Words of encouragement from a former Home School Mom. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:39:00 -0600 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:39:00 -0600 JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR Read Genesis 39 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh … bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there … And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.   Genesis 39:1,3 NKJV * * * At first glance, Joseph's story is about slavery, lies and betrayal, even by family members. But the underlying message is that Joseph prospered in spite of it all, whether he was a servant, manager or prisoner. God had plans for Joseph to rescue his whole family, including those who betrayed him. Joseph was a faithful young man; is it any wonder that God chose him for this important task? His priorities were determined by his faithfulness to God, not the pressures of a wicked culture. When tempted to commit adultery, he said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9b) * * * Lord, give us the discernment to protect our children from the influences that could destroy their relationship with You. Help them to understand that sexual sin is a grievous offense against God, as well as their own bodies. Help us to teach them Your precepts so that they will know right from wrong and look forward to the future You have planned for them. * * * “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance … "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” Genesis 45:7–8a NIV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/745677/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:39:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/745677/ UNITY IN THE LORD Read Malachi 1–4 Has not [the LORD] made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:15 NIV * * * Malachi prophesied about 85 years after the temple was rebuilt. The kingdom of Judah had fallen into serious sin; The priests offered unacceptable sacrifices and kept back their tithes from the Lord; The people had turned from the Lord to idols and divorced their Hebrew wives for pagan women. In spite of this travesty, there were still the faithful few who followed God–of whom he said, "Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name." (3:16) * * * Lord, is there a scroll of remembrance with our names written on it? How comforting it is to know that as we gather together with other believers in our homes and churches–You listen and hear. I pray that each member of our family will remain faithful and continue to fellowship with other believers throughout their lives, bringing honor to Your name. * * * May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5–6 NIV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/742401/ Thu, 5 Nov 2009 15:51:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/742401/ A PURSE WITH HOLES IN IT Read Haggai 1 Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." Haggai 1:5–6 NIV * * *      It had been 15 years since the people of Judah had begun to rebuild the temple, but the work had ceased because they were too busy with their own affairs. The Lord, through the prophet Haggai said, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (1:4)      The people, no doubt, were struggling in a broken down economy trying to build up the infrastructure of their city. In the busyness of it all, their priorities had slipped. So the Lord said, "Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified…You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says the LORD of hosts. "Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house." (1:7-9 NKJV) * * *      Forgive us Lord when we become overly concerned with earning wages to furnish and maintain our houses. As necessary as those activities are, they are not as important as ministering in our families and churches. Give us a balance that brings glory to You and encouragement to other believers. * * * And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24–25 NKJV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/728951/ Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:33:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/728951/ THE BOY JESUS Read Luke 2:39–52 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:46-47 NIV * * * Mary and Joseph were busily talking with their friends on the way to Nazareth, knowing that they didn't have to check on their son, Jesus. But when they could not find him a day's journey out, they were understandably concerned. When they finally found him, Mary was distraught and she said to him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously." And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. (Luke 2:48–50 NKJV) This exchange between mother and Son was, at least in part, a fulfillment of Simeon's words to Mary, "And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:35) Mary spoke of "your father and I", and Jesus spoke of "My Father," and they didn't understand. * * * Lord, help me to see the eternal significance of Your plan for my family, even when I don't understand. Give us a sensitivity to Your leading in our lives and the lives of our children. * * * Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51 NIV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/707978/ Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:33:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/707978/ THE CRIME OF PRAYER Read Daniel 6 "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" Daniel 6:20 NIV * * * This is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible, along with stories like Noah's Ark and David and Goliath–but it is far more than a children's bedtime story. It’s the story of a man who served God continually from the time he was a teenager–taken into Babylonian captivity–until he was a very old man serving Darius, the king of the Medes and Persians. No matter what the circumstance, Daniel was faithful to his God. His crime in this story was that he prayed and gave thanks before his God three times a day, as was his custom since early days. (6:10b NKJV) Daniel–a man who seldom had control of his circumstances– served a God who was always in control of his circumstances. This is an amazing truth that most of us find hard to absorb. * * * Lord, I am not likely to face a fiery furnace or hungry lions, but I still struggle to remember who controls my life and the lives of those I love. May it be said of us, like Daniel, “they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful;” (Daniel 6:4b NKJV) * * * Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." Daniel 