Honored Vocation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Strive to honor those in ministry; follow God when called to ministry (Psm 134:1-3).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Psalm addresses a very small group in Israel, the Levites. They were those who served night and day as watchmen, protecting and maintaining the Temple.

The view here is to see their work as an act of worship – praise to God. What an honor it is to serve God as a lifetime vocation.

More than a job, the pursuit of ministry should be to carry it out in a reverent and responsible manner. Those who come to the house of God every week see ministers and recognize them as something special. Neither will God overlook the special work you do (Heb 6:10). Lord, I am honored to serve; I honor others who serve.

Window To Conversations With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your conversations with God yield the intended result (Ezk 4:7,8).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is a little hard to picture Ezekiel doing all the things as God directed if he was tied up the entire time (v8). So one has to imagine that Ezekiel was carrying out these symbolic activities, 1) at chosen times when there were people around to observe his activities and hear him prophesy destruction (v12); and 2) as he was himself carrying out these living prophecies in public, he was living a normal life in private and preparing for the public activity.

I don’t want to get caught up in the “form” of what Ezekiel was to do. I want to understand God’s “motives.” This passage is not only about Ezekiel’s activity. It is a window into his ongoing conversations with God about that activity (v14). Often, God gives instructions but gives us latitude in how we carry them out. Lord, may my conversations with you produce their intended outcome.

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:

P.U.S.H. PRAYER!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our prayers reflect our obedience to God (1Jn 3:21-22). #AskingAndReceiving #WhyGodAnswersPrayer #PUSHPRAYER

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If we know that we are walking in the light of Christ, we have a confident faith, we will have whatsoever we ask. We may know that if we are walking in obedience to Christ, doing things that please God, we can be confident that the things we ask will truly line up with God’s will.

This is the reality of prayer for the believer. How could God ever deny that which comes from his heart through us and back to him? This is the ”whatsoever you ask in my name“ promise that he will do. So P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens.

Lord, may my prayers reflect a heart that is wholly surrendered to you.

The True Prophet

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give us prayerful pastors and prophets who speak the truth of God. (Jer 27:12-22). #Prayer #PrayingProphets #SpeakTheTruth #PrayingPastors

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this passage, Jeremiah is pleading with king Zedekiah to surrender to the king of Babylon. “Why would anyone choose death, war, famine, and disease over life?“ He then pleads his case to the priests and the people. “False prophets are lying to you. If you resist Babylon you will be expelled from the land.”

PRAYER! If these prophets were true prophets of God, says Jeremiah, they would intercede with God that further punishment and calamity be avoided; that further looting of the temple and palaces would be averted. Surrender to the yoke of Babylon would achieve that. But there would be no such prayers. Disaster, as prophesied by Jeremiah, would soon follow.

Lord, may I have the heart of a praying pastor/prophet that would intercede compassionately for the people of God and speak the truth of God to the those in my circle of influence.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you embrace a righteous compassionate God; may America turn now to God. May God send awakening and be merciful in judgment (Hab 3:2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise #RunToGod #Awakening #TurnNowToGod #Repent #Revival

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk has heard God‘s reply to his heartfelt questions – why evil prevails. He is astounded and awestruck at God’s mighty work. He now enters into intimate communion with God in prayer. Presumably, he is still in his “watchtower“; that place of seeking. Like Job, he concludes “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe at what I see” (see Job 42:5,6).

The prophet sings his song of prayer admitting the deep need of the people. This is the only petition in this prayer. 1) “Help us Lord, as you have before [send revival] …and 2) In your anger, show mercy.“

If we know that God won’t allow evil to persist forever; if we know that God will ultimately rain down judgment on godless nations, would this not be an appropriate petition to God in our day concerning America? Absolutely!

There is but one place to go in times of trouble. That is to our righteous and compassionate God. Lord, you are fierce in your righteousness judgments, but I am not afraid to embrace you.

On The Ramparts

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Watchman, stand in the ramparts and sound a clear message of warning, consolation and hope (Hab 2:1). #Watchtower #Watchman #ManOfGod #WomanOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk has lodged his concerns with God over God‘s plan for judgment on Judah. He now stations himself in the “watchtower” resolved to watch, wait and listen for God‘s reply. The watchtower was a rampart, a citadel, elevated land. It was an observation point high over the camp with a clear view of the landscape.*

But “watchtower” here is not so much a place as it is the prophet’s attitude and expectation. It is vivid imagery, used of the man or woman of God who stations him/herself in a place to hear from God and sound any warnings or sightings given. What a beautiful picture of those who diligently seek to hear God’s voice and announce any message that comes.

