How do you know when to do one thing versus another thing? When do you stop moving in a certain direction and begin down a new path? Is there ever a time we should shoot from the hip; and if not, where is the room in our lives for spontaneity?
I think the answer is found clearly and concisely in the Word of God. And if you've been reading my blog for very long, you already knew I'd say the answer could be found amidst the pages of my Bible!
John 10:4b-5 says, "The sheep follow Him because they recognize His voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from Him, because they don't recognize the voice of strangers." (HCSB)
This is the answer to the question, "What now, Lord?". It isn't the answer once in a while, when it's a REALLY BIG problem. It isn't the answer only when we feel as if we can't come up with the answer on our own (because the Bible says NO WHERE that God helps those that help themselves). It is the correct answer to every "Who? What? When? Where? Why? How much?" question we ask in life. And the reason we know it's the right answer is because He is always the right answer ~ to every question, every problem, every need, every ache in your heart, every minute of every day.
And if you're unsure how to be sure that you are most assuredly following the voice of Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd, then simply pray and ask the Lord to teach you how to follow the voice of Jesus. Ask Him to teach you how to discern what "voices" you are following and give you the strength, wisdom, and ability not to follow the voice of another. Pray it daily, all throughout the day if you need to, until you are confident that you are following the only voice you should truly recognize in your heart - the voice of Jesus. The Holy Spirit was given to you for this very purpose, and He will not fail to fulfill His calling. If you are willing to hear, He is more than willing to speak. If you are happy to follow, He is more than happy to lead. If you want only to do His good and perfect and pleasing will, He is more than willing to reveal it to you.
This includes homeschooling. Every day, with regard to each of your children, seek to hear His voice. Commit not to follow the voice of another, because you simply will not recognize it. In the middle of the meltdown your 4th grader has over long division, ask Him to speak to you and show you how best to teach long division. When your teenager is unsure about his or her future (go to college? enter the mission field?) ask Him to lead and guide you with His voice, and teach your teen to do the same.
I promise you, this is the way to live a Spirit led life. You can take the check of God's Word to the bank over and over, and He'll make good. But don't take my word for it ~ take Him at His Word, and try it for yourself.
And why not commit to memorize John 10:4-5 while you're at it? I can't think of a better use of your time than to hide His Word in your heart!
Have a blessed homeschool day!
Day 149 done :)
Titus2DiscipleshipwithJanLBurt.com
The Once-A-Year Homeschool Planner
I think the answer is found clearly and concisely in the Word of God. And if you've been reading my blog for very long, you already knew I'd say the answer could be found amidst the pages of my Bible!
John 10:4b-5 says, "The sheep follow Him because they recognize His voice. They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from Him, because they don't recognize the voice of strangers." (HCSB)
This is the answer to the question, "What now, Lord?". It isn't the answer once in a while, when it's a REALLY BIG problem. It isn't the answer only when we feel as if we can't come up with the answer on our own (because the Bible says NO WHERE that God helps those that help themselves). It is the correct answer to every "Who? What? When? Where? Why? How much?" question we ask in life. And the reason we know it's the right answer is because He is always the right answer ~ to every question, every problem, every need, every ache in your heart, every minute of every day.
And if you're unsure how to be sure that you are most assuredly following the voice of Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd, then simply pray and ask the Lord to teach you how to follow the voice of Jesus. Ask Him to teach you how to discern what "voices" you are following and give you the strength, wisdom, and ability not to follow the voice of another. Pray it daily, all throughout the day if you need to, until you are confident that you are following the only voice you should truly recognize in your heart - the voice of Jesus. The Holy Spirit was given to you for this very purpose, and He will not fail to fulfill His calling. If you are willing to hear, He is more than willing to speak. If you are happy to follow, He is more than happy to lead. If you want only to do His good and perfect and pleasing will, He is more than willing to reveal it to you.
This includes homeschooling. Every day, with regard to each of your children, seek to hear His voice. Commit not to follow the voice of another, because you simply will not recognize it. In the middle of the meltdown your 4th grader has over long division, ask Him to speak to you and show you how best to teach long division. When your teenager is unsure about his or her future (go to college? enter the mission field?) ask Him to lead and guide you with His voice, and teach your teen to do the same.I promise you, this is the way to live a Spirit led life. You can take the check of God's Word to the bank over and over, and He'll make good. But don't take my word for it ~ take Him at His Word, and try it for yourself.
And why not commit to memorize John 10:4-5 while you're at it? I can't think of a better use of your time than to hide His Word in your heart!
Have a blessed homeschool day!
Day 149 done :)
Titus2DiscipleshipwithJanLBurt.com
The Once-A-Year Homeschool Planner
This is great, Jan. Thank you for sharing, I know I could use the reminder! Miss you guys so much!
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