive, but he will not. God asks? “Should I not punish this nation for her sin?“ Certainly God does not wish to punish any nation. So why wouldn’t he forgive? Why would he proceed to punish Judah?

The answer to these questions is, because of Judah‘s open and blatant sin and her arrogant, unrepentant attitude towards God. Because of this there WILL be no forgiveness and punishment WILL follow. God cannot forgive where there is no repentance. Lord, may this old sentry never again be found with an arrogant unrepentant attitude towards you.

May my beloved country turn humbly to you, confess her sin and know forgiveness.

A Loosing Strategy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May we not continue to tempt God by perpetual sin and indifference (Jer 4:21, 22). #RepentTowardsGod #TurnNowToGod #DoNotTemptTheLordGod #LoosingStrategy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah’s weeping cry to God is, “How long must I see the destruction of war on the people of God?“ God does not say. But he reiterates Judah’s foolishness in not listening to God. They are wise toward doing wrong and but have no idea about how to do right; opposite of Pro 1:1–4.

God was fixed on his judgment of sin (rebellion against God’s way). God would even tell Jeremiah (7:16) to stop praying for Judah. GULP! Nowhere else does God issues such a directive. Oh Lord, I pray that my beloved nation would not continue to test your long suffering; a loosing strategy. May she turn quickly to you in repentance.

Walk The Talk

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION TO…

…Come in SINCERE repentance toward God; turn fully back to him (Jer 3:6–10). #SincereRepentance #WalkTheTalk #Revival

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Josiah, king of the southern kingdom of Judah was a good and gracious King. He was instrumental in leading Judah in a revival (2Ch 34). Unfortunately it was limited in its scope. The nation was bent on following the example of her sister Israel. So she flagrantly put other gods (who are no gods), gods of her own making, ahead of Jehovah God.

Judah should have learned from Israel‘s total collapse that she should repent and turn sincerely back to God. But she never fully did. Her revival was short-lived and mostly a pretense, a show. She abandoned the One who had saved her, assuring her fate (2Ki 23:25-27). Lord, may I (my beloved nation) learn from the examples of history. May I (my beloved nation) come to you in sincere repentance for sin. May my (our) behavior match the repentance.

When Idols Fall

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rid yourself of anything that comes between you and God (2Ch 34:1–7). #WhenIdolsFall #SeekGodWithYourWholeHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

So, young Josiah was eight years old when he became king of Judah (he followed his wicked father Amon). It is hard to know exactly how and when the prophet Zephaniah may have influenced Josiah, but by age sixteen he had begun to earnestly seek Jehovah God.

Then, at age twenty, Josiah destroyed every pagan shrine, altar, carved image and symbol of the pagan god Baal. He purified, cleansed, all of Judah and Jerusalem. Revival was on the way. Lord, I see that revival begins when I seek you and my heart is cleansed of every idol (something I love more than you).

Consequence Of Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Never flirt with nor tolerate sin in your life (Zeph 1:10–18). #CertainDestructionOfSin #NoEscapingSin’sConsequence

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This prophecy takes your breath away. It is swift, sweeping and severe (it took me a couple of days to absorb it). The prophet minces no words. God fully intends to punish sin and purify his people. When judgment comes, people inside the walls of Jerusalem will wail in sorrow over their destruction. No one, no sin, will be overlooked, to the darkest recesses.

Property and homes will be destroyed. Plants, vineyards, all life will be destroyed. Strong men will weep. Distress, gloom and blackness will sweep the city. It’s walls will be smashed. Blood will run in the streets and bodies will lay rotting on the ground. Life in Jerusalem will come to a terrifying end. Why? Because of sin (v17).

Lord, remove toleration of sin in my life (the life of my nation) far from me (from us). “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” – Psalms 139:23-24 NLT

Listen For God’s Voice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Enlist and heed the words of mature godly voices (Zph 1:1). #GodlyVoices #ListenForGod’sVoice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The young Josiah takes the throne as King of Judah. He was eight years old. The country is in terrible spiritual decline. There was much complacency and no sorrow for sin. A prophet, Zephaniah, appears on the scene.

Zephaniah is an older relative of Josiah. He was a descendent of Hezekiah, Josiah’s great grandfather. Not sure exactly when Zephaniah ministered, but he helped to fan the flames of religious revival during Josiah‘s reign. He was no doubt a tremendous help and influence on the young king. Lord, this old sentry is always in need of mature godly voices to speak into my life.

Prayer For The Fall Of Evil

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May the Lord God break the back of the faithless, murderous and despotic leaders of Russia and deliver the Ukrainian people (Nah 3:1-19). #FallOfEvil

My sentry’s prayer this morning Lord, is that you would stand against the faithless, murderous, cruel, oppressor Russia. May the good and decent people of the world stand against the evil greedy intentions of the authoritarian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Lord, would you show yourself as the enemy of the cold-blooded and demonic intentions of Vladimir Putin. May the fate of his regime and power be the same as Nineveh of old. Reveal to the world The stink and the foul odor of his real intentions. May he find himself on the wrong side of history and on the wrong side of righteousness.

