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Exodus 7:1-25
Exodus 8:1-32
2 Chronicles 30:8
Psalm 86:9-10
Psalm 91:1-2
Proverbs 8:32-33
Proverbs 28:14
Ephesians 2:2
James 1:25
MAGICIAN - a person who performs magic tricks
MIRACLE - a wonderful thing that only God can do
God chose Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. God sent Moses and his brother, Aaron to tell Pharaoh, "Let my people go!" But, Pharaoh was a stubborn man. He wouldn't obey God. So, God had to show Pharaoh that He meant business. He would show Pharaoh that He was a powerful God.
God sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh. He told Aaron to throw his rod down in front of Pharaoh. When he did, the rod turned into a snake! Pharaoh thought it was magic. So, he had his magicians do the same thing. Snakes were everywhere. Then Aaron's snake ate all the other snakes. This was not just a trick - it was a miracle! But Pharaoh wouldn't believe.
Pharaoh was still stubborn. So, God told Moses to meet Pharaoh at the Nile River. As a baby, Moses was hidden in the river in a basket. Now God would show Pharaoh another miracle.
God wanted Pharaoh to know that He was God. He told Aaron to hold out his rod. He held it over the Nile River - the river turned to blood. He held the rod over the lakes and ponds. They turned to blood, too. Even water in jars and buckets turned to blood. There was no water for people to drink. Then the fish in the river died. What a stinky mess! But Pharaoh still thought it was a trick. He wouldn't believe in God.
How would you like to wake up with frogs in your bed? That is what happened in Egypt. God sent frogs to show Pharaoh that He was God. There were frogs in the beds. Frogs were in their clothes. Frogs were in the ovens and on their dishes. Everywhere people walked there were frogs. Squish, squish! Oh, it was a slimy, stinky mess. And the people were hopping mad!
Pharaoh wanted all the frogs gone. He told Moses to ask God to get rid of them. He said, "Then I will let your people go." But when the frogs were gone, Pharaoh wouldn't let the people go. He was still stubborn.
The next things God sent to Egypt were even worse than frogs. God told Aaron to strike his rod on the ground. Dust flew everywhere. Then the dust turned into tiny little bugs. The bugs started biting people. It was like having mosquito bites all over them. The people scratched and scratched. The bugs even bit their animals and made them itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch! Pharaoh's magicians tried to make bugs out of dust. But, they couldn't do this trick. They told Pharaoh, "God's powerful finger has done this."
Moses told Pharaoh, "If you don't let God's people go, you'll be sorry." But Pharaoh still wouldn't listen. He was stubborn. So, God sent millions of flies into Egypt. They filled the houses. They filled Pharaoh's palace. People swatted them. Animals swished their tails at them. The flies ruined the food. They were all over everything. Finally, Pharaoh said, "Go, offer your sacrifice to God."
Moses told Pharaoh that God wanted them to go three days into the desert. But, Pharaoh was a stubborn man. He wouldn't let the Israelites go very far away. And when the flies had gone away, Pharaoh refused to let the people go.
God wants you to obey His commands. Because Pharaoh wouldn't obey, the Egyptians were scratching bug bites. They were holding their noses from the stinky messes. But still Pharaoh was stubborn. When you are stubborn, sometimes bad things happen to make you obey God. Learn a lesson from Pharaoh - obey God!
Dear Heavenly Father,
There is nothing too hard for you. You want us to listen to and obey your commands. Help me to not be stubborn, like Pharaoh. Help me to obey you the first time, with a willing heart.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 86:9-10
Monday - Ephesians 2:2
Tuesday - Exodus 7:4
Wednesday - Proverbs 8:32-33
Thursday - James 1:25
Friday - 2 Chronicles 30:8
Saturday - Psalm 91:1-2
Exodus 9:1-35
Exodus 10:1-29
Exodus 11:9
Exodus 18:11
Deuteronomy 11:26-28
Psalm 9:7-10
Psalm 19:9-11
Psalm 34:6-9
Psalm 138:6-7
2 Thessalonians 1:5-7
CROPS - plants that grow and are harvested
HAIL - balls of ice that fall from the clouds
Mrs. Thompson told her class, "Tomorrow we will have a spelling test. Don't forget to study your words." Alex picked up his spelling book. He put it into his backpack. The bell rang and everyone headed for the door.
