Stone Cold

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to God for a new heart (Ezk 11:14-21). #HeartOfGod #StoneColdHeart #NewHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God speaks to Ezekiel in response to his prayer in verse 13. Those in Jerusalem spoke arrogantly and pridefully about those who had been taken into exile and Babylon.

They were the ones considered far from God, far from the temple in Jerusalem “where God was.“ But God‘s presence was about to leave the temple. God promises here to himself be the sanctuary of those in exile in Babylon.

It is not about a building. It is about a surrendered heart. Those remaining in Jerusalem were not repentant and knew nothing of that. God promises, Ezekiel and those in exile, to return them to their homeland.

They would return with a new spirit and a new heart (also 36:25-27). They would obey God faithfully and be his people. He would be their God.

Lord, thank you for not only the promise, but the reality of changing the stony cold heart of this old sentry into one that is new and surrendered to you.

Struck Dead

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not persist in sin until God must act dramatically in your life (Ezk 11:13). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Whether still seeing the judgment of Judah (Jerusalem) in a vision or thereafter prophesying to the people what God told Ezekiel in that vision (vv24,25), one of the named officials (Pelatial) in verse 1 was struck down dead.

This death was an affirmation of the seriousness of the coming and eminent judgment of God for sin (see also Acts 5:1-11). Ezekiel is so shaken by this death that he falls face down crying out to God – would God kill everyone in Israel? Lord, may I not persist in sin, causing dramatic acts of God in my life.

The Reprieve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Come early in repentance for sin to God (Ezk 6:8-10). #Repentance #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the midst of Ezekiel’s message of war, destruction, famine, and exile there is a word of REPRIEVE. Though God will bring death and devastation upon his people, a remnant will be delivered through this judgment. This remnant will escape destruction but be scattered and exiled.

The remnant will repent when they realize how good God has been to them and how hurt God has been by their unfaithfulness to him. They will see God for his love and grace and turn back to him. Lord, you brought me through my exile in 1968*, leading me mercifully back to you.

__________

* MY 1968 EXILE:

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

Can’t Fool, Can’t Hide, Can’t Run

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to God‘s searching of your heart (Psm 139:19-24). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #SearchMyHeart

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

David concludes this Psalm – he has reflected on God‘s absolute knowledge, presence and power. He, enlists every one of these attributes of God to not only destroy his enemies, but to expose and separate him from any sinful offensive motivation, thought or word flowing from his own heart.

David knew he could not fool God, hide from or outrun God. He seeks genuine honesty before God regarding even his enemies. He seeks to be led by God along the pathway of everlasting life. Lord, I desire, invite, your deepest searching of my heart for any wayward or offensive word, or deed.

Life Song

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May God’s word be your life song (Psm 119:49-56). #LoveGodsWord #LiveGodsWord #GodsWordMySong

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word provides gracious refreshing. In the midst of hardship and struggle, it brings hope, revives my spirit. God‘s word comforts me in my early morning rising and in my night watches.

God‘s word is the theme song of my life – it orders my days in whatever circumstances I find myself. Others may reject God’s word, hold me in contempt, but I do not turn away from God’s word. Lord, the theme of my life, the song of my life, is ordered and harmonized by your word.

Speak When Directed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you listen when God speaks; speak when he directs (Ezk 3:17-21). #DeliverGod’sMessage #ListenWhenGodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has issued his call to Ezekiel to the prophetic ministry. He is to be a “watchman” over Israel. God instructs Ezekiel to speak without delay, any message that God gives him. It matters not whether the message is to the wicked or to the righteous who have stumbled. Ezekiel is to tell them to turn to God or suffer the consequences; even death.

God informs Ezekiel that he is responsible for getting the message out. If he does, and the people listen and repent, they will be saved, as well as Ezekiel. If Ezekiel does not tell them, they will die in their sin and God will hold Ezekiel accountable for not delivering the message. Lord, may I listen when you speak to me and speak if you so direct me; lives will depend upon it.

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.

