A Song For The Dark Nights

(Psm 42:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Listen for God’s song in the desperate night watches (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‬‬). #TurnNowToGod #GodIsYourSong

“Raging seas and surging tides sweep over me” (Psm‬ ‭42‬:‭7‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How easy it is to become discouraged. At times we, like the Psalmist, might feel like troubles just sweep over us. They are like wave after wave that washes over us. One becomes frantic and breathless, trying to survive the surging seas of troubles.

“But,“ by God’s grace and unfailing love I pray in the night watches, and though my loss is great, he gives me new life. I am able to rise above the maelstrom and receive the gift of God‘s beautiful song through each dark night.

Lord, even now I sit in the night watch and meditate on your goodness; I hear your song.

Hope Rests In God

(Psm 42:1-3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Turn fully towards the face of God (Psm 42:3-5). #PraiseTheLord #SeekGodWithAWholeHeart #HopeAloneInGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is disheartening when you feel attacked by those who would kick you while you’re down, make light of your frailties or mishaps. Malevolent marauders may come from places you least expect.

I have been the target of such senseless accusations. It’s hard. But then I recalled the joys of better days. I remembered when there was celebration of victories won. I recalled the joys of the movements of God in revival. I can strengthen my discouraged heart with hope in God.

I will praise the Lord again, my Savior and my God. Lord, may I look to the hills, the great mount of God, from whence comes my help.

“Obey Your Thirst”

(Psm 42:1-3a)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart thirst for God; get there quick as you can (Psm 42:1-3a). #SeekGodWithAWholeHeart#ObeyYourThirst #ThirstyForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is an ad for a power drink that beckons athletes to, “Obey Your Thirst“. It promotes an energy drink that satisfies the thirst and refreshes nutrients in the body. The Psalmist had said this ages ago. “As a deer pants after water so my heart thirsts for God.“

The spirit of the Psalmist within him longs for that “living water“ that only God can give. This living water refreshes the soul and renews the spirit of man like no other. Jesus tells us that he is that living water (Jhn 4:14; 7:37–38). The Psalmist can’t get to God soon enough.

Lord, I bring my old broken and thirsty heart to you today.

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.

Willing Surrender

(Psm 32:9-11)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Willingly surrender to God‘s direction (Psm 32:9-11). #WillingSurrender #FollowTheLord #ListenToGod

Verse eight promises guidance from the Lord. Here is some of that guidance. Don’t be unwilling or too stubborn to be tamed or moved by God towards a willing spirit.

The horse and the mule can be ornery by nature, brought under control only by brute force or fear. But man Should not be the same. He can reason and has a conscience. Men are not meant to be governed in such a corporeal manner.

“Men should allow themselves to be controlled by appeals [from God] to their moral conscience. Man is of a higher [moral] nature and should allow themselves to be governed by it.“*

Lord, may I willingly surrender to God’s leadership & direction

_________

* Barnes Notes on the Old Testament, Pg. 276.

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.

Good Testimony of Conscience

(Psm 25:16-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Make certain a clear conscience before God and man (Psm 25:16-22). #GoodConscience #CallUponGod

“I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men.” (Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭16‬)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This prayer closes as it began (v1,2). The deep distress of soul reaches for divine favor and mercy. Things have gone from bad to worse in the life of the psalmist. The difficulty, sorrow and distress of spirit is heavy upon him. He relies upon his good testimony of conscience. He has done nothing to provoke his adversary.

The psalmist closes seeking remedy and relief from those who wish to do him harm. But God knows the truth. His trust and hope is in God alone. He calls upon God to redeem him from his troubles. At times, only I alone and God know the motivations of my heart and actions. Lord, may I always have a clear conscience toward God and man.

Life Purpose

(Psm 25:11-15)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Make this be your one purpose, to please God alone (Psm 25:11-15). #HonorGod #PleaseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is a powerful promise of God. Those who reverence, honor God, will be shown the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity [peace, health, well-being; security and abundance].

Their children will inherit a good fortune. The Lord will be their friend and clearly teach them his covenant. A life characteristic of such a one is that his/her eyes are always on the Lord.

