Consequences of an Unyielded Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God‘s glory remain resting upon your life; it’s your call (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭10:4,18-19). #DangerToDelayRepentance #DontDelayToRepent #GodsGloryDeparted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I see God‘s judgment of Israel as justified (ch 8). God‘s judgment is outlined and eminent (ch 9). God‘s glory departs the temple, then Jerusalem (ch 10-11). Israel is now vulnerable to the destruction of her enemies. She will fall.

Chapter 8, verse six, notes that the sin and idle worship carried out in God‘s Temple was driving God to depart from his people. God had made his dwelling with his people (Exo 25:8). He dwelt in the wilderness Tabernacle (Exo 40:34, 35). His glory dwelt in the Temple built by Solomon (2Ch 6-7). Now, centuries later, we see that God‘s presence [his glory] was departing the Temple and Jerusalem altogether (Ezk 11:22,23).

Lord, I never again want to be in a place where you would threaten to remove your glory, your presence, from me.

WAIT, Wha?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Take the time now to adjust your heart to God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭9:7-11‬). #NoEscapingJudgment #Repent #TurnNowToGod #JudgmentBeginsWithGodsPeople

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Wait, Wha? Yeah, time was literally quite up for Israel.

The Temple would be filled with dead bodies in Ezekiel‘s vision – the ultimate defilement. But the Temple was already deeply defiled. (A review of chapter 8 will remind you of that) Ezekiel cries out to God in compassion at the sight of his vision.* He deeply cares for Israel.

But Israel had gone too far to avert disaster. They had been given ample time to repent. But they became more perverse in their ways. They would receive what they justly deserved. Lord, may I (we in America) use the time we have been given to align our hearts with God. Before it’s too late.

___________

* Abraham and Amos cared similarly (Gen 18:20-33; Amo 7:1-9).

Disdaining God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Identify and turn quickly from things not honoring to God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:13-18‬). #FullBlownSin #NoTurningBack #TimeIsUp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In two final scenes is seen the people’s disdain for God. First is observed: women in the Temple weeping for the Babylonian god, Tammuz. He was the god of vegetation life. He “died“ in the summer months and the grass and vegetation withered. In the spring, he is said to be “reborn” (rose from the dead), bringing a new life.

The second and last scene depicts priests who should have been interceding for the people at the altar of sacrifice for sin. But their backs were turned toward the altar (God), and they worshiped the sun. The stage was now set for God‘s judgment. Lord, may my heart be turned always fully towards you

False Hope

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust in God alone for your deliverance (Ezk 6:1-3). #NoOtherGods #TrustGodAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“The mountains“,

“the mountains“,

“the mountains of Israel“.

Three mentions of “the mountains of Israel” in two verses. Here the thrice Holy God (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8) brings a message of condemnation upon the “mountains of Israel” (symbols of power, strength, and safety); Israel by association. Her faith was in her location, not in her God.

Israel worshiped pagan gods and idols in “those mountains”. But the mountains were not her safety (neither is the church or political parties our safety today). God is the one who saves and delivers. All else is false hope. Lord, may my focus be on you and no other external force as my deliverance.

The School of Affliction

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you earnestly seek God in your trials (Psm 119:73-80). #SchoolOfAffliction #SeekGodInAflictions

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I should be aware that others eyes are upon me. The psalmist says, “May all who fear you [God] find in me a cause for joy.” The School of Affliction may be for a time bitter. But with affliction comes the comfort of God for those who look to his word for help (Heb 12:10,11; Psm 119:50).

In the face of trials and affliction, I will seek God in his word to surround me with his tender mercies. I may also draw strength from those godly ones around me (v79). My delight is in God‘s word and among those who fear him. Lord, may I have the good sense to seek you in my afflictions.

“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.

Seeing The Glory of God, Prt 1

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Come to, see the glory of God in Christ (Ezk 1:4; John 1:14). #GodsGlory #Worship

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s visionary experience begins as a natural phenomenon – a dark, ominous desert storm out of the north (noteworthy is that in the north are the Caldeans, the Babylonians coming to judge Jerusalem). The cloud is accompanied by brilliant flashes of lightening. The natural phenomenon turns into a supra-natural, a spiritual experience.

