Message from the CEO
Dear Friends,
Just before the New Year, Ron Orozco, Religion Editor for the Fresno Bee, asked me what I would like to see from believers as we entered into 2013. I reflected on the problems around the world. More importantly, on those I see every day by folks who have lost their way in life. Immediately, my heart was prompted to 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
My friends, I don’t know of any other scripture in the Bible that expresses and stipulates as succinctly God’s answer for providing His blessings to a nation and to a people. It states plainly that those who have been chosen to be His people must cease from their sinful practices, turn from a life of self-centeredness, pray to the Lord, and yield all desires to His Word and His Will. Then, and only then, will He open up His divine treasury of blessings.
Our current situations, both personally and nationally, cannot be solved by human means. We need divine intervention. We must become a God-fearing people and nation. Jesus told his disciples, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5
The passage, 2 Chronicles 7:14, is not referring to the non-believer, or atheist, or of the one living in rebellion to God. It very plainly states, MY people. Who are God’s people? Only those who enter into a covenant relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ – those who are called children of God, are His. When we have chosen to follow the Lord, we have acknowledged our sins and have surrendered our lives over to Jesus Christ, trusting in only Him for our salvation.
The next question is introspective … personal. How does one humble himself? We do so when we reach a point of desperation (we each have this moment) knowing there is nowhere else to turn for answers. In that personal time, we turn to the Lord. In true humility we are led to the very throne room before God, on bended knee.
Lastly, seeking His face is a desire to have an audience before God. To seek His will in any and every situation. But it also means that we must hunger and thirst for righteousness in our lives. For the face of God is holy and pure. How is righteousness possible? God says to turn from our wicked ways. This is repentance. It is turning, and changing, and allowing God to transform our way of thinking, speaking, feeling, and acting.
The answer to all of our problems reveals itself in the If, when we are willing to pray and follow the outline God has given us. I am committed to doing this. The Mission’s staff is likewise committed. In doing so, we see amazing blessings in the lives we touch.
Together, in prayer,
Rev. Larry J. Arce, CEO
Fresno Rescue Mission, Inc.
For the Lord will not cast off His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
But judgment will return to righteousness,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.
Psalm 94:14-15
