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.
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)
Put full faith in God; trust him to deliver you (Psm 4:1-3). #CallUntoGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The psalmist (likely David) calls upon his God, Jehovah, to have favor on his servant who has been declared upright and faithful. He asked God to enlarge his way, give him some space to breathe in the midst of whatever trouble he was facing.
Men can be harsh in their judgments. They may lie and misrepresent those who are godly. But his godly ones are set apart by God. He will answer when they call out to him. The psalmist has no reason to believe that he won’t. Lord, I have every reason to believe you will come to my aid when I am between a rock and a hard place.
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.
Acknowledge, revere the faithfulness of God (Ezk 20:39-44). #GodIsFaithful #ReturnNowToGod #DisciplineCorrectsAndRestores
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In this passage lies the supreme promise of redemption and restoration. At the end of the Babylonian exile Israel will return to her homeland. This promise is based on God‘s faithfulness, not Israel’s (v42). It will be a partial fulfillment of this prophecy. There’s more to come.
A new day will dawn for Israel – not yet fulfilled, but will be. Israel will fully lament the evil she has done. She will repent. The Lord will be recognized as her God. The nations will recognize God‘s holiness, honor and glory. Those days of complete fulfillment still lie ahead today.
Lord, you are a promise keeping lsovereign. Thank you for your faithfulness to those you call your people.
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.
Believe in, trust fully and abide by God‘s word (Ezk 17:1-4,12). #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The first eagle, great and powerful, flew into Lebanon and plucked off the top of a cedar tree. He carried it off to another land.
The eagle was Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. He deposed Jehoiachin, king of Judah in Jerusalem (Lebanon) and removed all of Judah‘s rulers and princes to Babylon (the city of merchants). There, Jehoiachin and others were planted.
This allegorical prophecy, preceded the actual events pictured by a couple of years. In 597 BC this prophecy began to be fulfilled (2Ki 24:8-16). Lord, your word is true, and I may rely fully upon all that it says.
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)
Stay centered on the truth of God‘s word (Ezk 13:1-23) #FalseProphets #KnowGod #TrustGod #DiscernGod’sWord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There was much confusion over the truth in Israel. False prophets were giving messages that were in conflict with Ezekiel and Jeremiah (see also Jer 28:2-14; 29:8,9). They were “whitewashing“ the truth. They were promoting/selling “magic charms“ and magic veils”. They were telling the people everything was all right when it was not.
The false prophets lied and invented false predictions. God was about to clear up the confusion – 1Co 14:30-33. Their “whitewashed wall“ will crumble under a flood of God‘s anger and judgment. They will be banished from the land, their names blotted out from Israel’s record books. Lord, may I stay grounded in the truth of your word.
May we have discerning ears to hear and obedient hearts to follow. (Ezk 12:21-25) #Prophecy #KnowGod #YadaYadaNot #TrustGod #DiscernGod’sWord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God is here dispelling two popular myths – unfounded popular proverbs: the first, “Time passes, prophecies come to nothing.“ In-other-words, YADA-YADA-YADA! We’ve heard this doom and gloom before. Nothing comes of it. God will end that perspective.
Prophetic words uttered may or may not be true. Fulfillment (the rule of authenticity) may not occur for decades. It comes down to discernment of truth and error. The Christian is equipped by the Spirit of God to discern such things and respond accordingly (Jhn 16:13). History tells us, if God says it…It will be!
Lord, may I have a profound sense of discernment regarding any prophetic word attributed to you.*
Open your eyes to sin and repent towards God (Ezk 12:14-20). #HeedGodsWord #Repent #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel performs a second 1 act pantomime. He would tremble and shake while eating his food; shutter and quake while drinking his water. These actions represented the terror that Israel would experience as Babylon ransacked the land and decimated the city of Jerusalem (4:16).
War, famine, disease and fear would grip the people as God‘s judgment came against them for their sin of violence and neglect of God (2Ki 25:1–3).
