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

Embracing A World In Crisis

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the darkness of sin around us lead us to pray for the justice and mercy of God (Hab 1:1; 3:2). #DeepIntercessions #TheWorldInCrisis

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Habakkuk is a prophet of God who shows up sometime prior to the Babylonian captivity of the Jews. He is a contemporary of Jeremiah. Nothing more is known of him. There is however, some wide agreement that he may have been a musician of the Levitical office (see 3:19). Further, his writings resemble the literary style of the psalms.*

Habakkuk often sounds more like David pouring out his heart to God than a preacher raining down judgment on the people. He is more poet than prophet. The darkness of sin running rampant in our world, should bring God‘s people to a deeper place of repentance and devotion to him. Lord, Habakkuk calls me to think more deeply on the state of our world and to plead for God’s justice and mercy (3:2).

________

* The Bible Knowledge Commentary on Habakkuk, Pgs 1505-1507.

Break Through Fear

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Deny the fear of men and speak boldly for God (Jer 26:12–15). #SpeakTruth #DoNotFearMen #FearGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the trial of Jeremiah, the prophet gives his own defense: 1) he declares the authenticity of his prophetic words, as from God; 2) the destruction of the temple is conditioned on the repentance of the people of Judah; and 3) he declares that killing him would be to execute an innocent man – this would compound the sin of Judah, and seal their fate. What a defense!

I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Luke 12:12. “Do not fear men…do not worry about how to defend yourself…the Holy Spirit will teach you what to say” (read in context, Luke 12:4–12). We may take courage and reverence God above all others. Break through the fear of men or what they can do to you. Stand on the truth. Lord, I know that you will be my defense in time of trouble.

Truth Speak

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Embrace, be faithful and courageous to speak the truth of God (Jer 26:1–11). #SpeakTheTruth #CourageToSpeakForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Standing in front of the temple, Jeremiah spoke the truth of the disaster about to fall on the temple and Jerusalem. He said exactly what God told him to say. When he had finished, the priests, the prophets, and the people present began to taunt him and ridicule him. They wanted to kill him.

When the officials in the palace heard about it, they rushed to the temple and decided to hold court right then and there. They would try Jeremiah for treason – the priests and the prophets were witnesses against him. It is clear that when you speak for God, the message may not be popular. But speak you must! Lord, may I always have courage to speak the truth of God no matter the consequences.

Seed of Hatred Towards Israel

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we walk daily in humble obedience to God (Jer 26:1–6). #MessageForAmerica #Repent #TurnNowToGod

Repentance in Israel, America, any Nation Remains Our Best Hope

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In spite of God‘s intended judgment on Judah the message is still, “If you will repent, I will change my mind (says God) about the disaster I am ready to pour out on you because of your sin.“ (Sounds like 2 Chronicles 7:14). If not, after repeated warnings, God says, I will destroy the temple and make Jerusalem an object of cursing in every nation on earth.

Such was, and is the case in Israel, even unto this day. Know what? Israel is still unrepentant – she even crucified the Messiah, Jesus. No wonder Israel has suffered so much through history. No wonder she is in crisis today. Unrepentance sows terrible seeds of disaster. Lord, may I live in humble obedience to you. I “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psm 122:6-9).

[Are you paying attention America? Will you turn to Jehovah God?]

The End of Godlessness

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we run from godlessness and rebellion (2Ki 24:17-20 through 25:1-7). #ReturnToGod #RunFromGodlessness #FollowHardAfterGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Nebuchadnezzar had installed Zedekiah as a puppet king in Judah. He was Johoiachin‘s uncle, the third son of godly king Josiah of Judah. He was a godless man, like his brother, the former king, Jehoiakim. His reign will not end well.

After a two year Babylonian siege against Jerusalem, Zedekiah fled the city. Babylonians pursued him and caught him. Zedekiah’s troops deserted him and scattered. Zedekiah and his sons all died unspeakable and cruel deaths at the hands of the Babylonians.

So It was just as Jeremiah said, “These things happened because of the Lord’s anger against the people of Jerusalem and Judah, until he finally banished them from his presence, and sent them into exile” (24:20). Lord, may the heart of the sentry on the wall be kept from the folly of godlessness and rebellion.

