Getting to Know the Word

by Becky Wyand

To know the Word better and better (which should be our life-long goal) we must put time and energy into the study of it. Of course, we continuously examine our motives. Motives should be to get to know God better and to know how to represent Him more precisely, that we might bring Him the glory that He made us for. Our motive ought not be to brag on our knowledge of the Word that excels any other family’s.

May I challenge you not to overlook the old testament. It in we see how God dealt with a rebellious people – His chosen people. But we also see the value of Christ’s word. For example:

a) The study of Joseph in the position to ‘save’ his people can help us understand what Christ did.

b) From Leviticus the study of the law and scarifies, feasts, and special celebrations give us a balanced picture of the value of Christ’s sacrifice.

c) The first five Old Testament books help us understand our position in Christ as we see the word of the priests and realize that only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies.

Reviewing Contentment

What is it that triggers your lack of contentment? Might the busy holiday season be one of your triggers?

Try this:

1) Share a blessing with one of your children.

2) Read Psalm 100 over and over (of course, other Scripture words too)

3) With each mal-content thought remind yourself that your focus needs to shift to Jesus and His Glory.

4) Start thanking the people around you for being with you!

Reading

1) Continue to read to your children, even after they are free readers

2) Encourage your children to keep a list of the books they read.

3) Encourage your children to read different kinds of books and a variety of topics.

Generosity

Have you noticed a small child grab a toy from another child? The sad realization of that observation is that some adults continue to act that way ~  but they do it silently.

As your children mature, there should be signs of giving with a cheerful heart. Discuss giving. Talk about opportunities to give. See if your family is ready to give up something personally to help some cause or ministry.

Discipline

Some of you have asked, “how do we build a routine?’ I’m sure I don’t know but consider:

1) Know your goal. Do you want the bed made before or after breakfast?

2) Choose an order. What 3 or 5 things must be done before breakfast? At bedtime?

3) Plan a consequence. If I’m supposed to make my bed before breakfast and I don’t; is my only consequence your nagging?

4) Encourage. Tell other people in his presence about John’s success. Be honest, not sarcastic.

5) Don’t overload. Establish a simple routine, then add to it each semester

Projects

Choose projects that give real experience where it’s needed. Examples:

1) A family newsletter for the writer. You may choose to do one or 2 a year.

2) An imaginary trip for the student who can do math but pretends to hate it. Calculate miles, gas, cost for food and lodging, flight information.

3) Pet care - real or pretend. Research best climate, foods, and bet needs. Study the anatomy, and cost for care. Make charts or a notebook.

4) Design one room in the house. Pretend to point, carpet, decorate, may be even add a fireplace. Determine materials needed, type or labor and cost.

5) Take any math problem from today’s lesson. Explain it and prove it.

Remember your time is a gift from God. Show Him that you appreciate the gift!