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In post modern pick & mix Britain,strident in paganism and drowning in its own self-fullness, God's people seem gripped by a paralysis. We know something must be done, but what can we, a tiny minority, do? Well, the Bible does say something positive about this, and today we turn to this one verse again, 2nd Chronicles chapter 7, when the first great temple was dedicated in Jerusalem. God told Solomon that in times of national disaster.
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14
Examine it, as the agenda for spiritual renewal of our land:
"If my people" So its up to believers, not pagans. It starts with us, the Church.
Revival always begins with God's wayward people
"called by my name" who are in a personal covenant relationship with God: All who are truly committed to God, who hold him sacred, and know his name. "shall humble". So our pride is the problem! It is an arrogant self-will, love of themselves" status and self-righteousness. God's people must be broken: No, must want to be broken, before they can be shaped and filled.
"and pray" Not merely say their prayers - pray. To pray with one will and heart and being. Pray as the drowning call for help. Prayer is always the key to revival. "and seek my face" So we are not to seek spiritual experiences, not even answers to our prayers, but seek His Face, to wait before God until our earthbound eyes open and we see Him. Imagine, prayer is seeking the face of God. "and turn from their Wicked ways?" Surely we are not all that bad ... a bit lazy, a bit stuffy, "wicked ways ..." perhaps too preoccupied with ourselves. No it says 'wicked ways': Lustful, sinful, idol-ridden, bad, evil, wicked ways. To turn from these ways and make an about turn.
"THEN will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land."
A Beginning Prayer:
Behold your people, Lord, in this land. Bestir us to tears of true repentance, move us to brokenness of spirit, to be aware of your love for the millions of undisciplined folk who do not know you. We all need you Lord. We are dying for want of you Lord.
Now read Jonah Chapters 3 and 4, and ask who was it that needed to repent?
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