GodandMe2theMax

Psalm 65 - The turmoil of the nations

With the healthcare debate in this country,  I think everyone would agree that we are a nation filled with turmoil.  Recent action in Washington DC has everyone expressing varying degrees of extreme emotion.

Psalm 65 is a song of David, thanking God for His many blessings and provision.  It was good for me this morning to just focus on the power and provision of my sovereign God.  As I read, God gave me a peace and reminder that He is in control.  There is no law passed in this country and there are no leaders appointed that God is unaware of.

When we were overwhelmed by sins, God forgives our transgressions.  (v. 3)  
Regardless of the healthcare debate, I believe we are a nation that has turned away from God.  But I am encouraged this morning that even though we are headed down this road, it doesn't mean that all is doom and gloom.  God forgives.  I am reminded of 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."

God answers us with awesome deeds of righteousness.  He's the hope of all the earth. (v. 5)
I'm reminded of the so "Mighty to Save" when I read these words.  "Everyone needs compassion, a love that's never failing, let mercy fall on me.  Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior, the hope of nations!"  I'm reminded to focus on God's righteousness, not man's sinfulness.  The only HOPE is in God.

He formed the mountains by His power.  (v. 6)  He calmed the roaring seas and waves, and THE TURMOIL OF THE NATIONS. (v. 7)  As morning dawns and evening fades, God calls for songs of joy. (v. 8)
God, the creator of the universe, has it all under control.  He calms the seas. He can surely calm the turmoil of our nation.  I will choose to praise Him, in the good and in the bad, in the morning and in the evening.  I will focus on praying for our nation and for our leaders.

Verses 9-13 of the Psalm focus on God's provision through nature.  He cares for the land and waters it so that we have grain to eat.  The grassland and desert overflow.  The meadows are covered with flocks. 
God certainly cares about every detail here on earth.  He is a generous God who gives me more than I deserve or need.  Yes, physically, he 'cares for the land', but I think so much more "HE CARES FOR THIS LAND."  He cares about every detail of our life, every law that is passed.  He loves us and wants what is best for us.  Sometimes we get in the way of that, but I am reminded that God does care!

Will you commit to pray with me for this country each day and for our leaders?  Yes, there's turmoil in our nation right now, but God has it under control.  The Master knows the master plan!

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com

 

Christ, Kids, and Current Events

April 5^th, 2009

I'm sure all of us want nothing more than to "train up our children in the way they should go" so "when they are old, they will not depart from it."

What exactly does this mean?  Teach them the Bible?  Live out Christ in front of them?  Give them a list of "to do's" and "don't's"?  Send them to Christian school and hope they get it?  Send them to public school so they will get it?

Wow - parenting can be hard and difficult.  I think we're all in the same boat, and no one can say they are the perfect parent or they have the perfect kids.  One time, I thought I was doing pretty good at this parenting thing...then I had Jacob and learned that the Lord was just being nice to me, giving me a girl first!  Boys and girls are so different, but both a blessing.  I wouldn't change anything I've been through as a mom -- good, bad, or ugly!  (And there have been some very ugly times, for sure!)

For me, I'm always looking for teachable moments...ways to bring what's happening in the news and daily events to a Christian application...ways to speak truth into the lives of our children. 

I've decided to start taking some notes...not to brag or lift me up, but to help other parents see how easy it is and give ideas.  All you have to do is look for the opportunities.  Sometimes we get so busy doing our routine that we don't realize we can bring Christ into every day conversation without it being "preachy" or at a time when you're kids are in trouble.

So here it goes...

*********

Recently President Obama met with the Queen of England. During my quiet time the morning after their meeting, I realized that his visit would be a good exercise to bring Christ into daily conversation with the kids.  Both Jacob and Amber are pretty in tune with current events, so they knew about President Obama's visit with the queen.  They each had slightly different perspectives, but my part of the conversation was something like this:

You know how President Obama met with the Queen yesterday?
Well, that was a real privilege, wasn't it?  Not many people get to meet with the queen, huh?
You know, I was thinking...  God is the King of Kings.  He's like the ultimate King, with so much more royalty than the Queen that President Obama met with, isn't He? 
Isn't it cool that we can talk to Him anytime we want, and we don't have to have permission or a special event to meet with him?
Do you think the Queen really wanted to meet with President Obama? (Hm-mm....I wonder???)

Think about it.  God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords WANTS us to talk to Him.  He pursues us!  It doesn't have to be this big production with the media watching - He invites us to have an intimate relationship with Him, one on one!  That just blows my mind that the most powerful being would love me so much that he desires a relationship with me!  What do you think?

What about the gifts they exchanged?  What kind of gifts does God give us?  (Salvation, blessings, family, friends...the list can go on and on...)

What kind of gifts can we give God?  That's a tougher question.  (Amber said she didn't think God wanted an iPod...I think she's right...)  The kids could only come up with 2 answers:  Ourselves and Obedience...which are really one in the same.  The only thing God wants from us is our obedience. 

Both Amber and Jacob had different comments, thoughts, and answers...but I could tell that they both started thinking about the parallels.  Jacob was really touched and prayed right then that God would help him to make the right choices at school that day. 

The older I get, the more I understand Romans 12:1-2.  Renew my mind.  Living Sacrifice.  Holy and Acceptable unto God.  Reasonable service.  Don't be conformed to the world.  Be transformed. Prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

The older I get, the more I understand I fall short.  Our children need more than just church and Christian school.  They need to see Christ in us!  As parents, let's challenge and encourage one another to be more like Christ.  Proverbs 27:17.  Iron sharpens iron!

 

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com