kingdoms – Praying Pint

Will Graham – Devotion

Jeremiah 1:4–10

⁴Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.”

For many years I have traveled the world as an evangelist, sharing the Good News of Christ on six continents. The faces may change, but the concerns of the heart are very often the same. I’ve found that one of the biggest concerns weighing on people—whether in the United States or on the other side of the world—is the matter of purpose.

People naturally wonder why they are here, who they’re supposed to be, and what they’re supposed to do. They want to know that their life has meaning—a purpose.

The answer—like the answer to many of life’s questions—can be found in the Bible. Let’s look at Jeremiah 1:4-10.

We were created for a purpose (vv. 4 and 5): As humans, we are created for a purpose, and that purpose comes from God. He says, “I formed you … I knew you … I sanctified you … I ordained you …” God created us for a well-established purpose, and gave us the means to accomplish that work. Your calling and my calling were put into place before we were even formed.

Further, verse 4 tells us exactly where to look for our purpose. “Then the word of the Lord came to me …” If you want to find your purpose, spend time in God’s Word, through which He speaks to us.

Ditch the excuses (v. 6): Often we recognize our purpose, our calling, but try to run the other direction. Humanly speaking, there are often excuses one can use to avoid the purpose that God may have for you. Maybe you can make more money elsewhere. Perhaps embracing your purpose will make a less comfortable life for you and your family. Like Jeremiah, you may not feel adequately equipped for the task—too young, too old, unskilled.

If you truly want to find your purpose, however, you may need to step out in faith, become uncomfortable and offer yourself to be used by God. Which leads us to …

God equips those He calls (vv. 7-10): Finally, we are reminded how God equips those whom He calls by addressing the two issues that Jeremiah brought up. First, concerning his youth, God promises that He Himself will be with Jeremiah wherever he is sent. Second, as for Jeremiah’s speaking problem, God tells him that He was going to place in Jeremiah’s mouth the words to speak.

God is not going to call you to a purpose without giving you the tools you need to accomplish His plan. What a great concept—God gives us purpose, and then equips us for His purposes!

My friends, you may not feel like you have a purpose in life. You may feel lost and misdirected. I encourage you to seek God, study His Word, and cry out to Him in prayer. Follow God’s purpose for your life, get past the excuses, and allow Him to work through you.

God gives us purpose, but you have to know Him to find yours.

11.v. ” If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name”

Nahum 3:5 Behold, I am against you, declares the Lord of hosts, and will lift up your skirts over your face; and I will make nations look at your nakedness and kingdoms at your shame. I will throw filth at you and treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle. And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, “Wasted is Nineveh; who will grieve for her?” Where shall I seek comforters for you?

Ezekiel 23:25  And I will direct my jealousy against you, that they may deal with you in fury. They shall cut off your nose and your ears, and your survivors shall fall by the sword. They shall seize your sons and your daughters, and your survivors shall be devoured by fire.

Jeremiah 13:22    And if you say in your heart, ‘Why have these things come upon me?’ it is for the greatness of your iniquity that your skirts are lifted up and you suffer violence.

Habakkuk 2:16     You will have your fill of shame instead of glory. Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD’s right hand will come around to you, and utter shame will come upon your glory!

Malachi 2:2     If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.

Malachi 2:9     and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

Isaiah 14:16-19 Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms,  who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’  All the kings of the nations lie in glory, each in his own tomb;  but you are cast out, away from your grave, like a loathed branch, clothed with the slain, those pierced by the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a dead body trampled underfoot.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” Do you ever wonder what is keeping God from just displaying the full force of His wrath and anger? It is His promise of redemption, not wishing any should perish but that all would come to the knowledge of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. His grace, mercy, and love are what keeps His wrath and anger at bay. It will not be like this forever. There is coming a time when He will call His children home to be with him forevermore. Then there will be a time of unleashing His wrath and anger and judgment. We see where He has felt with individuals, cities, and nations but a time is coming when it will be on all of those who have defied Him and His offer of salvation and forgiveness. A time is coming and when it comes it will not be compared to any other time in the history of mankind. Believing that it will not happen in your lifetime does not make it so. Believing you will, at some time in the future, make things right with God means you are choosing to deny Him right now. This choice has eternal consequences. Open your heart to the Good News message of Jesus Christ. You will find peace for your soul that you never thought possible, and a life with purpose, meaning, and eternal life with Jesus Christ.

