1 Act Play – The Pantomime

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Have courage daily to be a living example of the grace of God (Ezk 12:3-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is Ezekiel‘s pantomime.* He lays out items in his front yard what someone would pack quickly as they are exiled. He then lays open his baggage and packs it quickly. Later, in the evening, he would leave his house as captives might do making their forced long march to captivity.

While the crowd looked on, Ezekiel dug a hole in the wall of his house. He then went through the hole, picked up his bags, covered his eyes (as a captive who knows not where he is going) and walked away into the night.

Ezekiel himself was God‘s sign to those in Israel. They would know that there is a God in heaven and he is speaking to them (vv6c&11).

Lord, may I have the courage every day to be an open letter, a living example (2Cor 3:2,3) of the grace of God.

______

* The art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

1 Act Play – The Set Up

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we be alert to see and hear God when he speaks (Ezk 12:3-7). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #ListenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

By now (six years into the Babylonian exile) Ezekiel has a powerful reputation for his dramatic displays of God‘s penetrating truth.

In this first of two one-man vaudevillian style acts or mimes, Ezekiel plays the role of an exile. Presumably Ezekiel would lay out the things an exile would carry leaving their home.

As a crowd gathered before him he would pack those things in a bag and leave his home to go somewhere else. He would do this in front of the people. The point was that the people might understand that their exiled plight was from the hand of God.

Lord, may my eyes be open to the many creative ways you communicate truth around me.

Mime This

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Don’t underestimate God’s instructions to you (Ezk 12:3). #FollowGod #SpeakForGod #GoForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel must be the first street mime. That is what Ezk 12:3-6 reminds me of; not his first dramatic reenactment either (see Ezl 4:1-8). There are others.

Reading this morning I could envision a street mime on some crowded city sidewalk acting out a drama. God said to me, “Every day I send you out into the streets of your world. There, you are to be a one-man dramatic act, revealing to others in your world, my great love for them. Will you go?”

Lord, how can I, like Ezekiel, not say, “YES LORD!”

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.

Can You Fog A Mirror? GIVE PRAISE TO GOD!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Lift your voice in praise to the living God (Psm 150:1-6). #PraiseTheLord #ReasonToPraise #LiftYourVoiceToGod #ExaltTheNameOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In conclusion, “Praise the Lord!“ This is the psalm of Psalms. It is a fitting conclusion to the book of songs of praise to God. Exalt the name of our God in his sanctuary. Praise God for his mighty works and unequal greatness.

Praise God loudly on the horns, lyre, harp, and tambourine. Praise God with stringed instruments, flutes, and loud clashing symbols.

Dance vigorously before him in praise. “Let everything that has breath [can fog mirror] give praise to the Lord!“

Lord, your faithfulness, is more than reason enough for this aged sentry to praise you; you sustain, provide and protect.

Eruption of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May the deep wells of your soul erupt with praise to God (Psm 148:12-14). #PraiseTheLord #ReasonToPraise #ExaltTheNameOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

May all men (young and old; birth to end of days) give praise to the Lord. When the forces of nature are right, a geyser will erupt in glorious fashion. May all men in the same way, lift their voices in an eruption of praise to God. His name alone will be exalted above the heavens.

Let the people say, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is the name in all the earth “ (Psm 8:1). His glory resides in and above the earth (Psm 113:4). The Lord gives his holy ones reason to erupt in praises to him; he has made them strong. They are near to him and he to them (Eph 2:12,13).

PRAISE THE LORD!

Lord, this old sentry has reason, days without end, to PRAISE & EXALT THE NAME OF OUR LORD!

Open Book Of Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your life reveal a loving God (Psm 145:8-10). #GodOfCompassion #GodOfUnconditionalLove #GodOfMercy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

David here affirms God‘s nature. He sees God as merciful, long suffering, loving, and compassionate. This is consistent with what other writers, centuries apart, have said (Exo 34:6; Neh 9:17; Jol 2:13; Jon 4:2; 1Jn 4:8).

