It's all about love

Today's entry in TPDL tells us that we're called by God to be in His family (the church) to love one another.

I wrote the following primarily for my own blog, but realized that it fits with our devotion for today.

A friend in Florida attended a political rally recently and this was one of the pictures she took.

I have some basic, fundamental problems with that sentiment.

1. Jesus (the real Messiah) said the world would know we are His disciples because we love one another.

2. Unless I divulge the information, how I vote is known only to me and God. So, how will the world identify me as a Christian by my vote? Instead, the world may choose to identify me as a racist or a homophobe or a war-monger if my vote is my “witness”. But love for other believers? That’s a witness that can’t be confused.

3. It assumes that genuine Christians have only one choice in the election. And with that assumption is the implication that if I don’t vote that way, I must not be a Christian. Yet, quoting Jesus again (He is the Founder of the movement, and therefore has the authority to define the terms), Christians are born into God’s family by believing that God sent His one and only Son to be their Savior. That simply means that Christianity is not procured nor is it maintained at the ballot box.

There’s a lady here locally who gets revved up every four years and goes on her own personal email campaign to ensure that everyone else understands the issues and where God stands on them. Somehow I’m on her list, although I’ve blocked her on one of my email accounts. It’s not because I prefer to be ignorant of the issues, however. It’s because I see people placing their hope in men and women, not in the eternal Sovereign God.

Bottom line is this: As one of His children I’ll answer to God for my vote. It is my responsibility to both know the issues and whether or not God has given clarity on His position by studying His Word. I believe He has given clear doctrine on such things as life, mercy, justice and our role as stewards of the planet we call home.

Should my faith influence my vote? Absolutely. How can it not? Is my faith proclaimed to the world by my vote? The world that needs to know the salvation offered by God isn’t going to find it by how I vote. What will attract men and women to Christ is how we love one another.

By all means, vote! And base your choice on principles not party. But the genuineness of the Christian culture will be shown in the days ahead by how we love each other. And my hunch is that the opportunities are going to be increased.

When God Seems Distant - Day 14

Have you ever had that experience when it seemed like you lost your connection with God?

Job simply amazes me every time I'm reminded of his story.

When things aren't going great, can you still worship God?

Tell Us About Your Group!

We've just completed our 2nd week of 40 DOP Connection Groups meeting.
What's happening in your group?

Developing Your Friendship with God - Day 12

Remember the bumper sticker that said, "If you feel far from God, guess who moved"?

You and I are as close to God as we choose to be.

"Draw close to God and God will draw close to you." (James 4:8a NLT)

What practical choices will you make today in order to grow closer to God?

Becoming Best Friends with God - Day 11

God wants us to be His friends! He wants to be my best friend.

"Friendship with God is resered for those who reverence Him". (Ps. 25:14a LB)

What reminds you of God's presence in your life throughout your day?

The Heart of Worship - Day 10

Surrender. Why is that such a tough word?

"We accept our humanity intellectually, but not emotionally."

Surrender you whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes. (Rom. 6:13b TEV)

How does the battle of surrender show up in your life?

Make God Smile! - Day 9

Worship is giving God pleasure, and He's pleased most when I trust Him.

The Lord is pleased with those who worship Him and trust His love. (Ps. 147:11)

Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust Him most?

Planned for God's Pleasure - Day 8

Today begins the second week of our 40 Days and this week is all about the purpose of worship.

Of all the five purposes we'll discover, this may be the most "elusive". Our Christian culture has made "worship" harder, not easier to understand by attaching meanings to the word that limit or distort.

This week through Sunday we'll get a clearer understanding of this life transforming purpose.

Verse to remember: The Lord takes pleasure in His people. (Ps. 149:4a TEV)

For thought and discussion: How does the realization that every act of ministry (service to the church) should be an act of worship change your outlook on your particular area of ministry? Do you ever "do your duty" and fail to see it as a way of worshipping God?

The Reason for Everything - Day 7

What a challenging chapter in TPDL. It makes me ask, "Am I living for God's glory?" Either I am, or I'm living for my own glory.

"For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." (Rom. 11:36 LB)

How does God correct you when you veer off the path of glorifying Him?