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:

[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]

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 Pt2

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we learn from history, turn quickly to God and know his favor. (Jer 22:6-9). #RepentAndDoWhatIsRight #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jeremiah, the prophet, continues his prophecy over the rebellious kings and nation of Judah:

The hard reality for God‘s people is, God loves us, but he will severely discipline his own for their sin, disobedience and worship of other gods (who are no–gods). If God is willing to send in the “wreckers“ and dismantle an entire city devoted to him (Jerusalem) and set it afire, what will we today, in America, face for turning our backs on him?

People may one day ask of this great nation America, what was then asked of Jerusalem. “Why did she fall into such disrepair?” The answer will be, because she scoffed at the God who so blessed her and she went after other gods. Lord, teach my heart, remind me of your goodness so that I might not sin against thee.

More to follow.

Jehoahaz Prophecy & Plight

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Strive to understand the works of God in history and the truth of his word (Jer 22:10–12).

Prophecy leading to the plight of Jehoahaz

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[For whatever reason, Jeremiah 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]

This is the word of the Lord, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah. After addressing the leadership in Judah (22:1–9), he prophesies the end and plight of Jehoahaz. Jehoahaz is taken captive by Pharoh Neco. He is deported, exiled, never to return again to Judah (2Ki 23:31-33).

Though the order of these chapters here may be a question, it does not abrogate the truth of God’s word. Lord, may I always seek to understand the works of God in history through your word.

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.

Whole-Hearted Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we worship with wholehearted reverence towards God (2Ch 35:16-19; 2Ki 23:21-23) #WorshipInSpiritAndInTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It had been centuries since the celebration of Passover had been carried out in such a complete manner; all in accordance with the prescription given by Moses. This means that even the godliest kings of Israel oversaw Passover done merely according to religious custom, ritual and tradition. Not in accordance with Mosaic prescription.

Neither priests, Levites nor people participated wholeheartedly in or viewed Passover with any meaningful reverence; it was a duty. So, this was a Passover to end all Passovers. Josiah, once again, stands head and shoulders above all the other kings of Israel. Lord, may I come in wholehearted worship, lifting holy hands in accordance with the spirit of the law (1Ti. 2:8).

May the spirit of the law (the practice and heart of my worship) inform the prescribed letter of the law (the discipline and manner of my worship).

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.

_________

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

Whole-Hearted Pledge

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May we humbly repent, listen to God’s word and pledge to follow him whole-heartedly (2Ch 34:29-32). #PledgeAllegianceToGod #Repent #ReadGod’sWord #FollowGod’sWord

King Josiah Reads the Lost Book of the Law to the People

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As a result of #1, the Book of the Law being found and #2, the word of the Lord, delivered to King Josiah by the Prophetess Huldah, the King called an assembly of all the people in Judah and Jerusalem. In this assembly, Josiah himself read the Book of the Law to the people.

King Josiah then took his place of authority in the Temple. He pledged himself to obey all the commands of the Lord. Then he called on the people of Judah and Jerusalem to pledge the same. They did so. Lord, I see hope for America (the church and our world) if those in authority will repent, look to your word and commit to follow Christ with a whole heart.

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)

Mañana: No Option

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Yield without delay to the conviction of the Holy Spirit (2Ch 34:21). #Repent #TurnFromSin #ConvictionOfSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Having heard a reading of the “Book of the Law,“ King Josiah realizes the danger Israel is in because they had not followed God’s prescribed law (Deu 28:15ff). Josiah’s instructions at that point, to the High Priest and other officials, was to go and inquire about the meaning of what had been read to him.

In other words, Josiah said, “Go now and seek counsel from the Prophet. Confirm what had been read to him. Inquire what should be done.” The nearest prophet was Huldah, the Prophetess, who lived near the Temple (v22). Lord, I understand that conviction of sin will lead me to further and quickly inquiry as to what next to do. Do it now, not tomorrow.

Be Reconciled

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Remain open to the convicting power of God’s word (2Ch 34:19–21). #RepentOfSin #TurnFromSin #TurntoGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King Josiah‘s response to what he heard as God‘s word to all of Israel was great remorse and conviction. He immediately recognized the sin of his nation. His grief led him to repentance (2Co 7:9-11). He did not cast off his sin, or blame another or excuse it. He owned it.