Alex met Tommy after school. They walked home together. On the way, the boys stopped to pet a friendly puppy. Alex set his backpack on the ground. He almost forgot to pick it up and take it home. Tommy reminded him of the spelling test.
Mom was cooking when Alex came into the kitchen. She told Alex to get started doing his homework. But, Alex stopped in the living room. His little sister was watching cartoons. So, Alex sat down and watched with her.
After supper, Daddy asked Alex if he had done his homework. Alex said, "I just have to study for a spelling test.” Daddy told Alex to go to his room and study. But, Alex had a new video game. He started playing the game instead of studying.
It was time for bed. Daddy came in to tuck Alex in. "Are you ready for your spelling test?” Daddy asked. Alex said, "I think so." But, Alex wasn't telling the truth. He hadn't even looked at his spelling words.
The next morning Mrs. Thompson told the class to take out a sheet of paper. She began to call out the spelling words. Alex was in trouble. He didn’t do what Mrs. Thompson told him. He didn't study. He didn't do what Tommy reminded him - he didn't study. He didn't do what Mom told him - he didn’t study. And, he didn't do what Daddy told him - he didn't study. Whose fault is it that Alex failed his spelling test?
It is always best to obey your teachers and your parents. But most important, you should obey God. Pharaoh would soon learn this lesson.
God sent Moses and Aaron to warn Pharaoh what would happen if he didn't let the Israelites go to worship Him. They told Pharaoh that God would make their animals very sick. But, Pharaoh didn't listen. So the Egyptians' animals got sick. Cows got sick. Sheep got sick. Camels got sick. Horses and donkeys got sick. Many of the animals even died.
Then Moses warned Pharaoh that God would send sores to the Egyptians and their animals. Moses threw a handful of dust into the air. The dust spread out all over Egypt. And, when the dust landed on people or animals it caused sores all over their bodies. But Pharaoh was still stubborn - he wouldn't let the people go.
Moses told Pharaoh that God would send hail to Egypt. Big balls of ice would fall from the sky. They would beat their crops down to the ground. They would break trees. They would fall on the people and animals, hurting them. Pharaoh wouldn't listen. So God sent the hail. He even sent thunder and fire with the hail. But the hail didn't fall on God’s people, the Israelites.
Pharaoh saw that he was in trouble. He told Moses to ask God to stop the hail. He said he would let the Israelites go. But Pharaoh lied. When the hail stopped, Pharaoh changed his mind. So, God sent millions, and millions of grasshoppers to Egypt. There were so many grasshoppers that the sky was black with them. The grasshoppers ate the leaves off all the trees and bushes. They ate all the plants in the gardens. It was terrible!
Again, Pharaoh promised to let the people go. But again, he lied. So, God made all of Egypt dark - for three whole days and nights! It was so dark that people couldn't see anything. But the Israelites had light. Pharaoh said he would let the people go this time. But, Moses knew he was lying.
God gave Pharaoh nine chances to listen and obey Him. Moses warned Pharaoh what would happen if he didn’t obey. But, Pharaoh was like Alex. He wouldn't obey. And like Alex, Pharaoh got into trouble. It is always best to do what God tells you. He wants us to obey Him. He has good things for those who obey - like the Israelites. But, when you don't obey, bad things can happen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You wanted Pharaoh to obey vou. You sent Moses to warn him about what would happen if he didn't. Help me do what your Word tells me. Help me obey your commands.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Exodus 11:9
Monday - Psalm 138:6-7
Tuesday - Psalm 34:6-7
Wednesday - Psalm 9:7-10
Thursday - Psalm 19:9-11
Friday - Deuteronomy 11:26-28
Saturday - 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7
Exodus 11:1-10
Exodus 12:1-50
Exodus 12:14
Numbers 9:2-3
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
1 Chronicles 16:12-14
Psalm 27:5
Psalm 34:17-19
BITTER HERBS- plants with a bitter taste
FRIENDSHIP BRACELET - bracelet made out of sting, given to a friend
PUNISHMENT - harsh treatment because of something you have done
UNLEAVENED - not having anything to make it rise
Paula went to school one day. She had a red string tied around her finger. Her friend, Cathy, said it matched her sweater. Cathy thought the string was like a friendship bracelet. She wanted one, too. Paula's teacher asked why she had a string on her finger. Paula said it was to help her remember something important. Paula's teacher asked what she was supposed to remember. But, Paula couldn't remember what the string was for. The string didn't do much good.
