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Save the Date: August 23, 2014

Women's Conference-2014-Oasis of Rest

Featuring: Debbie Hannah Skinner

Time: 9:00-3:00

Cost: Ladies: $20.00

Teens: No Charge

Lunch: Jason's Box Lunch

Cost: $10.00

If you are in the Midland area, come join us for a great time of fellowship. 

For more information head over to http://www.kelviewwomensministry.com/

Exodus 1 Outline

Exodus 1

Study: Israel in Egypt

Store: “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Apply: God’s Deliverance

Learn: Slavery in Egypt

·      Exodus 1

o   5 Key Points that Set the Stage

§  1. The 1^st generation dies

§  2. The Israelites multiply in great number

§  3. A new King takes the throne

§  4. Heavy burdens are placed upon the Israelites

§  5. Two Midwives risk their lives to save the lives of babies

1.    The 1^st Generation Ends

-Exodus 1:5-10

a.     Jacob had _______________________direct descendants that moved with him to Egypt. Among them were Jacob’s 12 sons (Joseph was already in Egypt.)

Reuben	Simeon	Levi	Judah	Issachar	Zebulun
Benjamin	Dan	Naphtali	Gad	Asher	Joseph

b.     Exodus 1:6-

                                                        i.     It is not clear exactly how many Israelites make up the 1^st generation, but we can assume it began with Abraham and ended with the last brother of the 12.

1.     -Bonus question: How long did the Israelites stay in the land of Egypt?

2.    The Israelites grow in Number

Exodus 1:7-

o   Although we are not given a number, we do get a visual picture of how quickly the 2^nd generation multiplies in number.

§  The latter part of verse 7-“They soon filled the land.”

§  Due to such rapid growth we become aware of the character of the new King.

3.    A New King takes the Throne

-Exodus 1:8-10

§  The most important verse in this chapter is found in verse 8

·      “Then a new king came to the throne of Egypt who knew NOTHING about Joseph or what he had done.”

o   Do you think if the new Pharaoh new about Joseph things would have been differently?

§  We don’t know, but what we do know is this new Pharaoh was heartless.

§  According to verses 9-10 what three things can we gather about Pharaoh’s character?

·      1. 

·      2. 

·      3. 

§  The Lord has given us all an important role to play here on earth, what kind of character do we display?

4.    Heavy Burdens are Placed upon the Israelites

-Exodus 1:11-14

·      What goal(s)was Pharaoh trying to accomplish by placing heavy burdens upon the Israelites?

o   

o   

·      What burdens were placed upon the Israelites?

o   

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·      The more the Israelites were oppressed the more quickly the Israelites _______________________________.

o   What does this continued growth reveal about God’s plan and will?    

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§  

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o   How do you react when heavy burdens are placed upon you?

§  What qualities develop within you during times of burden?

§  What benefits can we gain from them?

§  What does God promise to all who are bent beneath their loads?

·      Psalm 145:14

·      Psalm 55:22

·      Do you cry out to God during your time of burden or do you complain?

·      During hard times we are and can still find Joy, be Prayerful and thankful.

o   The more the Israelites grew the more alarmed the Egyptians became.

§  Do you know who else becomes alarmed and threatened when more people come to know the Lord? 

          

5.    Shiprah and Puah

-Exodus 1:15-22

·      Who were these two women?

o   

·      Knowing their profession what did Pharaoh order these two women to do?

o   

o   What purpose would this serve?

§  

·      What two words could we use to describe these two Hebrew Midwives?

o   

·      Why Faith

o   Exodus 1:17-“But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king and allowed the boys to live, too.”

·      Courage

o   Exodus 1:18-19-“Then the kind called for the midwives. ‘ Why have you done this?’ He demanded. ‘Why have you allowed the boys to live?’ Sir, they told him, the Hebrew women are very strong. They have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time! They are not slow in giving birth like Egyptian women.”

§  Though these two women lied, they refused to obey Pharaoh’s order. They took a bold stand for what was right.

·      When we are asked to do something that goes against God’s Word, do we take a bold stand and say no?

o   There are many areas in our lives where those in authority ask us to do things that go against God’s Word. It might not even be those who are over us, but those who are right beside us, our friends, our family.

§  We must always obey God rather than man.

§  Just like Shiprah and Puah were blessed for their obedience to God, so will we if we remain obedient.

·      Pharaoh remained relentless in his efforts to kill off the newborn baby boys. But we will soon see in the end that this comes back to haunt him.

