2 Chronicles 7:14 “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.” In our scripture today, God is speaking to Solomon after he finished building his magnificent temple. Soloman was the 4th King of Israel and Judah, succeeding his father, David.  Solomon was also a wise and powerful prophet and dedicated follower of Yahweh/God.  Solomon’s wisdom and great wealth are legendary, not only in Christianity, but in Judaism and Islam as well.  He had 700 wives, hundred of concubines, and so much wealth that the Queen of Sheba came to marvel at his excessive display. Solomon was led astray by his excessive wealth and luxury, and by his wives, who turned him to other gods.  He became selfish and greedy, turning away from God and leading others to follow him. God became angry with Solomon and turned away from him.  Solomon lost respect and prestige, and some say he became like a commoner.  I imagine that when his world fell apart, Solomon felt abandoned by man and God.  Some days I wonder if we Christians (God’s people) have let God down as Solomon did. Do we turn too often to the “gods” of FB, Instagram, and other social media and news outlets, instead of turning to God? Do we worship the gods of our favorite hobbies, instead of spending time as Jesus’ hands and feet serving others? Do we turn a blind eye on the stranger in our land and fail to welcome them? I pray that we are not like Solomon, being led astray by other things – other gods! I pray that we humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways.  I pray that we will hear from heaven and that God forgives our sin and heals our land – our suffering and broken land! Lord, hear our prayer.  Forgive your people.  Help us, Lord.  Heal us, Lord.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  AMEN. This devotion was written and read by Bernice Howard. Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life. If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected]. First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

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