Grace, Mercy & Peace

(2Jn 1:3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Express the grace, mercy, and peace of Christ to others (2Jn 1:3). #ShowRespect #EarnRespect

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three attributes are mentioned that should be distinctly Christian: “grace, mercy, and peace.“ These are characteristics of God our Father and his Son, Jesus. These characteristics were seen in the “chosen lady“ (Kyria) and her children.

These attributes should be seen in all those who follow Christ. It begs the question, “Does my life express God‘s grace (acceptance), mercy (compassion) and peace (contentment)? Lord, may my influence in life be full of the grace, mercy and peace of God.

The Reflection

(2Jn 1:1,2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be a reflection of God’s love to others (2Jn 1:1,2). #GodsLove #ReflectChristsLove

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Included in this greeting from John to the “chosen lady“ or “Kyria“, are her children (no mention of a husband – she was likely a widow). John expresses a genuine love towards them (gk:“agape“; that love that emanates from the love of Christ ). This love points also to the truth of knowing Christ.

John points to the fact that all who knew this family loved them as well, in Christ. He speaks also of truth as an eternal truth and it is alive in them as believers. This same truth is alive in all believers. Even today our lives should be an expression of that love to the world. Lord, may I reflect the true light and love of God in Christ to others.

The New Way

(Jer 31:35-40)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give thanks to God for his mercy, grace and redemption (Jer 31:35-40). #NewCovenant #TheNewWay

We are new creatures in Christ; the old is passed away, the new is come

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The “New Covenant” is not only a premier promise of God, it is a watershed moment in the life of Israel as a nation. I don’t write to belabor the point, but to understand the significance of the inauguration of the “New Covenant.” The old Mosaic Covenant was an external one. It focused on external rituals, washings, and sacrifices as symbolic of righteous living. Israel, over the centuries, had prostituted the sacred by mixing it with what was pagan and immoral. She had lost the symbolic significance of what God had intended. It symbolized what was to come in the person of Christ.

The “New Covenant“, this New Way, would be one of spirit rather than letter. God had never intended to set up an earthly kingdom. It has always been about a spiritual kingdom from heaven. The response to God‘s divine mercy [his steadfast love] would be a worship that springs from the depths of man’s being. Deep and eternal forgiveness would elicit a surge of gratitude from within man’s soul. Fellowship with God would be the result.

Allegiance to this covenant would be motivated not by laws and judgment, but internally by freedom of choice to love and follow after God. This New Way was inaugurated by the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross for the redemption of all men. The Bible teaches, “Whosoever will may come” (Rom 10:13; Rev 22:17 (KJV)). It is a daily living choice.

Lord, thank you that you included me in your plan of redemption.

________

Harrison, R.K., Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, D. J. Wiseman, editor; Jeremiah and Daniel; Tyndale Press, Downers Grove, Illinois (1973). (pgs. 138-140)

The Promise

(Jer 31:35-40)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rejoice in the certainty of God’s promises (Jer 31:35-40). #GoodNews #ThePromise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Herein lies, the premier reference to God‘s fixed promise to preserve the nation of Israel for all time. There is no nation on earth that has been more maligned, denigrated or persecuted than Israel. Many have tried to eliminate her completely.

Here’s what God says: “I am as likely to reject my people Israel as I am to abolish [all of creation]“ (v36). While Israel’s status as a nation still holds today, she continues to formally reject Christ as Messiah. But in the millennium when Christ returns to reign on earth, she will turn to him in vast numbers.

Lord, I am anticipating the promise of your soon return and the salvation of your people.

Old Testament Good News

(Jer 31:31-34)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you fully experience the joy of knowing God (Jer 31:31-34). #KnowingGod #GoodNews

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What good news! Jeremiah introduces the “New Covenant.“ It appears to look forward to the coming of Christ. Not only Judah and Israel will benefit from the New Covenant, so will the Gentiles.

No more law written in stone (Heb 8:6). But the law of God will be inscribed on hearts of flesh. All men will be offered atonement/forgiveness of sin and enjoy a personal relationship with God (Jer 29:11; 32:38-40). Lord, my heart rejoices to be included in the family of God.

A Just Mercy

(Jer 31:23-28)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you live long in God’s goodness and mercy (Jer 31:23-28). #GodIsGood #GodIsMerciful #AJustMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God disciplines his people, his intent is restoration and reconciliation. Israel and Judah will be restored, their fortunes restored, their land repopulated, and God will meet their every need. A new relationship between God and his children will be established. Nothing will be the same for them.

