If, Then

II Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) 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.

 

As we read and reflect on this scripture, there are two words that we should focus on; the words if and then. The scripture tells us, if we will humble ourselves, if we will pray, if we will seek His face, if we will turn from our wicked ways….then, He will hear us, He will forgive us and will heal our land. What we need to reflect on is our willingness to do the “if”.

If, one of the smallest words in the English language, yet it can have some of the biggest effects on or in a person’s life. The Webster dictionary defines “if” as the cause or reason or motive for something to happen. “If” is the word that evokes a response for action.
 

The “if” in our scripture is the beginning of the condition that God is looking to be met before He will act. It is clear that God is giving us a promise to do these things, then He will respond.

During this time of confusion, uncertainty and chaos, it is important to do as God commands and humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face like never before. To do these things will require determination, discipline, and perseverance.  God is sending an urgent message that He wants to pour out His spirit among His people if you are ready to receive.

Love,
Pastor Nannette Newcomb

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Drawing Near to God

James 4:8 (NKJV) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…

Jeremiah 29:13  (NKJV) And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

 
This scripture seems very relevant during this time of uncertainty as a spirit of fear has seemed to wash over our land with the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.  What better way to spend our time over the next few weeks during mandated closures and social distancing to utilize this time to draw closer to God. Within the book of James, we find the greatest invitation ever issued, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”.  I encourage each of you to stop, take a moment and ponder on this verse, the Creator of the Universe, the earth, and all its inhabitants, requests your presence.  Not only does He request your presence, but He desires a personal relationship with you.
 
During this time of uncertainty, do not fear.  Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV) states “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you, do not fear nor be dismayed”. As we reflect on scripture, we are instructed to not be afraid or discouraged.  II Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God hath not given us
 the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 
If you feel that you have lost your strength, joy, peace, feel defeated, discouraged, or overwhelmed, it’s time to seek God like never before. It’s a time for self-reflection. II Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. …..Use this time to be the church, make a difference in the lives of others and support and impact the community.
 
With love,
Pastor Nannette Newcomb

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