"When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people."
Ezekiel 33:3
Ezekiel 33:3
My Take Aways
Something Old:
"When the watchman 'Holy Spirit' see the enemy 'trouble' coming, he sounds the alarm to warn you 'Wendy'. Then if you hear the alarm and refuse to take action, it is 'your' own fault and 'your' responsibility.
Something New:
There were only 4,600 captives in all.
Something to Do:
Respond correctly to the alarm! Man-why can't I just get that?
Thank you dear God for sending your son Jesus and for sending the Holy Spirit to watch over me. I am sorry for refusing to take action when the alarm sounds.
P.S. As I replayed the video I realized how punchy I was. I also I think I butchered the dates I was telling the silly story. Oh my, so glad today is over. (signing off at 9:20pm) Sorry about that. Smile
P.S. As I replayed the video I realized how punchy I was. I also I think I butchered the dates I was telling the silly story. Oh my, so glad today is over. (signing off at 9:20pm) Sorry about that. Smile
25 Comments:
Good morning Wendy,
Well how timely is God. (smile) I am not always as quick as I should be to respond to the watchmans alarm or prompting, but I can say that when I do, it does feel so much better.
Have a great day everyone!
Thanks Wendy.
Lynn - OR
Thank you Wendy for reminding me that I need to be actively listening for the "Watchman." When my kids were little, we called it that "tiny voice" inside that helped them know if something was right or wrong. We'd say, "ask your tiny voice..." Pretty simplistic, but still right on. Developing listening skills requires work and practice, and I need to tune into those whispers better by making a conscious effort and go first to the Holy Spirit with every question or thought. The idea of having an ever-present adviser or counselor is so comforting. How easy it would be if we could simply listen, take heart and act, and not try to manage things on our own!
My arm has been twisted completely off, and my children are making me go on a vacation. I even had to get a passport, sigh. I will be the one hiding under the big hat, following the shade around the courtyard! So, I will be out of commission for about a week. I will take my bible, but not sure about the dependability of the wi-fi connection at this villa. I will catch up when I come back for sure.
We are leaving Michael to watch the pup, along with one of our granddogs. He has his job and daily meetings, but this is a long weekend, with no family around for accountability. And he wants to go to a concert with his sponsor... I would appreciate your prayers for his strength and wise decision-making while we are gone. Thanks!
Everyone have a great holiday weekend-- thinking of all your needs, you are always in my prayers.
Blessings,
Jacque
Happy September, GIGs,
Jacque, travel mercies to you and have a wonderful, peace-ful time on vacation. You sooooo deserve it! Props to your kids - more evidence of what a great mom you are!
Jessica, good luck on your move today to your new home. Pop in here and let us know how it goes.
Wendy, it truly amazes me how God uses you so magnificently day after day after day...what day is it Jen Ren? Your words and your testimony are so impactful and instructive and very enJOYable to hear each morning. Thank you so much!
I, too, took away the passages about the watchman for my nugget. Recently, I'm pretty sure I heard a whisper that the Holy Spirit would prefer if I kept my spiritual ears open while exercise walking, instead of praying. It feels okay if I praise as I start out on my walk, but I think I'm supposed to save the petitions for another time so my "ears" are more available.
I am so, so grateful that the OT, as tough as a lot of it is to get through, has taught me the real meaning of "do not worship false idols." Previously I had that commandment checked off, because NO WAY did I worship any false idols! It has changed my life to finally realize that means don't put anything before God in my life - not my kids, not my husband, not a job, and NOT ME! And, GIGs, doesn't that feel wonderful and oh-so-right?
Off now to walk and listen.Have a blessed, 4:8 day everyone!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Great video Wendy! You spoke right to me.
My old was the same as yours! When I read the numbers of Isrealites that were taken captive by Babylon, I wondered what happened to the rest? We read earlier that some of the poorest people remained back to tend the orchards and stuff. Did that many people run off to other lands? Were there tons that were killed?
