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.

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.

NOW, A Good Time to Repent

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Acknowledge sin, turn to God in humble repentance (Ezk5:1).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Continuing his “living prophecy,” Ezekiel is instructed to shave his head and beard with a sword [sharp knife]. Such an act was a sign of mourning and humiliation, even repentance.

One commentary pauses here to imagine the surprise as spectators gather around Ezekiel and watch him shave his head and beard with so cumbersome and instrument.

“What does it mean,“ they might ask? Of course Ezekiel is obliged to tell them of the coming destruction of Jerusalem (revealed further in the next few verses). It should be a time of mourning, humiliation, and hopefully repentance. Lord, thank you for revealing my own sinful past, and giving me the good sense to repent and reverse my course.

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

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

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.

On My Face

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we exercise silence & humility before God (Ezk 1:26-28). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted #Overwhelmed

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel has been focused on the lower portion of his vision: living beings, wheels, lightning, noise, fiery presence and movement. He now sees, hears and tries to describe what he sees above the platform borne up by the living beings. He sees a throne. Its appearance is like blue lapis lazuli (sapphire).

Upon this throne sits what looks like a man, represented as gleaming amber and a splendorous burning flame. All around this figure is a glowing halo (like a rainbow). In Ezekiel’s words this is, “God sitting on his throne of jeweled sapphire, in all his glory and holiness.” The vision’s sight and sound presses the limits of vocabulary to the max. Ezekiel falls on his face in silence before God.

Lord, may I be on my face and speechless, my mouth closed, before you (Job 40:3,4; Psm‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬;‬‬ Hab 2:20).

Take a Knee to Glory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Bow, low in the presence of God‘s glory (Ezk 1:24,25). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel now describes what he is hearing. What he hears is as dreadful (awe-inspiring) as what he sees. It is a noisy whirring sound. The wings of the cherubim are outstretched and reverberating powerfully. It sounds like the torrent of wild rushing waters or rolling thunder; the sound of a mighty Army on the move.

Ezekiel also hears a voice from above the mighty platform described in vv22,23. However, no words are mentioned here. The sight and sound of this vision seem splendorific. It is at once both dreadful and magnificent at the same time.

Lord, may my heart and knee be bowed in the light of the glory I can barely comprehend.

God Exalted In Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we see God exalted, lifted up, in our lives (Ezk 1:22,23,26). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The four living beings (cherubim) in Ezekiel‘s vision appeared to be lifting or escorting a great heavenly platform over their heads. It looked like ice or crystal and was gleaming in a formidable yet awe-inspiring way. God’s throne sat upon or above it. When the beings moved, the entire platform moved with them (v19-21). Moses and 70 others saw something similar [Exo 24:10,11).

The Apostle John also saw something close to Ezekiel’s vision as well (Rev 4:1–11). Our God is exalted high above the Earth. He reigns in a heavenly bliss, above the corruption of earth. Yet, he has revealed his true heart for earth (for man) in Christ (note: Phi 2:6-11).* Lord, you reveal yourself to man (to me) as exalted above all the earth.

________

* Jhn 1:1,2,14; 5:18; Rom 8:3; 14:11; Eph 1:20-22; Col 1:15–20; Heb 1:3,4; Isa 45:23.

What Does It Mean?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek humbly to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:28; 2:1,2; 3:23,24). #ListeningToGod #SayWhat

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My heart is perplexed as I read God‘s call of Ezekiel. It is a call like no other prophet in length, scope and vision. His call is three chapters long. It is simple yet, complex. I have pondered the vision and message (the call) of Ezekiel for several days. I want to understand all of it, but my heart is perplexed, hesitant. Yet I am moved to grasp its meaning.

I am asking God for understanding. I am asking him to overcome my hesitations and lack of COURAGE to press into this prophetic book. I wish to emulate Ezekiel, coming face down to the ground in humility before God. I pray to God, “Lord, may this old sentry receive understanding of all that you intend from this prophetic book.” As I pray, I’m hearing God say, as he said to Ezekiel, “Stand up, I want to speak with you by my Spirit” (2:1,2; 3:24 above).