Lord, this old prayer sentry comes daily to my watch post. Like the watchman on the wall, I view the landscape of my home, my neighborhood, community, church, nation and world, through the lens of your Holy word and the coming Christ. Then I write, post, pray and intercede for what has been shown to me. May this aging voice continue to sound a clear note of readiness, warning, consolation and hope to all who will listen.

________

* Scripture links to “Watchmen on the Wall”:

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

Soul Ablaze In Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May hearts be set ablaze in prayer for revival and awakening (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who learns more quickly, the student who is uninterested in a subject, or the student who is inquisitive and asks questions about the subject? Just so, who would pray more effectively, the person told he must pray, or the person who knows the call of God to intercede? This is Habakkuk.

J. Edwin Orr (authority on revival*) says, “Whenever God is ready to do something new with his people, he always sets them to praying.“ Look again at verse one. It is God who sends the questions that stir the prophet’s heart and sets him ablaze in prayer.

The questions that burn in the heart of Habakkuk are the questions God intends to use to set the prophet’s heart ablaze in prayer for his people. Lord set my heart and soul on fire in prayer for revival, awakening and restoration.

________

* For those interested: J. Edwin Orr on Revival

The Dump

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we quickly surrender our sinful lives to God (Jer 19:1-6). #ConfessSin #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God instructed Jeremiah to purchase a clay pot (jar). Then Jeremiah is instructed to call together some of the leaders and priests of Israel and walk to the “valley of Ben Hinnom” just outside the South Gate of the city (the “Potshard Gate” of Jerusalem – also called the “Dung Gate”). This symbolizes the broken relationship to God. This was the city dump. All the refuse of the city went through this gate. Also many sacrifices to pagan gods took place here.

This passage informs us that this valley was the place of grotesque, idol worship and child sacrifice by fire. It pictures the life of sin before God. God’s people are no longer his joy, but a garbage dump of stinking refuse. This valley would soon be called the “Valley of Slaughter“ because of the judgment about to fall on Judah (see also 7:30-33). Lord, could my heart ever be so cold and indifferent to you? Yes, it has been (17:9,10); may it never be so again.

Prayer Cover for Ministers

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be faithful to pray for your church leaders (Heb 13:18,19). #PrayForChurchLeaders

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After an exhortation, to heed the words and directions of spiritual (God ordained) leaders, the writer pleads prayer for himself. He is one of those leaders into whose hands God has committed the lives of many souls. He is accountable to God.

He asks prayer for a clear conscience and that he might live just as honorably as he has exhorted these Jewish believers to do. He asks for prayers that he might return speedily to see them. How desperately church leaders need my prayer covering.

Lord, it is this sentry’s honor and responsibility to pray for my church leaders.

Jesus Sinless Mediator

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Rest securely in Jesus, our sinless representative/advocate with God (Heb 5:1-10). #JesusSinlessAdvocate #JesusSinlessPriest #JesusSinlessMediator

High Priest: Represent Men to God; God to Men

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus, unlike the high priests of his day – chosen by Roman authorities, qualifies as our High Priest. 1) He was called and chosen of God. Like Aaron in the Old Testament, Jesus was chosen, called by God to be our High Priest (note these references: Heb 1:5; Psm 110:4; Jhn 1:29-34).

2) It is further essential that the High Priest be able to deal compassionately with broken humanity. He must be subject to the life, challenges and sufferings of men, yet without sin.

3) Finally, he would be a man motivated and compelled by God to serve others, pray earnestly for others and sacrifice his life for others.

Jesus qualifies as the sinless High Priest of our faith. Lord, I may rest securely in you as the fulfillment of the role of High Priest, eternally advocating for me.

See also on this blog The Greatest Hope (link here).

The Greatest Hope

Fearless Courage

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Be fearless and courageous for God‘s truth (Jer 15:19–21). #Fearless #Courageous #StandForTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah bears a gentle but straightforward rebuke from God. “Stop feeling sorry for yourself Jeremiah.“ God challenges Jeremiah to “man up,“ speak truth for God and trust him for the results. In doing this Jeremiah would influence many (more than he knew) and he would not be influenced by them.

