Christian Perspective

Encouragement

Christian Perspective

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105:4

www.christianperspective.net
info@christianperspective.net

Update: Only a Few Days Left...

Our newest devotional, Jesus—the Greatest Treasure, is here. God really spoke to me throughout the process of writing and producing it, and I’m excited to be able to share it now with you all. There’s only a few days left to order it if you want to receive it in time to use this November (it is a great way to prepare for Thanksgiving—if you start November first you will finish on Thanksgiving Day).

Jesus--the Greatest Treasure explores the great treasure God has given us in Jesus. Every day children hunt for a gold sticker and decorate a small white card to remind them of what they learned. When finished, they put the card in their own little treasure chest folders that come included in the kit.

I also want to thank you all for your continued prayers for Beyond Numbers: A Practical Guide to Teaching Math Biblically. As I shared last month, I now have the words finished and am in the process of formatting it for press. Please pray that God will give the graphic designer His wisdom on covers, formatting, etc. and the time she needs to complete the project. I would also appreciate it if you lifted up all the last minute decisions I will be making over the next few weeks. Specifically, please pray that I would look to the Lord in each one. I am currently aiming to have the guide in people’s hands sometime in November.

Thought: Spiritual Complacency

“But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your salvation all day long.” Psalm 71:14-15


“I will praise You yet more and more--” the words leaped off the pages at me the other evening. More and more—was I praising God and more and more each day? Was I seeing more of His splendor and greatness as each new day passed?

Every day is an opportunity to know God more. Every day we have the privilege of basking in His wonderful righteousness and salvation. Every day we can have hope as we trust His love.

Yet it is so easy to grow spiritually complacent—to simply go about our days content with what we know about God instead of eager to praise and know Him more and more. Today, don’t let spiritual complacency take root in your heart. Run to God continually and dwell in His presence.

--------------------

“Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come.” Psalm 71:3

Story: My ABCs


Jonathan could hardly contain his excitement, nor did he make any effort to hide his pleasure at his accomplishment. He had learned his ABCs!

For the next several weeks, Jonathan recited his alphabet to anyone who would listen. During mealtimes, he made a point of pointing out the letters on all the food packages. On car trips, he entertained himself by sighting off the letters on the billboards they passed.

One day Jonathan’s father offered to teach Jonathan the sounds letters make. He tried to explain that knowing the alphabet was just the first step to a whole world of reading.

Jonathan didn’t seem very interested. “But Daddy, I already know my ABCs. See?” With this, he launched into his alphabet once again.

His father looked at him with a smile. “If I were you, son, I wouldn’t be content with just knowing my ABCs. Just remember I’m willing to teach you more whenever you’re ready.”

What more could there be than ABCs? Jonathan wondered as he hurried off to play. He was perfectly content with his current knowledge of the alphabet. Until one day…

Jonathan came racing into the family room where his father sat reading.

His father looked up with a worried look. “What happened?” he asked, fearing by his son’s glowing cheeks that something terrible had taken place.

Jonathan’s story soon came tumbling out. “The letters in the alphabet—my ABCs—they—they make sounds. And those sounds make words. And those words--why, those words make books. At least that’s what Colin said. Is that true?” Jonathan’s bright blue eyes looked inquisitively at his father, eagerly awaiting his confirmation of his recent revelation.

“Yes, son, it’s true. I tried to tell you all about it the other day, but you seemed content with just knowing your ABCs.”

“I’m not content now!” Jonathan exclaimed with all his youthful enthusiasm. “I have been missing out, but now I want to learn more and more and more! Will you teach me, Daddy?”

Jonathan’s dad smiled broadly. “Nothing would delight me more, son. I’ve only been waiting for you to ask.”

--------------------

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Homeschool Tip:

My mother, who normally writes this column, is out of town right now helping my grandparents move. She will try to send her tip when she gets back home, or worse comes to worse, resume her tips in next month's email. Thank you all for your understanding!


Hymn/Poem: More and More

More and more—
O Lord, I want to know You more as each passing day goes by.
Help me in Your presence dwell,
And of Your love continually tell.

More and more—
O Lord, I want to praise You more as each moment comes and goes.
Help me lift my eyes off my surroundings
And fix them on Your grace, so great and astounding.

More and more—
O Lord, I want to run to You more as I walk through my days.
Help me realize my inability and need,
That on Your strength I might continually feed.

More and more—
O Lord, this shall be my prayer as long as I shall live.
Help me lay all else aside,
Making You my love, strength, and guide.

Amen.

Unless otherwise indicated, articles are written by Katherine Loop, © 2005.  Scripture taken from the NIV Bible. Feel free to pass these e-mails along to others in whole or part (please include a link to our website when you do). If you do not regularly receive Christian Perspective's monthly e-mails and updates and would like to receive them, please send your e-mail address to info@christianperspective.net or sign up on our website, www.christianperspective.net.   If you would like to be removed from the e-mail list, simply let us know, and we will promptly remove you. We'd always love to hear from you. Drop us a line sometime and share with us your thoughts and suggestions.