Life is a Temporary Assignment - Day 6

Where's your citizenship?

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor. 4:18 NIV)

How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?

Life is a Test and a Trust - Day 5

In our devotional today Rick Warren writes: "In my own life I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people."

How have you found this to be true in your own life? Share an example with us.

Verse to remember: Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. (Lk. 16:10a NLT)

Made to Last Forever - Day 4

Matthew Henry, who in the 19th century wrote one of Christianity's classic commentaries on the Bible, wrote, "It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our final day."

Today's devotional reminds us that we live now to prepare for eternity.

Point to ponder: There is more to life than just here and now.

Verse to remember: "This world is fading away along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will life forever." (Jn. 2:17 NLT)

Up for discussion: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?

Feel free to jump in the conversation.

What Drives Your Life? Day 3

Today's devotional from The Purpose Driven Life really gets to the heart of the matter about the meaning to our lives.

"Your weren't put on earth to be remembered. You were put here to prepare for eternity." What a wake up call!

Verse to meditate on today: "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." (Is. 26:3 TEV)

Think on this and share it with us: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?

You are not an accident - Day 2

If you began a prayer journal during 40 Days of Prayer, keep it up! And occasionally go back through it to see how God is answering your prayers and how you are growing in your prayer life. If you didn't begin a journal, now is a great time to start one.

From today's Purpose Driven Life devotional...

Main thought: God created you with a purpose in mind, no matter who you are or how you arrived.

Verse to remember: "I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." (Is. 44:2 CEV)

Discuss this question: Knowing that God uniquely created me, what areas of my personality, background and physcial appearance am I struggling to accept?

Columbia!

You may or may not realize it, but we have a group of regular attenders at NHC who travel each Sunday from Columbia. That's at least a 50 minute drive for them from Tyrell County, across the Alligator River and a couple of Sounds. I find that both amazing and exciting that they would drive so far every Sunday to worship with us.

Just as exciting is the fact that beginning this week NHC has a Connection Group in Columbia doing the 40 Days of Purpose together. Hey, there's even a group in Chesapeake, VA!

No one should be left out of a group. They're located just about everywhere in northern Dare County at varying days and times. So if you haven't connected yet with a 40Days group, let us know and we'll do everything we can to plug you in.

Don't miss what God wants to do in you during these 40 Days!

It all starts with God

From today's devotional reading in The Purpose Driven Life...

Point to ponder: "It's not about me."

Verse to remember: "Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." (Col. 1:16b Msg)

Question to answer: "In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?"

Feel free to jump in with your thoughts.

Are you prepared?

I was a Boy Scout for about two years way back when, advancing to the rank of 2nd Class. The knots always gave me trouble! But every Boy Scout, even if he never makes it to Eagle, understands their motto: "Be prepared".

It's a good motto, especially for Christians who live in a world of the unexpected. Hey, that's all of us, isn't it?

Lately I've been thinking a lot about what I call "crisis christians". (You'll note that I didn't capitalize the word "christian"). These are folks who acknowledge God's reality; even go so far as to go along with Jesus and His claim to divinity. But they coast through life spiritually, never pushing in the clutch and putting their spiritual lives in gear - until a crisis confronts them.

Remember the aftermath of 9-11 and how the following few weeks the churches were filled? There's an example of "crisis christians" on a national scale.

But it doesn't have to be a terrorist attack. It can be a failing marriage; being handed a pink slip; finding out that your 401K is half what it was a year ago; hearing the dreaded "C" word from your doctor.

All these are crises that cause some to think, "I need to get some God in my life". But those people, while well meaning, rush to God (I imagine He says, "And where have you been?") only when trouble brews. As soon as the waves calm, they go back to their pre-crisis brand of christianity. It's in the head, not in the life.

It all goes back to preparation. If life's storms totally catch you off guard and slam you to the mat, guess what? You weren't ready. You weren't prepared.

