Excellence Plus Intervention Equals Success

February 4, 2010
Genesis 41-42; Matthew 12:1-23


As our family has read the story of Joseph it has occurred to me that God didn't just magically change Joseph's position.  It came through excellence and the wisdom God gave him to interpret dreams.  The excellence came from hard work on Joseph's part.  The favor probably came in all actually mostly from the excellent work ethic of Joseph.  The divine part, however, was Joseph's ability to interpret dreams.  Both the works of Joseph and the faith of Joseph got him promoted.

What works have you displayed in order to receive favor in your life?  Faith without works is dead.  If Joseph had been a lousy worker, no one would have paid attention to his dreams.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burnt out on religion?

February 3, 2010
Genesis 39-40; Matthew 11


Have you ever thought that it was to hard to follow Christ?  He promises that it is not!  We only grow tired when we allow our relationship with God to become routine.  Marriage is hard when we allow it to become routine.  Relationships are difficult when we allow them to become mundane.

But how do we keep vibrant and alive relationships?  "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."


Was is difficult for Jesus to live for His Father?  No, because He lived (and died) to please the Father, not Himself.  We can live freely and lightly when we live only to please our Father.  The things which cause frustration and irritation melt away. After all, are they things that really matter anyway?  Even if they are, can you imagine Jesus or God getting upset at the things we do?  

If you are tired and worn out, take a look at how Jesus did what He did and endeavor to copy His behavior.  Spend time with Him.  You'll feel as light as a feather.

Finding yourself

February 2, 2010
Genesis 36-38; Matthew 10:21-42


It is a very common feeling for teens, and for that matter all of us, to feel as though we haven't "found ourselves". The Message Bible says, "If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."


It is quite the paradox.  We find ourselves when we lose ourselves.  When we lose our identity in Christ and chose to entirely identify with Him, that is when we truly find ourselves.  Not when we discover our destiny, or when we find our major for college, or when we determine our occupation.

How do we do this?  When we seek first His kingdom, we set aside our desires.  Our greatest desire is to please the Father - more than anything we could want.  Determine to lose yourself in Christ, not just today, but everyday.  You will find your determined purpose in this practice!

From the kids
Joy couldn't believe how dumb Joseph was to share his dream with his brothers, until I reminded her how often she says things that are imprudent!

A Life of Jealousy

January 27, 2010
Genesis 29-30

There must have been no peace in Jacob's home!  I suppose he kind of deserved it after all of the grieve he caused in his own home.

Leah and Rachel are competing about everything.  They compete for the love of Jacob.  They compete for how many children they can have.  At one point they even compete for who can spend a night with Jacob.  Sibling rivalry can be an ugly thing.  How much different would it have been if these two sisters dwelt together in peace and love?

How peaceful has your home been lately?  Has there been a trivial spirit of competition?  If so, determine not to allow that spirit to dominate your home.

From the kids
Joy says that this is the reason polygamy doesn't work.  :)
Alex says that no one could be that oblivious to not know who you were sleeping with until morning!

God if You....Then I'll

January 26, 2010
Genesis 27-28


Jacob comes from a long line of deceivers.  It started in a small way with Abraham.  Abraham lied about Sarah twice in order to save his own life, saying that she was his sister.  Isaac, his son, does the same thing with Rebekah.  Jacob tricked Esau from his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup.  Rebekah and Jacob trick Isaac into giving him Esau's blessing.

Now Jacob tries to finagle a deal with God.  He says God if you'll bless me on my journey then I'll serve you as God.  God does bless him in many ways, but I think He was not satisfied with this arrangement as a final relationship with Jacob.

Have you tried to make a deal with God?  Is your attitude, God if you do this, I'll do that?  If so, repent and change your heart today.  God was dissatisfied with this arrangement with Jacob, and certainly He is with you as well.

Become What You Believe

January 22, 2010
Genesis 25-26; Psalm 7:6-8; Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 9:18-38


After praising the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus meets some blind men on the way.  He asks them, "Do you really believe I can do this?"  (referring to healing them).  They reply yes!  Jesus says, according to the Message Bible, "Become what you believe."

All the pressure was then on their faith.  Not on what Jesus could or would do for them.  We have all become what we believe.  If we believe we are no good, we've become no good.  If we believe we are useful, we've become useful.

The key is to change what we believe.  I wonder how the blind men changed their beliefs.  Was it because of hearing all of the testimonies?  Was it because of Jesus' words?

We can change what we believe so that we produce different results too.  Surround yourself with testimonies of how good the Lord has been. Read God's Word.  Faith comes by hearing God's Word.  After changing what you believe to what God wants us to believe, then you will become what you believe!!

