Scorched Earth

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

Walk in awe and reverence for a holy God (Heb 12:28,29). #ScorchedEarth #Judgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Some have spoken of a “scorched earth“ military policy, or they speak from an environmental point of view. But we have seen nothing like a scorched earth that God, who is a “consuming fire,“ will bring against a godless humanity.

When Christ returns, all of creation (the heavens, the earth and sea) will be done away (Isa 51:5,6; Psm 102:25-28; Heb 1:10-12). This world is not eternal. It will be consumed by the righteous fire of God. The godless will not survive. Only those who have put their faith in Christ will survive (note: Isa 33:1–24; especially vv 14,15). Lord, I dare not ignore the consuming righteous nature of God in my life.

Unshakable

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

Oh, that you might listen to God and obey (Heb 12:25–28). #ListenToGod #RevereAndObeyGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A final warning is issued by our writer. God rules from above heaven and earth (Psm 113:4–6). Listen to God’s voice. Don’t do as the ancient Hebrews did. Though God’s voice thundered, they ignored his voice (3:7-12). They did not escape judgment.

When God spoke from Mount Sinai, the earth quaked. The promise here is that when God speaks again (and he will) “everything that can be shaken (heaven and earth – all things created) will be shaken”…destroyed. All that will remain is that which is UNSHAKEABLE – God’s word, God’s salvation and God’s kingdom. Lord, I am listening. May the nations listen to your voice and turn to you before it is too late.

The Fruit of Discipline

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Respond by faith to God’s discipline (Heb 12:5–11). #WhomGodLovesHeDisciplines #GodDisciplinesForOurGood

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At times we endure suffering at the hands of evil men, just as Christ did. But at other times we endure hardship because of our own disobedience toward God. Like a loving Father, God will discipline his children’s bad behavior.

God’s discipline proves his love for us. His discipline is always for our good, to lead us back into holiness. Discipline is not an enjoyable event, but after it is over, it leads to a good harvest of right living – that is, living according to God‘s will and purposes (1Pe 4:16–19). Father, your discipline in my life has always resulted in good fruit.

Redemption’s Result

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:

Be assured your redemption is secure; Satan is defeated (Heb 10:12-14). #SatanIsDefeated #ChristIsVictorious #BelieversVictorious

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The one (and final) sacrifice for the cleansing of all sin, “perfects“ the believer’s position before God forever. The work of Christ at the cross is finished and for the believer, has the continuing result of cleansing from all sin, to this day and beyond.

All the enemies of Christ will one day become his footstool. The supreme enemy, Satan, will one day be forever vanquished and no longer rule on earth. Christ will stomp the Devil’s head and he will be forever defeated (Gen 3:14,15). This gives every believer the assurance of victory in their own lives (Rom 16:20). Lord, I look to Christ’s victory as my victory.

The Last Sacrifice

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

May your devotion reflect the deepest levels of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice (Heb 10:11,12). #FinalSacrifice #SinDefeatedChristExalted

Asian of Narnia: Pictures the Ultimate Sacrifice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It could not be more clear. Under the Old Covenant, priests in the Tabernacle–Temple came day after day before God, making the same sacrifices for sin. It was not, nor would it ever be, enough. But our High Priest, Jesus Christ, made the LAST SACRIFICE for sin. Aslan of Narnia vividly pictured Christ’s sacrifice.

In one selfless act, Christ offered himself as the final and eternal cleansing agent for all of man’s sin. The Ceremonial Law became obsolete (the Moral Law – 10 Commandments – is still in play. It defines sin). But now the New Covenant in Christ’s blood-sacrifice cancels the judgment and condemnation of sin for all those who believe.

My Lord, you have freed this old sentry from the power and penalty of sin.

O, The Blood Of Jesus…washes white as snow.

100% Accepted

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

100% Receive the 100% promise of sin forgiven & remembered no more (Heb 10:1-4). #100%ForgivenAccepted

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God had a purpose in the use of animals sacrificed in the confession of sin. It was to remind men of his mercy, grace and love for his people (Psm103:8-12). But instead the repeated sacrifices became a morbid ritual and reminder of how wicked was/is the heart of man. The people felt alienated from rather than accepted by God. Their sacrifices became a means to buy their forgiveness.

