YE3H.1 · Activity Page
Exodus 1:8-22
Exodus 2:1-10
Psalm 34:6-8
Psalm 41:1-2
Psalm 107:13-15
Psalm 119:132-135
2 Timothy 1:9
Hebrews 11:23-27
PITCH - a black sticky waterproof substance
POPULATION GROWTH - an increase in the number of people living in an area
TASKMASTER- one who forces other people to work
VOLUME- the loudness of sound or quantity of something
Cameron stood looking at the blackboard in confusion.The coach drew x's and o's all over it. Arrows and lines crisscrossed each other. How could he ever make heads or tails of such a jumbled mess? The coach knew exactly what each × and o represented. The lines and arrows were all part of his game plan. It was Cameron's responsibility to work with the game plan to help the team win the big game.
God had a plan for Moses' life, too. It didn't always make sense to people looking on. But, God knew exactly what He was doing.
The Israelites were living in Egypt as slaves. The new Pharaoh didn't know Joseph or his family. He only saw that the Israelite people were growing in numbers. Soon Egypt would have more Israelites than Egyptians. And, what would happen if Egypt went to war? He was afraid the Israelites might join in with Egypt's enemies. So, Pharaoh started making life even harder for God's people. He set taskmasters over them. These taskmasters made the people work very hard. They often beat the Israelites with whips. But God continued to bless and strengthen the Israelites.
Pharaoh was an evil man. He ordered all Israelite boy babies to be thrown into the Nile River where crocodiles lived. It meant certain death for the babies and an end to the population growth. Killing little innocent babies is something God hates. But, God had other plans. In the end He would win over Pharaoh.
Jochebed loved her beautiful newborn baby boy very much. She just couldn't let him be thrown in the river for the crocodiles to kill and eat. So, Jochebed made preparations to protect her baby. As he grew, his crying became louder and louder. She feared that soldiers might find him and Jochebed knew she had to let him go.
But before she let him go, as a loving mother she wanted to make every effort to try to make sure he was safe. Jochebed made a little basket for her baby. She covered it inside and out with pitch to make it waterproof. Then she placed her baby in this basket boat and put it in the river! Oh, she was careful to put it in the tall grass near the shore. And, she left the baby's sister, Miriam, to watch over her precious boy.
Pharaoh's daughter came down to the river to bathe. While she and her servant girls were wading they heard a baby. Then the princess saw the basket. She sent a servant to get the basket from the tall grass. She opened the basket and found the baby crying. She knew it was an Israelite baby, but she felt sorry for him.
Miriam saw what was happening. She asked, "Do you want me to find someone to take care of the baby for you?” She ran and got the baby’s own mother. But Pharaoh's daughter didn't know that Jochebed was the baby's mother. Jochebed took the baby home and took care of him for the princess. Wasn't it wonderful how God protected this baby? God saw to it that he was safely home in his mother's arms.
When the baby grew older, Jochebed took him to the princess. He became her son. She named him Moses because she pulled him out of the water. (Moses means “to pull out.”) As Moses grew, he had all the education, privileges, and importance of being the son of the Egyptian princess.
It’s an important lesson for us to learn: Pharaoh had an evil plan - he wanted to kill the Israelite babies. But God had a plan for all of the Israelites. He had promised Abraham that his descendants would dwell in a foreign country for 400 years, but then God would rescue them from slavery and bring them back to the land given to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-16).
Jochebed likely would have known this promise. She believed that God would take care of her baby. God did take care of Moses - in an amazing way! Because Moses was raised as the son of the Egyptian princess, he was taught things that would help him free God’s people.
God has a plan for all of us if we will just ask Him to show it to us. His plan for your life is written in His Book - the Bible. He gives instructions on how you should live. He tells what is good for you and what is bad. He tells us that we must not kill. This includes babies who are born and those who are not yet born. They are God's children too. He tells how you can become a part of His family. Your responsibility is to live your life according to God's plan - to follow it. You can be a winner by following God's game plan for your life.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I'm glad you had a plan for Moses' life. Your plan is always better than anything man can come up with. Help me learn what you have planned for me and to live my life according to your plan.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 107:13-15
Monday - Psalm 34:6-8
Tuesday - Psalm 41:1-2
Wednesday - Exodus 2:1-6
Thursday - Exodus 2:7-10
Friday - Hebrews 11:23-27
Saturday - Psalm 119:132-135
Exodus 2:11-22
Psalm 37:7-11
Psalm 145:8-9
Proverbs 15:1-3
Proverbs 15:18
Proverbs 16:32
Proverbs 22:24-25
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Matthew 5:21-22
Ephesians 4:26
Ephesians 4:30-31
Hebrews 11:24-26
ERUPTED - to explode, to burst out
LASH OUT - to speak angrily, to strike out violently
LUXURY - enjoying the best, most expensive things
QUOTA - the specific number assigned
The students in Mrs. Murphy's class were watching a science film. Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted. Red hot lava exploded from the top of the volcano. It was a fiery display. The steaming river of ooze burned trees and grass and threatened to wipe out houses and even towns.The destructive power of the volcano left black scars across the land.
Anger is much like a volcano. It often explodes in a display of emotion. It oozes into our homes and affects our families. Its hateful words burn as we lash out at others. Anger is destructive. It hurts the one who is angry and the one to whom the anger is directed. And anger leaves ugly scars.
