Struck Dead

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not persist in sin until God must act dramatically in your life (Ezk 11:13). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Whether still seeing the judgment of Judah (Jerusalem) in a vision or thereafter prophesying to the people what God told Ezekiel in that vision (vv24,25), one of the named officials (Pelatial) in verse 1 was struck down dead.

This death was an affirmation of the seriousness of the coming and eminent judgment of God for sin (see also Acts 5:1-11). Ezekiel is so shaken by this death that he falls face down crying out to God – would God kill everyone in Israel? Lord, may I not persist in sin, causing dramatic acts of God in my life.

God’s Word, Like A Rock

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put your full faith in God‘s word as true & reliable (Ezk 11:10,11). #TrustGodsWord #GodsWordIsReliable

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.

Can’t Run, Can’t Hide

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Invoking God’s fury

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Worship the Lord alone with a whole heart (Ezk 10:1-4). #SeekGodsPresence #NothingRivalsJehovahGod #NoOtherGodsBeforeMe

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision, God told the man in linen to take hot coals from the cherubim and spread them around the city (Jerusalem). This was a sign of God‘s judgment, just as with Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24,25). Israel had invoked God’s fury and would pay for her sins of (9:9,10).

God‘s glory is now on the move (8:6). The glory of God moves from the Holy of Holies to the doorway of the Temple (9:3; 10:4). The mobile throne (God‘s holy chariot) was waiting there at the door to the inner court of the Temple. The entire house of God and inner court was filled with a cloud and a shimmering, bright glow.

This public display of God‘s glory, God‘s presence, leaving the temple is a reminder that God is true to his word. He will not be rivaled by other gods who are no gods.

The drama of this scene is traumatic as the fury of God is in play over the transformation of his holy place, his house of worship and prayer, into a place of pagan idolatrous worship. [Picture someone moving pagan idols into the worship center and halls of your church]

Lord, may I worship you and you alone with a whole heart.

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].

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/

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.

Buried Treasure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know peace beyond all comprehension (Psm 119:161-168). #PeaceWithoutLimits #PeaceBeyoundComprehension

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

We love to watch movies of great adventurous raiders of ancient tombs, or pirates searching for buried treasure in uncharted islands. Here the psalmist becomes the happy hunter of great treasures – he finds untold wealth in the pages of scripture (vv162,165).

This buried treasure in the pages of God‘s word brings what wealth, power, and fame cannot – PEACE. Peace to the troubled soul. Peace to the broken heart. Peace to the nations whose people are harassed by godless men. Lord, your word gives me peace that passes all understanding (Jhn 14:27; Phi 4:7).

Resolved!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Find your resolve for life in God’s word (Psm 119:153-160). #ResolvedToFollowGodsWord #ResolvedInLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Many there are that disregard God’s word. They are not satisfied with unbelief. No, they feel it is their job to ridicule me or persecute me.

While I struggle to understand why they so hate God‘s word, even me for loving it, I trust God to argue my case and protect me. I do not swerve from the truth of God‘s word. It is the very essence of truth. It will win the day.

Lord, may my heart be resolved & steadfast in your truth.

Renewal

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look daily to God‘s word and prayer for renewal (Psm 119:145-152). #RenewalOfSpirit #PrayerAndGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Psalm 119:147 has long been the motivation for my early Morning Watch hour. I come praying, seeking, crying out to God in the early morning hours. I read God‘s word daily. It fuels my prayer for those I love and have committed to pray.

God‘s word revives, refreshes, renews, and restores my soul. The Lord is near in his word and in my intercessions. No matter the challenges in my life, God‘s word and prayer have been a fortress around me. Lord, I have found no sustaining power like prayer and the knowledge of God‘s word.

Perfect Treasure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know the treasured enlightenment of God‘s word (Psm 119:137-144). #GodsWordThoroughlyTested #TreasuredEnlightenment

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

My heart agrees with the psalmist here. I have found God‘s word to be fair, trustworthy, and perfect in every way. It has never failed me in any circumstance of life.