Spiritual Malpractice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

May sin lead us to brokenness, repentance, confession & renewal (1Jn 3:4-10). #Repentance #Confession #Brokenness #Renewal

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

If one is a true believer (has repented of sin and trusted Christ as Savior), that one will not continue in sin. Are believers sinless? Obviously not. There is only one sinless, Jesus, and he died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. To say one “believes” but continues in sin is spiritual malpractice.

What John is saying here is that true believers will not go on practicing sin as a habit or lifestyle. They are not indifferent to God‘s moral law. When a believer sins, he/she is broken, sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confesses that sin. “God is faithful to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9).

Lord, thank you for a heart to follow Christ; for loving me through my failures.

The Way Home

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

Do not let shame, pride, fear or guilt prevent you from returning home to God (Jer 51:50,51).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people are directed by God to return to their homeland at the fall of Babylon (vv45,50). But they are mortified, ashamed and disgraced because foreigners and aliens had desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem. They felt so ashamed (v51).

“Yes, but God.“ What God says to them in essence is I am coming to deliver (v52). Don’t be paralyzed by shame. Though you may feel far from God, he is closer to you than you think. Turn your eyes on God. Set your gaze on your homeland. (v50). The way home is to repent, turn your heart towards him again and he will see you through. He will do a work of revival in you.

__________

WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT RECEIVE SO COMPASSIONATE A LOVE AS THE FATHER OFFERS?

S H A M E ! F E A R ! P R I D E !

_________

Adam and Eve reacted to their sin and disobedience towards God, not by humbly seeking God to admit guilt. But in their newly acquired shame, pride, guilt and fear (having eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil) they tried to cover up their sin. They thought they could hide from God (Gen 3). They thought they could outsmart God and somehow avoid accountability.

The Psalmist felt shame (Psm 73): ”Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you” [but God reminded him of his compassions]. The Psalmist continues, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth“ (Psm 73:21-22,24-25 NLT).

Paul says there is no disappointment in Jesus (Rom 10:11).

______

In Jeremiah 51:50-51, God essentially explains how to defeat shame. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God through Jeremiah tells them to return home to Jerusalem when Babylon falls. But the children of Israel express shame that the temple in Jerusalem was desecrated on their watch.

in these two verses God is saying, THE WAY HOME IS…

1) don’t be paralyzed by shame, pride, guilt and fear,

2) turn your eyes on God [on Jesus],

3) set your face to your homeland [set your eyes on your future glory] and…

4) though you feel far from God, he is closer than you think.

Turn to him now. There is hope. Ask God’s forgiveness for sin. Invite him to take his rightful place in your heart. Then follow him…all The Way Home.

Reading The Signs: Approaching Hoofbeats

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION

May God’s sentries on the American wall “Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly” to warn of approaching hoofbeats (Jer 51:45-50). #ApprochingHoofbeats #StormWarning

Morning Watch: Extended

It would be foolish to declare the words of Jeremiah 51:45-50 as prophecy over America. That is not the context. However, it would also be foolish not to take a lesson from history. Especially when I see these very same things happening in America. It is a wake up call!!!

This is what the sentry on the wall, the American wall, ought to be doing – pointing to the signs of God’s impending judgment and crying out a warning of the approaching hoofbeats of an overwhelming adversary being sent by God himself.

In 2024 is America headed for judgment? There are signs to be read:

1. Rumors arise every year of growing adversarial threats. (China, Russia, North Korea, Iran).

2. There is violence and lawlessness in our streets, judicial oversight is falling apart.

3. Leaders in government fight against each other (interagency fighting, federal and state governments fighting, congressional fighting).

4. America will certainly see her great idols fall (great institutions of science, education, her military complex, financial markets, false religions, et.al).

5. I would humbly add to this list the demise of the family unit and the breakdown of morality.

It is the ultimate hubristic and godless mind that could think such a society could survive.

Consider the words of Christ who said, “Fools, you can read signs of weather, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times” (Luke 12:56). You don’t have to be a prophet to read the signs of our times.

The sentry on the wall has standing orders: Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly (ISA 62:6; NEH 4:16-18; Hos 8:1-4).

