As we focus on making God central to all aspects of our learning, I offer here some simple spiritual applications for science experiments (from Janice VanCleave’s 201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments).
However, my first encouragement to others is to pray and ask the Lord for how you can see the truth, beauty and goodness of all He has set before you. Instead of prescribed devotions, consider asking questions of your children to discuss their ideas on how what you are doing (experiments, stories, art projects) applies to God’s Word or his creation.
How does this reflect truth?
How does this reflect the beauty of God’s creation?
How does this show the goodness of God?
Questions like these will likely bring about deeper discussion and more memorable moments than reading a set of devotions (especially ones written by me). Even so, perhaps these devotions will spur ideas of further questions you can ask of your children. If so, to God be the glory.
As always, thanks for reading my thoughts and ideas.
Blessings from our family to yours,
Brandy
(For Classical Conversations families, this correlates to Cycle 2 Weeks 13-24.) If you’d like to have a visual for students, be sure to check out We Choose Virtues.
Experiment #161 & #162: Spoon Bell & Humming Glass (Week 13)
Scriptures: Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 15:1
When there exists a disagreement between ourselves and another person, how do we respond? Do we respond in grace and love, or strike out with harsh words and actions? Similar to the way vinegar dissolves the oil on our hands, our gentle words and actions can dissolve a conflict and result in beautiful harmony. By remembering to use gentleness and calmness even in our disagreements, we can have a much greater impact on the lives of others for the glory of God. We can respond with gentle answers and actions, which will help us to live a more peaceful life with others.
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Experiment #165 & #171: Cold Foot & Pepper Run (Week 14)
Scriptures: Luke 16:10; Psalm 34:12-13; 1 Timothy 4:12
Have you ever struggled with telling the truth about something? Sometimes we feel like there’s this great big tug of war battle in our hearts (just like the tug of war battle between the surface water molecules) as we consider the consequences we might face if someone truly knew something we did. But the Bible tells us that
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. (Luke 16:10)
When people cannot trust us, it destroys our character, it destroys our relationships, and it destroys our testimony. Thinking, speaking, and living the truth are essential to shining God’s light in a dark world. Are we similar to the rug or to the aluminum foil? Are we like a conductor of heat energy? Does God’s light and truth flow through us to others?
Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies. (Psalm 34:12-13)Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Experiment #164: Bottle Organ (Week 15)
Scriptures: Philippians 3:12-14 Isaiah 43:16,18-19
Just like the different pitches of the bottle organ, life has many ups and downs – times of bountiful blessings and times of hardship. When unexpected circumstances fall upon us, we are given an opportunity to refocus – to forget what lies behind us and fix our eyes upon Jesus and His strength as we press towards the prize of knowing and glorifying God. The Apostle Paul stated:
I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. “ (Philippians 3:12-14)
We can look at the ups and downs of our lives as the vehicle through which God will enrich it. The book of Isaiah tells us,
Thus says the Lord,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,
“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:16,18-19)
Instead of focusing our attention on our own power or success, we can focus our attention on God, trusting that He holds our future in His hands and that He wants to prosper and bless us. Instead of gripping on to what is familiar and comfortable, we can realize that any experience we have is ultimately meaningless unless it deepens our relationship with the Lord. Circumstances are temporary, but the pursuit of our Savior and His glory is an investment in eternity.
This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea. (Isaiah 48:17-18)
Experiment #189 & #190: Shape Up & Break Through (Week 16)
Scripture: Philippians 4:13; 1 Peter 5:7; Galatians 6:9; Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you ever felt like you can hardly go, like the weight of the circumstances you’re facing – whether it’s a significant loss or just making it through the next math or writing assignment – is just too much to bear? Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
When we try to face trials in our own strength, we slow down like the objects in which the weight is focused farther from the center of gravity. When Jesus is at our center and He is the source of our strength, we can persevere because He helps us to carry the burden. We can go farther and faster, for we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Phil 4:13). Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you! (1 Peter 5:7)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
Experiment #174 & #177: Energy Change & Snap! (Week 17)
Scriptures: Matthew 22:36-40; 1 Corinthians 13; John 13:35
Our words have potential for speaking life into others. Consider the words from a popular TobyMac song, “We can turn our heart through the words we say. Mountains crumble with every syllable, Hope can live or die, So speak life… To the deadest darkest night… Look into the eyes of the broken hearted
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope, You speak love, you speak life.”
