The Day is His

Discipline.........a word that evokes a range of thoughts and reactions, depending on the hearer. When spoken to a child, they may think of punishment or correction. When spoken to a businessman or woman, they may think self-control or order. But when a homeschool, Christian mom hears it, it is convicting. There are so many areas in our lives we feel we are lacking. It seems like the children are always arguing or aggravating one another. The chores are never ending. And if doing the laundry, housework, and playing peacemaker are not enough, we have the added responsibility of educating and training our children. What an awesome compliment God has given us by trusting us with His children! I don't always feel adequate. Quite frankly, I'm not. My adequacy comes from Christ. HE has called me to teach and prepare my children. And HE is the one that equips me. It is from Him that I receive strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 Left to myself, I would choose laziness, arrogance, and pride. But in Christ I can be diligent, merciful, and humble. What a contrast!

There are so many times I forget that I am not in control. As a parent, I am used to making the decisions, managing the house, and giving the instructions. (A shared responsibility with the head of house, my husband) I must be careful though, I have to remember that everything I do should be done for Christ. I should desire no personal gain from selfish motives. I must constantly check my heart and keep a clear perspective. All of this is easy to say, but how is it accomplished? By daily feeding on The Word of God. By constantly immersing yourself in the Truth. It is so easy to get caught up in the petty things of this world. The juice spilled on the carpet, the kids arguing who's turn it is, the bathroom sink with toothpaste caked in it, or the thrown together supper because you're late for ball practice. This world and everything in it will pass away, but God's Word is forever! "All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:6b-8 We must contend with the "inconveniences" in our day, but we cannot let them dictate our lives. We must keep our eyes on Christ, so that there is no question in our children's minds where our devotions lie. "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2

So, when you're doing that fourth load of laundry, or changing the 33rd diaper of the day, pop in some uplifting music (I love Fernando Ortega) or download a sermon. (Hmmm, like Mark Dever, or John MacArthur) Make 3 x 5 index cards with encouraging scripture and place them in strategic locations so that you can meditate on them throughout the day. (I like putting mine on the bathroom mirror, or eye level at the kitchen sink.) I have some awesome links on the sidebar for places to download sermons, or truth-filled devotions.

Don't get discouraged when you day looks grim. Remember, God has called you to a special task, and He has provided His Word for all your needs. His Word is sufficient! "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3:16-17