Cultivate a heart that is wholly devoted to God alone (Ezk 23:36-44). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #FalseWorship #PrayForAmerica #Idols #Idolatry
When Men Drift from Jehovah God
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.
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.
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.
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.
Surrender all to Christ today (Psm 25:1). #ISurrenderAll #JesusIsLord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“Oh Lord, I give my life to you.“ These words impact my heart like the bat that strikes a home-run ball out of the park. December 28, 1968, a young 21 year-old recruit, standing sentry in a guard tower over the Saigon River, surrendered to God. *
After many years of running from God, this, now 80-year-old sentry, laid down his weapons of this world and surrendered his life to the Lordship of Christ. I never looked back; been serving Christ now these 58 years. I would not change anything.
Lord, thank you for relentlessly pursuing this old sentry, then persistently leading me.
Lean into God in the face of evil (Psm 12:6-8). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #Impregnable #AFortressIsOurGod
God’s fortress: IMPREGNABLE !
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
To reiterate, the Lord is the only sure fortress for those oppressed by evil men. When his godly ones are marginalized and persecuted, they may cry with Job, “Though he slay me, yet well I trust him“ (Job 13:15).
Wicked men may flaunt their power over others in the “VILEST” of ways (only used here in the OT: horrid, vulgar, degenerate, et al.); engaging with contemptible followers. But the Lord is an IMPREGNABLE wall, a fortress against evil men. They may destroy me bodily, but I stand with God (Mat 10:28).
Lord, I am forever, eternally preserved in your protective care.
Rest assured of God’s redemptive purposes in his refining fires (Ezk 22:17-22). #RefinersFire #God’sDiscipline
“Worthless Slag”
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).
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.
May we live in this world without acting like the world (Ezk 20:30-31). #WalkWithGod #InTheWorldButNotOfIt
Adapting to your environment?
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The bulk of this chapter details how Israel, God‘s chosen people, went off the rails time and time again. They disobeyed God‘s commands, rejected his decrees, flagrantly ignored God’s Sabbath rest and they went about sacrificing their children on alters of fire to other gods. Despicable!
Ezekiel makes reference to idol worship 17 times. Verse 32 implies that the elders speaking to Ezekiel (v1), had syncretized their worship of God with many other gods. Jehovah was just one of many. They had become and were becoming more like the culture around them. God was abandoning his people to the consequences of their sin (vv 25,26; Rom 1:22-25).
Lord, may my life reflect you; may I not grow accustomed to [be a reflection of] the culture around me.
Surrender your heart to God‘s loving discipline (Ezk 16:35-45).#Repentance #RepentTowardsGod #TurnNowToGod #JealousAnger
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jerusalem, this once beautiful queen (vv13,14) had prostituted herself (forged alliances with ungodly nations and worshiped their pagan idols – snubbing God, her true lover). She would fall to destruction by these very pagan lovers (23:47). This was warned of in Deuteronomy 13:12-16 and so it came to pass.
Jerusalem forgot the God of her youth, the God who rescued her (vv6-15). But she will remember (vv61-63). God’s fury won’t last forever and his jealous anger will eventually subside.* But not until he has brought his people to repentance and redemption.
Lord, may my heart surrender to your loving redemptive purposes through your discipline (Psm 30:5; Pro 3:11,12; Heb 12:5,6).
_____
* I remember a notable pastor saying once, “God is not a God of anger in the Old Testament. He is a God of love provoked to jealousy.“
Guard your heart against idolatrous worship (Ezk 14:1-4, 20-23) #RejectIdolatrousWorship #Judgment #Repent #WorshipGodAlone #GodAboveAllElse
God‘s focus here is on the leaders of Israel who came to Ezekiel seeking advice. Yet, their hearts were full of idolatrous worship and their sin was great. God says to them through Ezekiel, nothing, no one will save them from judgment (war, famine, wild animals, and disease).
Not even Noah, Daniel or Job (great men of God) could save the nation from the coming judgment. The nation would come to realize through pain and suffering, once again, that Jehovah God is a sovereign Lord. Lord, it is so very important that every prayer sentry keep his/her heart from the worship of any idol (🎉🗣️🧞♀️👙🍺🏈🚙🚢💰).
Remain humble and open to God’s conviction (Ezk 11:1-12). #Can’tRunCan’tHide #RemainOpenToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The leaders of Jerusalem were leading God‘s people away from God. They believed that they were insulated from further Babylonian attacks (our city is like an iron pot; we the people are like meat safe in the pot). Neither the leaders, nor the people of Israel would acknowledge their sin.