We can move mountains through kindness. Even though you are young, you can set an example to the believers through speech and conduct. (1 Timothy 4:12)
As we experiment with potential and kinetic energy today, let us all remember that we can have an impact on others. In fact, the Bible tells us that others will know we are His by this: that we have love for each other. (By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35) The Bible also tells us…
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 1 Cor 10:24
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Remember that we reflect our Savior when we are kind and compassionate toward others. (Psalm 145:8-9)
By being kind, we can demonstrate Christ’s love for others. As you go about your day, think about the potential of your words and how you are expressing them to others. Are you making a difference in others’ lives that shows Christ’s love?
Experiment #184 & #185: Lifter & Ramp (Week 18)
Scriptures: Matthew 25:35-40; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Philippians 2:4; Galatians 6:2; Matthew 5:16
Have you ever gone up a mountain in a car? What is the road like? A winding mountain road is an example of a simple machine. Simple machines make it easier for work to be done. In this case, a winding road takes less effort for a car to travel up a hill because the incline is over a longer distance. Similarly, when our friends are carrying a heavy burden, we can share the load and help them with the weight they carry. Sometimes we can help by offering words of encouragement. Sometimes we can help by offering hands of service. My grandmother used to say, “Many hands make light work.” Is that true? Why?
By being helpful in a time of need, we are making it easier for the work to be done.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a)
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)
General thoughts on engineering projects, competition, and authority
Obeying Authority
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-2; Hebrews 13:17
God has placed the people in your life in authority over you, and you honor God when you honor those who are in charge. So as your tutor, parent, or Sunday School teacher directs you in whatever you’re doing, be sure to obey right away with a cheerful heart!
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— Ephesians 6:1-2
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17
Patience
Scripture: Proverbs 14:29; James 1:19b-20
It takes time and patience to build something that will stand up to testing. Similarly, it takes patience to wait our turn or to practice something that is difficult for us to master or to get along with a sibling (or child).
Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. (Proverbs 14:29)My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:19b-20)
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. (Proverbs 25:15)
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:7-8)
Diligence
Scriptures: Proverbs 14:23; Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Hebrews 11:6
Building something not only takes patience, it also takes diligence. A person who builds a bridge in real life has to study and research over a long period of time so that it’s designed well. It has to be safe so that it does not endanger the lives of others. As we head into the final few weeks of our school year, remember to be diligent in our studies. Let’s diligently seek the Lord in all our endeavors – on campus, at home, and at play. God’s wonders are everywhere for us to discover!
All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, (Colossians 3:23)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Self Control
Scriptures: Romans 8:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:4; Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What does sin do?
It easily entangles. (Hebrews 12:1)
It enslaves us. (Romans 6:16)
It wages war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11)
It leads to death. (James 1:15 & Romans 6:16)
But… as we surround ourselves with God’s Word and Spirit, we’re empowered to have more self-control. He can help us to resist temptations.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (New International Version, 1 John 1:5,7)
Reading your Bible and having a prayerful relationship with the Lord helps you to have fellowship with others, and it cleanses us from sin. He helps us to have self-control.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, of love and of self-discipline. (1 Timothy 1:7)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
God is equipping you to do the right thing and honor Him and others with your actions.
Forgiveness
Scriptures: Matthew 5:9; Proverbs 19:11, Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:18
Loving others is not just a feeling, it’s a choice. Sometimes others accidentally or even intentionally hurt us. They may crush our spirits with words or actions. But God calls us to forgive others for the wrongs or trespasses they commit against us. Having a forgiving heart means that we live in harmony and peace with others, even if they are not peaceful towards us. But we do not have to rely on our own strength to forgive others – we only have to be willing to ask God to help our hearts change. God protects us and helps us to grow in love even when others hurt us.
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Contentment
Scripture: Proverbs 14:30; Philippians 4:12-13
When we are in a competition, remember to be an encouragement to one another. Part of being content is to not envy others, for…
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.(Proverbs 14:30)
When someone else wins, we can choose to celebrate their accomplishments instead of being jealous and wanting the glory for ourselves. The apostle Paul stated that “the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” {And I’m going to add here, “whether in first place or last place”} is… “I can do all this through him gives me strength.” If God is our ultimate source of contentment, we can truly enjoy and delight in the successes of others.