Speak Up

(Ezk 33:7-9)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Faithfully speak for God as he gives utterance. (Ezk 33:7-9). #StandYourPost #ThePrayerSentry #ObeySentinalOrders #HearYeHereYe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God applies the watchman‘s responsibilities to Ezekiel specifically. He is to announce to the people that the wicked will die if they do not repent. If he fails to warn them and they die in their sins, God will hold Ezekiel personally responsible.

But if Ezekiel warns them and they don’t repent and they die in their sins, they will be accountable. But you Ezekiel, will have saved yourself. Lord, I have no less responsibility, may I “SPEAK UP” and sound clear warnings as God gives me utterance.

Babylon “Desert Storm”

(Ezk 32:1/,12; Chs 29-32)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Humbly seek God alone (Ezk 32:11,12). #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I could spend many days pouring over four chapters of God’s Babylonian judgment on Egypt. However, a search to learn why God would spend so much time explaining these judgments satisfies my understanding:

Egypt’s deeply hurtful, enslavement and oppression of Israel for 400 years;
her extreme pride and self-aggrandizement;
her broken alliance with Israel against Babylon; and
her deeply troubling idolatry.

These judgments are a powerful statement of God‘s sovereignty over the nations. It also serves as a reminder to Israel of the one true God who birthed her and provides for her (29:6,7,9,16,21; 30:8,19,26; 32:28). Lord, may my heart remain humble as I seek you alone.

Seeking a Heart of Mercy

(Ezk 29:17-21)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

May we look for ways to reach out to those who reject God (Ezk 29:17-21). #Judgment #ShowMercy #ShowGrace

God speaks to Ezekiel, revealing that it is Babylon who would be his instrument in the destruction of Egypt. Ezekiel even dates this prophecy. Babylon swept through the region bringing judgment on the wickedness of Tyre, Egypt, and Judah. Later God would also destroy Babylon by Cyrus, king of the Persians.

With all this destruction and war it is easy to become cynical, even cheer God on as he destroys his enemies. But I am reminded that it gives God no pleasure to destroy the wicked (Ezk 18:31,32). He would much rather they humbly turn to him and serve him. Lord, may I have a heart of mercy towards those who reject you.

Loch Ness of the Nile

(Ezk 29:1-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we never think too highly of ourselves (Ezk 29:1-10). #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

EZEKIEL’S FOREBODING PROPHECY OVER EGYPT:

Four words that should send chills up your spine: when God says, “I am your enemy!“ Such were the words of God to the Pharaoh and the people of Egypt. Pharaoh had made of himself a god. He claimed the Nile River was made by him and for himself.

God calls Pharaoh the “monster of the Nile“ (Loch Ness of the Nile). God is about to drag this monster onto dry land and strand him there, food for predators. Egypt will become a wasteland. She will know that Jehovah God rules. Lord, I’m reminded that pride and self-aggrandizement will end in disaster.

Taking Full Credit

(Jer 31:29,30)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Take full responsibility for your sin; repent (Jer 31:29-30) #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I cannot pass off God‘s righteous judgment as unjust; that someone else’s sin is somehow to blame for my foolish disregard for God. God had brought judgment against Judah. She was paying the price for her sin, not the sin of her ancestors.

Sin does have the far reaching consequences. But I am never the target of righteous judgment because of someone else’s sin. I am responsible for my thoughts, my words and my actions before God. Lord, may I not ignore your righteous judgment in my life.

No Turning Back

(Jer 31:15-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust that a God will do all he says he will on your behalf (Jer 31:16-22). #TrustGod #SurrenderToGod #FollowGodAlone #NoTurningBack

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I have lived the words of this passage. [if you have not read this passage, I beg you to read it carefully]

The Lord had brought severe discipline in my life. I had turned from the God of my childhood. I had foolishly taken a path that led to shame and dishonor.

I was now “exiled” ten thousand miles away from home and all that was familiar to me. I was in the war torn land of Vietnam and God showed up in my guard tower over the Saigon River.

It was December 28, 1968. While I was standing watch God began to break my heart for the life I’d been living, the sins I’d committed. I knew things had to change. In my brokenness, I was repentant. I pleaded for God to turn my heart back to him and restore me.