Today's lesson is about some days that God wants you to remember. But, you don't have to tie a string around your finger to remember. God set aside a special time and a feast to help you remember these days. They are called the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread.
Pharaoh wouldn't let the Israelites go into the desert to worship Him. God told Moses to give Pharaoh a warning. Moses said that something terrible was going to happen. God would send His destroyer into Egypt. The destroyer would kill the firstborn child in every family that didn't have blood on the door post of their house.
God would protect His people from the destroyer. Moses told the Israelites to kill a perfect lamb. He said, "Put some of the lamb's blood above and on the sides of your door." All the family was to stay inside the house. When the death angel passed by, he would see the blood over the door. Everyone inside that house would be safe.
Moses told the Israelites to get packed. They should be ready to leave Egypt at night. They cooked a special meal and ate it together. They roasted a lamb and ate it with bitter herbs. They baked unleavened, flat bread. They didn't have time to let it rise high and fluffy. The Israelites ate this meal with their sandals on. They were ready to leave.
That night there was crying in Egypt. Mothers cried because their firstborn child died. Fathers cried because Pharaoh brought this terrible punishment on them. There was even death in the palace of Pharaoh. Don't you think Pharaoh was sorry that he didn't let the Israelites go? The destroyer passed by when he saw the blood over their door. Pharaoh knew that God sent the destroyer to Egypt. This made him want the Israelites to leave Egypt. Pharaoh told Moses to take all of his people and get out!
The people were ready. They had their clothes packed. They had their sandals on. The Egyptians even gave them gold and silver jewelry just to get rid of them. So, the Israelites marched out of Egypt that night. They were going to worship the True God.
God told the Israelites to always remember this night - the night He brought them out of Egypt. God wants us to remember the Passover and to celebrate the Days of Unleavened Bread every year. He wants us to remember how He saved the Israelites. They were to celebrate the feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days and eat the flat, unleavened bread. Every year this bread reminded the people that they had to leave in a hurry. It reminded them how God saved them alive.
The blood of a perfect lamb saved them from the destroyer. God sent a Perfect Lamb to save you and me. That Perfect Lamb was named Jesus. Jesus died for our sins. His blood saves us from our sins. And, because He died, we can be forgiven of our sins. We should remember this every year on the Passover.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving the Israelites alive on that Passover
night because they obeyed you. Help me always remember what the Passover means.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 27:5
Monday - Psalm 34:17-19
Tuesday - Deuteronomy 16:2-3
Wednesday - 1 Chronicles 16:12-14
Thursday - Exodus 12:23-24
Friday - Exodus 12:26-27
Saturday - Numbers 9:2-3
Exodus 13:21-22
Exodus 14:19-20
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 27:11
Psalm 32:8
Psalm 48:14
Psalm 119:105
Proverbs 3:5-6
John 1:18
AWESOME - wonderful, great
GUIDE - someone to lead the way
PILLAR OF FIRE - a tall column of fire
PROTECT - to keep safe from harm
SAFARI - hunting trip in Africa
WILDERNESS - a rough desert place where there are few animals, plants, or people
Moses and the Israelites marched out of Egypt and into the wilderness. There were thousands and thousands of people. Mothers carried their babies. Old men and women rode on wagons. Cows and sheep were watched over by young men and women. The people carried everything they owned with them. It was an awesome sight!
But, where would they go? God had promised to give the Israelites their own land. It would be a wonderful land. It would have plenty of food to eat. They would be free to worship God. But, where was this land? How would they know the way?
We know God talked to Moses. He told him what to say to Pharaoh. God did miracles in Egypt. God even sent His destroyer to make Pharaoh let the people go. But, how would God lead the people through the wilderness?
When people go on a safari in Africa, they take someone to guide them. Years ago, people traveled west in covered wagons. It was a long, hard trip. The wagon trains always had a guide to show them the way. A map is not always enough. Trees look alike. Every rock and hill looks alike. People need someone who knows the way - someone who has been there before.