Moses grew up in Pharaoh's palace. Pharaoh's daughter, a princess, found him as a baby. She took him home and raised him as her own son. He had the finest education. He became well-known in Egypt. Moses, the man, looked and sounded like an Egyptian. But his heart was not Egyptian. Moses knew that his real people were Israelite slaves who were suffering.
The taskmasters were cruel. They required the slaves to make bricks. Then they took away the materials needed to make the bricks. They forced the Israelites to find their own straw needed to make bricks. And when the quota of bricks was not met on time, the taskmasters beat the Israelites with a whip.
One day, Moses decided to leave the safety and luxury of the palace. He went out to visit his own people, the Israelites. He saw the terrible conditions they were under. During his visit he saw an Egyptian knock a Hebrew to the ground - one of his own Hebrew brothers! “How could he do such a thing to another human?” Moses thought. He looked around to see if anyone was watching. Anger was boiling in Moses' heart! He killed the Egyptian and buried his body in the sand.
The next day Moses saw two Israelites arguing. Moses tried to break up the fight. They questioned Moses’ authority, “Who made you a rule and judge over us?” Then they let Moses know that they saw him kill the Egyptian. Moses’ anger and the ugly scar it left had become known.
Pharaoh heard what had happened. Now his anger began to spill out. "How could Moses turn his back on all l've done for him?" Pharaoh was so angry, he wanted to kill Moses!
Moses ran away from Pharaoh, the Egyptian palace, its riches, and the fame. Anger had left ugly scars on Moses, on Egypt, and on the Israelites.
When you are angry, do you explode like the Kilauea volcano? Do you erupt with angry words? Do those angry words burn and hurt the feelings of others? Does your anger spread to others like the hot lava?
Once a volcano erupts, there is no stopping the destruction. And, if you let your anger explode, it will also do a lot of damage.The solution is not to let anger explode!
Your memory verse says, “A man who is patient calms things down." It says in Ephesians, "Don't give the devil a chance . . . Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage." Replace anger with forgiveness. Let God turn that anger into patience and kindness. You'll be surprised how things will calm down!
People like friends who are kind, helpful, patient, and happy. Do you want lots of friends? Think about this when you become angry and put a smile on your face. Ask God to help you be a loving, forgiving, and kind friend.
The easiest place to lose your temper is in your own home. Your Mom and Dad have done more for you than anyone else. Speaking kindly to your siblings won't hurt your tongue. And remember anger leaves ugly scars. Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. God loves them too.
Dear Father in Heaven,
You made volcanos, with all of their power. You also made me. But, you don’t want me to blow my top like a volcano. Help me replace my anger with forgiveness. Give me patience, and kindness instead of anger.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 145:8-9
Monday - Proverbs 15:1-3
Tuesday - Proverbs 16:32
Wednesday - Ecclesiastes 7:9
Thursday - Ephesians 4:30-31
Friday - Proverbs 22:24-25
Saturday - Matthew 5:21-22
Exodus 2:11-25
Exodus 3:1-22
Exodus 4:1-31
Psalm 25:1-5
Psalm 37:34
Isaiah 40:28-31
Matthew 6:33
Philippians 1:6
HOREB - rugged mountain range in the southern Sinai Peninsula between the two arms of the Red Sea
REPENT - to feel sorry for and change your actions
SIDETRACK - to switch from the main track to one along side
Roger and his family were riding through the country in the car. They came to a railroad crossing. Roger saw a train ahead, but it wasn’t moving. He heard the engines running as they drove past. Roger asked, "Why is that train just sitting there not moving?" His dad explained that sometimes trains had to be switched to sidetracks to allow other trains to pass.
“I don’t think I would like to sit on a sidetrack and watch other trains pass me by," said Roger. "I like to move and go fast!" But, then his dad told him the sidetracks were necessary. If one train didn't give way for the other one to pass there could be a terrible wreck. Somewhere in a terminal a dispatcher was keeping track of all the trains. He knew where they were all going. It was the dispatcher's job to say which trains should wait on the sidetrack. He knew what was best.
After Moses killed the Egyptian, he ran away from Pharaoh and Egypt. He wanted to get far away. So he ran into the desert of Midian. Tired from his trip, Moses sat down by a well. After a while the daughters of a priest of Midian came to the well. They came to get water for their sheep to drink.
Then shepherds came with their flocks. They started chasing away the sheep that belonged to the priest. Moses came to the girls' rescue. He helped them give water to their sheep. They took Moses home to meet their father. Moses stayed with the priest and married one of his daughters.
One day Moses took a flock of sheep into the desert near the mountains of Horeb. He stopped dead in his tracks! In front of him, a bush was on fire. An Angel of God appeared to Moses out of this burning bush. Even though the bush burned. it was not burning up. Moses wanted to get a closer look at this bush.
Then a voice called to Moses from the bush. It was the voice of God! "Don't come any closer. Take off your sandals. This place is holy ground,” the voice of God told him. Moses couldn't look at the bush when he knew it was God speaking to him. He was afraid.
God told Moses He had seen how the Israelites were mistreated in Egypt. He felt sorry for them. God said He would take the Israelites out of Egypt and give them a wonderful, large land of their own that flowed with milk and honey. Then God said He was going to send Moses to Pharaoh, to demand that he let Moses lead His people out of Egypt.
Moses asked, "Who am ? I How can I go and tell Pharaoh to let the people go?" But, God promised that He would go with Moses to help him.
