Next school subject up for discussion: arithmetic. Love it or hate it, you have to admit it’s useful–counting, earning, spending, planning, playing Sudoku. Numbers are helpful, reliable and infinite. Just like God.
Thank You, Lord God, for math. Teach me to put it to good use.
‘Tis the back-to-school season. Even as adults, we need to hit the books–at least the Book.
John 1:1 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
Reading and writing words … in the Bible, from the Bible, about the Bible.
Proverbs 17:28 (NLV)
Even a fool, when he keeps quiet,
is thought to be wise.
Note to self: talk less! 
Psalm 23:1-3 (NASB)
The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.
O Lord, we live in a boisterous world overflowing with rushing water, flooding water, dirty water. You are the Prince of peace, leading us to green pastures and quiet waters. Thank You for room to breathe, room to think, room to rest. 
John 10:27 (NIV)
My sheep listen to my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
It is best to learn to silence the faculties and to cause them to be still so that God may speak.
John of the Cross (1542-1591)
1 Peter 3:4 (NASB)
It should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
A quiet spirit–hésuchios in Hebrew, meaning tranquil, peaceful.
When your heart overflows with peace and tranquility, you don’t sweat the small stuff.
We’re called to pray for those in authority …
1 Timothy 2:2 (NASB)
so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Life seems anything but quiet. Tranquility, godliness and dignity are sorely lacking. It’s not a just a political problem, it’s a spiritual issue.
“The gracious discipline of mercy breaks the ships of our vainglory with a strong east wind, and casts us shipwrecked, naked and forlorn, upon the Rock of Ages.” —Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
God’s discipline comes wrapped in grace and mercy.
There are many references in Scripture to self-discipline (self-control). I couldn’t find even one about self-punishment.
Apparently, punishment isn’t a DIY job. And that’s something to think about.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Per this verse, I’m not the source of my own self-discipline. It comes from God.
Now that’s something to think about.
