Comfort and Wisdom

1) Comfort in His Word

Fear is an emotion that just pops up without warning and often without real, established reason. Fear appears from so many angles and is the robber of God’s intended gift of peace.

Consider:

“When I am afraid I put my trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)

Focus on the trustworthiness of God.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and a sound mind.” (2Timothy 1:7)

Focus on where you place your mind.

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

(Psalm 94:19)

Focus on who you know God to be.

“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue.” (Isaiah 35:4 in part)

Focus on knowing that God is working. His plan is good.

2) A Day in Your School

Most days, I’m sure, your school functions on schedule with joy. Work is completed with a good attitude and accuracy.

But for those days when you seem defeated or days when you question progress, consider:

1. In the midst of feeling confused or defeated, branch out for school to happen. For example:

• Right in the midst of turmoil, pause and ask everyone any question that might exercise the brain. Such as: “Let’s talk about energy. If we had a method to measure energy used in our school, what activity might get the highest rating? What did you base your answer on? Then end with: Everyone scatter and see if you can find a scientific fact on energy. Be prepared to give your source of information. The question you choose may or may NOT be related to any school assignment.

• If you could draw a picture of you in school right now, what would your picture look like? Use words to express, not crayons.

• Let’s stop what we’re doing and come together. Ask: What is your favorite _________ (animal, treat, recreation, chore, etc.)? Describe your favorite in three oral sentences. End your time together with a “why” question. Meet after lunch to report your answers.

• For older students days of little school work finished might be a good time to assess what high school is. Have honest conversation on credits, required work and hopes and interests of your student. Be an honest listener. Make appropriate adjustments. Review all things in light of Biblical principle.

2. At the end of the day, sincerely look back on your day and give it to God. Ask Him to prosper your children. With a hopeful attitude, ask Him to instruct you. Surrender anew to your goal of bringing all teaching to your children with the aim of all of you seeking God and knowing Him.

3) Discipline

Here is a reminder! Discipline seems to be most effective if God is in control and the parent is God’s willing instrument.

Check yourself each time you need to address your child for correction or instruction. Pause and ask, “Am I really seeking God?” “Have I given Him reign instead of following my own best intentions?”

Reviewing:

1. You notice behavior that you want changed.

2. You ask God for help, realizing that God is already working. Knowing that God is doing something through this situation that is worthwhile. Know that through this encounter the child will get to know more of God and His ways.

3. With this focus you will be surrendered to work with God in steps of correction to take. Doors will open for profitable teaching. What profitable teaching? Training in behavior that flows from loving God most and loving others as he loves himself.

“In all ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)

4) United with Christ

Consider:

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20a)

“But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.” (1Corinthians 6:17)

“By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.” (1John 4:13)

“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)

These and many other Bible verses show us our position in Christ for those who belong to Him. I want to share a few practical illustrations of the value of our position, united with Christ. As you read my thoughts, ponder in gratitude for your own experiences.

• Faced with a major decision and feeling that we couldn’t please everyone no matter what decision we made, we prayed. Almost immediately we were led to wait and trust the answer God would send. Union with Christ gave us peace.

• Some years ago when our grandson faced a serious health issue, I felt glued to the phone waiting the next medical move. While praying a great remembrance of union with Christ was realized through the words of Matthew 11:28. Because of union and believing that to be true, I was able to rest. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy lade, and I will give you rest.”

• There is a certain annoying woman in my life. You know one like her, probably you have one in your life. For a long time I had admitted to God my sin. After praying, I still saw her as annoying or worse. Being quite concerned for my continuing sin, I went before God, pleading. I read verses like 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it,” 1 John 5:4: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith,” and others. Through this I realized that God’s Spirit, indwelling me, would do the work of overcoming this sin. I could try many suggestions but the power of the Holy Spirit was necessary for breaking the power of sin. How grateful I was for that victory, impossible without union with Christ.

Love, Becky