Category: Devotionals

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
-Proverbs 22:6

I feel the weight of this every day. I’m intent on setting my sons on a truthful, loving, and compassionate path. I’m also determined to leave them room to do it their individual ways.

That’s a tricky balancing act. I wear myself out walking two tightropes.

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Our Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn.
-Matthew 6:9

When I focus my thoughts on God as Father, I am a better parent. I gain and model strength through compassionate listening. I know that my children are in a fallen world and they need my love to be free flowing.

I am humbled by the model as I often fall short. After falling, I ask for forgiveness from my sons and from God and get back up to do better.

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“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
-Joshua 24:15

I publicly quoted Dr. King to my sons recently, but forgot it was King who said, “One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.”

I like to think he had similar Scripture in mind when he served God and defied the government.

Government can lock us up, kill us, and encourage our neighbors to shame us on Earth. Government does not have dominion over our souls. The eternal part of us will outlive every flag. Our judge will not be the police, politicians, or public opinion. Jesus Christ will be our judge. I seek alignment with Him. I do not recognize the fleeting authority of governments.

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We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
-1 Thessalonians 2:8

I am drawn to those who demonstrate specialized knowledge. In soccer and jiu-jitsu, it’s fairly easy to identify the competitors that have a step or two on me and watch them closely. The home education community is full of people with valuable experience. They are natural leaders who mentor their children every day. When we get together, a wealth of information is exchanged.

Spiritual mentors are more challenging for me. In one respect, I desire a fellow pilgrim who inspires me to question my assumptions. On the other hand, we are fallen humans talking about a perfect God. We get a lot of it wrong and no one person alive today has the answers I need.

That’s why I return to Scripture for spirtitual mentorship. I imagine walking a dusty road with Jesus and listening as a student.

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I am not ashamed of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes—to save the Jews first, and then to save the non-Jews.
-Romans 1:16

I try to be vocal about my faith, but I know I can do better.

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Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
-Psalm 147:5

Infinite understanding. God is awesome in how He demonstrates this. His power was on display today as I sat with a friend who lost her spouse shortly after I lost my Mary. We’ve been sharing lunches for more than three and a half years and God has been present at each. He guides us in listening and guides us in speaking. It is not always comfortable, but truth is king in His presence.

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I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
-Romans 7:15, 24-25

This is the paradox of letting go. As we release ourselves from our earthly desires, we discover more love in the world.

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Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
-James 1:19-20

The Lord carried me back to a Griefshare meeting tonight.

Listening to others’ losses reminds me that mine was meant for me. That can be small comfort at times, but even small comfort can get one to sleep.

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Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
-James 5:16

I made a mistake today and created a difficult situation for a friend.

Confessing didn’t solve it, but I pray for healing for all involved.

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Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
-Proverbs 31:8

Dear Lord, I pray that I am following through on my intention to speak up for my children and all children that I see being underserved by the earthly minded.

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