Open to Scrutiny

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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).

Man In The Mirror

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Consider what life corrections you might need to make with God and change (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:1‬). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ManInTheMirror

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

With so much prophetic content regarding sin and destruction (and more to come) I needed to go back and review where I am. It’s a hard read.

Ezekiel Chapters 1-3 described Ezekiel‘s call into his prophetic ministry. In Chapters 4-24 there are three prophetic judgments related to Judah and Jerusalem. In the first section (ch 4-11), God is speaking messages of judgment on Judah because of her disobedience, idolatry and pride. I am in the last half (ch 8-11) of this first of three pronouncements of judgment.

In Chapter 8 God shows Ezekiel Judah’s wickedness in the Temple. Chapter 9 explains the coming slaughter because of their sin. Chapter 10 shows God’s glory as departing the Temple and Chapter 11 reveals judgment on Judah’s leaders.

Lord, may I have the spiritual stamina to proceed through the process for how God deals with sin.

Personally, may I not be like the man who looks in the mirror (God’s word), sees himself (the sinner that he is), walks away and forgets what he looks like (unrepentant) [Jas 1:23-25].

Too little, Too Late

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

The Reprieve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

__________

* MY 1968 EXILE:

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

False Hope

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust in God alone for your deliverance (Ezk 6:1-3). #NoOtherGods #TrustGodAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“The mountains“,

“the mountains“,

“the mountains of Israel“.

Three mentions of “the mountains of Israel” in two verses. Here the thrice Holy God (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8) brings a message of condemnation upon the “mountains of Israel” (symbols of power, strength, and safety); Israel by association. Her faith was in her location, not in her God.

Israel worshiped pagan gods and idols in “those mountains”. But the mountains were not her safety (neither is the church or political parties our safety today). God is the one who saves and delivers. All else is false hope. Lord, may my focus be on you and no other external force as my deliverance.

Can’t Fool, Can’t Hide, Can’t Run

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Pro Life: Impassioned, Devoted, Surrendered to God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your life express passion, devotion, and surrender to God (Psm 139:13-18). #Omnipotence #CreativeAbility

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I don’t have trouble imagining God’s Omniscience or his Omni-presence. It is otherworldly and expected in the divine, the holy. Even Omnipotence (all powerful) is not hard to grasp – if it is thought of as raw power. But there is so much more to Omnipotence.

God‘s power in this text is seen as his inherent capacity and capability to create or engineer, the intricacies of man’s physical formation (DNA – mind, will, emotions, sinew and membrane). He does all this unseen within the depths of the womb of another human being.

Then God goes on to think of and order the days of EVERY life he creates, from start to finish. Yet, God gives every man and woman the independent ability to think for him or herself and make choices. God’s efficacy points me to his potency.

Lord, may your likeness in me return to you as love, devotion and surrender.

In Plain Sight

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be thankful for God‘s absolute presence (Psm 139:7-12). #OmnipresentGod #AllThingsInPlainSight #GodIsEverwhereAlways #TheLightOfDarkness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

David turns to the Omni-presence of God. God is everywhere. There is nowhere that God is not present. God is in the highest of high places and in the lowest of low places. One could travel at the speed of light across the globe and still, God is there, guiding, even proceeding that soul.

Turning to the darkness to hide is futile, for to God, the darkness of night is as the full light of the noon day sun. He is the light and Father of all lights (Jer 23:23,24; Jhn 8:12; Heb 4:13; Jas 1:17). Lord, your absolute presence at one time conflicted me. But now it comforts this old sentry.

Too Wonderful

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek God in all of his mystery and wonder (Psm 139:1-6). #OmniscientGod #AllKnowingGod #TheMysteryOfKnowing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

King David expresses his wonder at the omniscience of God. God is on the inside of my heart, mind and motivations. He is aware of my movements from sun up to sundown. He knows my thoughts and words before they ever leave my mouth. He knows my motivations for all I do.

There is no hiding from God any secret thing. Yet, God blesses me.

