“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.

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.

Great Expectations

(Ezk 28:24-26)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live in great expectations of the promises of God (eg. Ezk 28:24-26). #DressedAndReady #SoonReturnOfChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Halfway through eight chapters of prophetic oracles of judgment against the nations surrounding Israel and Judah, God drops a promise of restoration to Israel.

There was a return of God‘s people to their land from exile in Babylon under Zerubbabal, Ezra and Nehemiah. In addition, the nation-state of Israel was reborn in 1948.

But there is yet to come the complete fulfillment of verses 25,26. The final fulfillment will take place when Christ returns to set up his eternal kingdom. We are closer to that day now than ever before. Come Lord Jesus!

Lord, may I remain in step with you in great expectation of your glorious return and restoration.

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).

Glory, Infinitely Better

(Ezk 24:15-17)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Savor every day with loved ones; covet times with them (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15-17). #LookingForwardToGlory #SeeGodInYourTrials #SeekGodInYourMourning

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel’s “dearest treasure,” his wife, has died suddenly as part of God’s prophetic purposes (vv22-25). He is to show no grief; no tears, no public display of ritual mourning, accept no consolation from friends.

I note that on this date it is a little over two years (hard to believe) since my “dearest treasure”, my bride of 53 years, Dianne, joined her Lord in her eternal home.

I cannot imagine not being able to express my grief, no mourning the loss of my bride: no friends allowed to console and no traditional public expressions or ritual services; only personal and private mourning allowed. The painful loss of such a long time partner in life and ministry would seemingly be too much to bear alone.

When I think about how Ezekiel could do such a thing, I can only recall my own private tearful laments with God. I can recall God’s quiet gentle assurances to me (eg. Jer 17:7,8). I know that God was as present with Ezekiel then as he was/has been with me now.

Lord, I look ahead to the day when we shall be reunited in a heavenly glory, along with many others who have gone before us. It won’t look like it did here on earth. It will be a glory, infinitely better.

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.

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).

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 .

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.

Song of the Sword (2nd Ver)

(Ezekiel 21:28-32)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your lips always bring honor to the Lord our God (Ezk 21:28-32). #DoNotMockGod #HonorJehovahGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s judgment is here turned towards the Ammonites. King Nebuchadnezzar had decided to bypass Ammon (vv 20,22) and destroyJerusalem (both allied against Babylon). The Ammonites thought they had escaped destruction. In their jubilation, they became proud. They mocked Israel’s destruction (25:3,4).

These Ammonites further tried to create other alliances in the region against Babylon (read Jer 40:13-41:10). But nomadic hordes would attack Ammon and destroy her (note Chapter 25). She would not escape God‘s judgment. Any proud people who mock God’s name will be subject to judgment (Psm 59:8; Pro 17:5; Gal 7:5).

Lord, may my heart always honor you and be in alignment with your heart.

Day of Reckoning

(Ezekiel 21:25-27)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Delay no longer to repent and turn to God (Ezk 21:25-27). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the message from God to Jerusalem‘s corrupt and wicked king. The day of reckoning is upon him. Dethroned and deposed, a new order is come. The mighty are brought low and the lowly are exalted.

Thrice called “destroyed” (complete-total) the kingdom of Judah will be no more. It will not be restored until the righteous one, Jesus the Christ, comes to rule (Gen 49:10; Zec 9:9; Mat 21:1-11; Rev 9:11-16). Lord, though you may wait, that men might turn to you, at the exact right time you will judge.

Broken Promises

(Ezekiel 21:22-25)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Only a repentant heart will secure favor with God (Ezk 21:22-25). #TrustGodFully #StayOpenToGodsWill

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel makes clear that King Nebuchadnezzar will in fact lay siege to Jerusalem and destroy her. But the people don’t believe it. They think that their treaty with Babylon will prevent it. But in fact, they themselves have broken the treaty themselves (17:15).

Nebuchadnezzar will remind them of their broken promise and proceed to attack them, burn Jerusalem to the ground and take those left in Jerusalem as captives. Now is the time of their punishment for their sin. The time has come, the final day of reckoning has come for their corrupt and wicked prince in Israel, King Zedekiah.

