Christ Schooling

Tag: homeschool devotions

  • Devotional – “Do Not Conform to the Pattern of This World…”

    Devotional – “Do Not Conform to the Pattern of This World…”

    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
    — Romans 12:2 (NIV)

    🌿In today’s fast-moving, media-saturated, peer-pressured world, it’s easy for children—and parents—to get swept into the current of cultural expectations.

    But God’s call to His people is radically different: Do not conform. Be transformed.

    This powerful verse from Romans 12:2 isn’t just a reminder. It’s a commission—to raise children who are grounded in God’s truth, not molded by the world’s values.

    🌍 What Is “The Pattern of This World”?

    “The pattern of this world” refers to the mindset, morals, and methods of a world that has rejected God:

    • Self over sacrifice
    • Feelings over truth
    • Popularity over holiness
    • Tolerance over righteousness
    • Instant gratification over eternal reward

    The world celebrates what seems right (Proverbs 14:12), but only God’s Word reveals what is right. Without a renewed mind, even Christians can be tempted to blend in.

    💡 What Does It Mean to Be Transformed?

    Transformation starts in the mind. We must:

    • Replace cultural lies with biblical truth
    • Examine everything through the lens of Scripture
    • Let the Holy Spirit shape our thoughts, desires, and goals

    This process isn’t instant. It’s daily.

    “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2

    As Christian parents, we get the privilege of guiding our children through this transformation—day by day, verse by verse, prayer by prayer.

    🏠 Practical Ways to Live This Devotional as a Family

    🧠 1. Mind Renewal Begins with God’s Word

    Set aside time each day to read, discuss, and apply Scripture. Let your homeschool curriculum flow from the Bible, not merely fit it in.

    • Memorize verses like Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8, and Psalm 1.
    • Ask your children, “What does God think about this?” before making decisions.
    • Use Christian worldview materials to explore current events biblically.

    🎯 2. Spot and Challenge Cultural Lies

    Teach your children to recognize false ideas:

    • “Follow your heart” vs. “The heart is deceitful…” (Jer. 17:9)
    • “Be your authentic self” vs. “Put off your old self…” (Eph. 4:22–24)
    • “Truth is relative” vs. “Your Word is truth.” (John 17:17)

    Use books, music, shows, and trends as teachable moments—not just entertainment.

    🕯️ 3. Be Courageously Different

    Let your children know it’s okay to be different. God calls them to be.

    • Celebrate obedience over fitting in.
    • Praise them when they stand up for what’s right.
    • Surround your family with like-minded believers and mentors.

    Remind them of Daniel in Babylon, Esther in Persia, and Jesus Himself—none of them conformed, yet each made an eternal impact.

    🙌 Living a Non-Conformed Life: Encouragement for Parents

    Homeschooling from a Christian worldview is one of the boldest countercultural acts a family can make today.

    You’re not just teaching math and grammar—you’re forming hearts, training minds, and preparing missionaries.

    There will be days you feel weary or wonder if it’s working.

    But stay the course.

    God honors the unseen faithfulness of parents who pour His Word into their children.

    “Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord… That person is like a tree planted by streams of water.”
    — Psalm 1:1–3

    🧩 Closing Prayer

    Father, we thank You for the truth of Your Word. Give us the strength to raise children who are not conformed to this world, but transformed by Your Spirit.

    Help our homes reflect Your Kingdom, and our lives reflect Your Son.

    Teach us to walk in bold obedience and fill our children with the courage to stand for truth, love, and righteousness.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    📂 Coming Soon: Printable Devotional Kit

    To help you reinforce this devotional at home, we’ll soon offer a free printable pack at www.christschooling.com:

    ✅ Romans 12:2 Scripture Poster
    ✅ Cultural Lies vs. Biblical Truth Chart
    ✅ “Transformed Mind” Journal Page
    ✅ Family Discussion Questions
    ✅ “Be Transformed” Coloring Sheet

    Stay tuned to help your children stand out for Christ and shine bright in a dark world.

  • 5 Bible Verses Every Parent Should Teach Their Child

    5 Bible Verses Every Parent Should Teach Their Child

    In a world filled with shifting values, overwhelming distractions, and countless voices competing for our children’s attention, there’s one voice that remains steady, true, and life-giving—the voice of God through His Word.