Barnes’ Notes – “Flattering prophets will perish with those whom their soft speeches [have led astray]. But those faithfully speaking the truth of God will save them both.“ Lord, I am inspired to stand faithful in/for your truth, to fear no man’s actions against me.

A Broken Bleeding Heart*

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May the persecuted messengers of God know his comfort (Jer 15:15–18). #TheBleedingHeart #SufferingPersecution #BrokenHeartedWatchman

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The messengers of God, the bold intercessors for righteousness (those watchmen on the wall) may be seen as cold hearted harbingers of judgment. Not so.

Jeremiah, having understood that his intercessions would not change God‘s plan of judgment (vv10-11), he begins to lament. He sees his life as having been fully consecrated to God. But, he has been suffering insult and persecution as God’s messenger of judgment.

Jeremey’s delight had been to consume and be consumed by God‘s word. He reminds God how he has separated himself from the sins of the people, even railed against those sins. Yet, no one listened and still judgment was inevitable. Jeremiah laments, “How can I go on? When will my suffering end?”

Lord, it is clear, you hear the cries of the watchmen on the wall. Comfort our bleeding hearts* for our own beloved country and countrymen.

_________

* “The phrase bleeding heart is used to describe one who shows excessive sympathy for another’s misfortune. [Before it was used as a political barb], the term appears in literature describing sincere emotional outpouring, even taking on a literal association with the heart of Jesus Christ.” – Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Dead Bird

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May spiritual and national leaders in America lead a hasty return back to God (Jer 12:7-13). #ReturnToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having been instructed by God regarding the purpose of adversity (vv5,6), Jeremiah moves on with his final comments to Israel (Judah) regarding her violation of her Covenant with God. God is reluctantly abandoning his “dearest people” to her enemies. Why? Because she has “roared“ against him, treated him with contempt. She shakes her fist in God’s face and ignores every commitment made to him.

Judah, metaphorically, struts around like a strange colored bird of prey. She foolishly claims her dominion over her prey, while powerful other birds of prey and wild animals swoop in and violently thrash her. Then they consume Judah’s corpse. Oh Lord, how far Judah (and America today) has fallen from her love for you. Judah did not turn to God and she suffered. Pray America makes a hasty return to God.

_________________

America is not a people of Covenant with God, like Israel. But she is a people with deep roots in God’s Covenant people. She is a nation upon whom God‘s blessing has rested from her inception.

Will America be like a prideful “different colored bird” who struts over her dominion over her prey; who is completely unaware of the great and powerful other beasts and birds of prey who will pick her apart and consume her carcass?

Lord, open the eyes of America today. May she humble herself in repentance toward God. Forgive us Lord, for our self indulgence, our complacency and selfishness disdain for the things that honor God.

“Practice The Presence Of God”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Learn to “practice the presence of God“ (Jer 12:1,3) #PracticeThePresenceOfGod #PrayerAtItsBest

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

One of the things that sets Jeremiah apart is his ongoing relationship with God. From the beginning of his call (1: 4-14ff) and probably way before that, Jeremiah was on regular speaking terms with God. So these two verses represent his daily open and continuing conversation with God.

This is prayer at its best. This is what Brother Lawrence* called, “practicing the presence of God.“ Brother Lawrence and Jeremiah challenge the intercessor, the prayer sentry, to retreat into that place in his/her heart where the love of God makes even the most menial task of your day a worship experience. Lord, may I daily, moment by moment, stay in constant touch with you no matter what I am doing.

* Brother Lawerence was a 17th Century French Carmelite monk who wrote in his memoirs what became the Christian classic read on prayer: The Practice Of The Presence Of God (a “must read” for every intercessor)

Standing Against Evil & Deceiving Spirits

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Seek first the rebuke of God against deceiving spirits and evil authority in this world (Jude 1:5-11). #StandingAgainstSatan #StandingAgainstDeceivingSpirits

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jude 1:9 presents an interesting account of a dispute between Michael the Archangel and Satan over the body of Moses. Nothing further is known about this specific account. Any explanation is conjecture. What we do know is that when Moses died, God buried him (Deu 34:5-8).