Lord, may I not delay to repent towards you.

Sovereign Choices

(Ezekiel 21:18-23)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God implicitly to order choices that impact the course of our lives (Ezk 21:18-23). #TrustGodFully #StayOpenToGodsWill

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am here introduced to the third of three symbolic swords. This third sword is given into the hands of Babylon by God. She will destroy Jerusalem due to sin. Ezekiel explains in parabolic language: he drew out a map showing a road leading from Babylon to Jerusalem.

King Nebuchadnezzar‘s reaches a fork in that road. It leads to a decision to take the road to Jerusalem. This decision is reached by idolatrous deviation. In an act of God’s sovereignty, he uses man’s free will to choose to accomplish his purposes.

Lord, I can’t explain the means by which you work, but I trust in your sovereign will (Pro 16:4,9 & 21:1).

Song of the Sword (Pt 2)

(Ezekiel 21:14-17)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we treat sin with all seriousness (Ezk 21:14-17). #Repent #TurnFromSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The brandishing of the sword by Ezekiel as he acts out this judgment is designed to move so fast that the sword seems like multiples.

Somewhere in his action, the prophet stops to “clap his hands.“ It is like a man who threatens another by pounding his fist into his other hand. This symbolized, a violent gesture of emotion.

When the judgment of God falls, hearts will melt. The sword of judgment will slash right and left, up and down and in every direction. It’s devastation will be felt by all of God‘s people. God too expresses the same violent emotion as Ezekiel at the sin of the people.

There was a time in my life that I felt the serious emotion of God towards my sin; that not turning back would have serious life altering repercussions. Lord, may I treat sin with the same seriousness as you.

________

My testimony on this blog:

Window of Opportunity: A Testimony

Song of the Sword (Pt 1)

(Ezekiel 21:8-13)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we as a people, a nation, search our hearts for any unconfessed sin (Ezk 21:8-13).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“A sword, a sword”*: Ezekiel returns to the imagery of the sword of God‘s judgment. This sword is being prepared for the executioner (Babylon). Repetition here is emphatic. The sword is being sharpened and polished for judgment.

“You laugh at these words now. It will not be so funny when God‘s judgment falls on the people of God“. Ezekiel cries out and wails at the knowledge of God‘s terrible swift judgment. Ezekiel pounds his thighs in grief and alarm at the coming swift slaughter of God‘s rebellious people. There will be no chance of survival.

It is not for me to point a finger at Judah and find satisfaction in their just desserts. I must ask, “Lord, search my own heart for unconfessed sin.”

__________

* This may have been part of a sword-dance familiar to the people.

“Scorched Earth”

(Ezekiel 20:45-48)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Always take God at his word (Ezk 20:45-48). #God’sWordIsTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses move past God’s statement of deliverance (vv40-44). God tells Ezekiel to 1) face south (Judah), 2) speak to the south and 3) tell them the forests of the south are targets for “scorched earth.“ The significance of this, three times spoken, is a powerful reminder of divine intervention and completeness.

The entire region’s forests will be scorched and burned to the ground – by God, completely, in judgement of their sin’s defilement. Today this region still stands as a waterless desert.* None will escape this destruction. All will know that this was the hand of God. No one should doubt God’s words of intervention and judgment.

Lord, it is the duty of the prayer sentry to take God at his word and proclaim it as such.

_________

* The exceptions to this are places where irrigation has been added.

Ain’t Over Til It’s Over

(Ezekiel 20:39-44)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Acknowledge, revere the faithfulness of God (Ezk 20:39-44). #GodIsFaithful #ReturnNowToGod #DisciplineCorrectsAndRestores

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this passage lies the supreme promise of redemption and restoration. At the end of the Babylonian exile Israel will return to her homeland. This promise is based on God‘s faithfulness, not Israel’s (v42). It will be a partial fulfillment of this prophecy. There’s more to come.

A new day will dawn for Israel – not yet fulfilled, but will be. Israel will fully lament the evil she has done. She will repent. The Lord will be recognized as her God. The nations will recognize God‘s holiness, honor and glory. Those days of complete fulfillment still lie ahead today.

