Moses said to him, “If your presence doesn’t go with me, don’t carry us up from here. For how would people know that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Isn’t it that you go with us, so that we are separated, I and your people, from all the people who are on the surface of the earth?”
Exodus 33:15‭-‬16

Spending time in nature

For today’s outside activity, grab a tent (go camping if you can) and set it up in a quiet area where you can, as a family, take a moment and spend time with God. Encourage each person to say a short prayer or read a favorite Bible passage. You can also create a shade outside and have a simple picnic, where you talk about how God covers His people. Even though Moses went into the tent by himself, Joshua stood outside the tent and waited for him. God can not be contained by such small places, yet, for centuries, He lived with Israel above the covenant box. God uses the earth as His footstool (Isaiah 66:1-2), so how can such small places contain him. The thought that he moved with Israel from place to place in a tent is unfathomable (2 Samuel 7), and now He longs to dwell in our Stoney human hearts. The Son of Man has no place to rest His head, and still, He stands at the door waiting for us to open it (Rev 3:20). When you’re dwelling in your tent today, no matter if it’s as grand as Solomon’s temple, or a humble blanket hanging on a branch, once you’re beneath the covering God is dwelling there in your heart. Those who love us are at the door waiting to hear what the Lord has said or done in our lives, just like Joshua.

Tip

Humility is a characteristic that shouldn’t be over looked in a Christian’s life. We are asked to “in humility value others above” ourselves (Philippines 2:3). If there is little room in the tent, humbly stand outside and praise God for the scraps that fall from the masters table.

Do Something Creative

For today’s creative activity, make a shadow puppet show. First, you’ll create your theater space. Next, print and cut out various characters and props and tape to a slender bbq stick. There are a couple of elements to the family worship reading. You can make characters act out a part of this week’s story or pick a story you want to do. Parents and children can create their own skits, or the family can do one together, record, and watch it as a family. Talk about how Moses was illuminated after he spent time with God. Moses was so bright that he had to wear a veil over his face. With the shadow puppet theater, the tissue paper serves as a veil for your puppet show. If you held the 2D puppets in front of the direct light, it would be hard to see the puppet’s details.

Family worship idea

For family worship, prepare a note for each child. This should celebrate how the child is unique. Express how proud you are of their talents or accomplishments by putting your affirmation in a poem or an addressed letter. For worship, read Exodus 31: 1-11 chapters 33 and 34. While reading the chapters, allow each person to pick their favorite quiet activity to perform during the reading. Once you are done, read or hand out the notes for each child. Remind everyone that God chose Bezalel, the son of Uri, to devise skillful works in creating the tabernacle. He has also chosen each of us for a reason; through prayer and seeking, we learn what our gifts or talents are and how we can use them to glorify God. Talk about how Moses asked God to forgive this disobedience (verse 31). He even was willing to give up his own salvation for the people. Moses spoke with God to not only save the nation but to lead them to the promised land. We as a people belong to Christ, we owe our salvation to Him, and He knows the way to heaven. How precious is this love Moses had for the people and Jesus has for us? How does Moses’ veil compare to the veil that separated the holy place from the most holy place? In 2 Corinthians (3:15) when Moses is read, a vail lies on their heart, but (3:16) whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Personal thoughts

As followers, we are so rich our God blesses us with peace and hope. The peace He gives us is not as the world gives (John 14:27), and the hope He gives us is mingled with faith (Hebrews 1:11). As new Believers, Israel had to remove their jewelry at Mount Horeb. This same earthly treasure aided in the creation of the calf. Now God was asking the people of Israel to walk away from their adornments. When I first became a Bible-reading Christian, I had to give up some things, and maybe at the time, it was hard. Now, I understand why God keeps some things from me; He is trying to see what He can do with me. To surrender completely to God is so hard; I still want a nice condo and an electric car, but I love the simple life He has blessed me with. Each day earthly desires seem more unimportant. The peace He gives is contentment. I know He is at the end and already knows that it is good. So I appreciate what I have. As the new group of believers removed their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward, they put aside part of the security they obtained in Egypt. Now they had to wholly rely on God to meet their needs. I want this to be the lesson I take from the Israelites this week. I may not have all the treasures of this world, but I am fed better than the birds and clothed in more glory than the flowers.

