Joyful Socks Mom: bible study

Showing posts with label bible study. Show all posts

7/15/13

5 More Reasons Scripture Memory is Indispensable to Our Home Education

* This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our full statement of disclosure here. Thank you for your support.

ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

Scripture memory has been a foundation for our home education since almost the beginning. I was fortunate enough as a child to experience a consistent reinforcement of scripture memory, and it became a part of who I was, who I still am as well.

No matter the many, many pitfalls, stumbling, sin and mistakes along my journey as an adult, the planting of God's Word in my heart early on in childhood, helped ensure that I was never long, nor comfortable in my sin. God's Word is a lamp and light. One I have depended on to see me back to righteousness' path.

This is a gift I long to give my own children. Here are just a few more reasons to consider scripture memory in your home education:

1. Planting the Word of God on rich and faithful soil (a.k.a. your child's heart) will produce good fruit.
Warning: This means fruit will be produced in God's timing, not your's.
Consistency in matters of faith and spirituality are what you, as a parent and educator, should be solely focused. The actual fruit is God's job, so stay out of the way.

Trust me, I'm speaking from experience here.

2. God's Word planted in developmental years helps to reinforce thoughtfulness, reason & logic, meditation on God's Word and develop deep thought processes in children as they grow.

ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT via Compfight.com cc

3. Routine does not equal monotony. The daily referring back to God's Word is a better means of achieving obedience in faith matters with your children, and also practical everyday family matters in the home. Fact: Force equals resistance. Just telling a child they must obey, and not why it is right, is a common parental mistake. Referring every action and subsequent reaction or consequence back to the Bible is a means of creating sound logic in the mind of a child. God's Word brings meditation, thoughtfulness and obedience by way of positive motivation.

4. When children have made Bible memory a daily priority, you will be amazed at what they are able retain. It is one of this momma's favorite moments, when I see one of my children lip synced with the Pastor as he is reading from the Word. Children smile from ear to ear with a real sense of accomplishment when they know, from heart, a scripture that is being discussed.

ORIGINAL PHOTO via Compfight.com cc

5. Children have a certain faith that is difficult for adults to attain. Adding to that "child-like" faith with Biblical virtues and scripture, is worth all the effort and time you invest . . . and beyond.

2 Peter 1:5-8

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

HERE IS A POST ABOUT HOW WE CONDUCT OUR DAILY BIBLE MEMORY:
Teaching Biblical Character: Scripture Memory

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: All About Spelling - Creative, Hands-on & Mastery based learning.

12/23/12

Hearing From The LORD Through The Generations

Luke 1:55

"As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever"

Hearing from the LORD is a matter of position.

Not a position in world terms, but taking a position of authority over your own flesh, your heart and your family.

Mary didn't wake one day and say to herself, "Self, I think we should have great faith and become a chosen vessel of the LORD."

Sorry to burst you bubble. I guarantee that the faith building work that became manifest in this young teenager's life began with faithful parents. Parents who saw the generational benefit of serving the LORD and living in His will.

PHOTO CREDIT

Remember that establishing generational blessings for your family is a process, one which takes time, consistency and faith. The world may pull on the heart strings of our children, but the heart of the home, when established in the foundation in Christ, will trump the world in the end.

Joshua 24:15

New King James Version (NKJV)

"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

The application of these biblical principles will look differently in each individual home. What is acceptable in my home, may not be in your home. It is up to us as parent's to determine prayerfully what is acceptable according to God's will for their family.

PHOTO CREDIT

Philippians 2:12

New King James Version (NKJV)

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;"

However; there are foundations of biblical principles that I now submit will be essential in all Christian homes:

Deal with weaknesses (flesh, heart issues, etc.) now, not later when these issues have crossed from temptation, to iniquity, to out right sin issues. Here is one of the resources we like to use consistently in our home.
Build the "Jesus culture" in your home. Building all house rules, focus and purpose on the basis of Jesus Christ and His cross, crucified!
Build "fences" for your children! My pastor gave an excellent word on this just this past Sunday. The principle is this: We set the holiness standards, or measuring stick, by which our family should walk by. Not for salvation, for that alone is found in Jesus Christ, but to set fences surrounding our children's heart, protecting them from the enemy of our souls and the world.
Believe God at His Word, in all His promises and commands without condition! His ways our not ours and we must remember that He brings all things around to good, in His time. Not your time, His time. Not what you think it should look like, but it is His masterpiece. Trust Him!