What follows next will be a discussion of this New Covenant. But for me right now, I am reminded of all the good that God has returned to me in the day of my visitation from God. His goodness and mercy have no end. Lord, may I live daily I. Your goodness and mercy

Eternal Promises Kept

(Jer 31:7-14)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust in the everlasting promises of God (Jer 31:7-14). #GodOfPromise #TrustAlwaysInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After years of exile, Judah will know restoration. All of of Israel will know reconciliation with God. There will be joy in the streets, shouts of praise. A remnant of repentant Israelites will be returned to their land. No one will be too insignificant for God to restore.

God will be a caring father. This remnant will come from every part of the world. Their path home will be straight and unhindered. He will be a Shepherd to this flock. He will lead them beside quiet streams. Their store houses will be full. Life will be like a well-watered garden. This is the Lord‘s promise. God’s word is full of promises kept, with more yet to come.

Lord, my heart trusts in your everlasting promises.

Downrange

(Jer 30:8,9)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rest secure in the certain hope of Christ’s coming (Jer 30:8,9). #TrustGod’sPlan #Prophecy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah points to a restoration of the nation of Israel. In places, it seems to point to a close historic restoration. In other places, it appears as eschatological, pointing to Christ’s advent and even beyond, downrange.

I like the note in my Life Application Study Bible. “These prophecies are like looking at several mountain peaks in range . From a distance, they look as though they are next to each other, when actually they are miles apart.“

Today we have the benefit of seeing how history has fulfilled prophecy. There is prophecy downrange still to be fulfilled. So we may have hope certain in Christ’s predicted 2nd return. Lord, I have every reason to believe in the fulfillment of prophecy yet to come.

Glory, Infinitely Better

(Ezk 24:15-17)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Savor every day with loved ones; covet times with them (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15-17). #LookingForwardToGlory #SeeGodInYourTrials #SeekGodInYourMourning

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel’s “dearest treasure,” his wife, has died suddenly as part of God’s prophetic purposes (vv22-25). He is to show no grief; no tears, no public display of ritual mourning, accept no consolation from friends.

I note that on this date it is a little over two years (hard to believe) since my “dearest treasure”, my bride of 53 years, Dianne, joined her Lord in her eternal home.

I cannot imagine not being able to express my grief, no mourning the loss of my bride: no friends allowed to console and no traditional public expressions or ritual services; only personal and private mourning allowed. The painful loss of such a long time partner in life and ministry would seemingly be too much to bear alone.

When I think about how Ezekiel could do such a thing, I can only recall my own private tearful laments with God. I can recall God’s quiet gentle assurances to me (eg. Jer 17:7,8). I know that God was as present with Ezekiel then as he was/has been with me now.

Lord, I look ahead to the day when we shall be reunited in a heavenly glory, along with many others who have gone before us. It won’t look like it did here on earth. It will be a glory, infinitely better.

A Story of God’s Grace and My Rebellion

If you’re interested in hearing my story, this video captures it. Its 30 minutes in length. Nothing I have ever done is as worthy of reliving as what God did in my life in 1968 (almost 60 years ago).

https://theprayersentry.com/a-work-of-god-story-my-rebellion-gods-grace/

HOPE THAT SECURES

(Psm 43:1-5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn quickly to God when lonely or discouraged (‭‭Psm‬ ‭43:1-5). #TurnNowToGod #GodOurHope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[Psalm 43 is actually a part of Psalm 42 in Hebrew manuscripts. It is also a stand alone Psalm (note 42:5,11 & 43:5). The theme in both psalms are HOPE in times of discouragement and loneliness]

The Psalmist declares it is HOPE in God that assures, rescues and secures him in times of discouragement, loneliness and attacks from enemies.

His questions are sincere and thoughtful. They clarify his values and give him strength in times of grief. He looks to the light of God‘s truth, his source of joy. His HOPE is firmly in God. Lord, may my heart turn quickly to you in times of discouragement.

A Song For The Dark Nights

(Psm 42:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Listen for God’s song in the desperate night watches (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‬‬). #TurnNowToGod #GodIsYourSong

“Raging seas and surging tides sweep over me” (Psm‬ ‭42‬:‭7‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How easy it is to become discouraged. At times we, like the Psalmist, might feel like troubles just sweep over us. They are like wave after wave that washes over us. One becomes frantic and breathless, trying to survive the surging seas of troubles.