We also know that there is a mighty war being waged against evil in this world (2Co 4:3,4; 1Jn 5:19). The war against evil is also being waged in spiritual realms as well (Dan 10:12-14).

I take the Bible at its word. I believe it to be the inspired, inerrant word of God. I accept Jude’s account at face value. Read verse nine in context (vv5-11). After some study and prayer, this is my humble conclusion about Jude’s account:

Even the Archangel of Heaven, Michael, does not take matters into his own hands when dealing with those who have authority (bestowed or otherwise). Even satanic authority.

Michael doesn’t call Satan names. He doesn’t make accusations. He doesn’t command decrees. He doesn’t pronounce any curses. HE CALLS FORTH THE REBUKE OF GOD against the archenemy enemy of Christ. “The Lord rebuke you.” This same prayer is used against Satan in Zech 3:1,2 where he is the accuser of Yeshua, God’s High Priest (See note at the bottom*).

Herein lies a key weapon in the battle against deceiving spirits and evil authority in this world or in the church. PRAYER! Prayer that calls forth the the LORD of Hosts, the Mighty Commander of Heaven’s Armies to fight our battles.

PRAYER is a powerful and mighty weapon against evil. PRAYER, calling forth God’s intervention, will bring down all the mighty, all the corrupt, all the arrogant, all the perverted and (in this text) all the apostate. Prayer for God’s intervention into the affairs of men and the affairs of the church is the first plan of action, not a last resort. God will fight your battles (Exo 14:14). This is what I believe to be the point of Jude 1:9.

Jude is saying, in context, to this old sentry that I must be alert to apostate teachers (or any other deceitful authority), alert to the evil they represent. I must not be drawn into their web of deceit and assassination of the truth of the Gospel. BUT IN PRAYER, CALL ON THE POWERS OF HEAVEN TO INTERVENE. This is how I should respond first to those in any seat of authority. Then follow God’s counsel from there.

* Little is known about Jude’s accounting of the argument between Michael and Satan. But the phrase “The LORD rebuke you” is used elsewhere (eg. Zech 3:1-4). That should signal some thoughts of validation in Jude. My study of the Zechariah passage reveals to me that the prophet had a vision of the high courts of Heaven. The High Priest, Joshua [or Yeshua – symbolic of Christ], is standing before the LORD. Satan is at his side accusing him. “And the LORD said to Satan, ‘I, the LORD [rebuke you], I reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you.’”

But it is not the sin of the High Priest in Zechariah’s passage that is represented here. It is all the sin of Israel, as it were, represented in him, and what befalls the nation, that is the image here. The “filthy clothes” of the High Priest is the familiar symbol of sin before God; and he wears it, just as he wore his sacerdotal dress before God, in his official capacity.

The High Priest was the embodiment of the nation. He stands before the judgment seat, bearing not his own but the people’s sins. This is a for-shadowing of our High Priest, Christ Jesus. He stands bearing all the sin, all the filth, of the world on the cross at Calvary. He is our substitution. He would die for our sin, be buried with our sin, then be raised from the dead cleansed from all our sin and clothed in robes of righteousness. This Christ did for all of mankind. HALLELUJAH!

It is for Satan’s accusations of the Son of Man, our High Priest; it is for Satan’s defiance of truth, that the Scriptures announce…

“The LORD rebuke you Satan.”

Comments Welcome

Those Lyin’ Eyes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Realize the real lies; discern the truth (Jer 8:8–13). #RealEyesRealizeRealLies #DiscernTheTruth #DontBeFooled

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The people of Judah put their swagger on. “We have the Word of the Lord on our side.” But that Word was twisted and misused by lying priest, false prophets and tricky officials. They used God’s Word to suit their own greedy ends. They did this unashamedly.

The leaders were treating the mortal, terminal wounds of sin superficially. They assured the people that, “Ev’thing would be alright.” But it would not be alright. The nation would lose everything. These lying leaders would be cut down and whatever they did have, would be lost. Oh my Lord, what a duty the watchman or woman has to speak the truth and discern truth. Give us leaders who speak the truth.

