From 2009

I stumbled across this old blog from 2009 - it didn't have a graphic so I did a screen shot of this 7/23/2022 @ 11:16 am strictly because of the first verse below and the current heat wave - where we are sitting under 89. Since the biblical message never changes, it is a small reminder that if we do certain things, God gives His response:

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; (2 Chronicles 7:13 KJV) 

 He can, you know, and has done so. Examples abound where God says “If” and explains the “Then”. The next verse in Chronicles, is a favorite and comes with a tremendous promise: 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) 

Such is the gospel message: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; (Ephesians 1:7-8 KJV) 

 This is what Christ sent His followers to do: 

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. (Luke 9:2, 6 KJV) 

If the message is received, then …? If it is not? 

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. (Luke 9:4-5 KJV) 

Again, when He sent the seventy, the instructions were similar: 

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. (Luke 10:6, 10-11 KJV) 

If, however, His message is rejected, then shall come a terrible result: 

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. (Luke 10:12 KJV)

I'll add one more, almost everyone knows this anyway, but it's always a good reminder:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18 KJV)

An awesome promise. Paul wrote what I think about this gift:

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV)

May God be with you as you read His word.