The Lord will steer them clear of any enemy, adversary or temptation.

Lord, may it ever be my one purpose in life to please you alone.

The Path

(Psm 25:8-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain faithful to follow the path God sets you upon (Psm 25:8-10). #FollowGod #ThePath #TheWayOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God can be counted upon to do what is right. If I go astray, he shows me the way back to his path. The humble he will guide. He will lead them on his path for them.

If I am faithful, keep covenant with God and obey his commands, I can count on him to continue to guide me in mercy and truth. Why would I not give myself wholeheartedly to following my Lord?

Lord, may I remain walking in THE PATH you have laid out for me; correct me when I stray.

Staying Open

(Psm 25:4-7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Maintain an open, seeking heart towards God (Psm 25:4-7). #StayOpenToGod #ListenToGod #SeekGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The first step in gaining knowledge and wisdom is to have a seeking heart. I must desire it and be willing to receive it. God’s word is opened to me. That is David as he writes, “Show me Lord, point out my path and lead me daily in it.“

Further, the psalmist explains, this is how I know God‘s unfailing love; I have seen it at work in the past. He prays, remember me in my seeking, and not as I was, in my rebellious youth. Boy, do I need a good dose of that. I am glad that in Christ, God does remember my sin. How merciful is God!

Lord, may I have an open, seeking heart towards your will in my life.

In God We Trust

(Psm 25:2,3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look for God in every circumstance (Psm 25:2,3). #FullyRelyOnGod #AlwaysTrustGod #NoDisappointmentWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Trust 100% in God. He is not an aloof and distant God, detached from the realities of life. He is “my God.“ He is personal. He knows my griefs and he knows my moments of exuberant joy. He joins me in those moments. That is the God in whom I trust.

My enemies, those things that tempt my soul, will go down in the flames of disgrace and dishonor. But those who trust in God will not be disappointed (Psm 22:5; Rom 5:5; 9:33; 10:11). Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but our God delivers us from them all, now and/or eternally.*

Lord, I am thankful for your deliverance from all manner of life challenges. The longer I live, the more I see.

_______

* Psm 34:19

I Surrender

(Psm 25:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

__________

Read full testimony this blog: https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Hale The Victor

(Psm 20:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you surround and be surrounded by others in prayer (Psm 20:1-5: ). #America #Prayer #Intercession

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The king responds to the prayers of his people with assurance that God will be with him. He is absolutely certain of God‘s deliverance. Some put their faith in “chariots and horses.“ Their strength is in their own limited resources. But the people of God put their faith in the mighty name of the Lord. He will cause his people to rise up and stand firm. The people then lifted their voices, declaring victory.

Going through a trial recently in my life, I was surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ praying for my family. I felt like the winning coach being carried off the field in victory. Lord, the prayers of the saints will literally carry one through the battles of life. Lord, may I be surrounded by prayer warriors; may I also join in prayers for others.

God + You = Majority

(Psm 12:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust that God is with his godly ones in the battle against evil (Psm 12:1-4). #WalkInSurrenderToGod #FullyRelyOnGod #YouDoNotStandAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is difficult to read these verses and not be mindful of the godless cultural rhetoric and dialogue of recent years in our own nation. David decries the open lies, boastful pride and defiance running rampant in his culture. “Who can stop us?“ was their arrogant cry.

David finds himself hard-pressed to find anyone faithful to core biblical values. Like David, I may at times feel alone in the fight against ungodliness. Well, I am not alone and there is one who can stop it.* David calls upon Jehovah God to silence lying lips and boastful, arrogant tongues.

Lord, may I have confidence in knowing that I do not stand alone and you are with me.

________

* Wicked King Ahab of Israel and his wife Jezebel had the great prophet Elijah on the run after he took out 700 prophets of Baal. Elijah mourned that he was the “only one left” in the fight against evil. This account is worth the read. (1Ki 19‬:‭1-18‬)

Beyond The Externals

(Psm 4:4-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in peace and inner contentment with God (Psm 4:4-8). #WalkInSurrenderToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When coming to God for help, make certain you come in the right spirit. Take time to examine the motivation of your heart (think on it a bit). No amount of prayers can overcome a disobedient heart focused only on external happiness.