Of note is the appearance of what looks like fire inside the dark cloud. At the center of the fire was what looked like burnished metal (used only here and and Ezk 1:27; 8:2). Ezekiel 1:28. & 3:23 alludes to this descriptive appearance as the glory of God.

I asked myself the question, “Is it possible for men today to see the glory of God?” Lord, I have seen your glory – Jesus has revealed your glory in terms all men may understand (John 1:14).

Stones Throw

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Expect God‘s message of hope in times of spiritual crisis (Jer 51:62–64). #Changed #HopeInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oppressors of God’s People Will Sink & Never Rise Again

After Seraiah had read the scroll (Chs 50, 51) he was to summarize what the Lord had said: “Babylon would be utterly destroyed, abandoned forever.” Then, in a final expression of hope for God‘s people, Seraiah was to tie the scroll to a stone and throw it into the Euphrates River. He was to say, “In this same way, Babylon and her people will sink, never to rise again because of the disasters God will bring upon her.“

It is just a stones throw away from understanding the hope that is made clear to God’s people. They will ultimately find favor in God’s eyes again. He will deliver them from their oppressor in due time, CHANGED (see 50:4,5). God’s discipline is not forever, but it is forever intended to bring about the hope of godly change in his people. Lord, start right here with this old sentry.

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.

Incredulous!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Pay careful attention to God‘s discipline (Jer 24:5–7). #Father’sHeart #God’sDiscipline

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Whom the Lord loves he disciplines; NOT FUN, but yields the fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:6–11; Pro 3:12,24). Those exiled to Babylon would yet know the blessings of God. The rod of God’s discipline would yield good fruit (“good figs”). Those in Babylon were not enslaved as in Egypt. They had homes, businesses and basic freedoms to live (Daniel became a person of great influence).

Those who ran from God‘s discipline thought the exiled ones were the ones far from God. But incredulously, they were the ones unyielded to God. Those in exile would know the blessings of God (Ezk 11:14–17ff); find their way back to God. Those who ran would know only disgrace. Lord, may I listen to my heavenly Father and know the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

God Is Working

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Consider trials as God‘s tools for your growth & strength (Jer 24:1–10).* #Don’tRunFromTrouble #SeekGodInTroubledTimes #GodIsAtWork

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Nebuchadnezzar had overrun Jerusalem, sent Jehoiachin (king of Judah) into exile, installed Zedekiah as his puppet king and deported 10,000 people to Babylon. God now gives Jeremiah a vision of good and bad figs. God is working for our good.

Good figs represent those Israelites exiled to Babylon – not that they themselves were good, but that their hearts would respond wholeheartedly to God. Bad figs represent those who tried to escape God‘s discipline. They ran to Egypt, hoping that would save them. But that was not the case. God‘s blessing would fall to those who endured the exile in Babylon.

Lord, may I view my trials, troubles and challenges, as opportunities to grow, be strengthened and used in greater ways by God.

_______

* 3 min to get your heart tuned up.

God Is Working (Even Now): Brooklyn Tab Choir

Last Act of Defiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain surrendered in your heart to God (2Ki 24:1–5). #RepentAndReturnToGod #FullSurrenderToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Johoiakim, king of Judah, has defiantly burned the scroll containing Jeremiah‘s prophecy (Jer 36:21,26–32). He is destined to live out his days as a king in conflict. He loses his ally Egypt – defeated by Babylon. As a result, Judah and the nations around her become vassal states of Babylon.

After three years, Johoiakim defiantly rebels against Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon is quick to respond through new proxy nations they control and put the rebellion down (first of three invasions; captives, including Johoiakim, were deported to Babylon). All this happened just as God promised through the prophets due to the sins of Manasseh (2Ki 21:10–16). Johoiakim returned and died in Jerusalem, but had no royal burial (Jer 22:18,19).

Men foolishly think that they can defy God without consequence. Lord, may I always know a surrendered heart to you.

Prophecy Fulfilled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Have an abiding faith in the reliability of God‘s word; he does what he says (2Ki 24:1,7; 2Ch 36:6,7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sometime following the end of Habakkuk’s written prophecies (605 BC) Judah was overtaken by Babylon. Jehoiakim was king of Judah (2Ki 24:1). Judah became a vessel state. Babylon later seized Jerusalem, bound Jehoiakim and removed him to Babylon (2Ch 36:6).