God said, “You’re still my son. I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have repeatedly disciplined you, but you have ignored me. I still love you. I will have mercy on you. But you must choose here and now who you will serve and wander no longer. I am going to do a new thing in your life. But this is your last call.“ He said a few other things to me as well.

I surrendered fully to God in the morning watch. The pathway back to God was well marked. I never wandered again from following him. He has been my faithful Savior and friend. He has been faithful to his promise.

Lord, many decades have passed since that night in 1968. I’ve never forgotten our conversation. Though I deserve nothing, you have done and continue to do incredible new things in and through me. I am eternally grateful to you Lord.

__________

You can find an expanded version of my testimony on this blog: https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

The Pain of Sin

(Jer 31:15)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain truly open to repentance for sin (Jer 31:15). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My study reveals that “Rachel”, Jacob’s wife, was symbolic of the northern tribes of Israel. Because of Israel’s deep and dark sin, Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians. “Ramah“ was a staging area for deportation of the Hebrew captives (Jer 40:1). Further, very many of Rachel‘s offspring populated Ramah. And Rachel was buried in Ramah.

Rachel would have wept bitterly at the sin of Israel and the ultimate demise of her children. This verse is quoted (Mat 2:18) to describe a similar anguish of mothers in the town of Bethlehem. King Herod slaughtered all the male Jewish children under the age of two in a crazed attempt to destroy Jesus.

Lord, may my heart be broken daily at the high cost and consequences of sin.

Reaping A Whirlwind

(Jer 30:23,24; 3:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our actions reap honor and not judgment (Jer 30:23,24 & 31:1). #ComeCleanWithGod #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah posts this brief reminder that God‘s judgment will be like a driving whirlwind on the heads of the wicked. It will not stop until God has finished what he planned. Eventually, all will thoroughly understand God‘s actions and intentions.

Nevertheless, Israel, well once again lay claim to honor towards Jehovah God, and he will lay claim to them. Reconciliation and restoration will be the end result. Israel will once again flourish. Lord, may my actions reap honor and not a whirlwind of judgment.

Hope In God’s Word

(Jer 30:18-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Have faith in the truth of God’s word (Jer 30:18-22). #TrustGod’sPlan #Prophecy

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah leaves room here for a future and a hope. Though God‘s people have been in captivity, in exile for sin, they will return home again. But not as soon as the false prophets predicted (Jer‬ ‭29‬:‭8‬-‭11). It would be 70 years in Babylon. Then a return happened under Ezra, Nehemiah and Zerubbabel.

There would be joy, singing, and thanksgiving. God’s people would prosper again. The nation would arise from the rubble. They would honor God again and he them. All of these things have happened. More is yet to come. Lord, my heart takes hope and courage in the fulfillment of prophecy.

“The Lady Doth Protest!”

(Jer 30:15)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we have the courage to admit our sin and change (Jer 30:15). #ComeCleanWithGod #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“The lady doth protest too much!” This famous line Is from the Shakespearean play Hamlet is spoken by a nefarious queen. The meaning of the line revolves around the idea that someone who denies something vehemently, most certainly must be hiding the truth.

For Judah’s protest, it means that she too is hiding the truth. But God knows very well the truth. And so God’s discipline is exact for her crimes.

She should have been asking [I should be asking], “How can I profit from my mistakes?“ I Come clean with the truth, honor God, repent and change.

Lord, may I have the courage to admit my sin and change my way.

The Aide, Our Aid

(Jer 30:12-17)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek God‘s aid for spiritual healing, (Jer 30:12-17). #TrustGod’sPlan #Prophecy #God’sCorrection #HolyDiscipline #SpiritualAid

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Israel (Judah) would be deeply wounded with no apparent aid or healing in sight. This is the result of her great sin and rebellion against God. Neither would any ally come to her aide. But in due time, God would aide Israel; devour and strike all of her enemies, sending them Into exile.

Israel‘s demise would be reversed and her wounded condition, which seemed hopeless, would be given treatment, aid and healing.