The psalmist knows there is much more to be had beyond the externals. It is the inner joy that comes from knowing God and walking daily with him. That kind of inner joy and peace will give you confidence in God to keep you safe. Lord, you are the keeper of our inner peace and joy.

Now You See Me; Now You Don’t

(Ezekiel 20:5-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we live in this world without acting like the world (Ezk 20:30-31). #WalkWithGod #InTheWorldButNotOfIt

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.

Scorching Winds of Judgment

(Ezekiel 19:10-14)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to grasp God’s intents for correction in your life (Ezk 19:10-14). #WalkWithGod #YouOwnYourSin #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Just as the autumn winds sing the dirge of summer, so the Sovereign of Israel sings this coronach over the last kings of Judah (vv2-5). There is no turning back. Judgment-correction is beyond recall. Ezekiel certainly must have felt deeply the certain and dreadful end of Judah.

This is a funeral dirge (v14). Like the hot arid dry desert winds, Judah (the vine) will feel the scorching hot winds and pelting sands of judgment of Babylonian masters. There will be no turning it back. She is headed into 70 years of exile for her pride and defiance of God.

Lord, I cannot help but feel the visceral need to turn soon from sin and follow you.

Own Your Sin

(Ezekiel 18:20)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Choose to walk faithfully with God (Ezk 18:20). #WalkWithGod #YouOwnYourSin #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is only one theme to chapter eighteen. The person who sins will pay for his/her sin; the person who is righteous will live. The problem in Judah (and Israel) was that they believed because their ancestors were chosen of God, they were off the hook for sin.

But the coming destruction of Jerusalem was due to their own sin. They would not be saved because their ancestors were God‘s people. Every person must choose to live honorably before God and follow him or not. Our choices determine our eternal destiny.

Lord, I choose to wholeheartedly follow you and serve you.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 3)

(Ezk 17:22-24)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God to sustain you even in times of correction. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Is God the third and greatest eagle in this passage? He will provide wayward Israel with prosperity and security like no other. Neither Babylon nor Egypt could provide for Israel. These words give God‘s people assurance in the midst of corrective judgment. God will restore the land and reveal his glory.

God would pluck a branch from the tall cedar tree and replant it on Israel’s tallest mountain. This cedar (God’s kingdom) will become a majestic tree, a shelter to many nations, peoples (an allusion to the coming Messiah). The nations will know that God is a sovereign God. He causes nations to rise and fall. He alone gives life.

Lord, this old sentry may take heart in any remedial judgment. You will not forsake me.

Why’d The Chicken Cross…?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

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

_______

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

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

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

God’s Jealous Anger

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.“

Spoiled & Thankless

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live not in thankless rebellion towards the gracious love of God (Ezk 16:9-34) #LoveTheLordThyGod #RedeemerLove #GodSoLoved

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What a beautiful “rags to riches” parable. Who doesn’t love such a love story. A kind benefactor rescues a lowly beneficiary. Here, as with Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 3:8-10), Israel is taken from a lowly filthy place and made a queen by God. But, unlike Ruth, this queen of such grace and fortune goes about in adultery after other men (idolatrous behavior). And what of America?

This bride of fortune uses her inherited wealth to build shrines to men, worships these statues and then sacrifices her children to these stone images. This is Israel’s sad and thankless tale. Words here describe the shock of her benefactor (God). DISGRACEFUL! God is fully within his rights to bring judgment against adulterous Israel. Will America repent?

Lord, though I recoil at such unfaithful, thankless behavior, I too have acted in such ways. Your discipline in my life has brought me full circle in my love for you.*

________

* See my story in this blog. https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Kindling Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stoke a faith that is found fruitful and useful to God (Ezk 15:1-8) #Judgment #Repent #WorshipGodAlone #GodAboveAllElse

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This parable of a grapevine would have struck a chord, as Israel is compared to such often (e.g. Isa 5:1-7). But in Israel’s current idolatrous condition, she is of no greater value than kindling for fire and not even very good for that either.

