Over the next few weeks I am going to share my thoughts about Caleb and the lessons homeschoolers can learn from his faithful example. We studied this passage in Sunday School. I found so many practical examples that I have to share them with you.
We’ll be looking specifically at Caleb in Numbers 13-14, so you might want to read these verses for the next few days to see what God is teaching you. Let’s start with the first few verses of chapter 13, before we look specifically at Caleb. Let’s do a little groundwork.
Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of every one a leader among them. Numbers 13:2
In the first few verses, God tells Moses to send spies into the land He is giving. These are the leaders of the tribes. Moses obeys and sends the 12 spies on God’s mission. Basically, they are “doing research” on the promised land.
As you look further in the passage we discover what the spies are to research in verses 17-20.
…and see what the land is like; whether the peoplewho dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring back some of the fruit of the land. Numbers 13:18-20
The spies have a specific assignment from God, brought to them through Israel’s leader, Moses. They are to check out the people, check out the land and check out the cities. Find out everything they can about the land & its people:
- good or bad
- weak or strong
- few or many
- camps or strongholds
- rich or poor
- forests or not
They should also bring back fruit for the Israelites to see.
The spies had a long list of what to do on their mission from God. It was very specific as to what they were to research.
As homeschoolers, you are also on a mission from God – homeschooling your children. It is a mighty mission, where you definitely want to be faithful. What is it that God wants you to do as a homeschooler?
God has given parents a specific assignment.
Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on your doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
It’s very interesting to note that God doesn’t tell you which curriculum to use or which homeschooling approach to implement. The mission God gives you is to teach your children God’s Word in everything you do…when you talk, when you sit, when you walk, when you lie, when you rise. God’s Word should infiltrate your home & family at all times.
I must admit that as much as I desired this, I fell short with our own children. We had fairly consistent family devotions, but I wasn’t always the best at using verses in every day life. Tomorrow I will share a few ideas to use Scripture in your home & homeschool.
How do you use Scripture in your home or homeschool?
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6 Comments
We do daily devotionals, too. In addition, scripture study is part of our family life. We also have scriptures pasted (taped, thumbtacked, etc.) up all over our house to remind us to speak softly or love one another or be giving or to forgive or whatever we particularly need at the time. I’m currently trying to teach myself to quote scripture instead of delivering reprimands. It’s slow going, but I’m bound and determined to be more gentle and loving than I am!
Love your ideas. I’m posting my own ideas tomorrow & there is some overlap.
You are so right…it can be slow going when using Scripture. I continue to use Scripture in our daily activities.
We don’t use it enough and honestly I am not sure how to use it. I know that sounds bad but I am just not sure how to implement it.
Kristina,
Thanks for your honesty! Tomorrow I’ll be sharing specific ways you can start using Scripture this week.
My little one is learning her alphabet. we connect scripture with the letter of the week using both The Hide and Seek devotional http://amzn.to/hidenseekdevotional and Big Thoughts for Little People, ABC’s to help you grow http://amzn.to/bigthoughtslittlepeople We look scripture up when we have discipline issues (What does the Bible say about what you just did?)
Thanks for reminding me of Big Thoughts for Little People. We read the Bible Stories edition and it is falling apart. My parents read that book to me when I was growing up, so they gave us a copy when Ashley was born. Thanks for the suggestions for all our moms to read