Sky Ranch Family Devotional…Moses and the Ten Commandments, with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Fun Icebreaker: Which of your parent’s rules is a struggle for you and why?

Question: Can you trust God’s Word?

Topic 4: Trust—the Holy Bible

Today’s Big Idea: Moses and the Ten Commandments

Share with your family that to help mankind, God defined His rules and put these rules in writing when He gave them to Moses and other prophets. God’s rules are the Ten Commandments, or the Law, and they help you see your need for a Savior.
The questions give your family the opportunity to share about God’s explanation of why He gave Moses the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). God knows that to build your trust in Him, He needed to define sin in your life. God gave you a moral compass in your heart that helps you regulate right and wrong, and He gave you the list in writing. God knew that we could not habitually keep this list of rules all on our own. He tells you in Galatians 3:24 that your own inability to stop habitually sinning shows your need for Jesus. God knew all along that people needed help to control their habitual sin; just look at the history in the Bible. This list of rules makes the need for guidance from God to live a righteous life even clearer. It is essential to ask for His help to live life His way. He doesn’t leave you hanging and provides help through Jesus. Talk about how to live the way God wants you to live and how to resist sinful actions. 

Talk with God: Read scriptures and questions below.

Matthew 7:12 (NISB) (Jesus is speaking): “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you for this the law and the prophets.”
Galatians 3:24 (NASB): “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.”

Walk with God:

Discuss with younger kids: God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses so that he would give them to you and me. How well do you know the Commandments? Can you list all ten? Which ones do you struggle with?

Discuss with older kids: God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses to help you define sin and recognize sin in your own life. It is important to recognize your own personal struggle with sin because it helps you see that no matter how hard you try, you cannot stop a sinful lifestyle on your own—you need help. You need a Savior. Defining sin helps you see your need for Jesus. Today, many people don’t want God to tell them what to do and they choose to live a sinful life. What can help you stop from following their path of sin? Which sin do you struggle with the most?

Prayer suggestion: Pray for God’s help to see your sin in your life. 

I will be praying for you!
Stacy

Stacy A. Davis, Author
Sky Ranch Family Devotionals 
© 2013 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

photo credit

Prayer Encouragement & SkyMoms Retreat: "Listen and Do-Post Retreat" by SkyMom, Terrie Chevaillier

Listen and Do-Post Retreat

But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

James 1:22

What an amazing time we had gathering this weekend for the first EVER Sky Moms Retreat.

We were blessed exceedingly and abundantly with gorgeous weather, great food, fun friends, beautiful music, hip and trendy décor, turquoise, orange, chevron, gumballs, scripture art, and outdoor activities!

It was as close to a resort experience at a camp that you could get! That is how I explained it to my family who could not wait to hear all about it.

I can take in all of that and enjoy it, take notes on the décor, call friends I was with or friend the new ones I met on Facebook and connect occasionally, and do the zip line next year that I put off doing this year as my fear of heights went with me to the retreat and I took it home with me as well.

If I do any of the above, great.   Richness is most definitely added to my life.

Friends are God’s gift to me.  I want to respond to them and cannot imagine not doing so.

However, there is a command in the Word that tells us to not just listen to the Word, but do what it says.

As I reflected on the weekend, we took in so much truth from such amazing men and women of God. They generously shared with us from their storehouse of treasure.  They took God’s Word and rightly applied it, to teach us and encourage us as we teach and train those God has entrusted to us…our children.

If you came to the retreat and had an amazing experience….our prayers were answered.

If you came to the retreat and met a new friend….our prayers were answered.

If you came to the retreat and felt warm and cozy….our prayers were answered.

If you responded to the truth of the gospel, and accepted Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior…

Our number one prayer from the very day this retreat got wings….WAS ANSWERED!

If that was you, would you reach out to one of us please?

We want to help you get connected in a local church if you do not have one so you can be discipled so that you can grow in the truth and knowledge of who Jesus Christ is and what it means to follow Him.  We want to follow up with you as you learn what it means to follow Him.

Many of us there knew Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.

For those who knew Him before and those who just met Him this weekend.

We GET to respond together.

When I think about all of the truth I heard, it sort of overwhelms me.

However, as Lisa encouraged us, take one truth, pray over it, and take one step of obedience in that direction.  That is called, responding to the truth.  Apply it to your life.