Arrogance, pride, worship of pagan gods, ignoring God‘s word and his warnings was a recipe for failure and God‘s judgment/discipline. It was for Israel then and it is for us today. God put his finger directly on their faulty thinking – he knows our thoughts. Hiding from God is futile. Lord, keep the heart of this ol’ sentry from arrogance and pride.
May God‘s glory remain resting upon your life; it’s your call (Ezk 10:4,18-19). #DangerToDelayRepentance #DontDelayToRepent #GodsGloryDeparted
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I see God‘s judgment of Israel as justified (ch 8). God‘s judgment is outlined and eminent (ch 9). God‘s glory departs the temple, then Jerusalem (ch 10-11). Israel is now vulnerable to the destruction of her enemies. She will fall.
Chapter 8, verse six, notes that the sin and idle worship carried out in God‘s Temple was driving God to depart from his people. God had made his dwelling with his people (Exo 25:8). He dwelt in the wilderness Tabernacle (Exo 40:34, 35). His glory dwelt in the Temple built by Solomon (2Ch 6-7). Now, centuries later, we see that God‘s presence [his glory] was departing the Temple and Jerusalem altogether (Ezk 11:22,23).
Lord, I never again want to be in a place where you would threaten to remove your glory, your presence, from me.
May we remain pure from the practice of sin in our lives (Ezk 9:5,6). #JudgmentBeginsWithGodsPeople #NoEscapingJudgment #Repent #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In Ezekiel‘s vision, the man (an angel) with writing implements was instructed by God to mark the foreheads of those who mourn over Israel’s sin (vv3,4). They would be a remnant saved through the judgment. Judgment was inevitable.
The other men (angels) in the vision were instructed to follow the inscribing angel and kill all those not marked. They were to start at the Temple. So judgment began with the 70 elders worshiping pagan idols in the temple (8:9-11). Judgment began at the household of God (1Pe 4:17).
Lord, may I do my part in the body of Christ to remain pure of the practice of sin, else the world suffers.
May your heart be marked as repentant for sin (Ezk 9:1-4). #Repent #Judgment #Remnant
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The stench of pagan idolatry and worship had reached its zenith (8:17,18). The vision of Ezekiel now moves to the execution of God‘s judgment. God‘s tolerance had reached its limits (Gen 6:3-13). There was no turning back. Six men appeared before Ezekiel (likely angels). They were armed. Another man appeared, dressed in linen. He carried implements of writing.
These men stood at the entrance of the temple. God‘s glory moved from the mercy seat to the threshold (entrance) of the temple. Judgment had begun. The angel dressed in linen was directed to walk through the streets of Jerusalem, and mark the foreheads of those who mourned for the detestable sin in the city. Lord, may I learn to mourn for my sin and the sins of my nation.
Identify and turn quickly from things not honoring to God (Ezk 8:13-18). #FullBlownSin #NoTurningBack #TimeIsUp
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In two final scenes is seen the people’s disdain for God. First is observed: women in the Temple weeping for the Babylonian god, Tammuz. He was the god of vegetation life. He “died“ in the summer months and the grass and vegetation withered. In the spring, he is said to be “reborn” (rose from the dead), bringing a new life.
The second and last scene depicts priests who should have been interceding for the people at the altar of sacrifice for sin. But their backs were turned toward the altar (God), and they worshiped the sun. The stage was now set for God‘s judgment. Lord, may my heart be turned always fully towards you
May you turn from any perverted or immoral behavior (Ezk 8:5,6). #TurnNowToGod #Repent
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I need to take a deeper dive on the idolatrous worship outlined in these verses. Asherah, chief female deity of the Canaanites and Babylonians is the likely reference here. A wicked Israelite King, Manasseh (2Ki 21:7), had an Asherah pole (phallic symbol) manufactured and put in the Temple at Jerusalem.
Asherah was the goddess of fertility. All manner of sexual rites, perversions and worship were centered around this deity. It was obscene and immoral. It led to all manner of sexual perversion, including temple prostitutes (male and female). Israel’s leaders led her into this sin.
Lord may my life be free of lustful sin, perversion and any immoral behavior.