Eventually a remnant would recognize God as Lord, but not before Israel had been scattered among the nations. Eventually, God would spare those who would confess their sin and turn to God. Not all war, disease or famine is judgment. But where sin reigns there will be eventual judgment.
Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear my own need to repent and turn to you (12:1).
Have courage daily to be a living example of the grace of God (Ezk 12:3-7).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is Ezekiel‘s pantomime.* He lays out items in his front yard what someone would pack quickly as they are exiled. He then lays open his baggage and packs it quickly. Later, in the evening, he would leave his house as captives might do making their forced long march to captivity.
While the crowd looked on, Ezekiel dug a hole in the wall of his house. He then went through the hole, picked up his bags, covered his eyes (as a captive who knows not where he is going) and walked away into the night.
Ezekiel himself was God‘s sign to those in Israel. They would know that there is a God in heaven and he is speaking to them (vv6c&11).
Lord, may I have the courage every day to be an open letter, a living example (2Cor 3:2,3) of the grace of God.
______
* The art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.
May you pay ExtraOrdinary attention to God’s word (Ezk 12:1,2). #Extraordinary #ListenToGod #FollowGodFaithfully
Extra-Ordinary
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel is a man of extraordinary (EO) proportions. He was called in an EO way (visions seeing God on his throne, Ch 1-3). He has been directed to act out the prophecies of God in EO and dramatic ways (Ch 4-8). He experienced the EO departure of God from the Temple in Jerusalem (Ch 9-11).
But the people of God were extraordinarily indifferent and rebellious towards God. Here, Ezekiel will receive two EO messages from God to deliver to the people. He will carry out God‘s wishes faithfully and fully. Lord, may I be such a man as Ezekiel; may I see you, listen to you and follow you faithfully.
Trust God fully to always act in your best interest (Psm 145:17-19). #GodIsGood #TrustGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Who could ever claim that all their ways are righteous and good? But God does. In all his dealings with men he does what is best. He violates no right, he wrongs no man, he demands no unjust work.
The Lord is near to all men. But he is especially near to those who call upon him in sincerity and truth. To those, he reveals himself. He fulfills their desire and hears their cry. He moves according to their need in all righteousness and mercy.
Lord, may this prayer sentry trust you fully to hear me and act always in my best interest.
Put faith in all the promises of God (Ezk 11:17-20). #PromiseMadePromiseKept #GodIsFaithful
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This passage is a prophesy of the return of those Israelites exiled to Babylon back to Jerusalem (538, 539 BC) after King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon. The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah record one of those returns.
But this passage also has eschatological meaning. It points to spiritual renewal. The word “spirit“ in verse 19 could also be translated “Spirit,“ as in God‘s Holy Spirit. Whereas, God‘s Spirit would indwell certain people at certain times for certain work, this is a reference to an indwelling of the Spirit in all Believers. This was inaugurated after the death of Christ (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4,7). Full restoration of Israel in their hearts toward God will come to full fruition in the millennium when Jesus Returns (Isa49:6-18).
Lord, may I have faith your word as promises made, promises kept and promises yet to be fulfilled.
Put your full faith in God‘s word as true & reliable (Ezk 11:10,11). #TrustGodsWord #GodsWordIsReliable
God’s is like a mighty rock
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Versus 10 and 11 are not mere hyperbole or some metaphor used to explain God‘s judgment. This prophecy became Jerusalem‘s reality when Babylon took over Jerusalem and destroyed the temple, 596-581 BC (Jer 52:8-11, 24-28).
Further, God‘s people thought they were impregnable because God had given them their land – but God had also warned them if they did not follow him wholeheartedly he would remove them from it (Deu 28:15, 36, 64-68). HE DID! But in their near future God would return them to their land (11:17-19). Ezekiel also predicts Israel’s full restoration to the land as yet to unfold at Christ’s return (Ezk 36:24-28; 37:21-28).