The first captives were taken from Judah to Babylon. This began Jeremiah‘s prophecy that God‘s people would go into 70 years of captivity (Jer 25:11). Egypt at the time was an ally to Judah, but Babylon had already defeated her (2Ki 24:7). Egypt was of no help to Judah. It is clear, when God moves in judgment, there is no turning back. Lord, I can fully rely on your word. Your word is sure.

National Reckoning Pt4

NONE TOO BIG TO FAIL

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wholehearted in your surrender & devotion to the Lord (Jer 22:24-30). #NoneTooBigToFail #WholeheartedSurrender #WholeheartedDevotion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the prophecy and plight of Jehoiachin (verb structure here implies the prophetic). He was as evil/wicked as his father Jehoiakim (2Ki 24:9). Jeremiah delivers God’s word to Jehoiachin. The Lord will abandon him to his enemy the Babylonians. He will die in exile.

“Signet ring” here does not imply some quality of character. God is simply saying, “Even if you were as valuable as a jeweled ring, I would still cast you off.” Why? Because of Jehoiachin’s evil nature. He may as well be “childless.” None of his lineage would ever succeeded him on the throne. There are just simply none too big to fail. That includes my great country, America.

Lord, may my and my nation’s surrender and devotion to you always be wholehearted.

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.

Run Your Best Faith-Race

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Run well, the race of faith (Heb 12:1). #RunYourBestRace #Persevere

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I can learn how to run the race of faith by looking to those who have gone before me. They are all men and women who were or are not perfect. I can take comfort in that. Some did things very well, some struggled…just as I. They had their ups and downs.

Yet, They persevered, confessed sin, chose to follow God. They laid down the things that kept them from running a successful faith race. Their perseverance gave them growth in faith. That gave them endurance to run and finish their race. They are my example. Lord, may I lay aside all encumbrances to running well, the race of faith.

Feel The Love

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rely upon God to restore a love relationship with him (Jer 6:10–15). #RestoredRelationship #RepentTowardsGod #FeelTheLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

People do not wish to follow God‘s way. “Too hard, no fun,“ they might say. Preachers and prophets are dissuaded from speaking the truth about sin and judgment. “Not a popular message,“ they say. All are marching shamelessly together in the opposite direction of God’s way. They have no fear of the living God.

[IT IS NO DIFFERENT TODAY THAN IN THE DAYS OF JEREMIAH – SHAMELESS REBELLION]

The cup of God‘s judgment was full against his people. In the end, no one was, nor will be, exempt from the fury of God. it was true then. It is true now.

God hates the life-wrecking ravages of sin. God loves his creation. Whom God loves he will discipline (Pro 3:11,12). This aged sentry has known, felt the Father’s love. I look to the Father to correct me and restore my relationship with him.

Mercy Expired

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Do not tempt God; heed his warnings of continuing in sin (Jer 1:11–16). #Don’tTemptGod #GodWillDoWhatHeSays

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A teenaged Jeremiah is in the throes of receiving his call from God. Having established the call, God then gives Jeremiah two visions: 1) an almond tree branch and 2) boiling water pouring out from a cauldron.

The almond tree was first to blossom in the spring. It represents the beginning of God‘s remedial judgment of sin on his people (this is the result of God‘s warning in Deu 30:15–18; 32:35). The boiling water pouring out represents an enemy from the north who will devour God’s people.

The Lord is long-suffering with sin. But his long-suffering has an expiration date. Lord, may we live in reverence towards your word.

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

Not Just Any Word

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be ready and faithful to share God’s word (2Ti 4: 1,2). #NotJustAnyWord #AnyTimeAGoodTimeForGodsWord #InSeasonAndOutOfSeason

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Faithfulness to the holy Scriptures is a recurring theme in Paul’s letters to Timothy. God‘s Word is to be preached in any and all situations and ages. It is useful to correct what is wrong, drive back with his dissident and encourage the people of God. I must use every opportunity to share God’s Word.

Jesus will one day return and set up his eternal kingdom and judge the world. Preaching God‘s word faithfully will help to prepare people for this event on the world stage. Lord, give me the love, the boldness and the holy want to, to share God’s word.