It is the same today – except that the sacrifice of Christ has been made once and for all time. Our sin Is washed away and the sinner is cleansed from all unrighteousness. Sin is forgiven and remembered no more. It is the enemy (Satan) who wishes to dredge up all our old sin and bring condemnation (Zech 3:2,3; Jhn 10:10). But “there is now therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

Lord, you have accepted me 100%; my sin is forgiven and remembered I more.

No “Future Shock”

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CURUCH AND NATION

May you determine early to trust Christ the Savior and Lord (Heb 9:27,28). #NoFutureShock #LiveDieJudgment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Two things we can count on: Death & Judgment. In thinking about the future I am reminded again of its finality. The ultimate future for every person is not his/her career, financial security, marriage, success, education or family. It is DEATH. Every life culminates there. After that comes our JUDGMENT. We will face Christ, the one who died for our sins.

Only one question remains for us at the moment of judgment, “Have you trusted Christ as Savior and Lord?“ The answer to that question will determine our eternal future. For me that answer is, “Yes.“ I am eagerly awaiting Christ’s return or my own intervening journey into the eternal. There will be for me, no “future shock.“ Lord, my future is in your hands. I put my trust in you for my future destiny.

Sacrificed For a World In Sin

PRAYER FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your heart and love for Christ grow exponentially for his sacrifice for sin (Heb 9:13,14,24–28). #ChristTheLambSacrificedForMan #TheBloodOfChristSaves

The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The difference between an animal sacrifice for sin and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is twofold. The sacrifice of animals was temporary; daily, weekly and annually multiple sacrifices were made. Second, the animals had no choice in the sacrifice. They did not know it was coming nor why.

But Jesus chose to die. He shed his blood for the cleansing and forgiveness of sin. His life was not taken. He gave it up willingly. This was the final and perfect sacrifice. No more sacrifices need be made. Christ’s death on Calvary removes all sin once and for all (1Pe 1:18-21). It does not overlook our sin. It acknowledges it as a dark blot before God and receives for all, sin’s judgment – DEATH.

Lord, may my love for you grow exponentially every day for suffering my judgment for sin.

Victorious Salvation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Live in the victory of sin eternally forgiven through Christ (Heb 9:11–15). #ChristIsOurVictory #VictoryOverSinAndDeath #VictoryInJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“But Christ“…“So now Christ,“ have a ring of victory. Those words signal a change. The “rituals” of the Old Covenant are replaced with a “relationship” of righteousness with Christ. The death of Jesus on the cross was the final sacrifice for sin. His blood was spilled at Calvary. Our sin has been judged and atoned for.

Those who receive God‘s forgiveness may now enter freely into worship of the living God and receive the eternal inheritance promised them. Jesus opened the way forever into God‘s holy presence. Lord, I am made right with God by the blood spilled for me at Calvary; my victory is final in Jesus.

Symbols of Faith – High Priest (8 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#8 The High Priest

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Offer your life in service to Christ for his atoning sacrifice for us (Heb 9:6-15). #JesusOurAtonmentForSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The last symbol to speak of in the Tabernacle is the priesthood and the High Priest. It was required of the priests to tend to every facet of the Tabernacle. Every part of it is a reflection of Jesus Christ. It all points to sin, judgment, sacrifice and salvation.

In the New Covenant Jesus Christ is our eternal High Priest. He has offered his own blood as a sacrifice for sin, bearing all the judgment of sin on his back for all humanity. He himself is the sinless one who has atoned for our sin, entered into the holiest place in heaven and is now on his throne as our eternal mediator.

Lord, I am forever grateful for your atoning grace. What more could I offer than my own life in service to you.

Symbols of Faith – Mercy Seat (7 of 8)

#7 Ark of Covenant & Mercy Seat (Prt 2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Open your heart, rely fully on God for the cleansing of sin. (Heb 9:4–11).

On top of the Ark of the Covenant was a lid called the Mercy Seat. It was made of solid gold. Two golden cherubim were attached to each end, facing each other with their wings stretched out to touch one another. This was the most sacred object in the tabernacle. This lid lay between the Law of God (stone tablets in the Ark) and God himself (Exo 25:10-22).