But I don’t come to this passage with some pessimistic fatalism. I come to this passage with some excitement about the future. May we see either a GREAT AWAKENING that sweeps thousands into the Kingdom of a God and/or a GREAT EXIT in the second coming of Christ.

COME HOLY SPIRIT!

COME LORD JESUS!

Restoration Promise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we know as a people the joy of the full restoration of God (Jer 27:22). #God’sRestoration #RestorationPromise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Lord does not leave his people without hope. Though judgment may fall upon the land of Judah, the precious implements of worship be removed from the temple in Jerusalem, God promises to restore them to their place (people & worship).

God reveals here that there will be restoration after judgment and discipline has befallen his people. God never leaves us without Hope. America is not without hope. Lord, though this sentry, my beloved country, may feel the pain of your discipline, may I (we) also know joy and hope in the promise of your full restoration.

God’s Plan For The Nations

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Acknowledge and surrender to God’s will and plan (Jer 27:1–8). #ISurrenderAll #YesGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s plan for his people was a 70 year exile into Babylon. Babylon was God’s servant in this process. They were conquering all the nations around and including Judah. It is likely that these nations, represented by ambassadors, were in Jerusalem to meet with king Zedekiah (a meeting of the minds) to discuss an overthrow of Babylon.

By God‘s will however, there would be no such plan, enabling his people to escape judgment. God‘s purposes were to lead them into brokenness, repentance and renewed passion to serve him (Jer 29:10-14). Nothing would stand in God‘s way, then or now, of accomplishing those purposes. Lord, I acknowledge your will and surrender my will to you and your plan for me. I acknowledge that you have a plan too, for America. May she listen and surrender.

A Good Plan

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Trust God with all of your future (Jer 29:10-14). #TrustGod #BelieveGod #AFutureAndAHope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the most hope filled passages in the Old Testament. God’s people are given assurance of deliverance, in spite of their dire circumstances. God will not forget his people. His plan is purposeful, and his discipline will achieve its desired outcome.

God‘s people will once again call Upon him. He will be found and present with them. He will restore their fortune and return them to their land, and so he did. Our God is a God of purpose and hope. Lord, I am encouraged about my own future by the words of this passage.

God Is Working

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Consider trials as God‘s tools for your growth & strength (Jer 24:1–10).* #Don’tRunFromTrouble #SeekGodInTroubledTimes #GodIsAtWork

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Nebuchadnezzar had overrun Jerusalem, sent Jehoiachin (king of Judah) into exile, installed Zedekiah as his puppet king and deported 10,000 people to Babylon. God now gives Jeremiah a vision of good and bad figs. God is working for our good.

Good figs represent those Israelites exiled to Babylon – not that they themselves were good, but that their hearts would respond wholeheartedly to God. Bad figs represent those who tried to escape God‘s discipline. They ran to Egypt, hoping that would save them. But that was not the case. God‘s blessing would fall to those who endured the exile in Babylon.

Lord, may I view my trials, troubles and challenges, as opportunities to grow, be strengthened and used in greater ways by God.

_______

* 3 min to get your heart tuned up.

God Is Working (Even Now): Brooklyn Tab Choir

Cup of Wrath

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you never abandon God (Jer 25:15–29). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

The imagery of the cup of God, filled and running over the brim, speaks of the wrath of God. All the known nations of Jeremiah‘s time (all named here) will be made to drink of this cup. They would be falling down as a drunken sot, and throwing up. That is, they would be fully overcome by God‘s judgment, as did occur at the hands of Babylon.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judgment here begins with Judah. It ends with judgment on Babylon. She would be left in the ashes of history. God states in verse 29, “If I punish Jerusalem, the city that bears my name, shall I let go unpunished the sin, corruption, and perversion of every other nation?” NO! None will escape God’s judgment. AMERICA TODAY NEEDS REVIVAL AND AWAKENING. Lord, when we abandon you and refuse to return to you, we may surely know your abandonment of us (Pro 1:24-33; Dan9:5,6; Rom 1:28,29; 1Th 5:19-22).