Grow in it, train in it, and exercise your faith in growing in it.

Then go to the next truth we heard, and do the same with it.

Let’s Pray God’s Word:

Dear Lord, Your Word says that we aren’t supposed to just listen to Your Word, but do what it says.

Father, we heard so much truth from Your Word this weekend.

Help us to be moms that are not always learning, but never applying.

We want to be responders.

We want to be doers of the Word.

Keep us far from fooling ourselves and those around us.

Help us to be MOMS that respond as we become clothed in strength and dignity with the beauty of the truth we heard this weekend!

AMEN!

~Terrie Chevaillier

Sky Ranch Family Devotional…God’s Friend Abraham, with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Fun Icebreaker: What is a difficult, but useful, lesson that you have learned?

Question: Can you trust God’s Word? 

Topic 4: Trust—the Holy Bible

Today’s Big Idea: God’s Friend Abraham

Share with your family that even after the flood, sin was still evident in the world. However, God formed a relationship with Abraham that changed our future. God asked Abraham to trust Him. This trust caused a friendship between Abraham and God.
The questions give your family the opportunity to share that even though the people around you are sinful, you can be different. You can choose to trust God, like Abraham did, and have a relationship with God. If your family needs to read about Abraham, look at Genesis 12-15. Abraham responded to God by believing in Him. Abraham’s step of faith began when he willingly left his country at God’s request. This action led him down a path of faith. Abraham is considered the father of a nation of faith; people who would show their trust in God through their faith. He began the nation of faith in God that all Christians are part of. In return, God promised Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him. That blessing to our world would be Abraham’s future great, great grandchild—Jesus! Talk to your family about trusting God against all odds, even when a situation looks impossible.

Talk with God: Read scriptures and questions below.
Genesis 12:1-4 (NIV): “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ So Abram left, as the LORD had told him...”
Genesis 15:6 (NIV): “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
James 2:23 (NIV): “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God...and he was called God’s friend.’”

Walk with God:

Discuss with younger kids: What if God tells you and your immediate family to pack up all your things, move to a foreign land, you don’t know where you are going (no map), you won’t be coming back, and God will lead you as you go...could you make the move? Abraham took a big step of faith. Sometimes, God does ask people to bear the burden of a really difficult task. What helps you trust God?

Discuss with older kids: Prophecy is proof that God is telling the truth. Read Genesis 22:18 and Galatians 3:16. If you were in Abraham’s position, would you have believed God? Was it worth it for Abraham to believe God? Does seeing prophecy fulfilled help you trust God? What helps you trust God like Abraham did?

Prayer suggestion: Pray for God to give you faith like Abraham. 

I will be praying for you!
Stacy

Stacy A. Davis, Author
Sky Ranch Family Devotionals 
© 2013 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.


photo credit

Sky Ranch Sky Mom Retreat!!! Sign up today!

Do you ever feel as if you need to put on your oxygen mask first so you can help the other people around you that need there’s in this current culture we are raising our children in?  Come be encouraged at the Sky Moms Retreat and attend Break-Out sessions on Super Mom…Really?,  How to Establish a Daily Quiet Time, Training Your Children in God’s Word, and How to Pray God’s Will for your child, 

just to name a few!  

January 25-26, 2014

Van, Texas

Register by calling 903-266-3300

or visit

skyranch.org

for more information!

Sky Ranch Family Devotional…Noah and the Ark, with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Fun Icebreaker: Do you think you will get married someday? Mom or dad, what have you liked about being a pair (married)?

Question: Can you trust God’s Word? 

Topic 4: Trust—the Holy Bible 

Today’s Big Idea: Noah and the Ark

Share with your family that you can trust God’s Word about man’s stubborn, wayward heart. God’s “big picture” plan shows throughout time He has continued to give mankind many chances to change their hearts and follow Him.
The questions give your family the opportunity to share about how the story of Noah’s ark fits into the big picture of the Bible. If your family needs a refresher on Noah, read Genesis 5-9. Talk to your family about their own desire to go their own way and reject God. It is a temptation that happens to all of us at some point. Making a stand for God can be difficult, especially when you are alone. Discuss the difficulty of going against everyone else and possibly being mocked for your beliefs, like Noah was. Share what helps you keep on standing when you feel alone.

