Do not delay to repent and turn to God (Ezk 7:1-9). #CalledToAccount #TimeIsUp #OutOfTime
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“The End Is Here!“ (vv1,6). From north to south, east to west – look in every direction. The land is finished, doom is at the door – its foot is in the door. God will call his people into accountability for their detestable sins against him (vv3,4,8,9).
Because God‘s people have refused and spurned his love, grace, and mercy they will know the limits of his long-suffering. One disaster after another will descend upon God‘s people. God will turn his back on them (vv4,7,9). Lord, may I learn from your discipline how you love me (Heb 12:10-13).
May we not mistake God’s long-suffering for approval (Ezk 7:1-9). #CalledToAccount #MatterOfTime #TimeIsRunningOut
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Message 1, from God through Ezekiel (Ch 6), gives the reasons for Israel’s eminent judgment. This second message (Ch 7) explains the nature of God‘s judgment. I am not fain to press on here. I am weary at these judgments of God, it’s hard to read of such looming devastation.
But I must remember that these warnings, calls to repent and messages took place over years (decades) of sin. I read it all in Ezekiel. Its hard.
Oh, how reluctant God is to bring such judgment on his people. How he desires men to seek him first. But be assured, time WILL run out on sin. Lord, this old sentry has wearied you in my sin – how patient you are with me.
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.
Find your deepest, most abiding purpose in the enduring loving-kindness of God (Psm 136:1-3ff). #PraiseTheLord #Hallelujah #PraiseOfAllPraises #GodsLovingkindness
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Appropriately, this Psalm is called the Psalm of Psalms, the song of songs; the “great Hallel ” (hallelujah of all hallelujahs; the praise of all praises).
The theme of this Psalm is God‘s loving-kindness that endures forever. (It is repeated in all 26 verses). The Hebrew word used to express this is hesed. Hesed is the loyal love of God we see worked out in the life and death of Jesus our Savior.
Hesed is the persistent, unconditional, ever-faithful, relentless, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious and loyal love of our Father, God.
Hesed is grace extended when it is not deserved.* Lord, you came seeking after this old sentry in your matchless love and mercy.
________
* Note: it is this loyalty, kindness and devotion (hesed) that King David expresses for the sake of his friend Jonathan (2Sa 9:1,3,7).
May you love and be loved to the max as Christ loved (1Jn 3:18,19). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrifice
ACTUS MAXIMUS
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Simply put, love, as Christ loved, is more than a feeling. It is more than pleasant words. Someone has captured the essence of this in the oft repeated phrase, “Don’t tell me how much you care until you show me how much you care“. A relief organization (ministry) uses this motto, “Love, More Than Words“. Latin: ACTA NON VERBA”.
This is exactly what John is saying. As Christian’s we are to “show“ our love by the “actions“ we take. This is Christmas. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jhn 15:13). That is an ACTUS MAXIMUS. This is the Christ of Christmas. Lord, may I know love and express love to the max just as Christ loved.
Love others unconditionally as christ loved (1Jn 3:16,17). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrafice
God Loved Us; He Sent His Son
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As believers, we are not without an example of unconditional love. This word love in the Greek is agápē. It is a self sacrificing love. It is conditioned solely on the one loving, not on how good or bad the recipient of that love may be.
This love will always give out of its own resources, no matter how small or great. that is how Jesus loved. That is how we are love. We love others as Christ loved us. That is often hard work. It takes a surrender and reliance on God’s Holy Spirit. Lord, may I love with the heart of Christ.
Trust Christ’s sacrifice for all sin and forgiveness (1Jn 2:1,2). #ChristOurAdvocate
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The aged apostle John addresses his readers fondly, as a loving father would to his children. Of course his desire is that they not sin. What father would not wish that for his children? But he knows also that no one is immune to sin.
So, John wants his readers to know that when sin does enter into a life, there is hope. Jesus Christ advocates for us based on his death sacrifice for sin. His defense never rests. Our God hears his plea and forgives all sin based on Christ’s righteousness in us (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21). Lord, I may trust my eternal counselor who is my advocate with God.