From the kids
We all wondered if King Abimilech was suspicious regarding Rebecca since his father had done the same thing with Sarah

Joy thought it was funny because the Message Bible reads that they were bringing casseroles!  :)

Don't Assume You Know It All

January 21, 2010
Genesis 23-24; Psalm 7:1-5; Proverbs 3:7-8; Matthew 9:1-17


A common trap for teenagers in this day is to think they know more than the adults around them.  Some times they do!  I mean who do you go to when your cellular device isn't working correctly?  If you're anything like me, I go to one of the teens in the house.

The question isn't whether or not one person knows more than another.  The real question is a matter of humility and a lack of pride in your own intellect.  The Message Bible says in Proverbs 3:7, "Don't assume you know it all."

It's the assuming that makes us look both foolish and full of pride.  Be careful to have a humble and teachable attitude.  Don't forget the reason why you know most of what you do.  It's the adults and the leaders around you who have laid their lives down for you that have taught you most of what you know. Demand of yourself that you act with an attitude of respect toward them.

From the kids
Joy noticed how sad Abraham was at the death of Sarah.

She also wondered why the people in Jesus' home town had pigs!

Don't Try to Figure Out Everything On Your Own!

January 20, 2010
Genesis 20-21; Psalm 6:6-10; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 8:18-34


The Message Bible says,
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; 
   don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
   he's the one who will keep you on track.

How easy it is to feel that it is our responsibility to try and figure everything out on our own.  I know that I am definitely not qualified to figure things out on my own, but I still fall into the trap of thinking it is my Christian duty.  Then, after I mess things up, I dislike myself.

How much happier we would all be if we understood our limitations and allowed Christ to help us in them.  He wants us to depend on Him.  He will never allow our life to be such that we are completely independent of Him.  It pleases God when we trust in Him.  Our pride never pleases God.

Make a committment today to trust God from the bottom of your heart.  Let Him help you figure things out.  He knows everything.  What a wonderful counselor we have!

From the kids

Alex wondered how Abraham recognized God's voice without the Word of God to compare it to.

We all noticed lots of types and symbols in the reading of Abraham being willing to sacrifice Isaac.  Especially that Isaac carried the wood he was to be sacrificed with just like Jesus carried the cross he was to be crucified on.

Living A Live of Gratitude

December 19, 2010
Genesis 19-20; Psalm 6;1-5; Proverbs 3:1-4; Matthew 8:1-17


Jesus is speaking to a leper whom He has just healed and says, "Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done." Matthew 8:4 (Message)

We are to be bold witnesses with what we say, but even more importantly we should be as this leper...We should be so grateful for what the Lord has done for us personally that it causes us to live a life in gratitude towards our Lord and Savior.  What has He done for you, personally?  Saving you from a life of sin is more than enough to live your life in joy for Him, but I challenge you to think of things He has done for you personally.  You will be surprised at the amount of things you have to be grateful for.  

If you think about it, this thought makes Romans 12:1-2 even easier to do.  Isn't it our reasonable service to make our bodies a living sacrifice when we live a life of gratitude?  Doesn't the world cry out for people who show their Christianity rather than just talk about it?

From the kids

Joy noted that although Lot's children were removed from Sodom, they were still influenced by their time there and were sexually perverted.

Alex was so sleepy, he had a hard time staying awake.  :(

Waiting in Expectation

January 14, 2010

Genesis 15-16; Psalm 5:1-7; Proverbs 2:6-9

I ready too much in Matthew again yesterday!!

Psalm 5:3 says,

"in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

Today, inventory what you have requested from God. Are you waiting in expectation? Everyone loves to see a child take a trusted adult at their word and get excited about something they have requested.

In obedience to this scripture, we made some requests this morning, and now our job is to wait in expectation. No matter what. This can be difficult because sometimes circumstances look like God has forgotten our requests, but He loves to be taken at His Word. He loves it when we expect Him to come through for us.

From the kids

Alex is trusting God for an HD camera. He is very talented with film, and uses it for the glory of God.

Joy is believing to go to Driver's Ed soon. (We home school our children and have to pay a tidy sum for driving instruction.)

I am believing for a way to bring income to my family without disrupting my other responsibilities to them.

Recognizing True Treasures

January 13, 2010

Genesis 13-14; Psalm 4:4-8; Proverbs 2:1-5; Matthew 6

Have you ever been totally preoccupied with attaining an item? Night and day the only thing on your mind is how you need that very thing. It seems that every conversation reminds you of your need and desire for it. It seems that every circumstance cries out, "You need this...You really, really want this!"

