“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 I will forgive their sins, and I will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
4 CONDITIONS
- ADMIT I'M NOT IN CONTROL!
“If my people will humble themselves . . .” 2 Chronicles 7:14a
HUMILITY:
- IF I’M HUMBLE, GOD WILL GUIDE ME
“God leads the humble in the right way and teaches them his will.” Psalm 25:9 (TEV)
- IF I’M HUMBLE, GOD WILL BLESS ME
“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts . . .” Isaiah 66:2 (NLT)
- IF I’M HUMBLE, GOD WILL GIVE ME THE POWER TO CHANGE
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
- IF I’M HUMBLE, GOD WILL RELIEVE MY STRESS
Jesus, “Take the yoke I give you . . . and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble, and I will restore deep rest to your soul.” Matthew 11:29
Action Plan: Focus on one of these areas per day this week. Use the verses for each in your prayer time and offer these areas to God.
- ASK GOD FOR HELP!
“If my people . . . will pray . . .” 2 Chronicles 7:14b
Jesus: “. . . I tell you the truth, my Father will give you anything you ask for in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you’ll receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.” John 16:23-24 (NCV)
1. REMEMBER JESUS WANTS ME TO ASK
2. ASK IN JESUS' NAME
“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” James 5:13-15 (NIV)
“Pray in the Spirit at ALL times with ALL kinds of prayers, asking for ALL you need. To do this you must ALWAYS be ready and never give up! ALWAYS pray for ALL God's people.” Ephesians 6:18 (NCV)
Action plan: Write down these 5 steps above and keep them wherever you normally do your daily quiet time. Remind yourself of them daily.
- SEEK GOD, NOT A MIRACLE!
“If my people . . . will seek my face . . .” 2 Chronicles 7:14c
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” Proverbs 8:17
“God rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6b (NIV)
“If you seek the Lord your God, you will find him IF you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For He is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you . . .” Deut. 4:29-31a (NIV)
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Action Plan: Take a day off, clear the calendar, and spend the day seeking God alone. Use the Personal Spiritual Retreat guide if you need some guided alone time, or listen to the Journey with Jesus app taught by Pastor Rick.
4. TURN MY ATTENTION FROM THE WORLD TO THE WORD
“If my people . . . turn from their wicked ways . . .” 2 Chronicles 7:14d
“If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. But if you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 (NCV)
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16 (NIV)
Action Plan: Attend Night of Worship this Sunday night at the Lake Forest campus, or watch online. For all information, click here.
3 PROMISES:
1. I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN
2. I WILL FORGIVE THEIR SINS
3. I WILL HEAL THEIR LAND
Doable Discipleship: This week’s episode of Doable Discipleship continues a discussion on worldview, talking about the fall of humanity. To watch or listen, click here.