Moses had a shepherd's rod in his hand. God told him to throw it down on the ground, and he did. To Moses' surprise it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it! God told Him to grab it by the tail and when he did it became a rod again. Moses didn't think the Israelites would believe him- he didn't feel that he was the man for this very big job. God always knows best. He told Moses to throw down his rod in front of the Israelites and it would again become a serpent. "This will make the Israelites know that I have appeared to you," God told him.
Moses still wasn't happy doing what God told Him to do. He wanted to get Sidetracked and forgotten about. But God told him to go back and tell the Israelites that their fathers’ God had sent him. While the Israelites were in Egypt, they had forgotten the true God. So God told Moses to go back and explain how the true God had appeared to him in a burning bush. Moses still wasn't happy doing the job God wanted him to do. So he pled with God, “Please send someone else." Now God had heard enough excuses from Moses. And God got angry with Moses for not doing what He told him to do. But even though God was angry, He agreed to help Moses. He said that He would send Moses' brother, Aaron, along with him to do the talking to Pharaoh. This job was so important that God wasn't going to let Moses get Sidetracked. So God promised Moses that He would help him and Aaron every step of the way.
When Moses killed the Egyptian, he thought he was helping the Israelites. He didn't want them to be mistreated. There were some things Moses needed to learn. God is our Dispatcher. He knows when it's best for us to be Sidetracked and when we shouldn't be.
God does things in His own time. He knows what is best for us, just like the dispatcher knows what is best for the trains. When God tells us to wait, it is for our own good. If the train refused to wait on the sidetrack, what could happen? There most likely would be a wreck. And, when we want things our own way, it could be bad. When God says "Wait," He may want you on a sidetrack to teach you something! We must always be ready to do or go where God wants us to.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I'm glad you are in control.You know what is best for me, even when I want to rush and do things my own way. Help me learn to wait. Teach me to do things your way and in your time.
In Jesus' name.
Amen
Sunday - Philippians 1:6
Monday - Exodus 2:11-15
Tuesday - Exodus 2:16-22
Wednesday - Exodus 3:1-6
Thursday - Exodus 3:7-10
Friday - Isaiah 40:28-31
Saturday - Psalm 25:1-5
Exodus 6:6-8
Exodus 7:1-25
Exodus 8:1-32
Exodus 9:1-35
Exodus 10:1-29
Deuteronomy 11:1-3
1 Thessalonians 5:24
James 1:12
IMPRESSED- strongly affected
PLAGUE - to torment with a calamity, like sickness
Scott loved football! Now he had a chance to play on a real team. There was practice every day after school. Running laps was hot, hard work. The equipment was hot and heavy. Scott often came home sore and bruised. Sometimes he wondered if all the work was worth it. But he didn't give up!
God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and say, “God said, ‘Let my people go into the wilderness to worship me.’” Moses didn’t want to do that. He made excuses. He told God that he couldn’t speak very well. He said that Pharaoh wouldn’t listen to him. God promised to be with Moses. He sent Moses’ brother, Aaron, to speak for him. God took away all his excuses.
Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh and said, “God said, ‘Let my people go into the wilderness to worship me.’” But Pharaoh refused to obey God. He didn’t believe in God. Instead of letting the Israelites go, Pharaoh made life harder for them. He demanded they make more bricks and made them find their own straw to do it. Even his own people were angry with Moses.
Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh again - this time with a miracle! God told Moses to throw down his rod before Pharaoh. When he did, it turned into a snake. But, Pharaoh was not impressed. His magicians were able to do the same trick. Then to show God's power, Moses' snake ate up all the other snakes. It was no trick!
The next day God sent Moses to Pharaoh again - this time with a warning and a plague! Moses said, "Let the Israelites go or your water will turn to blood." Again, Pharaoh refused. When Moses held his rod over the Nile River, all the water in the river turned to blood.The water in the lakes turned to blood. There was no water anywhere for the people or animals to drink. But Pharaoh still refused to let the people go.
Again God sent Moses to Pharaoh. This time He sent a plague of frogs to the land of Egypt. They were in their beds and their food. They were in the ovens and the cupboards. Frogs were everywhere!
Pharaoh wanted the frogs gone. He said, "I'll let the people go if you will get rid of the frogs." Moses prayed to God and the frogs died. Now there were piles of dead frogs everywhere. Pharaoh changed his mind. He refused to let the people go.
God sent Moses to Pharaoh again. Moses must have thought, "What's the use? He won’t listen to me." But, the next plague was worse. God told Moses to hit the ground with his rod, and the dust turned into lice! Itchy, crawly, biting bugs! People scratched. Animals scratched. But, still Pharaoh wouldn't listen.
God sent flies to Egypt - thousands and thousands of flies! They were in all the houses. They were even in the palace. But there were no flies where the Israelites lived. God protected His people. Pharaoh swatted at the flies and said he would let the people go. But he lied!
Then the animals got very sick and started dying. Next the people and animals got big sores all over their bodies. But Pharaoh’s heart was still hard against God. Hail was the next plague God sent. It beat on the houses, plants, and animals. Fire mixed with the hail. Pharaoh said, “That’s enough! I’ll let you go.” But he lied.
God wanted Pharaoh to know that He had sent the plagues on Egypt. This time He sent locusts. They were like big, fat grasshoppers! They ate everything green in the gardens and trees. There was nothing left to eat. Even the houses were filled with the hopping critters! Pharaoh's heart was hardened again.
The ninth plague was the worst of all. God told Moses to hold his rod toward the heavens. Egypt became dark. People couldn't even see their hands in front of their faces. There was no light in the houses or anywhere for three days. It was terrible! Pharaoh got mad and threatened to kill Moses.