Remain open to the scrutiny of God in your heart (Ezk 8:1-4). #SearchMyHeartOGod #OpenToScrutiny
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Some elders were with Ezekiel. Perhaps they were consulting with him at his home. Early in his ministry he worked from his house in exile (note 3:24). Ezekiel is transported in a vision to the scene of ungodly detestable worship called out in the Temple of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel is taken from one scene to the next. Each more vile and detestable than the last. “Do you see it son of man?” God asks. “The whole nation thumbs their nose at me. I will respond in merciless fury.“
This only scratches the surface of the sins committed here in the Temple of God.
Lord, if I am honest, I must be willing for God to search my heart for any wicked way. (Psm 139:23,24).
May your heart put faith in God alone (Ezk 7:14-18). #TimeIsUp #Repent#TrustInGodAlone #TooLittleTooLate
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
When the hammer of God‘s justice comes down, there will be no military might that can stave off the destruction. Here we see that God‘s judgment on Israel is manifested in the death of those in towns outside Jerusalem‘s walls. Inside the walls, famine and disease is a double edge sword.
Those who do escape will weep and mourn for their sin. Repentance will come…too little, too late to save their beautiful culture. This is the result of a nation who ignores God and puts faith in wealth, economy, military might, influence and political parties. Lord, may my heart learn to put its faith and trust in you alone.
May we (America) separate ourselves from sin early; sooner than later (Ezk5:11-17).#RepentTurnToGod #Awakening #RealChange #ComeEarlyToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In Ezekiel’s model (v4:1,2), Jerusalem (Israel) was to be a beacon of God’s love and protection, a light to the nations (5:5,6; Gen 22:15-18; Isa 49:6). But she rebelled. She left God and worshipped all manner of other gods, and in grotesque detestable ways. In this text she is still a model, but for horror, mockery and taunting.*
The condemnation of Jerusalem will be a warning to the nations. They will see how the Lord punishes a nation that is being rebuked for their sin. The horrific acts of men reveal the depravity of their hearts. If God is willing to punish his own, how then shall others escape (Heb 2:1-4)?
Lord, I am reminded of sin’s full capacity to destroy life, God’s intense jealousy and my need for repentance.
_________
* So, is the God of the Old Testament just a God of anger? No! Verse 13 tells me that he is a God of covenant love driven to jealousy by the betrayal and adultery of his people.
May we clearly understand God‘s conviction and turn to him (Ezk5:7-9). #RepentTurnToGod #TurnToGod #CrossingTheLine
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God’s Case Against Judah/Israel, his people. Time and time again God has called his people to repent and turn back to him. Yet, they have refused. They crossed the line.
A Clear Case of Rebellion: his people have acted worse than their surrounding pagan nations; they have refused to trust and obey God’s commandments. Over the line.
The Sentence: God promises to punish his people for their idolatrous worship. He will do so publicly while the nations look on in horror.
God further promises to punish his people like he never has before or will ever again. God will scatter any survivors to the winds.
Lord, at the end of my own days of rebellion I clearly understood what the consequences would be crossing the line. Thank you for clearly speaking to me and leading me to a change of heart towards you.*
______________
* See Behind the Veil, this blog. It points to my own testimony.
Give praise for our overwhelming hope in Christ (1Jhn 5:4,5). #ChristIsTheVictory #JesusOvercomesTheWorld
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Every child of God, no exceptions, defeats the evil in this world. Victory is achieved through our faith in the Son of God – Jesus. That is to say, as long as there are committed believers, followers of Christ in this world, there will be hope.
Hope that men can be loving towards each other;
Hope that nations can/will repent and come to Christ;
Hope that even one child of God can make a vast difference;
Hope that gives assurance of ultimate eternal victory over the evil of this world.
Lord, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
Be alert to the spirit of antichrist (1Jn 2:18-23). #WakeUp #SpiritOfAntichrist #DefendTheTruth
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
We live in the “last days.“ It is evident all around. There is much anti-Christian rhetoric and anti-Christian teaching. This is a spirit of antichrist. It is a sign that we are living in the “last days.” (More on this and false teachers in chapter four)
It is important that the true believer knows the difference between the truth, and the lies of an antichrist teaching. That comes by a genuine conversion to Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who teaches and guides into all truth (Jhn 14:15–17) and a study of God’s word. Lord, may every prayer sentry on the wall remain alert to the presence of the spirit of antichrist in our world.