I have only to look at my own life to know the truth of these words. I have failed God too many times to count. But he has never failed me. He has blessed me mightily; showered compassion on me. How could I not praise him?

Lord, may my life be an open book of praise for the wonderful goodness of God.

How God Grieves Over Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Don’t delay to humbly repent and surrender fully to God (Ezk 11:22-24). #GodsGrief #TurnNowToGod #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the saddest days in Israel’s history. The Glory of God, his presence, left the Temple, then the city of Jerusalem.

But the Glory of God stopped above the Mount of Olives and hovered there. Presumably it then ascended into heaven.

I wonder if, in that hovering, God stopped to look one more time at Jerusalem, grieved and weeping over Israel’s sin and rejection.

Jesus, The the Radiance of God’s Glory Weeps over Jerusalem

I wonder if Jesus (as God, the radiance of God’s glory) remembered that moment in the Old Testament when he saw the sin and rejection of Israel happening all over again [Jesus wept and spoke words of deep grief – Luk 19:41-44].

Jerusalem would continue to be devoid of God‘s blessing until his Glory returns for the final time in the millennium (Ezk 43:1–7; Acts 1:11–12). Ezekiel‘s vision ends here. He was then moved by the Spirit of God to go and share with the Jewish exiles in Babylon all that he had seen and heard.

Lord, my delay to repent of sin, cuts deeply into the heart of God. May my words be few and may they speak surrender.

Can’t Run, Can’t Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain humble and open to God’s conviction (Ezk 11:1-12). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #RemainOpenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The leaders of Jerusalem were leading God‘s people away from God. They believed that they were insulated from further Babylonian attacks (our city is like an iron pot; we the people are like meat safe in the pot). Neither the leaders, nor the people of Israel would acknowledge their sin.

Arrogance, pride, worship of pagan gods, ignoring God‘s word and his warnings was a recipe for failure and God‘s judgment/discipline. It was for Israel then and it is for us today. God put his finger directly on their faulty thinking – he knows our thoughts. Hiding from God is futile. Lord, keep the heart of this ol’ sentry from arrogance and pride.

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.

Forever Glorious

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you see the glory, faithfulness, purity and eternal righteousness of God (Ezk 11:22,23). #ForeverGlorious

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am skipping ahead to the movement of God‘s glory from the east gate to the mountain on the east side of Jerusalem (that would be the Mount of Olives). From there, the glory of God would ascend into heaven and not return to the Temple.

Centuries later, Christ, the radiance of God‘s glory (Heb 1:1-3) would return in fulfillment of many prophecies concerning his birth, death and resurrection. Much of the later ministry of Christ centered in and around the place of God’s departure from Israel, the Mount of Olives in Ezekiel’s vision.*

Lord, may I not get bogged down in the daily struggle through the imagery of the prophets, time lines and prophetic utterances. May my reading, study and meditation on the your word lead me to see the glory of God, the faithfulness of God, purity of God, the patience of God with man and God‘s ultimate judgment of sin and God’s deliverance of his righteous ones into the eternal glorious homeland of Heaven.

_______

* Hailed as King of the Jews, Christ would make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem by an east gate (by that time Jerusalem and the Temple of Ezekiel’s day would have been destroyed and rebuilt).

One week later Christ would be crucified and resurrected from the dead. 40 days after that Christ would ascend from the Mount of Olives back into heaven (Acts 1:9-12). He would fill all believes with his glory (Col 1:27). He will one day return again descending in this same place (Zec 14:1-4; Acts 1:10,11). He will return as the reigning king over his new eternal Kingdom (Rev 11:25).

