Can’t Outsmart God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Run not from God, but run to him (Jer 46:27,28) #RunToGod #Repent #TurnTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah, having taken Egypt as an ally, will find herself exposed to a new and greater threat. Was she wrong to take Egypt as an ally? No. But thinking she could avoid her judgment by putting her trust and hope in another other than God was foolish thinking.

The prophecies of Judah being overrun by Babylon, are now a certain possibility. God will route Judah and send her into exile for her sin and rebellion against God. But God will eventually return her to her land. This is a promise. Lord, no matter how I try to manipulate my welfare, you always work things out to your glory and my greater good.

A Cup Running Over

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Come quickly in humble repentance and surrender to God (Jer 25:15,16) #TheCupOfJudgment #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the closing days of the reign of Jehoiakim of Judah, Jeremiah pronounces judgment on the nations. God will use godless nations to bring judgment on his people for their sin and indifference towards God. But the godless shall not escape the judgment of God for their sin, pride and arrogance. They too, will be devastated, some never to rise again.

God’s anger with the nations is like a cup filled to the brim and running over. None will escape judgment – save only those who turn in repentance to God from the road of sin they travel (v5).

AMERICA SHOULD HEED THE WORDS OF JUDGMENT SPOKEN BY JEREMIAH

NO ONE IS SBOVE THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS OF GOD.

Lord, the life of this old sentry was changed forever when I turned off the road of sin I was traveling and got onto your “highway of holiness” (Isa 35:8,9). *

ALL PRAISE TO THE LORD

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* See my testimony blog post: Window of Opportunity

“Cancel Culture”, 600 B.C. – Alive & Well

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be discerning of the voices around you (Jer 26:20-24). #CoolHeadsPrevail #BeDiscerning #StillSmallVoiceOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In contradistinction to king Hezekiah, who led the people to repent at the words of Micah, the prophet (vv18,19), Jehoiakim killed Uriah the prophet for delivering a similar message as Jeremiah to Judah. (Hezekiah was Jehoiakim‘s great great grandfather). “Cancel Culture“ – alive and well in 600 BC. Jehoiakim tracked Uriah down in Egypt, brought him back to Judah, and executed this prophet of God.

Finally, in the case against Jeremiah, Ahikam, who served under godly king Josiah (2Ki 22:12-14) sided with the elder wiser men in the room (v17). The court acquitted Jeremiah. One innocent, prophet killing was one too many (v15). Lord, I cannot always rely on the loudest voices in the room and must listen for the still small voice of God.*

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* See a similar event when hot headed priests planned to kill Peter. A wise and elder Pharisee shed wisdom on their deliberations.

Break Through Fear

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Deny the fear of men and speak boldly for God (Jer 26:12–15). #SpeakTruth #DoNotFearMen #FearGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the trial of Jeremiah, the prophet gives his own defense: 1) he declares the authenticity of his prophetic words, as from God; 2) the destruction of the temple is conditioned on the repentance of the people of Judah; and 3) he declares that killing him would be to execute an innocent man – this would compound the sin of Judah, and seal their fate. What a defense!

I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Luke 12:12. “Do not fear men…do not worry about how to defend yourself…the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say” (read in context, Luke 12:4–12). We may take courage and reverence God above all others. Break through the fear of men or what they can do to you. Stand on the truth. Lord, I know that you will be my defense in time of trouble.

Truth Speak

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Embrace, be faithful and courageous to speak the truth of God (Jer 26:1–11). #SpeakTheTruth #CourageToSpeakForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Standing in front of the temple, Jeremiah spoke the truth of the disaster about to fall on the temple and Jerusalem. He said exactly what God told him to say. When he had finished, the priests, the prophets, and the people present began to taunt him and ridicule him. They wanted to kill him.

When the officials in the palace heard about it, they rushed to the temple and decided to hold court right then and there. They would try Jeremiah for treason – the priests and the prophets were witnesses against him. It is clear that when you speak for God, the message may not be popular. But speak you must! Lord, may I always have courage to speak the truth of God no matter the consequences.

The End of Godlessness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we run from godlessness and rebellion (2Ki 24:17-20 through 25:1-7). #ReturnToGod #RunFromGodlessness #FollowHardAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Nebuchadnezzar had installed Zedekiah as a puppet king in Judah. He was Johoiachin‘s uncle, the third son of godly king Josiah of Judah. He was a godless man, like his brother, the former king, Jehoiakim. His reign will not end well.

After a two year Babylonian siege against Jerusalem, Zedekiah fled the city. Babylonians pursued him and caught him. Zedekiah’s troops deserted him and scattered. Zedekiah and his sons all died unspeakable and cruel deaths at the hands of the Babylonians.