Tragedy Of The Human Soul

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May God turn our hearts toward a meaningful relationship with him (Jer 7:17-24). #PutFaithInGodAlone #Repent #TurnBackToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God’s people left Egypt, God put in place a system of sacrifices and feasts. These were symbols and reminders to the people of God‘s love, affection and commitment to them. But the people separated the symbol from the meaning. Soon they went about in heartless ritual, and worship. Having lost sight of the richness of the symbols of worship, they made their offerings and sacrifices to other gods as well.

Of course, this did not hurt God. It hurt the people because they no longer sought or followed after the one true God who loved, protected and guided them. The tragedy of not following God is the devastation it brings to the human soul. Thus, we see today in our own culture, the depraved acts of violence and sin, the tragic ends of the soul separated from God. Lord, keep this duty sentry focused on a meaningful relationship with you.

Learn From History

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Learn from the past God’s faithfulness to do what he says he will do (Jer 7:11–15). #BelieveGod #PutFaithInGodAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah‘s message to rebellious Judah was to look to the past for clues in the present. God had destroyed the first site of the Tabernacle of God in Shiloh, because of the rebellion and idolatry of his people. Surely he will not spare the temple in Jerusalem.

The people of Judah should have learned from history and given heed to God’s word. They were warned. Now God was about to do in Jerusalem what he did in Shiloh. This aged sentry may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer. But I am sharp enough to believe God and take him at his word.

America today is in an abyss of sin. She will pay a heavy price for ignoring God; for flaunting her sin. But if she will turn to God he will be merciful. PRAY FOR AWAKENING!

Terror & Crime Watch

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Listen to God and fear not to speak truth and grace into culture (Jer 6:22-26). #repent #TurnNowToGod #TimeIsRunningOut

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

America should learn the lesson of Judah. Part of God‘s judgment on his rebellious people was invasion, terrorism, cruel and merciless violence. People were afraid to travel across town or across the nation. Where is the security? Lawlessness and plunder rule the day. Like a woman giving birth – the pain is intense but no one comes to her aid (note 4:31).

America today stands in these crosshairs of judgment. Will she mourn and weep bitterly for the good times lost? Or will she weep bitter tears of repentance for sin against God? Lord may we have the courage to stand for you, to convey your message of truth and grace. Lord, give my beloved country a spirit of repentance.

Time’s Up

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Listen to God; walk in his way (Jer 6:17-21). #RepentanceForSin #TheOnlySavingPrayer #ListenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The time has run out for Judah (as it did for Israel; the same for Nineveh and Assyria). The watchmen have sounded the alarm. But Judah said, “Naw, not interested.“ They would not take the ancient path of righteousness (v16).

Every nation should take heed to the disaster about to take place on God’s people. It is of their own making – they rejected the word of God and would not listen to him.

God says, “Don’t bother to pray your prayers of hypocritical worship” (“fragrance from incense” is a symbol of prayer – Rev 5:8). Judgment is on the way. Time has run out. The only prayer that will save Judah (or any other nation) is a prayer of sincere repentance towards God.

Attitude Matters

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May your heart be right with God and men as you pray (1Ti 2:8). #AttitudeMattersToPrayer #BeRightWithGodAndMen

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How we come to God in prayer is as important to effective prayer as the prayer itself. Nothing will hinder our prayers more than praying with an unholy attitude – full of sin and self-righteousness (Psm 66:18; Mat 6:5).

Another hindrance to prayer is broken relationships with others – harboring anger, bitterness and unforgiveness towards others (Mat 5:23,24; 1Pe 3:7). Lord, may the heart of this old sentry be right with you and with others as I come to my post in prayer each day.

General Order #1 – Pray For Civil Authorities

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Take seriously your exhortation to pray for civil authorities (1Ti 2:2-6). #PrayForThoseInGovernment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The imperative to pray, especially for civil authorities, is as important today as in Paul’s day. In Paul’s day, as in ours, there were growing threats to not only civil liberties, but also to religious liberties. If men are to live “peaceful, quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity,“ Believers must pray to God for civil leaders.

Prayers ought to be offered for civil authorities that they may understand and believe the truth of the gospel; that real freedom comes from Christ’s death on the cross to free men from sin and death. This is the message God gave to the world. Our general peace and liberty comes as civil authorities embrace God‘s redemptive plan. Jeremiah 29:7 makes the same point.