Thank you Lord for your

EN-COURAGE-MENT

Compassionate God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Thank God for his enduring compassions for men (Psm 113:1-9).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Our praise to and for God is centered on his great concern for all of his creation (Psm 104) and all of his compassions for the people of his creation (Psm 103). Here we see God’s concern is especially for the poor and oppressed.

Though God sits enthroned on high, above heaven and earth. he is not aloof from man and those who suffer. We may rightfully give praise to God for his greatness and favor. Lord, you make your abode on high and with those contrite in heart (Isa 57:15).

God In The Grocery Store

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be in awe of the God who has made the seasons for seeding, growing and harvesting; the night and the day for creatures to rest and work (Psm 104:19-23). #AwesomeGod #CreatorGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psamlist provides for us and another reason for all to declare and proclaim our praise to God. It is that he has, from the beginning, ordered our seasons by the moon (the “calendarial principal star“ *), so crucial to seeding, growing and harvesting.

[I think about God’s massive provision every time I walk down the aisle of a grocery store; overwhelmed at the grains, the meats and the produce lined up neatly in there cases]

God ordered the sun to set and rise every day. With its setting, man sleeps and the animal kingdom is at work. With its rising animals sleep and man begins his work. This God accomplished on day four of creation (Gen 1:14-16).

All this, God did with a view towards a perfect world in which man could live. Lord, may I not take for granted your every provision for my life in creation.

______

* Keil-Delitzsch, PSALMS, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1975, pg, 134.

Love’s Assertion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart follow Christ always (1Jhn 5:3). #AssertingGodsLove #GodsLoveLeads #LoveGodLoveOthers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When I am following the teachings (the commandments) of Jesus, I am asserting my love and yieldedness to him. No one follows the ways, views or teachings of someone they don’t respect. Further, it is not a burden to follow Christ commands, teachings (Mat 11:29,30).

I often fail to follow those teachings as well as I could – not because they are hard, but because at times I choose to go my own way. I am always better off when I follow God’s ways…and others are blessed in the process. Lord, may my heart always be to follow your ways.

Love As Christ Loved Us

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Love others unconditionally as christ loved (1Jn 3:16,17). #LoveMoreThanWords #LoveUnconditionally #LoveOneAnother #SelfSacrafice

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.

Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Treat any power giving you by God with humility and respect (Jer 51:20-26). #HumbleAuthority #Hammered

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The great and powerful God described in vv15–19 is Jehovah-God. It is he who will be against Babylon. He will utterly destroy Babylon. Not a single stone will be left standing (see also 50:35–38). Babylon was God’s hammer of judgment against the nations. Now God will shatter Babylon and destroy her.

Babylon’s judgment is due to the wrong they did in Zion, desecrating the Temple (vv 24; 50:28; 51:11). Not even one cornerstone will be left upon which to rebuild the city. When men become drunk with power, they go too far. But the power of God can humble such a person or nation abruptly. Lord, may I always treat any power or authority given me with humility and respect for God and for others.

Lights Out on Babylon

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Resolve to act humbly in whatever success given by God (Jer 50:11–16). #WalkHumblyBeforeGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God clarifies his reasons for destroying Babylon. God used Babylon as an instrument to discipline his people (Hab 1:1-11). He is not destroying Babylon for that, but for her prideful hubris over violent attacks on God‘s people. Babylon rejoiced in her wicked and violent ways.

The nations are called to unify and do to Babylon what she had done to others. Proverbs says, “If you gloat over your enemies demise, God will turn his anger on you. God will turn the light of the wicked out“ (Pro 24:17-20). Lord, may I resolve to act humbly in any success that you give me.

A Prophetic Scroll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Give praise to God as the supreme power of the universe (Jer 50:1–3). #Omnipotence #Omniscience

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophecies and historical facts of the ancient city of Babylon are interesting to read and correlate together. In Jeremiah‘s Scroll, read to the Jews early in their exile (captivity) in Babylon, he describes the total destruction and demise of this ancient Middle East power/empire.

Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51 consolidate many of the prophecies he spoke into one document (scroll). God says, “Let the entire known world be notified. Babylon will fall. Her idols, Bel and Marduk, will be shattered, shamed, and disgraced; of no help to Babylon before Jehovah God (51:15–19). He is the sovereign power, source and sustainer of the universe.