God‘s word leads us to acknowledge sin, leads us away from sin and expresses sorrow for sin. Conviction of sin causes a desire within us to change. It leads us to turn away from that sin and follow God. God‘s word is powerful to judge the intentions and motives of the heart (Heb 4:12). Lord, may I daily consider my obedience to you, make course corrections in my life and be reconciled with you.

Road to Awakening

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the national leaders in America repent and seek after the heart of God; may we see revival and spiritual awakening (2Ch 34:8-13; 2Ki 22:3-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

On the surface, this passage seems all very administrative and organizational. But what is apparent here is the heart of a 26-year-old king (of Judah). His heart was for God, even in the face of much pagan worship, and idolatry in the land. He is contemporary with Jeremiah, the Prophet of God (there is a compelling connection between national leadership and religious leaders).

Young King Josiah sees the temple of God (symbol of the presence of God in the national life of Israel) in disrepair. What previous kings had allowed to fall into ruin, Josiah restored. Revival was close at hand. Likewise, if the national leaders in America (any country) would repent, seek God’s face and point the people to God, we would be a better nation. America would have a road to awakening.

Lord, I pray that America might experience another spiritual awakening of national proportions.

Judgment Will Roll

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Do not ignore the pleadings of God to repent and turn to him (Jer 18:18–23). #TurnNowToGod #RepentAndTurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

While the obstinate people of God and their leaders are saying, “Do not listen to Jeremiah’s thunderous words of repentance,“ Jeremiah is saying to God “Listen to their words of evil” towards him. Jeremiah has warned the people of God’s of coming judgment (vv15–17). Their response is to discredit and kill Jeremiah.

Jeremiah‘s prayer is not one of vengeance, for he has earnestly contended for their souls (14:7-9; 19-22). Jeremiah is now praying for protection, because of his faithfulness to deliver the message. He is also praying that God would now allow his stated judgments for sin to roll down on his unrepentant people. Lord, remove any obstinate way within my heart.

The Coming Storm

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May your faces be turned always toward God (Jer 18:16–17). #StormsOfJudgment #RepentTowardsGod #ObserveStormWarnings

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point in Judah’s national life, God vows to desolate the land, just as the people have chosen to desolate their souls. Many will look on in horror. God further vows to scatter his arrogant disobedient people like the dust of a violent dust storm (a common occurrence in Israel).

Because God‘s people have turned their backs on him (2:27), God will turn away his face of favor from them. Now his people will see an amazing thing – they will see God‘s back as they are consumed by the distresses of judgment to come. Will America at some point see God’s back? May she turn in repentance and live. Lord, to ignore you will end in an ultimate demise.

Get Self Out Of The Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

America (even I myself) needs to rid its heart of indifference towards God (Jer 18:12-16). #RepentNow #TurnNowToGod

“You would turn away from God, your provider?

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s people express their resolve to continue in their wicked ways (v12). It makes no sense. God’s people have known his goodness to them, yet they turn their backs on him. Even the godless pagan can see the foolishness of such a response. It is seen as appalling, ghastly, even to them.

The response is in opposition even to the natural world. The snow in the mountains continually flows to the valley below (pictures God’s goodness). Rivers of living water flow from the “Rock,” also pictures God as the source of all goodness. Astonishingly God’s people opt for the waters of another (worthless gods). They cause their own stumbling off the true path that leads to God.

Lord, in light of all your goodness to me (to America) I (we) need to get out of my (our) own way and turn you.

_____

This old hymn says it well:

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.

Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above;
praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
mount of God’s unchanging love!