This is the sad tale of a people of God who had grown apathetic and unfruitful. It reminds me of five of the seven churches in Revelation 2&3 who have become weak, indifferent, arrogant, fruitless, useless, idolatrous, lukewarm and faithless.

Lord, may the fires of my faith burn forever, faithful, and fruitful for you.

IDOLS: 🎉🗣️🧞‍♀️👙🍺🏈🚙🚢💰

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

🎉🗣️🧞‍♀️👙🍺🏈🚙🚢💰

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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 (🎉🗣️🧞‍♀️👙🍺🏈🚙🚢💰).

A Prophetic Interpretation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be discerning of, give witness to, God‘s discipline in your life (Ezk 12:14-16). #HearingGod’sVoice #God’sDiscipline #WitnessToTheTruth #LessonsInAdversity

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The words spoken here by the prophet may be seen in the light of words spoken in 5:1,2. To what end does this scattering of God‘s people point?

“Experience will teach [God’s people] what otherwise they would never have learned, ‘that I am the Lord’ (v15). What men fail to appreciate in prosperity, they will occasionally learn through adversity. God will allow a few of [those scattered – a remnant] to survive so they can testify to God‘s truth (v16). Then, confessing their sins among the nations, God will be seen as holy and powerful, not helpless to save.“ *

Lord, may this old sentry be discerning of, give witness to, your discipline in my life circumstances.

_______

* Taylor, John B. Ezekiel, A Commentary, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, IL (1969), pg. 116.

1 Act Play – The Meaning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Speak the truth of God by your words and actions (Ezk 12:8-13). #SpeakForGod #WitnessForChrist #ActLikeAFollowerOfJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s pantomime, which he likely did not understand as he did it, is explained. The “rebellious“ Israelites wanted to know the meaning of Ezekiel‘s pantomime. The Lord says to tell them, “This is what the Lord is saying.“ Your mime is a message to the last king of Judah, Zedekiah in Jerusalem and the people there.

Ezekiel’s actions (vv 3-7) reflect what will soon happen to all of them. The king and those remaining in Judah will be driven into exile as captives. Zedekiah himself will escape Jerusalem incognito through a hole in the city wall at night, taking only what he can carry. The Lord speaks truth through Ezekiel’s actions to those around him.

Lord, may I be willing to speak the truth of God in my words and actions.*

__________

* Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of things to come, Ezekiel’s pantomime was a sign of things to come.

It has been my habit following my Morning Watch time to stand and pray in my driveway (usually between 6-7 AM). Many neighbors drive past me and wave. Most have stopped to greet me; even ask me to pray for them. I let them know that I am standing my post and praying for them. After a brief greeting, I will pray a short prayer over them as they leave. What an honor. Others may stop also: dog walkers, joggers, Amazon and school bus drivers. I share Christ and pray as I have opportunity. I’ve done that for years.

The Lord spoke to me this morning saying, that every day as you stand in your driveway you are a sign to those around you of your belief in God and love for them as neighbors.

1 Act Play – The Set Up

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we be alert to see and hear God when he speaks (Ezk 12:3-7). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #ListenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

By now (six years into the Babylonian exile) Ezekiel has a powerful reputation for his dramatic displays of God‘s penetrating truth.

In this first of two one-man vaudevillian style acts or mimes, Ezekiel plays the role of an exile. Presumably Ezekiel would lay out the things an exile would carry leaving their home.

As a crowd gathered before him he would pack those things in a bag and leave his home to go somewhere else. He would do this in front of the people. The point was that the people might understand that their exiled plight was from the hand of God.

Lord, may my eyes be open to the many creative ways you communicate truth around me.

Mime This

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Don’t underestimate God’s instructions to you (Ezk 12:3). #FollowGod #SpeakForGod #GoForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel must be the first street mime. That is what Ezk 12:3-6 reminds me of; not his first dramatic reenactment either (see Ezl 4:1-8). There are others.

Reading this morning I could envision a street mime on some crowded city sidewalk acting out a drama. God said to me, “Every day I send you out into the streets of your world. There, you are to be a one-man dramatic act, revealing to others in your world, my great love for them. Will you go?”

Lord, how can I, like Ezekiel, not say, “YES LORD!”