Message from Nancy Cook, Bookkeeper

"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 will heal their land ." 2 Chronicles 7:14

We don't have to look very hard to see how far our country has drifted from God's Word. Simply read, watch, or listen to the news. It is easy to despair and feel helpless when we see our country's declining moral values, disregard for the sanctity of life, and attacks on marriage and family.

Ezekiel had reason to despair when he could not find even one person to intercede with God on behalf of the people.

"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." Ezekiel 22:30

However, in 2 Chronicles, God did not say that all people must be perfect to receive his blessing. As Christians, we must stand in the gap for our nation by praying and following the way of the Lord.

On a smaller scale, I think of standing in the gap for our Phoenix Christian community. Some of our students are hearing the Gospel and learning about Jesus for the first time. Others are struggling to understand what they believe - perhaps coming from unbelief or false religions. We have families where one or both parents do not know the Lord.

As Christian teachers, administrators, and staff, we can stand in the gap for these students and families as we pray with our prayer partner each week. We can humble ourselves and repent for the sins of our Phoenix Christian school community. As one who is called by His name, pray on behalf of an unrepentant nation and community. Ask God to change hearts and draw us, as individuals and as a community, close to Him.

Lord, you have called us to yourself and have set us apart. O Lord, be merciful as we humble ourselves before you. I ask forgiveness for my own sins, the sins of the Phoenix Christian community, and the sins of our nation. Heal us and turn our hearts to you. Lead us and teach us to follow you and walk in your ways. Pour out your abundant blessings on the Phoenix Christian community. We ask this in faith and in Jesus' name. Amen.