A Repentance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Sincerely, open your heart to examination by God (Jer 18:11,12). #ThePotter’sHouse #RepentOfSin #ThePotterAndTheClay #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is hard to read these words, Israel’s reply to Jeremiah‘s message of “The Potter & The Clay.“ The people said, “Don’t waste your breath, we will continue to live how we want to live.“ I wish I could say I have never said that to God. But I have. I pushed God to the limits of his mercy. (See my testimony: this blog)

Even now, as I read the message of “The Potter,“ I am urged by God to stop and reflect this morning. I’m asking God to search my heart for any wicked way; that I may be lead in the way, everlasting (Psm139:23,24; Jas 4:7-10). Lord, I open my whole heart and life for your close examination. Show me any sin I need to confess that I may change. (See the end of self: this blog)

The Potter And The Clay

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Act quickly to repent of sin at any rebuke from God (Jer 18:5–11). #ThePotter’sHouse #RepentOfSin #ThePotterAndTheClay #TurnToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is no misinterpretating God’s message to Jeremiah concerning the potter and the clay. Just as the potter fashions the clay in his hands, so God may do with Israel. Having found defect (sin) in the pot he was molding, the potter crushes the form. He removes the defect and starts over to refashion his clay into the mold he desires.

Just so, God will do the same to Israel (and any other nation). But if the nation renounces its sin (defect) God will not crush her. If she refuses to obey, then God will not bless Israel (or any other nation), he will judge her harshly. Lord, may any stern rebuke from you over sin (defect) found in me be met quickly with repentance towards you (Psm 51:10ff).

Stone Cold Sinners

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

May the great nation of America turn from her sin before it is too late (Jer 17:1-4). #SendRevival #SendAwakening #TurnToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah’s sin had gone unchecked for so long the hearts of the people had become impervious to counsel, change or repentance – they were “stone cold“ sinners. Even the children worshiped at pagan alters and were exposed to godless rituals. Judah’s idolatrous worship went on in all the high and fertile places. Clearly an affront to Jehovah God (Psm 95:4).

For Judah’s affronting sin – going after pagan gods in wanton fashion – God determines to hand his people and their prized land [Jerusalem] over to the pagan nation of Babylon. He would send his people into captivity.

America today has become just as hardened toward God as Judah. God will judge America; far more devastatingly than 9/11. She is on the very cusp of calamitous judgment.

It is hard to see America becoming as “stone cold” a nation as the people of Judah had become. Lord, I am pleading for a far reaching revival in the church and a spiritual awakening of national proportions.

Shake A Tail Feather

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Give thanks and praise to God for his daily renewal towards you (Psm 103:5). #RefreshedAndRenewed #ShakeATailFeather

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Caring for a loved one 24/7 is draining. But I have felt the extraordinary energy described in this Psalm. I have often been awakened in the course of caregiving and surprised by how physically alert I feel. Pretty amazing.

Psm 103:5 says, “God renews youth within me like the eagle renews its feathers annually; gets a new set of wings.” [my trans.]

That kind of refreshing comes only by prayer. The prayers of fellow believers on my behalf calls forth from God renewed lift and energy. Truly amazing!

_______

So, stop and give thanks for all the good things God has done for you (vv3,4). If that is not enough for which to thank God, consider the continual renewal of heart, soul and spirit that God regularly bestows on you. The picture here has to do with the molting process of the eagle.

Annually, the eagle loses all his feathers. The old feathers are shed, and the new feathers grow in their place. It is a fascinating process.*

God performs a quiet and continual renewing process of our heart, soul and mind (his mercies are new every morning – Lam 3:22-24). Lord, in all your goodness, you also renew my heart and soul. Thank you Lord.

_________

* https://birdwatchingbuzz.com/eagle-molting-process/

Awaken Thanks Giving

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Be awakened to the undeserved goodness of God (Psm 103:1,2). #ThanksGiving #GivePraiseToGod #PraiseGodForHisGoodness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Psalmist is here calling on his soul, the whole of his ego–centric being, to lift praises unto the Lord (ego being the complete person, both body and soul). Man is apt to forget to give God the thanks due him (I’m guilty). So, the Psalmist is expressly calling upon his soul to be awakened, aroused, to intentional praises to God for all of his blessings.

Like the nation calls upon the whole of America annually to “NEVER FORGET“ – Pearl Harbor, 9-11, Memorial Day, et.al. So also, men ought “NEVER FORGET“ God’s goodness to him. Lord, it is good that I should be intentional about giving thanks to you for all your goodness to me. America ought do the same.

Unshakable

Praying for Family, Friends, Church and Nation:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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