God met with Moses (later with the high priest) and spoke from the midst of the two cherubim. Annually (Day of Atonement) the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat from the sacrifices made for sin. It symbolized the sins of man as absolved. Just so, the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from all sin (Rom 3:25; 1Jhn 2:2).

Lord, thank you for cleansing away all my sin. “Your mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136).

Symbols of Faith – Brazen Altar (1 of 8)

#1 THE BRAZEN ALTAR

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Express profound gratitude to Jesus for the sacrifice he made for our sin (Heb 9:1–5,14,15). #JesusIsOurSacraficeForSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage explains in part the arrangement of the Jewish tabernacle rooms and furniture. In the outer room stood the bronze altar of sacrifice (Exo 27:1-8). Bronze is a symbol of sin. The altar was where only perfect animals were sacrificed for sin. A fire burned perpetually in the altar. It represented God’s judgment of sin.

The slain animals (a substitute for man) were consumed by fire as an atonement for sin – satisfying God’s judgment. Jesus was our perfect sacrifice for sin. He died on a cross (his Bronze Altar) in our place to satisfy God’s judgment against sin (Rom 3:25; 1Pe 2:24; 1Jh 2:1,2). Father, I am profoundly grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made for my sin – that I might be reconciled to you.

Open Door of Hope

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Grasp and hold on to the hope you have in Christ (Heb 7:18–22). #PeaceWithGod #JesusABetterWay #LawVsGrace #OpenDoorToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The law of (the system of, demands of) righteousness was set aside to find its perfection, it’s realization, in Jesus Christ…in Grace. The law gave no one any hope of communion with God. God can no more be a friend to me through the law than a punitive justice system can reach out to an inmate and give redemptive healing to a broken life.

Jesus introduces a better hope. He brings hope and the open door through which I may enter into a redemptive relationship with God (v19). This is the great hope of the Christian faith. Lord, my hope (the hope of my beloved nation) in this life, and the life to come, is in Jesus – he is the promise; the peace, forgiveness, joy and redemption of God.

Crippling Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Be alert to error leading to beliefs that cripple the faith (Heb 6:4–6). #BeAlert #CripplingFaith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Following the clear challenge to these mostly Jewish readers to grow up into maturity in Christ (vv1–3), the writer sounds a terse warning. Some believers in Christ, due to a lack of understanding and growth, were in danger of turning their backs on Christ and returning to a Jewish system of works for salvation. When one becomes unconcerned with their sin there is a catastrophic disconnect with God. Hearts are in danger of becoming hardened towards repentance.

Their apostate beliefs essentially put Christ to open shame again by their public disrespect of him and their hardened hearts toward God. Their influence puts the church in danger of division and confusion, crippling her effectiveness. They would be judged harshly for this by God (3:12–19; 6:7,8). Lord, may I be alert to anything that cripples my faith and leads me off the path of abundant life.

Note the similar warning posted on this blog below

Rest Ahead

American Legacy – Generation Lost?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Lord, may our children have godly, righteous leaders worthy of following (Heb 3:7–11; Psm 95:10,11). #ActionsHaveConsequences #LegacyMatters #GenerationLost

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I heard Henry Blackeby (author and pastor) say of Psalm 95:10,11, “An entire adult generation cost the youth of their day much suffering in the wilderness.“ These words have haunted me for days as I have meditated on this Hebrews 3:7–11 text. I am left with a equally haunting question. In what conditions are we leaving our children in America?

A disobedient adult generation were the cause of Hebrew children and their families to wander in the wilderness for forty years. Forty years of eating manna. Forty years of windy dusty traveling nonstop. When the last adult of that disobedient generation died a child born at the beginning of the wilderness journey would have been 40ish. The oldest, like Caleb & Joshua (adjusting for ancient calendars), were in their 80s (Joshua 14:10). I learn that my actions have consequences for those I lead. Lord, may I leave the NEXT GEN a godly example to follow.

_________

A brief read of modern day Great Awakenings in America reveals them occurring approximately every fifty years (1740s, 1790s, 1850s, 1900s). There is some disagreement on specific dates. But following this pattern, America should have seen an Awakening around the 1950s-60s.