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give praise to God for his radiant splendor and certain glorious coming (Hab 3:3). #TheComingOneTrueGod #ExaltTheComingChrist #TheGloryOfGod #Redemption

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After Hsbakkuk’s opening petition (for revival and mercy) praise is his response to all that God had shown him. No more questions. Only praise. Just as the watchmen sits high above the camp looking, watching for activity on the horizon, so Habakkuk sees in the distance a theophany of the glorious and radiant splendor of the coming one true God.

Habakkuk’s imagery recalls a great and glorious event in Israel’s history (deliverance from Egypt). Moses describes God as coming in glory to establish his nation at Mount Sinai in Teman and Mt Paran in the region of Edom (Deu 33:1,2). God appears to Habakkuk in the same glorious light and regal splendor. He will come to deliver Israel again and judge Babylon for her godlessness.

“SELAH!” (A musical term for a symbol crash or trumpets to blow; stop and let those preceding words sink into your heart and mind). Lord, what an amazing sight to behold. From Habakkuk’s watchtower to mine I see through his eyes the glory of God‘s certain coming in power. The sentry joins him in giving praise to God for his certain coming in radiant glory.

________________

Consider Ezekiel’s description of God’s glory (Ezk 1:28; 10:4; 43:2):

1:28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

10:4 And the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.

43:2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.

The Apostle John’s description of God’s glory (Rev 18:1; 21:11; 21:23):

18:1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.

21:11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

21:23 And the city phas no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for qthe glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Song From The Watchtower (Ver 1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you embrace a righteous compassionate God; may America turn now to God. May God send awakening and be merciful in judgment (Hab 3:2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise #RunToGod #Awakening #TurnNowToGod #Repent #Revival

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk has heard God‘s reply to his heartfelt questions – why evil prevails. He is astounded and awestruck at God’s mighty work. He now enters into intimate communion with God in prayer. Presumably, he is still in his “watchtower“; that place of seeking. Like Job, he concludes “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe at what I see” (see Job 42:5,6).

The prophet sings his song of prayer admitting the deep need of the people. This is the only petition in this prayer. 1) “Help us Lord, as you have before [send revival] …and 2) In your anger, show mercy.“

If we know that God won’t allow evil to persist forever; if we know that God will ultimately rain down judgment on godless nations, would this not be an appropriate petition to God in our day concerning America? Absolutely!

There is but one place to go in times of trouble. That is to our righteous and compassionate God. Lord, you are fierce in your righteousness judgments, but I am not afraid to embrace you.

Deeply Stained Within

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we be deeply moved in waves of contrition and repentance for our own sin & rebellion (Hab 1:6-11). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #America #TheNations

MORNING WATCH NOTES (and extended subscript to the nations):

This is the horrific vision that God gave the prophet, Habakkuk. A pagan nation of cruel violent people (Babylon) will descend on Judah like a blazing relentless desert wind. This godless nation will gobble up other nations as well, having their way with whatever cruelty they wish.

The war horses of Babylon run like the cheetah and are more fierce than ravenous wolves. Their charioteers charge from a far off and swoop down like eagles, picking off and devour their unsuspecting prey. They scoop up captives as they go. No one is safe. They scoff kings & princes; laugh at their fortresses and walls. Then, like the wind, they are gone, leaving behind nothing but a sweltering desolate landscape.

But God tells the prophet, Babylon was not innocent for having been God‘s instrument. NO! They went beyond all restraint to their own destruction. They were deeply guilty and flawed because they viewed their own strength was their God.

Lord, the prayer sentries, the watchmen on the walls, must sit dumbfounded with the prophet and consider what horrific plan lay ahead for Judah. Would God, could God, do such a thing (vv12-16)?

May this Sentry be moved to waves of contrition and repentance for my own deep sin.

________

SUBSCRIPT TO THE NATIONS:

I ask what will be in store for my own great nation (America) and her great allies. Where will pride in our own strength, our arrogant disregard of God and our distain of justice bring us? Is there any nation on earth today that God may be raising up to do to us what Babylon did to Judah and the ancients?