Though God himself inflicts wounds of discipline, He will also be the source of healing and restoration. Lord, thank you for your long-suffering with this old sentry.

Hope Through Discipline

(Jer 30:10,11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Know the hope of restoration through God‘s correction (Jer 30:10,11). #TrustGod’sPlan #Prophecy #God’sCorrection #HolyDiscipline

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The utter destruction of Israel and Judah is predicted (and accomplished). But God says to take hope. Be encouraged. The justice for their sin would be complete and all encompassing. God is justified in his actions. But the judgment is remedial, temporary. It is for the purpose of correction, redemption.

Further, God promises to bring judgment upon every nation who has participated in Israel’s destruction due to their own evil intentions. But the promise to Israel is that she will one day return to her homeland. There she will find rest and peace. No discipline is fun. But it will bring the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:11).

Lord, may I respond to your correction with repentance, hope and gratitude.

God Speaks; It’s Done

(Jer 30:1-7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in reliance and trust in God’s sovereign will and plan (eg. JER 30:1-7). #TrustGod’sPlan #FullyRelyOnGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Through the voice of Jeremiah, God makes it clear that though Israel and Judah will live through terrifying times, the nation, as one, will survive. Because of sin and rebellion, the land of Israel and the holy city of Jerusalem will be lost, the people dispersed throughout the world. However, God will restore the nation of Israel.

Make no mistake, recovery of the nation of Israel and its people will not be a coincidence of history. It is a matter of prophetic utterance and record (v1,2). God is sovereign and in view of history we see his hand at work, even today, to restore his people to their land. Lord, may I trust and rest in your sovereign will and plan.

High Cost of Rebellion

(Jer 34:1-6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk always in deep surrender to God (eg. Jer 34:1-6).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While Ezekiel, in Babylon, is speaking oracles of judgment over Jerusalem and the nations surrounding her, Jeremiah is speaking words of judgment over king Zedekiah in Jerusalem. It is not a happy ending for this rebellious king.

At the time these words were being spoken, Babylon was laying siege to Jerusalem. She would be utterly destroyed. Zedekiah would be removed and exiled to Babylon. There he would die. He refused to repent and turn back to God. He faced absolute certain demise. The price of arrogance and rebellion against God is so very high.

Lord, may my life be characterized by deep and heartfelt surrender to you.

Exalt the Giver, Not the Gift

(Ezk 28:11-19)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our focus ever be on the giver of favor (God), not the gifts of favor (eg. Ezk 28:11-19). #JesusHighAndLiftedUp #ExaltTheLivingKing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This has always been a fascinating passage to me.

Ezekiel describes the nature of king of Tyre. He was apparently so evil and arrogant that God paints a picture of him as Satan himself; a man motivated totally by evil. In this description we are given a look behind the curtain of the unseen world, and the one who leads it, Satan (Eph 6:12).

Satan was a creature created by God and was in the garden; more cunning than any other animal in the field (Gen 3:1). This creature was beautifully adorned. He was an highly appointed angelic guardian (see Ezk 1:13; 10:1-9, et al) with access to God (Zec 3:1; Job 1:6,7).

But this created being of God was banished from his high place because of pride (Isa 14:12-15; 2Pe 2:4; 1Ti 3:6; Rev 12:9). The fate of the king of Tyre was the same as that of Satan.*

Lord, may my focus ever be on God alone, high, and lifted up; he must increase, I must decrease (Jhn 3:30).

_________

* if God chooses to favor you in some special way, remember, it’s not because you’re so bright, but because God is so sovereign. He can humble you in short order. Your special gift is for his glory and purposes, not your own.

Judgment of the Nations

(Ezk 25:3 )

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender to the righteousness of God in Christ (eg. Ezk 25:3). #GodImpartialJudge #BlessedAreNationsWhoServeGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

For eight chapters in Ezekiel (25-32) the Prophet will pronounce judgment on the nations around Israel and other adversaries. These chapters show God’s impartiality over sin. These were nations who rejoiced in or contributed to the downfall and suffering of Israel and Judah.

The nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon and Egypt are indicted for their idolatry, pride, crimes, and derision of God‘s people. God‘s justice extends to all those who rebel and stand against God. Lord, you show that there are none righteous; all are in need of grace.