But what did we see? Well, what we saw was twenty to thirty year olds in the those years who were busy burning bras and American flags. They were busy removing prayer and the Bible from schools. They have been at work ever since, developing Progressivism, a WOKE culture, restricting chaplaincy programs in the military and prison systems, removing oaths that contain the words, “So help me God.” They have been aborting babies, changing gender definitions and so much more. God forgive us.

What generation was this? This would be the generation who gave us leaders like Richard Nixon, Nelson Rockefeller, George Romney, Colin Powell, Earl Warren, Joe Biden, Harry Reid, Dianne Feinstein, Nancy Pelosi to name a few. Lord, forgive us all.

So, as with that ancient Hebrew generation, perhaps, in God’s displeasure, he has discarded this 20th, 21st Century generation. Perhaps we are in the midst of a generation that God has chosen to bypass. Perhaps there will be no revival in the immediate days ahead.

[THIS OLD SENTRY IS JUST ASKING]

___________

But our hope may be for awakening and revival in our children’s generation. Maybe in the next 10-15 years. Better yet, the soon return of Christ. I PRAY FOR BOTH!

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Praying For The Wayward Prodigal Heart

Here is written on this BLOG this sentry’s humble approach to praying for wayward rebel prodigal hearts.

This title is also found in the BLOG “MENU.”

LINK to Praying For The Wayward Prodigal Heart

Godly Exceptionalism

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Live a godly life made exceptional by the grace of God (Jer 16:10). #GodlyExceptionalism #NoExceptionToTheRule

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah was to exhibit extraordinary behavior to act out and explain God’s displeasure with Judah, his people (vv1-9). The people denied God. Yet, in verse 10, they ask indignantly, “Why is God unhappy with us? What have we done – how have we sinned against him?“ They were religious in their outward actions but far from God in their hearts.

Far from being the exceptional people God intended them to be, they thought they were the exception to the rule. They believed God was obligated to protect and provide for them. Exceptionalism does not make one an exception to the rule – in this case devotion to God. Lord may I live my life as a child of God, made exceptional in repentance by the grace of God.

I believe in “American Exceptionalism.” But America is not an exception to the rule, free to live in defiance of God and his Word. Her “Exceptionalism” is a God-given attribute. She needs to turn from her sin and act like it. May repentance be the rule of the day.

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

Hardened Hearts

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Do not put off repentance before God (Jer 13:24-27). #TutnNowToGod #Repent #DoNotHardenYourHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God now makes clear his intentions. If there was any doubt before, it is clear now. God will scatter the people of Judah. They will no longer have a homeland. Just as they have done detestable acts of idolatry, shamelessly done acts of prostitution (pagan orgies) in the open for all to see, so God will expose their naked lust for all to see.

It is decreed by God what is to be their lot…their end. Judgment will fall on them. Lord, my beloved nation is guilty of all of this and more. She flaunts her sin in your face. May she turn back to you before it is too late.

Defaulted Shepherd/Leaders

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Give us righteous leaders who seek God‘s leadership & govern wisely (Jer 13:20,21a) #NeededRighteousLeaders #ShepherdLeaders

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah addresses the leaders of Judah as shepherds. He asks rhetorically – “Where are your beautiful flocks that God gave you?“ That is, where are your people who once loved and followed God? The implication is that these shepherds have ignored their flocks. Leaders, CIVIC and religious, are called into account. They ought to be embarrassed at the question. But they are not.

Judah’s leaders have ignored the people. They have spent more time pandering to allies, padding their own pockets and following other gods (who are no gods) than listening to Jehovah God and leading righteously. The Prophet says these godless allies will become their rulers. They will be the instruments God’s judgment.

There is blatant rejection of God in American politics and in certain segments of religious influence. They have led the people astray. These shepherd/leaders in America should be embarrassed. But they are not. America won’t like the alternative that will surely come. Lord, may my beloved nation have leaders who seek God‘s counsel & govern righteously.

Don’t Get “Smashed”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humble yourself, seek God‘s counsel, listen to him and follow (Jer 13:12–14) #Don’tGetSmashed #Revival #SpiritualAwakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Following Jeremiah’s living parable of the loincloth, illustrating how Judah had become so disgusting to God (v10), God explains the purpose of his choosing Israel. God chose Israel to be a people of praise, renown and glory unto him.