Reflecting God’s Glory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our lives reflect the glory of God and pleasing him. (Ezk 10:18,19). #SeekGodsPresence #NothingRivalsJehovahGod #NoOtherGodsBeforeMe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The glory of God moved from the doorway to the inner court of the Temple. It then ascended over the mobile chariot above the cherubim (v18). The chariot, with God‘s glory hovering over it, then moved to the east gate of the Temple.

The east gate is significant (Psm 24:7-10; 118:19,20). The Jewish Talmud calls it the “Sun Gate“. Daily the dawning sun shown through the eastern gate of the Temple. The scene is rich with symbolism pointing to the return of Christ. (Mat 24:27; Zec 14:4; Ezk‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬-‭4).

Lord, may my focus ever be on the glory of God and living my life so as to please you.

Invoking God’s fury

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Worship the Lord alone with a whole heart (Ezk 10:1-4). #SeekGodsPresence #NothingRivalsJehovahGod #NoOtherGodsBeforeMe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision, God told the man in linen to take hot coals from the cherubim and spread them around the city (Jerusalem). This was a sign of God‘s judgment, just as with Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24,25). Israel had invoked God’s fury and would pay for her sins of (9:9,10).

God‘s glory is now on the move (8:6). The glory of God moves from the Holy of Holies to the doorway of the Temple (9:3; 10:4). The mobile throne (God‘s holy chariot) was waiting there at the door to the inner court of the Temple. The entire house of God and inner court was filled with a cloud and a shimmering, bright glow.

This public display of God‘s glory, God‘s presence, leaving the temple is a reminder that God is true to his word. He will not be rivaled by other gods who are no gods.

The drama of this scene is traumatic as the fury of God is in play over the transformation of his holy place, his house of worship and prayer, into a place of pagan idolatrous worship. [Picture someone moving pagan idols into the worship center and halls of your church]

Lord, may I worship you and you alone with a whole heart.

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.

The Depths & Darkness of Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not let secret sin consume you (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:6-13‬). #NoSecretsWithGod #NothingHiddenFromGod #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Depicted in these verses are elders/leaders of the nation of Israel. Somewhere in the dark recesses of the Temple, these men courted pagan gods. Some say, they were caricatures of the gods of Egypt, Canaan, and/or Babylon; “a pantheon of idolatry.“ Perhaps each elder was standing and worshiping at the shrine of his favorite idol.

The hidden dark nature of this scene, room full of smoke from incense, implies how these men thought they were hiding from God. This act of idolatry right under God‘s nose was the height of insult to the God of Israel. Their actions said they believed that God was absent and insignificant to them. Oh, my Lord, how devilish secret sins work to dethrone, our love of Jehovah God.

Every sin committed in darkness will be revealed (Num 32:23; Isa 29:15; Job 34:21,22; Luk 8:17; Jhn 3:19,20). Lord, if I conceal my sin, I will languish. But if I confess and renounce my sin, I will find mercy. (Pro 28:13).

Moral Breakdown

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you turn from any perverted or immoral behavior (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:5,6‬). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I need to take a deeper dive on the idolatrous worship outlined in these verses. Asherah, chief female deity of the Canaanites and Babylonians is the likely reference here. A wicked Israelite King, Manasseh (2Ki 21:7), had an Asherah pole (phallic symbol) manufactured and put in the Temple at Jerusalem.

Asherah was the goddess of fertility. All manner of sexual rites, perversions and worship were centered around this deity. It was obscene and immoral. It led to all manner of sexual perversion, including temple prostitutes (male and female). Israel’s leaders led her into this sin.

Lord may my life be free of lustful sin, perversion and any immoral behavior.

National Disgrace

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be wise to any idol infiltrating your life (Ezk 8:5-17). #SinsOfANation #NationalDisgrace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision where he observed detestable sin in worship in the Temple of Jerusalem, he saw four gross scenes. Versus 3-6 describes what was likely an Asherah pole (fertility, phallic symbol); a Babylonian idol in God‘s Temple.