That is not a far fetched question. Consider China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. All of these are mentioned in one way or another in prophecies of these end times.

A local pastor spoke recently and reminded his congregation of how the nations viewed the nation of Israel after her 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

”When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” (Psm 126:1-2)

“The other nations were amazed” to see how God had blessed Israel.

There was a day when the nations would have looked upon America and said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” But today that light has grown dim and the nations laugh at us. Mock us. Scorn us. America has left the God of her fathers. May the Lord send sweeping revival across this land like a fast moving prairie fire. May there be an awakening of national one global proportions.

______

Perhaps the prophet Habakkuk and those righteous who were with him, like we today, could find some comfort in the words of Israel’s king, David, the Psalmist:

”But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence…

[…no matter who: Babylon, China, Russia, Iran; AMERICA, GREAT BRITAIN and others are not without their own history of violence]

“[God] will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.

[If God spared not his own chose people from judgment and correction, how safe are those without God’s covering of mercy and grace?]

[But our] righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.“ (Psm 11:4-7)

________

GOD PROMISES TO SHOW HIS FACE TO THOSE WHO ARE HIS RIGHTEOUS ONES, WHO CHOOSE VIRTUE

Evil: Prompts For Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May evil find judgment at the hand of God (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What Habakkuk sees in the vision he received from God is the state of society in his day. He sees what others might see even in our day. They are Prompts to PRAY!. “Violence is everywhere I look. It goes on and on, unchecked. PRAY! The evil running rampant in our streets creates havoc and misery for its victims. PRAY! People argue and fight at the least provocation. PRAY!

Where is the law? Nowhere. It is paralyzed. PRAY! There is no justice in corrupt courtrooms. PRAY! The wicked outnumber the righteous and justice is perverted. PRAY!” So, we too ask, “Lord, how long must we cry out for help; when will justice fall?” Lord, the press of evil begs the urgent prayer of this sentry on the wall; that God might judge the wicked and spare the righteous. PRAY!

Soul Ablaze In Prayer

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May hearts be set ablaze in prayer for revival and awakening (Hab 1:1–4). #Revival #Prayer #Awakening #America #GlobalAwakening

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Who learns more quickly, the student who is uninterested in a subject, or the student who is inquisitive and asks questions about the subject? Just so, who would pray more effectively, the person told he must pray, or the person who knows the call of God to intercede? This is Habakkuk.

J. Edwin Orr (authority on revival*) says, “Whenever God is ready to do something new with his people, he always sets them to praying.“ Look again at verse one. It is God who sends the questions that stir the prophet’s heart and sets him ablaze in prayer.

The questions that burn in the heart of Habakkuk are the questions God intends to use to set the prophet’s heart ablaze in prayer for his people. Lord set my heart and soul on fire in prayer for revival, awakening and restoration.

________

* For those interested: J. Edwin Orr on Revival

Cooler Heads Prevail

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Seek counsel from wiser, more knowledgeable and cooler heads (Jer 26:16-19). #CoolHeadsPrevail #SeekOutListenToWisdom #KnowYourHistory

Following Jeremiah‘s threefold defense (vv12–15) the court officials, in agreement with the people, sided with Jeremiah and against the priests and false prophets: Jeremiah was speaking for God, and did not deserve to die.

Some wise and cooler heads also spoke. They recalled when the prophet Micah predicted disaster for Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah (Mic 1:1; 3:12), Hezekiah led the people to turn from their sin and worship God. They begged God‘s mercy. God heard their prayer and changed his mind. Jeremiah’s court concluded that to kill Jeremiah would serve only to do themselves great harm.*

Lord, may I always seek out and listen to counsel from wiser cooler heads; may I be wise in my counsel to others.

___________

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

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 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 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.

Revival Spells Generosity

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May you know the joy of giving from a revived heart (2Ch 35:7-9) #TheJoyOfGiving #GivingFromARevivedHeart #TheHeartOfGiving

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Generous giving flows out of revival. Here we see King Josiah leading the way, making provision for Temple sacrifices to carry out Passover. He gave thousands of head of livestock from his personal flocks and herds. His officials, Temple leaders and administrators also made willing contributions.