But the nation became proud, arrogant and stubbornly unwilling to follow after God. Therefore, God would fill their wine jugs with wine (signifying “drunkenness;“ that is judgment). Then God says he will “smash“ the jugs to smithereens. Every person from least to great will be mercilessly destroyed for their sin of rebellion.

May this Old Testament lesson be an example to me (1Co 10:6-12), that my arrogance and foolish pride doesn’t prevent me from listening to God and becoming all that God wants me to be. Oh Lord, may I humbly seek your counsel. May I listen and follow, that your purposes might be fulfilled in my life (that is, the glory of the Lord Jesus and the spread of the Gospel).

Lord, may my beloved nation humble herself, seek God’s counsel and become once again a beacon of light for the Gospel.

Message To God’s People

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Pursue a pure heart for God (Jer 13:1–11). #MessageToGod’sPeople #PursueAPureHeartForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Lord directed Jeremiah to act out a parable to the stubborn people of Israel/Judah. God said, “Buy a linen cloth and wear it. Don’t wash it.“ A linen cloth was worn next to the body like underwear. It was a sign of Israel’s once intimate closeness to God.

Then God told Jeremiah to go bury the cloth in a hole near the Euphrates. Sometime later he was told to retrieve it. Exposure to the elements had rotted the cloth. it was now good for nothing. This signified how thoroughly useless and disgusting God’s people had become to him.

Lord, how often this old sentry’s wandering heart is stained by worldly pursuits. May my greatest desire be to pursue a pure heart for you.

An Emerging Wasteland

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May America have shepherd leaders who honor God (Jer 2:10–13). #TurnBackToGod #GodOurOnlyHope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Leaders in Judah had been as heedless in guiding the people of God as careless indifferent shepherds who send their sheep to graze on the young vines of a vineyard. The consequence is that the sheep unwittingly make the beautiful vines a wasteland.

So God’s people had laid waste to all of the blessings of God on them. They did not see the signs of the gathering armies on the hilltops, ready to wield God’s sword of judgment upon them. They have done “religious” works, done the work of planting, but they will harvest a crop of shame and devastation. Lord, give us shepherd leaders today who will honor God and pay heed to his word.

________

America today is squandering her blessings from God. We are becoming a vast wasteland. Illegal immigrants are overrunning us and depleting our resources. Inflation is devouring financial resources. Immorality and homosexuality is laying waste to our moral resources. Our children are being sacrificed on altars of humanistic/socialistic ideologies and compromising this, our most precious resource. Lord, may our leaders show signs of humble repentance and point America back towards you.

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.

Reckless Conspiracy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humbly surrender your heart to God’s lordship (Jer 11:9–17). #GodlySorrow #Repentance #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The reforms of king Josiah (2Ch 34) were short-lived. The people secretly conspired to rid themselves of God’s oversight. They soon returned to their idolatries and immoral lives. Now the pagan idols and altars thought to save them would become their very downfall (v12).

“Do not pray for them Jeremiah” (also 7:16; 11:14). Judgment is on the way. The beautiful olive tree of God’s planting (Israel) will suddenly be destroyed for its rejection of God’s leadership. The nation that rejects God will suffer the consequences. Lord, may we in America, as a people, have humble hearts willing to repent and return to you.

Consider: America is not Judah. She is not a theocracy. Judah’s judgment is not America’s judgment. But America was founded upon Judeo Christian principles (biblical principles) of freedom and liberty. America has been blessed by God because of this. For her to conspire against and turn her back on God will bear no less consequences in judgment. Of this she may be certain. I pray God send revival in the church and awakening in the land.

I do not pray for nor wish for any ill will toward any one person or group of people invested in the political system of America. In fact I pray for their redemption who do not know nor honor God. But I do pray for the absolute destruction of any ideology that conspires against God. I pray that lies and deceit would be exposed and that truth, honor, and respect for God be elevated.

Reversing Failure & Privation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May our eyes be opened to sin’s devastation; reverse direction (Jer 10:19–22). #Repentance #GodlySorrow #Awakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The judgment that is about to fall on Judah is inevitable. It will be severe, the grief will be great. The security of one’s home will be destroyed beyond repair. Children will be lost – a generation will be left adrift and unredeemed.

