Call to Holiness

(Ezr 6:22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live lives separated from the world and unto Christ (Ezr 6:22). #HolyLiving #CallToHolyLiving #SeperatedUntoChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Following the re-implemented Passover, 7 days later, the Feast of Unleavened Bread was held. If the Passover represented God‘s deliverance of the Jews from Egypt, the Feast of Unleavened Bread was a call to holy living. It was a call to live lives separated from the effects of the world.

Unleavened bread represents purity and separation from the old life in Egypt. The Feast of Unleavened bread here represents a second exodus of sorts, separated from Babylon; restoration and cleansing. Lord, may I live daily as redeemed in Christ, separated from this world’s effect on me (1Co 5:6-8).

0730-26

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).

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.

Take It To The Bank

(Ezk 24:1,2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Have faith in the teachings and prophecies of God‘s word (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:1,2). #God’sWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Zedekiah took the final steps of geo-political rebellion and sealed Jerusalem‘s fate (2Ki 25:1-7). He broke his vows to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and foolishly rebelled. All the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel were now in play. The siege, destruction and demise of Jerusalem was underway.

Amazingly, Ezekiel is informed of this the very day of the attack, January 15, 588 BC. Ezekiel, hundreds of miles away, is notified of the attack by God himself. God makes it a point for Ezekiel to write it down. Take it to the bank, the third and final attack of Babylon will end the earthly reign of the southern kingdom of Judah. Ezekiel, Jeremiah and other prophets had predicted this.

Lord, these writings and prophecies, which all came true, gives me every reason to believe in the teachings and prophecies (yet to unfold) of God‘s word.

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).

The Party’s Over

(Ezk 24:3-6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Avoid defiance, open rebellion, against God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:3-6). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

An iron cooking pot comes into view for the second time (note Ezekiel 11:2-12). Those still in Jerusalem after Babylon‘s first exile of God‘s people considered themselves the spiritual elite. They thought of themselves as “meat in an iron pot” (Jerusalem), safe and untouchable.

But here, the “SAFE“ city of Jerusalem (iron pot) will no longer be a refuge. A raging fire will be set under her and destroy these “elite“ rebels within her. Everyone in Jerusalem was corrupt. This spelled apocalyptic doom in God‘s closing judgment.

Lord, in your mercy and wisdom, you will not allow this old warrior to continue in any unrepentant sin.*

_________

* “First John 5:16 puts forward the biblical concept of a sin leading to death. This is seen in Acts 5:1–10 and 1Co 11:30). The “sin unto death” is willful, continuous, unrepentant sin.

There comes a point when God can no longer allow a believer to continue in unrepentant sin. He may decide to take the life of the stubbornly sinful believer. The “death” is physical death not a spiritual one.

[My interpretation of this is that God would rather have the rebellious believer in heaven in his/her worst condition than to allow that one to go on bringing disrepute on the kingdom of God]

Further reading on this topic: https://www.gotquestions.org/sin-unto-death.html

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 .

God, Jealous?

(Ezk 23:25)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our hearts burn hot & unapologetically against sin (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:25). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #SpeakTheTruth #StandAgainstSin #PrayForAmerica

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel 23:22-34 is a repetition of God‘s judgment on Judah. She followed the same detestable path as Israel. But verse 25 reveals God‘s state of mind – “JEALOUS”.

Years ago I heard a preacher say, “Some say the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath; the God of the New Testament is a God of love. Not so,” he said. “He is always a God of love provoked by his adulteress people to jealousy.“ [read Exodus 20:5,6]

The question for me is, do I identify with God over sin (does it break my heart?) or am I just comfortable with sin all around me? Lord, may I have a heart that burns for righteousness.

Twisted Sisters (Pt2): Righteous Beware

(Ezk 23:11-21)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

WALK consistently in CLOSE harmony with God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:11-21). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #LetTheRighteousBeware

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel does not paint a pretty picture of Judah (the younger sister in this parable). It is downright lude. Even though Judah saw the depravity and destruction of Israel (older sister), she dove deeply into even greater idolatry with even more lust than her “sister”.

Her alliance with Assyria brought severe spiritual degradation. Other alliances with Babylon and Egypt further degraded her. God, in his extreme disgust at her depravity, turned away from her, rejected her. The imagery is unimaginable. May the righteous beware. I know that on any given day, I may be just as vulnerable to a fall.

Lord, may there never be any daylight in the relationship between you and me.