9.y. “And tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.”

Amos 6:1 “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes! Pass over to Calneh, and see, and from there go to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Or is their territory greater than your territory, O you who put far away the day of disaster and bring near the seat of violence? “Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils,

Isaiah 56:12    “Come,” they say, “let me get wine; let us fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.”

Ezekiel 12:22  “Son of man, what is this proverb that you have about the land of Israel, saying, ‘The days grow long, and every vision comes to nothing’?

1 Thessalonians 5:3   While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

2 Peter 3:4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”

Before Covid 19 how many would have been saying “and tomorrow will be like this day, great beyond measure.” Do you ever stop to think about all of those who have rejected God’s call to repentance? I sometimes wonder what it is that keeps them from seeing and hearing what the Word of God calls out. “COME UNTO ME ALL WHO ARE HEAVEY WITH BURDENS AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST”, “FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE”, “I WILL RETURN AGAIN”, “WHERE I AM YOU SHALL BE ALSO”…. these Words of God call out great promises of salvation, redemption, hope, peace, rest, and eternity. Likewise, there are plenty of scripture that have great promises of wrath, anger, and judgment. It is one or the other. There is no middle ground. Belief in Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, trusting in, clinging to, and relying on Jesus Christ, growing in understanding, knowledge, and wisdom through God’s Word, and seeking and desiring to humbly serve honor, and obey Him is the choice of those who will be in eternity with Him. Others will not. Because of their rejection of Jesus Christ, they will spend eternity in torment forever and ever. Know that we will be held accountable for how we live and just like in times of Amos, people would not believe judgment was at their doorstep.

9.l. “Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “for the day when I rise up to seize the prey.

Joel 3:1 “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it.

Zephaniah 3:8     “Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.

Revelation 16:14     For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.

Isaiah 66:16     For by fire will the LORD enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the LORD shall be many.

Ezekiel 38:22    With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur.

Obadiah 1:15   For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.

There are many more verses that speaks about the time of restoration for Judah, Jerusalem, Israel. This time comes after a time of severe trials against them. We understand this to be during the great tribulation period. This time will surely come and what has been spoken and recorded will happen. There are two periods of this time no sane person would want any part of. The “Tribulation Period” and the “Day of the Lord”. This time will be like no other time. All those who come to the saving grace knowledge of Jesus Christ during this time will be persecuted continuously and many of them will die because of it. All of those who flat out deny Jesus Christ, will not listen to the witnesses Christ has placed on earth during this time, deny the existence of God, take the Mark of the Beast, and will choose to do battle with God rather than repent and turn away from their wickedness. If you don’t think the return of Jesus Christ is imminent they the signs of the times must be escaping you. The eyes to our hearts, minds, and souls should be ever looking and anticipating His return. Behold He is coming in the clouds and will take His bride home.

1.p.

1 Chronicles 29:26 Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. The time that he reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Then he died at a good age, full of days, riches, and honor. And Solomon his son reigned in his place. Now the acts of King David, from first to last, are written in the Chronicles of Samuel the seer, and in the Chronicles of Nathan the prophet, and in the Chronicles of Gad the seer, with accounts of all his rule and his might and of the circumstances that came upon him and upon Israel and upon all the kingdoms of the countries.

When we read this summary it would appear that David’s life was one of wealth and honor. We might even think he cheated what happens to us normal humans. We might even have a jealous thought. However, David’s life was far from trouble-free. We see Saul pursued him and wanted to put him to death because Saul was jealous of David. For seven years David was fearful wand hiding from Saul. David’s own son’s tried to overtake the throne. David was tempted and committed adultery. He ordered the death of the man of the wife he had adultery with. Two of his sons died.

David had trials and troubles at the hands of others choices and also because of choices he made. He had times of joy and times of sorrow, times of plenty and times of not, times of honor and times of not. The thing that sets David apart from most is his heart, mind, and soul for God. He wanted above all else to honor God with his life. However, we see how a man like David can get sideways and must take note that we must be aware of temptations our sinful nature wants to run after. If a man like David can be tempted away how much more so can we.