May I Speak Freely?

(Ezk 24:25-27)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God be glorified in your limitations (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:25-27). #God’sStrengthForMyWeakness #GodBeGlorified

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This prophetic segment ends on an historic note. When the attack on Jerusalem had been carried out, Ezekiel would be notified. At that point, he would be allowed to speak freely again. Ezekiel had been struck dumb for some seven years, speaking only messages from God.* Imagine how isolated he felt. But this too was a sign of God‘s judgment and mighty works.

There are times when God may temporarily (or permanently) set limitations in our lives. He does it for his glory, purposes and effects (Apostle Paul experienced something similar 2Co 12:17). It is by grace alone that the man or woman of God comes to rely totally on him to overcome.

Lord, grant me the grace to live overcoming weakness in your strength alone.

_________

* History records that Ezekiel was unable to speak, except when his tongue was loose by God to deliver God‘s message to the people (note 3:26,27 – the beginning of his prophetic ministry; approx. 593 BC). Ezekiel would be allowed to speak freely again when a fugitive survivor from Jerusalem reported its final destruction to Ezekiel and the exiles in Babylon (note 33:21,22 – approx. 586 BC).

Danger In Delay

(Ezk 24:18-24)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not delay, postpone, repentance towards God (‭‭Ezk‬24:18-24). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Ezekiel‘s wife died and he showed no public display of mourning, the Jews with him in Babylonian captivity asked him what it meant to the nation. Ezekiel explains the message from God to them.

When Jerusalem is destroyed and they hear of their son’s and daughter’s deaths, they will not mourn publicly. The magnitude of the nation’s destruction would be so shocking that it would dwarf any outpouring of grief. They would, however, groan deeply over their sin and would finally return to God.*

Lord, may I never find myself this far away from God.

___________

* Notes gleaned from The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament; editors – John F Walvoord and Roy B Zuck, Victor Books, Division of Scripture Press,1985 (pg. 1275).

Obedience Over Feelings

(Ezk 24:15,16)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Choose obedience over feelings (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15-21). #ObedienceOverFeelings #HardChoices #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel has paid a high price to be God‘s spokesman. He has been obedient. Now he is asked by God to prophesy his own wife’s death to the people (they must have been aghast). He does so in the morning and by evening, his wife had died.

What’s the point? It symbolized the sudden destruction of Jerusalem, and all its people. Just as Ezekiel had lost the delight of his life, so the exiles would lose their delight, Jerusalem, and all their loved ones in that city. Lord, may I be obedient when asked to do hard things.

Time’s Up!

(Ezk 24:10-14)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Repent and return to God while there is still time (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:10-14). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #Time’sUp

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The people of God’s own choosing (corrupt & rebellious) will experience the fires of his judgment. The city of Jerusalem itself (the “iron pot”) will also know the white hot fires of judgment and cleansing.

God had given his people every opportunity for cleansing and renewal, but they resisted. God’s mercy prolongs his judgment. But times of judgment for unrepented sin will come (2 Peter 3:8-10ff). If America resists God’s call to repent and return to him, she too will know God’s judgment.

Lord, I am reminded of my need to repent and turn to you at every opportunity.

A Long Way Gone

(Ezk 24:7-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Will you plead for revival & awakening (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:7-10)? #Repent #TurnNowToGod #revival #Awakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage points back to 22:1-16). I am rereading that passage. It is nauseating to read this description of sin and depravity among God’s people. The reference to blood spilt on the rocks and not the sand or ground reveals that there is not even a hint of covering up their depravity. They are a long way gone.*

So it will be that God‘s judgment will be just as clearly seen by all men. God‘s wrath on unrepentant sin is now a full-blown fire, consuming those who felt they were so safe. Oh Lord, my heart, my heart, is so prone to wander a long way. Lord, my soul aches for revival, renewal and awakening.

__________

* Red Steagall sings A Long Way From Montana; song about a Texas cowboy who lost his innocence out on the trail.