Hiding His word in your ❤

Now don’t be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he has sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you.

2 Chronicles 30: 8

Moses turned, and went down from the mountain, with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand; tablets that were written on both their sides. They were written on one side and on the other. The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is the noise of war in the camp.” He said, “It isn’t the voice of those who shout for victory. It is not the voice of those who cry for being overcome; but the noise of those who sing that I hear.”

Spending time in nature

Israel had to drink the water with the gold dust from the ground-up calf. I’m not saying drink called us today but if you are in a place where you can go gold panning in might be a fun Sabbath activity. If you are not, try experiencing a couple of natural laws. Gravity is easy to demonstrate you can find a bridge and toss a pebble into the air and see as it’s sent back to earth. Take a magnet and as you’re walking see if it attracts anything along the way. To “experience” the strong nuclear force you can play a game everyone creates a close bond by standing in a tight knit circle. Another person tries to get to the middle of the bonded group. One parent can hug the children as another tries to steal the kids away for a hug of their own. You can also think about weak interaction by observing it on a macro level. Along paths or water edges there will be clippings of leaves or grass that is slowly losing matter and decaying. As your walking look for phenomenons that you would only see in Nature. How does fungus grow on the side of a tree, or how do birds keep their nest dry and intact. Nature is so fantastically extraordinary that trying to find odd occurrences is quite easy when you’re looking for them. Discuss how God governs even this wild, chaotic world.

Tip

Without human influence, “the earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear” (Mark 4:28) then the process stars all over. God has put these cycles in place and without hesitation nature obeys them.

Do Something Creative

For the craft, everyone make a calf or simple animal with clay. Try to make it as detailed as possible. As everyone finishes their creation talk about how Aaron’s comment that the calf just appeared was unlikely. Discuss why the little clay creations would make poor gods.

What you will need:

• Clay
• Sculpting tools (tooth picks, butter knives, spoons, etc)
• Maybe water or oil depending on the clay (to keep it pliable)

Family worship idea

Before reading Exodus (31:12-18)-32 create a general contract, list terms you know everyone will enjoy. You can have a clause that the last meal on preparation day will alternate between each family members favorite meal. When making a contract both parties have to agree with the conditions. Israel said we will, when they were verbally given God’s terms, but when Moses delayed they broke the first condition of the contract. Once you finish the reading tear your contract in half. Rewrite the contract with conditions that will help ensure each term is easy to keep. The favorite meals can still be part of the contract, but you can make it easier by adding a helper addition. You can also make four freezable meals in generic tins, on preparation day you’ll just pull on of the meals out and cook it. Doing this could add a surprise element to the meal. Talk about the commitment Israel made when they said they would be obedient to God’s terms verse God’s promise to write the law on the heart. What does that mean for believers now?

Personal thoughts

Often times the joys of this world drowned out the gifts God has prepared for us. Israel couldn’t wait for what God had prepared, they lost patience. Jesus warns us of this everything. If we stop watching and our patience runs thin, there is the possibility that the master will return in that moment. In today’s story the new nation had been caught in their bad judgment. Moses interceded for them, he changed their narrative. Though they would fall again and again over the next generation God remained with them. He never stopped providing their shade during the day and their warmth at night, but they were not allowed to enter the promise land. He looked at Moses and described them as a stiff necked people. God want pliability, not people who will conform to every new trend, but people willing to believe His word. This is not always the easiest ask. I often find myself striking out on my own, because I can handle any and everything that comes my way, it’s usually not long before it’s clear I need to rely on God. Though it might be a lifetime before He returns and takes us home, I know one thing the glimmer of the world has not made me as happy as the peace from God. I choose to wait on the Lord, so in that moment I won’t miss a life time of flash, I’ll be raised up to an eternity of joy.

Hiding His word in your ❤

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Lord finds doing so when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has.