Versus 6-13 describes a scene in the inner court of the Temple. 70 Elders (prescribed by God in Numbers 11:16,17) stood worshipping before walls engraved with grotesque, crawling animals and detestable creatures.

Verses 13-16 pictured people worshipping the natural world and leaders of the nation, backs turned to God, facing the sun and bowing down in worship. The whole nation was led by its leaders into disgraceful national sin.

The sins of the leaders turning from God will infect the people of any nation (Pro 29:2; 16:12; Isa 5:20 – I pray for our people and our leaders 1Ti 2:1,2). Lord lead me away from any idol that seeks to control in my life.

Man In The Mirror

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Consider what life corrections you might need to make with God and change (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:1‬). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ManInTheMirror

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

With so much prophetic content regarding sin and destruction (and more to come) I needed to go back and review where I am. It’s a hard read.

Ezekiel Chapters 1-3 described Ezekiel‘s call into his prophetic ministry. In Chapters 4-24 there are three prophetic judgments related to Judah and Jerusalem. In the first section (ch 4-11), God is speaking messages of judgment on Judah because of her disobedience, idolatry and pride. I am in the last half (ch 8-11) of this first of three pronouncements of judgment.

In Chapter 8 God shows Ezekiel Judah’s wickedness in the Temple. Chapter 9 explains the coming slaughter because of their sin. Chapter 10 shows God’s glory as departing the Temple and Chapter 11 reveals judgment on Judah’s leaders.

Lord, may I have the spiritual stamina to proceed through the process for how God deals with sin.

Personally, may I not be like the man who looks in the mirror (God’s word), sees himself (the sinner that he is), walks away and forgets what he looks like (unrepentant) [Jas 1:23-25].

The Worst of Times

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in close fellowship/harmony with God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭23-27‬). #Repent#WalkWithGod #HonorGodForLife #WorstOfTimes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the saddest passages concerning God‘s wayward people in the Bible. Their crimes against others and against God will bring the vengeance of God. It will come at the hand of other ruthless nations.

Their fortress walls will be broken down, homes luted, sanctuaries defiled. They will look for peace and not find it.

There will be no vision or message from prophets or priests; no counsel from leaders. King and prince will stand helpless. The people will tremble in fear.

It is the worst of times. When I examine my own wayward heart it is not hard to imagine how quickly I might fall myself. Lord, may this old sentry always be in close fellowship with you.

Abusing God’s Gifts

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Take not for granted nor abuse God‘s gracious gifts and provisions (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭19-22‬). #Repent# TrustInGodAlone #HonorGodForLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Besides Israel‘s lament over sin (vv14-18), she will see her proudly displayed wealth and misplaced faith in despicable idols and vile images become plunder to vile wicked nations. Not even God‘s temple, center of Israel’s treasured land and faith, will be safe from destruction.

The message and meaning here is clear. When men (including myself) prostitute the gifts, resources and opportunities given by God in base and unworthy ways not intended by God, there will be a reckoning of severe consequence. Lord, may I honor you with the gifts and resources given me.

Time’s Up!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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).

__________

* When God called this sentry to accountability:

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

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/

Only One Worthy of Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Offer genuine worship of Jehovah-God alone (Ezk 6:3-7, 11-14). #NoOtherGods #GenuineWorshipOfJehovah

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here describes a message of absolute condemnation and destruction of idols. Here, judgment upon “the mountains” surrounding Israel is a metaphor of judgment on Israel itself. She was blatant in her worship of pagan idols on altars built in the safety of her mountains.

Pagan Idols will be crushed. Israelites will die by their pagan altars. The corpses and bones of Israelites will be scattered around altars that have been torn down, destroyed and demolished. God will, by this, show that he alone is God. He alone is the people’s safety and strength.

Lord, may this old sentry be reminded of the vast power of Jehovah-God; worship Him alone.