God told Moses to take the Israelites the long way through the wilderness. There were mean people living in the north on the way to Promised Land. So, God was protecting the Israelites by keeping them away from them. But, this would be a much longer trip. The Israelites would need a guide.
The Israelites were going toward the Red Sea. All of a sudden, a big, white, fluffy cloud was in front of them. It reached from the sky to the ground. The cloud was moving, showing them which way to go. God sent this cloud. The people didn't have to be afraid. God came down in that cloud to guide the Israelites! He made the wilderness. He knew the way. They had the very best Guide they could have!
The white cloud led the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness. When the cloud moved, the people followed. And when the cloud stood still, the people rested. They felt safe. They knew that God was showing them the way. He was going with them.
God wanted the Israelites to be safe at night, too. There were no street lights to help the people see at night. It was very dark in the wilderness. So at night, God gave them a pillar of fire to lead them instead of the fluffy, white cloud. The fire lit up the night. It kept the people safe from enemies. It kept them safe from wild animals. And, it let the people know that God was there taking care of them.
God is taking care of you, too. He leads you when you read His Word. The Bible is our guide. It tells us how we should live and act. It tells us how we can live with God in His Kingdom. In Psalm 119:105 we see that God’s Word is, " .. like a light that guides me" (NIrV). We don't have to be afraid. God is with us. He is guiding us today.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for leading the Israelites with a cloud and with fire. You guide me through your Word, the Bible. Help me read it and
obey it so that I can follow you.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 48:14
Monday - John 1:18
Tuesday - Proverbs 3:5-6
Wednesday - Exodus 13:21-22
Thursday - Psalm 27:11
Friday - Exodus 14:19-20
Saturday - Psalm 25:4-5
Exodus 14:5-31
Exodus 14:13
Psalm 18:16-19
Psalm 20:7
Psalm 34:4
Psalm 54:7
Psalm 60:11-12
1 Corinthians 10:13
CHARIOT - a horse-drawn, two-wheeled cart to ride in
FIRM - fixed in place, strong
HORIZON - the line where land meets the sky
SLAVERY - being owned by another person and forced to work for him
Do you remember how Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron during the night? He told them that he wanted the Israelites to get out of Egypt. So God’s people left Egypt at night with all their children and animals. There were many, many people and animals going out into the wilderness to the Promised Land. Do you remember how they knew where to go? God led them with a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud during the day.
God was with the Israelites in the wilderness. His cloud led them to the shore of the Red Sea. But, they had no boats to get across. So the people camped and rested awhile.
"What is that sound?" someone asked. Everyone stopped to listen. The people heard a rumbling in the distance. Was it thunder? There were no rain clouds in the sky. Someone saw clouds of dust on the horizon. The rumbling sound seemed to get closer. Then someone called out, "The Egyptians are coming with chariots!"
All of the people knew they were in trouble. Pharaoh's soldiers must be coming to take them back to Egypt. The Israelites couldn't fight the soldiers. There was no way to run away. They couldn't outrun horses and chariots. The Red Sea was in front of them. They couldn't get across. They were afraid. They cried out to Moses and to God, "Why did you bring us out here to die? We were better off in Egypt.” But, were they?
In Egypt, Pharaoh made the Israelites work very hard. The people were slaves. They had to make their own bricks. They built buildings and cities for Pharaoh. But, God led the people out of Egyptian slavery. He led them with His cloud and pillar of fire. Now Moses said, "Don't be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you.”
God told Moses to stretch his rod out over the sea. Moses did what God commanded. The wind began to blow. There were big waves on the sea. Then God made the water stand up like a pile of snow. He even made a dry path right through the middle of the water. The cloud that had been leading the Israelites moved behind them. It blocked the way and kept the Egyptians back. The Israelites hurried down into the sea and crossed on dry ground.
Once God's people were safe on the other side, the Egyptians followed. They drove their chariots into the middle of the path in the sea. Then God did something else to save the Israelites. The wheels on the chariots came off. Horses fell down. The water of the Red Sea came back together. Pharaoh's soldiers couldn't escape. They got stuck in the mud and drowned in the sea.
God saved His people from their enemies, the Egyptians. He saved them from the waters of the Red Sea. He even saved them from being slaves in Egypt. God is in the saving business!
