Lenten Devotional for Thursday, February 14

Dr. Jim Denison's 2013 collection of Lenten devotionals is entitled, "If My People..." and comes at a time that he believes "a Fifth Great Awakening is sweeping the nations, as more people are coming to Christ than ever before in Christian history. How can you join this great movement of God's Spirit?" He goes on to write, "in this year's Lenten devotional guide, we will walk each day with King Solomon as he leads his nation into God's presence and glory. We will commit ourselves to our Father's purpose and experience his transforming power. And we will claim his promise: '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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14). 'If My People ...' is more than a Lenten guide - it is God's invitation to intimacy with him. Please join us on this joyous journey."

CLICK HERE for a free copy of Dr. Denison's 2013 Lenten Devotional (in a downloadable/printable Adobe .pdf file)

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Thursday, February 14Have you claimed God's promise for awakening?
Last month, America watched as the president took his oath of offce. Three millennia earlier, another leader made another oath in the presence of God.

After Solomon completed the temple, he stood on a bronze platform in the center of its outer court. He knelt before the entire nation of Israel and spread his hands toward heaven (2 Chronicles 6:12-13). Then he thanked God because "you have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it — as it is today" (v. 15).

Our president promised to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Your King has promised to give you eternal life if you would make his Son your Lord (John 3:16). He now promises that if his people will approach him with humility, collective prayer, personal passion, and genuine repentance, he will hear us, forgive, us, and "heal our land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

On this second day of Lent, let's continue our preparation for spiritual awakening by taking a moment for gratitude. Our culture confines God to church buildings and religious activities, but those who know the Lord personally know better. What was the last promise God kept in your life? Would you offer him your thanks? Would you pray for a movement of his Spirit that would fulfill his promise to heal our land today?

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Prior to founding the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, James C. Denison, Ph.D., was pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, a 10,000-member congregation in Dallas, Texas. He also pastored churches in Midland and Mansfield, Texas, and in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion and Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. He is also the the author of seven books.