The job God set before Moses wasn’t easy. His own people had gotten mad at him. The Egyptians had gotten mad at him. Pharaoh wouldn't listen to him. But Moses didn't give up. He knew God was in control, and God wasn't done yet. We will read about an even worse plague to come in our next lesson.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me not be stubborn like Pharaoh, but listen and obey you - even when the going gets tough. I know you are in control of everything. And you know what is best for me.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Exodus 6:6-8
Monday - Exodus 7:2-4
Tuesday - Exodus 7:17-18
Wednesday - Exodus 8:5-6
Thursday - Exodus 8:16-18
Friday - 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Saturday - Deuteronomy 11:1-3
Exodus 11:1-10
Exodus 12:1-30
John 1:29
Romans 6:23
Ephesians 1:6-7
2 Thessalonians 1:6
Hebrews 2:2-3
Hebrews 10:30-31
1 Peter 1:17-19
CONSEQUENCES - the results for one's actions
DELIBERATELY - carefully planned out, on purpose
DETENTION - punishment of having to stay after school
SACRIFICE - an offering given to God
YEAST - used in bread to make it rise
Robert sat outside the principal's office. He was nervous and trying not to cry. He knew he was in big trouble. His teacher warned Robert about picking on the girls in his class. But, Robert didn't listen. One day he took Susan's lunch and ate it. The next day he called Betty names and made her cry. Then today Robert took his pen and wrote in Marianne's math book. Now he had to face the music!
Robert needed to learn an important lesson - our actions carry consequences.When we deliberately disobey rules, punishment will follow. A letter was sent home to Robert's parents. The principal made Robert apologize to all three girls.One day he had to buy lunch for Susan. Robert had to pay for a new math book for Marianne. And he had detention for two weeks. Robert learned his lesson and promised to stop picking on people.
Pharaoh had been like Robert - he didn't listen. Now it was time to face the consequences. God told Moses to strike the water in the Nile and it would change to blood. The very first plague God sent on Egypt was turning the Nile River into blood. Do you remember in Lesson One how Pharaoh demanded that every boy baby be thrown into the Nile River? This river was home to crocodiles and it meant certain death to these babies. God didn't forget this evil crime. Do you think God will forget a little innocent baby being killed or when a mother has her unborn baby killed?The Bible says that children are a gift from God that we should thank Him for. We should appreciate them. And we should take care of them.
Pharaoh still didn't listen to Moses and Aaron. He wouldn't let the Israelites go into the desert to worship Him with a Feast. Seven days after the Nile turned to blood, God sent a plague of frogs. Then He sent a plague of gnats and then flies.Then God sent a plague on all of the Egyptian animals, but not on one of the Israelites' animals. The next plague God sent was painful boils on the Egyptians and their animals. Pharaoh still hardened his heart and would not let God's people go. So God sent a plague of hail, then locusts. He made everything as dark as midnight without a moon or stars. After sending nine awful plagues, stubborn Pharaoh still hardened his heart and wouldn't let them go.
God gave Pharaoh nine chances to obey - but he refused. But God was not finished. This time God sent the most terrible judgment on all of Egypt. He sent the Destroyer into the land. Every firstborn male child and animal would die - even in the palace of Pharaoh! God had a plan to protect His people. But, they had to obey Him in order to be safe.
God was ready for the Israelites to leave Egypt. He gave instructions to Moses, and Moses told the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for clothes and costly gold and silver jewelry.The Egyptians gladly gave these things to them. There had been so many plagues. The Egyptians had grown tired of them and wanted the Israelites out of their land - now!
Moses told the Israelites to sacrifice a perfect lamb and sprinkle some of the blood over the top and on the sides of their doorways. This must have seemed like a strange thing to do. But, God's people obeyed.
What a terrible night for the Egyptians! There was crying in all of Egypt. The Destroyer had passed through. In every house without the blood of a lamb on the doorway, the firstborn animals and male child in each family were dead.
Pharaoh woke up in the night. His firstborn son was dead. He was angry and called for Moses. He said, "Get out of here! You and the Israelites, leave my people! Go. Worship the Lord, just as you have asked.”
At first, Pharaoh didn't believe in God. He even made fun of God by having his magicians try to do the same miracles Moses did. But now he saw God's power. God had saved the Israelites alive while the firstborn Egyptians died. "It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God." The consequence for not obeying God was death. But the reward for obeying is life!
A perfect lamb had to die so the Israelites could live. That lamb's blood was used to save the lives of the Israelites. This was God's plan.
God has a plan for you, too. He wants you to live with Him forever in His Kingdom. But, because of sin a Perfect Lamb had to die. That Lamb was Jesus. His blood was shed as payment for your sins. Just as the Israelites had to obey, you must obey. You must believe that Jesus died for you. You must admit that you have sinned. And, you must ask God to forgive your sins and believe that He will. Then, God will help you obey Him.
God wants us to remember this night. He told the Israelites to roast the lamb and eat it with bread made without yeast. God said to eat this special Passover meal every year forever! It is a reminder to Israelites and to Christians of God’s power and what He did that night.
