•Monday, July 06, 2009
"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 I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and
will heal their land" II Chronicles, 7:14.
We’ll get back to happiness next week; our country was heavy on my heart this weekend. A recent e-mail encouraged the daily praying of this verse. But more than that, I challenge you to live it. Saying the words like a mantra will have no effective result. In order for God to forgive us and heal our land we need to do three things: humble ourselves, pray and seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways.
When we live humble lives, we do what is right without needing praise for it. We accept correction and take responsibility for mistakes. We show kindness and mercy to everyone we meet—not just the people we like. And when we pray, we don’t ask God for petty things, but we earnestly engage in the mystery of a relationship with our Creator. The last part is the most difficult: letting go of attitudes and habits that dishonor God.
I’ve heard it said that Christianity in the U. S. is a mile wide and an inch deep. There are a lot of people who call themselves Christians, and may even attend church regularly. But that is not the same as having a relationship with the Living God: a relationship that affects every nuance of your existence. We need to stop compartmentalizing our faith and live it. If our nation is to be spared judgment, Christians need to begin taking their faith seriously.
Actions speak louder than words. Does your life testify of Christ?
will heal their land" II Chronicles, 7:14.
We’ll get back to happiness next week; our country was heavy on my heart this weekend. A recent e-mail encouraged the daily praying of this verse. But more than that, I challenge you to live it. Saying the words like a mantra will have no effective result. In order for God to forgive us and heal our land we need to do three things: humble ourselves, pray and seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways.
When we live humble lives, we do what is right without needing praise for it. We accept correction and take responsibility for mistakes. We show kindness and mercy to everyone we meet—not just the people we like. And when we pray, we don’t ask God for petty things, but we earnestly engage in the mystery of a relationship with our Creator. The last part is the most difficult: letting go of attitudes and habits that dishonor God.
I’ve heard it said that Christianity in the U. S. is a mile wide and an inch deep. There are a lot of people who call themselves Christians, and may even attend church regularly. But that is not the same as having a relationship with the Living God: a relationship that affects every nuance of your existence. We need to stop compartmentalizing our faith and live it. If our nation is to be spared judgment, Christians need to begin taking their faith seriously.
Actions speak louder than words. Does your life testify of Christ?
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1 comments:
Wow, what a wonderful topic. Its what you do from Sunday to Sunday that shows your true commitment to your faith! I know a few people that would benefit from opening their hearts to receive this message!