Talk with God: Read scriptures and questions below.
Genesis 6:5 (NASB) (At the time of Noah) “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
Genesis 6:14, 17-18 (NASB) (God is speaking to Noah): “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood... Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark – you and your sons and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.”

Walk with God:

Discuss with younger kids: We all love the story of Noah, the ark and the animals! But have you ever stopped and thought about why God needed to destroy the earth and all the people? Noah and his family stood alone in following God and the right way. Have you ever had the experience of being the only one defending God? Were you teased for your beliefs? Why do people go against God? What helped you keep on standing for God and the right way?

Discuss with older kids: Many cultures have a worldwide flood story that has been passed down for generations. There is even a sediment layer in the soil found all over the world with evidence of a very large flood. Do you know of other historical or archeological evidence that supports truth in the passages of the Bible? How has knowing that the Bible is true helped you make a stand for God? Have you ever been mocked for trusting God? How?

Prayer suggestion: Pray for God’s courage in difficult times.

I will be praying for you!
Stacy

Stacy A. Davis, Author
Sky Ranch Family Devotionals 
© 2013 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

photo credit

Have you signed up yet for the Sky Moms Retreat!?

Have you signed up yet for the Sky Moms Retreat!?

  Don’t miss this great opportunity to attend break-out sessions on how to Strengthen the Foundation of your Marriage, Blended Family or Single Parenting, Encourage Your Children and Family to be Externally Focused, just to name a few!

January 25-26, 2014

Van, Texas

Register by calling 903-266-3300

or visit

skyranch.org

for more information!

Sky Ranch Family Devotional…Creation and the Fall, with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Fun Icebreaker: What is a fairly harmless funny prank that you did? Did you learn anything from your prank experience?

Question: Can you trust God’s Word? 

Topic 4: Trust—the Holy Bible 

Today’s Big Idea: Creation and the Fall

Share with your family that you can trust God’s explanation of life, starting with creation. In the beginning everything was good but through man’s rebellion, problems developed. The good news is God, in His goodness, stepped in to give mankind a solution.
The questions give your family the opportunity to share about God’s goodness and man’s sinful nature. If your family needs a reminder of creation and the fall, read Genesis 1-3. In the Bible, creation in its original form was good, but sin entered and brought death. Death means separation from God. In Genesis, the moment Adam and Eve sinned began their spiritual death (a separation from God’s Spirit) and later, their physical death. This is passed to all men. Before you trust Jesus, God’s Spirit is not indwelling in you. Think about it—sin doesn’t have to be taught. Instead, you have to teach kids to be good. Parents struggle to teach kids to tell the truth, share, etc. Each person comes into this world already understanding lying and selfishness; talk to your family about the problems associated with leading a sinful life.

Talk with God: Read scriptures and questions below.
Genesis 1:31 (NIV): “God saw all that he had made, and it was very
good.”
Romans 5:12 (NIV): “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned...“
Isaiah 59:2 (NIV): “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”

Walk with God:

Discuss with younger kids: In the beginning God made everything good, but man’s heart changed when he chose to live life differently than how God instructed. Why is it bad to sin and how has sinful behavior caused problems for you?

Discuss with older kids: Throughout history, although God used many different people to write scripture, there has been a consistent theme throughout the Bible on the problem of man’s sinful nature. God has a lot to say about man’s sinful nature. How do you define sin? What is the problem with sin? How does sin destroy the good that God originally designed?

Prayer suggestion: Pray for God to help you recognize, understand, and stop sin in your life. 

I will be praying for you!
Stacy

Stacy A. Davis, Author
Sky Ranch Family Devotionals 
© 2013 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

photo credit

Sign up today and be encouraged at our Sky Ranch SkyMom Retreat!

Stressed or overly burdened by the current culture you are raising your children in?    

Come be encouraged at a one night get away at Sky Ranch and attend

break- out sessions that address topics such as Raising a Different Kind of Beauty Queen, Raising a Different Kind of Hero, Balance, and 

Biblical Digital Parenting to name just a few!

Don’t miss out.  

Sign up today as Break-outs are filling fast!

January 25-26, 2014

Van, Texas

Register by calling 903-266-3300

or visit

skyranch.org

for more information!