Twisted Sisters (Pt1)

(Ezk 23:5-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we seek God while we still may (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭23:5-10). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #AmericaRepent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the parable of the two sisters, Ohola, the older (representing the northern Kingdom of Israel) went whoring after the Assyrian might in an alliance. In her twisted thinking, Israel left her dependence on Jehovah God for victory and prosperity to unite with the godless Assyrians.

Israel also served/worshiped Assyrian gods. She traded the truth for a twisted lie. God abandon her to her sin filled ways (as in Rom 1:24-26). Israel was stripped of her national identity and found herself in rubbles.* Lord, may I seek you while the seeking is still possible (Isa 55:6,7).

_________

* Hosea also condemned Israel for her adulterous ways and prophesied her downfall: Hosea 5:8-15; 7:11,12 & 8:8-10.

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.

Cleared Conscience

(Psm 38:12-20)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender, repent and let God clear your conscience (Psm 38:12-20). #UnconfessedSin #Repentence #LeanInToGod #ClearYourConscience #LetGodFightYourBattle

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When, in my heart, I know I have sinned, and my conscience has called out to God for forgiveness, he will not disappoint. Yet, the residual effects of my sin may continue to cause me pain. No one knows the agony of soul I feel for my sin and its results, but God.

My sin has taught me that I deserve nothing. But those who wish to do me harm, “kick me while I’m down“, gloat over me. I call upon God to fight my battle for exoneration (Exo 14:14). Only God‘s grace can sustain me through the process of repentance (1Jn 3:19-21).

Lord, may the repentance in this old sentry produce a clear conscience before you.

Collateral Damage

(Psm 38:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stay alert to the effects of unconfessed sin (Psm 38:9-12). #UnconfessedSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I see the effects of unconfessed sin on me personally (vv1-8). But I do not exist in a vacuum. The effects of my unconfessed sin radiates out. Collateral Damage: First, my sin is always open to the Lord. My broken condition (spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically) is laid bare before God.

Second, my condition will eventually cause friends and family to avoid me. Unconfessed sin is like a disease. No one wants what I’ve got.

Finally, my enemies, which includes Satan, will use my condition to torment and accuse me. Satan and all his minions would ruin me if they could.

Wish I could say, “It ain’t so.“ But, unfortunately it is. So, I need to ruminate on the collateral damage of my unconfessed sin. I long for something better. Lord, may it be so.

SIGNS

(Psm 38:1-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Pay attention to SIGNS of unconfessed sin (Psm 38:1-8). #UnconfessedSin #SourcesOfPain

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist here acknowledges his sin up front. He owns it. But he also seeks mercy from God. Sin has caused the psalmist much physical sickness. His guilt/shame is an emotional burden. He regards his sin as foolish. It has caused him physical and emotional pain and grief. It has manifested itself in SIGNS of fever, ill-health, and distress of soul.

Not every health problem is caused by sin. But when I violate God‘s moral code and persist in hiding it, it may be accompanied by SIGNS of anxiety, depression, and isolation as a result. Confessing sin and clearing the conscience will lead to peace with God and man. These are facts that have been proven across many cultures.

Lord, may I be alert of any physical SIGNS revealing unconfessed sin in my life.

Time is Now

(Psm 32:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn quickly to God in repentance & surrender (Psm 32:6-8). #GoodConscience #ConfessSin #RepentTowardsGod

Churchman (1914-2004): renown American philosopher; man of faith

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The time to repent of sin is now. Keep short accounts with God. Don’t wait until some calamitous event drives you to God. To God is the place we need to go. Seek God now while he may be found (Isa 55:6,7).

God can calm the noisy waters of trouble and instead, surround us in victorious songs. Conceal sin and suffer; confess and prosper (Pro 28:13). God will turn us back on the right path for our lives. From there, he promises to guide us, advise and watch over us.

Lord, lead my oft wayward heart quickly to you in repentance and surrender.

The Best Joy

(Psm 32:1-5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Confess your sin; know the joy of forgiveness (Psm 32:1-5). #GoodConscience #ConfessSin #RepentTowardsGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When I sin egregiously against another I hope to be forgiven. Yet even that forgiveness may not relieve the guilt I feel, or remove the sin from the mind of the offended. BUT God…forgives my sin, he puts it out of his sight and memory and he clears my conscience of all guilt.

