PRAISING GOD.
I decided to read 2 Chronicles 7 last night.
I am very familiar with the "famous" verse 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
I love that verse. But what is the context of the verse?
2 Chronicles 7 is convicting.
The first half of the chapter is called "The Dedication of the Temple" [referring to the temple Solomon built]. And the chapter goes into great detail explaining how
the children of God CELEBRATED His approval of their 'man made' temple.Excerpt:
"8 So Solomon observed the festival at that time for seven days, and all Israel with him—a vast assembly, people from
Lebo Hamath to the Wadi of Egypt. 9 On the eighth day they held an assembly, for they had celebrated the dedication of the altar for seven days and the festival for seven days more. 10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel."
The Israelites celebrated for 2 weeks!! & returned home full of joy :]Everyday that I wake up I am God's child, He dwells in me & I am His temple...But I
don't take the time to celebrate Him daily & I
definitely do not have the same enthusiasm as the
Israelites... & well, I should.
And then verse 14 offers hope...
If I humble myself & pray & turn from my ways, he forgives and restores.
Amen.