When men’s hearts are right with God, selfishness has no room. A spirit of giving fills the air. Provision, for God’s work is abundant when revival comes. Joyful giving (2Co 9:7) is one way the revived heart expresses engagement with God. Lord, may my heart always know the joy of giving.

When Revival Comes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Let revival renew the life of God in us (2Ch 35:1-6) #Revival #SpiritualAwakening #Repentance

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After cleansing the land of pagan altars and ridding the land of idolatrous priests, Josiah declared that Passover would be celebrated according to the law of Moses.

Josiah further instructed the priests and levities to carry out their prescribed duties in the refurbished Temple: teach the people of God through his word, instruct those called to serve God, engage with serving God and the people, attend to the sacred business of assisting families coming for worship and observing sacrifices.

It is clear that when revival/renewal of spirit comes, the ministers of God and the people of God get busy with the real work of God. Lord, may revival renew the life of God in me and touch the world around me.

Resolute For God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May our hearts be resolute in heart felt obedience to God (1Ki 23:4-24; 2Ch 34:33). #ResoluteForGod #StandForRighteousness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage gives in great detail what 2Ch 34:33 describes in just one verse. King Josiah personally oversaw the desecration of every pagan shrine and altar throughout the land of Judah. Altars and monuments to pagan gods were toppled, burned and destroyed. The bones of wicked priest and people were burned on the places where pagan alters had stood.

One monument stood (v16). It was the tombstone of an unnamed “man of God“* who had prophesied over 300 years prior (1Ki 13:2 and 32) that “Josiah“ (named before his birth) would destroy and desecrate this altar at Bethel (2Ki 23:15-18) – a most remarkable prophecy. Josiah did not give mere lip service to repentance and religious reform. He is honored by God for that. Lord, may my heart, the hearts of my children, be so resolute.

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* Some suggest that this “man of God from Judah” may have been the Prophet Amos; an interesting supposition.

Ambiguity to Luminary

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain faithful to God, and his word; be a light for him (2Ch 34:21–28). #RemainFaithfulToGod’sWord #BeALightForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Huldah was not just the closest prophet to the Temple, but she was highly respected as a woman who spoke for God. She had a luminary gift to teach the word of God (v22). She was a devout woman. Her family served in the temple with honors (v22). Huldah was not afraid to speak for God. Four times she says, “Thus says the Lord.“ (vv23,24,26,27).

Huldah believed God‘s word was the final authority (v24). She had discernment into the need of repentance and she recognized king Josiah’s repentance as genuine (v26,27). All her words, reported to the king, gave him the courage to lead Israel into revival and reform. Lord, I see in Huldah’s words that if I am faithful to your word, I can be used by you to encourage others.

Open Our Eyes

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Lord, open our eyes to a fresh vision of the truths of your word (2Ch 34:18-21) #FreshVision #SendRevival #OpenOurEyes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is not clear in Scripture (2Ch 34:8-21) whether young King Josiah merely knew by verbal tradition of the “Book of the Law;” or if he had a copy, but only a superficial understanding of it. It is more likely that he had never seen a copy of the Law. The kings before him were wicked ungodly men with no interest in God’s word. What is clear is that when the words of the Law were read to Josiah, they brought him to his knees in repentance.

Reading this account in Scripture reminds me of how, at times, we as believers become numb to God’s word. Our familiarity with it makes us tone deaf. For whatever reasons, we neglect God’s word until it no longer has an influence on our lives. Or, we’re engaging in God’s word with a verse we may have read a month ago or a year ago, it suddenly comes alive. The words leap off the page at us with an entirely new meaning. We are suddenly stricken with truth that we had not seen before. It requires and precipitates change. That is the work of the Holy Spirit, the work of revival and awakening. That is what happened to Josiah.

Lord, may we have a fresh vision of the truths of your word. May it lead us individually to repentance. We can then pray with David, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted and return to You.” (Psm 51:12-13)