Can you imagine how silly that will seem in Heaven? "When we've been there ten thousand years..." can you imagine how ridiculous our desire for anything earthly will appear? If Heaven is our aim, and pleasing God our number one goal, we can trust Him for everything we need in order to store up treasures that will not seem valueless in forever.

He promises to take care of everything we need. If we treat the heads of our home without gratitude, and like they haven't done a good job providing, they usually get offended. And rightly so. Don't offend God by not trusting Him to do whatever is necessary to bring you whatever is necessary.

Revealing the Nakedness of Others

January 11, 2010

Genesis 9-10; Psalm 3:5-8; Proverbs 1:23-27; Matthew 5

Today we read the account of Ham gossiping to his brothers about his father's nakedness. When Noah hears of this offense, he curses Ham and his descendants. His lineage becomes a thorn in the flesh of Israel even now. Again we have an instance where one son is ostracized for his sin.

It is interesting to note that it is Ham's descendants who continue in sin and build Sodom and Gomorrah. Noah was recognizing something in Ham which would produce more and more evil in the future. And it all started by revealing the nakedness of another.

Whose nakedness do we reveal in conversation, rather than being a servant and covering those who have embarrased themselves or fallen. Those seeds of gossip, talebearing and reveling in another's weakness and/or hardship have the seeds which produce problems not only in your own life, but in generations to come.

Make a decision to cover the sins of others. "Love covers a multitude of sins."

From the kids

Joy mentioned that it makes sense that Pangea was broken during the lifetime of Peleg. This is how the entire earth came to be inhabited by people.

We noted that it was after the flood that people were permitted to eat animals. Naturally, the animals now feared man. Man was chasing them for food!

We were all convicted about our words, because of Jesus speaking of not calling people a fool, etc.

A few years ago, I attempted reading through the Bible out loud with my children. It was an epic fail. First of all, I had decided to read the Bible straight through rather than going with one of the plans using Old and New Testament. This was fine at first, but when we got to the Books of the Law, it was dare I say dull? Especially to grade school and junior high children. I'll never forget telling one of my friends how annoyed I was because it was taking so long in the mornings. In addition to the readings seeming to take forever, my children started asking questions! I had a schedule to keep, I didn't have time for my children to actually take interest in what I was reading. Believe it or not, I had to be reminded that asking questions was a good thing. So, we abandoned the idea of reading the Bible in a year, and went at a slower pace. Eventually we began a family devotional which did not include reading the Bible through in a year or any other amount of time. Therefore, I am sorry to say that we still have not read the entire Bible as a family.

Seeing that I have one child away at college, and two in high school, I decided to make this a priority before all of my children were out of the house. I have had the privilege of home educating my children for the past 10 years, therefore I have the advantage of really being able to take time in the mornings to accomplish this goal. I am so thankful for a country that not only allows me the freedom to teach my children about God, but also to teach my children academically at home in a godly atmosphere!

My purpose in creating a blog is two-fold. First of all, I wanted accountability. I knew that if there was a possibility that even one person was watching, I would stay the course and finish the race. Secondly, I thought that maybe other parents might have the same desire and could benefit from our successes and probably even more from our failures. :)

Each post will include the scriptures we read, any revelations we received, breakthroughs and humorous stories. It really annoys the organizer in me that I am starting this 4 days late. The part of me that got annoyed at the questions my children were asking because I had a schedule wants to wait until next year when I can start on January 1st, or even sillier still, I am tempted to cram four days into one. In the end, I don't think my Father cares whether our family finishes on December 31, 2010 or January 4, 2011.

January 5th, 2010

Genesis Chapters 1 & 2; Psalm 1; Proverbs 1:1-17; Matthew 1

Genesis Chapter 1 is one of my favorite portions of scripture. After all there is so much scope for the imagination. It is very easy to engage your children in a discussion when it comes to creation. Many statements start with ... I wonder if...or...maybe...

The infiniteness of God and all of His glory. He takes something formless and shapeless and empty and begins a new work. Isn't that what He's done with each of us who have received his grace through faith? He begins a new work in us. We are called a new creation. What did God do with his new creation of earth first? He separated light and darkness. The Word of God separates light and darkness in our world. "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." He. 4:12. In Genesis, God says, "Let there be light." And there is the light of His Word in our hearts. His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Ps. 119:105.

So here we are - new creatures with the revelation of God's light, His Word in our life. Let's allow our lights to shine before men...

From the kids...

Joy was surprised that Rehab was in the genealogy of Christ.

Alex quoted Psalm 1 from memory.

We all had fun thinking about the different relationship man may have had with animals before the fall.

We realized that according to Genesis chapter 1:10 animals were vegetarians as well. This made us realize how there was no violence whatsoever on the earth, not even in the animal kingdom. What a beautiful place it must have been!