Bow, low in the presence of God‘s glory (Ezk 1:24,25). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel now describes what he is hearing. What he hears is as dreadful (awe-inspiring) as what he sees. It is a noisy whirring sound. The wings of the cherubim are outstretched and reverberating powerfully. It sounds like the torrent of wild rushing waters or rolling thunder; the sound of a mighty Army on the move.
Ezekiel also hears a voice from above the mighty platform described in vv22,23. However, no words are mentioned here. The sight and sound of this vision seem splendorific. It is at once both dreadful and magnificent at the same time.
Lord, may my heart and knee be bowed in the light of the glory I can barely comprehend.
May we see God exalted, lifted up, in our lives (Ezk 1:22,23,26). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The four living beings (cherubim) in Ezekiel‘s vision appeared to be lifting or escorting a great heavenly platform over their heads. It looked like ice or crystal and was gleaming in a formidable yet awe-inspiring way. God’s throne sat upon or above it. When the beings moved, the entire platform moved with them (v19-21). Moses and 70 others saw something similar [Exo 24:10,11).
The Apostle John also saw something close to Ezekiel’s vision as well (Rev 4:1–11). Our God is exalted high above the Earth. He reigns in a heavenly bliss, above the corruption of earth. Yet, he has revealed his true heart for earth (for man) in Christ (note: Phi 2:6-11).* Lord, you reveal yourself to man (to me) as exalted above all the earth.
Seek to know God in new ways (Ezk 1:22-28). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I can hardly imagine what Ezekiel must have been experiencing as this vision of God unfolds before him. I am struggling to wrap my brain around what he must have been seeing. The enormity and expanse of it, the splendor and the magnificence of it is beyond what the human mind could imagine or comprehend.
My initial response is to close my Bible and go find something easier to read. But I know that our God wants to be known. Jesus proves that. Lord, may I push past not knowing, not understanding, may I know you in a new and meaningful way.
Look through the symbolism of God’s word and see God (Ezk 1:4-6).
Lord, Show Us your Glory
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Of first note in Ezekiel‘s vision are the four living beings. They appear out of the whirlwind of the dark clouds. Chapter 10:3ff refers to these beings as cherubim. There are many views on the nature and character of cherubim. One thing seems certain, cherubs are not childlike beings. They are fiercely iconic beings. We see them guarding the tree of life in Genesis 3:24. We see them covering the ark of the covenant in Exodus 25:17–20. They support the throne of God (e.g. Psm 80:1; 2Sa 22:10-14; 1Ch 28:18).
We are told in Hebrews 8:5,6 that the Tabernacle of was a copy, a resemblance of the heavenly reality. Ezekiel‘s vision seems to be of the actual enthronement of God riding on cherubim. Whether these are a special class of angels is uncertain. What is certain is what they symbolize. The cherubim in Ezekiel‘s vision points us to the wisdom, power and glory of God; to the mercy, righteousness, and grace of God. Lord, may I not get stuck in the imagery of Ezekiel, but see through the imagery to catch a vision of who you are.
Give thanks for the intentional presence of God (Ezk 1:4). #GodsGlory #Worship
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Life Application Study Bible notes on this verse point to the fact that Ezekiel was far away from the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a physical symbol of God‘s presence with his people (he was a captive in Babylon).
The the ominous dark cloud, lightning flashing, brilliant light, and appearance of fire, glowing, like burnish metal in the center of the cloud, revealed God’s very presence with him. He was, as I am, reminded that God rides with us everywhere. No matter where we find ourselves physically or spiritually, God is present.
Lord, I thank you for your ever present attention to me.* This old sentry is never far from your grasp (v3; 2:9; 3:14,22; 8:3).
_______
* God makes his presence known through his word, his indwelling Holy Spirit and the presence of godly friends around me.
Stop and worship Jehovah God (Ezk 1:1-5). #Worship #MoreThanWorthy #WorshipTheLordOurGod
Ezekiel’s Vision of God Enthroned
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I cannot help but feel overwhelmed at the revelation of God‘s call of Ezekiel. The vision described in chapter one is not a vision from God, but a vision of God. Ezekiel saw God enthroned. He saw heavenly things surrounding the throne of God (note 1Ki 22:19; 2Ki 6:17).
I cannot imagine the challenge Ezekiel must have had trying to put his vision of God into words. I am at first overwhelmed. But then I am humbled. After that, I stand in awe and am compelled to read on and understand it all. Lord, I must just simply stop and worship you.