So It was just as Jeremiah said, “These things happened because of the Lord’s anger against the people of Jerusalem and Judah, until he finally banished them from his presence, and sent them into exile” (24:20). Lord, may the heart of the sentry on the wall be kept from the folly of godlessness and rebellion.

Fighting God; Bad Idea

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not delay to repent and follow God (Jer 21:8-14). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ChooseLifeChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason 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]

Jeremiah continues his message to the unrepentant King Zedekiah. There is no way out of the judgment of God for the sin of he and his people. God says, “If you stay and fight the Babylonians, you will die. Surrender and live; that will be your reward.”* God will not put up with sinful disobedience indefinitely (Gen 6:3).

Still, to repent and do good remains an option. Change, do justice to the people, help the oppressed. The king must change, lead the nation to change. God warns again, “I will personally fight against you…punish you for your sinfulness. I will light the fire of judgment.“ Lord, my best options are always to reverence you, humbly repent and seek your face.

______

* God spoke similar words to me on December 28, 1968, in a guard tower over the Saigon River, “You must make a choice. You can of go home in a body bag or you can repent and go home serving me. The choice is yours and the time is now.” I could no longer continue to make a mockery of the faith. I could no longer live with one foot in the Faith and one foot in the world. I could no longer serve two masters. I chose the later, and I never looked back.“

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

Time’s Running Out

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Move with haste to repentance, while there is still time (Jer 21:1–7). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ChooseLife #TimeIsRunningOut

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The days of Josiah have passed. Judah was on a path of destruction as predicted by Huldah the prophetess (2Ki 22:18–20; 2Ch 34:26–28). King Zedekiah shows no sign of repentance but “begs“ Jeremiah to speak with the Lord, that he might deliver Judah from the Babylonians. The following is what God said through Jeremiah.

“Your weapons will be useless against Babylon. I myself [God] will fight against you. I will send plagues. I will hand King Zedekiah over to Babylon. They will show no mercy, pity or compassion”. If God is for us who can stand against us? But if God is against us who can stand before him? Lord, my indifference to sin will only lead to God’s hand of discipline.

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt4

NONE TOO BIG TO FAIL

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be wholehearted in your surrender & devotion to the Lord (Jer 22:24-30). #NoneTooBigToFail #WholeheartedSurrender #WholeheartedDevotion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This is the prophecy and plight of Jehoiachin (verb structure here implies the prophetic). He was as evil/wicked as his father Jehoiakim (2Ki 24:9). Jeremiah delivers God’s word to Jehoiachin. The Lord will abandon him to his enemy the Babylonians. He will die in exile.

“Signet ring” here does not imply some quality of character. God is simply saying, “Even if you were as valuable as a jeweled ring, I would still cast you off.” Why? Because of Jehoiachin’s evil nature. He may as well be “childless.” None of his lineage would ever succeeded him on the throne. There are just simply none too big to fail. That includes my great country, America.

Lord, may my and my nation’s surrender and devotion to you always be wholehearted.

Prosperity Lost

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Honor God in your days of prosperity, while his blessing is upon you (Jer 22:18-23). #HonorGodInProsperity #RememberTheGoodnessOfGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having described the reign of Jehoiakim as godless and self-indulgent (2Ki, 23:34–37; Jer 22:13–17), Jeremiah prophesies his plight. Jehoiakim will go down in ignominy. No one will mourn for him (as they did for his father Josiah).

His body will be ingloriously dragged to the city dump, like a dead animal (a “donkey”). It will be discarded as refuse.

Then, as Judah’s allies are slowly eliminated (by Babylon), Jeremiah tells the people of Judah to mourn for the terrible fate that is about to come upon them. They had been warned of this in their days of prosperity, but they snubbed their nose at God. God is good to remind us of our responsibility as a blessed people and nation (America). Lord, may we turn and honor you before all prosperity is lost.

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt3

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we know genuine repentance from sin individually and as a nation (2Ki 24:1-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jehoiakim was king of Judah at the start of the Babylonian rise to world domination under King Nebuchadnezzar. Judah fell to the Babylonians. The formerly stayed hand of God’s Judgment was now lifted. The promised judgment for the sins of King Manasseh, Jehoiakim’s grandfather were underway (2Ki 21:11–16; 2Ch 34:26-28).