God’s word is trustworthy and reliable. It is able to discern the hearts of men (Heb 4:12). Lord, may I know an unwavering faith in the truth and reliability of your word.
Do not neglect the glory and salvation of the Lord (Ezk 10:9-17). #SeekGodsPresence #live#LiveToGodsglory
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
These verses comprise half of Ezekiel 10. They are Ezekiel’s description of the cherubim, the mobile throne and glory of God. This was seen in Ezekiel chapter 1. All of this informs us of God‘s intent to judge sin in Israel and in the nations, even for us today; all of us individually.
Colossians 1:27 tells us that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.“ Ezekiel teaches that God will only stay where he is wanted and obeyed. God never wants to withdraw his presence from his people. But when we (I) fill our lives with idolatrous worship we drive God’s presence from us (Isa 42:8).
Lord, your word warns not to neglect so great a salvation (Heb 2:1-3); we (I) need to wake up (Rom 13:11), hear your message and turn now to God.
May you see the glory, faithfulness, purity and eternal righteousness of God (Ezk 11:22,23). #ForeverGlorious
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I am skipping ahead to the movement of God‘s glory from the east gate to the mountain on the east side of Jerusalem (that would be the Mount of Olives). From there, the glory of God would ascend into heaven and not return to the Temple.
Centuries later, Christ, the radiance of God‘s glory (Heb 1:1-3) would return in fulfillment of many prophecies concerning his birth, death and resurrection. Much of the later ministry of Christ centered in and around the place of God’s departure from Israel, the Mount of Olives in Ezekiel’s vision.*
Lord, may I not get bogged down in the daily struggle through the imagery of the prophets, time lines and prophetic utterances. May my reading, study and meditation on the your word lead me to see the glory of God, the faithfulness of God, purity of God, the patience of God with man and God‘s ultimate judgment of sin and God’s deliverance of his righteous ones into the eternal glorious homeland of Heaven.
_______
* Hailed as King of the Jews, Christ would make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem by an east gate (by that time Jerusalem and the Temple of Ezekiel’s day would have been destroyed and rebuilt).
One week later Christ would be crucified and resurrected from the dead. 40 days after that Christ would ascend from the Mount of Olives back into heaven (Acts 1:9-12). He would fill all believes with his glory (Col 1:27). He will one day return again descending in this same place (Zec 14:1-4; Acts 1:10,11). He will return as the reigning king over his new eternal Kingdom (Rev 11:25).
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.
Here describes a message of absolute condemnation and destruction of idols. Here, judgment upon “the mountains” surrounding Israel is a metaphor of judgment on Israel itself. She was blatant in her worship of pagan idols on altars built in the safety of her mountains.
Pagan Idols will be crushed. Israelites will die by their pagan altars. The corpses and bones of Israelites will be scattered around altars that have been torn down, destroyed and demolished. God will, by this, show that he alone is God. He alone is the people’s safety and strength.
Lord, may this old sentry be reminded of the vast power of Jehovah-God; worship Him alone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Broken, Not Destroyed
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.
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.
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.
Personally know and engage others with God’s love and faithfulness (Psm 117:1,2). #GodIsWorthyOfOurPraise #TruthForAllMen #NoExceptions
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is recorded the shortest chapter in the Bible and the middle chapter of the Bible. It is a psalm of thanks. While Psalm 114 gives praise for God‘s love and faithfulness to Israel, Psalm 117 offers praise for God‘s work – his love and faithfulness – with/for the Gentile world (see also Rom 15:11).
These two verses strike a truth that resounds as a worldwide mission. It is for all people without distinction and all nations without exception.* There is superabundant covering for sin to Jew and Gentile alike. “HALLELUJAH!” it concludes. Lord, you have extended your love and faithfulness to all men everywhere.
____________
* Keil-Delitzsch. PSALMS, Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Erdmans Publishing Co., 1975), 221.
The Prayer Sentry 