A long way it is from Montana

To west Texas whether by hoof or by rail

To innocence lost somewhere out on

The trail

And my heart is lonesome and longing

my heart hears a boyhood hymn calling

From a church down the valley comes this

Old refrain

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling..come home, come home.

YES, IT CAN BE A LONG WAY FROM WHERE WE HAVE FALLEN. BUT NOT AS FAR AS FROM OUR KNEES TO THE GROUND.

Take It To The Bank

(Ezk 24:1,2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Have faith in the teachings and prophecies of God‘s word (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:1,2). #God’sWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Zedekiah took the final steps of geo-political rebellion and sealed Jerusalem‘s fate (2Ki 25:1-7). He broke his vows to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and foolishly rebelled. All the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel were now in play. The siege, destruction and demise of Jerusalem was underway.

Amazingly, Ezekiel is informed of this the very day of the attack, January 15, 588 BC. Ezekiel, hundreds of miles away, is notified of the attack by God himself. God makes it a point for Ezekiel to write it down. Take it to the bank, the third and final attack of Babylon will end the earthly reign of the southern kingdom of Judah. Ezekiel, Jeremiah and other prophets had predicted this.

Lord, these writings and prophecies, which all came true, gives me every reason to believe in the teachings and prophecies (yet to unfold) of God‘s word.

The Righteous & The Mob

(Ezk 23:45-49)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Name no other righteousness than Christ alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:45-49). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #FalseWorship #PrayForAmerica #Idols #Idolatry #Judgment

Godless Hordes Destroy
Jerusalem (586 BC)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How shall these rebellious people of God be judged? ANS: by the righteous (v45,49) and the mob [hordes; armies] (vv 46-49). The “righteous“ are likely the prophets of old, functioning as “elders“ (eg. Deu 21:18-21). “Death by stoning” mentioned in v47 was the usual penalty for adultery (Lev 20:10,27).

The “mob“ mentioned here are the godless hordes of “carousing enemies of the wilderness” (v42) with whom these two twisted sisters had committed spiritual adultery (forging alliances and worshiping their pagan gods). Lest the godless expect mercy, Ezekiel closes with a dyer warning (v48).

Lord, dare I claim any righteousness of my own? But Jesus alone is my righteousness. (Psm 24:3-6).

The Party’s Over

(Ezk 24:3-6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Avoid defiance, open rebellion, against God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:3-6). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

An iron cooking pot comes into view for the second time (note Ezekiel 11:2-12). Those still in Jerusalem after Babylon‘s first exile of God‘s people considered themselves the spiritual elite. They thought of themselves as “meat in an iron pot” (Jerusalem), safe and untouchable.

But here, the “SAFE“ city of Jerusalem (iron pot) will no longer be a refuge. A raging fire will be set under her and destroy these “elite“ rebels within her. Everyone in Jerusalem was corrupt. This spelled apocalyptic doom in God‘s closing judgment.

Lord, in your mercy and wisdom, you will not allow this old warrior to continue in any unrepentant sin.*

_________

* “First John 5:16 puts forward the biblical concept of a sin leading to death. This is seen in Acts 5:1–10 and 1Co 11:30). The “sin unto death” is willful, continuous, unrepentant sin.

There comes a point when God can no longer allow a believer to continue in unrepentant sin. He may decide to take the life of the stubbornly sinful believer. The “death” is physical death not a spiritual one.

[My interpretation of this is that God would rather have the rebellious believer in heaven in his/her worst condition than to allow that one to go on bringing disrepute on the kingdom of God]

Further reading on this topic: https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-unto-death.html

Twisted Sisters (Pt3)

(Ezk 23:36-44)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Cultivate a heart that is wholly devoted to God alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:36-44). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #FalseWorship #PrayForAmerica #Idols #Idolatry

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These words of Ezekiel could not have been more shameless regarding the twin cities, the capital cities of Samaria in Israel and Jerusalem in Judah. A parable of twisted sisters: they committed spiritual adultery and murder.

They worshiped pagan idols and reveled in these practices. They sacrificed beautiful innocent children in the fires of Baal. Then they went to to the temple to “worship“ Jehovah God. This was detestable and a defilement before God.