Lord, may the heart of the prayer sentry bow in singular praise before your sovereign omnipotence & omniscience.

Having Peace With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we (America) resolve to walk humbly before God (Jer 48:1-49:39 as selected). #WalkHumblyWithGod #BeJustAndMerciful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah chapters 48 and 49 name the nations and cities around Judah to be judged and destroyed (Moab- 48:1, Ammon- 49:1, Edom- 49:7, Damascus- 49:23, Kedar/Hazor- 49:28 and Elam- 49:34).*

Scripture does not explain the specific sins of each nation. A few sins in these nations do take center stage: godlessness, idolatry, pride/arrogance and harassment of Israel. None will be spared who pridefully stick their finger in God’s eye and consider themselves beyond reproach. The key to living at peace with God is to “be just and merciful to others to live humbly before him (Mic 6:8).

Lord, may I (may the American people) be resolved to follow faithfully and walk humbly before you.

_________

* Moab, Ammon and Elam are prophesied some sort of restoration. Commentators mostly agree that these and similar promises of mercy after judgment are chiefly to be understood as the conversion of the Gentiles under the gospel.

Ignore God at Your Own Peril

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

When God confronts sin in your life, do not ignore him; confess it and live (Jer 25:1-7). #AgreeWithGod #ConfessSin #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is a second message in this text; 1) be faithful to proclaim God‘s message and 2) be open to what God says about your sin and repent.

When Elijah confronted king Ahab with his sin, Ahab humbled himself before God (1Ki 21:25–29). Disaster was postponed. The prophet Nathan, confronted king David over his sin. David confessed and repented (Psm 51:7–14). God forgave David and used him. God sent many prophets to Israel and Judah. He confronted them with their sin and idolatry. But the people of God would not listen to him (Jer 25:7).

Scripture says, “Today if you hear God‘s voice, do not harden your heart…” (Heb 3:15). Elsewhere scripture beckons us to bring our broken self to God (Pro 29:1; Psm 66:17-20) and fall into his open arms. When God confronts us with our sin, repentance is the only response. If we ignore God’s word to us we will face certain dyer repercussions.

Lord, may this sentry’s heart always be open to your scrutiny; may I turn quickly to you in humble repentance.

AN “OMG” MOMENT

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Bring your perplexed heart respectfully to God (Hab 1:12-17 to 2:1). #SeekGodsUnderstanding #BoldlyRespectfullySeekGod

PERPLEXED: Habakkuk Stands Watch to Hear God’s Reply

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is Habakkuk’s “OMG“ moment with God. He is perplexed. His complaint, however, is rooted in his view of God – Holy and Eternal One; “our Rock” who is pure through and through, who cannot, will not, wink at evil. How does God justify using godless (more treacherous people than Judah) to punish them?

These Godless Babylonians will justify their conquests as affirming their own belief in their own strength as their power – they will worship at their altars of success, wealth and might. How do you let that happen God? “I will stand in my watchtower, ready to hear what you say Oh, Lord.”

My Lord, it is incumbent upon this duty sentry to respectfully bring my oft perplexed heart to you for answers and understanding.

Deeply Stained Within

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be deeply moved in waves of contrition and repentance for our own sin & rebellion (Hab 1:6-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #America #TheNations

MORNING WATCH NOTES (and extended subscript to the nations):

This is the horrific vision that God gave the prophet, Habakkuk. A pagan nation of cruel violent people (Babylon) will descend on Judah like a blazing relentless desert wind. This godless nation will gobble up other nations as well, having their way with whatever cruelty they wish.

The war horses of Babylon run like the cheetah and are more fierce than ravenous wolves. Their charioteers charge from a far off and swoop down like eagles, picking off and devour their unsuspecting prey. They scoop up captives as they go. No one is safe. They scoff kings & princes; laugh at their fortresses and walls. Then, like the wind, they are gone, leaving behind nothing but a sweltering desolate landscape.

But God tells the prophet, Babylon was not innocent for having been God‘s instrument. NO! They went beyond all restraint to their own destruction. They were deeply guilty and flawed because they viewed their own strength was their God.