6:21–22 NIV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/685693/ Mon, 4 May 2009 18:57:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/685693/ SCATTERED BUT NOT ALONE Read John 16:5–33 "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 NKJV * * * The disciples were still trying to grasp what Jesus was telling them. He was preparing them for the frightening, sorrowful days ahead. He said, "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (16:22) At one point, the men thought they understood; they said, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God." (16:29–30) Jesus replied, “Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone…”(16:30-32 NKJV) The disciples would indeed be scattered, but they would be gathered again, empowered by the Holy Spirit and made into the foundation of a church that would turn the world upside down. * * * Lord, I see from the lives of these men that I don't have to understand all that You are doing in the world. I just have to trust that You are the Son of God who has taken away my sin, and promised a fruitful, abundant life, by the power of Your Holy Spirit. * * * "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I Have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/673933/ Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:56:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/673933/ ISAIAH 53 Read Isaiah 52–54 "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” Isaiah 53:6 “After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light [of life] and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many and he will bear their iniquities. " Isaiah 53:11 NIV * * * Isaiah 53 contains the most detailed prophesies in the Old Testament describing the Messiah's suffering, death and resurrection. Written hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth; its accuracy should reassure us of the trustworthiness of God’s Word. By this time, the prophesied 70 years of captivity had been fulfilled and Isaiah prepared the people to go back to their land. God promised them, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (54:10) Isaiah spoke of a future day when Messiah would set up His kingdom in Jerusalem and all would be made right. In that day, he told them, "All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace." (54:13) * * * Dear Father, I look forward to that coming day when everyone will be taught by the Lord in Your kingdom–but for now Lord, help us to be faithful in teaching our sons and daughters Your Word, and modeling obedience in our own lives. * * * "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds . . . Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up…" Deuteronomy 11:18a,19 NIV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/662824/ Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:29:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/662824/ I WILL NOT FORGET YOU Read Isaiah 48–49 "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17 NIV * * * God, through Isaiah's prophesy of deliverance from Babylon, reminds the captives of His absolute sovereignty in their lives. He would soon raise up Cyrus, king of Persia to overthrow Babylon and help the Israelites return to their land. Of Cyrus He says, “I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission.” (48:15) The Lord reminds them that if they had been obedient, they would not have been carried off to Babylon in the first place. He says, "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. (48:18) * * * Most Holy Father, You are the One in control of our lives. Above all, I want my children to know and obey God; for I know that You love them even more than I do. You have promised through Isaiah, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (49:15) * * * "See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22 NIV I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6b NIV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/661057/ Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:47:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/661057/ Read Isaiah 28:1–16 "Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there–so that they will go and fall backward… "Isaiah 28:13 NIV * * * Isaiah is reprimanding the priests and prophets of his day for teaching rules, while living a sinful life. They were not representing the rest, trust and personal relationship that God wanted from His people. He says of these leaders, "Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast?" (28:9) The apostle Paul echoes this in Hebrews; "You have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. " (Hebrews 5:12b-13 NKJV) God was looking for righteous lives, not a legalistic memorizing of rules they never kept. * * * Lord, I pray that my life will be an example of following You, not just adhering to the rules that men have made. As we must establish the rules of living in our home, help us to do it in a way that will communicate our love for You and for our children. When we must discipline them, give us the wisdom to be consistent and do it right. * * * All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/654411/ Wed, 4 Feb 2009 10:09:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/654411/ TRUE RICHES Read Proverbs 24 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3–4 NIV * * * Throughout the Proverbs of Solomon, he refers to wisdom as treasure to be eagerly sought out and cultivated. He said, “Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you…” (24:14) * * * There is no better place for wisdom to grow than in our Christian homes. The beautiful home will be furnished with more than lovely possessions. True riches, if nurtured, will dwell in the hearts of our children. First, we must seek wisdom for ourselves as parents, cultivating our love for each other and the Lord; then we will have an abundance of treasure to share with our children. This is a lifelong process, but the time we have to invest in our children is all too short. * * * Lord, help us to cultivate the fields of our own hearts so that we will have a harvest of treasures to bring into our home. Help us to remember that "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4 NKJV) Give us love for each other and the wisdom we need to lead our children in the ways of the Lord. * * * Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. Proverbs 24:27 NIV http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/647996/ Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:00:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Nana13/647996/