Can’t Fool, Can’t Hide, Can’t Run

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to God‘s searching of your heart (Psm 139:19-24). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #SearchMyHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

David concludes this Psalm – he has reflected on God‘s absolute knowledge, presence and power. He, enlists every one of these attributes of God to not only destroy his enemies, but to expose and separate him from any sinful offensive motivation, thought or word flowing from his own heart.

David knew he could not fool God, hide from or outrun God. He seeks genuine honesty before God regarding even his enemies. He seeks to be led by God along the pathway of everlasting life. Lord, I desire, invite, your deepest searching of my heart for any wayward or offensive word, or deed.

Pro Life: Impassioned, Devoted, Surrendered to God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your life express passion, devotion, and surrender to God (Psm 139:13-18). #Omnipotence #CreativeAbility

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I don’t have trouble imagining God’s Omniscience or his Omni-presence. It is otherworldly and expected in the divine, the holy. Even Omnipotence (all powerful) is not hard to grasp – if it is thought of as raw power. But there is so much more to Omnipotence.

God‘s power in this text is seen as his inherent capacity and capability to create or engineer, the intricacies of man’s physical formation (DNA – mind, will, emotions, sinew and membrane). He does all this unseen within the depths of the womb of another human being.

Then God goes on to think of and order the days of EVERY life he creates, from start to finish. Yet, God gives every man and woman the independent ability to think for him or herself and make choices. God’s efficacy points me to his potency.

Lord, may your likeness in me return to you as love, devotion and surrender.

In Plain Sight

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be thankful for God‘s absolute presence (Psm 139:7-12). #OmnipresentGod #AllThingsInPlainSight #GodIsEverwhereAlways #TheLightOfDarkness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

David turns to the Omni-presence of God. God is everywhere. There is nowhere that God is not present. God is in the highest of high places and in the lowest of low places. One could travel at the speed of light across the globe and still, God is there, guiding, even proceeding that soul.

Turning to the darkness to hide is futile, for to God, the darkness of night is as the full light of the noon day sun. He is the light and Father of all lights (Jer 23:23,24; Jhn 8:12; Heb 4:13; Jas 1:17). Lord, your absolute presence at one time conflicted me. But now it comforts this old sentry.

Too Wonderful

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

floating bubbles or the quirks in nature.

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

Honored & Exalted

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Honor of the Lord, who lifts us by his power (Psm 138:1-8). #ExaltTheLordOfLife #FaithfulLoyalLove #AnsweredPrayer #TheHumbleAreHonored

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oh, what unfailing love and faithfulness God shows to those who ask; to the humble (vv1-3,6,8). God answers prayer and keeps his promises (vv2,3). God protects his servants by the power of his right hand (symbol of strength). The Lord works out his perfect plan for our lives (v7,8).

Oh, what faithful love is ours who exalt the Lord God. One day every king will sing God‘s glory and give him thanks (vv 4,5; Isa 45:23; Rom 14:11; Phi 2:10,11). There is no god in the realms beneath, beside or above our God. Lord, may this old sentry’s heart exalt You alone, above all others.

Reason To Give Thanks

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you take every opportunity to give thanks to God (Psm 136:1-3). #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Give thanks to the Lord who is good. Give thanks to the God of gods; give thanks to the Lord of lords (Deu 10:17). Why give thanks to God? Because his faithful loyal, love (his hesed) endures forever.

Jehovah is the God who is just and pure in his judgments and character. Giving thanks to God glorifies him. Giving thanks to God lift my spirit. Giving thanks to God shifts my focus from self to others. Lord, your enduring faithful love gives me every reason to be thankful.

No Equal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Honor God, as the Creator-Monarch of the universe (Psm 136:4-9). #GiveThanksToGod #NoEqual

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist presses the point hard regarding the great and wondrous acts of God in his loyal, unfailing love. Who could rival the God who created the heavens, the earth, day and night and the lights that govern them?

Will my words add a single credit to God’s glory?

Enough! Just give thanks!

Lord, you have no equal.