Upward Thoughts
Posted in Daily Focus on Thursday, May 15, 2014
"O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psalm 119:97).
Homeschooling families have incredible opportunities to train their children in righteousness. Without public mandates restricting our actions, we can enjoy daily devotions, prayer, and the Bible's wonderful truths. Just as exciting is the unlimited moments we have to direct our child's thoughts toward God. Throughout the entire school day, biblical applications can be interjected as they apply to our Christian curriculum or the problems of daily living. Growing in the Lord, our children's faith becomes vibrant and powerful as they learn to "think on these things" (Philippians 4:8b).
King David also learned the art of directing his thoughts toward God. Throughout the Psalms, he demonstrated how to daily meditate on God and His Word. Whether fighting giants, killing bears, herding sheep, or playing his harp, David focused his thinking toward God as he remembered His faithfulness and blessings. Even when running for his life from Saul, David trusted in God's protection and remained focused on what God could do rather than the hopelessness of the situation.
What about you? Is Satan bogging down your mind with homeschooling worries that cause you to forget God's blessings? If you're having trouble keeping your thoughts fixed on God, remember what He has already done. As you count your blessings every moment of the day, you'll find the strength to trust His promises for the future. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).
Father, thank You for the wonderful way You've blessed our family as we've homeschooled. Remind me of Your promises and strengthen me to hold fast to the joys of teaching my children at home. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Comments(5 comments)
KATHY S 05/15/2012 07:58:04
I was always too busy to pray first thing in the morning.
It wasn\'t intentional, just had my mind on so many things that needed to be done.
Homeschooling is the thing that got me to pray first thing in the morning.
I credit this to AOP\'s devotionals, they are the first thing I go to in the morning.
After reading, I always pray, THEN, I start my day.
So Homeschooling did even more for my family and I than I expected.
Thanks AOP! And thank you Jesus that we are allowed to Homeschool our wonderful children!!
TABITHA J 05/15/2012 08:01:51
Sometimes, I feel discouraged about whatever or not I can homeschool my children when I have them. I feel that God wants me to homeschool them, but right now, my husband is not cooperating with helping out with the household, instead he would sleep, play video games, or watch TV all day, instead of helping out. I get really tired after working full time and trying to get the house straighten, try to imagine what that would be like when kids come into the mix. Just hope that my husband would get his act straighten up before our children come because I told him that there is NO way that I am sending our kids to the public school system.
PAMELA REITENBACH 05/15/2013 14:04:48
Thank you for this encouragement. I have a daughter who is a struggling learner. I have tried to keep the mindset that the most important things I can teach her are from God's Word, no matter how the academics turn out. Instruction in righteousness will be the key in years to come. We all need to keep our thoughts directed toward God. I also struggle with my mind being on everything that needs to get done, and not taking time for prayer, and letting frustrations rob me of joyfulness and taking my focus off of God's blessings. Thank you for reminding me to 'count my blessings'.
joanne colyer 05/15/2013 14:08:27
Tabitha, I'll be praying for you. God is so awesome, don't underestimate His power. If you are feeling called to be a homeschooling mamma, don't ignore it even if you can't see how you could do it all. I work part-time from home and homeschool my kiddos. When I knew that God was calling me to teach them at home, I just couldn't see how on earth I could do everything that was required of me. But God is so faithful...He never asks us to do something where He doesn't already have a path laid out for us to do it. Since I've been homeschooling my children, I have a stronger relationship with them and most importantly with God. He will give you the strength to "fight the good fight"! (Think about it...I haven't met many non-Christians who homeschool...because as a homeschooling mammas, we are on our knees crying out to Jesus asking Him for His wisdom and guidance everyday! :)
CARRIE DIERSCHKE 05/15/2013 14:56:25
Thank you for the wonderful article this morning!