Many years after God saved the Israelites in the wilderness, God did something to save us, too. There are some things we cannot do for ourselves. We are like the Israelites. They couldn't save themselves. And there is nothing we can do to save ourselves from our sins. Everyone does bad things. God's Son, Jesus, had to come to earth. He died, willing to pay for our sins.
God was there, ready to help the Israelites. Moses told them not to be afraid. God would take care of them. He has that same message for you- "Don't be afraid. God will take care of you."
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving your people, the Israelites, from the Egyptians. You made a dry path through the sea for them to walk on. All they had to do was do what you told them. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to save me from my sins. Help me always do what you tell me to do.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Monday - Psalm 34:4
Tuesday - Psalm 54:7
Wednesday - Exodus 14:15-16
Thursday - Psalm 18:16-19
Friday - Psalm 60:11-12
Saturday - Psalm 20:7
Exodus 15:1-21
1 Chronicles 16:23
Psalm 9:1-2
Psalm 13:6
Psalm 21:13
Psalm 33:1-3
Psalm 59:16-17
Psalm 150
BORED - tiresome and dull
PEPPY - full of energy
It was a rainy day. Carmen was bored. She had been playing with her dolls all morning. When she got tired of that, she colored in her new coloring book. But, now she wanted something else to do. Mom was busy in the kitchen. Daddy was at work. There
was nothing else to do but watch TV.
Carmen clicked through the channels. Something caught her attention. There on channel 10 were kids singing and having a good time. Carmen watched. The music was peppy. The kids were smiling, marching and doing hand motions. Carmen loved to sing. She even joined in on the songs she knew. Maybe this wouldn't be such a boring day after all.
One of the best things about going to church or Sabbath School are the songs that we sing. Some of the songs are happy and lively. You can join the fun by doing the hand motions. Some of the songs are slow and prayerful. We sing these songs to worship God. We praise Him for the great things He does. And, it makes God happy to hear His people sing to Him.
Moses and the Israelites had just crossed the Red Sea. God made a dry path right through the middle. The Israelites walked on that dry path. The Egyptians tried to follow. But, God made the water come back together and cover the Egyptians. They all drowned.
The Israelites stood on the shore of the Red Sea. They saw the great thing that God did for them. They knew that their God was powerful. He fought against their enemies. They knew they could trust in God.
The Israelite people were thankful and happy. How could they show God how glad they were to be safe? They made up a song to sing to Him. Moses led the people in singing about how God opened the Red Sea. They sang about how He made a dry path for them to cross. Maybe their song was like, "My God Is So Big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do.” They were very happy.
Moses' sister, Miriam, and the women started to dance. They played music on their hand drums. They danced around praising God. They were thankful for the wonderful things He did. It was almost like being in Sabbath School!
Sometimes we forget how great God is. Sometimes we just think we are lucky. Or, we might even think that we made the good things happen to us. The Israelites didn't praise Moses for leading them out of Egypt. They didn't sing to Moses for the path across the Red Sea. They knew it was God who saved them from the Egyptians.
We are told in James 1:17, “My dear brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone fool you. Every good and perfect gift is from God.” We should never forget that God is the one who gives us good things. And we should remember to thank Him and praise Him.
We can thank and praise God in our prayers and songs. Sometimes those prayers and songs take place in church. But, we can thank and praise Him anywhere. The Israelites were standing on the shore of the Red Sea. Where could you thank and praise God?
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are great and wonderful. You give me good things, like my family, my home, and plenty of food to eat. You take care of me when I’m afraid and when I’m sick. Thank you for all the good things you do for me. Help me to remember that these good things come from you.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Exodus 15:2
Monday - 1 Chronicles 16:23
Tuesday - Psalm 9:1-2
Wednesday - Psalm 21:13
Thursday - Psalm 33:1-3
Friday - Psalm 59:16-17
Saturday - Psalm 150
Exodus 15:27
Exodus 16:1-35
Psalm 37:25
Psalm 78:23-29
Psalm 107:9
Matthew 4:4
John 6:30-31
John 6:33
John 6:35
1 Timothy 6:6-9
DEW - moisture drops found on the ground in the mornings
MISERABLE - uncomfortable, a bad feeling
QUAIL - a small, short-tailed bird that is good for eating
Allen sat in the back seat of the car. His stomach was growling. He was really hungry. He and his family were going to the beach for the day. They left home early in the morning. Allen wasn't awake enough to eat breakfast before they left home. Now he wanted to eat.