Praise God for his mercies towards man (Psm 113:5-9). #PraiseAndWorship
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Our God, the God of Heavens Armies, is not so exalted that he is adverse to lowering himself to affect the affairs of man. He helps the poor and needy man. He exalts those of humble means and makes of them royalty. (see also Isa 57:15).
The woman of childless disdain, God has power to bless them with children (e.g. Gen 21:2; 1Sa 1:20). The greatness and goodness of our God is reason to praise, exalt and highly esteem him. Lord, I honor you as my God; you created me, you sustain my life and you assure me of my eternal call and destiny.
Thank God for his enduring compassions for men (Psm 113:1-9).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Our praise to and for God is centered on his great concern for all of his creation (Psm 104) and all of his compassions for the people of his creation (Psm 103). Here we see God’s concern is especially for the poor and oppressed.
Though God sits enthroned on high, above heaven and earth. he is not aloof from man and those who suffer. We may rightfully give praise to God for his greatness and favor. Lord, you make your abode on high and with those contrite in heart (Isa 57:15).
Give praise to God for his endless provision (Psm 104:31-35). #God’sBounty #God’sBlessings #PraiseTheLord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Psalm 104 ends as it began. “Let all that I am praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!“ The record of day 6 of creation reminds the psalmist of all God has done to provide an endless flow of provision and blessing to man (Gen 1:24–31). Man has every reason to thank God, bless God, praise God, exalt and worship God.
The palmist calls upon his whole being again to give praise to the Lord. His provision and blessing to man sustains him. “Oh, that men would praise him” (Psm 107:21,22). Lord, in the end “Every knee [every being] shall bow down [to you] in heaven, on earth and under the earth” (Phi 2:10).
TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BEST NEWS IN ALL OF HISTORY!
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”” Luke 2:8-14
Worship and exalt Jehovah God alone (Jer 51:16-19). #worshipJehovah-God #NoGodLikeJehovah
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah let’s fly a burst of praise to the Lord. This praise informs our understanding of the power, knowledge and creative acts of God. The knowledge of God‘s powerful acts of creation and his preservation of it reaches far back into the ancient world. He is no mere idol.
Men craft idols made up in their own minds. They have no life, no breath and no power. These men are foolish and without understanding. But Jehovah God is the God of all of life and creation. He governs the universe and the affairs of men. Lord, I exalt you as the only one worthy of all of our praise.
Give praise to God as the supreme power of the universe (Jer 50:1–3). #Omnipotence #Omniscience
Sovereign Omnipotence, Omniscience
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The prophecies and historical facts of the ancient city of Babylon are interesting to read and correlate together. In Jeremiah‘s Scroll, read to the Jews early in their exile (captivity) in Babylon, he describes the total destruction and demise of this ancient Middle East power/empire.
Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51 consolidate many of the prophecies he spoke into one document (scroll). God says, “Let the entire known world be notified. Babylon will fall. Her idols, Bel and Marduk, will be shattered, shamed, and disgraced; of no help to Babylon before Jehovah God (51:15–19). He is the sovereign power, source and sustainer of the universe.
Lord, may the heart of the prayer sentry bow in singular praise before your sovereign omnipotence & omniscience.
May we know as a people the joy of the full restoration of God (Jer 27:22). #God’sRestoration #RestorationPromise
RESTORED!
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Lord does not leave his people without hope. Though judgment may fall upon the land of Judah, the precious implements of worship be removed from the temple in Jerusalem, God promises to restore them to their place (people & worship).
God reveals here that there will be restoration after judgment and discipline has befallen his people. God never leaves us without Hope. America is not without hope. Lord, though this sentry, my beloved country, may feel the pain of your discipline, may I (we) also know joy and hope in the promise of your full restoration.
Stand fast in trial; trust in, rely upon God‘s promises (Hab 3:3–7). #JudgmentWillCome #GodJudgesTheNations #StandFastInTrial #GodOmnipotant
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
What does the watchman see from his post? He sees the Lord coming in splendor and brilliance as a sunrise. From his hands he emits flashes of light, symbol of devine power. Pestilence and plagues go before him devouring everything in sight (as against Egypt and Assyria)*. God judges the wicked. The nations tremble before his power and all knowing eyes. Judgment will come for godless nations and peoples.
The eternal One shatters and levels everything men thought were everlasting. It is a terror for them to be confronted with such power. The watchman sees the coming judgment of Babylon (and it did); lawlessness, terror and evil will find its end in the judgment of God. America would do well to heed the lessons of nations judged by God (eg. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon).