Dear Father in Heaven,
Help me learn to obey you so I will not suffer the consequences.Thank you for sending your Son as the Lamb to take away my sins. May I remember what you did each time we celebrate the Passover.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Romans 6:23
Monday - 2 Thessalonians 1:6
Tuesday - Hebrews 2:2-3
Wednesday - Ephesians 1:6-7
Thursday - 1 Peter 1:18-19
Friday - Exodus 12:12-13
Saturday- John 1:29
Exodus 12:1-51
Numbers 23:19
Romans 4:20-21
2 Corinthians 1:20-22
2 Timothy 1:9
Hebrews 6:18
2 Peter 1:4
2 Peter 3:8-14
Jude 1:5
COVENANT - an agreement, a pact
DESCENDANTS - children, grandchildren, and so on, born to a family
DESTINY - fate, something that is predetermined to happen
FAMINE - a severe shortage of food
TREATY- a formal agreement between nations
The battles had been fierce. Many thousands of lives were lost on both sides. But in the end, a peace treaty was signed between Mexico and the United States. Mexico agreed to turn over the lands of California, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, parts of Colorado and Wyoming to the U.S. The treaty established the Rio Grande River as the official boundary between Mexico and the U.S. It also granted Texas the right to choose its own destiny in becoming part of the United States.
A peace treaty is a pact or agreement between governments, signed by officials of those governments agreeing to the terms written in the treaty. A treaty is a promise these terms will be kept.
Throughout history many treaties have been made. American Indians and Pilgrims agreed to trade, and protect each other from their enemies. We know that some of these treaties were not kept - the promises were broken. But, today's lesson is a success story. Today's promise was made by God - and God keeps His promises!
God made a covenant with Abraham. He told him that he would be the father of many nations and God would give him a land where his descendants could live. God renewed this promise to Abraham's son, Isaac, and to his grandson, Jacob.
Joseph, one of Jacob's sons, was sold by his own brothers. He was taken as a slave to Egypt. But, then famine came to the land. God used Joseph to provide food for his family and all of Egypt. Joseph brought his family to live in Egypt. They lived there for 430 years.
Egypt had a new ruler. He saw how Joseph's family was growing in numbers. He was afraid there would be so many Israelites that they would take over the land. So, he made the Israelites work like slaves. He mistreated them. He even killed the Israelite baby boys in the Nile River. He wanted to find a way to keep these people few enough that he could keep them under his control.
God saw what was happening to His people. He had promised to bless these people and give them their own land - a rich land He had promised. We read in Numbers, "God isn't a mere man. He can’t lie. He isn't a human being. He doesn't change his mind. He speaks, and then he acts. He makes a promise, and then he keeps it." God kept His promise by sending Moses to Pharaoh to tell him, "Let my people go." He kept His promise by sending plagues on Egypt. The plagues kept coming until Pharaoh's hard and stubborn heart was broken and he said the Israelites could at last go out of Egypt and keep a feast to God.
Careful instructions about how to keep the Passover were given by God to Moses. Moses told the people that each family was to choose a perfect year-old male sheep or goat on the tenth of the first month. They were to kill it on the 14th of that month. Some of its blood was to be placed on two side-frames of the door of every home and above the door. The Destroyer would pass over their homes that night. When he saw the blood, all the people in that house would live. If the blood was not there, the firstborn male would die.
Then they were to roast the lamb that night and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Everyone was to eat this Passover meal hurriedly, dressed to travel, with their walking shoes on, and carrying a stick in their hands. God was about to keep His promise and deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. This would be such an important event that God commands His people to celebrate this night year after year even to this day.
After the Passover, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. There were more than 600,000 men, plus women, children, and a mixed multitude, along with their animals! The Israelites had been saved from the cruel Egyptians. God had kept His promise. That night they left Egypt. They marched towards the Promised Land with their unleavened bread dough in a bowl wrapped in spare clothing. They were free at last!
Has anyone ever made you a promise and not kept it? You have probably broken promises, too. Maybe you forgot. Maybe you got too busy. Or, maybe you just lied.Think how perhaps 2.5 million people would have felt if G o d had broken His promise. But, God never breaks His promises. He is not like us. When God says He will do something, you can count on it! You may have to wait a while, like Abraham and the Israelites did. But, God is faithful. He is a Promise Keeper!
Do you keep your promises? How many times have you made a promise to your parents, then broken it? Have you ever made a promise to God, then broken that promise? Maybe you promised to read your Bible every day. Or, maybe you promised to keep God's Sabbath holy. God wants us to keep our promises. He even says that it is better not to make a promise, than to make one and not keep it. Where would the Israelites have been if God had broken His promise? Where would you be if God broke His promises?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for keeping your promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Israelites.You blessed them and made them great. You gave them their own land, like you promised. You keep every promise you make. Help me learn to keep all of my promises.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday - 2 Peter 1:4
Monday - Romans 4:20-21
Tuesday - 2 Peter 3:9-10
Wednesday - 2 Corinthians 1:20-22
Thursday - Jude 1:5
Friday - Hebrews 6:18
Saturday- 2 Timothy 1:9
Exodus 13:1-22
Exodus 14:1-31
Psalm 16:8-9
Psalm 42:5
Psalm 71:12-14
Proverbs 10:27-30
Lamentations 3:24-26
Romans 5:3-4
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Hebrews 11:1
EXODUS - going out, going forth
SITUATION - circumstance in which you find yourself
VEGETATION - plants
The Israelites marched out of Egypt like a mighty army. They were now free! Probably 2.5 million people plus wagons and animals made their exodus.They headed south to Succoth. God knew the safest way was not always the shortest.
God sent a tall column of cloud to lead the Israelites. God knew the way, and He was leading them. All they had to do was follow God's cloud. At night the cloud changed into a column of fire. The fire lit up the night and protected them from attack by animals or enemies.