Faithfully embrace the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:5). #LightOfTheGospel #JesusIsTheLight
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John quickly goes to the heart of the gospel. “God is light, in him is no darkness.“ (See Jhn 1:4-9). One of the first acts of creation by God was to create light and dispel the darkness. (Gen 1:2,3). Light reveals and enables us to see the difference between good and evil. Light will always overcome the darkness.
Having a relationship with Christ is derived by coming out of the darkness of sin and embracing Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Lord, I give thanks for the light of the gospel; may I follow it faithfully.
Do not let shame, pride, fear or guilt prevent you from returning home to God (Jer 51:50,51).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God’s people are directed by God to return to their homeland at the fall of Babylon (vv45,50). But they are mortified, ashamed and disgraced because foreigners and aliens had desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem. They felt so ashamed (v51).
“Yes, but God.“ What God says to them in essence is I am coming to deliver (v52). Don’t be paralyzed by shame. Though you may feel far from God, he is closer to you than you think. Turn your eyes on God. Set your gaze on your homeland. (v50). The way home is to repent, turn your heart towards him again and he will see you through. He will do a work of revival in you.
__________
WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT RECEIVE SO COMPASSIONATE A LOVE AS THE FATHER OFFERS?
S H A M E ! F E A R ! P R I D E !
_________
Adam and Eve reacted to their sin and disobedience towards God, not by humbly seeking God to admit guilt. But in their newly acquired shame, pride, guilt and fear (having eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil) they tried to cover up their sin. They thought they could hide from God (Gen 3). They thought they could outsmart God and somehow avoid accountability.
The Psalmist felt shame (Psm 73): ”Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you” [but God reminded him of his compassions]. The Psalmist continues, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth“ (Psm 73:21-22,24-25 NLT).
Paul says there is no disappointment in Jesus (Rom 10:11).
______
In Jeremiah 51:50-51, God essentially explains how to defeat shame. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God through Jeremiah tells them to return home to Jerusalem when Babylon falls. But the children of Israel express shame that the temple in Jerusalem was desecrated on their watch.
in these two verses God is saying, THE WAY HOME IS…
1) don’t be paralyzed by shame, pride, guilt and fear,
2) turn your eyes on God [on Jesus],
3) set your face to your homeland [set your eyes on your future glory] and…
4) though you feel far from God, he is closer than you think.
Turn to him now. There is hope. Ask God’s forgiveness for sin. Invite him to take his rightful place in your heart. Then follow him…all The Way Home.
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.
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 onesunyielded 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.
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.
Remain faithful to Jesus, the eternal King (Jer 36:30). #RemainFaithful #BelieveInJesus
God’s Eternal plan
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The notes on this verse (Life Application Study Bible) point out that wicked King Jehoiakim ended the mortal human beings who were descended directly from David. Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim’s son, sat for 90 days on the throne and then his uncle Zedekiah became king (not a descendent of David).
But less than 600 years later, the eternal King and Messiah, Jesus, came as a direct descendent of David. He came to save his people from their sins (Mat 1:21). Even the entire world might be saved through him; become children of God (Jhn 1:11-13) In the midst of tragedy and disobedience God never loses sight of his eternal plan.
May this old sentry remain faithful to Jesus, the living King and my lord.
Heed God’s written word as his loving appeal to seek him (Jer 36:1-4) #GodOfMercy #Compassion #God’sWord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After 23 years of preaching (Jer 25:3), God instructs Jeremiah to write down every message he has preached to Israel and Judah. [That’s a lot of sermon notes]. So, Jeremiah dictated his messages to his secretary Baruch.
God explains why Jeremiah should write down his messages. “Perhaps the people of Judah will repent when they hear again [all the judgments against them]. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings“ (v3).
God continues to show mercy and compassion for sinful people. He is never willing for any to perish (2Pe 3:9). It is his desire for people to trust and follow after him and live an abundant life (Jhn 10:10). Lord, I am reminded that your compassions never fails us and they are new every morning (Lam 3:22,23).
Come to your altar of personal praise and worship of God (Hab 3:1,2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is a prayer of Habakkuk sung to the Lord. It is to be sung with instruments (v19). This is intimate union with and worship of our great God. The prophet comes with questions as to how long God will allow evil to prevail (Ch 1).
