Encouragement

Christian Perspective

"Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore." Psalm 105:4

www.christianperspective.net
info@christianperspective.net

A Welcome to Our New Subscribers

This past May, we offered a product on Homeschool Freebie of the Day and received an overwhelming response of sign ups (we just recently finished inputting all the names). We'd like to extend a hearty welcome to all those who joined us from that offer, as well as to all of you who signed up at the spring conventions. We hope these free monthly newsletters will bless and encourage you and your family.

Thought: Getting It Right

What ought I say? I wondered. My mind searched for the right words. I wanted to say the "right" thing.

It's so easy to fall into the "Get-It-Right Trap," isn't it? To spend our lives trying to wear the right clothing, do the right thing, and say the right words. Trying to get it right sounds (and looks) so righteous, but it can be a huge snare. We're called to rest in Christ's righteousness, not to make our own.

"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" Philippians 3:9 (KJV)

There's a freedom in walking by faith--simple trust and reliance upon God--rather than in human effort and striving to "get it right." When I begin thinking about what I ought to say, I need to remember it isn't about me saying the "right" thing. When I remember this, the tension disappears, and I am free to really serve and listen to the Lord, letting Him speak through my imperfect speech and actions.

This month, let's remember to rejoice in Christ's righteousness and walk in the freedom and joy His love and finished work brings.

Story: A Different Kind of Mission

Dan stared absently at his computer screen, his hands idly playing with a pen and his thoughts a thousand miles away. He struggled to refocus, but he couldn't seem to shake the lethargy from his heart.

His mind drifted back to the battlefield he'd left a few weeks ago. The bullets flying, the adrenalin pumping--he longed to be back in the action. It was so exciting to be a part of the battle, watching his Commander defeat the enemy. How long must he wait to begin his next mission?

"Hey, what's up, Dan?" While Dan had been lost in thought, his friend Stephen had entered the room and pulled up a chair. "You okay?"

Dan nodded and forced a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Not much happening here. Guess I might as well go home."

"Not enough excitement for you, eh Dan?"

Dan squirmed uncomfortably. "Not really. I keep hoping I'll get another assignment, but all I get told to do is wait." Dan sighed dejectedly as he spoke, and Stephen could tell his friend felt extremely frustrated at the situation.

"Dan, did it ever occur to you that you have an assignment? That this waiting time is just as important as the work and victories you witnessed at the front lines? And that you'll find the fulfillment you seek, not in getting a new mission, but in doing the mission you've been given with all your might?"

Dan struggled to digest Stephen's words. Could he have made himself miserable by viewing this time as a waiting time rather than as a mission in itself?

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might"--his Commander's words from long ago came back to him. Whatever included here, right now.

Dan fought with himself. He could think of so many missions he'd rather have than the one before him.

He closed his eyes, an intense struggle waging in his heart. He knew his Commander was over the officers and circumstances that had caused him to have this assignment. So Dan had to decide: would he trust his Commander? Would he choose to embrace this waiting time--which was really a mission in itself--and surrender his plans and wishes? Would he stop feeling frustrated at the people and circumstances around him who had directly led to this assignment and choose to work at it with all his heart instead?

Dan battled with these questions for days, but ever so slowly, the lethargy over his heart began to lift. He felt as one waking from a dream world into reality--and he realized he'd put himself through needless misery. This mission, though different and less glamorous, could be a blessing too if he'd just choose to put his heart into it and trust his Commander.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" Colossians 3:23 (KJV)

Homeschool Tip: It's Time!

- Cris Loop

"It's time!"--this was the joyful message I felt the Lord giving me as a friend presented me a clock, along with a card on which was written, "All your tomorrows are in God's hands" and Philippians 1:6 (NIV), "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."

It's time! Time for what? I wondered. Was God trying to tell me it is time to give up striving on my own and just let Him take care of everything? Was He trying to tell me that my life was safe in His hands? Was He confirming that indeed He is ready to act?

My mind raced in many directions, but only one thing was clear--I needed to remain still in God's presence and continue to be surrendered to His plan for me and my family. After all, it's always time to be surrendered to God.

Being surrendered to God's plan over ours is one of the very best things we can teach our children. As you surrender your days to God, it will have an effect on your children. Surrendering is real--it takes courage, and it exemplifies obedience. It shows your children who is number one in your life as nothing else can. We can talk all we want to, but, if we are not following God in the way we walk, we cannot expect our children to as they get older.

School may or may not be out for the summer, but whether it is or not doesn't really matter--it's always time to let God have all of you, and all of your homeschooling endeavors. Whether you're schooling or just enjoying the summer and thinking about fall plans, take some time to ponder how much God loves you and your children and promises to carry on the good work He has begun. Take some time to ask Him to show you areas you may need to surrender to Him. Please join me this month in praying that we will let God have ALL areas of our lives.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 (KJV)

Tidbits on Math from a Christian Perspective

Here are the most recent posts from the Math from a Christian Perspective Blog. If you like, you can sign up to receive an e-mail of the posts as they come out here.

Spotlight on Math Interview
Math and Gardening
Math While Traveling

Hymn/Poem: Under His Wings

- Words written by William O. Cushing in 1896. You can listen to the song on Cyber Hymnal.

Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

Refrain

Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Refrain

Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life's trials are o'er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus, I'm safe evermore.

Unless otherwise indicated, articles are written by Katherine Loop, © 2010. Where marked Cris Loop, articles written by Christina Loop, © 2010. Feel free to forward these e-mails in their entirety and to reprint/share articles by Katherine or Cris Loop within these e-mails (please include a link to our website when you do). Please contact us for information about reprinting articles written by people other than Katherine or Cris Loop so we can put you in contact with the appropriate person to ask for permission.

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 always enjoy hearing from you. Drop us a line sometime and share with us your thoughts and suggestions.

Unless otherwise indicated and where marked KJV, scripture is taken from the King James Version.