No Straddling Allowed

When lines are drawn and sides are picked, which side will you stand on?

The side of Christ or the side of the world? 

There can be no straddling of the line. 

Revelation 3:16-"But since you are like lukewarmwater, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!" 

Your Words Expose the Real You

If you knew your words were being recorded, would you still say the things you did?

Would you still speak those hurtful words if you knew they would be shared with all your friends and family? Would you still speak those words if you knew they would be played for your church to hear?

Would you still speak those words, if you knew it would expose who you really are?

Your words might not be recorded but they are heard. The Lord hears them and in time you will be held accountable for every word spoken.

Your intentions for saying the things you did, do and will, He knows.

Before you even speak them, He knows your true intentions.

He knows if you intended to hurt others, cause controversy or stir up dissension. He knows why you spoke them, whether it was out of anger, jealous, spite or insecurity.

Not only does Jesus know the real you, but so do the people who are closest to you.

You might be able wear many disguises, but the Lord sees and knows the real you.

"A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." Matthew 12:35-37


Believe as though every word you say is recorded and set to play for all to hear. For then maybe you will be mindful of the impact they will have on others and you on the day of judgement. 

The Starting Point

How would you answer that question? Where did you find the answer? Were you told who He was when you were younger? Does your answer come from the answer you heard in Church?

OR

Did you find your answer from opening God's Word and searching the truth for yourself?

I pray your answer is the latter one.

I pray your faith and personal relationship with Christ began when you sought the answer for yourself, by searching the Word of God. 

It's the only place to find the true answer. It's the only place that will deepen your relationship with Him. 

The only way to grow in your relationship is to invest in it. You can't depend on others to do it for you. Not your Pastor, Youth Minister, family, or friends, only YOU! 

The starting point for you faith begins by answering this question. 

The starting point in your relationship with Christ begins when you search the truth of who He is. 

Happy Searching Sweet Peas! 

Exodus 5-Outline

Exodus 5-Study Notes

Study: Exodus 5

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-Joy. Prayer. Thankfulness

Learn-Moses’ First Encounter with Pharaoh

            ***As you read Chapter 5 and the rest of Exodus I want you to mark in your Bibles or somewhere every time Moses asks Pharaoh to let the people go. We will discuss the meaning of this later on. ***

v Exodus 5

o   In this chapter we are going to focus on 4 things as we study.

§  1. Obedience

§  2. Persistence

§  3. Suffering

§  4. The Source

v 1. Obedience

o   Exodus 5:1-2

§  Refer back to Exodus 3:16-18. What did God command Moses to do?

·       

·      According to Exodus 5:1-2 how did Moses show his obedience to God?

o   Read Psalm 37:23-24. In what ways did God fulfill this promise to Moses? (Re-read Exodus 3 and 4 then re-read Exodus 5 to see how God directed Moses’ every step.)

o   List 5 specific steps God gives Moses prior to Chapter 5.

o   1.

o   2.

o   3.

o   4.

o   5.

·      How does this reveal the truth of God’s promise in Psalm 37:23-24?

·      Why does God require obedience?

·      What response did Moses receive from Pharaoh? (Exodus 5:2) Why?

v 2.  Persistence

o   Exodus 5:3-5

§  Why were Moses and Aaron so persistent?

§  Why is it important to God that we be persistent in our faith, obedience, and telling others about Christ?

·      Read Matthew 7:7-8 what benefits do we receive in being persistent?

·      Now read Luke 18:1-8-What does God teach you about the persistent widow?

·      In what three areas do we grow in, when we stay persistent in prayer?

o   1.

o   2.

o   3.

§  What point does the Lord make through Pharaoh?

·      What lesson can we learn from his response?

v 3. Suffering

o   Exodus 5:6-18

§  Suffering comes in all different forms and for many different reasons.  What caused the Israelites even greater suffering?

·      The Lord knew the demand Pharaoh would place upon the Israelites, yet He allowed it. This can be a scary revelation for many Christians. Yet, one that instills a greater sense of trust in God. It can also reveal the true heart of man who endures suffering.

·      List every demand that was placed upon them and the suffering that occurred due to the strict demand.

o    

o    

o    

o    

·      How did the Israelites respond?

·      How do you respond in times of suffering? What would be revealed about you?

There has never been a greater suffering than the one Jesus endured for us. Flip over to Isaiah 53.

            How did Jesus react during His time of suffering?

