2 Chronicles 7:14 - Mom, he's not followin' the rules !!!!!!

"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 heal their land."

This has got to be THE most misquoted, taken out of context, and abused Scripture in the Bible.  There are certainly others, but this one has the top-ranking spot in my book.

First, God is speaking to HIS people, those who have a personal relationship with Him, those who obey Him and allow Him to be the Lord of their lives.  If you have not committed yourself completely to Jesus Christ, then this is not for you.  We are Christians, called by HIS name, Christ.

Next, and in this precise order, we must HUMBLE ourselves.  We must relinquish all pride and arrogance in our achievements; in our teaching abilities; in our praying ability; in our church positions; in the programs we lead; in our places of employment; in our possessions; in our social standing; in our economic status; in the number of vacations we take; in the kind of car we drive; in the things we collect; in our fake nails;  in, in, in . . .. . . . . . everything. Including our Christianity!  Everything MUST point to Jesus Christ or it is of no value.

Then, we are commanded to pray.  We cannot truly pray if anything of self is in the forefront.  That is why humility must come first.  Once we have emptied ourselves of ourselves, only then can we come before the Throne of Grace with our petitions.  Arrogance and pride cannot stand between us and God.

Fourth, we must seek the face of God.  Not just talk TO Him, we have to crawl into His lap and get right into His face.   Nose to nose, eyeball to eyeball.  I want you to know, Master, I'm dead serious about this matter;  I want to talk WITH you about this, and I'm not leaving until we've had a conversation and I know You've heard me and will show me the right way to go.

And lastly, turn from our wicked ways.  Ouch!!!!  Wicked ways??  I don't do anything wicked!  I'm a good person, just listen to me brag about my self, right after I get done criticizing all those around me.  Right after I ignore the call for help from my neighbor cause someone else will do it.  Right after I get done gossiping in church right before worship.  Right after I ignore the single person who eats dinner alone night after night after night.  Right after I get done finding fault with those in authority over me.  Right after . . . . . .  Get the picture?

Ever wonder why it seems our prayers and petitions are bouncing off of deaf ears?  When every one of these conditions are met in this order, then and ONLY then will our awesome God HEAR and FORGIVE and HEAL, and not a moment before!  These are His express conditions.  If we want to be in His game, we have to play by His rules.  No exceptions.

Am I following the Lord's directions?  Where am I standing in His game plan?

"Almighty God, King of the universe, Creator of all, forgive me my pride and arrogance.  I bow before you in humble repentance.   I come seeking Your face, Your divine guidance in all that I do.  My only desire is that all that I do and think and say with draw others to You.  Lead me in the path of righteousness for Your namesake, so that no wickedness would be found in me, thereby pointing the way for others to You.  Hear me, my Master, heal me and forgive me, that You would be my all in all. Amen"

FOR FURTHER STUDY:

2 Chronicles 6:36-40

James 4:6
1 Peter 5:6
Psalm 17:6
Mark 14:38
Romans 12:1
Psalm 27:8
          105:3-5
Ezekiel 33:19
2 Timothy 2:19