Fierce Faith Fighters

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be intense contenders for faith in Christ (1Ti 6:12-14). #GoHardAfterGod #GoForTheGold

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

To go hard after God is further reflected in “fighting“ [contenting earnestly – to wrestle] in the great work of faith. Sometimes our greatest enemy is within us (fatigue, disappointment or rejection). But, “Hold on tightly” to faith and eternal life to the end. It is to this faith and Kingdom life that you have been called and of which you have been made a contender, an effective witness.

The man or woman of God is here charged to obey these directives without wavering…to take action, to carry out the work of faith with every intention of winning. Train hard, discipline hard (your heart and mind) and go hard after the prize – a winning faith. Lord, this duty sentry could not be any more encouraged than by these words.

See this post also: https://theprayersentry.com/2021/12/28/the-fight-worth-winning/

Impact Your Orb

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be an influence for Christ in your world (1Ti 4:6–10). #ImpactYourWorldForChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is not a waste of time to patiently study and teach the truths of God’s word to those in your orb of influence. For sure, this will also nourish your faith as well. It is a waste of time to argue over other philosophical issues and empty rhetoric.

Train yourself, discipline yourself, to follow a path of godliness. That will have far better results eternally. Stay faithful to the living God in whom is our hope and salvation. Lord, use me to impact my orb of influence for all of life and eternity.

Praemonitus, Praemunitus

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Hear, do not ignore, but heed, the clear warnings of God (Isa 66:15-17). #ForewarnedForearmed #BePrepared #JudgmentWillCome

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There will come a terrible, swift and furious end [judgment] for all of God’s enemies, the enemies of God‘s people. Whether speaking here of those who brought destruction to Jerusalem (CIRCA 587 BC) or those who would bring destruction to the church, their ends will come in a swift and fiery judgment by God (also 2Th 1:5–9). Those who try to escape by running into the dark recesses of their idolatrous worship, making detestable sacrifices, will find that their man-made idols will be no match for the Lord of Heaven‘s Armies. Their ends will be swift and terrible.

Nothing further need be said but, “Praemonitus, Praemunitus” (Latin: Forewarned, Forearmed). As Isaiah (a sentry on the wall) begins the close of his prophetic work, the message is for people to BE PREPARED. Put faith in God alone now for salvation and deliverance. Lord, may the sentry on watch sound the clarion call.

No Foolin’

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Remain dedicated always to God (Isa 63:7–10). #HandInTheCookieJar #SinWillFindYouOut #CantFoolGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people – so prone to wander, rebel and commit grievous acts against his Holy Spirit. Israel did this, in spite of God‘s great love and mercy. The church in America and elsewhere, has done the same. I myself have wandered, rebelled and committed grievous things against the Spirit of God. In my best moments I am capable of sin against God.

God has no choice but to become an adversary to Israel, the church, to me. God’s people often act like foolish children. They think they can snatch a cookie and God won’t notice (NOT!). Hence, God‘s hand of discipline will come against the erring child. His purpose? In love, to correct and instruct. Lord, thank you that you never give up on this old sentry. You won’t give up on America either.

“Semper Vigilanti”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you know the vigilant heart of a “Watchmen“ [prayer sentry] (Isa 62:7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Those appointed “Watchmen“ [prophets, teachers, ministers] over Israel were not to be silent before the people (v6). Nor were they to be silent before God. But they were to be always vigilant in prayer (1Th 5:16). It was and is the duty and privilege of the “Watchmen“ to pray for the extension and glory of the kingdom of God to come.

Watchmen pray with such persistence as to give Jehovah no rest until the completion of the kingdom of God be established. I liken this vigilance as a watchman in prayer to those sentinel figures who stand watch 24/7 over the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. Lord I take my responsibility and privilege as a “Watchmen“ seriously and with sacred dedication.

For an expanded reading on the role of Watchmen and Women see these links in this blog:

The Role Of A Watchman, Pt 1

The Role Of A Watchman, Pt 2

“Do Your Job”

Take responsibility for discipling others (Col 2:1–5). #Train #Mobilize #Mentor https://www.bible.com/116/col.2.1-5.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Paul must have felt tremendous responsibility for the church in Colosse and Laodicea. He did not found these two churches. Others who had come to Christ through Paul’s ministry (Acts 19:10) found these churches (Epaphras in Colosse – v7). Paul may have thought, “I hope I have adequately discipled these converts and that they may stand strong in the face of adversity and false teaching.”

