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 23:23,24Jhn 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. 

Called To Praise The Lord Our God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

All you who love the Lord, give praise to him (Psm 135:19-21). #PraiseTheLord #Hallelujah! #BlessTheLordOhMySoul

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These are the words we to utter when we experience any remarkable thing we believe can only be attributed to the work of our God in life. All you who love and revere the Lord give praise to him. Hallelujah!

The psalmist ends this Psalm as he began (vv1–3): “Praise the Lord!“ The literal translation from Hebrew is, “Hallelujah.“ It is a call to bless the Lord: Hahve! [applause of heaven]. It is a call to express devotion to God that is unique to the book of Psalms (occurs 23 times). 

Lord, please accept the humble praise of this old sentry for your innumerable gracious works in my life. 

THE ONE! and Only ONE!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Place your prayers & hopes in the One True God (Psm 135:8-18). #OneTrueGod #GodWhoHearsAndKnowsMen

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist further describes the God who is worthy of our praise. Beyond his governance of heaven, earth and its elements (vv5–7), God’s sovereignty is seen in his relationship to the people of his choosing (v4). 

God delivered his people from the slavery they endured in Egypt by many signs and wonders. He delivered his people from the hands of mighty kings. Their land became the land of the people of his possession. 

More than dumb idols (vv15-18), our God stands in a personal and intimate relationship with his people.* Lord, you are the God who sees, hears, speaks, understands and acts on our cries for help.

________

* Jehovah God is no indifferent deity (Deism). He hears, sees, speaks and acts on man’s behalf. He is intimately involved, unlike any idol of man’s making (Note: Isa 44:9-20; Jer 10:1-16). 

THE ONE!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May you exalt the Lord God over all things in life. (Psm 135:4-7). 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this God to whom men ought to give such high praise? He is the Lord, Jehovah. All you holy ones (Psm 134:1–3), worship the beautiful name of Jehovah. He is sovereign over all things. He chose Israel as his treasured possession (the church by extension). 

Jehovah has created all things (Psm 134:3). He is greater than all gods (135:5). He does what pleases him in the heavens, on the earth, on and in the sea. He governs the clouds, the winds, the rain and lightning. There is no God like Jehovah (Deu 33:26; Jer 10:6). He is THE ONE!

Lord, I have every reason to glorify you over all things in my life.

Praise Unlimited

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May your heart & voice never cease to offer praises to our God. (Psm 135:1-4). 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Lord, I worship you. I lift high the name of the Lord God, Jehovah. May my words, thoughts and actions towards you resound in the courts of heaven.

 I come this morning, celebrating your beautiful name with music (Open The Eyes Of My Heart; I Surrender All). Thank you for choosing me and grafting me into your chosen people (Rom 11:17). Your blessings never cease. 

Lord, my heart and voice sing praises to you.

Trust To The End

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Trust, obey and follow God’s word to the end (Psm 119:105-112). #TrustInGodsWord 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is found a most familiar memory verse, Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp onto my feet, a light into my path.“ The psalmist renews his own ongoing promise to trust, obey and follow God‘s holy word. 

No matter the circumstances in life, the call to God is for renewal and restoration. Even in the face of adversaries and suffering, the psalmist finds God‘s word as a precious treasure – a delight. He is determined to keep it all the way to the very end. 

Lord, your word is always a faithful guide in my life, for which I am grateful.

Discerning the Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

Reason To Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Come humbly into God‘s presence; praise and worship him (Psm 114:4-8). #WorshipTheHoly #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God delivered Israel out of Egypt he turned back the Red Sea. He met with Moses on Mount Sinai. When God descended to meet with Moses, there was thunder, lightning, dark clouds, smoke, the blast of a trumpet and a terrible quaking of the earth. it was holy ground (Exo 19:16–19). When Israel crossed over into the promised land, the Jordan River was stopped up.

The psalmist here references all of that when he says, “The waters turned back and the mountains and hills skipped like Rams and lambs.“ The psalmist speaks rhetorically, “So, waters, why do you turn back? Mountains, why are you quaking?” The assumed answer is, because God is a holy presence – full of awe and power. God calls all of nature to worship, to give praise to him. 

Lord, you give me reason to praise and worship you. 

