Thursday, May 3, 2012

A Warning and a Word of Encouragement


 ICEJ's Heal Our Land Prayer Campaign
Hey Gang:  I received this from ICEJ (International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel) and thought it more than  worthy of sending it along intact.  It is a little longer than normal but very worthy f your time.
“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.” -  2 Chronicles 7:14

Dear American Believer, I am writing to you today from Washington, DC where we are preparing to participate in the National Day of Prayer. As we gather across the country to lift up this nation before the Lord, I would ask you to consider setting time aside every month to pray with us for America and Israel in a special prayer campaign we are initiating in the lead up to the November Presidential election.

Regarding those placed in leadership over nations, the Apostle Paul wrote:   “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the Authorities that exist are appointed by God.” - Romans 13:1

There is no doubt that national leaders are important to God as they reflect what the people deserve and are even called the “Minister of God” in scripture (Romans 13:4). This is not in a redeemed sense but in responsibility and accountability to God.

Leaders set the “tone” for a nation and have huge influence, so blessed are the people who have wise and good leadership! The supreme example of this is David’s reign over Israel. He was a godly King and his people knew it and were greatly blessed. His final eulogy in life included these humble words:
“Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” - 2 Chronicles 29:12

David always understood that he ruled under the “hand of God.” Nebuchadnezzar, the arrogant King of Babylon learned this lesson the hard way but once he got it he wrote “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.” (Daniel 4:37)

Leaders are therefore very important to God and for this reason Paul commanded that they must occupy the first place of priority in terms of the local churches' prayer ministry.
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for Kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

In November of this year our nation will choose its leaders again. The truth is that God will choose who reigns over us but He does invite us to work with Him in this process by giving ourselves to prayer and intercession. We cannot as a people ignore this “invitation” and it must be accepted with repentance and humility.

Daniel prayed for his nation but he did so in a manner that reflected his own repentance. (Daniel 9:4-19)  Yes, we need to repent  because we, the people of God, have not been “salt and light” to our nation.   May God have mercy upon us!

The US Branch of the ICEJ calls upon you to join with us in prayer every month for the upcoming Presidential Elections and for America's relationship with Israel. This is no small matter as the destiny of our great nation rests on the prayers, intercession and supplications of God’s people everywhere.
Please join us every month until November to seek the face of God - to humble ourselves before Him, to pray and seek His face, to repent and to trust that He will heal our land!  
May God bless you and may God bless America

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