God‘s promises truly are thoroughly tested and found 100% adequate for all of life’s circumstances. When pressure and stress overwhelm me I find comfort, peace and joy in God‘s word. Lord, I find in your word, the perfect treasure of valued enlightenment.

Open For Business

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Retain a heart that is open for business to God‘s word (Psm 119:129-136). #HeartOpenForBudiness #NoClosedMind

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word is no lofty book of exalted philosophies reserved only for the most learned. No! It’s teaching gives light (understanding) to the simplest of minds. Even a child can grasp its meanings.

God’s word guides every step…if I am so predisposed to listen. It keeps me from being overcome by evil. It delivers me from those whose aim it is to do harm. The Lord teaches me from his word. Lord, may my heart remain “open for business” to the teachings of your word.

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.

UNDIVIDED!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be undivided in your devotion to God and his word (Psm 119:113-120). #Undivided #WhollyDevotedToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am reminded immediately here that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways (Jas 1:5–8). Jesus said, “You cannot serve two masters“ (Mat 6:24). I must rid my life of evil minded people and fill my life with people who love God‘s word; are undivided in their loyalty to God.

It is God and his word that sustains me, rescues and informs me in the choices I make and the voices I follow. I am in awe of God‘s word and his work in my life. Lord, my choice in life is clear. I will serve and devote myself to the Lord God (Josh 24:15).

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!

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.

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.

Actions Reflect Allegiance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to be loyal to the word of God (Psm 119:1-8). #LiveGodsWord #TrustGodsWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Blessed is the man or woman who acts with integrity, who obey God‘s word from their heart. They seek to carry out God‘s word carefully. I join the psalmist wishing to reflect this in my life. I need not be ashamed when God‘s word is clearly at work in me.

God teaches me from his word. Living according to God‘s word is how I thank God. The plea of the psalmist is that God never give up on him. God never will give up on me when I genuinely seek him. Lord, may my allegiance and devotion to your word be seen in my daily living.

Sieges of the Heart (Pt2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our eyes be opened to the sin that so besets us (Ezk 4:1-3).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[This is the first of many object lessons given to us by Ezekiel. It reveals judgment for sin against Jerusalem. Picture it as a Play-Doh war zone]

Ezekiel places a clay brick with a map of Jerusalem etched on it. He molds a wall around the brick; toy soldiers surround the brick with siege ramps and battering rams. Then Ezekiel places in iron griddle between himself and the Play-Doh city under siege.

The point here is that no wayward sinful heart can escape from the city. The image demonstrates how harsh the siege against Jerusalem will be. It pictures a warning to the people of Israel.

Jesus spoke in parables. Often the prophets spoke through object lessons. All were done to make a spiritual point about God‘s love and plans for man. God always intends to break the wayward heart because he is merciful. Lord, open our (my) eyes to your merciful warnings concerning the siege of sin and judgment.

Speak When Directed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you listen when God speaks; speak when he directs (Ezk 3:17-21). #DeliverGod’sMessage #ListenWhenGodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has issued his call to Ezekiel to the prophetic ministry. He is to be a “watchman” over Israel. God instructs Ezekiel to speak without delay, any message that God gives him. It matters not whether the message is to the wicked or to the righteous who have stumbled. Ezekiel is to tell them to turn to God or suffer the consequences; even death.

God informs Ezekiel that he is responsible for getting the message out. If he does, and the people listen and repent, they will be saved, as well as Ezekiel. If Ezekiel does not tell them, they will die in their sin and God will hold Ezekiel accountable for not delivering the message. Lord, may I listen when you speak to me and speak if you so direct me; lives will depend upon it.

“DOWNLOADING”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Carefully digest all God’s word speaks to you (Ezk 3:14,15). #HearingGodsCall #UnderstandingGodsCall

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Like watching the “Download” icon on my computer, I find myself here, waiting for the download; trying to discern and describe what Ezekiel himself must have felt woefully inadequate to describe. It would be easy to get bogged down in the symbolism of his vision of God. But the point here is to try and understand the depth and far reaching impact of Ezekiel’s vision on his whole psyche.