Imagine the huge number ofIsraelites moving slowly across the plains of Egypt. Children ran along herding sheep and goats. Wagons creaked under their loads of household goods. Mothers carried little babies. Men carried heavy bundles on their backs. They carried their cooking utensils and dough to make flat bread. Everything they owned had to be carried or piled on wagons or animals.
Finally the Israelites reached the shores of the Red Sea. God's guiding cloud stopped. The people set up camp.WearyIsraelites were probably glad for a time of rest.
Pharaoh thought about all that had happened. He didn't like it. Moses had brought great plagues to his land. All vegetation had been stripped by locusts and hail. Stinking piles of dead frogs lay rotting in the sun. People and animals had died from sickness. But the final blow was the death of the firstborn male in every family- even his own. After Pharaoh heard that the Israelites would not return after three days, his anger began to build. He realized the slaves to do all of his work were gone. He wanted them back!
Pharaoh assembled his army. The finest horses and chariots in the land were called for. Pharaoh's men had the most modern weapons of the time. He was going to bring back the Israelites or have them killed! After all, look what they had done to Egypt!
God's people were camped by the Red Sea. A faint rumbling sound was heard. Dust swirled on the horizon. "What's that?What's going on?" the people began to ask. They didn't like what they were seeing and hearing. It was Pharaoh! He was leading his army and it was coming up fast behind him. The Israelites looked in front of them - they were blocked by the Red Sea. What could they do? They didn't have weapons for fighting. They couldn't run away, the horses and chariots were too fast. They completely forgot how God had kept His promise and had delivered them from slavery. All they could think about were their problems. The Israelites turned on Moses in anger. They thought their situation looked hopeless!
There was only one direction Moses could turn to for help. Moses knew that God could rescue them. He told the people. "Don't be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you today.”
What do you do when troubles come your way? Do you get mad? Do you look at your problems and say life is hopeless? Or, do you turn to God in prayer?
God heard the cries of the Israelites. He saw the trust and faith of Moses. God told Moses to stretch his shepherd's rod out over the sea. When Moses obeyed, God sent a strong wind to part the waters and make a path through the sea. God’s people went down into the path and crossed on dry ground with a wall of water on both sides of them. Wow! What a miracle!
The Egyptian army with Pharaoh leading it followed the Israelites along the bottom of the sea. Their chariot wheels came off. "Let's get out of here," the Egyptians yelled. "Jehovah is fighting for them and against us.”
When all the Israelites were on the other side, the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand again over the sea, so that the waters will come back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen. "The Egyptians tried to flee, but they were stuck in the mud. Pharaoh's whole army drowned in the sea. Not one man was left alive.
Again, God saved the Israelites from the Egyptians. Dead Egyptian bodies washed up on the seashore. When the Israelites realized what had happened, they were afraid and worshiped God. They believed in Him and in His servant Moses. What an exciting story!
When you see a Hopeless Situation, look up! Remember how God saved the Israelites time after time. In the same way, God is waiting there to rescue you. When it seems like everyone is against you, God is on your side. You can trust in Him.
Dear Father in heaven,
You were there for Moses and the Israelites when the situation looked hopeless. You have promised that you will never leave me and that you would hear my prayers. Help me to stand firm and look to y o u for help.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Hebrews 11: 1
Monday - Psalm 16:8-9
Tuesday - Psalm 71:12-14
Wednesday - Proverbs 10:27-30
Thursday - Lamentations 3:24-26
Friday - Psalm 42:5
Saturday - Exodus 14:9-10
Exodus 15:22-27
Exodus 17:1-7
Matthew 6:31-33
John 4:5-14
John 7:38
Romans 1:21
1 Corinthians 10:2-4
Revelation 21:6
Revelation 22:1
Revelation 22:17
ALPHA - the first letter of the Greek alphabet
BLUFF- a high steep cliff
OMEGA - the last letter of the Greek alphabet
SHRIVEL - to dry up, wither
While on vacation, Mark, Lori and their parents stopped to eat beside a blue-green river. Cool water bubbled up from the ground at the base of a bluff. Mark and Lori watched for several minutes amazed that the water kept coming. Big Spring in the Ozarks is one of southern Missouri's largest natural springs. Daily, over 270 million gallons of water bubble up and empty into the Current River. "This would be enough water to give a drink to all the Israelites," said Mark.
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, God’s cloud led them through a dry wilderness. They traveled three days and found no water. Their cattle and sheep, as well as the people, really needed water! They were so thirsty!! If they didn’t find water soon, they would all die in the wilderness.
Finally they came to a place called Marah. There was water! Everyone ran to get a drink - but they couldn't drink the water. It was bitter and undrinkable. The people began to complain to Moses. Why had he brought them into this wilderness to die?
Moses prayed and asked God what he should do. God showed Moses a tree. He told Moses to throw the tree into the water. When he did, the water became pure. The people and animals could now drink as much as they wanted. God provided what they needed.
You would think the Israelites would learn that they could trust God. But, they didn't! Another time in their journey they ran out of water. They had been following God's cloud but couldn't find any water to drink. Again they complained to Moses. They were angry, and Moses thought they might even kill him!
God told Moses to take the elders of Israel with him and lead the people to Mt. Horeb. “I will meet you there," said God. God told Moses to use the same rod that he struck the Nile River with when it turned to blood and to strike a certain rock with it. He did as God said. Guess what? When Moses obeyed, water came bubbling up out of that rock. It flowed out onto the ground, like the water at Big Spring, Missouri. All the people had plenty to drink.There was enough for the animals to drink, too.
