There is a verse where God speaks directly to His people. He gives them instructions which, if they obey Him, He will hear them, forgive them, and release healing on their land. Here it is. Make sure you read it several times:
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, which are called by My name, shall 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.” Did you read it several times. First He says: “If my people…” He is speaking to us! This is for the church! The first thing He commands us to do is to “HUMBLE OURSELVES!” Arrogance and pride must not exist among us! The second thing is: PRAY. Are we praying for our families, our church, our community, our nation, or are we only complaining about everything around us? Pray more and complain less! the third thing is: SEEK HIS FACE. That means that it has to be a priority to us. Instead of seeking only material things, we need to seek Him first. The rest shall be added. The final instruction is: TURN FROM OUR WICKED WAYS. this denotes repentance and. genuine turning away from our sinful habits (actions, words, thoughts, intents). If we would genuinely obey God in these four instructions, we would experience a supernatural manifestation of healing, restoration, joy, and answer to our prayers. Don’t wait for others. Start this process yourself. God sees our individual actions, and He will respond to the one who obeys these instructions!
Rise above it all!
For the Christian, it is vital for us to realize that most of what we see and hear in the news, in school, at the job or even among our family is not what God is saying. His thoughts are higher than the prevailing thoughts of the day. We must put a scriptural filter between everything we see and hear, so that only the useful information will filter through into our minds. Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Refuse to get caught up in the offenses or scandals of the day. God is not in those things. Most people are caught up in petty arguments or issues that have to do with pride, vainglory, power grabs, etc. This will not bring God any glory and it will only get you stuck in the quicksand of petty gossip and problems. Confess the word of God over your life and over the lives of others. Rise above these issues today and walk in love and peace.
Isaiah 55: 8,9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