My new: Ezekiel 33:11. The Lord says He takes no pleasure in the death of wicked people. Can I say the same for myself? It's easy for my mind to think, "well they got what they deserved"...even watching movies and the bad guy gets it in the end, we cheer! I have to remember to always be thankful that I am not getting what I deserve. Thank You, thank You Jesus!
Nugget: Listen to the Holy Spirit...and follow thru when I've heard His nudging.
I SAP for Michael. Lord, You've equipped Michael with all he needs to be victorious over alcoholism. Please be with him when he is alone. Speak to his heart and let him know that he has all the strength he needs in You. Send Your Watchman to keep him on the right track. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Blessed Wednesday to all my GIG!
Morgen
Been meaning to ask for a few days - why does Ezekiel refer to David as a coming ruler when Ezekiel post-dates the time of David? Is David predicted to return again?
Thanks and blessings to all.
Happy September 1st GIG!
Well, Wendy, the good news is you have a day off today – since you did two tapings yesterday! Smile! I loved your insight today, - I was drawn to the same chapter, but – my mind was drawn to a different type of watchman.
As parents we are “watchman” over our children. It is our responsibility to guard them from evil, protect their eyes from things that they should not see, keep them safe from harm, be alert and sensitive to their behavior.
“if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity” (6)
“listen to what I say and warn them for me” (7)
Certainly, it is not easy being watchmen (parents) today when so many of the children of the world are wayward: not on the straight and narrow path. It just makes our watchman role more difficult, -as the rules and standards we set are peculiar from the world’s eyes! Our rules are more strict. Our kids are held accountable whereas those around them are used to “anything –goes!”
I was drawn back to the beginning of the reading, where it said, “Egypt and its hordes will be dragged away to their judgment” (32:20). Now our children see the “hordes” – the multitude, the crowds, swarming around them doing evil, trying to entice them to walk their path. Our children remain the minority, the chosen few, hand-picked by God himself to walk the narrow path, in an extremely evil world. They are enticed from the right and the left to go the ways of the world.
Those living unrighteous lives today will one day be “judge[d] according to [their] deeds” (33:20).
Dear Lord, Help us today be watchman over our children. Help us not grow tired and weary of holding them accountable. You have placed them under our care for a short period of time. Open our eyes to see the evil lurking around them, so that we can warn them in time. Give us insight to see what You see. May our children grow to know you as their personal Savior. May they love your straight and narrow path. May they abhor evil, and love doing good. If they slip and fall, allow them to get caught. Pour wisdom over all of us today as we set out to train them to walk your godly path. Lord, this is a task, that we can not do alone. We cling to you as you guide us along. Thank you for this opportunity you have given to us – the opportunity to raise up children to further your kingdom. In your precious name we pray, Amen.
Dear GIG ~ my heart remains heavy and burdened for our children. The world is sick and getting sicker. It’s not an easy time to raise kids. It’s only by clinging to God, is it possible. He is Sovereign. He knows everything. He has all of the answers. To Him we go for help. Thank you, Lord, that we have you to turn to!
Love and hugs coming to ya’ll on this beautiful first day of September! Lori
Sweet twin, yesterday a verse came to me as I thought of you going back to school:
Isaiah 52:12 "For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind." You're covered! smile
We have not received the lab report back as of yet. It should be any time, as the doctor told us early this week. Thank you for thinking of Radar, from one dog lover to another!
Off to walk now, before the sun comes up! Hugs, lori
Hi gals, I'm new to doing this with you each day so I'm confused about a couple of things...because you all seem to be such a community of girlfriends, I just need a few questions answered:
What is GIG?
What is SAP?
Do you read the passages BEFORE Wendy's video to pick a something old and new?
I think that might be it for today's questions.
And Wendy, you are the bomb! We won't even remember you had the same thing on tomorrow....watching your pretty face!
Oh and I LOVE it when Wendy says, FACE to FACE!
Love you girls (and I don't even know you yet!)
Shari
GIG=Girlfriends in God
you will also FIG
Friends in God-we use both.