He goes before me. David is struck by wonder the way a child might view the beauty and mystery surrounding Christmas,

floating bubbles or the quirks in nature.

Lord, how this old sentry longs to redeem my enchantments with the great mysteries of God.

Reason To Give Thanks

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you take every opportunity to give thanks to God (Psm 136:1-3). #GiveThanksToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Give thanks to the Lord who is good. Give thanks to the God of gods; give thanks to the Lord of lords (Deu 10:17). Why give thanks to God? Because his faithful loyal, love (his hesed) endures forever.

Jehovah is the God who is just and pure in his judgments and character. Giving thanks to God glorifies him. Giving thanks to God lift my spirit. Giving thanks to God shifts my focus from self to others. Lord, your enduring faithful love gives me every reason to be thankful.

No Equal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Honor God, as the Creator-Monarch of the universe (Psm 136:4-9). #GiveThanksToGod #NoEqual

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist presses the point hard regarding the great and wondrous acts of God in his loyal, unfailing love. Who could rival the God who created the heavens, the earth, day and night and the lights that govern them?

Will my words add a single credit to God’s glory?

Enough! Just give thanks!

Lord, you have no equal.

Praise Unlimited

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart & voice never cease to offer praises to our God. (Psm 135:1-4).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Lord, I worship you. I lift high the name of the Lord God, Jehovah. May my words, thoughts and actions towards you resound in the courts of heaven.

I come this morning, celebrating your beautiful name with music (Open The Eyes Of My Heart; I Surrender All). Thank you for choosing me and grafting me into your chosen people (Rom 11:17). Your blessings never cease.

Lord, my heart and voice sing praises to you.

Honored Vocation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Strive to honor those in ministry; follow God when called to ministry (Psm 134:1-3).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This Psalm addresses a very small group in Israel, the Levites. They were those who served night and day as watchmen, protecting and maintaining the Temple.

The view here is to see their work as an act of worship – praise to God. What an honor it is to serve God as a lifetime vocation.

More than a job, the pursuit of ministry should be to carry it out in a reverent and responsible manner. Those who come to the house of God every week see ministers and recognize them as something special. Neither will God overlook the special work you do (Heb 6:10). Lord, I am honored to serve; I honor others who serve.

More Desirable Than Gold

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God’s word above all else (Psm 119:121-128). #Undivided #WhollyDevotedToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The word of God – “more desirable than gold“ (v127). The psalmist exalts the word of God to the level of a most treasured possession. He expresses a deep love and respect for God‘s word.

Further, the psalmist points to his life as one who serves the living God because of his living word to men. He seeks justice, mercy, and love from God as he faithfully seeks to learn from and follow God‘s word. Lord, I receive your word as exceeding all other sources of wisdom in my life.

Trust To The End

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust, obey and follow God’s word to the end (Psm 119:105-112). #TrustInGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is found a most familiar memory verse, Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp onto my feet, a light into my path.“ The psalmist renews his own ongoing promise to trust, obey and follow God‘s holy word.

No matter the circumstances in life, the call to God is for renewal and restoration. Even in the face of adversaries and suffering, the psalmist finds God‘s word as a precious treasure – a delight. He is determined to keep it all the way to the very end.

Lord, your word is always a faithful guide in my life, for which I am grateful.

Discerning the Truth

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know God’s word and be discerning of truth. (Psm 119:97-104). #TrustInGodsWord #BeDiscerningOfTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist is looking at God‘s word as practical instruction, wisdom. He says God‘s word makes him “superior“ in wisdom, understanding and judgment to his enemies, teachers and elders.

This is no arrogant statement. It simply points out that God‘s word gives men the capacity to be discerning of the spirits. Men may know the difference between truth and error. It is seeing through the spirit of the age; any spirit hostile and/or lax towards truth. This false spirit persecuted the writer for trusting in God’s word. It will us too.

Lord, you give me good reason to trust in and believe your word.