Who Am I? Where am I?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May our hearts hunger & thirst for righteousness (Psm 139:23,24; Mat 5:6).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Five to six days into my reading of Ezekiel, I had to stop and ask myself the question, “How do I apply what I am hearing God say to me? Where do I fit myself in these messages from God?” I had to stop and consider these few following thoughts:

If I am able to say that I am a man who is essentially following God‘s direction, I might be able to say that I relate to Ezekiel (or to some remnant of the godly, who are left in Jerusalem). But, if I must say that I am a man who has essentially been or currently am being disobedient, then I must relate to God’s rebellious people.

WHO DO I THINK AM I?

If I relate with Ezekiel, then it is a matter of obedience for me. I must continue to have daily conversations with God, listen to what he tells me in his word and then boldly carry out his instructions, no matter how difficult. I must ask, “Am I willing to follow God? How far would I go to proclaim God‘s truth?”

If I relate to those who have been disobedient to God, then I must stare into these prophetic words of Ezekiel, hear the truth of what God tells me about my sin/defilement, repent and turn back to him or suffer the consequences. Here I must ask, “Am I recalcitrant? How far have I gone, how far am I willing to go into sin before yielding to God‘s truth?“

WHERE DO I THINK I AM?

At times, I may come close to following Ezekiel‘s example. But I have certainly also had my times of extreme wayward behavior. God has had to deal harshly with me.

If I am honest, I would have to put myself in between the two ends of this spectrum – somewhere between obedient and recalcitrant. The questions for me daily are, “Where do I want to be on that spectrum? Am I seeking after righteousness? What am I willing to do to get there? Does God still communicate with me and I with him?” If I am still on speaking terms with God then there is still hope, mercy and grace for me. 

This is all tied to that process we call “sanctification”. So, I am always in a state of growth. If I am sincerely walking in the Spirit I am not fulfilling the desires of the sinful nature (Gal 5:16-17). I am always growing and moving upward not down, forward not back. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (ICo ‭15‬:‭57‬).

Detestable

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May we experience a deep consciousness and rejection of sin (Ezk 4:8-13). #Repentance #TurnFullyTogod #DoNotIgnoreSin 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

During the times of Ezekiel‘s prophesying, he will be tied/bound with rope portraying Israel’s captivity. There will be no escape until the days of their destruction are complete. He is again a “living prophecy“ to the people.

To prepare for his living prophecy scene, he is to gather specified ingredients to bake bread periodically during his days of interaction with prophetic preaching (vv4–6). He is to bake the bread over human dung and eat it (vv12). Detestable in the eyes of Jews! This was to portray how God’s people will suffer defilement in their days of captivity in a gentile land of profane people (Babylon). 

Lord, these readings lead me to a deep consciousness and rejection of sin’s misery.

Grievous Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

May we understand how deeply sin grieves the heart of God (Ezk 4:4-6). 

#God’sGriefOverSin #RepentOfSin 

The symbolism, revolving around the facts and meaning of “390 days” and “40 days” (a day for every year of sin), are very difficult historically, textually and interpretively. Biblical scholars don’t all agree. What is clear is that both Israel and Judah have committed deeply grievous sins against God (made clear in v3) for a long time. 

For this purpose Ezekiel portrays Israel as having borne the consequence of their sin (symbolically). The weight their sin is understood as heavily on them as Ezekiel lays down: first on one side for “390 days” (head pointed north towards Israel) then, “40 days” on the other (head pointed south towards Judah).

What is portrayed here is the seriousness of sin against God. It further shows the lengths to which God will go to convey his deep anguish, concern over and correction of sin. Lord, may this old sentry’s heart remain steadfast in its stand against personal sin. 

Sieges of the Heart (Pt3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Let not the siege of sin and disobedience put a barrier between you and God (Ezk 4:3). #FullSurrender #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I have to remind myself as I read Ezekiel, the prophet is not addressing residents of Jerusalem. He is addressing citizens of Judah (Jerusalem) who have already been removed and deported to Babylon. False prophets have been telling them this season of captivity would be short-lived. Not so! (Jer 29:8-11)

The iron griddle in v3, placed between Ezekiel and his clay model city under siege, symbolizes the severity of the siege against the hearts of Jerusalem and the impregnable barrier between them and God because of sin (Isa 59:2). Jerusalem would cry out to God, but get no answer. The city would eventually fall.

Lord, there is no bargaining, no deal to be had with you. Only my full surrender and reverent obedience will suffice.