SAP is stop and pray-it is from a teaching that I did from Nehemiah
the three questions we answer in our journals each day is
Something Old: which is something we heard or knew about already but in the Spirit heard it in a new and refreshing way.
Something New: something we did not know before we read
Something to Do: is our action response to the day's reading.
as far when everyone read...not sure exactly but i think most read before.
so glad you are with us. have a good day
Morgen, I think the other Israelites were killed by the sword and others died by disease, as God's prophets warned them.
I remember the count of them leaving Egypt the first time was about 1-2 million, so they would have continued to populate. I'm not sure about the updated number.
(Those going to Jerusalem to rebuild with Zerubbabel were
46,697. Fifty-seven years later, 1,754 returned with Ezra.)
David was a type of Christ, who is returning to earth in our future.
Shari, SAP refers to stop and pray, while GIG refers to Girls in God's Word, I think. Correct me, gals if I'm wrong.
Good news, Nancy is not having kemo due to no cancer after surgery.
Continue to pray for Linda, Sarah, and Dixie.
It's Wednesday, so have a good day.
Sprinkle are here, but how is it on the eastern coast?
Linda from Ark.
It's gorgeous on the eastern coast right now Linda. PTL no cancer for Nancy!!
Shari, welcome. Yes, we will notice that Wendy will be wearing the same thing tomorrow. We notice everything she wears, everything she says, everything her dog does, you-name-it, ha ha ha!!!
Michelle in New England
Hey, Jodi in New England, you posted to yesterday this morning. You might want to cut and paste it over to today [smile].
Michelle in New England
Happy 1st of Septemember Everybody,
School month starts up...It has really been a warm one this week...I am praying for all of the children in school already...Would be hard setting in school when so warm. Ours start next Tuesday the 7th. Guess I have to be ready...even if I am not. A senior and a freshman...Were we good enough watchman? Lori I am going with your comment for today with the children and us parents being their watchman. I agree with you it is hard in today's society. Going back to school them getting different influences...Lord did we lay a good foundation for them to be strong enough.
Jacque....Peaceful vacation. May the dry bones be replenished. As I read and listen to your comments I am viewing this of you: Ez 37:8,... then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies....Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.
Jodi NE...Praying for your little Luke and alot for YOU...keep strong for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Michelle and Lori...Enjoy a peaceful walk. Stay cool.
Shari...Welcome!!
Morgen...Loved your new...Also saped for Michael right along beside you.
Sing to the LORD, bless his name; announce his salvation day after day....Psalm 96:2
Rhonda
Morgen,
I seem to remember reading in Daniel that the Babylonians only took the brightest and most promising young men as captives. The others were left behind.
Shari,
Welcome! I'm glad to have you with us. :)
Jacque,
ENJOY your vacation! So you're a shade-seeker? I am too. After all you have gone through, your body and spirit needs the rest. The enemy will try to steal this time by making you worry over Michael. Don't. God is in charge of him. God can see what Michael is doing and God will prompt him if he is heading in the wrong direction. We will pray for him - he's covered. Your job is to decompress and to listen to your children. :)
Lori,
I had a different take on the watchmen too. I took those to mean that we are to share about Jesus Christ. How He paid for our sins by His virgin birth, His death on the cross and His resurrection. That we all need Him as our Savior and to follow Him as our Lord. When I think of the people I know who are just coasting and not thinking about their eternal destiny, it breaks my heart. When I look at what is happening around us, well, I realize that I need to (wo)man up and start sharing the gospel. We don't have much time.
Good morning GIGs and precious Wendy.
Watchman also caused me to stop and chew for awhile. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and Friend who gives us thoughts, ideas, nudges not only for me but to minister to others. May I be obedient when He speaks to my heart. This will minister to me throughout the day.
Lori, Your word about us (parents) being watchman is so true in these days. Thank you for our children's prayer list. No matter how young or old they may be, they are still our children and even when they are on their own...they still need our prayers.
Jacque, have a wonderful weekend and am praying for Michael to be strong in the Lord.