Lord, I have no more important “General Order” than “to take charge of [my] post and [pray for] all government [leaders] in view.”*

* Taken from Order #1 of Marine General Orders For The Sentry.

Pursue Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Develop a life of prayer and intercession (1Ti 2:1,2a). #PrayWithoutCeasing #PrayForAllMen #PrayForThoseInAuthority

Pray, Petition, Intercede with Thanksgiving

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is a call to pursue the life of prayer – all kinds of prayer. Offer prayers of any general nature, making requests of God for any general need; expressing any desire before God. Offer prayers of a specific nature, interceding for oneself or for others; to interpose, to fall upon God with boldness. Intercession is highly specific and great earnestness. It is Heb 4:16 in action: “Come boldly before the throne of grace.”

Lift prayers and intercessions on behalf of all men with thanksgiving. Pray and intercede especially for rulers, leaders and all those in authority. What an honor to join Jesus and the Holy Spirit, who both intercede for all men (Heb 7:25; Rom 8:26). It is incumbent upon believers to develop a life of prayer and intercession.

“Semper Vigilanti”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May you know the vigilant heart of a “Watchmen“ [prayer sentry] (Isa 62:7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Those appointed “Watchmen“ [prophets, teachers, ministers] over Israel were not to be silent before the people (v6). Nor were they to be silent before God. But they were to be always vigilant in prayer (1Th 5:16). It was and is the duty and privilege of the “Watchmen“ to pray for the extension and glory of the kingdom of God to come.

Watchmen pray with such persistence as to give Jehovah no rest until the completion of the kingdom of God be established. I liken this vigilance as a watchman in prayer to those sentinel figures who stand watch 24/7 over the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. Lord I take my responsibility and privilege as a “Watchmen“ seriously and with sacred dedication.

For an expanded reading on the role of Watchmen and Women see these links in this blog:

The Role Of A Watchman, Pt 1

The Role Of A Watchman, Pt 2

No Silent Sentries

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Engage openly and mightily with God and men as faithful “watchmen“ (Isa 62:6b). #SpeakToMenForGod #SpeakToGodForMen https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.62.6.NKJV

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The watchmen posted by God are to do their job of instructing the people; expressing God’s will in praise, thanksgiving, encouragement and warning. Silence is not an option. One role of the watchmen was to be a continual reminder to the people of the Lord God, so they might not forget God.

The voices of the watchmen, then and today (prophets, teachers and ministers of the most high God), were to be continually engaged with public prayer, praise and instruction. No silent sentries. Lord, this is my job: to speak FOR you into the lives of others and to speak TO you for the same.

For an expanded reading on the role of Watchmen and Women see these links in my blog:

The Role Of A Watchman, Pt 1

The Role Of A Watchman, Pt 2

Standing Watch

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Learn the skill of the faithful watchmen and women (Isa 62:6A; Ezk 33:7). #WatchmenOnTheWall https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.62.6.NKJV

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God says, “O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will never keep silent.“ Barnes’ Notes indicate, “Watchmen were those who were appointed to be instructors of the people (Ezk 33:7)“ They were prophets, teachers and the like – especially the prophet.

These ministers among the people, then and now, hear, see and clearly and understand what the Lord says. They then give a clear expression of God’s word through praise, thanksgiving and words of encouragement or warning (according to the message). Such men and women of faith will always be watching, listening and crying out to God and to man.

Father, I am reminded of my Sentry Standing Orders given as the tag line on this blog:

Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly and Warn Clearly.

For an expanded reading on the role of the watchman see these links posted on this blog

The Role Of A Watchman, Pt 1

The Role Of A Watchman, Pt 2

P.U.S.H.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Come faithfully to God in prayer (Isa 62:1-5). #FaithfulPrayer #PrayWithoutCeasing https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.62.5.NLT

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

O, how the prophet Isaiah prays over God‘s people. He is concerned with more than just condemning their sin. He faithfully roams the hallowed halls of heaven in petition to his God for Israel‘s righteousness and her salvation. He pleads for her commitment to God.

Not only does Isaiah see Israel‘s future and far into the church age, he prays “God‘s will on earth as it is in heaven.” God has called believers into partnership with him. He reveals his will, then we Pray Until Something Happens (P.U.S.H.). Oh Lord, I am renewed in my commitment to intercession. You hear and respond (Psm 145:18,19).