Paul agonizes for their steadfastness in faith. He encourages them and reminds them of the truth they believed in Christ. He does all he can to continue pointing them to that truth. Lord, I have felt the responsibility of mentoring others in ministry. I have agonized over ministry plants in places near and far. To train and disciple is a joy. It is also a weighty responsibility. Father, may I always take such work seriously.

Hand Of Discipline

When God disciplines, humble yourself and seek him (Isa 27:8-13). #WhenGodDisciplines #TurnToGod https://www.bible.com/116/isa.27.8-9,12-13.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is not a compliant enabling father. He knows just when and how to discipline. He knows the limits of our ability to withstand testing and trials (1Co 10:13). Discipline is always an option (Heb 12:10,11). It is clear that God is always prepared to discipline his people to purge them from sin (though not every trial is for sin-Jas 1:12; 2Co 12:17; Rom 5:3–6).

In the end, like a loving father, God will come to his own and comfort them. You can count on that. The end result of God‘s discipline is to return to him, to love and worship him. Lord I have known your loving discipline and your comforting embrace. I look to you for the correction and reproof that I need.

“BORrrING” – NOT!

Don’t ignore the simple truths of God (Isa 28:9–11). #BeOpenToGod https://www.bible.com/116/isa.28.9-11.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At times the people of God do not want to hear from the “intolerable moralist“ among them. They have become overconfident in their religiousity. They mock the man or woman of God and so, the message of God is also made a mockery. Such was the reaction of Israel and Judah towards the prophet Isaiah

How does that feel? I once told a brother that his lack of spiritual concern about some circumstances would lead to a bad outcome. I was told that my comments were simply an overreaction. They were not welcomed. Sadly, it turned out I was right. It took several years for that brother to recover.

To the religious know-it-all, God’s correction is all just baby talk to them – they do not wish to hear such repetitious and condescending gibberish. So God will oblige them. He will speak to them in another language. The language of an oppressor; the language of judgment. Perhaps then they will listen. Lord, may I always have an open and willing heart toward you.

A Fist Of Fate

When your wayward heart wanders, lead it quickly back to God (Isa 28:1-6). #RepentTowardGod #CureForTheWanderingHeart https://www.bible.com/116/isa.28.1-6.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Isaiah laments the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. The pride of her capital Samaria has shaken off the reins of a loving but holy God. Now she faces only sorrow and heartache. Her end will come at the hands of a mighty army. It will come suddenly as a “mighty hail storm and torrential rain.“ It will “burst upon [them] like a surging flood and smash it to the ground.“ It will be “trampled under the enemies’ feet.”

Let the southern kingdom of Judah be warned. Because of Israel’s pride, her once great beauty will fade into oblivion. She has arrogantly shaken her fist in the face of God. She unwittingly brings God’s wrath upon her. Lord, how sin does pervert the human heart. How the sin of pride dismantles good sense. Lord, may my oft wayward heart find its way quickly back to you.

When a nation flaunts its sin, judgement is not far behind. May the wayward heart of America, my beloved country, humble itself, repent and turn quickly back to God.

“You Talkin’ Ta Me?”

Understand God’s remedial judgment as his loving call to repent (2Ki 17:26–28). #SpeakLordImListening https://www.bible.com/116/2ki.17.26-28.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When pagan, godless Assyrian settlers took over the land of God (Israel) they dishonored him by worshipping other gods. God sent a judgment of wild animals on them. It was recognized as such. When the Assyrian king heard about it, he sent one of the captive priests of God back to Israel to teach the new settlers how to worship the God of the land, Israel.

This would not qualify as full on repentance to God. But it does qualify as a step toward God. It shows that the temporal, remedial judgments of God can get the attention of even a pagan King. But, unlike the nation of Israel, he sought to find peace with God. Reconciliation with God is at the heart of the Gospel of Jesus (Rom 5:1,2). Father, give me a heart to know that any temporal, remedial judgment in my life is your loving call, you talking to me, to repent.