2 Chronicles Bible Sketch

Humble + pray + turn = healing

The Holy Spirit nudges God’s people to humbly pray with thankfulness flowing from our hearts.

“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.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV Bible marker sketch hand lettering

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 ESV

Healing blessings are provided by God

Humbleness is power the Holy Spirit gives believers to

• know the value of Christ’s suffering
• take responsibility
• say: I am sorry
• get unstuck from the mud of all sin—ours and those committed against us
• reject temptations to stay in or return to that wrong place
• seek Christ for mercy, shelter, protection and safety
• pray and have prayers heard
• receive cleansing and freedom
• listen to other’s perspective: thoughts, feelings and experiences
• take time to process situations
• have compassion
• be merciful
• be genuine 
• be content with not knowing all the hidden things of God
• take comfort in Truth
• have confidence of the presence of God within
• push forward in joy during both good and hard times
• be motivated by a pure heart made holy by Christ
• receive inspiration to share hope in Jesus

Our Creator promises to listen to repentant prayers of believers who seek Jesus. His beloved Son sacrificed out of love for us, was born, lived perfectly, suffered, died, then rose from death and ascended victoriously, so by grace, sinners are saved from punishment deserved. Christ intercedes for all who seek Him—and repeatedly—now until God’s judgement for eternity in heaven or hell. Power to trust the Word, receive forgiveness, embrace grace, healing, hope and peace is beyond understanding—it is a gift of faith.

Read or listen to

• A relevant devotion about The Courage of Jehoshaphat 
• An excellent sermon titled First and Foremost
• A Hymn Jesus, grant that balm and healing

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for welcoming us to have personal conversations with You. Help us listen for Your prompts to seek You in every situation and in the beautiful sanctuaries where congregations gather to hear Your Word and receive Your gifts. Thank you for opportunities to attend Church for communion with all believers. Reside in our hearts to equip and motivate us to share Your love. We look forward with joy to the Last Day when Your saving love brings perfect healing of the world You created and unites all believers with You for eternity. Amen.

How to be humble. 33 thoughts on the virtue of humility.

Humility means not being proud or arrogant, but being modest and courteously respectful. How attractive is an attitude of meekness and gentleness!

1. Listen more than talk. Follow the words of the other, without being overly concerned about sharing your ideas.
2. Ask people for their opinion.
3. Be ready to give credit for another person’s idea, even if you are the one to carry it out.
4. Count to five before adding to a conversation. Be sure that the other person has finished his thought, and reflect on what he said.
5. Provide positive feedback.
6. Say, “I’d be honored” when asked to help.
7. Say, “It’s my pleasure” when thanked.
8. Admit when you don’t understand or know something.
9. When you screw up, say, “I was wrong.”
10. Teach someone what you know.
11. Cautiously use criticism, constructively and sparingly.
12. Give God the glory for skills, talents, blessings and successes.
13. Understand that timing is important.
14. Prioritize your time.
15. Think less about money for self, more about money for charity or for the building up of important things.
16. Think of others first, before yourself.
17. Pass on thanks to those who help you achieve something for which you were thanked.
18. Be quiet about your goals.
19. Be quiet about your achievements.
20. Look for potential in others.
21. Help others with their goals.
22. Value other people’s time.
23. Remember you have faults and are a sinner—you are no better than anyone else.
24. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
25. Pray for humility.
26. Seek wisdom by choosing wise friends.
27. Be willing to learn in all areas of education, especially about moral issues. Spiritual knowledge is found in church, Bible study and personal devotions.
28. Keep calm and carry on.
29. Be willing to accept new ideas and change.
30. Graciously accept praise with a sincere and simple, “thank you” without expounding upon it.
31. Don’t compare yourself to others.
32. Stick with your convictions. Recognize differences in others, but don’t conform if it doesn’t respect your values.
33. Forgive others who’ve wronged you without responding in revenge. Then move on.

These ideas are easier said than done, however, God is pleased when we try. The pleasure the Lord takes is not because of what we do, but because of the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to earn our redemption. Teach us, oh Lord, to have a humble spirit.

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with salvation.—Psalm 149:4 ESV
Teach us oh Lord. 
Christmas Inspirations Postcard Number Four ©Elizabeth B. Knaus

The Savior Redeems

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