My fear is that we are not tempted away but rather are not close enough to God or committed to living for Him. We are living in a lukewarm, neutral, complacent, and neglectful lifestyles so that there is nothing to tempt us toward because we are already living there. How sad is that? Always be in His word with a true heart deep desire to continuously think, speak, and act to always bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ. Stay in His word to know and be aware of temptations common to all mankind and the hope we have in the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead, guide, into knowledge and understanding of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ and to light our path each day.

“Where is their God?”

Psalms 115:2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”

Psalms 42:3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”

Exodus 32:12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people.

Numbers 14:15-16 Now if you kill this people as one man, then the nations who have heard your fame will say, ‘It is because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land that he swore to give to them that he has killed them in the wilderness.’

2 Kings 19:10-19 “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered? Have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed, Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar? Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, the king of Hena, or the king of Ivvah?’” Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD and said: “O LORD, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. So now, O LORD our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O LORD, are God alone.”

People on the sidelines mock and challenge God. They look for reasons to prove He does not exist or able or capable to intercede in the affairs of man. Those who’s hear, mind, and soul desire to know, honor, serve, follow and obey, continually see the hand of God at work in their lives. He speaks into their life. He guides their thoughts and leads them through a journey of faith filled action. Our strength is in the LORD. He is my Hope and my salvation. He alone is God and is able to do more than we ask and much more than we can imagine. Through His word we find peace and encouragement for each day.

People yet to be created

Psa 102:18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise, when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.

Psalms 71:18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Psalms 78:4-6 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

John 20:31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Write it down so that there is a record for future generations. These generations then can be told and read of the Awesome Power, Love, Promises, Might, Saving Grace, Mercy and Holiness of God. This scripture is not something from the mind and thought of mankind, but from God, and speaks of that which brings purpose and direction to our lives this side of eternity. It shines light into the darkness of lost hearts and souls. It brings hope to the lost. It brings the good news of salvation. It brings praise, joy, and humbleness to those who choose to serve, honor, follow and obey the Creator and Author of all there is and will be. Scripture has been given to us so that we can grow in our knowledge and understanding of the one and only true God. It has also be given so that we are able to share it with others. Blessed are the feet of those who bring good news.

In His presence

Psalms 100 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Psalms 66:1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

Psalms 66:4 All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.”

Psalms 95:1-2 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Isaiah 24:14-16 They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the LORD they shout from the west. Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; in the coastlands of the sea, give glory to the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. From the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise, of glory to the Righteous One.

Zephaniah 3:14 Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Luke 19:37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen,

Psalms 67:4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.

Psalms 68:32 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord,

God first. God only. God above self. I read these verses and am reminded of the gene that was deleted in my birth. I have joyfulness but if I were to sing, it certainly would not be joyful to anyone hearing it. There were and are those who are gifted with this ability, however it is the heart, mind and sole that burst forth with joyfulness in what God has done, is doing, and will do. Wise is the man that numbers his days and chooses to joyfully humble, honor, serve, follow and obey. Our change is on the inside and is reflected on the outside. Have a joyful day in our Lord and savior.

Remember the Creator

“So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.”

Psalms 29:1 Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Psalms 2:10-12 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalms 68:32 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.

Psalms 96:7-9 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory.due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!

Isaiah 60:12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste

Jeremiah 13:16-18 Give glory to the LORD your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains, and while you look for light he turns it into gloom and makes it deep darkness. But if you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive. Say to the king and the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your beautiful crown has come down from your head.”

Revelation 5:11-14 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Ecclesiastes 11:8 So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-2 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain,

Remember your Creator!! What is to be remembered? He is the creator of all there is. The creator is Holy. He created mankind in His own image. He did not abandon mankind after they disobeyed Him. He made a way for man to be forgiven and their sin forgotten/blotted out. He filled men of old with His spirit to record His word for mankind. He sent His son to redeem mankind. He placed on our hearts knowledge of Himself. He gave many promises, blessings, and warnings. He is all knowing. He is all powerful. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will guide us. He will protect us. He has a plan and purpose for our life. His son died for mankind, rose from the dead, and is coming again. He will judge mankind. He will divide those who love and serve Him from those who do not. Those who serve Him will receive reward – Heaven. Those who do not serve Him will receive punishment for rejecting Him and His son – Hell. Remember your Creator. Serve Him with all of your heart, mind and soul. Listen to His leading. Bring honor and glory to Him in all you think, say and do.