In the end, you and your family belong in His hands and live but for His purpose alone. Hearing from Christ, through His holy living Word, and allowing Him free reign in your life and your family's; this will be the most assured way to establish generational blessings for you and your children, and your children's children.

PHOTO CREDIT

Today is the last day to reflect together on having a "Mary Heart". I hope journeying through this beautiful prayer in scripture has blessed you and renewed your faith. It has been an ardent blessing to me and I am grateful for the journey.

Hoping your new year is full of wonders and joy!

The Joyful Socks Mom

HAVE YOU MISSED THESE POSTS?

Day 1: Praying a Mary Heart for the Season

Day 2: Remembering His Regard for You

Day 3: 3 Steps Mary Used To Avoid Complaining

Day 4: Fearing the LORD and Bringing a Heritage

Day 5: His Ways are Wonderful and I Don't Have to Ask Why

Day 6: Hearing From the LORD Through the Generations

PHOTO CREDIT: A Mary Heart Logo Button ORIGINAL WORK BY: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokpok/ ---> Thanks!

12/22/12

His Ways Are Wonderful & I Don't Have To Ask Why!

Luke 1:51-54 (NKJV)

"He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

⁵²He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.

⁵³He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.

⁵⁴He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,"

The key to understanding God's ways is this . . . stop asking why?

Now before you get all huffy-puffy on me, please understand a few things:

I think it is healthy and natural to question.
I know that I, myself, still struggle with this concept, so I acknowledge that I, too, need growth in this area.
I know that these ideas are "counter-culture", but most who know me will plainly understand . . . being culturally relevant is not high on my list of priorities! OBVIOUSLY!

PHOTO CREDIT

Why is asking "why" so dangerous anyway?

Isaiah 55:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord."

Job 40:1-2

New King James Version (NKJV)

"Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said: 'Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it.'"

Contending in our hearts that according to God and His ways, we just don't know that much can be difficult for many. This is, of course, not a "far stretch" for me much of the time. Why? I have been in acceptance of the vastness of what little I truly understand. ;)

Fortunately, or unfortunately in this case, we humans feel an innate need to understand our world and surroundings. Meanwhile the world and culture we live in actually elevates and glorifies those who question authority and the natural order of things. Our need to understand is fueled by our society's need to "feel" important. The pride of life. Oh boy, don't get me started on that dangerous topic!

What does the song of Mary teach us about a proper response to our need for understanding?

Submission - Mary acknowledged the LORD's ways being far above that of her own feeble understanding.
Surrender - Mary accepted the Word of the Lord in any and all forms that it came to her. She may have asked how, but she did not ask why.

Luke 1:38-39

New King James Version (NKJV)

"Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her."

Consistency - Mary over and over shows an unwavering faith in God's Providential hand in her life. Her faith trumped her circumstance.

Let us not get caught up in the "why" of this world.

Let us instead reach for the wonder of God's faithfulness to those who fear Him and follow His ways . . . ways we may not understand, but that we do trust.

He sent Himself to be sacrifice for my sin and yours.

Why? I DO NOT UNDERSTAND, but I am thankful! Aren't you?

Original PHOTO CREDIT

I hope this series will be a source of peace and joy for you this season. Join in tomorrow as we discuss how to hear from the Lord throughout the generations.

The Joyful Socks Mom

HAVE YOU MISSED THESE POSTS?

Day 1: Praying a Mary Heart for the Season

Day 2: Remembering His Regard for You

Day 3: 3 Steps Mary Used To Avoid Complaining

Day 4: Fearing the LORD and Bringing a Heritage

PHOTO CREDIT: A Mary Heart Logo Button ORIGINAL WORK BY: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokpok/ ---> Thanks!

12/21/12

Fearing The LORD and Bringing a Heritage

Luke 1:50 (NKJV)

"And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation."

The fear of the LORD.