Judah’s alliance with Egypt proved fatal against Babylon. After Egypt fell to the Babylonians, they came after Judah. That ended Jehoiakim‘s reign. How he died is unknown. What we do know is that God keeps his word. Lord, I am reminded that only sincere repentance will stay the hand of God‘s judgment (2Ch 33:12,13; 34:27,28). DO NOT SKIP OVER THESE TWO SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

[Is America impregnable? Are there any nations in our world today that aspire to and are capable of world domination? Has America scoffed at God, disdained his blessings and spurned his hand of mercy? Is America so arrogant to think that she does not need Jehovah God’s hand of protection?]

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt2

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we learn from history, turn quickly to God and know his favor. (Jer 22:6-9). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah, the prophet, continues his prophecy over the rebellious kings and nation of Judah:

The hard reality for God‘s people is, God loves us, but he will severely discipline his own for their sin, disobedience and worship of other gods (who are no–gods). If God is willing to send in the “wreckers“ and dismantle an entire city devoted to him (Jerusalem) and set it afire, what will we today, in America, face for turning our backs on him?

People may one day ask of this great nation America, what was then asked of Jerusalem. “Why did she fall into such disrepair?” The answer will be, because she scoffed at the God who so blessed her and she went after other gods. Lord, teach my heart, remind me of your goodness so that I might not sin against thee.

More to follow.

Jehoahaz Prophecy & Plight

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive to understand the works of God in history and the truth of his word (Jer 22:10–12).

Prophecy leading to the plight of Jehoahaz

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]

This is the word of the Lord, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah. After addressing the leadership in Judah (22:1–9), he prophesies the end and plight of Jehoahaz. Jehoahaz is taken captive by Pharoh Neco. He is deported, exiled, never to return again to Judah (2Ki 23:31-33).

Though the order of these chapters here may be a question, it does not abrogate the truth of God’s word. Lord, may I always seek to understand the works of God in history through your word.

More to follow.

National Reckoning Pt1

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our leaders and people turn to God and know his blessing (Jer 22:1–5; 2Ki 23:31-33). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When Jehoahaz became King of Judah, Jeremiah, the prophet, came to him with a message. It was a simple message for all the kings of Judah:

1) listen to the Lord and may your advisers and the people listen to God;

2) be fair minded, and do what is right;

3) help those who have been cheated and robbed, deliver them from their oppressors;

4) repent of your evil deeds;

5) don’t mistreat the foreigners, orphans and widows in your midst;

6) stop sacrificing, murdering the innocent.

Do these things, and you shall be hailed as a great king. Ignore them and suffer a national reckoning and ignominy. Lord, may the heart of this old sentry and the hearts of our leaders and people be turned to you and know the blessing of God.

More to follow.

Mañana: No Option

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Yield without delay to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (2Ch 34:21). #Repent #TurnFromSin #ConvictionOfSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having heard a reading of the “Book of the Law,“ King Josiah realizes the danger Israel is in because they had not followed God’s prescribed law (Deu 28:15ff). Josiah’s instructions at that point, to the High Priest and other officials, was to go and inquire about the meaning of what had been read to him.

In other words, Josiah said, “Go now and seek counsel from the Prophet. Confirm what had been read to him. Inquire what should be done.” The nearest prophet was Huldah, the Prophetess, who lived near the Temple (v22). Lord, I understand that conviction of sin will lead me to further and quickly inquiry as to what next to do. Do it now, not tomorrow.

Facing Off With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you not be found standing against God’s message or his Messenger (Jer 20:3–6) #ListenToGod #Repent #TurnToGodNow

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Pashhur, Jeremiah‘s Temple priest detractor, is singled out here for judgment on two counts. 1) Standing against God‘s prophet, hindering God‘s message to repent, and 2) falsely prophesying himself the reverse of what God‘s prophet was saying – “Ev’thing will be all right.”

God gives Pashhur a new name (Magor-Missabib, Heb. meaning, “fear round about”). He would be what the name implies. He is destined to be a fright to himself and his supporters. Some will die violent deaths. Others will be carried off into exile and there die (all of which came true under the Babylonian invasions (BC 605–586).

Lord, may it be that I would always honor God’s message and his messenger.

Got Troubles?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you know God’s grace & mercy in times of painful struggles (Jer 20:1–6). #Struggles #GotTroubles?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The day after Jeremiah was arrested, whipped, put in leg irons and locked in torturous stocks; publicly humiliated by Pashhur, he was released. Pashhur was the temple administrator (a priest). He was wrong to do what he did. He was indifferent to Jeremiah’s message. He stood against God in his actions.

