School is in Session

September marks the time when children return to the classroom.  As a school-age child, I remember the great anticipation I had to get back to school after the summer recess.  That anticipation was not because I had a desire to study, but because I wanted to be back with my friends, and I wanted to enjoy the many extra-curricular activities school provided.  Even though children may enjoy school relationships and fun events, the focus of school is education and learning.

When it comes to spiritual things it might be appropriate to say that school is always in session.  None of us will ever outgrow our need for education and learning about spiritual matters.  Ezra, the Old Testament priest, set the example for learning about God and growing as explained in Scripture. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

This verse suggests three aspects that characterized Ezra’s life which should also characterize ours as well.

1)      Specific Focus.  “Devoted” should be the task when Scripture is studied.  In addition, the study of God and His Word should be a priority.  We need to fully embrace God’s Word, have a strong love for it, and be focused on it.  Our commitment should be to learn all we can about God and His Word.

2)      Personal Application.  The outcome of biblical study should be the “observance” of the Word of God.  To observe means much more than simply acquiring knowledge about God.  To observe means to put into practice in daily living.

3)      Continued Involvement.  “Teaching” God’s Word to others needs to be an ongoing responsibility of all who study the Bible.  Whether you have the title of "teacher" or not, you teach by what you say and how you act.  In spite your age, God’s Word, when applied to life provides guidance and direction for you and for others.

Where are you when it comes to God’s Word?  Remember, your life is an example to others.  Are you devoting yourself to the study and observance of God’s Word?  My suggestion for you today is to take time to review the above verse.  Ask yourself, “What does God want me to do as I study God’s Word and apply it to my life?”  Don't forget that when it comes to Christian living, school is always in session.  Why?  Because there is always more to learn and put into practice. Your life will teach others.

Refections Based on the Actions of Columbus

Columbus Day honors the first voyage of Christopher Columbus to America in 1492.  Columbus had a dream of becoming a sea captain.  He took education seriously and learned as much as he could about everything – but particularly about the seas.  He didn’t let discouragement keep him from following his dream.  Using Columbus as an example, let’s reflect on what we might be able learn and to do from a Christian perspective.

1)    Have a dream.  The Apostle Paul’s dream of an ongoing personal relationship with the Lord could well be ours.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).  Does your dream include getting to know God better?

2)    Learn all you can – especially about the Bible.  Paul’s focus suggested that he knew the importance of study and learning.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).  Are you learning all you can about how God wants you to act and what He wants you to do?

3)    Realize that in spite of discouragement God will help.  The apostle Peter explains how to overcome discouragement.  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).  Are you willing to take every difficult situation that causes you to be anxious and place it in God’s hands?

Let’s use the thoughts about Christopher Columbus as a time to turn to the Lord and His word, the Bible.

Thoughts from the Life of Christopher Columbus

Columbus Day honors the first voyage to America of Christopher Columbus in 1492.  Columbus had a dream of becoming a sea captain.  He took education seriously and learned as much as he could about everything – but particularly the seas.  And, he didn’t let discouragement keep him from following his dream.  Using Columbus as an example, let’s focus on what we might be able to do from a Christian perspective.

1)    Have a dream.  The Apostle Paul’s dream of an ongoing personal relationship with the Lord could well be ours.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).  Does your dream include getting to know God better?

2)    Learn all you can – especially about the Bible.  Paul’s focus suggested that he knew the importance of study and learning.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).  Are you learning all you can about how God wants you to act and what He wants you to do?

3)    Realize that in spite of discouragement God will help.  The apostle Peter explains how to overcome discouragement.  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).  Are you willing to take every difficult situation that causes you to be anxious and place it in God’s hands?

This year maybe Columbus Day can be more than just a holiday to celebrate.  Let’s use it s a time to turn to the Lord and His word.

A Lesson in Learning

Recently, while visiting a class taught by my son who is a professor in Business and Information Technology at Northern Illinois University, I was impressed with not only the content that was shared, but with the process he used to help students learn.  Here is what I observed in his teaching.  First, he presented information.  Then he explained the terms and concepts contained in the information which was presented.  Finally he illustrated the concepts with common examples which helped the students practically apply the information to real life situations.

As I watched and listened it dawned on me that I was observing a lesson in understanding.  The process of teaching that he used was the same process that is used in the Bible.  For example, in the Old Testament the children of Israel were gathered in a great assembly and Ezra the scribe was asked to open the book of the Law of Moses (the Scriptures) which they had not heard for the many years because they had previously been held in captivity in Egypt.  In the presence of the people we are told that he “read aloud” and “all the people listened intently” (Nehemiah 8:2).  The text continues by saying that some of the Levites, “Read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8).  The people didn’t know what to do with the new information they received so Nehemiah told them, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).  A little while later we see the people practically applying what they had learned. “Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Nehemiah 8:12).  Note three things about this process of learning.

(1) The first step is information.  As Ezra and the Levites “read from the book of the Law of God” they were imparting valuable information for the people which was crucial to help them learn.

(2) The second step is explanation.  In order to make the information helpful they were “making it clear and giving the meaning.”  The information provided by these men needed to be expounded so it would become understandable.

(3) The third step is application.  In a practical way we find the people going to “eat and drink” and “celebrate with great joy.”  This was possible “Because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

Discovery is an exciting process.  If learning is to be useful it must include information, explanation, and practical application to real life situations.