The Israelites complained when they couldn't find water in the wilderness. They kept forgetting that God made the water. God created it in the beginning of time. He formed the rivers, lakes, and oceans and filled them with water. It was God who changed the waters of Egypt into blood. He later changed it back to water. God made the clouds rain on the earth. He knows everything there is to know about water. Since the Israelites knew all of this, why do you think they were so quick to doubt God? Would you be?
Water is necessary for life. Everything needs water to grow and exist. God knew this. He created water before He made plants, animals, or man. Without water, we would all shrivel up and die. God gives us everything we need.
There are things that are more important than water. Jesus talked about living water. He told a woman beside a well of water that He could give her this living water and she would never be thirsty again. Jesus wasn't talking about the water in the well. He was talking about His Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes into a person's life, that person becomes new. He has a new attitude. His life changes. He becomes a member of God's family. He takes on a new life! Having this living water is as necessary for eternal life as drinking water is to physical life.
Many people are like the Israelites; they want things their own way. They forget that God gives them everything they need - including eternal life! God gives us living water for eternal life. Jesus told the woman at the well that He could give her living water. He wants to give that living water to you. That is why Jesus came to die for your sins. He wants you to live with Him and the Father in His Kingdom forever.
The Israelites forgot about God's power in taking them safely across the Red Sea. They just thought they would die of thirst.They blamed Moses, when it was God who was leading them.
God wants to give you good things. He wants to help you when you are in trouble. He has given us a book filled with promises. The Bible has directions to show us how to live a happy life that will be pleasing to God. Prayer and Bible study will help much more than grumbling and complaining!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me remember that everything I have comes from you. You knew what I needed, and you provided it before I was even born. Teach me to look in your Word for guidance and to talk to you in prayer everyday. Thank you for all you do for me.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - John 7:38
Monday - John 4:10-11
Tuesday - Revelation 21:6
Wednesday - Revelation 22:17
Thursday - Revelation 22:1
Friday - Matthew 6:31-33
Saturday - 1 Corinthians 10:2-4
Exodus 16:1-36
Psalm 36:7-8
Psalm 78:24-28
Matthew 7:11
Luke 12:24
Ephesians 3:20
Philippians 4:6-7
James 1:17
MISERABLE - unhappy, depressed, uncomfortable
QUAIL - a small, short-tailed bird tasting some-what like chicken
TASKMASTER - a person who forces others to work very hard
WAFER - a flat, crisp cracker or cookie
Karen was a new girl in Trisha's class. Karen didn't know anyone at the school, so Trisha invited her to lunch. When Karen had trouble with her math assignment, Trisha helped her. She even shared art supplies until Karen could buy her own.
Trisha wanted to help Karen fit in, so she introduced Karen to some of the other girls. Before school let out on Friday, Trisha invited Karen to attend Sabbath School with her. Trisha was trying to be a godly example.
On the Sabbath Trisha's dad drove Karen and Trisha to church. All the way Karen complained that she didn’t like her new school. She talked about how much she missed her old school and friends. When they arrived at Sabbath School, Karen was not friendly to the other kids. She was even grouchy to Trisha. Karen had a bad attitude, and it showed! How do you think Trisha felt after she had tried so hard to be friendly to Karen?
God sent His cloud to lead His people through the wilderness. But, when the Israelites needed water to drink, they didn't ask God - they grumbled and complained.
God was very patient with the Israelites. He gave them water to drink in the desert by turning bitter water into good drinking water. He also gave them water out of a rock. In today’s lesson we learn their food had run out.
The Israelites were like Karen - they had a bad attitude! They should have remembered all the ways God had taken care of them. But they started complaining. They were not only mad at Moses, they were mad at God. They said they had it better when they were in Egypt. They thought God had led them into the desert to starve!
What a short memory the Israelites had! Life in Egypt was miserable. They were slaves and forced to work long and hard. They were mistreated by the taskmasters. Pharaoh had even ordered that their boy babies be thrown into the river to die. Now they wished to go back? How unthankful these Israelites were!
God heard the grumbling Israelites. But, this time He would test them to see whether they would obey Him or not.
The next morning white flakes were all over the ground. The people said, "What is it?" God had rained bread from heaven for the people to eat. He told them to gather it and cook it. It tasted "like wafers made with honey." They called the bread "manna," which means, "What is it?”
But, God wasn't done blessing the Israelites. He knew they would get tired of eating just bread. So, God sent them meat to eat. In the evenings great flocks of quail fell to the ground. All the Israelites had to do was gather them and cook them. They had plenty of food to eat.
Here was the test. God told the people only to gather enough manna to eat in one day. Everyday God would supply their needs. They were not to save any for the next day, just in case. Anything saved would stink and become wormy. God made one exception to this rule. On Friday they were to gather enough for two days - Friday and the Sabbath. There would be no manna to gather on the Sabbath. What they gathered on Friday would not stink, nor would it become wormy.
The elders came to Moses to ask why this had been commanded. Moses told them, “Because the Lord has appointed tomorrow as a day of seriousness and rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord when we must refrain from doing our daily tasks." They were to gather and cook the manna on Friday so they would not have to work on the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is often called the"Test Commandment" because of what happened here. We can bake and prepare on Friday so we won’t have to work on the Sabbath.
Do you think the people followed instructions and passed the test? Some obeyed, but some had a bad attitude. They tried to save manna - but it stunk and was filled with worms. Others went out on the Sabbath looking for manna, but there wasn't any. Will you pass the test? Will you prepare on Friday so you won't have to work on the Sabbath?