The prophet then comes to his post to hear God‘s reply. He becomes the prophet minstrel, singing God‘s reply as a song of taunts, a woeful dirge (Ch 2).
Now the prophet minstrel sings a glorious hallelujah chorus. It is a song of praise and worship stemming from his intimate communion with God. Lord, I join the prophet in coming to my own cathedral of private devotion. I lift my heart, hands, and voice in worship of you for all that is mine in redemption. Thank you Lord!
Live victoriously in the tension between two worlds (Jer 20:7–18). #Courage #SpeakTheTruth #BetweenTwoWorlds
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah stands by faith between two extremes. On the one hand, there are the fires of persecution, ridicule and rejection (vv7-10, 14-18). On the other hand, there is the fire of God‘s message of repentance that is ablaze within him (vv11-13). This Jeremiad gives me a glimpse into the inner conflict one may experience doing the work God has called him/her to do.
Even those closest to us may turn against us. Yet, sandwiched between two despairing emotions is the understanding that to serve God faithfully is far better and safer than to ignore his call. It is what Henry Blackaby calls, a Crisis of Belief.* God will ultimately prevail. We live and stand between two worlds. Lord, may I have the faith and courage to live in this tension.
May you know God’s grace & mercy in times of painful struggles (Jer 20:1–6). #Struggles #GotTroubles?
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The day after Jeremiah was arrested, whipped, put in leg irons and locked in torturous stocks; publicly humiliated by Pashhur, he was released. Pashhur was the temple administrator (a priest). He was wrong to do what he did. He was indifferent to Jeremiah’s message. He stood against God in his actions.
[Gamaliel, Paul’s Pharisee mentor, had a thought on this. He intervened for Peter before the Jewish council who intended to kill them (Acts 5:38,39)]
In 50 plus years of ministry I have, at times, felt the backbiting ire, of religious people. It was certainly not to the extent of Jeremih’s pain. But it was enough for me to understand the sorrow and hollow feeling of rejection for simply trying to do the right thing.
In those times, I may not have been perfect in my methods, but I know the intents of my heart were genuinely fixed on doing God’s will (which, by the way, ultimately prevail). Things have been put right with most of those detractors; others, not so much. What I remember in those times is how I learned to rely upon God‘s grace and mercy (Heb 4:16).
Trust the unfailing, limitless love and forgiveness of God (Psm 103:11-18). #UnfailingLoveAndForgiveness #UnbridledCompassion
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Speaking of the fear of God, the Psalmist gives us a window into the nature of God’s character. He is more like a loving, compassionate father than a cruel uncaring tyrant (v10). God’s unfailing love (unbridled compassion) has no limits. He is able to discern between the sin and the person. Fear in this sense is to revere, honor, and respect God as one would a father.
God also knows our weakness as compared to his vast power. To be a compassionate dad is to know the limits of one’s power. Unbridled power is hurtful, not helpful. God bridles his Justice (v10). He unbridles his compassion. So, we are able to honor and obey without limits. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate towards me, your oft disobedient child.
Give thanks for God’s unfailing justice, mercy, and love (Psm 103:6–10). #UndeservedFavor #UnfailingLoveAndMercy
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Who is this God of tender mercies towards men (vv1-5)? He is the God who gives. He gives righteousness, puts men in good stead with him (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; Jer 33:15). He gives justice to the oppressed, making men right with each other. He is the God who reveals who he is. He did so with Moses (Exo 20:1,2; 33:13–20) and his people.
God is the God of all compassion and mercy, long-suffering, full of unfailing, unconditional love. He is the God who mitigates his actions towards sinful men by his mercy. He does not give us all that we deserve for sin (grace). Lord, I may count on your promises to forever wash and cleanse me from all sin.
Give thanks and praise to God for his daily renewal towards you (Psm 103:5). #RefreshedAndRenewed #ShakeATailFeather
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Caring for a loved one 24/7 is draining. But I have felt the extraordinary energy described in this Psalm. I have often been awakened in the course of caregiving and surprised by how physically alert I feel. Pretty amazing.
Psm 103:5 says, “God renews youth within me like the eagle renews its feathers annually; gets a new set of wings.” [my trans.]