“But,“ by God’s grace and unfailing love I pray in the night watches, and though my loss is great, he gives me new life. I am able to rise above the maelstrom and receive the gift of God‘s beautiful song through each dark night.

Lord, even now I sit in the night watch and meditate on your goodness; I hear your song.

“Obey Your Thirst”

(Psm 42:1-3a)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart thirst for God; get there quick as you can (Psm 42:1-3a). #SeekGodWithAWholeHeart#ObeyYourThirst #ThirstyForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is an ad for a power drink that beckons athletes to, “Obey Your Thirst“. It promotes an energy drink that satisfies the thirst and refreshes nutrients in the body. The Psalmist had said this ages ago. “As a deer pants after water so my heart thirsts for God.“

The spirit of the Psalmist within him longs for that “living water“ that only God can give. This living water refreshes the soul and renews the spirit of man like no other. Jesus tells us that he is that living water (Jhn 4:14; 7:37–38). The Psalmist can’t get to God soon enough.

Lord, I bring my old broken and thirsty heart to you today.

The Path

(Psm 25:8-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain faithful to follow the path God sets you upon (Psm 25:8-10). #FollowGod #ThePath #TheWayOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God can be counted upon to do what is right. If I go astray, he shows me the way back to his path. The humble he will guide. He will lead them on his path for them.

If I am faithful, keep covenant with God and obey his commands, I can count on him to continue to guide me in mercy and truth. Why would I not give myself wholeheartedly to following my Lord?

Lord, may I remain walking in THE PATH you have laid out for me; correct me when I stray.

I Surrender

(Psm 25:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender all to Christ today (Psm 25:1). #ISurrenderAll #JesusIsLord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“Oh Lord, I give my life to you.“ These words impact my heart like the bat that strikes a home-run ball out of the park. December 28, 1968, a young 21 year-old recruit, standing sentry in a guard tower over the Saigon River, surrendered to God. *

After many years of running from God, this, now 80-year-old sentry, laid down his weapons of this world and surrendered his life to the Lordship of Christ. I never looked back; been serving Christ now these 58 years. I would not change anything.

Lord, thank you for relentlessly pursuing this old sentry, then persistently leading me.

__________

Read full testimony this blog: https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Hale The Victor

(Psm 20:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you surround and be surrounded by others in prayer (Psm 20:1-5: ). #America #Prayer #Intercession

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The king responds to the prayers of his people with assurance that God will be with him. He is absolutely certain of God‘s deliverance. Some put their faith in “chariots and horses.“ Their strength is in their own limited resources. But the people of God put their faith in the mighty name of the Lord. He will cause his people to rise up and stand firm. The people then lifted their voices, declaring victory.

Going through a trial recently in my life, I was surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ praying for my family. I felt like the winning coach being carried off the field in victory. Lord, the prayers of the saints will literally carry one through the battles of life. Lord, may I be surrounded by prayer warriors; may I also join in prayers for others.

IMPREGNABLE

(Psm 12:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Lean into God in the face of evil (Psm 12:6-8). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #Impregnable #AFortressIsOurGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

To reiterate, the Lord is the only sure fortress for those oppressed by evil men. When his godly ones are marginalized and persecuted, they may cry with Job, “Though he slay me, yet well I trust him“ (Job 13:15).

Wicked men may flaunt their power over others in the “VILEST” of ways (only used here in the OT: horrid, vulgar, degenerate, et al.); engaging with contemptible followers. But the Lord is an IMPREGNABLE wall, a fortress against evil men. They may destroy me bodily, but I stand with God (Mat 10:28).

Lord, I am forever, eternally preserved in your protective care.

God + You = Majority

(Psm 12:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust that God is with his godly ones in the battle against evil (Psm 12:1-4). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #FullyRelyOnGod #YouDoNotStandAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is difficult to read these verses and not be mindful of the godless cultural rhetoric and dialogue of recent years in our own nation. David decries the open lies, boastful pride and defiance running rampant in his culture. “Who can stop us?“ was their arrogant cry.

David finds himself hard-pressed to find anyone faithful to core biblical values. Like David, I may at times feel alone in the fight against ungodliness. Well, I am not alone and there is one who can stop it.* David calls upon Jehovah God to silence lying lips and boastful, arrogant tongues.

Lord, may I have confidence in knowing that I do not stand alone and you are with me.