            If we are to be like Christ in all ways, what is the greatest lesson we can learn from Christ’s example?

            How can these passages encourage us during times of suffering?

During times of suffering, seek the Lord and let Him reveal the truth of why you are suffering. Is it because of sin or because of your obedience to stand up and out for Christ?

v 4. The Source

o   Exodus 5:19-23

§  During times of suffering and hardship do you turn to man first or God first?

§  Who was the first person the Israelite foremen turned to?

§  According to their response in verse 21, what was the outcome from their meeting with Pharaoh?

§  Who did Moses turn to?

·      There are two things Moses did in his meeting with God.

o   1. He questioned God

o   2. He doubted God.

·      According to James 1:2-4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 what should our response be?

Three things to apply from this chapter

1.    When we encounter situations similar to Moses’ we need to let God deal with the consequences of our obedience to Him. 

2.    Let even our RE-actions be godly

3.    Psalm 37:23-24-“The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Be blessed sweet ones!

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28 Warning Signs

When you come to the realization that your feelings have way more control than they should, it brings a sense of urgency to make some changes.


Some of the warning signs your feelings are in control.


1. Your moody


2. Your fickle-EXTREMELY fickle


3. You let your emotions do the speaking


4. Your irritable


5. Your short tempered


6. Your easily angered


7. You can love on your family one minute and be a bear the next


8. You lack mercy


9. You show too much mercy


10. You hold on to past wrongs, waaaaayyyyyyyyyy toooooooooo loooooooooooooooong!


11. Your constantly up and down


12. You beat yourself up


13. You are too over confident


14. You buy on impulse


15. Your eating habits are poor


16. You become lazy


17. You over commit yourself


18. Your husband walks on egg shells


19. Your husband is confused


20. Your husband wonders if you're bi polar :)


21. You question your sanity


22. You question God's promises


23. You doubt your salvation


24. You have trust issues


25. You frequently ask God where He is


26. You read only the passages in the Bible that make you feel good or give you ammo.


27. You justify your actions


28. You feed your flesh


and the warning signs go on and on and on.


So how does one gain back control? By giving up complete control, and not to your feelings, but to God.


You run to the foot of the Cross, fall flat on your face, confess your absolute need for Jesus, relinquish all control, and ask Him to transform your way of thinking, which in return will begin to change the way you feel. Will your selfish feelings go away, probably not, but they will begin to lessen as you trust God.


You have the choice every second to choose who you will allow to be in control, your feelings or the Holy Spirit.


It's not going to be easy, but it is possible and you are able to overcome them. Remember, one of Satan's greatest accomplishments is getting a stronghold on our weaknesses, and for some, our greatest weakness is our feelings.


When we wrap ourselves in God's truth, and I mean literally bathing ourselves in His Word, we will begin to see a change take place.


A very needed change!


We have to start believing God's promises and stop believing and listening to the world.


We also have to know the difference between the Holy Spirit's leading and teaching verse our feelings. Let God give you discernment in this area, pray for wisdom to know the difference.


If you struggle with your thoughts and feelings, start writing out and speaking God's promises over yourself and do it daily. Find an accountability partner who will pray for you, encourage you,  keep you accountable, and speak truth into you.


"We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way." James 3:2

Embracing the New

Your beginning your second week of Kindergarten and it hasn't gotten any easier to drop you off. I am thankful for the mornings we get together, and I am even more grateful for the fact you are still proud to be my baby. Your kisses and hugs still overwhelm me with the greatest joy. I often can't believe the Lord would honor me in such a way.

We have already hit a few rough patches, but nothing so major we can't overcome. Sweet boy, you are going to have a wonderful year. I am excited to watch you grow. As hard as this new season is for me, I know it is necessary, so I will embrace it, cling to Jesus, and praise Him for being side by side with you always.

It gives me peace and comfort knowing you are not alone. I love the fact that Jesus never leaves your side. I hope you will grow to love that fact just as much, and that it will bring you great joy and peace the rest of your life.

Jesus fill him with a joy for learning. Teach him the importance of listening and obeying but more than that, teach him his greatest role, sharing who You are, Your Word. May he reflect You through his actions, speech, attitude, thoughts and behavior. Set him apart for Your glory. 

Fill him with wisdom beyond his years, give him a desire to learn, and a passion for more of You. 

Jesus protect him, his health, his mind, his heart, his thoughts, and the things he sees. Use him in ways only You can. Thank You for loving him, guiding him, and always being side by side with him. 