    As Christian parents, especially those called to homeschool, our highest privilege is to help our children know, love, and walk in the truth of Scripture. And this begins with teaching them the Word of God intentionally, starting from a young age.

    Helping our children hide God’s Word in their hearts

    The Bible isn’t just a book of stories. It’s a manual for life, a source of divine wisdom, and a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105). When children are taught Scripture early, they grow with a foundation that can withstand life’s storms.

    As Psalm 119:11 says,

    “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

    Let’s look at five powerful Bible verses every parent should plant deep into their children’s hearts, along with ways to live them out daily in a Christ-centered home.

    🌿 1. Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trusting God Always

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

    Why this matters for children:
    In a world that encourages self-reliance and independence, this verse teaches children that true security and direction come from trusting God completely. It lays the foundation for a faith that looks beyond feelings or logic and rests in God’s sovereign wisdom.

    How to teach it:
    Share stories of biblical characters like Joseph, who trusted God despite betrayal and hardship, and how God guided his steps. Encourage your child to pray about big and small decisions, modeling what it means to submit every part of life to the Lord.

    📝 Family activity: During your homeschool day, pause before a new subject or challenge to say, “Let’s trust God with this!” Memorize the verse together with hand motions for “trust,” “heart,” and “path.”

    🌿 2. Ephesians 6:1–3 — Honoring Parents and God’s Design

    “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”

    Why this matters for children:
    This verse directly connects obedience and honor with God’s blessing. Teaching children to respect authority is a biblical principle that reflects how we relate to God Himself.

    How to teach it:
    Use the story of Jesus as a child (Luke 2:51), who obeyed Mary and Joseph, even though He was the Son of God! Explain that obedience isn’t just about rules, but about honoring God’s design for families.

    🎯 Practical tip: Praise acts of obedience and honor, linking them back to this verse. Encourage open conversation about the why behind obedience and let them see you honoring God’s order as well.

    🌿 3. Philippians 4:13 — Strength in Christ

    “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

    Why this matters for children:
    This verse empowers children to face difficulties with confidence—not in their abilities, but in Christ’s strength. It’s especially helpful during homeschool challenges, tests, or social anxiety.

    Biblical example:
    Remind them of David facing Goliath, a boy who overcame a giant not by size or skill, but by faith in God’s strength.

    How to teach it:
    Make this verse a daily declaration. Stick it on their study desk. When they feel overwhelmed, say it out loud together. Let them see you rely on this verse too in your own struggles.

    ⚔️ Application: Whether it’s learning math, riding a bike, or dealing with fear, affirm: “You can do this through Christ who gives you strength.”

    🌿 4. Psalm 119:11 — Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts

    “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

    Why this matters for children:
    This verse shows the value of memorizing Scripture—not just as words, but as spiritual armor. It teaches children that knowing God’s Word is the best way to guard their hearts and make wise choices.

    Biblical tie-in:
    Talk about Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4). He used Scripture to resist temptation—an example of the Word hidden in the heart.

    🕯 Practical tip: Create a Scripture memory wall or box. Use songs, crafts, and repetition. Celebrate milestones—make the Word of God joyful and celebratory!

    🌿 5. Luke 10:27 — Loving God and Others

    “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

    Why this matters for children:
    This verse sums up the greatest commandment and the heart of the Gospel. It teaches that life isn’t just about knowledge or success—but about loving God and loving others deeply and sacrificially.

    How to teach it:
    Point to stories like the Good Samaritan, or Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi. Ask your child, “How can we love God today? How can we love someone else well?”

    ❤️ Daily rhythm: Begin the day with this prayer: “Lord, help us love You and others today.” Make it part of your homeschool mission.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Teaching the Word is a Daily Journey

    Parents, we don’t need to have perfect answers or degrees in theology to teach God’s Word. We just need willing hearts, open Bibles, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

    As you homeschool your children, remember: you are not just educating minds, but discipling hearts.

    Like Lois and Eunice with young Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5), your consistent, faith-filled teaching can shape a life of strong and sincere faith.

    “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”—Proverbs 22:6

    So let’s treasure God’s Word, repeat it, talk about it, sing it, and pray it—because what we teach today will echo into eternity.

    📚 Final Encouragement

    Don’t underestimate the power of a verse planted in a little heart. God’s Word is living and active—it transforms, comforts, convicts, and guides.

    Start small. Stay faithful. Keep sowing.

    And watch what God will do. 🙌