When I refuse to confess* my sin, it weighs me down. It turns against me – consequences/discipline will break me down and sap my strength. When I confess* my sin and expose my guilt, God is faithful to forgive, forget and free me of all guilt (see also Rom 4:4-8; 1Jn 1:9,10). I am able to face the truth and any lingering consequences of sin.

Lord, may my heart confess sin and know the joy of forgiveness.

______

* To confess sin is to agree with God about my rebellion against him.

Exalted In Forgiveness

(Psm 25:11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Revere God in humility and worship (Psm 25:11). #GodHighAndLiftedUp #RevereGod #Forgiveness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is honored by forgiving my sin because forgiveness is centered in his character, not mine. Who is the bigger person in forgiveness? Ans: The one who forgives! Isaiah 43:25 says, “I blot out transgressions for my own sake.“

Forgiveness glorifies God because it reveals his divine nature. When Jesus died on the cross, his death was payment for all our sin (Exo 23:7; Nah 1:3; Rom 1:18; Isa 53:10). I am justified, made right with and reconciled to God. Only God can do this. Lord, I am humbled and acknowledge you as Lord and friend.

Defiant & Undone

(Ezekiel 22:23-29)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Neither harbor nor justify sin in your life (Ezk22:23-29). #God’sDiscipline #RepentTowardsGod #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God addresses the leaders and people of Judah, Jerusalem: royalty (Kings and princes), priests (spiritual guides), leaders (in the community), prophets (self-proclaimed) and the common people (neighbors).

All of them extort wealth, conspire against innocent people; they violate all that is holy and disregard God‘s laws; they prey upon people for financial gain, leaving victims in shambles;

they lie saying they have messages of ease from God; the people do as their leaders and prey on one another, murder, oppress, rob and act unjustly towards strangers.

Lord, may there be no spirit of justification for any sin in my life – may God be true and every man a liar (Rom 3:1-4).*

_________

* See Romans Chapter 3 on Paul’s core message: it underscores man’s sin and God’s justice and mercy in his plan to redeem man from sin.

Refined By Fire

(Ezekiel 22:17-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rest assured of God’s redemptive purposes in his refining fires (Ezk 22:17-22). #RefinersFire #God’sDiscipline

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God calls his rebellious people “worthless slag.“ Slag [dregs, refuse, scum, dross, trash, sinter, scoria, impurity, recrement], the waste left over after refinement, discarded as useless. Not at all flattering words. Israel‘s national life had fallen to its lowest point morally, ethically and spiritually.

God‘s fury is here described as a refiner’s fire. When the slag (sinful condition) has been melted off in extreme heat (God’s discipline), all that will be left is what is precious and valuable to God. That is the purpose of God‘s refining fire. He will separate, redeem, what is precious from the worthless (Jer 15:19-21; Mal‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭4‬; Amo 9:9,10).

Lord, your discipline may last for a moment but produces the fruit of righteousness (Psm 30:5; Heb 12:10, 11).

Risk Reward

(Ezekiel 22:1-16)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you look to God, even Jesus, who risked ignobility to redeem a lost people (Ezk 22:1-16). #HeTookTheRisk #RiskReward #Redemption #PurifiedByFire

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet Ezekiel is now called upon to be the prosecuting attorney. He will present the evidence for judgment against God’s people: idolatry, bloodshed, murder, sexual immorality of every detestable kind; oppression of the poor, false accusations, parents dishonored, the Sabbath ignored; racketeering, extortion and hired killers.

Every commandment of God has been broken. It is a list of the most egregious sins possible. Judah has dishonored God to the superlative degree. She had dishonored herself. Her day of reckoning has come. God will scatter and purge his people. Even the pagans would see God forsaking his people. But his purpose is to cleanse and purify his people; redeem a remnant.

Lord, you are willing to risk even your good name (v16) to redeem your people (also Heb12:2).

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 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.

National Brokenness

(Ezekiel 21:6,7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Pray for a national brokenness of heart towards God (Ezk 21:6,7). #Brokeness #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As Ezekiel is pronouncing the complete destruction of Judah, God instructs him to show visible signs of mourning. He’s not faking this. He is truly brokenhearted publicly and openly. God instructs: when the people ask, “Why are you so brokenhearted?“, he would tell them why.

The news of the total destruction of their home land and Jerusalem, the city of God, would be so horrible that all the exiles in Babylon will be broken and mourn with deep emotion. They would faint at the news. Even the boldest and strongest will melt with fear and agony. It will be so. The Sovereign Lord had ordained it.

Lord, give me a heart of brokenness for my country, my church, family, and friends.

“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.

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.