Plan With No Limits

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Strive daily to follow and obey God‘s word, his plan (Psm 119:89-96). #TrustInGodsWord #GodsWordIsEternal

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word is eternal. It is as certain as the earth we stand on, that he created and sustains. All of the earth and all those in the earth serve his plan. It is a plan for good and not evil (Jer 29:11).

God’s plan, his commandments, give me life, hope, and joy in the midst of any misery I may endure. I should quietly and eagerly be always mindful of God‘s word. It is perfect, without limits and is good for my instruction (2Ti 3:16,17). Lord, I will strive daily to willingly obey your word.

It is Enough

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God’s word/faithfulness to carry you through (Psm 119:81-88). #SchoolOfAffliction #BrokenNotDefeated #TrustingGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the psalmist, pressed hard by derogatory elements, as a leather skin is shriveled by exposure to adverse elements of smoke. Perhaps even the heat of flame. Yet, he is undaunted.

This reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8–10, he is “…struck down, but not destroyed…“ et al.

The psalmist’s detractors have near destroyed him, but they have not shaken his faith in God’s word. Yet, he stands in need of God’s grace to continue in his walk of faith – which his tormentors hate. Lord, I rely on the sufficiency of your grace in time of need to carry me through.

IT IS ENOUGH!

The School of Affliction

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you earnestly seek God in your trials (Psm 119:73-80). #SchoolOfAffliction #SeekGodInAflictions

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I should be aware that others eyes are upon me. The psalmist says, “May all who fear you [God] find in me a cause for joy.” The School of Affliction may be for a time bitter. But with affliction comes the comfort of God for those who look to his word for help (Heb 12:10,11; Psm 119:50).

In the face of trials and affliction, I will seek God in his word to surround me with his tender mercies. I may also draw strength from those godly ones around me (v79). My delight is in God‘s word and among those who fear him. Lord, may I have the good sense to seek you in my afflictions.

Words of High Value

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Value God‘s word above all other wealth (Psm 119:65-72). #LoveGodsWord #ValueGodsWordAboveAllElse #GodsWordABlessing

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist asks God for good judgment and knowledge.* A lot of good judgment comes from having made bad judgments – not that it has to be that way. But the psalmist admits to have wandered off the path of understanding. Yet, God was merciful. He reveals that the suffering from bad judgment teaches us to pay more close attention to God‘s word, follow it more carefully (vv67, 71; Jas 1:2-7).

Others may devalue God word. But God’s word will always lead me in truth. I can have confidence in that. God‘s word is more valuable than any precious metal. Lord, I have learned from experience to value highly your word.

__________

* The Knowledge Riddle

He who knows not and knows not that he knows not is ignorant – Avoid him.

He who knows not and knows that he knows not is hungry – Feed him.

He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep – Awaken him.

He who knows and knows that he knows is a leader – Follow him.

McCoy McLemore Jr. – American NBA basket ball player in the 1960s and 1970s. As a Christian speaker he spoke these words to prison inmates in a Bill Glass evangelistic Weekend of Champions.

Life Song

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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

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

Freedom’s “Best Practices”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Find your freedom in honoring (doing) God’s word (Psm 119:41-48). #LoveGodsWord #LiveGodsWord #BestPractices

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Honoring God‘s word is to walk in freedom. Assured of God‘s love and promises, we will have an answer for those who harass us. We will have a hope that is secure. We will speak to anyone without shame. Why would I not want to do that?

I would not neglect to read and follow the instruction manual to operate my washing machine. Those instructions don’t inhibit my freedom. They make its use more effective in cleaning my clothes. My clothes will be cleaner. Why would I look at God‘s word any differently?

Lord, may I view your word as applying “best practices” in my life.

No Earthly Alternative

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Set your heart on loving & doing God‘s word (Psm 119:33-40). #LoveGodsWord #LiveGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At the heart of this passage is to have a heart that is set on knowing, understanding and living God’s word. Striving for earthly treasure and things worthless to eternity will not bring satisfaction (vv36,37). Joy comes in knowing God‘s word, keeping it and putting it into practice to the end of days.