Thank You for the privilege of being his mommy. May I set a godly example that leaves a lasting impression and legacy for him and his brother. Jesus teach them both what true humility looks like and fill them with the desire to obtain pure wisdom from heaven. Thank You that Your mercies begin afresh each new day. Thank You that Your protection goes beyond what we can see. Thank You for giving us Your Word to learn, know, and grow closer to You. Put us aside Jesus so others can see and know You. Amen

Exodus 4-Outline

PAGES 1 & 2 ARE YOUR REFERENCE PAGES. THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE YOUR OUTLINE.

Study: Exodus 4-

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-Joy. Prayer. Thankfulness

Learn-God’s Power

v Exodus 4:1-17

o   As you study Exodus 4:1-17, I want you to focus on five things.

§  1. The Excuse

§  2. The Lord’s response

§  3. The command

§  4.The sign

§  5. The benefit

o   Then I want you to apply each of these to your life, by asking yourself the following questions.

§  What are some of my excuses?

§  What is the root of my excuse?

·      Is it fear, doubt, insecurity or the feeling of inadequacy?

§  What does God say about fear, doubt, insecurity and inadequacy? (This is where I want you to dig into God’s Word.)

v Exodus 4:18-31

o   As you study Exodus 4:18-31, I want you to focus on these three things.

§  1. The command

§  2. The provision

§  3. The reason

o    

Let’s do a couple of verses together, then I want you to do the rest on your own.

Exodus 4:1-5

1. What was Moses’ excuse?

§  They won’t believe me. They won’t do what I tell them. They’ll just say the Lord never appeared to you.

·      Why did Moses feel this way?

·      Did he have any proof or reason to feel this way?

o   2.  How did the Lord Respond?

o   3. What command did the Lord give Moses?

§   

o   4. What did God do with the Staff?

§   

o   5. What would be the benefit of this sign?

§  Verse 5-They would believe what the Lord told him.

v What excuses have I given God?

o   1.

o   2.

o   3.

v What is the root of each of these excuses?

o    

v What does God’s Word tell me about ________________

o   How can I claim God’s promise?

EXODUS 4:6-9

1.    What was Moses’ excuse? (Refer back to verse 1)

a.      

2.    What was God’s Response?

3.    What command did the Lord give Moses?

4.    What Miraculous Sign Did God perform?

a. How would this particular sign catch the Israelites attention? Why?

5.    What would be the benefit of this sign?

EXODUS 4:10-12

1.    What was Moses’ excuse? (Refer back to verse 1)

a.      

2.    What was God’s Response?

3.    What command did the Lord give Moses?

4.    What Miraculous Sign Did God perform?

a. How would this particular sign catch the Israelites attention? Why?

5.    What would be the benefit of this sign?

EXODUS 4:13-17

1.    What was Moses’ excuse? (Refer back to verse 1)

a.      

2.    What was God’s Response?

3.    What command did the Lord give Moses?

4.    What Miraculous Sign Did God perform?

a. How would this particular sign catch the Israelites attention? Why?

5.    What would be the benefit of this sign?

Bonus Question-What was the importance and significance of the Shepherds Staff?

a.     What benefits would Moses receive carrying the Shepherd’s Staff?

b.    What benefits does God’s Word give you today?

Application

**Do this page last***

v What excuses have I given God?

o   1.

o   2.

o   3.

v What is the root of each of these excuses?

o   Fear

o   Doubt

o   Insecurity

o   Lack of knowledge

v What does God’s Word tell me about ________________ (list the root)

o   How can I claim God’s promise and remove the excuse?

Prayer: Jesus forgive me for making excuses. Show me the root of my excuse so I can lay at your feet and pick up Your promises. Jesus I want to be used by You. Help me to trust in You and Your Word and ignore the lies Satan tries to throw at me. Amen

EXODUS 4:18-31

v Why was it important for Moses to ask Jethro for permission to return to Egypt?

List each command, Provision and Benefit God gave Moses.

-Verse 19-

The Command-

The Provision-

The Benefit-

-Verse 21-23

           

            The Command-

The Provision-

The Benefit-

                      -Verse 24-26

                                    The Command-

The Provision-

The Benefit-

               -Verse 27-28

                                    The Command-

The Provision-

The Benefit-

                 -Verse 29-31

                        The Command-

The Provision-

The Benefit-

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