Sieges of the Heart (Pt2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May our eyes be opened to the sin that so besets us (Ezk 4:1-3).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[This is the first of many object lessons given to us by Ezekiel. It reveals judgment for sin against Jerusalem. Picture it as a Play-Doh war zone]

Ezekiel places a clay brick with a map of Jerusalem etched on it. He molds a wall around the brick; toy soldiers surround the brick with siege ramps and battering rams. Then Ezekiel places in iron griddle between himself and the Play-Doh city under siege. 

The point here is that no wayward sinful heart can escape from the city. The image demonstrates how harsh the siege against Jerusalem will be. It pictures a warning to the people of Israel. 

Jesus spoke in parables. Often the prophets spoke through object lessons. All were done to make a spiritual point about God‘s love and plans for man. God always intends to break the wayward heart because he is merciful. Lord, open our (my) eyes to your merciful warnings concerning the siege of sin and judgment.

Pursuit of God 

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Live a life of unqualified pursuit of God (Ezk 3:22,23). #PursueGod #ReverenceForGod 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel has been called and appointed by God to the office of Prophet (v17a). He has been given a charge to speak quickly, boldly and truthfully whatever message God gives him (v17b). Now Ezekiel is directed to remove himself to a valley-plain (perhaps the valley where his vision of dry bones occurred – 37:1). 

Having removed himself to said valley, Ezekiel sees the same vision of God on his chariot-throne as in chapter one. Seeing God in all his glory, Ezekiel falls down on his face prostrate before God. Lord, I see in a man, Ezekiel, one who models for me an unmitigated reverence for God.

Speak When Directed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May you listen when God speaks; speak when he directs (Ezk 3:17-21). #DeliverGod’sMessage #ListenWhenGodSpeaks 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has issued his call to Ezekiel to the prophetic ministry. He is to be a “watchman” over Israel. God instructs Ezekiel to speak without delay, any message that God gives him. It matters not whether the message is to the wicked or to the righteous who have stumbled. Ezekiel is to tell them to turn to God or suffer the consequences; even death. 

God informs Ezekiel that he is responsible for getting the message out. If he does, and the people listen and repent, they will be saved, as well as Ezekiel. If Ezekiel does not tell them, they will die in their sin and God will hold Ezekiel accountable for not delivering the message. Lord, may I listen when you speak to me and speak if you so direct me; lives will depend upon it.

THE WATCHMAN

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May you hear and surrender to God‘s call (Ezk 3:16,17). #HearingGodsCall #UnderstandingGodsCall #SurrenderToGodsCall 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After two and one half chapters (53 verses) and one bodacious vision of God‘s absolute glory, Ezekiel‘s call from God to his prophetic ministry is articulated (1 verse). “Son of man, I [God] have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately” (v17).

The task of the watchman was to stand guard on the wall of the city and warn the people of any approaching danger. As a spiritual watchman, Ezekiel‘s task was to warn the people of the judgment to come if they did not turn from their sin back to God. 

Lord, this aged prayer sentry must honor your time and resources invested in me by surrendering to you daily for whatever work I am called upon to do.

___________

I count 9 separate calls of God upon my life. Here’s a time line:

Devine Movement

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Trust God to be always present and always working (Ezk 3:12,13). #ExpectDevineMovement #SeekingTheLordOfGlory #DevineEncounters 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While Ezekiel is trying to absorb his vision of God in his flying chariot throne, he is transported (lifted up). He seems startled. Verse 14 expresses his disconcertment as turmoil. He was mentally startled. 

The throne of God is moving. The living beings are arosed and the great wheels begin turning. There is a thunderous noise as the glory of the Lord is lifted up. Ezekiel himself is lifted up by the same spirit in Ezk 2:2. He is transfixed as like in a trance; dazed and bewildered. Yet, he is safe at the center of Devine movement

Lord, I have never had any vision like Ezekiel’s. But I have seen Devine movement at work at crucial times in my life.

Throwing Stones

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May we walk the walk before we talk. (Ezk 3:10,11) #WalkTheWalkB4UTalk #DoWhatYouSay #CastingStones 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Advice to any student of scripture: God says, “Let all my words sink deep into your own heart first (recall Ezk 3:1-3). Listen to my words carefully for yourself. Then go to the people and say this is what the Sovereign Lord says.“ Especially teachers and preachers take note. “Let him or her without sin cast the first stone” (Jhn 8:7).