Lord, this old sentry will stand fast through trials in awe of God‘s omniscience, presence, and power.
____________
* As in the 10 plagues of Egypt – Exodus 5-12; as in the Israel’s defeat of Assyria – 2Ch 32:22
Give praise to God for his radiant splendor and certain glorious coming (Hab 3:3). #TheComingOneTrueGod #ExaltTheComingChrist #TheGloryOfGod #Redemption
View From The Watchtower
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After Hsbakkuk’s opening petition (for revival and mercy) praise is his response to all that God had shown him. No more questions. Only praise. Just as the watchmen sits high above the camp looking, watching for activity on the horizon, so Habakkuk sees in the distance a theophany of the glorious and radiant splendor of the coming one true God.
Habakkuk’s imagery recalls a great and glorious event in Israel’s history (deliverance from Egypt). Moses describes God as coming in glory to establish his nation at Mount Sinai in Teman and Mt Paran in the region of Edom (Deu 33:1,2). God appears to Habakkuk in the same glorious light and regal splendor. He will come to deliver Israel again and judge Babylon for her godlessness.
“SELAH!” (A musical term for a symbol crash or trumpets to blow; stop and let those preceding words sink into your heart and mind). Lord, what an amazing sight to behold. From Habakkuk’s watchtower to mine I see through his eyes the glory of God‘s certain coming in power. The sentry joins him in giving praise to God for his certain coming in radiant glory.
________________
Consider Ezekiel’s description of God’s glory (Ezk 1:28; 10:4; 43:2):
1:28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
10:4 And the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.
43:2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.
The Apostle John’s description of God’s glory (Rev 18:1; 21:11; 21:23):
18:1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.
21:11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
21:23 And the city phas no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for qthe glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
May you embrace a righteous compassionate God; may America turn now to God. May God send awakening and be merciful in judgment (Hab 3:2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise #RunToGod #Awakening #TurnNowToGod #Repent #Revival
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Habakkuk has heard God‘s reply to his heartfelt questions – why evil prevails. He is astounded and awestruck at God’s mighty work. He now enters into intimate communion with God in prayer. Presumably, he is still in his “watchtower“; that place of seeking. Like Job, he concludes “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe at what I see” (see Job 42:5,6).
The prophet sings his song of prayer admitting the deep need of the people. This is the only petition in this prayer. 1) “Help us Lord, as you have before [send revival] …and 2) In your anger, show mercy.“
If we know that God won’t allow evil to persist forever; if we know that God will ultimately rain down judgment on godless nations, would this not be an appropriate petition to God in our day concerning America? Absolutely!
There is but one place to go in times of trouble. That is to our righteous and compassionate God. Lord, you are fierce in your righteousness judgments, but I am not afraid to embrace you.
Come to your altar of personal praise and worship of God (Hab 3:1,2). #WorshipGod #AltarOfPraise
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is a prayer of Habakkuk sung to the Lord. It is to be sung with instruments (v19). This is intimate union with and worship of our great God. The prophet comes with questions as to how long God will allow evil to prevail (Ch 1).
The prophet then comes to his post to hear God‘s reply. He becomes the prophet minstrel, singing God‘s reply as a song of taunts, a woeful dirge (Ch 2).
Now the prophet minstrel sings a glorious hallelujah chorus. It is a song of praise and worship stemming from his intimate communion with God. Lord, I join the prophet in coming to my own cathedral of private devotion. I lift my heart, hands, and voice in worship of you for all that is mine in redemption. Thank you Lord!
Receive, revere, respond to the voice of the Triune Living God; he is not silent (Hab 2:18–20). #GodIsNotSilent #GodSpeaks #TalkToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The prophet minstrel composes his last stanza as received from God; the song of taunts sung by the prophet; a woeful dirge, V.5. It begins with the ludicrous creation of man-made idols that neither speak nor counsel anyone. They neither see nor protect. In absurdity, the people will call out to these deaf, dumb and inanimate idols. But they do not, cannot respond. [Elijah and the prophets of Baal comes to mind – 1Ki 18:26–29; vv36-38]
But God, who speaks and listens is in his holy temple. He stands above and apart from creation. He speaks and the whole world is silent before him in awestruck wonder. How foolish it is to put faith or trust in any creation of my own making. Lord, my hope is in the living, breathing, triune God, who is present and is not silent. He speaks powerfully into the sentry’s life.
