In a recent study in Isaiah, I read this:

Isaiah 6:1 in part: …I saw the Lord siting on a throne… 

From Enduring Word commentary:

“Where is the Lord when all this is going on? The Lord was sitting ‘on a throne’. God was still enthroned in heaven and was still in charge of all creation.” 

God on His throne – the sovereign ruler of the universe! “This is the central fact of heaven; that there is an occupied throne in heaven.”

Others have also seen God’s throne, as:

• Malachai – 1 Kings 22:19

• Job – Job 26:9

• David – Psalm 9:4, 7; 11:4

• Sons of Korah – Psalm 45:6; 47:8

• Ethan the Ezrahite – Psalm 89:14

• Jeremiah – Lamentations 5:19

• Ezekiel – Ezekiel 1:26; 10:1

• Daniel – Daniel 7:9

• John the apostle – Rev. 4:1-11

Why is the throne so important? Because each of us has difficulty getting off of our own throne and seeing that God and God alone is worthy to be on the throne. 

Still from Enduring Word Commentary:

“The core belief of atheism or materialism is that there is no throne; there is no seat of authority or power all the universe must answer to. The core belief of humanism is that there is a throne – but man sits upon it. But the Bible makes it clear that there is a throne in heaven, and no fallen man sits on the throne, but the Lord GOD is enthroned in heaven.” The commentary goes on to say: “’High and lifted up’ (Is. 6:1 in part): The throne was exalted and majestic. The throne set its Occupant in a superior position.”

Let’s diligently train our children in what the Word of God says about position. Let’s teach it in such a way that obeying the One on the most exalted throne is a joy and an honor. 

Research 

Basic skills of research can be taught when your child begins to ask questions. 

Today questions can be answered by asking Siri, but the greater skill to be developed is: How do I verify my question’s answer?

I would still teach the basic skills of research:

• Defining the problem (topic)

• Organizing ideas (outline)

• Discovering and selecting information

• Composing information to address the problem/topic. 

• Preparing information in presentable form. 

In today’s culture a great emphasis must be placed on “Is my information valid?” Another warning which must be reinforced is “Did I give credit where needed?”

So, what would be good research for your fluent reader 2nd grader? Listen to his interests and you will find a topic. Make this a beginning research question and answer about one topic. Plan an oral presentation of your findings. Real learning with great reward. 

Odds and Ends

• Help your child see that when he degrades another person he is poisoned and withers but the degraded one may grow and prosper. 

• Repetition is often profitable. Don’t give up on repeating what must be understood for a wholesome life. I would make a list of what I want my child to know before he leaves home. 

• Guard each academic subject that you teach. Remind your students about God’s creation and sustaining power. Remind them that God has been working through the ages to show His mercy to us. Every subject is a gift from God. Encourage your children to see God and themselves in the subject. 

• Reaction. Guard your reaction when your child does something astonishing. Strange behavior is often moderated by the observer’s reaction. Respond just with a calm hug, perhaps, and a quiet and gentle, “I’ll help you”.

Love, Becky Wyand