Socialization

We homeschoolers joke about socialization but honestly I am not opposed to socialization...the Bible calls it fellowship and I see Biblically that it is very very important, in fact I think God created us for relationship. He, Himself wanted socialization...to walk with Adam in the cool of the day. We are made in His image and likeness, we too are designed to fellowship. God intends for us to have relationships, even messy relationships. I WANT my kids to interact with others. I, myself want to have friends. The issue isnt to shelter or not to shelter. The issue is always the KIND of influences my children are subjected to. It is very hard to find good Godly peers, especially for my kids. Im surprised that people think relationships are a valid reason to immerse ones children in a satanic culture. Fellowship is indeed important but not as important as my childs heart. So if the choice is ungodly friends or no friends at all then the choice is no peer friends at all. Easy. My husband and I have found alternatives to typical peer friendships for our kids.

Luke 5:34-35

Scripture: KJV LUKE 5:³⁴ And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? ³⁵ But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

Observations: 

 Children of the Bridegroom? His children? Jesus' kids? Remember who He is feasting  with here? Tax collectors and sinners. Look here you religious rule keepers,  Im here and when I am here it is cause for celebration!  No doubt there will be seasons to fast and abstain from partying but when Jesus is in the house its time to rejoice! This makes me think about all the dead dry somber hymn singing churches out there who think their boringness equates holiness.  Jesus is alive and worthy of celebration.

Application: Gods children are not always in the church or seemingly super spiritual sometimes God is in the midst of sinners, loving and accepting them, even celebrating and feasting with them. 

Here He calls sinners and tax collectors His children and Hes feasting with them. Jesus isnt always somber and serious, sometimes He smiles and gives us gifts that make us happy.

 

Pray: 
God help me to celebrate when You come near. Give me a heart to know when you are here. 

Luke 1:37-38

Scripture: kjv Luke1:37-38

³⁷ For with God nothing shall be impossible.

³⁸ And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

 

Observations:

 

This Gabriel is the same angel who visited Zacharias, and told him that he and his wife would concieve and bare a son, a forerunner to Jesus...John the Baptist. I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God. Love how Gabriel boldly shares his credentials with Zacharias. 

 

Zacharias also questioned the angel Gabriel. Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. Gabriel struck him dumb because of his unbeleife but here when Mary is told that she will also conceive and bare a  Son, she also is fearful and questions. I love how the Bible says Mary cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.....and then later she pondered these things in her heart. See Marys pattern of meek consideration instead of vocal disbeleif, or fear? She was quiet, wasnt she? Its not that she didnt wonder or have fears...but it seems like she had self control and wisdom. Knowing when to speak and when to stay quiet. Maybe that is why Gabriel didn't strike her dumb?

 

Application:  Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. O to have a heart that surrenders quickly and completely like Mary. According to thy Word is a good 4 words to meditate on daily isn't it? According to thy Word. Not according to my desires and feelings, or what the world says, not according to anything other than thy Word.   I am trying to stop feeling so much and start intentionally obeying Gods commands. Let Gods Word dictate my life and home not my feelings. Period. Feelings lie, they change, they try not to offend, they protect our sin, our feelings come out of evil hearts...His Word is sure and right. Living based on how we feel produces all kinds of bad fruit. His Word never lies or changes, it isnt fickle. According to thy Word.

Pray: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy Word. Dear Lord give me this kind of servants heart towards your Word. Mary didnt have 66 books and yet she heard Your Word clearly. God help us to stop taking your Word for granted but to read and say like Mary...At Your Service. According to Thy Word.

Luke1:1-4

Scripture: kjv Luke1:1-4 

1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

² Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

³ It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

⁴ That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Observations:

 

I read several commentaries concerning these verses and have gathered that Luke had investigated the account of Jesus and is writing it for Theophilus, so he can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what he was taught. Some scholars think Theophilus represents all of us, Christians who are hungry to read and learn about Jesus. That makes sense as every Word is profitable for all believers not just Theophilus.

 

 

Application:  Honestly these first 4 verses were the most uneventful of all 25 that we were assigned to read and yet EVERY single Word in our Bible is significant. Every one of them is living so I have read, reread and am considering what God is speaking to us here.

 

Perhaps there are 4 Gospels, because Jesus life was just that important. I cannot think of any other story that is told and retold like the birth and life of Jesus but it makes sense that out of everything in our Bible THIS is the most important and worthy of several accounts!

Pray:
Dear God, I am praying for a hunger and consistency amongst our ladies here as we start this study of Luke. Put a tenacity in us to commit to the reading and consideration of your Word. So many distractions and yet only one thing is needful. Please God draw us and give us revelation of what You are wanting to say.