Lord, you are a promise keeping lsovereign. Thank you for your faithfulness to those you call your people.

Israel’s Deja Vu

(Ezekiel 20:32-38)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Respond humbly to God‘s discipline; don’t repeat past mistakes (Ezk 20:32-38). #ReturnNowToGod #DisciplineCorrectsAndRestores

The years ahead for Israel in Babylon will mirror their experience in the wilderness after years of bondage in Egypt. Israel wandered in the wilderness 40 years, until the generation who refused to move forward into the promised land had died off (Num 14:26-35).

It was and is God‘s intent to once again purge his people of those disobedient idolaters who worship other gods. Terms like, “strong hand“ and “powerful arm“ are a throwback to the days of the exodus and the wilderness. It was a powerful reminder of who God is. God’s discipline is always designed to restore his people (Heb 12:5-13).

Lord, may I humbly receive needed discipline and correction; repent and return to you.

Too Little, Too Late

(Ezekiel 20:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Heed God‘s warnings; follow him only (Ezk 20:1-4). #WalkWithGod #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Chapter 20 begins God‘s final justification for judgment on Judah. It is easy to get lost in all the judgment, prophetic imagery and history of Israel‘s disobedience. I have to stop and review so I know where I am in this book and my understanding.

First is Ezekiel‘s call (chs 1-3). Next comes Ezekiel‘s prophecies (parables and messages) against Judah (chs 4-24): messages of judgment due to disobedience (chs 4-11); messages & parables of the futility of false optimism (Chs 11-19); messages of the history of Judah‘s corruption (chs 20-24). This is where I am. I’m in this last phase.

History clearly shows that God does what he says he will do. Lord, may I heed your word and follow you only.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 2)

(Ezk 17:7-10,15-21)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and in due time he will exalt you. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the parable of God’s judgment on Israel a second “great eagle” in this riddle appears and entices the fruitful and flourishing vine (Jerusalem) to seek nourishment from its resources. Even though the vine had no need (vv7,8, 15,16). The second eagle is Egypt (v15).

The vassal king of Judah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar (the first eagle – vv12-14) broke his treaty and allied itself with Egypt (vv15-21). The vine (Jerusalem) would not survive. It would be cut off and destroyed. The rebellious vassal king Zedekiah would be hunted down, brought to Babylon and there he would die (2Ki 24:18-20; 2Ki 25‬:‭1‬-‭10).* had he been obedient thus epic story may have had a different outcome.

Lord, your word teaches that if one humbles him or herself under the mighty hand of God, he will exalt that one in due time through suffering (1Pe 5:6-11).

_________

* The prophet Jeremiah had previously warned King Zedekiah to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar. However, he did not (Jer 38:17-21; 39:1-5).

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 1b)

(Ezk 17:5,6,13,14)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Understand God’s intentions for you. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A “great eagle” in verse three (Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon – v12) after deposing the king of Judah, chose a seedling from the land (Zedekiah, member of the royal family – v13). This vassal king, though weakend, was able to flourish.

This seedling’s branches turned upward to and were dependent upon the “great eagle” (a forced treaty with Nebuchadnezzar – vv13,14). Second Kings 24:15-20 reveals that all these things happened due to Judah and Jerusalem’s idolatry and defiance of God.

Lord, you make clear your intentions towards me; I read, I understand, I surrender.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 1a)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Believe in, trust fully and abide by God‘s word (Ezk 17:1-4,12). #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The first eagle, great and powerful, flew into Lebanon and plucked off the top of a cedar tree. He carried it off to another land.

The eagle was Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. He deposed Jehoiachin, king of Judah in Jerusalem (Lebanon) and removed all of Judah‘s rulers and princes to Babylon (the city of merchants). There, Jehoiachin and others were planted.

This allegorical prophecy, preceded the actual events pictured by a couple of years. In 597 BC this prophecy began to be fulfilled (2Ki 24:8-16). Lord, your word is true, and I may rely fully upon all that it says.

Why’d The Chicken Cross…?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look always to God from whence comes your help (Ezk 17:1-3). #LookToGod #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sometimes life confronts us with a conundrum – a mystery or problem for which there seems to be no clear understanding. God uses such riddles to convey spiritual truth.* This riddle of two eagles (vv1-10) would be explained by Ezekiel (vv11-24).