[Gamaliel, Paul’s Pharisee mentor, had a thought on this. He intervened for Peter before the Jewish council who intended to kill them (Acts 5:38,39)]

In 50 plus years of ministry I have, at times, felt the backbiting ire, of religious people. It was certainly not to the extent of Jeremih’s pain. But it was enough for me to understand the sorrow and hollow feeling of rejection for simply trying to do the right thing.

In those times, I may not have been perfect in my methods, but I know the intents of my heart were genuinely fixed on doing God’s will (which, by the way, ultimately prevail). Things have been put right with most of those detractors; others, not so much. What I remember in those times is how I learned to rely upon God‘s grace and mercy (Heb 4:16).

Be Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Speak the truth of man’s sin and God’s forgiveness (Jer19:14–20:2). #NoIntimidation #SpeakTheTruth #GospelOfForgiveness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah returns from the city dump of Jerusalem, where he smashed a clay pot before the temple and city leaders. There he prophesied to them the judgment of Judah for her sin (19:1–13).

Upon Jeremiah’s return, he stops in front of the Temple and prophesies the same message of judgment to the people gathered there. For this the Temple authority removes Jeremiah, has him arrested, whipped and put in stocks as a public spectacle.

There will always be naysayers, those who ignore and/or discredit the truth. It may be passive indifference or it may be hostile. The question is always, “How do I handle the truth?” Lord, mat every duty sentry always state the truth of man’s sin and the gospel of forgiveness, no matter the personal cost. May the sentry also be sensitive to the truth him/herself and respond accordingly.

The “Shattering”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not delay to repent of sin (Jer 19:10–13). #DoNotDelayRepentance #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After describing the judgment about to befall Judah, Jeremiah shatters the pottery jar he had brought with him. He shatters it into the city dump, also called “Topheth“ (place of burning – place, where sacrifices were burned to idolatrous, pagan gods). The picture Jeremiah portrays in the shattering act symbolizes what God intends for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. They will be shattered as a people “beyond hope of repair.“

“Topheth“ (the city dump) is where the dead bodies of the coming destruction will be buried, until there is no more room. All the houses of the city, including the palace of Judah‘s kings will become as this dump – defiled and unclean beyond all remedy. There is an incalculable danger in the delay of repentance. Hearts are hardened beyond repair.

Lord, may there be no delay in my heart to daily repent of sin.

Monument To Defiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we repent quickly of sin and obey God to avert judgment (Jer 19:7–9). #NoToDefiance #HighCostOfDefiance.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah points his delegation of Israelite leaders to the city dump (vv1,2). He explains God‘s plan to destroy the city (Holy City, Jerusalem).* Dead bodies will lie everywhere as food for the birds and wild animals. The rubble will be a monument to Israel’s defiance of God.

People who pass by will look with horror, appalled. The city will be cut off from its food supply and the people will resort to cannibalism to survive. They are driven to utter despair. This is no capricious act of God. The people had been warned.** Lord, the horror of judgment may be averted by repentance and obedience to God’s word.

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* History reveals the fulfillment of this prophecy: 586 B.C. and 70 A.D.

** Jer 11:1–8; Lev 26:28-30; Deu 28:53–57; 2Ki 6:24-30; Lam 2:20; 4:10

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.

Judgment Will Roll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not ignore the pleadings of God to repent and turn to him (Jer 18:18–23). #TurnNowToGod #RepentAndTurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While the obstinate people of God and their leaders are saying, “Do not listen to Jeremiah’s thunderous words of repentance,“ Jeremiah is saying to God “Listen to their words of evil” towards him. Jeremiah has warned the people of God’s of coming judgment (vv15–17). Their response is to discredit and kill Jeremiah.

Jeremiah‘s prayer is not one of vengeance, for he has earnestly contended for their souls (14:7-9; 19-22). Jeremiah is now praying for protection, because of his faithfulness to deliver the message. He is also praying that God would now allow his stated judgments for sin to roll down on his unrepentant people. Lord, remove any obstinate way within my heart.

The Coming Storm

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your faces be turned always toward God (Jer 18:16–17). #StormsOfJudgment #RepentTowardsGod #ObserveStormWarnings

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point in Judah’s national life, God vows to desolate the land, just as the people have chosen to desolate their souls. Many will look on in horror. God further vows to scatter his arrogant disobedient people like the dust of a violent dust storm (a common occurrence in Israel).

Because God‘s people have turned their backs on him (2:27), God will turn away his face of favor from them. Now his people will see an amazing thing – they will see God‘s back as they are consumed by the distresses of judgment to come. Will America at some point see God’s back? May she turn in repentance and live. Lord, to ignore you will end in an ultimate demise.

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!