I can’t help but think of we who live ungodly lives all week long, then come to church to “worship” on Sunday. Such life styles offend God. OMG, my heart is deeply disturbed reading this passage at my own propensity towards spiritual drift.

Lord, give me a heart that is wholly devoted to you.

Are You Tear Resistant?

(Ezk 23:35)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Resist anything that sets God aside and captures your heart’s devotion, (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:35). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #FalseWorship #PrayForAmerica #Idols #Idolatry

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel 23:22–34 predicts the third and final wave of destruction of Jerusalem. Judah will cease to exist as a nation (586 BC). Verse 35 explains again the reason for Jerusalem‘s judgment. She had put God behind her in favor of foreign pagan idols.*

Bringing this home to me, it reveals my propensity towards other gods: money, possessions, self-achievement, entertainment, sex, technology, power, food, idolized relationships, comfort, political ideology; just to name a few.

Lord, may I be resist things that tear me away from you, capturing my heart’s trust, love and devotion.

__________

* Deuteronomy chapters 13 & 28:49-68 had warned God’s people against this centuries earlier .

God, Jealous?

(Ezk 23:25)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our hearts burn hot & unapologetically against sin (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:25). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #SpeakTheTruth #StandAgainstSin #PrayForAmerica

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel 23:22-34 is a repetition of God‘s judgment on Judah. She followed the same detestable path as Israel. But verse 25 reveals God‘s state of mind – “JEALOUS”.

Years ago I heard a preacher say, “Some say the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath; the God of the New Testament is a God of love. Not so,” he said. “He is always a God of love provoked by his adulteress people to jealousy.“ [read Exodus 20:5,6]

The question for me is, do I identify with God over sin (does it break my heart?) or am I just comfortable with sin all around me? Lord, may I have a heart that burns for righteousness.

Twisted Sisters (Pt2): Righteous Beware

(Ezk 23:11-21)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

WALK consistently in CLOSE harmony with God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:11-21). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #LetTheRighteousBeware

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel does not paint a pretty picture of Judah (the younger sister in this parable). It is downright lude. Even though Judah saw the depravity and destruction of Israel (older sister), she dove deeply into even greater idolatry with even more lust than her “sister”.

Her alliance with Assyria brought severe spiritual degradation. Other alliances with Babylon and Egypt further degraded her. God, in his extreme disgust at her depravity, turned away from her, rejected her. The imagery is unimaginable. May the righteous beware. I know that on any given day, I may be just as vulnerable to a fall.

Lord, may there never be any daylight in the relationship between you and me.

Twisted Sisters (Pt1)

(Ezk 23:5-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we seek God while we still may (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:5-10). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #AmericaRepent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the parable of the two sisters, Ohola, the older (representing the northern Kingdom of Israel) went whoring after the Assyrian might in an alliance. In her twisted thinking, Israel left her dependence on Jehovah God for victory and prosperity to unite with the godless Assyrians.

Israel also served/worshiped Assyrian gods. She traded the truth for a twisted lie. God abandon her to her sin filled ways (as in Rom 1:24-26). Israel was stripped of her national identity and found herself in rubbles.* Lord, may I seek you while the seeking is still possible (Isa 55:6,7).

_________

* Hosea also condemned Israel for her adulterous ways and prophesied her downfall: Hosea 5:8-15; 7:11,12 & 8:8-10.

A Disloyal Passion

(Ezk 23:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn your heart’s love/loyalty to God alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:1-4). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the second of three oracles by Ezekiel. It is spoken by God as a parable. It regards to two sisters, both of whom had gone the way of prostitution in Egypt. The one named Ahola (the older), represented Samaria (capital citi of the northern kingdom, Israel). The second named Ohlibah, represented Jerusalem (capital city of the southern kingdom, Judah).

The two sisters’ Origen: their story begins in Egypt, the place from which God delivered them (his people) out of slavery. These two sisters showed their unfaithful and ungrateful heart towards God by their disloyal passion for idolatry.* Lord, reveal any idolatrous, adulterous way in me, that I may turn from it in loyal love to you.

_____

* For a full explanation of the disloyal idolatry of these two sisters (God’s people) in Egypt, read Ezekiel 20.