In my devotions this morning I read this:

If you are spiritually prepared when a crisis comes, you will not have to try to develop instantly the quality of relationship with Christ that can sustain you. If you suddenly have an opportunity to share your faith with an unbeliever, you will be equipped to do so. If you enter a time of worship spiritually prepared, you will not miss an encounter with God. If you are spiritually filled when you meet a person in sorrow, you will have much to offer. If you have established safeguards in your life in advance, you will not give in to temptation.

Christians lose many opportunities to experience God’s activity because they have not devoted enough time to their relationship with God. If you have not yet developed the habit of daily prayer and Bible study, why not begin now, so that you will be equipped for whatever life brings?

40 Days of Prayer was intended to be a time of preparation for us as a church for the 40 Days of Purpose that begin with tonight's Kick off Rally. I hope you've been preparing for whatever God brings our way in the next 6 weeks.

New focus for our blog

Today our blog transitioned from 40 Days of Prayer to 40 Days of Purpose. You can still read and comment on the posts from the first 40 days. And new posts will be added from time to time about what we're learning together during these 40 days.

I hope you'll use the blog to share things God is teaching you and how He is using you to accomplish His purposes in your life.

Don't forget that we kick off tomorrow with a chili cook off and kick off rally. It begins at 5:00.
At the rally you'll be able to pick up your copy of the 40 DOP small group study and purchase a copy of the devotional "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren that we'll all be using.

See you there!

How Has Prayer Changed You?

OK. You've been praying now for almost 40 days at the same time each day, and then some most likely.

Read the devotion below from Sunday's blackaby.org about how prayer is intended to change us. Then post a comment about how the 40 Days of Prayer has changed you.

Yet now, if You will forgive their sin--but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written. (Exodus 32:32)

Prayer is not designed to change God, it is designed to change us. Prayer is not calling God in to bless our activities. Rather, prayer takes us into God’s presence, shows us His will, and prepares us to obey Him.

Moses climbed Mount Sinai and spent forty days communing with God. God showed him the wickedness of the Israelites (Exod. 32:7). Moses had not known their desperate condition, nor had he realized the imminence of God’s judgment upon them until God revealed it to him. As God made Moses aware of all that was at stake, Moses felt the same compassion for the people that God felt. Moses became willing to sacrifice his own life for his obstinate people. In a compelling and selfless prayer of intercession, Moses offered to have his own name blotted out of the book of life if God would spare the people. In Moses’ time with Him, God had formed a mighty intercessor for His people.

God will use your prayer times to soften your heart and change your focus. As you pray for others, the Holy Spirit will work in your heart so that you have the same compassion for them that God does (Rom. 8:26–27). If you do not love people as you should, pray for them. If you are not as active in God’s service as you know He wants you to be, begin praying. You cannot be intimately exposed to God’s heart and remain complacent. The time spent with God will change you and make you more like Christ.

Day 40! - The First 40 are done today.

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

We get a two day break. Then 40 Days of Purpose begin on Monday! This blog will continue under the banner of 40 Days of Purpose. Keep checking in!

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” - Mt. 9:38

Prayer Update from Robin Brooks

Dear Praying Friends,

I have some good news. God has provided all the funds needed to complete the last stage of my resident visa application! My home church and a few individuals provided all the funds. I’m overwhelmed with the generous provision for this need. I still have not received word about the documents that I sent in June. But the visa agency that is helping me says that is normal and it could be another couple of months yet before I hear something. So please keep praying.

Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement through this long health challenge. The past two weeks, the medical Dr. has had me on complete rest again and that has helped some with the energy and pain levels. I was awaiting more blood test results, which I obtained yesterday. The Dr. said that I am indeed a sick girl that it is not all in my head. (That was a relief to hear, because I was beginning to wonder if I was just imagining how sick I feel.) The good news is that the blood tests don’t show any serious illness or bacterial infection. The disappointing news is that it does show significant levels of inflammation and viral infection. The blood results have not shown any of the long standing viruses such as Mono, Epstein Barr, Glandular Fever or CMV, but it obvious that I have some kind of long standing virus. They are just not sure what kind and therefore don’t have any suggestions of how to treat it or how to proceed from here. The Dr. said that could just be a combination of several normal viruses attacking my system at once. She also said that I have the immune system of an infant (other Dr.’s in the past have used words like deficient or compromised). So she feels that the best course of treatment at this time is to continue on total rest, drink lots of fluids and continue my treatment with the naturopath. She did say to continue on the prescription anti-inflammatory in order to reduce the pleurisy pain.

