I led my first retreat this past weekend and felt a God-nudge to continue the discussion. This time last year I had prepared to take “Battles” to a Virginia church in a retreat format, but COVID had other plans. As I look back at the material then and to what it has become through a turbulent year like 2020, I am reminded to be thankful in the trials (James 1:2-4).
2020 was tough and some would even say bad; however, if you look closely, 2020 also brought the promised good (Romans 8:28). We slowed down and with the removal of common comforts, sin and the brokenness of man’s heart was gradually exposed.
Division. The resulting theme. A nation divided, a push for people groups to be divided, even believers began to feel the discord between one another.
2 Chronicles 7:14 began to pop up everywhere you looked appearing as if a battle cry from God. “If my people who are called by my name 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.”
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This verse is speaking to us, all believers.
There are three instructions
Only through the first instruction can the others be followed.
James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
In James’ warning against worldliness, humility is key. I believe it’s time for each of us to look in the mirror and humbly assess:
How am I allowing the enemy to divide?
How have I doubted God this year?
What sin (thought, word, action) do I need to repent of?
Am I relying on the Spirit or my own sufficiency to turn from sin?
Christians, our battle orders are being given.
What will you do with them?
Will you affect the world or allow it to continually infect?
2 Chronicles 7:14 began to pop up everywhere you looked appearing as if a declaration from God. “If my people who are called by my name 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.”
Lets the discussions continue...
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