Jodie, NE praying for your Luke. I remember the word, "Train up a child...." You are the example that he is watching!
Welcome, Shari. So happy to have you join us on this wonderful journey with Wendy and all us GIGs.
Jen Ren, what a wonderful vacation. Good planning for the NC coast last week! Love you.
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.
Teeny
Many times I've wondered why the bad things that have happened to me happened. I'd wonder what I did wrong. As a child I was touched inappropriately and many times starting at the age of 17 men took advantage of me. One of my big sisters wrote this to me in an email, "We will never know why things turn out the way they do, but, sometimes we do see the glory eventually."
Wendy when I read Ezekiel 33 I also thought about the Holy Spirit as a watchman. You put your thoughts about this into such beautiful words. When I was working there were so many times when I would know the right words to say or the right thing to do but would say or do something different. Often times I would do the wrong thing because I just wouldn't be sure what was right. For example: if my boss was out of the office and someone called for her I would take the message. I didn't always know if I should call her cell phone and give her the message or just write it down for her. If I didn't call her it was usually a time I should have and if I did call her she usually told me to put it on her messages and when she told me to put it on her messages it sometimes wasn't in a nice way. Many times I didn't know what she wanted me to do. I usually talked it over with God first but many times ended up making the wrong choice. I've heard many people call it second guessing themselves when they didn't follow their first instinct. Over a year ago God brought it to my mind that we aren't second guessing ourselves but going against the Holy Spirit. In my experiences with things I did wrong at work it was usually my second thought of what to do that I did and it was the wrong choice. The first thought that came to my mind in a situation was the Holy Spirit and always the right choice. Don't misunderstand me I didn't always do the wrong thing at work. Sometimes my boss got upset with me for asking her for clarification about what she wanted me to do. Even in situations like that I asked God what to do but it seemed like most of the time I did the wrong thing by asking my boss a question.
Here in D.C. it's a sunny and hot day.
For the one who asked me what day it is in our reading, forgive me I can't remember who asked, it's day 244.
Shari welcome to our group, sweet frend.
JodIE –congrat’s on your article-please keep us updated! Smile We will all want to be in-line to receive our own copy! Smile! Praying that little, but big, Elliot will be healthy celebrating his FIRST this weekend!
Ally, PTL!!!
Jacque, I just know that in time, those dried up bones are going to come to life. God hears our prayers, and He is in-control at your work place. God, do your thing, may your perfect will be done. And, in the mean time, may everyone involved grow closer to You. May they come to know You, through this trial.
PS Have a wonderful restful peaceful and glorious vaca. Michael is covered!
Teeny, sweet role-model, you are in my prayers! May God give you, His strength, to pull through, may His glory continue to shine out of you and draw those around you, closer to Him.
Dixie, your posts always bring me a lol! U indeed are one character! A beautiful character!
JodI, You cried out to Him, dug deep in His Word, sister you’re doing it! The Lord is looking down on you with favor. Hang tough. You WILL be blessed! Stay consistent. Be strong. I love what GP wrote you, re: Luke! LOVE IT!
Amy, how it going with the new little one you’re keeping?
Shari, w e l c o m e !!! You’ve just got yourself smack dab at the right place! {in the middle of a group of gals that are crazy in love with their Jesus!} I cracked up what you wrote today, Michelle! We don’t miss a beat, do we – where OUR Wendy is concerned! She does not get away with anything! Ha-ha! And, once in a blue moon, when she does a booboo, we love her even more –cuz then we know she’s like us!
Linda in Ark. Praying that God’s Word satisfies your hunger today.
Praying for you, too Stephanie, and little sweetie-pie!
Gaylene, your “willing” stuck with me! Oh, to be willing to do His will, minus our will.
GP, Karen..thanks so much – you always over-flow our plates with the extra’s!
Lynn from OR –nice to see you!!!
