Every time I say, "Alright guys, go get your Bibles," I recognize the same look of excitement on the faces of the Hobbs children. It is an expression I never grow tired of seeing.
I absolutely love teaching Bible stories during homeschool. Although I greatly enjoy sharing lessons on english literature, creative writing, and grammar as well, nothing brings me joy like feeding the young spirits of my babies with the word of God.
OK, I must admit it. I get giddy about Bible study time for selfish reasons also. There is no other subject in any of the children's curricula that leaves me feeling so motivated and renewed. It's hard not to be excited!
Delving into the richness of the scripture is truly the highlight of my day.
As we all sit together with open Bibles, the children and I take turns reading verses aloud, and discussing the meanings of the scriptures as we go along. God is always faithful to reveal modern-day parables and other innovative strategies to help the lessons go over well.
Yesterday, the Hobbs family continued an ongoing discussion of the life of Joseph found in Genesis chapters 37-45. I explained to the children that, on Joseph's road to divine destiny, some pretty awful things transpired in his life. But, even though he had to endure a series of ups and downs, God still loved him very much. The Lord was with Joseph and had an amazing plan to elevate this Hebrew from a slave to a ruler.
The theme of our lesson was simple.
Even in the bad times, God is still for you. He yet loves you.
As the children gave me their undivided attention (except 5-year-old Kaleb who periodically lobbied for an early lunch break), I really drove home one particular point.
"Life won't always go your way," I said looking directly into the wide eyes of my attentive students. "But just because you go through hard times does not mean God has forgotten about you or left you. Understand?"
They each nodded dutifully and gazed as if in deep thought. For a few moments, even Kaleb's restlessness disappeared. He grew still and quiet. I could tell the message was sinking in.
It is my hope and prayer that it sinks in for you as well.
No matter where you are today, whether in the pit or the palace, God is for you. His love has not run out simply because you're facing a storm. And certainly, His plan for your life has not been thwarted or aborted by delays, setbacks, and inconveniences.
With all the love and sincerity with which I pour into my very own seed, I share this with you. Don't ever look at a finite situation and measure God's infinite love by it. The New Living Translation of Lamentations 3:22 says, "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease."
Never.
Verse 23 of that same passage of scripture says, "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."
It is the same mercy and love that abides with you today.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for this reminder that You are for me. Even in my darkest hour, when I don't understand the space I'm in, please cause a brand new revelation of Your love to spring up within me. Right now, I praise You for the wisdom to know that as long as You are for me, it matters not who or what comes against me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
TODAY'S SONG: There is a beautiful song by worship Leader, Kari Jobe, that simply says "You are for Me." It is blessing my heart today and I pray it will do the same for you!
