(Lecture notes from the Homeschool Conference-Speaker, Ryan Yamane. He spoke of his life when he was a high school graduate and honored his parents in the choices they made for him, evne though he wanted to head in a different direction. He looks back and sees how God richly blessed his life as a result.)
Proverbs 29:18-Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.
College cannot be the end goal. It is a means to a greater end.
Who’s plan is this? God’s or yours?
Are you seeking God’s best?
Choices in academics should never be at the expense of your relationship with the Lord.
Genesis 22:1-18 The story of Abraham and Isaac
Between the ages of 16-25, it is crucially important to listen to the will of God through your parents.
A prerequisite to true success
- Death to self
Preferring God’s will over my own, even if I don’t fully understand.
Noah built the ark before he had even seen rain.
Joshua marching around Jericho
Jesus- "Not my will, but thine be done."
Abraham’s pattern of obedience
Luke 16:10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (God gives us little things first.)
Genesis12:1-4 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.
Genesis 17:10,23 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 23On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him.
How does God direct? Abraham had an ongoing, daily relationship versus going to God only when there is a big decision to make or there is a prayer request.
Through His WORD: Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Through parents: Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Through service to others.
2. Death to future
Believing God wants my best.
Requirement: FAITH can you take the next step in faith?Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
Abraham’s Promise Future
-Great nation
-Great name, etc.
-coming through IsaacDo we want God’s best for us even when we don’t understand?
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Obedience and Blessing
Genesis 22:16-18 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Be tuned to God’s voice.
George Mueller on discernment: 1) Is it Biblically sound? 2)Counsel with other Godly men 3)Your will in in neutral
Family devotion is a priority!!