I do plan to continue my treatments with the naturopath. He too finds a significant level of viruses in my system and through his means of testing he does find CMV. So that is what we will continue to target along with the viruses.

Before this latest set back, I had scheduled starting the Ladies Peacemaker Bible Studies again. The studies will be on Thurs. nights at 6:30-7:30 p.m. and Mondays at 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. from now through the end of Nov. Last night was the first study and we really enjoyed meeting together again. God gave me the strength to teach. I’m very exhausted today though. But I’m planning to be on total rest till Monday and we’ll see how my body holds up with that study. The ladies of my church have offered to do my cleaning and shopping for me so that what little energy I have can be put into teaching these studies. I don’t have much preparation to do as I’ve already done all that these past few months. So although the medical Dr. feels that I should continue on total rest, I do want to try to continue on with these two studies. It is an encouragement to all of us.

Please pray that God will give me and the medical professionals working with me the wisdom to know how to treat this condition and for healing.

Pray also for strength and wisdom in leading these studies. (Thursdays & Mondays through the end of Nov.)

Pray for those handling my visa application and that God will allow it to be granted.

I’m so grateful for all of you who continue to uphold me in prayer. You have been and continue to be a tremendous blessing to me. I continue to pray regularly for you as I know many of you are going through much deeper trials than I am at the moment. May God encourage and strengthen you each day as well.

God Bless,
Robin Brooks

Prayer Update from the Glocks!

Dear praying friends,

I'm starting this off with a trip back in time...

Ten years ago today Sylvie was doing all the work. We went to the maternity hospital in the middle of the night and by noon Juliet was in her arms. We thank God for blessing us with Juliet. She is a source of joy to all of us. We had her birthday meal today at noon and opened her gifts. She'll have party with her friends on Saturday.

Anastasia and Pascal are also doing well. They are both very busy with school work and music lessons. This year Pascal is part of a swim club and swims an hour each week. At the end of the month he'll be seeing the specialist for his scoliosis. Please pray that we will have clear direction from the doctor in order to keep the curvature to a minimum. Both Anastasia and Pascal are in the process of getting braces. We are very thankful for our health insurance!

Sylvie and I are deeply thankful for the spiritual sensitivity they are all showing. They are growing in their faith and are eager participants in the activities of our two churches.

Seasons of change

The big change as many of you will remember is the arrival of Jean-Yves as Pastor of the CEP. (I've attached a photo of Jean Yves and Marie Salomé) Things are going very well and it is a great privilege to work with him. Please pray for him as he seeks to meet the members of the church and get a sense of what God is doing among us.

This Sunday will be a special day for ITeams in France. Thierry Mirone who is working with me to develop ITeams France will be preaching at both the International Church and the CEP. This will be opportunity for folks to hear about Thierry's ministry and to connect the dots between the different expressions of ITeams in France.

I've mentioned from time to time Evangile et Culture (Gospel and Culture), a network that I've helped coordinate for the last 10 years. Recently some things have happened that show my time for leading that work has come to an end. In this ministry I've been responsible to Stéphane Lauzet who leads the French Evangelical Alliance. We've talked about this and he's in agreement. Last weekend I attended a conference organized by Témoins another network in France that's concerned about the same types of issues. It was a great time and it is clear that God is doing something through them. This is one of the areas where I can be a greater service being in a supporting role than taking the lead.

Troubled times

We are all waiting to see what will happen in our very troubled world. May God have mercy on us.

With love in Christ,
Matt

Day 39

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. - Mt. 6:5-8

Sometimes you can't pray with knowledge

But that doesn't mean God doesn't know the deal.

Let me explain. About a month ago an old college class mate mentioned that there was an issue he was struggling with. So, I offered to pray. He never did give any details. But it was obviously something to do with God's will and plan for him and the ministry he leads.