God: First Priority

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Make worship of God your highest priority (Jer 17:19-27). #GodAloneIsWorthyOfOurPraise #LoveGodHeartSoulAndMind #RememberSabbath

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the easiest passages in the prophets to understand and interpret. “Remember to keep Sabbath.“ Go read it – Exodus 20:8-11. The issue was and is, not what day of the week to worship God. The issue was and is, not making time in our hearts to stop and reflect on God‘s goodness.

When we put everything else in our lives ahead of God, we disrespect God. For not listening to God, for disrespecting God, Israel paid a heavy price. Babylon destroyed. Jerusalem and the Israelites spent nearly a century in captivity. They were exhorted to return to the Sabboth worship of God under Nehemiah (Neh 13:15–22). I am reminded of the importance of keeping God the highest priority in my life.

Determined to Stand

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust in God when people ignore and scoff at your message (Jer 17:14-18). #TrustInGod #StandWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah offers a prayer of lament. He has faithfully carried out God’s mission to call Israel to repentance. But, the people scoff at him. They chide, “Why don’t your predictions come, true?“ The people were arrogant in their treatment of God‘s prophet.

But Jeremiah was undeterred and stood his ground. He then prays not for repentance, but that the Lord would justify him, stand with him. He prays that God would, “bring the predicted day of terror on this people. May it be doubly destructive.“ Lord, may I stand faithful, to do whatever task you call me to; trusting you for the results.

The Partridge & Ill-gotten Gain

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Exalt Jehovah God as the undisputed Lord of your life (Jer 17:11-13). #GodHighAndLiftedUp #ThereIsNoGodLikeJehovah

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The principle of judgment is explained here – so there is no misunderstanding. Consider the rich man who acquires his wealth unjustly. He is like a Partridge, who hatches eggs she did not lay. When the baby birds learn to fly, they take their flight never to roost again with their “nanny mother.“ Just so, ill gotten gain shall eventually “take flight“ and leave the wealthy man in poverty.

Those who turn to God will be blessed (v7). All others will be forsaken. Their names will disappear, leaving no trace of them (v13). The solution to judgment is to humbly worship at the throne of God, who is eternal, exalted, and glorious (v12). Lord, I am called upon by you to enthrone, the Lord Christ as the exalted one, high, and lifted up in my life.

Heart Problem

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Choose to nurture a heart for God (Jer 17:9,10). #HeartProblem #DeceitfuHeart #YourRewardYourChoice #WickedHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah goes to the heart of man’s problem. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. In the heart of man resides a soul that is deceitful. It is deceitful beyond all other things. He calls the heart (the soul of the man) desperately wicked.

There is nothing to which the heart will not stoop. No one knows the evil it is capable of doing. But God knows the depravity of man’s heart, through to its darkest secrets (Jhn 3:18-21). Man is cursed (v5) or blessed (v7) according to the choices he makes. Lord, I choose you. You are my Hope and confidence.

Stone Cold Sinners

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the great nation of America turn from her sin before it is too late (Jer 17:1-4). #SendRevival #SendAwakening #TurnToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah’s sin had gone unchecked for so long the hearts of the people had become impervious to counsel, change or repentance – they were “stone cold“ sinners. Even the children worshiped at pagan alters and were exposed to godless rituals. Judah’s idolatrous worship went on in all the high and fertile places. Clearly an affront to Jehovah God (Psm 95:4).

For Judah’s affronting sin – going after pagan gods in wanton fashion – God determines to hand his people and their prized land [Jerusalem] over to the pagan nation of Babylon. He would send his people into captivity.

America today has become just as hardened toward God as Judah. God will judge America; far more devastatingly than 9/11. She is on the very cusp of calamitous judgment.

It is hard to see America becoming as “stone cold” a nation as the people of Judah had become. Lord, I am pleading for a far reaching revival in the church and a spiritual awakening of national proportions.

Unbridled Compassion

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust the unfailing, limitless love and forgiveness of God (Psm 103:11-18). #UnfailingLoveAndForgiveness #UnbridledCompassion

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Speaking of the fear of God, the Psalmist gives us a window into the nature of God’s character. He is more like a loving, compassionate father than a cruel uncaring tyrant (v10). God’s unfailing love (unbridled compassion) has no limits. He is able to discern between the sin and the person. Fear in this sense is to revere, honor, and respect God as one would a father.

God also knows our weakness as compared to his vast power. To be a compassionate dad is to know the limits of one’s power. Unbridled power is hurtful, not helpful. God bridles his Justice (v10). He unbridles his compassion. So, we are able to honor and obey without limits. Lord, you are gracious and compassionate towards me, your oft disobedient child.