The vision has obviously exhausted Ezekiel. He is moved by the spirit within him to arise. He is pressed upon by God to digest all that God has said (v1-4). He is at once empathic with God over Israel’s sin and his heart is in turmoil. He is in need of time to process all he has seen and heard. He is led to go and sit among his exiled brethren. For seven days he sits quietly and pensively, considering all God has downloaded; his call and message.

Lord, it is necessary that I take the time to process what you speak into my life daily.*

_______

* I am by no means any superior example of righteous living. But my heart goes back to the year 2011 or 2012. At the time I was on a, “read through the Bible chronologically in a year,” plan.

I found myself daily trying to digest huge portions of scripture just to finish the plan. I realized then that if I did not stop and try to process what I was receiving it would not do me as much good as I would hope. At that point, I made the decision to slow down and take the time to read through God’s word processing it as I go [ingest, digest, manifest] (Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭4‬).

Here I am in 2025. It’s been roughly 13 years since I made that decision. That doesn’t make me spiritual giant. It just proves that I am a slow learner.

I recently finished the New Testament and am currently trying to finish the Old Testament. I don’t know when I will be done. But my priority is to understand what I am reading in God’s word and not just finish a project. A GREAT DECISION FOR ME.

Throwing Stones

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we walk the walk before we talk. (Ezk 3:10,11) #WalkTheWalkB4UTalk #DoWhatYouSay #CastingStones

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Advice to any student of scripture: God says, “Let all my words sink deep into your own heart first (recall Ezk 3:1-3). Listen to my words carefully for yourself. Then go to the people and say this is what the Sovereign Lord says.“ Especially teachers and preachers take note. “Let him or her without sin cast the first stone” (Jhn 8:7).

Before you go expounding and exhorting, make certain that you yourself have listened to God’s message with a heart turned towards obedience. Do this before telling others what God says they are to do (1Co 9:27). Lord, as a dad, granddad and minister of the gospel, may I be first to listen and respond to the truth of Scripture.

Ingest, Digest & Manifest

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Read and heed the whole counsel of God (Ezk 3:1-4). #TheWordOfGod #GodSpeaksByHisWord #ReadAndHeed

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The scroll given to Ezekiel is symbolic of the word of God. Ezekiel is instructed to eat the scroll. He opened his mouth and the scroll was fed to him (INGEST). He was to fill his stomach completely with the scroll (DIGEST). Then he was to deliver its message (MANIFEST).

Though the scroll is full of doom and mournful proclamations over Israel and Judah, its taste to Ezekiel is like honey in his mouth. God’s word in its harshest critique of men will produce the sweet and peaceable fruit of righteousness.* Lord, may I receive the whole council of your word; ingest it, digest it, manifest it.

___________

* Psm 19:7-11;119:101-104; 2Ti 3:14-17; Heb 12:10,11

God’s Message for Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Give thanks for God‘s word to man (Ezk 2:9,10). #TheWordOfGod #GodSpeaksByHisWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

At this point in Ezekiel‘s massive vision, a great hand reaches down with a scroll and hands it to him. On it is inscribed God‘s message to be delivered by Ezekiel to the nation of Israel/Judah. It is the word of the Lord.

The message is not only one of mournful pronouncements of doom for Israel’s continued sin and rebellion. It is full to the brim of such words. So much so that the inscription was written on both sides – a highly unusual practice. This is God’s word to men.

Lord, thank you for your word, so complete, honest and true.

Not Intimidated

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you be fearless in the face of gospel critics (Ezk 2:6-8). #Obedience #TrustGodForResults #StandFearlessForGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God reinforces the thought that his people will not respect the words of the prophet. Worse, they will scoff at Ezekiel – brutal with their rank criticism. But Ezekiel should not be afraid, back down or emotionally shattered by their words.

Ezekiel 3:9 says that God had made Ezekiel just as hard-headed as the people.

God further warned Ezekiel that not speaking his message would be equivalent to joining them in their rebellion. Ezekiel was ultimately a fearless prophet. He stood powerfully before an unbelieving people and delivered God‘s message. Lord, I surrender my feelings to you; may I not be intimidated by those who criticize me over the gospel.