Pro Life: Impassioned, Devoted, Surrendered to God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your life express passion, devotion, and surrender to God (Psm 139:13-18). #Omnipotence #CreativeAbility

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I don’t have trouble imagining God’s Omniscience or his Omni-presence. It is otherworldly and expected in the divine, the holy. Even Omnipotence (all powerful) is not hard to grasp – if it is thought of as raw power. But there is so much more to Omnipotence.

God‘s power in this text is seen as his inherent capacity and capability to create or engineer, the intricacies of man’s physical formation (DNA – mind, will, emotions, sinew and membrane). He does all this unseen within the depths of the womb of another human being.

Then God goes on to think of and order the days of EVERY life he creates, from start to finish. Yet, God gives every man and woman the independent ability to think for him or herself and make choices. God’s efficacy points me to his potency.

Lord, may your likeness in me return to you as love, devotion and surrender.

Too Wonderful

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek God in all of his mystery and wonder (Psm 139:1-6). #OmniscientGod #AllKnowingGod #TheMysteryOfKnowing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King David expresses his wonder at the omniscience of God. God is on the inside of my heart, mind and motivations. He is aware of my movements from sun up to sundown. He knows my thoughts and words before they ever leave my mouth. He knows my motivations for all I do.

There is no hiding from God any secret thing. Yet, God blesses me.

He goes before me. David is struck by wonder the way a child might view the beauty and mystery surrounding Christmas,

floating bubbles or the quirks in nature.

Lord, how this old sentry longs to redeem my enchantments with the great mysteries of God.

Honored & Exalted

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Honor of the Lord, who lifts us by his power (Psm 138:1-8). #ExaltTheLordOfLife #FaithfulLoyalLove #AnsweredPrayer #TheHumbleAreHonored

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Oh, what unfailing love and faithfulness God shows to those who ask; to the humble (vv1-3,6,8). God answers prayer and keeps his promises (vv2,3). God protects his servants by the power of his right hand (symbol of strength). The Lord works out his perfect plan for our lives (v7,8).

Oh, what faithful love is ours who exalt the Lord God. One day every king will sing God‘s glory and give him thanks (vv 4,5; Isa 45:23; Rom 14:11; Phi 2:10,11). There is no god in the realms beneath, beside or above our God. Lord, may this old sentry’s heart exalt You alone, above all others.

Stop! Give Thanks!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you not take for granted the Lord‘s salvation and deliverance (Psm 136:10-25). #Saved #Delivered #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Thanks has been offered by the psalmist to God for his goodness and greatness (vv1–3); for his wondrous creative powers (vv4–9). Verses 10-16 pour out thanksgiving to God for his great salvation of Israel from Egypt and escape through the Red Sea. Then thanks is given to God for his deliverance from mighty Kings as Israel enters into the land promised them by God (vv17-25).

Finally, thanks is given to Jehovah as the “God of heaven” – a title used only here in reference to God in the entire book of Psalms (v26). God is indeed the author and finisher of our Salvation. He is also our ultimate deliverance not only from this world, but from all of our guilt and sin. Lord, may I never take for granted your great salvation and deliverance.

Reason To Give Thanks

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you take every opportunity to give thanks to God (Psm 136:1-3). #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Give thanks to the Lord who is good. Give thanks to the God of gods; give thanks to the Lord of lords (Deu 10:17). Why give thanks to God? Because his faithful loyal, love (his hesed) endures forever.

Jehovah is the God who is just and pure in his judgments and character. Giving thanks to God glorifies him. Giving thanks to God lift my spirit. Giving thanks to God shifts my focus from self to others. Lord, your enduring faithful love gives me every reason to be thankful.

No Equal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Honor God, as the Creator-Monarch of the universe (Psm 136:4-9). #GiveThanksToGod #NoEqual

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist presses the point hard regarding the great and wondrous acts of God in his loyal, unfailing love. Who could rival the God who created the heavens, the earth, day and night and the lights that govern them?

Will my words add a single credit to God’s glory?

