Monday, February 27, 2017

He Knows Your Heart








Family Fun Icebreaker: When you don’t know an answer, whom do you go to?


Question: How Does Jesus Help You Relate to God?


Today’s Big Idea: Jesus Is Omniscient
When you don’t know the answer, do you search for it online before you ask a person? You can get all kinds of answers online. Often they are right, but sometimes they are wrong or distorted. Then what? Answers from Jesus are better than an online search. When you are in a relationship with Jesus, there are advantages. Jesus is all-knowing. Jesus said, "The Father and I are one” (John 10:30 NLT) and “Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father” (John 10:38 NLT). Jesus truly knows God, the Father. And Jesus’ answers are the same as answers from God. God has entrusted everything to Jesus including your thoughts and heart, so his answers are more personal and answered with you in mind. Jesus helps you relate to God because He has the exact same character and nature as God, the Father. Jesus knows what God knows.



Talk with God: Read the scriptures aloud.


(The disciples are speaking to Jesus) “Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” John 16:30 NASB


(About Jesus) God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. John 1:3–4 NLT


Walk with God: Read aloud and discuss.
Scripture also tells you that God, the Father, and Jesus know your thoughts before you even form them into words, and God knows your heart and the reasons that you do what you do, so there is no point in lying or not talking to Jesus about your true thoughts.



Discuss with your family:
Why is it helpful to be in a relationship with someone that really knows you?



Prayer suggestion: Pray for God to help you trust Jesus for answers.


I will be praying for you!


Stacy



Stacy A. Davis, Author
Exerpt from Come One, Come All, a Sky Ranch Family Devotional
© 2016 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.





Tuesday, February 7, 2017

A Valentine's Day Tradition by Lisa Clark


Early on we established a Valentine's Day tradition out of necessity. I had our youngest the end of December, and she was still so little and I was still so...in pajamas...that we decided to stay at home for Valentine's Day.
I cooked a home cooked meal (see below for our family favorite recipe - POPPY SEED CHICKEN), pulled out the china, and made my famous slushy strawberry drinks. Brad brought home flowers for all of his girls and we had the best time. We enjoyed it so much that we continued for years to come. As the girls grew older, we'd play "slow dance" music, and Brad would take his turn dancing with each girl, ending with the two of us.
During dinner, we'd go around the table sharing what we "loved" most about each other..building each other up, laughing with each other, maybe even crying a little.#useyourwords
Remember, the world isn't telling your loved ones how special and loved they are. That's your blessing. #family #raisingsinners #biblicalparenting

Poppy Seed Chicken
2 cups chicken (cooked and shredded)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tubes ritz crackers (crushed)
2 tbsp buter, melted
1 tbsp poppyseed
Spread chicken in greased baking dish. Mix soup and sour cream. Pour over chicken. Mix crackers and poppyseed. Sprinkle over soup. Drizzle butter over crackers. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Enjoy!