• Mar. 15, 2006
Gently Leading
I have learned that in this day and age parents must be discerning. According to the New International Encylopedia of Bible Words, discernment is defined as understanding gained by evaluating. Knowledge and information alone are not enough. We must know what to do with what we learn. As parents, we want to be as thorough as possible, not leaving out an ounce of preventiveness. But even our gargantuian efforts cannot cover every detail. We are by human nature prone to mistakes, errors, and even irrational emotional behavior. This alone can hinder our decision-making ability. So what are we to do then? Well, it has been my experience to "call upon my present help in times of need." The spirit of God is the fresh assurance within a believer that we learn to rely upon and trust. It is the part of us that assists in making decisions even when we've exhausted all of our mental reserves. It's that small voice that says " don't give up; consider this; ask; pray; trust . . .
The mirad of concerns we as parents have today and are faced with on a daily basis can be overwhelming. We read to find the best solutions, we consult our human counterparts to shed light on our feelings of reservation, and to clarify what we don't understand. But human knowledge has its limits. We need something with more promise and assurity than just the opinions. So we pray for wisdom. Not conventional wisdom alone, but spiritual wisdom as well. Here are some scriptures for reference:
I Corinthians 1:24-25
I Corinthians 3:18-20
James 1:5
Ephesias 1:8-9
He thought of everything we could ever need. That's wisdom at it greatest. Colossians 1:9 states . . . that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
Colossians 2:3 reads . . . In whom are hid all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 3:16 goes on to say . . . Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
So you see no matter how resourceful we are, our education, our knowledge, and our wisdom have their limits. Therefore we need to consult "Infinite Wisdom". He knows us, and our thoughts before we even think them. There is nothing hidden from Him (Psalms 139:2-18)
He fashioned our lives so who better to consult than He who knows us so intimately.
Ask and it shall be given
Knock and the door shall be opened
Seek and ye shall find
Matthew 7:7-8
And when we come to Him in prayer we must believe that He will answer ( Hebrews 11:6)
He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Seek Him daily and in faith, trusting that the steps of a righteous man (or woman) are ordered by God.
Jeremiah 29:11 is a good verse to keep close to your heart . . . I have it all planed out,-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Message Bible
He is our loving Heavenly Father who cares for us. Desiring to help us with every detail of our lives - small and great. He too is a parent, with many children - including our own. He wants what's best for us and them as well. Do not fear, but take heart because the Creator of all things is looking out for us. . .
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11
Comments
• Mar. 17, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by mistresninos
Thanks for adding me as a friend. This post looks really good. I'll have to read it tomorrow. We are going out tonight. :-)
• Mar. 20, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by milkmamma
I love the scriptures you posted. They are lovely!
• Mar. 23, 2006
Got "Spring Fever"?
Posted by DandelionSeeds
Please spread the word...
In Him,
Amy
• Mar. 27, 2006
Off topic but needs to be said...
Posted by DandelionSeeds
I am sending out a "mass apology" to everyone I told about "The Clean Heart, Clean Home Challenge". I have received some comments in regard to leaving the button on people's blogs and I feel the best way to make sure there aren't others who are offended, is to apologize to those I sent the notice to.
I feel just horrible that some thought I was "advertising" in some way when my intention was to share with other homeschoolers what I was offering as encouragement and a way for us to join together.
If you are one who was upset by my post, please feel free to delete it and email me or leave a comment on my page and I will personally apologize. To those who have joined in The Challenge, I'm so looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us and hope we will all be able to bless our families and grow in the Lord through it! Thank you most importantly for seeing my heart. I never meant to disregard anyone's post when I left the comment about the Challenge, and want you all to know that anything you ever have to say to me, whether on topic or not, is more than welcome on my blog. I will also be making a new category on my blog that will list those of you who don't mind getting urgent prayer requests or information from time to time. I hope this way I will be able to avoid upsetting anyone similarly in the future.
Thanks for allowing me to comment on your blog. I hope you will accept my apology (and not be upset that I'm "off topic" from your post, but I have many people to get to still tonight).
In Him,
Amy Verlennich
