IF MY PEOPLE

 

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.

 

 

Summary of recent events have brought to the forefront the need for this series.  This series is not just for this setting but will be broadcast virtually to an audience of almost 70,000 people via social media.  Covid 19 was the first, then the economic shutdown, suspension of church services, the rising debt of 350 billion this year, the recent political scandals, the suspension of personal freedoms by medical orders and governments, the mandatory wearing of PPE’s, the rise in domestic violence, overdoses, suicides and Covid numbers.  It is time for a real revival and this is in our hands.

His

 

The background for this verse is Solomon had dedicated the temple.  He had spent time leading the people in a prayer of dedication, repentance and revival.  This verse was God’s response.  This verse had become a cornerstone verse for nationwide revival for generations

 

If my people: which are called by my name, this means the believers.  The responsibility for healing our nation is not in the hands of government, business or any other form of social fabric.  It is in the hands of God’s people.  Our nations health and wellbeing is in our hands.  We are the reason this nation is in trouble.  We have not answered the call of the spirit.  The message is not a sermon to condemn but the challenge.  Solomon wrote in Prov 14:34, righteousness exalts a nation but sin to a reproach to any people.  We are called by God to do four things in this passage. 

 

We are called to humble ourselves.  This means to repent for our sins, lack of love, forgiveness,   it means coming before Jesus in awe and reverence, despite of what people may think of you. It's being willing to say, “I was wrong”.  Confess your sins to the Lord, give up whatever is burdening you, and be willing to leave it at the cross.  Jesus gave the example of the Pharisee and the sinner.  The sinner got it right.  He mourned over his sin, he humbled himself, wanted his heart pure.  Daniel did the same thing. 

 

Pray.  This is so important.  It means closing yourself off in prayer, praying with spouse or prayer partner, prayer in small groups, corporate prayer and prayer rallies.  Calling out to God and doing intercessory prayer.  God does expect the ungodly to pray before He does expect His people to pray.  What do we pray for?  We pray for our spouses, family, churches, leaders, communities, province and country. 

 

Spouses:  For communication, love and unity a passion for life, passion for love and intimacy, passion to grow in wisdom, and passion to serve you together.

Families:  Household salvation, protection, passion, purpose guidance, wisdom, grace and favor.

Churches:  Church leadership, unity, love, power, anointing, wisdom clarity, boldness listen to what Paul stated  in Colossians 4:12, Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Leaders:   National, Provincial and municipal.  Pray for wisdom, integrity, transparency, honesty and accountability. 

Cities, province and nation, for transformation, revival, healing and God’s dominion. 

 

Seek His face:  It means we are seeking to know Him, understand His character, and hear His voice.  Ps 104:5, Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!"  Matt 6:33, His kingdom and righteousness.  The primary ways we can seek the face of God—His Word, prayer, and worship. When we read His Word, we learn His character and His ways. As we pray to God and spend time with Him, we learn to hear His voice. When we worship Him, He shows up as we welcome His presence.

 

Turn from our wicked ways.  Simply means to turn from anything that hinders our relationship with God.  Confess, renounce and completely abandon our sins, wicked ways in whatever form they come.  Our thoughts, word, deeds, attitudes and motives, that are sinful and displeasing to God.  You ask God and He will show you.   This is the difficult part.  This takes time and true honesty.  Like the old song says, it is me Oh Lord standing in the need of prayer.

 

God’s promise is this.  He will hear from heaven.  God will answer.  He will forgive our sins.  He will heal our land.  Simply put.  We do our part and God will do His.  He is not a man that He will lie.  Remember the promises of God are yes and Amen.