________

* Wicked King Ahab of Israel and his wife Jezebel had the great prophet Elijah on the run after he took out 700 prophets of Baal. Elijah mourned that he was the “only one left” in the fight against evil. This account is worth the read. (1Ki 19‬:‭1-18‬)

Beyond The Externals

(Psm 4:4-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in peace and inner contentment with God (Psm 4:4-8). #WalkInSurrenderToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When coming to God for help, make certain you come in the right spirit. Take time to examine the motivation of your heart (think on it a bit). No amount of prayers can overcome a disobedient heart focused only on external happiness.

The psalmist knows there is much more to be had beyond the externals. It is the inner joy that comes from knowing God and walking daily with him. That kind of inner joy and peace will give you confidence in God to keep you safe. Lord, you are the keeper of our inner peace and joy.

‘Tween A Rock and A Hard Place

(Psm 4:1-3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put full faith in God; trust him to deliver you (Psm 4:1-3). #CallUntoGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist (likely David) calls upon his God, Jehovah, to have favor on his servant who has been declared upright and faithful. He asked God to enlarge his way, give him some space to breathe in the midst of whatever trouble he was facing.

Men can be harsh in their judgments. They may lie and misrepresent those who are godly. But his godly ones are set apart by God. He will answer when they call out to him. The psalmist has no reason to believe that he won’t. Lord, I have every reason to believe you will come to my aid when I am between a rock and a hard place.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 3)

(Ezk 17:22-24)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God to sustain you even in times of correction. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Is God the third and greatest eagle in this passage? He will provide wayward Israel with prosperity and security like no other. Neither Babylon nor Egypt could provide for Israel. These words give God‘s people assurance in the midst of corrective judgment. God will restore the land and reveal his glory.

God would pluck a branch from the tall cedar tree and replant it on Israel’s tallest mountain. This cedar (God’s kingdom) will become a majestic tree, a shelter to many nations, peoples (an allusion to the coming Messiah). The nations will know that God is a sovereign God. He causes nations to rise and fall. He alone gives life.

Lord, this old sentry may take heart in any remedial judgment. You will not forsake me.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 1b)

(Ezk 17:5,6,13,14)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Understand God’s intentions for you. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A “great eagle” in verse three (Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon – v12) after deposing the king of Judah, chose a seedling from the land (Zedekiah, member of the royal family – v13). This vassal king, though weakend, was able to flourish.

This seedling’s branches turned upward to and were dependent upon the “great eagle” (a forced treaty with Nebuchadnezzar – vv13,14). Second Kings 24:15-20 reveals that all these things happened due to Judah and Jerusalem’s idolatry and defiance of God.

Lord, you make clear your intentions towards me; I read, I understand, I surrender.

Trashed Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in faithfulness to your redeemer (Ezk 16:1-8) #LoveTheLordThyGod #RedeemerLove #GodSoLoved

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage is difficult to read. God describes the unseemly birth of Israel. It is stark and harsh. It reminds me of a botched abortion. The baby is born alive. No one wanted it – it was left on the table to die. Or the baby was born at home. Then, unwanted, it was put into a trash sack and put into a trash dumpster as refuse.

“BUT I [God] RESCUED YOU.” God then spoke words of “life“ over the discarded infant, Israel. As she grew, God covered her as her redeemer (Ruth 3:8-10). God made a covenant with Israel to make her his very own bride. But Israel spurned and ignored God’s love. Lord, how could I ever ignore you? Your love for this old sentry has exceeded all expectations.

1 Act Play – The Meaning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Speak the truth of God by your words and actions (Ezk 12:8-13). #SpeakForGod #WitnessForChrist #ActLikeAFollowerOfJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s pantomime, which he likely did not understand as he did it, is explained. The “rebellious“ Israelites wanted to know the meaning of Ezekiel‘s pantomime. The Lord says to tell them, “This is what the Lord is saying.“ Your mime is a message to the last king of Judah, Zedekiah in Jerusalem and the people there.

Ezekiel’s actions (vv 3-7) reflect what will soon happen to all of them. The king and those remaining in Judah will be driven into exile as captives. Zedekiah himself will escape Jerusalem incognito through a hole in the city wall at night, taking only what he can carry. The Lord speaks truth through Ezekiel’s actions to those around him.

Lord, may I be willing to speak the truth of God in my words and actions.*

__________

* Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of things to come, Ezekiel’s pantomime was a sign of things to come.

It has been my habit following my Morning Watch time to stand and pray in my driveway (usually between 6-7 AM). Many neighbors drive past me and wave. Most have stopped to greet me; even ask me to pray for them. I let them know that I am standing my post and praying for them. After a brief greeting, I will pray a short prayer over them as they leave. What an honor. Others may stop also: dog walkers, joggers, Amazon and school bus drivers. I share Christ and pray as I have opportunity. I’ve done that for years.