Before you go expounding and exhorting, make certain that you yourself have listened to God’s message with a heart turned towards obedience. Do this before telling others what God says they are to do (1Co 9:27). Lord, as a dad, granddad and minister of the gospel, may I be first to listen and respond to the truth of Scripture.

Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May you be fearless in the face of gospel critics (Ezk 2:6-8). #Obedience #TrustGodForResults #StandFearlessForGod 

Be not dismayed when rejected

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God reinforces the thought that his people will not respect the words of the prophet. Worse, they will scoff at Ezekiel – brutal with their rank criticism. But Ezekiel should not be afraid, back down or emotionally shattered by their words.

Hard-headed Compassion

Ezekiel 3:9 says that God had made Ezekiel just as hard-headed as the people. 

God further warned Ezekiel that not speaking his message would be equivalent to joining them in their rebellion. Ezekiel was ultimately a fearless prophet. He stood powerfully before an unbelieving people and delivered God‘s message. Lord, I surrender my feelings to you; may I not be intimidated by those who criticize me over the gospel.

Ready, Go for God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Be ready to go for God today (Ezk 2:1,2). #GodSpeaks #GoForGod #StandWalkRun 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When we have worshiped, been before God on our face, God does not expect us to stay prostrate, paralyzed, on the ground. No, we must then stand and be ready to go on in humble service. Micah 6:-8 compels us to “WALK humbly before God.” Roman 12:1 leads us to present our bodies as living sacrifices in honorable SERVICE to God. 

Ezekiel was renewed in his spirit (note Isa 40:29-31). The Lord stood him on his feet. This was a sign that he was ready to go for God. Humble worship leads to faithful service. Lord, coming out of my daily personal cathedral of praise, my heart is renewed. I am ready to go for God today.

How To Hear God’s Voice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Humble your heart to listen to God (Ezk 2:1). #ListenForGod’sVoice #GodSpeaks 

Humble Hearts Hear God’s Voice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the call of God on Ezekiel‘s life. I am reminded first that there is a separation between man and God. “Son of man“ is a reminder to Ezekiel (and to me) that he is a man and nothing more. But he is a man with whom and to whom God will speak. 

God saw Ezekiel‘s humble response to the vision in Chapter One. To “stand up” (as God here instructs), one must first go down (Ezk 1:28) in humble acknowledgment of God‘s presence. Humble hearts will illicit the voice of God speaking. Lord, my Morning Watch is dedicated to an open heart to listen to your voice. 

A Marked Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Be alert to, listen for, God‘s call on your life (Ezk 1:28). #MarkedMan #AlertToGod’sCall #MarkedByGod’sGlory 

Marked for God

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel here mentions that he hears a voice for the second time. The first reference to a voice (v24) seems to be unintelligible. But here, the voice was speaking directly to Ezekiel. God is preparing to call Ezekiel and instruct him in his prophetic ministry.

The entire first chapter has set the stage and will carry Ezekiel through his entire ministry. He will never think of God again without a sense of awe, holy fear and wonder. “The man of God comes out from [HIS] presence indelibly marked by the glory of his Lord.” * 

Lord, reading in this Old Testament book, may I be a man alert to your call and marked by your glory.

____________

* Taylor, John B. EZEKIEL, An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1969), 41.

Surrender – No Reservations

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Surrender in obedience to the radiant Lord of Heaven (Ezk 1:26-28). #SeeGodInNewWays #Surrender #RadiantLordOfHeaven  #RevereGod’sTruth-Faithfulness 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s initial impression of God’s throne is taken with its azure-blue appearance. He is then taken with a figure that looks like a man on that throne. The upper body was glowing like amber, flickering like fire. The lower body looked like burning flames shining with great splendor. Around the entire image of this throne was the appearance of a rainbow-like brilliance. Its radiance engulfed the vision in multicolored splendor. 

All of this would seem to point to the judgment of God (the fire) and at the same time the covenant of peace that comes after the judgment (the rainbow). This would seem to express the focus of Ezekiel’s prophetic call. He would see it again three more times (3:22,23; 8:3,4; 43:2,3)

I am left without imagination enough to express my thoughts. I read the words and know their definitions. But I am left dumb at how to express them. Lord, my only response is to just fully surrender in obedience to you. No reservations.