Matthew 24:45‭-‬47

‘Moses came and told the people all the Lord’s words, and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken will we do.” Moses wrote all the Lord’s words, then rose up early in the morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain, with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. ‘

Spending time in nature

Go up the mountain and worship. Build a small stone tower from uncut stones and read an appropriate devotion. You can also bring along musing and sing praises to God. Play a game, have each individual in the family tell the story of Moses going up the mountain to receive the laws and tablets from the elder’s perspective. What must it have been like for the elders to watch as Moses went to meet the Lord? The bible says Israel was afraid of God and wanted Moses to serve as an intercessor. Each person watching Moses could have had a different experience. If a mountain range is a little far for you, go to the highest point you can and watch clouds. Remind the family, the Lord came in a cloud that covered the Mountain as Moses transcribed. The Lord will again come in a cloud that won’t touch the face of the earth. He does what He can to protect us, and at times He has to protect us from Him. Regardless of where you can worship, remember God doesn’t need a whole setup crew, nature is His stage.

Tip

We are blessed today that we don’t have to worship in a specific temple or on a specific mountain. God is everywhere, but it is important to remember that God only made the trees, the trees are not God. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

Do Something Creative

Make a cloud in a jar today. To do this first pour the boiling water into the warmed jar (dying the water helps make the cloud obvious). Next have someone ready with the jar’s lid, quickly spray the hairspray into the jar and immediately put the lid onto the jar. Now place 3-5 pieces of ice on top of the lid of the jar. A cloud should form near the lid. If the mountain will be used place it in the jar before you add the boiling water, ideally it would stick out of the top of the water and the cloud would form near it’s peak.

What you will need:

• Glass jar with a lid (warm to at least room temperature, a pint mason jar is big enough for the liquid you’ll be adding)
• 1 cup hot boiling water
• Aerosol hairspray
• 3-5 cubes of ice
• A small plastic mountain that can fit in the jar (Optional)

Family worship idea

For family worship, make a “pillow fort” gather inside and read Exodus 24 and 25 1-9. I won’t be going over the Exodus chapters on the tabernacle and laws, but consider it as a family; these chapters are full of valuable information. My family went over the tabernacle during our daily worship. When we were through, we built a miniature tabernacle. Once you read through the passage, discuss Moses’ role versus the elder’s role. One day, in heaven, we will see the 24 elders who heard our prayers (rev 5:8) and sing them a new song (Rev 14:3). Moses left Aaron to listen to the pleas and concerns of the people. Their part in this was not small but was part of God’s will. Our task is small, but it is key to spreading the gospel in our communities. Lastly, in your fort, play a game of go fish. Israel made a promise to God that day on the mountain. Go Fish is a simple, fun game that requires us to uphold our integrity.

Personal thoughts

Aaron and 70 elders suggested the calf?
For me, this chapter has two strong points, we need time alone with God, and God covers His people. Moses spoke with the people of Israel and the elders; he shared God’s message but, he went by himself to hear God. It is good to spend time alone with God so He can speak to you in a way that’s specific to you. His message to you will be different than the message you share. Next, Moses sprinkled literal blood on the Israelites in verse 8; they’re covered by the letter of the law. We, however, have been sanctified by the blood of the true lamb, slain for the sins of the world. When Jesus, who walked a sinless life, died on the cross, He changed mankind’s story. He created a way to heaven and removed the sting of death. When we love Christ, the holy spirit can transform our hearts and create in us a new spirit. There is no limit, when Christ is our foundation.

Hiding His word in your ❤

And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:3

‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

Spending time in nature

The night before, if you have a fire pit, gather around a blazing fire and read a family favorite. A tale appropriate for Sabbath, you might pick up a book of Martyr’s stories. The next day you should have a fresh supply of charcoal, use it to create images, or write the commandments on stone (wear clothes you can get dirty). If an outdoor fire is not available to you, find a nice place you can hike, where you see a long-distance or just where it is peaceful. Read the ten commandments and thank God for giving us guidelines that keep us from things that will hurt us. God loves us and reminds us how we show our love for Him in the first four commandments. He shows us how we love one another in the last commandments. Look at the habitats around you; what are some commandments that Nature abides by? Birds design their nest in a specific way depending on where their habitat is or what they eat. Trees must produce fruit of their own kind. Water runs downhill, and any that is evaporated can barely be seen. Nature’s laws were also put in place by God. Without the ability to question, Nature obeys God’s rules.