This biblical principle does not get enough "lip service" in today's church community. Why not? Well, let just say it is not exactly the "feel good" message that most Christians are seeking on Sunday morning. Many leaders just don't want to "go there". No worries sister, I WILL go there with you!

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forget the law of your God, I will also forget your children."

PHOTO CREDIT

Oh my . . . let this not be our plight!

What Mary had, is what we need. A true understanding of the fear of God! Not some vague notion or "generic-brand" knowledge, for THAT is not knowledge at all!

Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of of knowledge . . . "

PHOTO CREDIT

Okay, so what is the "fear of the LORD"? How do I get it and then keep it?

The fear of the LORD, in my humble estimation is this . . .
to live with awe, wonder and holy reverence for the majesty of the One and sovereign God.

I submit that this is the time of year to renew, refresh or develop for the first time this fear that leads to knowledge. What a great way to mark the beginning of the new year with a renewed sense of wonder and awe!

PHOTO CREDIT

Here is my own personal list for beginning and keeping my sense of wonder and awe:

1. READ AND WRITE THE WORD! This is something I've been doing a lot of recently. Just slowly meditating on God's Holy Word and writing them down in my journal.

If you are on Instagram you can use the hashtag #writetheword and join other ladies that have committed themselves to this process. I also participate with the #hellomornings - Winter session begins January 28th, check it out here.

2. Pray for wisdom and focus.
James 1:5 (NKJV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

3. Purpose my heart. My husband says these very words to my son, on an almost daily basis. It is all part of "counting the costs" and deciding "whom you will serve". I want to fear the LORD and grow in His ways, above the ways of men. I MUST set it in my heart to this task, first and foremost, everyday.

4. Stop sweating the "small stuff". P.S. That means EVERYTHING! The in-law situations, the store clerk with attitude, the wreck-less driver in front of you, the non-perfect children in your house . . . all these things must be pushed to the wayside and rather spend your energies focusing on your awe and wonder for the Most High.

5. Mark this time and season with purpose-filled moments of awe, wonder and joy. This is the prescription for the stress and strain the world forces on us during this time of the year (oh, and every-other-day-of-the-year too).

Listen to Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah chorus
---> I like this one and my friend Connie suggests this one on YouTube.
Start a Blessing Log! Take a few minutes each day to count those blessings and your wonder will never cease at what the LORD has done.
Go caroling with a group of close friends and bring cookies to hand out.
Serve a dinner to a sick neighbor or church member and thank God for your health.
Watch the sunset while drinking a hot cup of cocoa. If you have a nine year old girl, invite her to come . . . she will be good to point out all the WONDERFUL things you might be missing! ;)

Be full of wonder this season and the fear of the LORD will spring out the wisdom and knowledge in your heart! That is a remedy we could all stand to receive.

Hoping your winter is full of wonders and joy!

The Joyful Socks Mom

HAVE YOU MISSED A POST:

Day #1 ----> Praying A Mary Heart for the Season
Day #2 ----> Remembering His Regard For You
Day #3 ----> 3 Steps Mary Used To Avoid Complaining

HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!

Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts! Custom orders are welcome.
HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation! Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.

Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration.

12/20/12

3 Steps Mary Used to Avoid Complaining

⁴⁹

Luke 1:49 (NKJV)

"For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name."

Do you have a complaint?
How about an illness?
Are you striving over an unsaved friend or relative?
Do you tend to struggle financially during this season?

Complaining about the strife of life is a slippery slope, one that is far too easy to fall down.

PHOTO CREDIT

Our tendency in the natural is to gravitate toward the "easy out" . . . grumbling!

Mary made a conscious effort to gravitate towards God and to acknowledge His hand in her circumstances.

^"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

PHOTO CREDIT

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

I am certain that Mary had an opportunity to complain and grumble. Undoubtedly she could have . . . I mean she was female and a teenager at that! She certainly had cause to complain as far as "world standards" would have dictated. Mary's heart, however; was acceptable in the sight of God, therefore, she became a chosen vessel.

How can we too reciprocate this kind of heart?

