2 Chronicles 7:14: [God said to Solomon], “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.”

Boy, this verse says a lot.   God is not talking to just anybody; He is talking to those of us who claim the Name of Jesus.  Just us.  Not all the people who have not yet invited Him into their hearts.

And what is the first thing He says to us?  He says, “Humble yourselves.”  [Quit thinking you’re so great.  Remember Who is really in charge here.  Who is the Potter and who is the clay.  Who created the earth and everything in it.  Oh, and quit thinking that you are in control!  Quit thinking that you don’t need Me to help you.  If you really think that, you’re just not paying attention; you are completely ignoring reality.  Do you know why you think you don’t need Me?  It’s because of all your affluence.  The reason it is so hard for a rich man to get into heaven is because his money and his stuff insulate him from the hard facts of life; so he begins to think he really IS in control, and he really doesn’t need Me.]

As my Momma might say, “You need Jesus in the worst way.”  Sometimes when I visit people in the hospital, and they’re not expected to live much longer, I ask them if they’ve made peace with God.  If they have, they’re quick to tell me so.  If they’re not so sure, it gives them a chance to think, which is all I’m hoping and praying for.

One lady said, “Since my husband died about 10 years ago, me and God haven’t had much to say to each other.”  As a result I was able to share God’s love and mercy and forgiveness with her, and she, like the thief on the cross, went to be with Jesus in Paradise.