Resolutions from Charles Spurgeon to Launch Us Into 2022

Hello Dear Friends,

It is astounding to think that we are closing out the year and saying hello to 2022.  Matt and I were talking the other day, and I told him that I think the events of the last two years have forever changed my perspective on life.  I now know how quickly so much can change seemingly overnight.  Certain things such as life, health, freedom, and finances are unstable and cannot be counted as a certainty this side of heaven.  

That fact can leave us feeling insecure or even hopeless apart from Christ, but because of the eternal hope we have through Christ we can look up placing all our hope and trust in Him.  He is our stability when the world around us is truly groaning awaiting the redemption that is to come through Christ Jesus our Lord.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23

While we have all seen much unraveling of our plans, the economy, and so much more, we can look to Christ and say, “All is well.”  This confidence is not conjured up by human strength or by external circumstances but only by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.  Because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we are offered life forever with Him for all eternity.  The invitation is ours to repent of our sin and believe in the atoning work of Christ on the cross on our behalf.  As we embark on this new year it is our sincere hope that you are clinging to this hope even in the midst of a broken world.  Because of Jesus it can be well with our souls.  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 

Of course this does not mean that we hide our heads in the sand and refuse to face reality or that we do not carry burdens.  What it does mean is that we can continually counsel our hearts with the truths of the gospel, allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen us with the many promises in God’s Word.   We can stand upon a rock solid faith in our position in Christ and the hope we hold for all eternity.

Just one month before his death the famous preacher of the 1800’s, Charles Spurgeon, shared four New Year’s resolutions.  Here is a brief overview of what he wanted others to consider entering the year 1892:

  1. God’s Sovereignty

“I see a highway cast up by the foreknowledge and predestination of God. Nothing of the future is left to chance; nay, not the falling of a sparrow, nor the losing of a hair is left to haphazard; but all the events of life are arranged and appointed. Not only is every turn in the road marked in the divine map, but every stone on the road, and every drop of morning dew or evening mist that falls upon the grass which grows at the roadside. We are not to cross a trackless desert; the Lord has ordained our path in his infallible wisdom and infinite love.”

2. God’s Guidance

“I see, next, a Guide provided, as our companion along the way. To him we gladly say, ‘Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel.’ He is waiting to go with us through every portion of the road. ‘The Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee.’ We are not left to pass through life as though it were a lone wilderness, a place of dragons and owls; for Jesus says, ‘I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.’”

3. God’s Strength

“Beside the way and the Guide, I perceive very clearly, by the eye of faith, strength for the journey provided. Throughout the whole distance of the year, we shall find halting-places, where we may rest and take refreshment, and then go on our way singing, “He restoreth my soul.” We shall have strength enough, but none to spare; and that strength will come when it is needed, and not before…God all-sufficient will not fail those who trust him. When we come to the place for shouldering the burden, we shall reach the place for receiving the strength. If it pleases the Lord to multiply our troubles from one to ten, he will increase our strength in the same proportion….Our lamps shall be trimmed as long as they shall need to burn. Let not our present weakness tempt us to limit the Holy One of Israel. There is a hospice on every pass over the Alps of life, and a bridge across every river of trial which crosses our way to the Celestial City. Holy angels are as numerous to guard us as fallen ones to tempt us. We shall never have a need for which our gracious Father has furnished no supply.”

4. God Glorified

“One thing more, and this is brightness itself: this year we trust we shall see God glorified by us and in us. If we realize our chief end, we reach our highest enjoyment. It is the delight of the renewed heart to think that God can get glory out of such poor creatures as we are….We hope that God has been in some measure glorified in some of us during the past year, but we trust he will be glorified by us far more in the year which now begins….We wish our whole life to be a sacrifice; an altar of incense continually smoking with sweet perfume unto the Most High. Oh, to be borne through the year on the wings of praise to God.”

One month after Spurgeon wrote those words he completed his earthly pilgrimage, and how grateful I am for the wisdom he left behind through his many sermons and writings.  If we can focus on those four points we will enter into this new year with a kingdom-minded perspective to steady us in these uncertain times.  

