Family Time…Shepherd that cares for us
Sometimes as a Mom it seems as though, you are caring for everyone else…but who cares for you? You are busy feeding, cleaning, listening, hugging and encouraging all of which is very needed and a huge blessing that you can give to others. But you need God’s input for all of your output! You need God to provide, give insight, wrap His arms around you and encourage you, before you can fully reach out to your family. Your relationship with God strengthens you. 2 Thessalonians 2:16 tells you that Jesus will strengthen and comfort your heart in every good work and word. God is referring to the extra strengthening that He provides from His Holy Spirit. God provides you with extra help especially when you think that you have nothing left to give during times of being tired, depressed or just worn out, God really is there helping and caring for you.
I used to joke with my friends when my kids were little, that Mom doesn’t have time to get sick…Moms just don’t have that luxury! I would feel horrible from an illness, but had to keep going, because little kids don’t stop and neither can Mom. I would feel worn out and frazzled, but had to still help feed, clean, work on homework, drive to practices, smile, hug, and cheer them on! Many times, I just did not “feel” like using good words or doing the good work that God wanted from me…so how did I keep on going? I would cry out to God….and sometimes I really was crying with the prayer…and God would come through. God would give me the words and strength to get the job done. You do not have to go through this alone. Turn to God. Trust Him; He really will come through for you.
This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and asking God if anyone questions if God truly cares for them. It is common for kids to question if such a big God can really love and care for them. Remind them of scripture that talks about how God knows even the number of hairs on your head and since He cares for the birds, He promises that He does care for you too (Matthew 10:30). Encourage your family to think about where they turn when they want to quit. Do they quit? What encourages them to keep trying when they failed with their homework or a friendship? Do they think to ask God for help? Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Teach your family that God is a loving God who cares about each one of them and wants you to ask Him for help. Encourage your family in the prayer time to list areas that need help and then as a group pray and ask God to help each of you. Try writing the prayer requests down and go back in a few months and notice the changes that God has made in your lives.
Do you need help or prayer for your family time? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.
I will be praying for you!
Stacy
Stacy A. Davis
Teach Intentionally
This week we are in the 8th Month Topic and 3rd Family Time (or page 71 ) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Open Your Eyes”…
Family Time 3:
Month 8 Topic: God is my Heavenly Father Who guides and cares for me…Shepherd that cares for us
Talk with God: Read…Psalm 100:3-4
~ Psalm 100:3-4 Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He Who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (4) Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
- According to this Scripture, what should our response be?
Walk with God: Discuss… How does a shepherd care for his sheep, and how are we the sheep of the Lord’s pasture?
He is The Almighty Shepherd.
Discuss what the shepherd does for the sheep.
- A good shepherd gives the sheep a sense of belonging.
- The shepherd should see that the needs of the sheep are met.
- The shepherd should not be a slave driver, but one who provides rest and guidance and leads his sheep.
Prayer suggestion… Pray a prayer of thanksgiving that the Lord will guide and protect you. Then pray a prayer of praise that He has done so.
Family Time 3:
Leader Answers:
- Thanks, praise, blessing
- Discussion ideas: God cares for us. We can see it in many forms. In our physical needs of food, water, shelter, clothing. But what about our spiritual needs, emotional needs, companion needs, etc.? Discuss the less obvious ways that you have seen God’s care.
© 2011 Tori Miller and Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.
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