Rhonda, you guys are so lucky to start school sooooo late! My boy’s would love your schedule. They like homework as much as Griffin! smile
Morgen, I’ve been anticipating painting our powder bath…you are getting me motivated, sister! It’s a special bathroom, that the boy’s find their way into! Their bathroom is right (practically) next door (smile), but they manage to use the guest one! Haha. So, I’m thinking to do it in a fun PINK! Do ya think that would keep them outta there! Hahahha
But, quite seriously, who cares what bathroom they use! We are blessed to have the potty’s when so many people are suffering so!
GP, loved your insight today re: your ‘watchman’ thoughts! I so love how we each see ‘different things’ which open up the verses even more!
Jennifer Renee, enjoyed your thoughts re: second guessing ourselves…the more I read His Word, the more clearly I hear His Holy Spirit speaking. Many times a verse will come to me, later on in the day after I’ve read it. It’s like I’m more aware of His presence. I know He’s with me. It’s a closeness, that is drawing me more to Him. I love Him so much.
Ya’ll have a glorious day, as you see His beautiful glory all around you! Hugs, Lori
Jacque,
what wise children you have raised to encourage you to vacation!! Rest in the Lord and give thanks, for His eye is on the sparrow and i know He's watching all your family. Everyone on this site has so much wisdom and even more love for each other. It is truly a blessing from God.
Jennifer Renee, It sounds to me like you don't have as much a problem at work as your boss does! She doesn't make it easy for you does she? I will pray for your boss. Also, thanks for sharing your abuse story. It is healing each time we can share. I was also sexually abused as a child. Have you had any counseling or help on this issue? You are in my heart! Love to all you gals, Lizzy
Spot On! Yes, LORD, thank You!
Jenn Ren: I agree with Lizzy...the problem was your bosses; not yours. It was improper and cruel of her to make you feel the way she did. You sound like you were a very willing worker and tried to be as efficient as possible. Don't even give it another thought. Positive thinking sister!
Welcome Shari! We have lots of sharing and fun and spiritual growth goin' on here....we're glad you've joined!
Praise Be
Morgen
Hi FIGS,
Well, I can't really add much to what's been said.
I, too, felt the nudge about being a watchman to those in my path. Of course, I've shared that this has been on my heart for my two boys.
Thank you ladies for your prayers and encouragement regarding my Luke. I just can't put into words how much it means to have this caring fellowship of believers in my life.
My something new from today's reading:
Ezekiel 33:11
It's been a common thread throught the OT, but God stresses yet again that He is not a cruel God, but a just and righteous God whose wrath is directed toward the ugliness of sin and the destruction it brings.
Oh how He loves each person and is so longsuffering toward us all to turn back to Him.
"As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn fromtheir wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickeness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?"
I can just hear this plea of love from God. How is must pain Him to see the wickedness of those He created in His image for His purposes and His glory, but they have gone astray.
Though it has been hard to read all of the judgment and warnings over and over throughout the OT. I think what stands out to me more is God's unfailing love and how He goes to such lengths to show Himself to His people, to plead with them to return to Him.
Wow, what a love and what a God!
I am so thankful that I know Him and that I am His.
Have a wonderful vacation Jacque!
Michelle, thanks for keeping me straight on my days/posts :) Glad you noticed :)
Lori and G&P, again my thanks for your encouragement.
Blessings to you all today!
Jodi in NE
Oh, and Rhonda, thank you too! I so appreciate your prayers, dear sister in Christ.
Love,
Jodi
Hi ladies,
For those of you following my writing adventures - I am trying to get an article on how my breastfeeding struggles brought me closer to God. I have been encouraged that it is indeed publishable so now I am trying for the very first time to submit to a magazine. Will keep you posted.
We had a better sleep night last night but Elliot is refusing his nap as we speak. This is the second time we have tried so I guess this one is a no go.
Lifting you all up today. Take care,
Jodie from Ottawa
Thanks Wendy for a wonderful lesson, I have been taught about the watchman for years and how we are to be watchman over our families and churches, but I never heard it compared to the Holy Spirit. That was truly God breathed. Thanks so much and can't wait until tomorrow. I was late joining this study but so thankful that I found you at a time I really needed this. God Bless.
Darlene LA
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