Allen's sister was reading a book. She was trying to ignore Allen's complaining. He was getting grouchy because he was hungry. He even started picking on his sister. Finally, Allen said, "I wish we had stayed at home instead of going to the beach!"
Do you think Allen really wanted to stay at home? He was just complaining because he was hungry. Allen knew he wouldn't starve to death. His mom probably had a lunch packed for them. There would be plenty to eat when they got to the beach. But, Allen was making the trip miserable for everyone. That is just what the Israelites did.
Moses and the Israelites left the Red Sea. They were traveling through the desert. The people were running out of food. There were no rest stops along the way. There was no McDonald's restaurant to buy hamburgers. There weren't grocery stores to buy something to eat. The people were getting hungry.
Like Allen, the Israelites started grumbling when their stomachs started growling. They said, "We wish we had stayed in Egypt! At least we had lots of food to eat there.” They forgot how mean the Egyptians treated them. They forgot how God had taken care of them so far. All they could think about were their bellies.
Do you think God had forgotten about His people? No! He still loved them. He was still as powerful as He was at the Red Sea. God told Moses that help was on the way.
God said He would send the people food from heaven. In the morning the people walked outside their tents. There on the ground were tiny flakes. Someone said, "What is it?" So, they called it manna, which means, “What is it?" This manna fell down from heaven with the morning dew. All the people had to do was pick it up. They cooked it and everyone had enough to eat.
God gave them manna in the morning and quail in the evening. God sent meat from heaven. In the evening God sent quails for the Israelites to eat. The quails just fell to the ground. All the Israelites had to do was cook them. Everyone had lots of meat and bread to eat.
God did something to help the Israelites know when the Sabbath day was. On Friday, He told them to collect twice as much manna as they did on other days. He said that no manna would be on the ground on the Sabbath. But some of the people didn't do what God said. They went out on the Sabbath to gather manna to eat. Guess what? There wasn't any there just as God had said. Do you think those people went hungry? If they had believed God and obeyed Him, they would have had food to eat on the Sabbath.
God loved the Israelites and He loves you. He took care of the Israelites. He kept them safe. He gave them food to eat. And He watched over them. God does the same things for you. He tells His people, "Be happy with what you have. God has said, I will never leave you. I will never desert you" (Hebrews 13:5).
I wonder how God must feel when people grumble and complain. It must make Him sad. He must feel like we don't trust Him. How do you think God feels when we don't believe Him? The Israelites could look back and see how God had taken care of them. And they could trust God to take care of them. You can look around today and see that you can trust God, too.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You give me everything I need, just like you gave the Israelites. Thank you for the food I eat and the clothes I wear. And, thank you for giving your Son, Jesus, so I might live forever with you in your Kingdom. Help me remember that you do these things because you love me.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 107:9
Monday - Psalm 78:23-25
Tuesday - John 6:30-31
Wednesday - Psalm 37:25
Thursday - Exodus 16:4
Friday - Matthew 4:4
Saturday - John 6:35
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 78:15-16
Isaiah 41:17-18
Isaiah 49:10
Matthew 5:6
John 4:13-14
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
Philippians 4:19
CANTEEN - a small container for carrying water
MASTER - the one who rules or has control over another person or animal
RESCUE - to save from danger
Pookie was a little tan puppy. He loved to play outside with his master, Paul. Pookie and Paul played fetch the stick. They chased each other around the yard. Sometimes Pookie ran along while Paul rode his bicycle. And after a hot day of running, Pookie took a good drink from his water dish.
Sometimes Pookie drank water from Paul's wading pool. At the lake, Pookie drank lake water. He even drank water from puddles on a rainy day. Pookie needed water to keep him cool.
The Israelites were going through the desert. Deserts are hot, dry places. There were no lakes to get a cool drink. It doesn't rain much in a desert. There was lots of dust and sand blowing. It made the Israelites hot and thirsty. A glass of iced tea or lemonade sure would have tasted good. But, there was no water anywhere.
The people had used up all their water. There wasn't any water for the animals to drink, either. What do you think would happen if they didn't get water soon? People and animals must have water to live. Without water, they would all die.
