Day 1   (Friday, 9/27/24)       Be on the Lord’s side

2 Chronicles 7:14 says “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.” These 40 Days are about the right people (Christians), having the right attitude (humbling ourselves), with the right actions (praying, seeking God’s face, and turning from any wicked ways), so that we get the right response (God will hear, forgive, and heal our land). Pray through 2 Chronicles 7:14 today as a step of preparation.​​​​

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Day 2   (Saturday, 9/28/24)       Whose People are we?

Psalm 47:7 says “For God is the King of all the earth.” The God 2 Chronicles 7:14 talks about and that we follow has a Son; His name is Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). When Jesus ascended to Heaven the Holy Spirit was sent to help. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). To be God’s people who are called by His name, we must trust Jesus for our eternal existence. Pray either “Lord, thank you for saving me and making me your child. I want to diligently pray as one of your people during these 40 days. Or, pray “Lord, I want to know that I am a  child of yours. I confess I have sinned and need a Savior. Jesus, forgive me of my sin, come into my life and give me eternal life. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me.

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Day 3   (Sunday, 9/29/24)       Start and stay with the King

1 Samuel 8:7 “7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” Let us not make the same mistake the Children of Israel made with they wanted their king not “The King”. These United States are divided because we disagree over who we want to be “king”. Believers need to unite around our desire that Jesus be King. Ask Jesus today to be King of our lives, our homes, our churches, and our nation. As we said yesterday, He is King. Let us be certain we are acknowledging that fact.

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Day 4   (Monday, 9/30/24)       Desire Humility over Haughtiness

Once we understand who is the King, it helps us to see our shortcomings. It takes humility to admit we are not in charge and have no power over the enemy. 2 Chronicles 20 is the story of world leaders and their people coming against Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. In verse 12 Jehoshaphat says to God “We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Today, we must humbly say “God, we have no power against the enemy that is attacking Christian principles, our families, our economy and our country. However, I am coming to you today to say “Our eyes are on you.” The end of the story is that Jehoshaphat called on Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to believe God. Then he stationed the singers (the choir) in front of the army. When the people began to sing the nations who came against Judah turned on and defeated each other and Judah won the battle without fighting.​

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Day 5   (Tuesday, 10/1/24)       Pray!

God’s people are called to pray. Psalm 145:18 says “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Prayer is a conversation between two who love each other. During these 40 days we are talking to God, but we must also listen to Him. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “Pray without ceasing.” Begin a daily walk that consists of talking to God and listening to Him through His word. “Lord Jesus, as the disciple asked You, we ask You ‘teach us to pray.’” We are God’s people, humbling ourselves, praying and preparing to seek His face.

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Day 6   (Wednesday, 10/2/24)      Seek God’s Face

Isaiah 55:6 says “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” The wisdom writer, in Proverbs 8:17 reminds us “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.” Jesus tells us that if we will “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” then “all these things shall be added to you.” Boldly ask today so that you and our nation will receive. Seek, so that we will find God’s will. Knock and watch God open doors to miracles (Matthew 7:7). At First Baptist Gulf Shores, we are seeing God work in our community and schools in new and amazing ways. We have asked for our area, now we are praying miraculous healing on our nation.

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Day 7   (Thursday, 10/3/24)      Turn!

2 Chronicles 7:14 calls on God’s people to turn from any wickedness that may be in our lives. Turn means “to repent”. 1 Peter 2:1 says “Therefore, lay aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.”  Acts 3:19 tells us “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord...”  “Lord, forgive and reveal to me  (1) things I have said that I should not have said; (2) that which I have done that I should not have done; (3) what I did not say that you wanted me to say; (4) what I did not do that you wanted me to do. Pour Your cleansing blood over me, Lord Jesus, and help me to remain clean everyday.” 1 John 1:9 is God’s promise to His people: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Learn to walk in forgiveness and peace that God is listening to you.

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Day 8   (Friday, 10/4/24)       Living in Unity

Psalm 133:1 says “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity!”  Unity should be natural for those who are a part of God’s family. Unity comes as we all follow God’s will together. When we do, it is a good thing and it is pleasant, or delightful to everyone who dwells together in God’s family. Ask God to bring complete unity among all  those who are a part of His family. Pray and ask that we unify behind God’s will.

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