Shepherds (leaders) had lost all sense of direction and no longer sought after God‘s wisdom. Their failures were devastating and all influence with the people was lost. The people will be divided, scattered, left to wander defenseless. The enemy from without will roll down and destroy the nation.

This is what happens to a nation who no longer seeks after God. The privations of my beloved country paint a bleak picture for her future. Lord, may the people of America be awakened to her demise and return to the God of her heritage. May the church be renewed, filled with the Spirit and pointing the way to a loving God.

“Ghosted”*

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May we heed every call to repentance; live faithfully for God (Jer 9:10–16). #TheHighCostOfAbandoningGod #Ghosted #TurnNowToGod #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God set in motion a plan for his people (using the pagan nation, Babylon) to bring severe judgment and discipline upon them (Jeremiah weeps bitterly). The land of Judah will be made a desolate wilderness and Jerusalem a heap of ruins. No one will go there or travel there. It will be a ghost town.

“Why?“ God asks. He answers – because his people had abandoned him, broke their promises to him. They went their own stubborn way and worshiped Baal gods (who are no gods). God would scatter them to places they never heard of. It is a tragic and frightening thing for any people (nation) to turn their backs on God.

Lord, may every prayer sentry (their beloved nation) take seriously any daily call to repentance and live faithfully for you.

* Ghosted (an Urban definition): – a term used to describe when a person closely known to another, stops taking their calls and answering their texts. These actions are usually preceded by many a broken promise to “hang out,” be friendly or romantically attached or “catch up” on the part of the “Ghoster.” Such was God to Judah after their many broken promises to follow him.

Lying Lips

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May our lips know only the truth; may we be discerning of truth (Jer 9:3-9). #TellTheTruth #WhereAreTheTruthTellers

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the larger scheme of things, it seems like “lying” would be way down on the list of things that offend God. But lying is an abomination to God (Pro 12:22). Judah, God’s people, were slanderous, stood against the truth, were untrustworthy, defrauding, scheming and conniving against friends and family. They were good at lying, stacking lie upon lie and refused to acknowledge God. God asks, “How can I not bring judgment on this behavior?”

People often have a problem with telling the truth (not just politicians). We lie because it is in our nature to lie. Lying is the way we deflect blame and responsibility for our own sin and wrong doing. We lie to give ourselves the advantage. Our lies will often mean someone else is intentionally harmed. Lies deny others the benefit of knowing the truth. How will God not judge any nation that breeds a culture of lying? Lord, may my lips know only truth.

“Everybody, Lies A Little”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May we always speak the truth in life (Jer 9:3) #BeATruthTeller

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

So what is the big deal with lying? According to blues musician, B.B. King, “Everybody, Lies A Little.“ The people of Judah were a lying people. They took a stand against the truth. The people of our modern culture, think some lying is okay. Lying is common. It comes natural. [Ever notice how a child needs no instruction on the art of lying?] Yet, it is listed with the “really bad” things, like immorality, stealing, murder and dishonoring God.

Lying is a sin against God (v 9; also, Pro 12:22). it is the opposite of the truth. It goes against all for which God stands. Lying is, according to the NIV translation of the Bible, the native language of the Devil (Jhn 8:44). A French national speaks French. The Devil is from Hell, where the native language is Lying. That is the Devil’s “go to” language. He doesn’t have to think about it. That is just his language. He lies. As humans born into sin, our native language is lying. Only a true relationship with God can change our sin nature and make us truth tellers.

When Time Runs Out

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humbly repent of sin before it’s too late (Jer 8:14–17). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #whenTimeRunsOut

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When the people of Judah realize that their security as a nation has been breached, panic will ensue. This is the moment when reality sets in – the cavalry is not coming. We are all going to die here. God really is not going to rescue us.

But at that point it will be too late. Time will have run out. The Babylonians will strike with the swiftness and fatality of a deadly poisonous snake. The thundering hooves of enemy troops on horseback will strike so fast there will be no time for repentance. The dam of sin’s consequences will have burst.

The same may be said for of all who reject God’s warnings today; his call to salvation. Lord, I cannot imagine anything more terrifying than the consequences of blatant sin bearing down on my beloved nation. May she humbly repent now, before it’s too late.