Real life problems will either drive us closer to God or drive us further away; the later not being the better path. Though God explains this riddle, sometimes God‘s intended outcomes for us are not immediately known in the moment. But if we surrender to God‘s will, walk with and seek him, in due time it shall be made clear. **

Lord, may I, in every season of my life, look to you, my hope for your glorious outcomes.

_______

* Other Bible riddles: Samson to the Philistines – Jud 14:12-19; Sheba to Solomon – 2Ch 9:1)

** The answer “in due time”: Lam 3:23-26; Psm 27:13,14; 49:1-4; Pro 3:5,6; Mic 7:7; Hab 2:3; Gal 6:9; 1Pe 5:6,7

“The years teach us what the days never knew” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Don’t Be Confused

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stay centered on the truth of God‘s word (Ezk 13:1-23) #FalseProphets #KnowGod #TrustGod #DiscernGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There was much confusion over the truth in Israel. False prophets were giving messages that were in conflict with Ezekiel and Jeremiah (see also Jer 28:2-14; 29:8,9). They were “whitewashing“ the truth. They were promoting/selling “magic charms“ and magic veils”. They were telling the people everything was all right when it was not.

The false prophets lied and invented false predictions. God was about to clear up the confusion – 1Co 14:30-33. Their “whitewashed wall“ will crumble under a flood of God‘s anger and judgment. They will be banished from the land, their names blotted out from Israel’s record books. Lord, may I stay grounded in the truth of your word.

11th Commandment: YADAH-YADAH NOT 🙄

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live life in anticipation of Christ’s return at any moment, (Ezk 12:26-28) #Prophecy #KnowGod #TrustGod #DiscernGod’sWord #YadaYadaNot

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A second myth, similar to the first (v22), is also dispelled. It says, “No worries man. Ezekiel‘s prophecies won’t happen for a very long time“. Concerning Christ’s return, some in the early church had a similar view… And many even today. Some say, “It’s been 2000 years and Christ has yet to come.” There’s plenty of time.

But God says in Ezekiel 12, “No more delays. I will do as I threatened“. God’s people in Ezekiel’s day, as in our day, have a duty to live in the light of prophecy being fulfilled at any time (2 Peter 3:8-13).

Lord, reading these words, presses me to live in the immediacy of prophecy, as if it will come true in any moment.

YADAH-YADAH-YADAH 🙄

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we have discerning ears to hear and obedient hearts to follow. (Ezk 12:21-25) #Prophecy #KnowGod #YadaYadaNot #TrustGod #DiscernGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is here dispelling two popular myths – unfounded popular proverbs: the first, “Time passes, prophecies come to nothing.“ In-other-words, YADA-YADA-YADA! We’ve heard this doom and gloom before. Nothing comes of it. God will end that perspective.

Prophetic words uttered may or may not be true. Fulfillment (the rule of authenticity) may not occur for decades. It comes down to discernment of truth and error. The Christian is equipped by the Spirit of God to discern such things and respond accordingly (Jhn 16:13). History tells us, if God says it…It will be!

Lord, may I have a profound sense of discernment regarding any prophetic word attributed to you.*

_______

* * See Detecting False Prophets, this blog:

Promise Made, Promise Kept

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put faith in all the promises of God (Ezk 11:17-20). #PromiseMadePromiseKept #GodIsFaithful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage is a prophesy of the return of those Israelites exiled to Babylon back to Jerusalem (538, 539 BC) after King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon. The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah record one of those returns.

But this passage also has eschatological meaning. It points to spiritual renewal. The word “spirit“ in verse 19 could also be translated “Spirit,“ as in God‘s Holy Spirit. Whereas, God‘s Spirit would indwell certain people at certain times for certain work, this is a reference to an indwelling of the Spirit in all Believers. This was inaugurated after the death of Christ (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4,7). Full restoration of Israel in their hearts toward God will come to full fruition in the millennium when Jesus Returns (Isa49:6-18).

Lord, may I have faith your word as promises made, promises kept and promises yet to be fulfilled.