Enough! Just give thanks!

Lord, you have no equal.

The Greatest Song

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Find your deepest, most abiding purpose in the enduring loving-kindness of God (Psm 136:1-3ff). #PraiseTheLord #Hallelujah #PraiseOfAllPraises #GodsLovingkindness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Appropriately, this Psalm is called the Psalm of Psalms, the song of songs; the “great Hallel ” (hallelujah of all hallelujahs; the praise of all praises).

The theme of this Psalm is God‘s loving-kindness that endures forever. (It is repeated in all 26 verses). The Hebrew word used to express this is hesed. Hesed is the loyal love of God we see worked out in the life and death of Jesus our Savior.

Hesed is the persistent, unconditional, ever-faithful, relentless, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious and loyal love of our Father, God.

Hesed is grace extended when it is not deserved.* Lord, you came seeking after this old sentry in your matchless love and mercy.

________

* Note: it is this loyalty, kindness and devotion (hesed) that King David expresses for the sake of his friend Jonathan (2Sa 9:1,3,7).

Called To Praise The Lord Our God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

All you who love the Lord, give praise to him (Psm 135:19-21). #PraiseTheLord #Hallelujah! #BlessTheLordOhMySoul

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These are the words we to utter when we experience any remarkable thing we believe can only be attributed to the work of our God in life. All you who love and revere the Lord give praise to him. Hallelujah!

The psalmist ends this Psalm as he began (vv1–3): “Praise the Lord!“ The literal translation from Hebrew is, “Hallelujah.“ It is a call to bless the Lord: Hahve! [applause of heaven]. It is a call to express devotion to God that is unique to the book of Psalms (occurs 23 times).

Lord, please accept the humble praise of this old sentry for your innumerable gracious works in my life.

THE ONE! and Only ONE!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Place your prayers & hopes in the One True God (Psm 135:8-18). #OneTrueGod #GodWhoHearsAndKnowsMen

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist further describes the God who is worthy of our praise. Beyond his governance of heaven, earth and its elements (vv5–7), God’s sovereignty is seen in his relationship to the people of his choosing (v4).

God delivered his people from the slavery they endured in Egypt by many signs and wonders. He delivered his people from the hands of mighty kings. Their land became the land of the people of his possession.

More than dumb idols (vv15-18), our God stands in a personal and intimate relationship with his people.* Lord, you are the God who sees, hears, speaks, understands and acts on our cries for help.

________

* Jehovah God is no indifferent deity (Deism). He hears, sees, speaks and acts on man’s behalf. He is intimately involved, unlike any idol of man’s making (Note: Isa 44:9-20; Jer 10:1-16).

THE ONE!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you exalt the Lord God over all things in life. (Psm 135:4-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who is this God to whom men ought to give such high praise? He is the Lord, Jehovah. All you holy ones (Psm 134:1–3), worship the beautiful name of Jehovah. He is sovereign over all things. He chose Israel as his treasured possession (the church by extension).

Jehovah has created all things (Psm 134:3). He is greater than all gods (135:5). He does what pleases him in the heavens, on the earth, on and in the sea. He governs the clouds, the winds, the rain and lightning. There is no God like Jehovah (Deu 33:26; Jer 10:6). He is THE ONE!

Lord, I have every reason to glorify you over all things in my life.

Praise Unlimited

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart & voice never cease to offer praises to our God. (Psm 135:1-4).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Lord, I worship you. I lift high the name of the Lord God, Jehovah. May my words, thoughts and actions towards you resound in the courts of heaven.

I come this morning, celebrating your beautiful name with music (Open The Eyes Of My Heart; I Surrender All). Thank you for choosing me and grafting me into your chosen people (Rom 11:17). Your blessings never cease.

Lord, my heart and voice sing praises to you.

Honored Vocation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

What If?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know God‘s deliverance From overwhelming circumstance (Psm 124:1–5).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Psalm of praise begins, “What if God had not been with us“ (repeated twice for emphasis). Our attackers, the psalmist says, would have swallowed us alive. They would have overtaken us by overwhelming surprise.