Acknowledge the LORD. Proclaim His goodness and boldly recall that His ways are high above ours. Find the Light in your situation, this builds your faith. Grumbling and complaining only feeds the flesh. GO the opposite direction.
Shout it from the mountain tops the renewal of your grateful heart. Search and seek for something to be content with and thankful for . . . you maybe surprised at the long list you end up with. Thankfulness is the healing remedy for complaining.
Declare His holy name. Keep the name of Jesus Christ at the tip of your tongue and do not be ashamed to boldly declare it over you life, again and again.

Mary must have known that her circumstances here on earth did not dictate her value in the LORD's kingdom. Her meek and humble spirit accepted that this earth was not where her value lies. The same is true for you!

Please remember that the way you "feel" or how you "perceive" your circumstance is not the reality that God intends for you. It is just a feeling, a thought, a passing moment, a breath.

Trust in the One who established your path and give Him praise!

I hope you will join us tomorrow as we continue to reflect on having a Mary Heart for the season and bask in the faithfulness of our God.

The Joyful Socks Mom

HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!

Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts! Custom orders are welcome.
HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation! Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.

12/19/12

Remembering His Regard For You

Luke 1:48
New King James Version (NKJV)

"For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed."

Amid the turmoil, strife and "impossibility" of her current circumstance, Mary recognized a sovereign God, who cared for her plight in life.

Let's face it, she wasn't exactly in a comfortable or optimal place for a young 16 year old Jewish girl from Galilee!

Pregnant before marriage
Impoverished
Young
At the mercy of a radical and restless Jewish community

Yes, not a comfortable situation, to say the least.

I am ever astounded at Mary's innate ability to see past the immediate difficulty in her life and see the blessing down the road. Mary recognized and openly acknowledged the glorious blessing, grace and mercy that would be extended to all generations; out of Him [Jesus Christ, the Messiah] that would be born out of her current difficulties.

How many of us can boast that as our response to life's difficulties?

That, my friends, is faith.

PHOTO CREDIT

Faith that what God has allowed to happen in your life is part of His plan and ultimately for bringing Him honor and glory.

Faith that boldly proclaims,
"I choose God's Providence over my own immediate comfort!"

PHOTO CREDIT

Today, I challenge us all to reach for this true-heart-ed faith.

Turn toward your circumstance and proclaim with boldness your faith in Christ Jesus and His ability to bring forth good in your life, amid the "impossibilities" in your natural life.

God's Providence trumps our immediate comfort, every time!

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Praying you keep a Mary heart this season!

The Joyful Socks Mom

* Join us tomorrow as we reflect again on Mary's Song and discuss how Mary avoided grumbling.

12/18/12

Praying a Mary Heart for the Season

Political Turmoil.
Abject Poverty.
Religious Persecution.
Economic Stagnancy.
National Confusion and Un-Rest.

This sounds a little too close for comfort to me.

Not exactly the optimal stage for hope coming into the world, is it?

Yet, a young girl, in her teen years from the region of Galilee a.k.a. nowhere-land, joyfully resounded a song that revels in the awe-inspired eternal hope of the Redeemer she was preparing to birth.

She had every right to be afraid.
Every cause to doubt.
Every entitlement to fear and confusion.

What sprung forth from Mary, though, was Faith.
Joy.
Awe.
Worship.
Remembrance.

If God can break through that mess of a circumstance and bring a song, generational hope and redemption, for a little girl in Nazareth, what is impossible for Him in your circumstance?

Mary submitted herself to God and continually trusted Him with the outcome of her circumstance. The LORD honors that kind of faith, trust and devotion. For Mary, He put a song in her heart and blessed all generations eternally using her family.

PHOTO CREDIT

Wow! How awesome is your God and mine?

As the season marches on ladies, let's turn from the fast-paced, stress-laden surroundings and trappings of the world. Let us instead set our sights on a loving Savior who came forth out of overwhelming circumstances to fulfill every promise and prophecy, and save all mankind.

PHOTO CREDIT

Luke 1:46-49

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴⁸For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

⁴⁹For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name.

. . . And, it all began with a little girl with a humble heart that longed to magnify the LORD.

I hope you will join us tomorrow as we reflect on God's Word and His faithfulness to Mary and use this time in scripture reflections to guide us through this season.

The Joyful Socks Mom

Where we are at?