Happy July 4th, friends!

What a time we are living through, huh? I firmly believe that Jesus is knocking on the door of both our world and our hearts. I think what we are experiencing and starting to see is just the beginning of what’s to come, and Jesus is giving us every opportunity to claim the grace, mercy, protection and the eternal life He yearns to give us all.

One phrase we keep hearing among Christian circles is “pray for America”. “If things are going to change in this country, we have to pray”. Well, that is true….. but our Lord tells us in His Word that there are things we need to do BEFORE prayer for the healing of our land.

2 Chronicles 7:14, “IF my people who are called by My name humble themselves, AND pray and seek My face AND turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

God healing our land is conditional on the belief, faith and action of His people!

First, as believers, we need to humble ourselves.

Humility doesn’t mean being passive, quiet or groveling- it means full submission to the King, and to each other.

Colossians 2:3, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

1 Peter 5:5-6, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, ALL of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that in proper time He may exalt you….”

Humility isn’t a characteristic in much of America these days, but according to scripture, it is a necessity in the body of Christ and a requirement if He is to heal our land.

Next, we must pray and seek His face!

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him”.

When you really want something, and are pursuing it…. it gets put right on the top of the priority list, right? From a worldly point of view- it could be that promotion at work, that new car, that trophy or financial status. It’s real easy to prioritize for the things we want… do you want God’s blessing and presence in your life? Do you want His guidance and leadership to bring you to what He has planned for you? Do you want Him to heal our land? Then He needs to be the center of your life, first on the priority list, and you need to seek His face in all you do!

Next, we need to turn from our wicked ways; we need to REPENT.

Acts 3:19-20, “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send the Messiah appointed for you, Jesus.”

Proverbs 28:13, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

2 Peter 3:9, “the Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that ANY should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Just as it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, repentance is to TURN AWAY from our wicked ways. Repentance is a 180 degree turn- going in the complete opposite direction of our sin, into the arms of Jesus Christ, our Savior! If we don’t repent, and stay placidly among our sins and what binds us to this world, why would God heal our land? If our internal battles aren’t being submitted to our King, what makes us think that our external ones should be corrected by Him?

I challenge you then, my fellow believers, my fellow Americans, and my siblings in the Kingdom of God….

1. Humble yourselves, to Christ and to each other. 2. Seek His face and make Jesus the center of your life. 3. Repent and turn away from everything that is not of God.

THEN… 4. Pray for Our Lord to heal our land!

I can’t help but to constantly think of Esther as we live through the craziness of 2020 and where our country is today. Esther 4:14, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews for another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

YOU are where you are, right now, for a reason. As you pursue God’s face, will and righteousness, may He speak to you and through you, to help bring His children home, in such a time as this!

Much love to you all!