The enemy, without the Lord’s help, would have been like proud waters, a tsunami of destruction, that would have blotted us off the map. But no, it was the Lord, who came to the rescue of Israel. History tells me that Israel is the only people group to survive after obliteration as a nation (returning as a nation in 1948).*

Lord, may my heart give praise to our God for his deliverance of Israel and to his godly ones.

_______

* Many nations, such as the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Girgasites, Jebusites and Perizzites were destroyed, never to rise again.

Israel is the only nation to be destroyed, dismantled, and scattered as they were after the Babylonian invasion of 585 BC and then centuries later recover as a nation (reestablished in 1948). No other nation has survived total obliteration and returned as has Israel.

No One Excluded

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Personally know and engage others with God’s love and faithfulness (Psm 117:1,2). #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise #TruthForAllMen #NoExceptions

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is recorded the shortest chapter in the Bible and the middle chapter of the Bible. It is a psalm of thanks. While Psalm 114 gives praise for God‘s love and faithfulness to Israel, Psalm 117 offers praise for God‘s work – his love and faithfulness – with/for the Gentile world (see also Rom 15:11).

These two verses strike a truth that resounds as a worldwide mission. It is for all people without distinction and all nations without exception.* There is superabundant covering for sin to Jew and Gentile alike. “HALLELUJAH!” it concludes. Lord, you have extended your love and faithfulness to all men everywhere.

____________

* Keil-Delitzsch. PSALMS, Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Erdmans Publishing Co., 1975), 221.

Reason To Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Come humbly into God‘s presence; praise and worship him (Psm 114:4-8). #WorshipTheHoly #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God delivered Israel out of Egypt he turned back the Red Sea. He met with Moses on Mount Sinai. When God descended to meet with Moses, there was thunder, lightning, dark clouds, smoke, the blast of a trumpet and a terrible quaking of the earth. it was holy ground (Exo 19:16–19). When Israel crossed over into the promised land, the Jordan River was stopped up.

The psalmist here references all of that when he says, “The waters turned back and the mountains and hills skipped like Rams and lambs.“ The psalmist speaks rhetorically, “So, waters, why do you turn back? Mountains, why are you quaking?” The assumed answer is, because God is a holy presence – full of awe and power. God calls all of nature to worship, to give praise to him.

Lord, you give me reason to praise and worship you.

Ready, Go for God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be ready to go for God today (Ezk 2:1,2). #GodSpeaks #GoForGod #StandWalkRun

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When we have worshiped, been before God on our face, God does not expect us to stay prostrate, paralyzed, on the ground. No, we must then stand and be ready to go on in humble service. Micah 6:-8 compels us to “WALK humbly before God.” Roman 12:1 leads us to present our bodies as living sacrifices in honorable SERVICE to God.

Ezekiel was renewed in his spirit (note Isa 40:29-31). The Lord stood him on his feet. This was a sign that he was ready to go for God. Humble worship leads to faithful service. Lord, coming out of my daily personal cathedral of praise, my heart is renewed. I am ready to go for God today.

On My Face

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

Take a Knee to Glory

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

God Exalted In Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

________

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

Reason To Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Praise God for his mercies towards man (Psm 113:5-9). #PraiseAndWorship

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Our God, the God of Heavens Armies, is not so exalted that he is adverse to lowering himself to affect the affairs of man. He helps the poor and needy man. He exalts those of humble means and makes of them royalty. (see also Isa 57:15).

The woman of childless disdain, God has power to bless them with children (e.g. Gen 21:2; 1Sa 1:20). The greatness and goodness of our God is reason to praise, exalt and highly esteem him. Lord, I honor you as my God; you created me, you sustain my life and you assure me of my eternal call and destiny.

Compassionate God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Endless Bounty

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise to God for his endless provision (Psm 104:31-35). #God’sBounty #God’sBlessings #PraiseTheLord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 104 ends as it began. “Let all that I am praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!“ The record of day 6 of creation reminds the psalmist of all God has done to provide an endless flow of provision and blessing to man (Gen 1:24–31). Man has every reason to thank God, bless God, praise God, exalt and worship God.