Lord, the prayer sentries, the watchmen on the walls, must sit dumbfounded with the prophet and consider what horrific plan lay ahead for Judah. Would God, could God, do such a thing (vv12-16)?

May this Sentry be moved to waves of contrition and repentance for my own deep sin.

________

SUBSCRIPT TO THE NATIONS:

I ask what will be in store for my own great nation (America) and her great allies. Where will pride in our own strength, our arrogant disregard of God and our distain of justice bring us? Is there any nation on earth today that God may be raising up to do to us what Babylon did to Judah and the ancients?

That is not a far fetched question. Consider China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. All of these are mentioned in one way or another in prophecies of these end times.

A local pastor spoke recently and reminded his congregation of how the nations viewed the nation of Israel after her 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

”When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” (Psm 126:1-2)

“The other nations were amazed” to see how God had blessed Israel.

There was a day when the nations would have looked upon America and said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” But today that light has grown dim and the nations laugh at us. Mock us. Scorn us. America has left the God of her fathers. May the Lord send sweeping revival across this land like a fast moving prairie fire. May there be an awakening of national one global proportions.

______

Perhaps the prophet Habakkuk and those righteous who were with him, like we today, could find some comfort in the words of Israel’s king, David, the Psalmist:

”But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence…

[…no matter who: Babylon, China, Russia, Iran; AMERICA, GREAT BRITAIN and others are not without their own history of violence]

“[God] will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.

[If God spared not his own chose people from judgment and correction, how safe are those without God’s covering of mercy and grace?]

[But our] righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.“ (Psm 11:4-7)

________

GOD PROMISES TO SHOW HIS FACE TO THOSE WHO ARE HIS RIGHTEOUS ONES, WHO CHOOSE VIRTUE

Semblance V. Substance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be people of deep faith and substance (2Ki 23:34-37; Jer 22:13–17). #SubtanceOverSemblance #PursueFaithAndSubstsnce

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason Jeremiah Chs 21 & 22 are out of sequence. These chapters contain prophecies of the last four kings of Judah. I insert them as a matter of cohesive devotional understanding. This is not a critical analysis, but the best of my understanding in my study]

A second of King Josiah‘s sons was made a puppet vassal-king by Pharaoh Neco. His name was changed to Jehoiakim. He reigned 11 years. He heavily taxed the Hebrew people to pay the tribute demanded by Neco. He was an unjust, greedy, dishonest and ruthless man (Jer 22:13–17). He had Uriah the prophet killed (Jer 26:20-23). He was nothing like his father, Josiah. [You can inherit many things, but you cannot inherit faith and substance]

Jehoiakim indulged himself at the people’s expense. “I will have a magnificent palace,” he said. But Jeremiah said, “A beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king” (Jer 22:15). Semblance: sad substitute for substance (1Sa 16:7). Leadership and authority is not validated in raw power. It is validated in humility of heart (in the home first, then to those with whom one works/serves, finally to the uttermost parts of one’s reach). Lord, may this old sentry always strive for deep faith and substance.

Tribute to a Godly King

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our nation’s leaders and people humbly follow after God (2Ki 23:25; 2Ch 35:24-25). #FollowHardAfterGod #HumblyFollowAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“Never before (or since) had there been a king like Josiah.“ Jeremiah also honors Josiah as an extraordinary king; “Josiah was just and right in all his dealings (Jer 22:15,16). Josiah sought God early in his life as a boy (2Ch 34:2,3). He honored the written word of God (2Ki 22:11; 23:2,3). He humbled himself in repentance and turned his heart towards God.

Josiah sought to obey God “with all his heart, soul and might” as recorded in Deuteronomy 6:5. He brought about sweeping reforms in the nation of Judah and pointed the people back to God. Josiah was elevated as the most righteous and highly regarded King ever in Israel. Lord, this king challenges me to the core, to be obedient to you in all my ways, all of my days left on this earth.