That kind of refreshing comes only by prayer. The prayers of fellow believers on my behalf calls forth from God renewed lift and energy. Truly amazing!
_______
So, stop and give thanks for all the good things God has done for you (vv3,4). If that is not enough for which to thank God, consider the continual renewal of heart, soul and spirit that God regularly bestows on you. The picture here has to do with the molting process of the eagle.
Annually, the eagle loses all his feathers. The old feathers are shed, and the new feathers grow in their place. It is a fascinating process.*
God performs a quiet and continual renewing process of our heart, soul and mind (his mercies are new every morning – Lam 3:22-24). Lord, in all your goodness, you also renew my heart and soul. Thank you Lord.
Humbly receive God’s crown of love and tender mercies (Psm 103:4) #CrownOfLoveAndMercy
A Crown Preferred
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I am crowned, not with a crown of gold or precious jewels. It is far greater than that. It is a crown woven together with God’s love and tender mercies. That is what God has crowned me with – unconditional love and tender benevolent affection.
God crowns me – he lifts me above all my challenges, my sin, my suffering, my circumstances. God crowns me with life eternal. There is no crown like the crown of God’s love and tender mercies. Lord, I am humbled and strengthened by your love and tender mercies.
Forget not God’s tender mercies towards you (Psm 103:3-4). #God’sTenderMercies #GiveThanksToGod
The Tender Mercies of God Towards Man
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Psalmist is intentional about giving thanks for God‘s goodness (we really have very little to complain about). Can’t thank God? Start here. Start with thanks for God’s forgiveness of all your sin by his pardoning mercy (how we long to be excused for the errors we make).
Thank God for his tender mercies, attending to all of our inward and outward sufferings (how we long for a comforting touch or word in the midst of misery).
Thank God for delivering us from the pit of guilt, distress, and death itself (how we long for a loving hand to reach out and snatch us from the rim of despair).
Lord, how I thank you for all your tender mercies towards me.
Be awakened to the undeserved goodness of God (Psm 103:1,2). #ThanksGiving #GivePraiseToGod #PraiseGodForHisGoodness
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Psalmist is here calling on his soul, the whole of his ego–centric being, to lift praises unto the Lord (ego being the complete person, both body and soul). Man is apt to forget to give God the thanks due him (I’m guilty). So, the Psalmist is expressly calling upon his soul to be awakened, aroused, to intentional praises to God for all of his blessings.
Like the nation calls upon the whole of America annually to “NEVER FORGET“ – Pearl Harbor, 9-11, Memorial Day, et.al. So also, men ought “NEVER FORGET“ God’s goodness to him. Lord, it is good that I should be intentional about giving thanks to you for all your goodness to me. America ought do the same.
Blaze new faith trails that are renewed daily in God’s grace (Heb 13:22,25). #WalkInDailyRenewal #FaithRenewedDaily
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is the final word of our writer. Some may debate the meaning of having “written to you in a few words.“ But the point in the conclusion of this letter is simply this. You have been enlightened to the truth about Christ. It is time for you to move forward in a new way of faith.
Shed the former rituals and traditions of religion and press on into this new frontier of faith in Christ. Do this, knowing that the grace of God and empowerment of Christ (v21) goes ever before you. Lord, may I maintain a fresh forward looking faith for the frontier of every new day before me.
May hearts be firmly established in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 13:9). #GraceAlone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:
Verse eight links the exhortation to emulate faithful leaders who have taught truth from God‘s word (v7), with the notion of being deceived by “strange doctrines“ (v8). (Note: Gal 1:9). God‘s word will never change (Mat 24:35; 1Pe 1:23–25). Neither will the sacrifice and life teachings of Christ ever change.
To entertain some strange new teachings that center on keeping certain rules and rituals (or any other teachings, doctrines and philosophies of this world) will profit us nothing (Heb 9:10; Rom 14:17; 1Co 8:1). The heart (seat of spiritual understanding) must be grounded in the grace of God. There is no other standing with Christ.
Father, keep my heart firmly grounded in the grace of Christ.