May we worship with wholehearted reverence towards God (2Ch 35:16-19; 2Ki 23:21-23) #WorshipInSpiritAndInTruth
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
It had been centuries since the celebration of Passover had been carried out in such a complete manner; all in accordance with the prescription given by Moses. This means that even the godliest kings of Israel oversaw Passover done merely according to religious custom, ritual and tradition. Not in accordance with Mosaic prescription.
Neither priests, Levites nor people participated wholeheartedly in or viewed Passover with any meaningful reverence; it was a duty. So, this was a Passover to end all Passovers. Josiah, once again, stands head and shoulders above all the other kings of Israel. Lord, may I come in wholehearted worship, lifting holy hands in accordance with the spirit of the law (1Ti. 2:8).
May the spirit of the law (the practice and heart of my worship) inform the prescribed letter of the law (the discipline and manner of my worship).
Make worship of God your highest priority (Jer 17:19-27). #GodAloneIsWorthyOfOurPraise #LoveGodHeartSoulAndMind #RememberSabbath
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This may be one of the easiest passages in the prophets to understand and interpret. “Remember to keep Sabbath.“ Go read it – Exodus 20:8-11. The issue was and is, not what day of the week to worship God. The issue was and is, not making time in our hearts to stop and reflect on God‘s goodness.
When we put everything else in our lives ahead of God, we disrespect God. For not listening to God, for disrespecting God, Israel paid a heavy price. Babylon destroyed. Jerusalem and the Israelites spent nearly a century in captivity. They were exhorted to return to the Sabboth worship of God under Nehemiah (Neh 13:15–22). I am reminded of the importance of keeping God the highest priority in my life.
Call upon your “ONE” whole heart to speak praises to God (Psm 103:19-22). #EveryOneGivePraiseToGod #LetPraisesRing
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Psalmist closes this Psalm with a reference to all the hosts of heaven. They stand ready to carry out God’s every command from his throne over heaven and earth. They symbolize God‘s rule from the heavenlies. Everything God has created gives mighty praises to him.
Remember all God has done for you (vv2-6); remember his love and tender mercies to you (vv7–12); revere, honor and obey God – this brings praise to God (vv13-18); do his will (v21). The Psalmist ends as he started. So also, my heart follows suit: “Let all that I am praise the Lord“ (v1).* Lord, I offer my “ONE” whole being in praise to you for all your gracious benefits to me.
Offer the sacrifices of praise & kindness at every opportunity (Heb 13:15,16). #GivePraiseToGod #DoActsOfKindness #LivingSacrifices
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
After 13 chapters (the whole book of Hebrews) pointing to the supreme sacrifice of Christ, the writer has carefully and thoroughly extinguishing the flame of daily, weekly and annual offerings of animal sacrifices for sin. But, the writer reserves two sacrifices that are still pleasing to God.
What sacrifices could still be pleasing to god?
1) The sacrifice of praise offered from our lips, confessing Christ as Lord; and
2) the sacrifice of a kind and loving actions towards others. With these two sacred actions (offerings) “God is well pleased (Psm 50:12-14; Rom 12:1; 1Pe 2:5).
Lord, bring my heart to every opportunity with words of praise to you, and acts of kindness towards others..
Celebrate deliverance from death and the promise of eternal life (Heb 11:28). #GodDeliversLifeEternal #Passover #Lord’sSupper #Deliverance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The writer here describes a fourth act of faith in the life of Moses. When preparing to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, Moses instituted the Passover with a view towards the regular celebration of Israel’s deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. He fully expected to be celebrating deliverance long into the future as a tribute to God’s promises (Exo 12:21-30)
Faith saved Moses at birth (v23). Faith called Moses away from the pleasures of his world (vv24–26). Faith led him to follow God into a personal wilderness journey (v27). Faith lead him to institute an act that would forever stand as a tribute to God‘s hand of deliverance (v28). Lord, by faith I celebrate my deliverance from sin and death to life eternal (the Lord’s Supper is my faith tribute to that).
Be an encouragement to others, inside/outside the faith (Heb 10:23–25). #BeAnEncourager #DeclareYourFaith #ComeTogetherInChrist
PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NATION:
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Holding fast to our profession of faith is a declaration of the superiority of Christ in our lives. It announces our surrender to Christ who is our Savior. Then we seek to show love, grace and encouragement to brothers and sisters in Christ. We look for ways to join together, giving each other support, comfort and exhortation.
Heaven knows, in these last days we need each other more than ever. Now is not a time to hang back. It is a time to be checked in and there for one another. God has given this old sentry some of the greatest encouragers (friends & family) on the face of the planet (you know who you are). I am deeply grateful for their ministry to my family. Lord, may I be as much to them and to others.
