God is Calling for Repentance
So many people quote this scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14 – 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.
Before getting into today’s message, my questions are to those who think they know what certain scriptures mean. Have you done a Word search? Do you know what the scriptures mean in the original language of Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek? Do you know the culture and the language of the people? Do you know that some of the scriptures were for the Nation of Israel only?
If anyone thinks they know the Word, and do not know the history and background, they cannot interpret the Bible properly. People who do that come up with their own interpretation. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).
I am writing on an individual basis (personalizing), rather than to a group of people on a larger scale. God spoke to the Israelites (a nation of people- consisted of many). I am writing to individuals who are in ministry and are not walking in their specific calling for whatever the reason may be. In other words, these types of people are not in line with the Word of God; they’re in the wrong lane.
Summary of 2 Chronicles, chapter 7
2 Chronicles, chapter 7 is a powerful testament to the Lord's responsiveness to His people's prayers, His covenantal faithfulness, and the importance of obedience. The divine intervention and the glory filling the temple is a demonstration of God's approval, love, and mercy.
However, the chapter also serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of forsaking God's laws, reminding us that our actions can either invite blessings or repercussions based on our obedience to God's word.
It is amazing how God warned Adam if he ate forbidden fruit, he would die. The situation with Solomon was similar; even though God was pleased with Solomon, God warned him of the consequences of disobedience.
The principle of obedience never changes, there blessings to obedience and consequences to disobedience (Deuteronomy chapter 28). Notice how God is pleased with our obedience to Him, yet He warns about consequences of disobedience. For instance, there are many commands that God gave in the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Example: Study to show ourselves approved to God is a command (2 Timothy 2:15). How can you experience the abundant blessings if you don’t study?
My emphasis is, God will forgive and restore His children who are out of line with His Word.
What I am talking about today is, the gifts and how some people are functioning in gifts that have not been given to them. This means that whoever does not line up will the will of God will give account at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Don’t you know that the gift God gave you, is just as good as the next person’s. God knew what each of us could handle (1 Corinthians 12:7). The enemy wants us to take our focus off God and coveting other gifts (desiring what someone else has).
Works will be judged by fire, and they are called evil works, because people are building on their own foundation – in the flesh (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).
Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org