My heart should be to abandon all ways not pleasing to the Lord. The result will be a life filled with God’s goodness. Lord, may I love and do your word more than any earthly alternate treasure.

God’s Word, Relevant

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you find your relevance in God‘s word (Psm 119:25-32). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God’s word…

… Broadens my horizon

… Expands my understand

… Elevates my perspective

… Revives my heart

… Informs my plans

… Speaks into my sorrows

… Strengthens my faith

… Sets my course of life

… Bolsters my confidence

Lord, your word determines my relevance and who I am.

Truth = Freedom

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your desire for God‘s word increase (Psm 119:17-24). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord #DesireGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the past I often looked at rules and commands as restricting my freedoms, holding me back from some good thing. Truth = Freedom. God’s word keeps me from doing things that might hurt me and not doing my best. God‘s word is like a roadmap for me in a strange land. It guides me along my way.

The psalmist asked God to, “Open my eyes to wonderful [spiritual] truth.” While all the world around me may scorn, sit in judgment and try to silence me – I should desire, obey and meditate on God‘s word as wise counsel for me. Lord may my desire for your word supersede all that overwhelms me.

B. I. B. L. E.

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to know and follow God‘s word (Psm 119:9-16). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

How will a young person stay pure and faithful? How will anyone stay pure and faithful? That is the question posed by the psalmist. The answer is, “by being obedient to God‘s word.“ The psalmist searches God‘s word. He hides it in his heart. He digests God‘s word, he studies and understands it. He speaks it, meditates on it, applies it, rejoices in it, and retains it.

B. I. B. L. E.

Basic Instructions Before

Leaving Earth

God‘s word is the field manual for the soldier-saint; the “HOW TO” manual for survival. Lord, I am never without the carefully prescribed instructions of God‘s word to guide my life every day.

WORD!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Lift high, the virtues of God’s word in your life (Psm 119:11,105). #TrustGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 119 is organized according to the Hebrew alphabet, as in an acrostic. With 22 subsets (22 letters of the alphabet), each begins with the corresponding alphabetic letter. Each subset contains eight verses. With 176 verses in this chapter, it is the longest chapter in God‘s word.

Nearly every verse in this psalm mentions God‘s word in one form or another. It is not surprising that two of the most familiar verses about God‘s word come from this psalm (vv11,105). This psalm extols the virtues of God‘s word in an eloquent yet simple way. Its structure is easy to follow and memorize.

Father, the presence of your word in my life gives me hope, courage, and purpose.

Reason To Praise

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Come humbly into God‘s presence; praise and worship him (Psm 114:4-8). #WorshipTheHoly #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When God delivered Israel out of Egypt he turned back the Red Sea. He met with Moses on Mount Sinai. When God descended to meet with Moses, there was thunder, lightning, dark clouds, smoke, the blast of a trumpet and a terrible quaking of the earth. it was holy ground (Exo 19:16–19). When Israel crossed over into the promised land, the Jordan River was stopped up.

The psalmist here references all of that when he says, “The waters turned back and the mountains and hills skipped like Rams and lambs.“ The psalmist speaks rhetorically, “So, waters, why do you turn back? Mountains, why are you quaking?” The assumed answer is, because God is a holy presence – full of awe and power. God calls all of nature to worship, to give praise to him.

Lord, you give me reason to praise and worship you.

God, Never Not Leading

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rely on God to place you where he wants you (Psm 114:1–3). #FollowGod’sLeading

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am temporarily stepping away from the intensity of God‘s call of Ezekiel. Centuries prior to Ezekiel‘s call, God had delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt. The psalmist here reminds God people to be mindful that God chose them.* Circumstances then led them to Egypt and into bondage. But God led them out, delivered them from Egypt.

God parted the Red Sea in a mighty act of deliverance. Following the forty year wilderness journey, he stopped up the Jordan River and made a path for his people to enter into the land promised to them. Lord, I am reminded that I may rely upon your absolute determination to lead me to the places of your choosing.

__________

* Why God chose Israel – this blog:

Covenant Love, Jealous Love

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.