Arise and Abide

Reading Exodus 17:8-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The second time the Israelites have faced an army coming at them. The staff represented God's blessing, they were only victorious, with God's blessing. Our strength is weakness. Something very visual for those that were fighting. Whether you're a leader of many or a leader of few it is on you to point the people you lead to God.

Reading Exodus 17:1-7 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God giving the people an opportunity to respond in a different way. Insanity is doing the something repeatedly, expecting a different result. The situation in this circumstance became more dire yet their response remained the same. How our circumstances change our perspective, especially hunger and/or thirst. The need to develop the habit of going to God rather than complaining to people.  Finding ques as we are given opportunities to do things differently.  The more severe the circumstance, the greater the miracle.

Reading Exodus 16:19-38 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The mana spoiling by morning. The LORD Preserves. The motivation of God’s heart in requiring people to rest one day a week. Fighting the urge to gather more than we need. Intentional pattern of rest. Heart and metal attitude of laziness. Loving what you do. Understanding our identity in Christ and the purpose God has for us. People being motivated by food. Going without rest keeps us from our full potential. The lesson of trust God is teaching.  

Reading Exodus 16:1-18 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The picture of sin painted in the wilderness of the region of Sinai. Where do we find ourselves? Do you wander or get distracted? Philippians 2:14’s call to do everything without complaining or arguing. Complaining about people in leadership vs praying for people in leadership. Moses being an example of how to go to God. Misplaced nostalgia vs. using nostalgia to remember all the LORD has done. Change is not always comfortable; God makes it worthwhile.

Reading Exodus 15:22-27 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God wanting the people to trust and obey God. Complaining about circumstances without asking for any help gets you nowhere. The importance of the little things and God’s faithfulness in the big and small things in life. Psalms 44 call back. Listening carefully to the voice of the LORD and remembering. We do not live by faith or in trust when we worry.

Reading Psalms 44:1-26 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Not counting bad circumstances as God’s love failing us. All victory is from God, and we need God to save us. Look to God in the low points in life and going to God with our complaints and needs. Talking to God without hold back our feelings. The loving conviction of the Holy Spirit through it all. Sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Matthew 5:11, Romans 8:35-39

Reading Exodus 15:1-21 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The first recorded song in the Bible was sung in response to God delivering them from certain death. The people of Israel personalizing their relationship with God. God’s arms are wide open, God’s heart is for more and more people to put their faith in him. The infinite expanse of God’s love. Being planted in God’s presence and growing roots.

Reading Exodus 14:15-31 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people staying still but preparing to move, watching what the LORD does next. The Israelites needing to go from a state of panic and fear, to calm, and then move in the knowledge God will rescue them. Being still and knowing the LORD is God is the beginning of stepping out in faith. The moment of revelation for the soldiers of Egypt. The leader who goes to the back of the line to make sure everyone makes it across.

Reading Exodus 14:5-14 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Pharaoh and the officials changing their minds. We are to change our minds from our selfishness for righteousness, not the other way around. Fists raised in defiance. The Israelites change their mind when they see Pharaoh and the army approaching. Reverting to our natural tendencies. Finding security in the oppression we know is a reflex. God wants us to know God’s own heart for us. Don’t be afraid, God will get you where you’re going.

Reading Exodus 13:17-14:4 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people leaving like they were ready for battle but not really being ready. The forgetfulness of humanity. God acting so the people will know He is the LORD who holds victory. The presence of God as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. The wisdom of God looks like foolishness to the world. Bring Joseph’s bones with them. Remember what God has done for us and look for what He is doing now!