May the fortress of nuclear power and the façade of strength be broken down and brought to nothing. Remove from Vladimir Putin’s arsenal the princes, officers, advisers and allies around him. May he find himself alone, isolated and without recourse. May his demise be fatal politically and in every other way. Then the good and decent nations of this world will celebrate. May they acknowledge the goodness and greatness of the Lord God.

Fall of a nation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May the nations and people of our world humbly surrender their hearts to God (Nah 2:11-13). #FallOfANation #RepentenceOfTheNations

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The great city of Nineveh, the great Assyrian empire, will be no more. She roamed about the earth fearing no one – all feared her. But she was ravenous for power and shredded without mercy everything on her way to it.

Assyria’s mighty military would be decimated by the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. She would never mercilessly plunder the nations again. Her voice will be utterly silenced for the ages.

Lord, pity the nation steeped in raw power, mercilessly and brutally overthrowing other nations. May we know the goodness of nations that are surrendered to God.

• The sentry cries out: I am no prophet. I am no judge. But nations in our world who brutalize their own people and the people of other nations will suffer mightily. Will Russia suffer the consequences of her brutal attacks on Ukraine? God will be the judge.

WORD!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Put your full trust in the reliability of God’s Word (2Ti 3:15-17). #WORD #TrustGodsWord #GodsWordEqualsGodsVoice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Bible is an amazing book. It was written by 66 authors over hundreds of years. It’s reliability has been proven over and over again. It is the written record of God’s whole plan of redemption.

God speaks to us through his word. It is good for teaching and understanding truth. It shows us how to live right and do right. It shows us where we are wrong, corrects us. If you want to hear God speak audibly, read God’s word out loud. Reading God‘s word is an encounter with the living God. Lord, thank you for the reliability of your to man.

Shameless

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you stand shamelessly for the cause of Christ (2Ti 1:7–12). #Shameless #IAmNotAshamedOfTheGospel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Christ I have been endowed with a spirit of power, love and sound mind. “Be bold and strong, banish all fear. For the Lord thy God is with you“ (Josh 1:9). “So,“ Paul says, “never be ashamed to tell others about Christ.“ Jesus has canceled the power of death and sin. He illuminated the way to eternal life and immortality. This is the “Good News.“

I too have been called to stand boldly for Christ. I am not ashamed – I know in whom I am trusting and know that he is able to keep what I have committed to him, until the day he returns. Lord, may I stand my watch daily, shameless before a watching world, and proclaim Christ.

Cleaning Up Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Clean up your own sin before holding others accountable for theirs; trust God with any hidden sin (1Ti 5:22,24,25). #JudgingOthers #ExamineYourselfFirstForSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The closing verses of this passage, advising Timothy on choosing church leaders and how to minister to widows, is a little awkward (including one seemingly stray personal comment on drinking wine – v23). When it comes to judging others (vv19,20), Paul says, get the facts, corroborate them and deal forthrightly with accusations without playing favorites. Paul then says, “Stay pure yourself.” (A leader living in sin is in no condition to make judgments about others).

Finally, know this, some sin is obvious, just as good works may be obvious. But not every sin of leaders may be immediately discernible. So, use much prayer and discretion, to begin with, in choosing who will lead.

Lord, may I be forthright with my own sin (Psm 139:24), then prayerfully deal with sin that is obvious in others (Mat 18:15f; Gal 6:1). Any hidden sin in others is God’s responsibility Lord (Num 32:23).

How Faith Impacts People

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be a living example of faith in Christ (1Ti 4:12,13). #ParadigmForLife #ALifeWorthImitating

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How does one prove his/her maturity? How does one get the respect of others…including those older than yourself? Answer: be an example of godliness. How does one do that? Answer:

• Be careful what you say. Consider carefully what comes out of your mouth.

• Be careful how you live. What you do and how you do it matters.

• Be careful how you love. Be unconditional, be willing to sacrifice for others.

• Be full of faith, expressing it at every opportunity (Faith is trusting the truthfulness of God).

• Pay attention to your purity. Confess sin quickly. Don’t allow sin to gain an upper hand in your life. Finally,

• Stay focused on reading God‘s word and sharing it with others.

Lord, fill me with your Spirit and make me an example of godly living.

Say Whaaat?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be alert to false and deceptive teaching (1Ti 4:1-5). #NotAllThatGlittersIsGold #TestTheSpirits #WolvesInSheepsClothing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul instructs Timothy to be alert to “teachers“ who stray away from the truth and follow deceptive spirits. They say one thing but do another and are not convicted of it. They make rules and disdain what is good, expressing their self-righteousness.

Believers should be reminded that everything God created is good. Believers are to evaluate all things being taught according to the word of God and prayer (see also 1Jn 4:1-3). Reject what is wrong according to God’s word. Embrace what is good as from God with thanksgiving. Lord, keep this duty sentry alert to any teaching that is contrary to your word and sound the alarm.