Take-Away

1. Trust in the Lord’s provision and protection

2. Remain faithful even when you are heavily burdened

3. Remain obedient to the Lord

Do you know how long 400 years is? So many people born into slavery, it’s crazy, yet we are still born into slavery today-slavery to sin. However, today we have the option to get out of slavery at a young age, because of Christ. But many still choose to remain in that slavery and for some it takes years and years for them to be delivered.

Do you know what is sad? Is how many people sit in Church pews that are still in bondage, yet willingly choose to stay there.

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Looking For a Great Study? Come join Us

Looking for a GREAT study. Join us as we study the Book of Exodus. It is full of adventure, life lessons, excitement, heart break, love, God's mercy, and will open your eyes to Christ in a new way.

You can find the outlines under the Church tab. Feel free to print them off and dig into the Word of God.

Be blessed sweet seekers of Christ! You are loved and adored.

What and Who?

"Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living." Romans 6:16

Who are you a slave to? 

Many might answer no one, but in reality we are all a slave to something or someone. 

As our Pastor challenged us to figure out who we are a slave to, it made begin to evaluate if I was truly a slave to Christ or myself more. 

It's not always easy to have these conversations with Christ, especially when you know the truth. 

I desire to be a slave to Christ, but often times it seems I can be more a slave to self. 

This I despise, because being a slave to self produces things that are hard to overcome and break free from. 

Being a slave to self often results in worldliness, pride, selfishness, laziness, greed, jealousy, anger and bitterness. It also produces insecurity, doubt and lack of contentment. 

I am pretty certain, many of us our slaves to self and have been for a long time. 

But there is hope for us, Jesus promises to set us free from our bondage. 

He has made a way where we no longer have to live according to our flesh or the law. He did this by taking our place on the Cross. He took our sins upon Himself and He died so we would not have to. 

In return, when we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, as He enters us and fills us with the Holy Spirit we can rise in freedom. Our old self is gone and we are new in Jesus. 

We no longer have to live as slaves to self. We no longer have to live under its condemnation, insecurity, doubt and misery. 

Instead, we can be slaves to Christ. 

We can live under His commands, promises and truth. Which bring joy, hope, excitement, protection, peace, love, forgiveness, healing and many more blessings. 

I would rather be a slave to Christ and be free than be a slave to self and live in bondage. In order to do this I have to make my Adam's suit do what it doesn't want to do- Die to self. 

What are you a slave to?

Self

TV

Work

Appearance

Clothes

Money

Praise of man

Laziness

Pride

Food

Drugs

Alcohol 

Kids

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Internet

Games

Sports

Working out 

The easiest way to know, is by evaluating what you spend the most time doing, investing in, thinking about and doing. 

What are you a slave too?

If Asked, Could You Answer?

What is it about Jesus that motivates you to be the best you can be for Him? 

What is it about Jesus that makes you desire a relationship with Him?

What is it about Jesus that makes you want to please Him?

What is it about Jesus that makes you want to tell others about Him?

What is it about Jesus that makes you want to live like Him?

How does He give you hope?

How does He strengthen you?

How does He give you confidence?

Why do you believe in Him?

This sweet boy got married today. It was the sweetest wedding. (And VERY emotional)

Weldon, we are so proud of the man you have become. You have modeled Christ and lived out His Word in a marvelous way. Not only have you taught and shown Avery and Dax what it means to be a godly young man, but they will now get to see what a Godly husband looks like. 

You are prayed for daily and loved beyond words. We are thrilled to be apart of you and Lily's life. 

A & D,

As you age there will come times in your life when you feel overwhelmed. The stress' that come with responsibility will seem more than you can handle at times. 

And when those days come, may you find yourselves on your knees, praising The Lord for what He did for you. 

Remember His suffering, rememeber the Cross. Remember the persecution and mockery He faced. 

Let His love and faithfulness bring peace to your weary and worn hearts. 

Let His strength and power and victory give you strength to rise up and keep fighting the fight. 

Clothe yourselves in His promises. Especially His promise to never give you more than you can handle. 

Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. He knows every burden you will carry, every frustration you will have, every doubt you will think and speak. He knows what you can and can't handle. 

So in those times of stress and feeling overwhelmed may you sense His peace and presence, as you come before Him with an open, honest and willing heart. 

Keep your ears open always seeking to hear His voice. 

Jesus overcame the greatest persecution, and  it is through Him, that you too will be able to overcome those days that seem overwhelming. 

With His Love, 

Mommy

"No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it."

 1 Corinthians 10:13

Altar Sunday

Sometimes we spend more time praying than we do going out and being active and involved.

And sometimes, Jesus has to give us a nudge to remind us, praying is great, but going out and doing is just as powerful and necessary. 

Don't use prayer to put off what you know you should be doing. 

