Arise and Abide

Reading Exodus 13:1-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The ceremony connecting the generations to all God has done. The firstborn sons being redeemed by a lamb killed in substitution. The ceremony being like a mark on their hands or their foreheads. Loving God and loving people seen through our heart, mind, and actions. Revelation 13:16 marks on head or foreheads. We are supposed to look different, but it is not by our own effort, it is by surrender to the Holy Spirit of God.  

Reading Exodus 12:28-51 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Everything God said through Moses coming to be. Being ready to go at a moments notice. God wakes us up. They took what they could carry and left with the Egyptians wealth. Mobilizing families and animals like an army. The Rabble of non-Israelites following them as they leave. People responding to the knowledge of God. Jesus breaking all barriers to God. Romans 2:28. A person with a changed heart seeks to please God, not people.

Reading Psalms 43:1-5 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Asking God for rescue from liars by the Truth of God. The enemy trying to distract us from God’s truth. Being distracted by the lies of the enemy takes our eyes off of the truth of God. The practice of redirecting our attention back to the Lord. The author asking God for guidance back to God’s presence. In those time of discouragement and attacks, we should turn and praise God.

Reading Exodus 12:1-27 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.   Being ready to go while eating the Passover meal. The refugee status of Kingdom people. Jesus is the Lamb of God and called the bread his body. Communion being a ritual of remembrance of all Christ has done for us. 1 Cor. 5:7, being made a fresh batch of dough by Christ.

Reading Exodus 11:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Chapter eleven picking up immediately after chapter ten.  The immediate danger to the sons of Egypt and the order to kill the sons born to the Hebrews in the beginning of Exodus. Israel called the LORD’s firstborn son. The blood of God’s Son, Jesus, setting us free. Freedom comes with a cost. Surrendering to God, the Good Father.

Reading Exodus 10:21-29 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. When we refuse God over and over again, we miss out on God’s light in our life.  God once again separates the light from the darkness leaving Egypt in the dark. The impact of the darkness shutting down life in Egypt. The Egyptians worshiped the sun and God showed Sovereignty over light. Needing light from God to live and interact with creation. Following God is a faith walk and we receive instructions along the way.  

Reading Exodus 10:1-20 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The limitations of Pharoah’s power being highlighted as Pharaoh does not acknowledge God’s power and authority. As Pharaoh continues in stubbornness the stakes at hand grow. Letting go because its not good for you to hold onto and you can’t take it with you into an abundant life. God’s love does not hold us hostage, but God is a Good Father to whom we can trust our surrender.

Reading Exodus 9:1-35 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God’s patience, mercy, and love with the people not wiping them out from the beginning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  God gives precautionary steps to take to save life.  How the enemy uses fear to make us ineffective, God uses fear to draw us to God’s self. God wants a consistent relationship with us.

Reading Exodus 8:16-32 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The LORD trying to get Pharaoh’s attention who remains stubborn. The annoyance escalates to chaos in the Land except for in Goshen. Pharaoh again unable to ignore the gnats and flies. The patience of God encountering Pharaoh. The goodness of God to present God’s self to Pharaoh through all his stubbornness.  

Reading Psalms 42:1-11 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The author’s desire for God’s presence with tears for food. The intentional decision to put hope in God when we are in the struggle. No matter the situation or challenge, our response is the same, intentional redirection of focus back onto God. Remembering how God has poured out love upon us. The things we can and should do is make room and get out of the way of what God is doing.