May the Lord bless you as we enter this new year and supply His tailor-made grace for every circumstance this new year may bring. May we finish this new year loving Christ more than we do today.

Jim and Elisabeth Elliot; Two Lives Devoted to God and Each Other

I grew up reading their story in books, hearing her voice on the radio, and even seeing her speak in person once. My life has been greatly impacted by the legacy and testimony of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. As a wife and mother I have often drawn strength from the writings of Elisabeth Elliot as I am sure many of you have as well.

Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast 153: Interview with Valerie Shephard (Part 1)

It was a great joy to interview Jim and Elisabeth Elliot’s daughter Valerie Shephard and hear her tell the story of her parents’ devotion to God and to each other. Valerie is the mother of eight grown children and the author of the book Devotedly which tells the love story of her parents. I know you will enjoy hearing this inspiring testimony of what God did through the lives of two people whose hearts were completely devoted to Him.

May we never underestimate what God can do in and through our families if we too will live our lives completely and totally devoted to His Lordship.

Passing on a Legacy of Faith and Family Discipleship

Welcome back, Friends! On this week’s episode of “The Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast” I am talking about passing on a legacy of faith through home education. The world around us is in chaos, but we have an anchor for our soul in Jesus Christ. Let’s keep focused on the mission He has given us within the walls of our own homes. His Word and His promises do not fail, and He can be trusted even in troublesome times. May the Lord bless you until we meet again.

Listen to the Podcast on iTunes

Encouragements for a New Homeschool Year

Hello Friends! This year we graduated our second child from our homeschool. Two years ago we graduated our oldest child, so it feels like the domino effect has begun with launching our young people into adulthood. I stand in awe as I remember my own homeschool experience and process the fact that I now have two homeschool graduates. Together we stand as first and second generation homeschool graduates. We give praise to the Lord as it is all of Him and not of us.

Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast 151: Encouragement for a New Homeschool Year

On this episode of the podcast I take a look back and share some things that I think are so very important to the homeschooling journey. There are no perfect formulas, but the Lord will guide each of our families as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Thank you for listening and may the Lord be with you until we meet again.

The Fruit of the Spirit is Self-Control

Hello Friends! This episode of The Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast concludes our series on the Fruit of the Spirit. If you have journeyed through this series with me I hope that it has been an encouragement to you.

Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast 149: The Fruit of the Spirit is Self Control

This series has been based on my new Scripture writing journal which is available both on my website and on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Word-Study-Scripture-Writing-Journal/dp/B091GC6ZKM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+word+study+scripture+writing+journal+Ruth+Adams+The+Fruit+of+the+Spirit&qid=1626652182&sr=8-1

http://www.legacyhomeschoolreflections.com/product/the-word-study-scripture-writing-journal-volume-2-the-fruit-of-the-spirit-esv/

Even though this series has come to an end, I trust the Lord will continue growing the fruit of His Spirit in us as we seek Him and surrender to His sanctifying work in our lives.

I would love to stay connected with you, and you can find me in the following places:

Follow me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyhomeschoolreflections/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartathome24/

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Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartathome24/legacy-reflections-of-a-homeschooled-homeschooling/

Follow Me On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegacyHomescho1

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpElj3DmSMesP0w_pCm66xw?view_as=subscriber

May the Lord bless you this week, and I will look forward to meeting with you next time. 

The Fruit of the Spirit is Faithfulness

Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast 147: The Fruit of the Spirit is Faithfulness

Hello Friends! As we look at our current culture it seems there is a severe shortage of faithfulness both in individuals and families. When you read about one more influential leader caught in sin do you ever ask yourself who you can really trust? We can take heart and be encouraged when we meditate on the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise the Lord, all nations!
    Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord! Psalm 117:1-2 ESV

As followers of Christ we are to be in the process of transformation becoming more like Him. As we walk with Christ He develops the fruit of His Spirit in us making us a more faithful people. The result is more faithfulness in singleness, in marriage, in parenting, in serving, and in sharing the gospel. May the Lord continue His work of sanctification in us to the praise of His glory.