Continue living in the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:6,7). #LightOfTheGospel #PracticeTheTruth #JesusIsTheLight
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Believers are called out of the darkness and continue (practice) living (walking) in the light. (see also Col 1:13; 1Pe 2:9). If one is living in spiritual darkness, he/she cannot also claim they are following Christ.
But if one continues (is walking) in the light, then that one may have uninterrupted fellowship with other believers – the blood of Jesus has certainly cleansed them from all sin. They live (walk) in the light as he is in the light.
Lord, may I continue living in the truth (light the gospel) enjoying a secure relationship with you and with other believers.
Faithfully embrace the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:5). #LightOfTheGospel #JesusIsTheLight
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John quickly goes to the heart of the gospel. “God is light, in him is no darkness.“ (See Jhn 1:4-9). One of the first acts of creation by God was to create light and dispel the darkness. (Gen 1:2,3). Light reveals and enables us to see the difference between good and evil. Light will always overcome the darkness.
Having a relationship with Christ is derived by coming out of the darkness of sin and embracing Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Lord, I give thanks for the light of the gospel; may I follow it faithfully.
Trust God to exact perfect judgment on his people’s oppressors (Jer 51:50-58). #TorchedAndBurned #WagesOfSin #Judgment #BabylonHasFallen
Babylon has fallen
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As Jeremiah concludes his writing of the Scroll to the Hebrew captives in Babylon, he acknowledges their shame and discouragement for the desecration of the Temple. “Yes, but;” the Lord reminds them again that he will destroy Babylon, her God (v52), her military (V56), her officers, counselors, captains and warriors (v57). The Lord will repay in full.
Babylon remains today
All the mighty of Babylon will be put to sleep, never wake up again. The builders of the great city of Babylon and its fortresses will be mere kindling. The King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will torch and burn her to the ground. Lord, I rely upon you to deliver your people and repay the oppressors of your people fully for their sin.*
__________
* The wages of sin is eternal death, destruction and separation from God, but the gift of God is eternal life, deliverance from death, destruction and separation from God” (Rom 6:23).
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
APPROACHING HOOFBEATS
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.
Walk and serve humbly before God (Jer 50:33,34; Mic 6:8). #WsakHumblyBeforeGod #GodIsNotMocked
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is another reminder of who it is that is bringing destruction to Babylon and the deliverance of Israel from exile. It is none other than “the God of Heaven’s Armies.“
Is the mighty arm of the Lord falling on Babylon because he used her to bring judgment on his people? No. It is because Babylon was arrogant, mocked & defied God; she literately enjoyed watching people suffer. Any who are used of God, for any purpose, must be cautious in the use of their power.
God can raise up and God can take down any leader or any nation, and he will (Dan 2:21; Psm 75:7). Lord, may this sentry always walk humbly before you; may my service to you bring you honor and glory.
Be discerning of false and lying leaders (Jer 23:13–15). #GodlySpiritualLeaders #PastorsTeachersProphets #DevotedToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah compares the prophets in Jerusalem (Judah – southern kingdom) to the Samarian prophets of Israel, the northern kingdom, already judged and gone. These Samarian prophets prophesied in the name of Baal (the Canaanite deity). They were wicked men and lead Israel into all kinds of sin.
Jeremiah saw the prophets of Judah as worse than the their counterparts. They were dishonest, liars, and adulterers on par with the people of Sodom & Gomorrah (symbolizing ultimate depravity). These prophets led the people of Judah into all manner of sin. They would be made to drink of the bitter waters of judgment.
Lord, may I (our nation) be discerning of those who paint a false view of God and the future.
Do not neglect/reject God‘s long-suffering towards you (2 Ki 24:17–20; 2Ch 36:12–16). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #LastManStanding #God’sLongSuffering
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As the final days of Judah as a nation close in, the last king of Judah is appointed by the Babylonian king. His name, Zedekiah (Hebrew name – Mattaniah). He was Jehoiachin‘s uncle (brother to his father, Jehoiakim) and a son of the good king Josiah. Zedehiah was the last king of Judah (last man standing). He was an unrighteous and wicked man, like his brother, Jehoiakim.
Zedekiah hardened his heart towards God. All the leaders, priest and people followed his example. Still, in compassion, God sent his prophets again and again. But they were mocked and ridiculed, finally, beyond remedy. Though God knows the outcome of all things, he still had compassion and continued to offer pardon for sin. But the people refused him. Lord, may I not neglect the plain truth of your long-suffering towards me.
The Prayer Sentry 