The Lord spoke to me this morning saying, that every day as you stand in your driveway you are a sign to those around you of your belief in God and love for them as neighbors.

Extra-Ordinary

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you pay ExtraOrdinary attention to God’s word (Ezk 12:1,2). #Extraordinary #ListenToGod #FollowGodFaithfully

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel is a man of extraordinary (EO) proportions. He was called in an EO way (visions seeing God on his throne, Ch 1-3). He has been directed to act out the prophecies of God in EO and dramatic ways (Ch 4-8). He experienced the EO departure of God from the Temple in Jerusalem (Ch 9-11).

But the people of God were extraordinarily indifferent and rebellious towards God. Here, Ezekiel will receive two EO messages from God to deliver to the people. He will carry out God‘s wishes faithfully and fully. Lord, may I be such a man as Ezekiel; may I see you, listen to you and follow you faithfully.

God Is Good, all The Time, Every Time

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God fully to always act in your best interest (Psm 145:17-19). #GodIsGood #TrustGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who could ever claim that all their ways are righteous and good? But God does. In all his dealings with men he does what is best. He violates no right, he wrongs no man, he demands no unjust work.

The Lord is near to all men. But he is especially near to those who call upon him in sincerity and truth. To those, he reveals himself. He fulfills their desire and hears their cry. He moves according to their need in all righteousness and mercy.

Lord, may this prayer sentry trust you fully to hear me and act always in my best interest.

The Gifts of Christmas III

LIFE

When the Christ Child arrived in Bethlehem, those many years ago, wise men brought gifts fit for a king. We take our Christmas tradition of gift exchanges from this example in antiquity.

The truth is that it was God who initiated the gift giving. He gave the gift of his Son, Jesus, and it was manifested in three ways. He was and is the gift of LOVE, the gift of LIGHT and the gift of LIFE.

______________________________

Jesus is life. He is actual factual life. If you believe trust in and rely upon) you will live. There is a transfer/exchange at Salvation (his life for ours). He has the power. He created life itself.

John 14:6 says, “I am the way the truth in the life. No one comes to the father but by me.” “That’s narrow!“ No, actually he made it possible for all sinners to go to heaven by trusting in him.

1 John 5:11-13 says, “The witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life. He who does not have the Son does not have a life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God in order that you might know that you have eternal life.” If you believe, you have the Son, you belong to God and you have his Life.

John 10:10 says, “I come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.“

When a person believes in Christ (trusts in relies upon), that one will live eternally. There is a transfer/exchange at the point of Salvation (Christ’s life for ours). He has this power. He created life itself (Jhn 1:4; 3:15).

BELIEVE IN HIM AND KNOW

A jailer asked the Apostle Paul and and his companion Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer was for them then and for us today as well. “Believe in Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30,31).

THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

JESUS

HIS LOVE, HIS LIGHT, HIS LIFE

Driving God Away

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not neglect the glory and salvation of the Lord (Ezk 10:9-17). #SeekGodsPresence #live#LiveToGodsglory

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses comprise half of Ezekiel 10. They are Ezekiel’s description of the cherubim, the mobile throne and glory of God. This was seen in Ezekiel chapter 1. All of this informs us of God‘s intent to judge sin in Israel and in the nations, even for us today; all of us individually.

Colossians 1:27 tells us that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.“ Ezekiel teaches that God will only stay where he is wanted and obeyed. God never wants to withdraw his presence from his people. But when we (I) fill our lives with idolatrous worship we drive God’s presence from us (Isa 42:8).

Lord, your word warns not to neglect so great a salvation (Heb 2:1-3); we (I) need to wake up (Rom 13:11), hear your message and turn now to God.

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/

It is Enough

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God’s word/faithfulness to carry you through (Psm 119:81-88). #SchoolOfAffliction #BrokenNotDefeated #TrustingGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the psalmist, pressed hard by derogatory elements, as a leather skin is shriveled by exposure to adverse elements of smoke. Perhaps even the heat of flame. Yet, he is undaunted.

This reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8–10, he is “…struck down, but not destroyed…“ et al.

The psalmist’s detractors have near destroyed him, but they have not shaken his faith in God’s word. Yet, he stands in need of God’s grace to continue in his walk of faith – which his tormentors hate. Lord, I rely on the sufficiency of your grace in time of need to carry me through.

IT IS ENOUGH!