I’m shocked at how many families who profess to homeschool spend many hours out of the home each week. Homeschool is comprised of two words—home and school. How many hours is your family away from home during the school week? It’s not homeschool if you are not home. When home, are the children doing real schoolwork? Significant learning does not occur by osmosis; it takes consistent daily planned effort. If your wife is struggling, we can help.

Dads are responsible to the government to meet the requirements of the state. Are you sure that your homeschool is doing so? Light years more important than the law is that we are responsible for preparing our children for their success in life. For that, we are answerable to a far greater authority, our God.

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)

Steve

What’s more fierce,
More selfish,
More determined,
More powerful (seemingly),
More relentless,
More harmful,
More deceitful,
More ungodly,
Than our very own flesh? (I have to wonder if Satan gets far more blame than he deserves.)

Who needs enemies when we can be our very own worst enemy? Praise God for His Spirit. Am I walking in the Spirit? Am I in the Word everyday and then choosing to obey the Spirit?

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)

One size fits all Seriously Fast. Some like weekdays, some weekends to fast so this fast accommodates all. Choose the day(s) that fits your needs and fast with other brothers. Saturday November 7th to Sunday November 15th signups.

Steve

I’ve heard it said that the first symptom of heart disease many experience is a fatal heart attack. Seven days is all it takes to be in the ground and having our things being given away. I doubt the guys who have a fatal heart attack were expecting it.

When I talk to the lost, they often say they don’t think much about dying and having to face eternity. But do I ever think about it? It is a good thing for everyone to consider. We encourage the lost to prepare for eternity by making a decision for Jesus Christ, but how am I preparing my family in case I “leave” sooner than expected?

What am I doing to leave my house in order should I be taken from this earth early? Am I working to eliminate debt so my wife won’t be left holding the “bag”? How active am I in discipling my spiritual heritage in Jesus Christ? Are my children committed to the Lord Jesus and walking with Him?

Additionally, the quality of care I’m taking of my earthly temple can have a lot of bearing on when I depart.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Steve

Sign up for all or a portion of the next Seriously Fast. Saturday November 7th, through Sunday November 15th.

It seems families are so crazy busy these days—soccer practice, gymnastics, tennis, tutors, co-op, group classes, and music lessons, to name just a few. Of course Mom and kids love doing exciting things other than schoolwork at home.

May we never confuse busyness for productivity or having fun with real learning. It is our responsibility to ensure that real learning is taking place.

“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Steve

Next Seriously fast, November 7th – 15th, all or a portion. Information and signup.

Each dad had a pretty good record with a few exceptions:

>He was really tired this morning so he decided to sleep in.
>Normally, he wouldn’t have considered allowing his daughter to go out with a guy like that, but she really wanted to.
>He hadn’t touched alcohol in 20 years, but he didn’t want to offend the neighbors when they offered him a beer at the picnic.
>He has avoided ungodly Internet sites ever since he got married, and only recently slipped a time or two.
>He has been a faithful, loving husband for 20 years and only recently was unfaithful once.
>His driving record was perfect until he fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the median, and slammed into a church van head-on.

Consistency through self-discipline is very important. The one who practices it will be known as reliable and trustworthy. Satan wants the exception. The problem is that the exception can often become a pattern or be disastrous just that one time.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Steve

Seriously Fast, Saturday, November 7th, through Sunday, November 15th—a portion or all.  Sign up for all or a portion.

Recently, at a week-long conference I was attending, I spoke to a young pastor who totally shocked me. As we begin talking, the conversation flowed smoothly. I would ask him a question, and he would respond, elaborate, and then ask something about me. We were having a fantastic time getting to know each other. It was a joy. I came away from that time energized and excited.

I had many other conversations that week as I attempted to get to know other men at the conference. The contrast was shocking. Though all the men I spoke with were in Christian service, this young pastor was the only one I talked to who had such conversation skills. Notice I didn’t say “gifting.”

Think about how necessary conversation skills are in life. Whether in ministry, business, or family relationships, we need to be able to communicate effectively. The more I talk with Christian parents, the more I am convinced of the golden opportunity that awaits you in helping your children learn conversation skills. If you want your children to excel in life, they need to have great conversational skills. It is a learned skill that will benefit everyone’s lives greatly. Dad, that includes you, too. Why not make it a family project?

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Steve

Does your family eat three meals a day? Is that being disciplined or legalistic? Do you bathe regularly? Is that being disciplined or legalistic? Do you try to get a set amount of sleep every night? Is that being disciplined or legalistic? Do you have an exercise routine? Is that being disciplined or legalistic? Do you have your personal and family Bible time every day? Is that being disciplined or legalistic?

Isn’t it amazing how people might consider most of the practices listed above very admirable for a normal, healthy life, until they get to personal and family Bible time every day. Most people cater to their flesh (not to be confused with taking good care of their bodies, for obesity is out of control in our country). Think about your spirit, however. Shouldn’t we take far better care of an eternal spirit than a body that typically lasts fewer than 100 years? Do we?

“… It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Steve

Business Jump Start will be offered only this once if that is of interest to you.

Hope you can make one of the two upcoming conferences.