God made the people and animals. He knew they needed water. When God made the world, one of the first things He made was water. Don't you think He could give the Israelites water in the desert? Yes! But, they didn't ask God.
Just like when they were hungry, the Israelites started complaining to Moses. They wanted Moses to give them water. The people said Moses was trying to kill them with thirst. But, where was Moses going to get water? He couldn’t turn on a faucet to give them a drink. Moses didn't have a big canteen. He didn't have bottles of water.
What do you think Moses did? Moses prayed to his Heavenly Father. He said, "What am I going to do with these people? They are almost ready to kill me by throwing stones at me."
Once again, God came to the Israelites' rescue. God told Moses to take his rod in his hand. This is the same rod that turned into a snake in Egypt. It was the same rod that turned the water into blood in the Nile River. God showed Moses a large rock. He told Moses to hit the rock. And like a giant fountain, water came pouring out of the rock. All the people had plenty to drink.
Moses asked the people, "Is God with us, or not?" That's a good question. Was God with them at the Red Sea? Was God with them in the cloud and pillar of fire? Was God with them when they were hungry? Yes! But, the Israelites kept forgetting God's blessings. Now He had given them water to drink. He was still with them - taking care of them.
God wants you to know that He will never leave you. He will always be there to help vou. He is like the shepherd who leads his sheep to water. He takes care of you. Instead of grumbling and complaining, God wants you to talk to Him. When you pray, tell God what you need. If you are sick, ask Him to help you get well. If you are afraid, know that He will protect you. And, when God answers your prayers, don't forget to thank Him.
Dear God, my Shepherd,
Thank you for giving me everything I need, even the water I drink. You took care of the Israelites in the desert. You take care of me just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep. Help me remember that I can ask for your help in prayer.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 5:6
Monday - John 4:13-14
Tuesday - Psalm 78:15-16
Wednesday - Isaiah 41:17-18
Thursday - 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
Friday - Philippians 4:19
Saturday - Exodus 17:6
Exodus 17:8-16
Exodus 18:1-27
Psalm 37:39-40
Psalm 46:1
Psalm 46:1-2
Psalm 121:1-8
John 14:15-16
Galatians 5:13-14
Philippians 4:2-3
Hebrews 4:15-16
Hebrews 10:24-25
ATTACKED - used force against to harm
DEFEND - to guard against attack, to fight back
ENCOURAGED - helped to feel stronger
FATHER-IN-LAW - wife’s father
Daddy looked out in the yard. There were lots of leaves on the ground. He told Kevin to get a rake from the garage. Daddy told him to rake the leaves into big piles. They would burn the leaves later.
Kevin liked the smell of leaves. At first it was fun. He would rake a big pile of leaves. Then he would jump into the pile. But, after a while Kevin started getting tired. The sun was getting warm. Raking the yard was a bigger job than he thought it would be. Kevin was ready to give up and quit.
Daddy came out of the garage carrying another rake. He said, “I thought you could use some help.” Daddy and Kevin worked together on the leaves. They laughed and threw leaves at each other. They raced to see who could make the biggest pile. They even made up songs about raking leaves. Having Daddy help gave Kevin strength to finish the job. It wasn't so bad when you didn't have to do it alone.
The Israelites were facing more trouble in the wilderness. It happened right after God gave them water out of the rock. Amalek's wild men came to fight the Israelites. The Israelites had to defend themselves and fight back. Moses told Joshua to choose out the best men to fight. But, the Israelites were not soldiers. And soon the battle was getting hard.
Moses, his brother, Aaron, and Hur went up on a high hill to watch the battle. Moses saw that the battle was not going well. As long as he stretched his arms up in the air with the rod in his hands Israel was winning. When Moses got tired he put his arms to his sides. Whenever Moses rested his arms to his sides, the soldiers of Amalek won. Moses finally got too tired to hold his arms up with the rod in his hand. So Aaron and Hur got him a stone to sit on. They stood on each side and held up Moses' hands with the rod in it until the sun set. Because of this, the Israelites won the battle. Sometimes you just need a little help!