Here's a note I got from him this morning:
Thanks for the encouragement. Let me share what God has done here in Middle TN. Finally after a year we have a building that will be done by Jan 08. The Board took steps of faith to make this happen and it did. Because of that obedience by the board God has even blessed us more. As everyone else the last four months have been very slow in fact about 50% less giving than normal. We used all of our reserves and for the 1st time in a long time we could not pay all our staff at the end of last month. When we went to the post office on Monday we got one of the biggest checks we have ever got. The donor shared with us they could invest in Wall Street or they could give to our ministry for eternal investment. We are so blessed and thankful for the faith of our board..

You don't have to know all the details because God does. Just pray.

Day 38

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. - Mt. 5:44-45

Day 37

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

We're almost to our goal!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
- Jer. 29:11-13

Tricia's Back in Duke

Tricia was admitted to Duke Hospital today. She's been struggling over the past few days with an upper respiratory ailment. Your prayers are appreciated. Most of us can easily shake something like this off. She can't. And with the chemo she's weaker than normal.

They also hope to do the scans this week to check on the lymphoma and see if the chemo is doing its job.

Check for updates on Nathan's blog.

Turn Around Church Conference today

I'm on the road to the Rocky Mount area - the North Roanoke Baptist Association in Dortches, to be exact - to speak to a conference of pastors about "turn around churches". This is the second one of these I've been invited to this year.

I'll share the NHC story - it's a story that I trust God will use to give hope and encourage pastors of struggling churches to be leaders and trust God for the results. There will be a couple of other pastors speaking as well about their churches' stories, so I hope to learn some great stuff.

While there I plan to stop at the Red and White in Dortches and pick up the secret ingredient for my chili for Saturday night!

Thanks for your prayers as Andy and I travel today.

Day 36

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another! We're almost to our goal!

Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word. Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, - Ps. 119:107-108

Two to Pray for and Email

This morning Taylor Edmonds asked us to pray with and for her as she goes to Rome for a 2-3 year term with the Journeyman missions program of the IMB. If you would like to receive her email updates or just send her a note on occasion to let her know of your prayers and support, here's the address: taylor_1499@hotmail.com.

And Dale Hamilton arrived this weekend in Iraq with the Army battalion to which he's been assigned. I know Dale would not only appreciate your prayers but also hearing from you. His email is: alan.dale.hamilton@conus.army.mil

Day 35

It's Sunday! Our last Sunday of these 40 Days. Let's pray for it to be a fantastic Lord's Day.
Burnie is bringing the Word today at church. Pray for him.

A reminder - we've moved Communion to First Wednesday, so in case you were planning to come to church tonight, don't!

We'll hear more about 40 Days of Purpose today. It starts with a great kick off rally Saturday night.

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me.
Morning, noon, and night I plead aloud in my distress,
and the LORD hears my voice. -Ps. 55:16-17

Day 34

Only 7 days until we kick off 40 Days of Purpose!

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. *Selah

For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near him.
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. *Selah - Psalm 32:5-7

*Selah - "stop and think about this"

Praying for 40 Days of Purpose

A main purpose behind these current 40 Days is to pray for the next 40 as our focus shifts from prayer to discovering our God designed purposes together. We'll do that via a wonderful study called 40 Days of Purpose. During that time our church will be studying the same material in small groups, memorizing scripture and all be on the same page as we use a devotional called "The Purpose Driven Life".

Here's my specific prayer for the 40 Days: that God would move each of us forward in our relationship with Him and with one another. Each of us are somewhere in those circles. I'm especially concerned with those who are on the fringes of the family. So I'm praying for forward progress in our lives; moving toward the center.

I hope you'll join me in praying these next few days.

Day 33 - One week left!

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I will never pray to anyone but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
- Psalm 5:1-3

Day 32

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

We are your servants, the people you rescued by your great power and might. O LORD, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. - Nehemiah 1:10-11a

Day 31 - First Wednesday tonight

Each day a new post will allow you to comment on how God is teaching you and how your focus on prayer is making a difference. Feel free to share prayer requests. If they're for another person, please have their permission before posting. And share how God is answering your prayers as well.

Let's use this daily and regularly to encourage one another!

When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, 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 7:13-14