Replaceable

She has only been gone a year. It's been a hard year. A year of many changes and life adjustments. 

They have each dealt with her loss differently. 

For him, it's been hard, really hard. He not only continues the role as daddy, but he steps into the role as mommy. 

A role he thought no one could fulfill. 

And then he met her and something began to change. The part of him that felt dead, began to come alive again. 

Yet from the outside looking in, as a mommy, all I could see was how replaceable we really are.

This is very hard to swallow. No she will never be forgotten, she will always be the mother of his children, but with her passing she suddenly became replaceable. 

How do you deal with knowing everyone is replaceable? 

You turn to Jesus. You will never be replaceable to Him. You are of such great value He gave His life in order to ensure you would be with Him forever. 

There is no replacing His love. It can't be moved or taken. Once you become His it's permanent. 

Yes, the reality of human life is hard, because we so often replace one another, whether by divorce, death, disagreements, dislikes, selfishness, anger, etc.

But not Jesus, He will never replace you, leave you, forsake you, or give up on you. 

It's the only relationship you can be sure is forever. It's the only relationship that will last an eternity. 

So, though we are replaced here on earth, in heaven and to Jesus we are irreplaceable. 

Every Minute You Have A Choice

"And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires." Galatians 5:17

Everyday God allows you to rise, He also allows you to rise and choose. 

You have the option to choose joy, love, peace, patience, calmness, kindness, health and fulfillment. 

It's a daily choice, rather it's a minute by minute choice. Either way God allows you the option to choose. 

More times than not, we choose to complain rather than be thankful. We choose to feel defeated rather than rise up and fight. We choose to be grumpy rather than kind. We choose self over others. We choose laziness over hard work and health. We choose bitterness over forgiveness. 

It seems easier to choose those things, because the other takes work, commitment, dedication, faithfulness and trust in God to give us the strength to overcome our flesh. 

But in reality grumpiness, laziness, selfishness, poor health, bitterness and complaining are a lot more work and a lot harder on our bodies.

They deplete us of energy, they require constant attention, and they fill us with sickness. 

Everyday you have to decide for yourself what you will choose. No one can decide  for you or do it for you. God gave you and me the ability to choose to be active, to be strong, courageous, confident and victorious. 

It's true we will never be able to choose wisely on our own, not will our own human effort accomplish these things on its own. 

But our spirit, which is willing is also able!!

"It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing." John 6:63

Choose the power of the Spirit which will enable you to choose life and all it's blessings. 

What choices will you make today?

Gentle Words

"Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

Gentle words begin with listening. Gentle words come from a heart that is selfless. Gentle words come from a heart full of love for others and the condition of their hearts. 

When harsh words are spoken, the pain lasts and lingers within our hearts. Harsh words damage others. The crush/blow of harsh words reveal a truth and the condition of our hearts. 

Speak life. Speak in love. Be prayerful before you speak. Think of the impact your words will have on others before you speak them. 

The Laughter

It's this unexplainable laughter that fills the air, when they talk. 

He has a way to make them giggle like no one else. 

The loudness of their laugh sets off a particular aroma that fills every inch of our home with joy. 

It literally clears out any frustrations, any anger, any sadness. 

Daddy's way of bringing joy into the lives of our boys is irreplaceable, unexplainable, and overwhelmingly amazing. 

Jesus does all of that plus more. Open your ears to hear the laughter and goodness of Christ. 

Redeemed

"Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?" Romans 8:32

You, my sweet lovely, have been redeemed!

God redeemed you, He bought you, He saved you by giving up His Son, Jesus. 

You were not spared by the blood or death of an animal, you were spared by the death and blood of Jesus Christ. 

A man, who willingly gave up His life in order to save yours. 

Let that marvelous, uncontainable love fall afresh upon you today. 

Walk In It

You are loved by the Creator of heaven and earth, life and death. Walk in the confidence of His love today. 

Two Better Halves

“Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And now, Sovereign Lord, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O SovereignLord?

What more can I say to you? You know what your servant is really like, Sovereign Lord. Because of your promise and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known to your servant.

 “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you!" 2 Samuel 7:18-22

It's this amazing relationship that constantly makes you aware of your need for your better half. 

I happen to have two better halves. Jesus and my earthly better half, G.

Learning to seperate the two and depend more on the one who matters most can be difficult. 

But the closer I grow to Christ, the more I realize how crucial my relationship is with Him. He is the only one out of the two that can love unconditionally, that sees more of me than I do myself. He is the one I will spend the rest of my life with. 

My relationship with Christ is far greater and more important than the one I have with G. 