The palmist calls upon his whole being again to give praise to the Lord. His provision and blessing to man sustains him. “Oh, that men would praise him” (Psm 107:21,22). Lord, in the end “Every knee [every being] shall bow down [to you] in heaven, on earth and under the earth” (Phi 2:10).

Creative Juice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stand in awe of our creator God (Psm 104:24-30). #AwesomeGod #CreatorGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How creative is our God. I see in his creation the smallest amoeba to the great whales of the sea. All are created with a living purpose – contribute to a vast ecosystem.

The variety of creatures in the sea reveal the creative juice of God who projects purpose, even a little humor.

Day five of creation (Gen 1:20-23) filled the skies with birds and the seas with fish, all of stunning variety. All of creation reveals the richness, goodness and wisdom of God. Lord, our world points to the vast character of our God in all of nature. I am humbled.

God In The Grocery Store

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

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

______

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

Perfect Plan Day One

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give thanks for all God‘s perfectly planned provision (Psm 104:10-18). #AwesomeGod #BeyondUnderstanding #FaithfulProvider #AllPraiseAndThanksDueHim

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is easy to pass over these scriptures as a bit mundane. I take so for granted the natural world around me. But I must stop here and acknowledge the other-worldly understanding and scope of God‘s wisdom. Creating this world, God left nothing to chance. God created this world perfect ON DAY ONE (actually day 3 – Gen 1:9-13).

God provided for every fish, bird, animal and man – water, trees, plants and vegetation. He wasn’t making adjustments on the fly. The world was amazingly created to suit every form of life. Lord, I can never, shall never, offer adequate praise for who and all you are. But I shall thank you for all your provision.

…And Counting

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise to the Lord for his many blessings (Pam 104:1). #PraiseToTheLord #CountYourBlessings

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist David opens and closes this song as he did Psalm 103, “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“ [Read that a couple times]

David encourages himself; calls upon his whole being to give praise to the Lord.

Yesterday I was thinking about the medical condition of my dear bride of nearly 53 years (Alzheimer’s; diagnosed, 2011). I noted in my spirit that I was not angry with life or at God, as some may be prone. My heart instead was immediately inclined towards giving praise to God. Why? For all his rich goodness to us in those 53 years of marriage…AND COUNTING.

How could I be so thoughtless and ungrateful as to complain? Our lives (though filled with many ups and downs) have been so blessed by God. Lord, I cannot even begin to count the ways you have blessed us in life, marriage, family, friendships and ministry. “Let all that I am praise the Lord.“

Hope That Overcomes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give praise for our overwhelming hope in Christ (1Jhn 5:4,5). #ChristIsTheVictory #JesusOvercomesTheWorld

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Every child of God, no exceptions, defeats the evil in this world. Victory is achieved through our faith in the Son of God – Jesus. That is to say, as long as there are committed believers, followers of Christ in this world, there will be hope.

Hope that men can be loving towards each other;

Hope that nations can/will repent and come to Christ;

Hope that even one child of God can make a vast difference;

Hope that gives assurance of ultimate eternal victory over the evil of this world.

Lord, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

Announcing The Good News

TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BEST NEWS IN ALL OF HISTORY!

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭

Worship The One True God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Worship and exalt Jehovah God alone (Jer 51:16-19). #worshipJehovah-God #NoGodLikeJehovah

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah let’s fly a burst of praise to the Lord. This praise informs our understanding of the power, knowledge and creative acts of God. The knowledge of God‘s powerful acts of creation and his preservation of it reaches far back into the ancient world. He is no mere idol.

Men craft idols made up in their own minds. They have no life, no breath and no power. These men are foolish and without understanding. But Jehovah God is the God of all of life and creation. He governs the universe and the affairs of men. Lord, I exalt you as the only one worthy of all of our praise.

A Prophetic Scroll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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