SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
Given many recent events, we might do well to turn the current state of our nation and the world over to God’s willing hands.
Many of you have heard about the train derailment in East Palestine, a small Ohio town, one of twelve other derailments happening in other areas of the country this year.
Toxic chemicals seeped into the air, land, and water of the Ohio River which flows into the Mississippi. Said to be one of the largest dumps of dioxins released in history, it is a health hazard to humans and animals as well as to milk, cheese, eggs, and meat from farms and ranches.1
They were told it is safe to drink the water.
In addition, nine major fires occurred between March 13, 2022, to February 4, 2023.
Affected were grain plants, farmer’s supply, beef and pork facility, and an organic food headquarters, all of which negatively impact our food supply.2
Ironically, some would say our initial course as a nation and our relationship with our original source, God has been also derailed.
Some believe we are being led away from God by the toxicity of wonky philosophies, corrupt practices, and agenda-driven education that pollute our thinking and actions.
Yet, our Declaration of Independence affirms that our unalienable rights were endowed by our Creator and our pledge of allegiance states “one nation UNDER GOD,” not AWAY FROM Him.
Also included in the state of our nation is an identity with many things, and less identity with God.
We hear about some people even identifying as a tree or as animals like the teen who identifies as a dog at a neighboring school with administration support.
All in all, many say, our access to our resources and our identity with God are at risk.
Fortunately, God offers us help.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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
In view of the larger picture, we might also note that Wednesday is Lent.
Lent is a good season to give up ways unlike God and return to Him in love.
Also, it is a perfect time to turn over our cares and the “wicked ways” of the world to him in prayer for healing in His light.
In addition to these events is yet another event – a ‘spiritual revival’ taking place in Kentucky at a Christian college.
It started on February 8th it is still going on and is spreading to other campuses.
Is this the real thing? Don’t know.
What is known is the President of the Asbury student body turned down an offer to have the revival filmed because ‘this’ is about God.
Revival is defined by Merriman-Webster Dictionary as “renewed attention to or interest in something, a period of renewed religious interest.”
A question we might ask is does our faith need reviving?
Are we in need of getting back on track by deepening our connection with God? Is it possible that we can affect the state of our nation by turning to and giving up what troubles us to God?
Many think that only God is big enough for these times.
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Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’”—Mark 10:27
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Selah. –Psalm 43: 1-3
“Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.”—2 Corinthians 2:14