A New School Year
In the northern hemisphere, many families are resuming full time home education. While I know of folks who home educate all year long, the end of August or the first week of September generally marks the start of a new year teaching and learning together.
This time of year triggers a variety of emotions in student and teacher alike, as it has for generations. What makes this year different is the amount of anxiety the average family is experiencing with inflation, the rising costs of food and fuel, and the pressures of living in an increasingly ungodly world. We all feel this stress in varying degrees and it impacts us all differently. I think it is helpful to acknowledge this unseen and yet felt pressure on our mind, heart, and emotions.
It has been years since our children were school age, and I cannot understand fully what parents are experiencing in 2022, however I do want to share one exceeding great and precious promise that has sustained and comforted generations of God’s people.
Moses
Moses was given a new task. One that seemed daunting and overwhelming. He was to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. He had one promise, I will be with you. “Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you.’” (Exodus 3:11-12)
Moses was supernaturally helped to lead Israel out of Egypt. He built the tabernacle, gave them the law, and communed with God for decades. These deeds had never been done before. Moses accomplished them with God’s divine assistance, for God was with him. God met Him on the mountain and in the tent of meeting.
With the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, God was with Moses and a multitude of slaves departed. Great deliverances along with supernatural provision brought about the incredible beginning of the nation of Israel. For four decades Moses faithfully led God’s people through the wilderness to the shores of the Jordan River. God was with Him, as He promised.
Joshua
Then God called Joshua to lead His people into the Land of Promise. He felt unequal to the task for he was not Moses, he was Joshua. His birth name was Hosea, which means salvation. Moses changed his name to Joshua, which means Jah-saves. Joshua had been at the side of Moses for forty years, yet he was still anxious.
Now Joshua is being called to do a new thing and give this people their own land. This had not been done before. God knows that Joshua does not feel qualified and He gives Joshua the same promise that He gave Moses. “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5). He repeats this promise, not once, but four times! (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 23, and Joshua 1:9)
Disciples
Fast forward to the disciples of Jesus. They had followed their Savior while He was on earth. They had lived with him and witnessed countless miracles. After His death and subsequent resurrection, they were commissioned to do a new thing, and take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
These first disciples received the same promise that Moses and Joshua had received, I will be with you. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Immanuel
Jesus, whose name is also Immanuel, or God with us, also sent the Holy Spirit to be with His followers. “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” (John 14:16)
A New Thing and an Eternal Promise
During the last few years we have witnessed a marked increase in families choosing to home educate their children. Many have children affected by disability and are concerned whether they will be able to teach their children well. Others are embarking on this journey with hope mingled with concern.
Whether you are a veteran of home education or a new comer, I pray that you will be encouraged that God is with you. In Hebrews 13:5-6, we read “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ so we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’”
Daily Reminder
God promised Moses that He would be with him, and Moses believed him. Joshua had this same promise reiterated four times before he also believed God. Sometimes I need to be reminded daily of God’s nearness and His incredible promise to be with me. I am grateful for the unchanging eternal Word of God that declares this truth and which I can read every day.
Do-Over
If I had a chance to be a young parent again, I would carve out time to be still and know that God is God and that He is with me. I would get to bed on time. Invest time in reading and meditating on His Word and His character. I would take regular prayer walks and listen to the Spirit.
Ten years ago I learned how I had wounded those closest to me by being busy for Jesus. I was doing and over-doing good things but I had no margin, and left no time to be still and come to Jesus. Since then I have changed my daily routine. I take time for my walks, listening, and waiting on God. I study God’s character and nature as revealed in Scripture.
God is Faithful
For those of you who would like to meditate on one aspect of God’s nature and chew on this truth in the midst of your daily responsibilities I am attaching a PDF of a recent study I pulled together along with the words to the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness. I hope these Scriptures I have pulled together will be an encouragement to you in your journey.
Here are three of my favorites and there are more in the attachment.
“Great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of Jehovah endures forever. Praise Jehovah!” (Psalm 117:2)
“If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Who He is.”
(2 Timothy 2:13)
“Know therefore that Jehovah your God is God, the faithful God Who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Have a wonderful beginning, or continuation, to your school year, knowing that God is with you. Not only will He never leave you nor forsake you, He loves you to pieces, and nothing can separate you from His love. Amen and amen.
Leaning on His Promises,
Steve
PS It’s Not Too Late to Order the Stewardship Curriculum Summer Discount Special
From now until the first week in September we are extending the fair discount of 10% off and free shipping. With the discount, the cost for the Stewardship (2nd Ed.) Universal Set is $67.50 in the U.S. Use this code when ordering STEW-10-2022. This discount is good until September 6.
I filmed a new video which gives a pretty thorough explanation of the product. It is halfway down the StewarshipMath.com page under Curriculum Overview.
I believe this course is worth two credits, one for personal finance and the other for Bible. The only expense is for the three books since the video teaching that accompanies the curriculum is free. You can watch a few of them here.