What things can you do on Friday that will make your Sabbath a joy and free of work? Can you clean your room? Can you press the clothes you'll wear on the Sabbath? Can you help your Mom cook on Friday so your family can have an enjoyable day together? If you'll do these things, you won't be like the Israelites who didn't believe God and had to do without on the Sabbath because they didn't prepare.
This manna was a reminder to everyone of how God takes care of those who obey Him. He wants us to be thankful instead of always grumbling and complaining.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You blessed the Israelites by taking care of them and supplying everything they needed. You even gave them more than they could imagine.Yet they complained and were not thankful. Help me remember that every good gift comes from you and prepare on Friday so I can have a great Sabbath. And, remind me to be thankful for all you give me.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Luke 12:24
Monday- Matthew 7:11
Tuesday - James 1:17
Wednesday - Philippians 4:6-7
Thursday - Ephesians 3:20
Friday - Psalm 36:7-8
Saturday - Psalm 78:24-28
Exodus 19:1-25
Deuteronomy 13:3-4
Psalm 12:6-7
Psalm 29:1-11
Psalm 34:4-6
Psalm 81:11-13
Jeremiah 11:3-4
2 Timothy 3:16
Revelation 3:20
AUTHORITY- person with the power
COMMITMENT - a promise or pledge
DEDICATE- set apart for a special purpose
Teachers and students listened as Mr. Thompson announced a special meeting to be held in the gym. Something important must be happening.
Mr. Thompson was the principal - his was the voice of authority. What he had to say affected the whole school. Not listening could carry serious consequences.
The Israelites had been traveling for three months through the wilderness. Now they were camped in the land surrounding Mount Sinai. Moses climbed the rugged mountain to meet with God. From somewhere in the mountain God called to him and said, "Give these instructions to the people of Israel. Tell them, You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I brought you to myself as though on eagles' wings.
“Now if you will obey me and keep your part of my contract with you, you shall be my own little flock from among all the nations of the earth; for all the earth is mine. And you shall be a kingdom of priests to God, a holy nation.”
After this meeting, Moses returned from the mountain. He called the leaders of the people and told them what God said. They all responded with one voice, "We will certainly do everything God asks of us." Then Moses reported back to God and told Him that they would do what He said.
No one can look on God's face and live. So God didn't speak to Israel face to face. But they had no doubt that it was God speaking. A dark cloud formed so they could hear God. For two days they sanctified themselves by bathing and washing their clothes. God is so pure He doesn't want us to be dirty when we come to Him. God set boundary lines to make sure the people didn't get too close. If they did, they would die. The people were told to stay completely away from the mountain. When the ram's horn made one long blast, they could gather at the foot of Mount Sinai.
Two days after all of the preparation began, there was an awesome thunder and lightning storm and a huge cloud came down on the mountain. Then a very loud blast on the ram's horn was heard. This was so awesome that all the people trembled. Moses led the people to the foot of Mount Sinai. It was covered with smoke because God had descended upon it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed up to the sky and the mountain shook from an earthquake. The sound of the trumpet got louder and louder. Moses spoke and God thundered His reply. This was no casual conversation with God. God actually came down to the top of Mount Sinai and called for Moses to go up to the top of it. Moses went up.
God told Moses to go back down and warn the people not to cross the boundaries He had set. If they did, they would die. Moses went down and told the people what God said.
This was one oft h e most awesome times in man's history. God was getting ready to give the Ten Commandments to Israel. This law is so pure, so holy, so righteous that all of this had to take place before God would give it to Israel. God gave us His Law so we would know what things will hurt us and which ones will make us happy. God's Law is for our good. Keeping it will make us happy.
Mr. Thompson, the school principal, had the voice of authority. Because of that, everyone in the class listened. But, more importantly, God has the highest voice of authority. When He speaks everyone should listen. So, the Israelites paid attention to what Moses told them.
When the Israelites saw what was happening, they were terrified! They were convinced that this was the Almighty God. And when Moses told them what God had said, all the people replied, "We will do everything the Lord has said."
God wanted the Israelites to know He was the Almighty, the Holy One, the Creator of heaven and earth. He also wanted the Israelites to know who they are - God's chosen people. God wanted total commitment, nothing half-hearted. And finally, God was going to give the Israelites rules to live by.
It is important for us to pay attention when God speaks. In Moses' time God spoke to the Israelites from a mountain top cloud, with thunder and lightning. He also speaks to us today. He speaks to us in His Word, the Bible. God also uses people, like ministers and teachers, to speak to us.
God wants to have a relationship with you. He wants to share with you, and wants you to share with Him. To get to know God you must hear what He has to say. You should also talk to Him in prayer. God's Word will cheer you up, correct your mistakes, teach you truth and judgment, and train you to do right.
The Israelites knew God meant business when He spoke. They would do whatever God said. How about you? Are you ready to hear what God has to say? Are you ready to do what He tells you?
Dear Almighty God,
Thank you for taking the time to speak to me. Your words are my final authority. Help me to listen when you speak to me. Make me be willing to do whatever you tell me.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - 2 Timothy 3:16
Monday - Psalm 12:6-7
Tuesday - Psalm 34:4-6
Wednesday - Jeremiah 11:3-4
Thursday - Exodus 19:5, 6, 8
Friday - Psalm 81:11-13
Saturday - Deuteronomy 13:3-4