On this week’s episode of the Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast we are talking about God’s faithfulness in and through us.

I would love to keep in touch with you, and you can connect with me in the following ways:

Follow me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyhomeschoolreflections/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartathome24/

Follow me on mewe: http://mewe.com/i/ruthadams9

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartathome24/legacy-reflections-of-a-homeschooled-homeschooling/

Follow Me On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegacyHomescho1

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpElj3DmSMesP0w_pCm66xw?view_as=subscriber

May the Lord bless you this week, and I will look forward to meeting with you next time. 

The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy!

Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast 42: The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy

Hello Ladies, it seems as if we are flying through this series on the Fruit of the Spirit. I pray that you are enjoying these podcast episodes as I go through the new “Word Study Scripture Writing Journal” available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Word-Study-Scripture-Writing-Journal/dp/B091GC6ZKM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Fruit+of+the+spirit+Scripture+Writing+Journal+Ruth+Adams&qid=1620653643&s=books&sr=1-1

On today’s episode we are discussing joy, and I would love to hear from you. How is this podcast series encouraging you? You can connect with me in any of the following ways:

Follow me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyhomeschoolreflections/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartathome24/

Follow me on mewe: http://mewe.com/i/ruthadams9

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartathome24/legacy-reflections-of-a-homeschooled-homeschooling/

Follow Me On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegacyHomescho1

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpElj3DmSMesP0w_pCm66xw?view_as=subscriber

May the Lord bless you this week, and I will look forward to meeting with you next time. 

The Fruit of the Spirit is Love

Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast 141: The Fruit of the Spirit is Love

On this week’s episode of The Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast we continue our series on the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23

I would love to hear from you, and you can reach me in any of the following ways:

Follow me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyhomeschoolreflections/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartathome24/

Follow me on mewe: http://mewe.com/i/ruthadams9

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartathome24/legacy-reflections-of-a-homeschooled-homeschooling/

Follow Me On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegacyHomescho1

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpElj3DmSMesP0w_pCm66xw?view_as=subscriber

May the Lord bless you this week, and I will look forward to meeting with you next time. 

Walking in the Spirit

Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast 139: Walking In The Spirit

Hello Friends! Welcome back to another episode of The Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast. Today we are talking about walking by the Spirit and how that makes all the difference in our effectiveness for Christ.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

I would love to hear from you, and you can reach me in any of the following ways:

Follow me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyhomeschoolreflections/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartathome24/

Follow me on mewe: http://mewe.com/i/ruthadams9

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartathome24/legacy-reflections-of-a-homeschooled-homeschooling/

Follow Me On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegacyHomescho1

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpElj3DmSMesP0w_pCm66xw?view_as=subscriber

May the Lord bless you this week, and I will look forward to meeting with you next time. 

The Holy Spirit Our Helper

Legacy Homeschool Reflections Podcast 138: The Holy Spirit Our Helper

Ladies, I am so excited about this series working through The Word Study Scripture Writing Journal Volume Two. On this week’s podcast episode we are talking about the Holy Spirit Our Helper. I pray this series will be a blessing to you, and if you would like to work through the journal alongside the series you can find your copy on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Word-Study-Scripture-Writing-Journal/dp/B091GC6ZKM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Ruth+Adams+Scripture+Writing+Journals&qid=1618342180&sr=

I would love to hear from you, and you can reach me in any of the following ways:

Follow me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyhomeschoolreflections/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartathome24/

Follow me on mewe: http://mewe.com/i/ruthadams9

Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heartathome24/legacy-reflections-of-a-homeschooled-homeschooling/

Follow Me On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegacyHomescho1

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpElj3DmSMesP0w_pCm66xw?view_as=subscriber

May the Lord bless you this week, and I will look forward to meeting with you next time. 

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