Whole-Hearted Pledge

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we humbly repent, listen to God’s word and pledge to follow him whole-heartedly (2Ch 34:29-32). #PledgeAllegianceToGod #Repent #ReadGod’sWord #FollowGod’sWord

King Josiah Reads the Lost Book of the Law to the People

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As a result of #1, the Book of the Law being found and #2, the word of the Lord, delivered to King Josiah by the Prophetess Huldah, the King called an assembly of all the people in Judah and Jerusalem. In this assembly, Josiah himself read the Book of the Law to the people.

King Josiah then took his place of authority in the Temple. He pledged himself to obey all the commands of the Lord. Then he called on the people of Judah and Jerusalem to pledge the same. They did so. Lord, I see hope for America (the church and our world) if those in authority will repent, look to your word and commit to follow Christ with a whole heart.

Get Self Out Of The Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

America (even I myself) needs to rid its heart of indifference towards God (Jer 18:12-16). #RepentNow #TurnNowToGod

“You would turn away from God, your provider?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people express their resolve to continue in their wicked ways (v12). It makes no sense. God’s people have known his goodness to them, yet they turn their backs on him. Even the godless pagan can see the foolishness of such a response. It is seen as appalling, ghastly, even to them.

The response is in opposition even to the natural world. The snow in the mountains continually flows to the valley below (pictures God’s goodness). Rivers of living water flow from the “Rock,” also pictures God as the source of all goodness. Astonishingly God’s people opt for the waters of another (worthless gods). They cause their own stumbling off the true path that leads to God.

Lord, in light of all your goodness to me (to America) I (we) need to get out of my (our) own way and turn you.

_____

This old hymn says it well:

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

A Repentance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Sincerely, open your heart to examination by God (Jer 18:11,12). #ThePotter’sHouse #RepentOfSin #ThePotterAndTheClay #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is hard to read these words, Israel’s reply to Jeremiah‘s message of “The Potter & The Clay.“ The people said, “Don’t waste your breath, we will continue to live how we want to live.“ I wish I could say I have never said that to God. But I have. I pushed God to the limits of his mercy. (See my testimony: this blog)

Even now, as I read the message of “The Potter,“ I am urged by God to stop and reflect this morning. I’m asking God to search my heart for any wicked way; that I may be lead in the way, everlasting (Psm139:23,24; Jas 4:7-10). Lord, I open my whole heart and life for your close examination. Show me any sin I need to confess that I may change. (See the end of self: this blog)

Two Pleasing Sacrifices

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Offer the sacrifices of praise & kindness at every opportunity (Heb 13:15,16). #GivePraiseToGod #DoActsOfKindness #LivingSacrifices

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After 13 chapters (the whole book of Hebrews) pointing to the supreme sacrifice of Christ, the writer has carefully and thoroughly extinguishing the flame of daily, weekly and annual offerings of animal sacrifices for sin. But, the writer reserves two sacrifices that are still pleasing to God.

What sacrifices could still be pleasing to god?

1) The sacrifice of praise offered from our lips, confessing Christ as Lord; and

2) the sacrifice of a kind and loving actions towards others. With these two sacred actions (offerings) “God is well pleased (Psm 50:12-14; Rom 12:1; 1Pe 2:5).

Lord, bring my heart to every opportunity with words of praise to you, and acts of kindness towards others..

Unashamed Follower

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Follow Christ whatever the cost (Heb 13:11-13). #TakeUpYourCross #Unashamed #FollowJesusNoMatterTheCost

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Rounding off the writer’s point of the supremacy of Christ’s sacrifice, he explains that in the old tabernacle system, an animal was sacrificed for sin “outside the camp” (in the wilderness). It was a place considered “unholy.“ The blood of the sacrifice was then brought into the “holy place“ [inside the camp] for atonement.

So also Christ was sacrificed [slain] “outside the gates“ [of Jerusalem]. He made what was unholy, Holy. His blood was poured out to make his people Holy. He made atonement for the sins of his people at Calvary. It follows that God’s people ought to declare their allegiance to Christ above all others; not be ashamed to bear the disgrace he bore. We leave the old familiar ways, traditions and rituals “inside the camp.” We unashamedly follow Christ.

Lord, may this old sentry continue to follow Christ, whatever the cost.

Faith: Walk the Talk

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

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.