Come often, come humbly, to worship God (Heb 3:7–11; Psm 95:1–7). #WorshipTheLordOurGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
To emphasize the importance of paying careful attention to Christ (who is God’s final revelation – Heb 1: 1-3), the writer points these Jewish Christians to Psalm 95. They would have been very familiar with this Psalm. Interestingly, Psalm 95 is a call to worship.
Psalm 95:1–7 implores these Old Testament Jews to come to God singing and rejoicing. Come with thanksgiving and praise. Why? Because God is a mighty and powerful warrior on their behalf (conversely on our behalf). He is the one who watches over us. Worship him, bow down before him.
Lord, you reign supreme over all of life. I worship you.
May we revere and exalt God as the only source and mover of the known universe (Heb 1:10–12). #GodIsBiggerThanWeThought
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Just in case you missed or misunderstood the message of Christ’s unique place outside the universe, God reiterates it here. Jesus, the “Son“ of God, set the foundation of the earth and, with his own hands, made the universe in which earth is suspended. He is like a man who exists outside the orb of a “sno-globe.” Wrap your head around that. How big is god? Indescribably big.
Then consider this: one day the entire known (and unknown) universe will perish. This universe will wear out like an old coat. According to Hebrews Ch1, Jesus will fold it up like old clothes and discard it.* There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus, the “Son,“ shall reign there forevermore. For me to worship and depend upon anything in this world is laughable, foolhardy. Lord, you are the only lasting and dependable thing in the universe.
________
* Dare I make this anthropomorphistic comparison? Our universe is like the alternate universe (a giant movie set) created in the 1998 film classic, The Truman Show. When the show abruptly ended the “set” would presumably have been taken down and discarded, it’s purpose completed.
How big is God? He will one day fold up our old deteriorating universe (heaven & earth as we know it) and discard it in favor of a new heaven and a new earth (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Heb 12:26-28; Rev 21:1).
How arrogant am I, or any man or woman, be they leader or follower; sinner or saint. How feeble and weak are our prayers, plans and grand designs.
How small is our thinking that we believe that, “WE can save the planet.” OMG! All the Madero’s, Trump’s, Biden’s, Netanyahu’s, Chi’s, Macron’s, Putin‘s, Zelinsky‘s, Trudeau‘s of this world well one day bow their knee to the Lord of Glory.
How big is God? Words cannot describe the vast, enormous, immense and expansive knowledge, ability and power of God.
This simple prayer sentry stands speechless that the Lord of Glory would stoop down in Christ Jesus to communicate his love towards us; to listen to the praying saints of all time. Then answer.
Learn to exalt and honor the living omnipotent God (Psm 93:1–5). #Omnipotence #MightyGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
We have seen the powerful destruction brought on by mighty hurricanes, storms and tsunami‘s. We have seen the ravages of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Man is infinitely small and helpless in the path of such phenomenon.
But our God is more mighty, more powerful than all of these events in history. The earth is unmoved from its place in the universe by such cataclysmic events. Our God upholds and sustains the earth from his eternal throne. Our mighty God reigns forever on high in majesty and strength untold.
Lord, words fail this simple sentry to express the honor due your majesty. The words of inspired scripture do it the best. Perhaps a life well lived for you is a good option.
Come to God with your heart full of thanks (Psm 75:1). #ThankfulHearts #GiveThanksToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Lift your heart in thanks to God. An unthankful heart breeds darkness; an unthankful heart leads men to foolish thoughts about their own aggrandizement and confusion (Rom 1:21). If men are not thankful to God, then to and for whom are they thankful but to themselves. This leads to arrogance and foolish self-confidence.
Such arrogant confidence in “self“ leads men to defiance of the sovereign God, the one who will judge all the thoughts and intents of the human heart (note vv 2-8). Lord, may thanks to you grow more deeply in the heart of the prayer sentry each day.
Give all praise to the living and victorious God (Psm 68:19–27). #AllPraiseToGod #CelebrateOurSovereignGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Let the praises begin. Celebrate our victorious God. The smallest to the largest among us, the entire nation – top to bottom, will join the celebration (v27).
The enemies of God will be vanquished. God‘s holy ones will be victorious. Sin and the SIN MASTER will be crushed. Praise God all you holy ones. Praise the Lord, the source of our life, our faith-life. Lord, may there be continuous praise in the heart of this old sentry towards you.
The Prayer Sentry 