Moses father-in-law saw all the things that Moses did for the Israelites. He was in charge. Anytime the people had a problem, they came to Moses. Remember when they ran out of food? And, remember when they ran out of water? They brought all their problems to Moses. There were thousands and thousands of people. And, there were thousands and thousands of problems.
Jethro told Moses that the job was too big for one man. His father-in-law said Moses should choose some helpers. They should be wise men who loved and obeyed God. He told Moses to set some rules for the people to live by. Then the men could help Moses with the people and their problems. Life was easier with a little help!
Kevin needed help raking the leaves. So, Daddy helped him. The Israelites needed help to win the battle. Aaron and Hur helped Moses. And, Moses needed help with the people’s problems. He chose some wise men to help him. Can you think of some times when you needed help? Maybe you needed help with your homework. Maybe you will need help building a tree house.
It is good to have moms, dads, brothers and sisters who can help you. But, you have Someone else who is always there to help. Your memory verse says,"God is our place of safety. He gives us strength." When you are afraid, He can keep you safe. When things are too hard for you, He can make you strong. Sometimes you just need a little help!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes I need a little help. I'm glad that I can call on you in prayer to help me when I'm afraid, when I'm sick, when I'm worried, and when things are too hard for me. Thank you for giving me strength like you did for the Israelites.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - John 14:15-16
Monday - Psalm 37:39-40
Tuesday - Psalm 46:1-2
Wednesday - Philippians 4:2-3
Thursday - Hebrews 4:15-16
Friday - Galatians 5:13-14
Saturday - Hebrews 10:24-25
Exodus 19:1-25
Exodus 23:25
Exodus 24:15-18
Psalm 33:12-15
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
1 Peter 2:9
1 Peter 2:9-10
HOLY NATION - a group of people set apart to love and serve God
RELIABLE - can be depended and counted on
ROYAL PRIESTS- God’s special priest
PERFORMING- acting out, as a play
The boys and girls in the Sabbath School were putting on a play. They would present it during the worship service. They were acting out the story of Moses. The teacher was giving out the parts after class.
Beth wanted very much to be in the play. She wanted to play the part of Moses sister, Miriam. Not everyone would get to be in the play. The teacher would pick only those children who came every week. There were many lines to memorize. The children would have to work very hard. But it was a special honor to be chosen.
Being chosen for something special often means you must be reliable. That means you can be counted on. That was the case for Moses and the Israelites.
They had been walking through the wilderness for three months. They came to Mt. Sinai and made camp at the bottom. God wanted to talk to Moses on the mountain. He had a message for the Israelites.
God reminded them of how He had saved them from the Egyptians. He gave them everything they needed. He took care of them.
God parted the waters of the Red Sea and dried up the ground. He protected the Israelites with the pillar of fire. He gave them manna and quail to eat. He gave them water to drink. Now God was choosing these people to be His own special people.
It was very special to be chosen to serve God. It meant that the people would have to love God with all their hearts. They would have to obey Him. They would have to do whatever He told them to do.
Were there times when the Israelites acted like they didn't love God? They grumbled and complained when their food ran out. They wanted to kill Moses when their water was gone. How would they treat God now?
Moses came down from the mountain. He called all the leaders and people together. He told them what God had said. And all the people said, "We will do everything the Lord has said." God told them that He owned the whole world. But, those who loved and obeyed Him would be His holy nation.
God wanted to meet Moses on the mountain again. This time everyone would know that God was there. His cloud and lightning would cover the top of the mountain. When He talked, it would sound like thunder. God said no one else should go near the mountain. They couldn't touch it or they would be punished. God was going to give the people His rules to live by - the Ten Commandments.
You have also been chosen as part of God's holy nation. Everyone who loves and obeys God can be a part of that nation. But, God expects His people to love Him with all their hearts. He wants you to do what is right. He wants you to treat others like you want to be treated. He wants to be able to count on you. Will you answer like the Israelites, "We will do everything the Lord has said”?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for choosing the Israelites to be your royal priests. I want to love you and serve you with all my heart, too. Help me obey you and do what you tell me to do.
In Jesus' name.
Amen
Sunday - Exodus 19:4-6
Monday - Exodus 19:7-8
Tuesday - Exodus 19:17-19
Wednesday - Exodus 23:25
Thursday - Exodus 24:15-18
Friday - Psalm 33:12-15
Saturday - 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