As The Lord and I were spending time together He was telling me that I have been putting more into G than Him. That needs to change. 

My relationship with Christ should be the first and most important relationship in my life and my relationship with G is the added benefit and blessing from Christ.

The more I love and serve Christ the more I will express that love in my relationship with G.

I am always learning, but this lesson might be one of my favorite. 

I love when Jesus shows me in very visual ways the joy and benefit of our relationship and how, through our relationship, my other relationships will thrive, strengthen and grow. 

My prayer and desire is for my relationship with Christ to be so strong, that it is seen through my earthly relationships, especially in my marriage.

Let Your Worth Be Found In Jesus

"So God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them."…Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way." Genesis 1:27;31

As He began creating you, He had your purpose in mind. He focused on every detail and found joy in them all.

His love for you is immeasurable, undesirable, and often incomprehensible.

When He formed you, He placed His image within you. Thus, making you of great value and worth.

You have been marked by the Most Holy God!

His desire for you began before a single day of your life had passed.

His gift of life, came in the form of His Son, Jesus who gave up His own life for you.

You will never receive a greater gift.

God didn't stop there, to ensure you knew just how loved, valued and of worth you are, He left us His Word and the Holy Spirit.

His Word reveals His promises. The Holy Spirit in us confirms those promises.

His Word sets boundaries of protection. The Holy Spirit ensures we stay within those boundaries.

His Word reveals His love. The Holy Spirit confirms that love.

His Word gives us hope, comfort and guidance. The Holy Spirit reminds us of His promises to always be with us.

Everything God did, He did with you in mind.

Don't let the world or others tell you anything different. If you need reassurance, study His Word. Let His Word remind you who you are. You are a child of God, formed in His image, created for His purpose, of great value and worth, loved beyond measure, and desired by the Most Holy God who sent His Son to die for you.

Study Psalm 139 and let God lavish His love upon you as He reminds you who He is.

Because He Chose To Be Different

You chose to be different. You chose Jesus. You chose to walk according to the Word even when others and the world said differently. You have led men young and old. Through your love and actions you have taught many of them who Jesus is. You are one of the most respected men because of your love for Christ. You chose to raise your babies in the Word of God and teach them the importance of being men of courage, love, and men of integrity who are passionate about Jesus. There are many men, many dads, but you my love are a rare one. You are amazing. Your love for Jesus is contagious. Your love for us is astounding, breath-taking and marvelous. Thank you for choosing Jesus. Thank you for teaching our boys the most important things, to love Christ first, your family second, and others third.

Ladies

Ladies, is your relationship with Christ at a point,  if you were completely alone you would still know who you are in Him?

Is your relationship solid enough, you can stand in confidence because of it?

My Description of Christ in Flesh

If I were to describe Jesus in flesh, I would describe you. You are a man of integrity, honesty, love, devotion, faithfulness and compassion. 

You have shown me why serving Jesus is the greatest and best joy of my life.

You have taught me how to be a woman who loves and respects my husband. Your love for us can't be explained. 

You have shown and taught us the importance of serving others and how that is one of the greatest ways to reflect and point others to Christ.

Your love for mama is indescribable. 

There is not a person on earth that does not love and respect you. 

You have been the most loving, comforting and merciful daddy. 

My words will NEVER be able to express how amazing you are and how much I love you. 

Thank you, daddy for showing me Jesus. Thank you, daddy for always encouraging me to grow in my walk. Thank you, daddy for never giving up on me. Thank you for teaching me the importance of a personal relationship with Christ. 

You are the perfect picture of my Heavenly Father in flesh and I am ever so grateful to be your baby! 

I will always be your baby who is passionately in love with you. 

Thank you for the countless hours you have spent in prayer for me over the last 34 years. 

You are extremely loved and adored. Every day I get with you here is an absolute treasure and gift. I am better because of your daily love.

Choose the High Road

"Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated." Proverbs 14:17

Do you attack others because they aren't doing what you want or saying what you want them to say, OR have they truly done something that has offended you?

This is a question that requires real honesty before The Lord, all of which not many will admit.

More times than not we turn our selfishness and frustrations onto others to try and ease the convictions of our own downfalls. 

Before you react to someones short temper and harsh remarks, take a moment and evaluate the situation. Then ask them, "Are you frustrated because I am not responding or doing what you want or have I truly offended you in some way."

If it's because of their own selfishness, don't respond any further. If you have truly offended them, let the Holy Spirit confirm it, and then apologize immediately. 

This will produce a peacemaker within you rather than one who stirs up more dissension by fighting back. 

Remember, Jesus chose the higher road and so should we. Be the bigger person and hold your tongue and create peace.