May you grasp the depth of God’s mercy, love and grace (Heb 12:18–24). #GodsLoveAndMercy #TheOpenDoorToGod
Mount Zion / Mount Sinai
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There is a world of difference between the flaming holiness and terrifying righteousness of the God of Israel (represented here by Mount Sinai – vv18–21) and the gracious merciful hand of the same God who reaches out in love to save (represented here by Mount Zion – vv22-24). The contrast is clear. God is Holy and Righteous. Yet, in his love and mercy, he cleared the way for ALL to come to him.
“Vive la Différence”
All men may come to God, not in fear and trembling, but in confidence and joy, knowing that Jesus (represented in all the symbolism of the temple) has cleared the way. The Holiness demanded in salvation is attainable through Christ Jesus and his shed blood on the cross. Lord, my heart and spirit cry out to grasp the depths of such mercy and grace.
May your “talk” of faith match your “walk” of faith (Heb 12:14-17). #WalktheTalk #WalkOfFaith
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
With a clear understanding of the superiority of Christ in the walk of faith (Ch 1–10) and the voluminous examples through history of the walk of faith by others (Ch 11 – 12:11), we are exhorted to step up and exercise our own WALK of faith that goes beyond the “talk” of faith.
1) Walk in peaceful relationship with all men – be compassionate, as God is compassionate toward you.
2) Walk in holy alliance with God – confess sin and obey God.
3) Walk in harmonious relationship with believers – forgive others before a root of bitterness can take root and poison future relationships.
Broken relationships with God or men may find healing, but may also leave heartbreaking consequences (v 16,17). Lord, may I walk in peace with all men, in holiness before God, and in forgiveness towards others.
Seek a faith that is unquenched by the fires of evil (Heb 11:35b–38). #unquenchableFaith #FaithInTheFire #VictoriousThroughEvil
Faith Through the Fires of Evil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
These verses fly in the face of “Feel Good Religion“ and the “Prosperity Gospel.“ While many have been victorious “quenching” the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a), still others have a faith that is “unquenchable,” victorious in/through the fires of evil. Many there are who have suffered horrific persecution. Yet, they have clung to the promise of a better hope in the resurrection. Their faith was “unquenchable.“
Our God in Christ stands with those who suffer great indignities, torture, jeerings, beatings, imprisonment, were/are poor and destitute at the hands of evil men. These believers were labeled as unfit by their society (“Cancel Culture”). But the opposite was true. Society was/is unfit for them (note Psm 44:22; Rom 8:35-39). Lord, should I be called upon to suffer for my faith, may I do so with honor.
Seek a faith that quenches the fires of evil (Heb 11:32–35a). #FireQuench #FaithForTheFire #VictoriousOverEvil
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In his admonishment of these Hebrew Christisn readers, the writer is want to forge any further catalogue of faith examples. “What else can I say? It would take pages to tell the stories of faith.” Numberless stories are told of great victories accomplished by faith. His readers know them all very well.
I quote James T Draper again, “Their faith ‘quenched’ the fires of evil they encountered, but could not be quenched by the evil.“ Their faith (as ours) was and is fueled by countless tests and trials. Faith was/is made manifest through weakness, by which we gain strength (2Co 12:9,10). Lord, may I know a faith that quenches the fires of evil.
Have faith that God will forgive your sin and adopt you into his family (Heb 11:31). #Grace #WhosoeverWillMayCome #PutTrustInGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Who is this woman, Rehab, the harlot who warrants a place on a list of “Who’s Who“ in a Jewish history of great men of faith? She is not even a Jew, but a pagan Canaanite. What’s the point? The point is that “Faith“ belongs to anyone who will put their trust in Jehovah God. The Scriptures say, no one is beyond redemption (Rom 10:10-13).
Rahab, hid two Israelite spies who were spying out Jericho for Joshua. She prophesied Israel’s victory over Jericho (Jos 2:4-10ff). She enabled the spies to escape. She then sought refuge among God’s people (see Joshua Ch 2). A premier proselyte, she became the ancestress to many Hebrew kings and prophets; ultimately to Jesus the Messiah (Mat 1:1-6ff). Lord, thank you for accepting this old derelict sinner into the family of God.
The Prayer Sentry 