Tip

Nature time helps us grow because it shows us how plants and animals trust in God (Matthew 10:29). They may not know what will happen next, but they know they’ll be taken care of. If we look at how much animals blindly trust God, it shows that if we stop worrying, God will always provide.

Do Something Creative

To celebrate God’s promise, “(we) shall be to (Him) a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” make an article of priest’s garments (Exodus 28). Creating the breastplate can be really easy and was meant to bear the names of the children of Israel over the priest’s heart when he went before the Lord. To create a simple breastplate take thick wrapping paper, and cut the width of it the width of the person wearing it. Fold the paper in half and cut a hole large enough for the head to fit through on the fold. Decorate it with various jewels, stickers, and pictures. You can even connect the front of the plate with the back using gold string/yarn. The priests wrote the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on the breastplate as well.

What you will need (Follow Exodus 28: 15-31 for a decorative idea):

• Wrapping paper or Crafting paper
• Markers
• Crayons
• Scissors
• Stickers
• Various jewels
• Golden yarn (optional)

Family worship idea

For family worship, read through Exodus 19 and 20, when Israel receives the verbal ten commandments. In the chapters, Israel had to score off the mountain, talking about your favorite place in the whole house, and explain why it’s your favorite and how special it is. Compare Mount Sinai to your favorite spot and explain how Mount Sinai was special and sacred to God and Israel. Then go through and have everyone pick a commandment. Talk about why they chose that one, how it helps us and why it’s essential. After the discussion write down the ten commandments on paper, along with other laws if you would like, put them in a hat and play charades. Try to portray each commandment in a fun and unusual way.

Personal thoughts

When God was preparing to speak with Moses and Israel, He had to make sure the new nation was prepared. If any person or animal touched the mountain, it was sentenced to death. Later, when Uzzah tried to catch the covenant box because he was not purified, he was stuck down. God gave Israel three days to sanctify themselves and be ready for His visit. This happened in Joshua 3:5 as well. This reflects God’s desire to make us a royal priesthood; even though Moses and Aaron were the only ones That went up the mountain, the entire nation had to be sanctified. Every day our mortal being is tested; when we choose to listen to Jesus, we prepare our hearts for a life in heaven. The altar of sacrifice is still within the temple. Now that the body is a temple, ensuring the altar is made from uncut stone means putting trust in God to form and shape us into the body we are meant to be. When we are to be a royal priesthood, spending time in the word of God helps to form us. This time also allows the Holy Spirit to do what human hands can’t. We want our alter to be designed and shaped by God’s work. This doesn’t mean everything is osmosis; we have our part. How we spend our time, energy, resources, and the choices we make all determine how pliable our heart is

Hiding His word in your ❤

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9

You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover, you shall provide out of all the people able men which fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. Let them judge the people at all times. It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So shall it be easier for you, and they shall share the load with you.

Spending time in nature

For the outside activity this Sabbath, try to spend time with your family judges; if you have extended family near you, see if you can meet for a picnic. Visit about any family traditions or trades that have been passed down. These can be as simple as the way you cook a simple dish. If it is just your family today, and you’re at home, try to find a new place. If you are traveling, see if you can find a local favorite. For Moses, he was a foreigner in a foreign land. Gorshin’s name refers to when Moses was in Midian, but we know in Genesis 15:13 God told Abram his descendants would live as strangers in a land that was not their own. As you explore a new place, try to notice new sounds or a perspective you don’t ordinarily see. We live by a mountain range that we get to see every day, Sabbath we traveled over the mountains to the other side and found the same mountains were smoother and populated with younger trees. Even familiar places can be made new if you start from a different starting point or you take a new route. Use this Sabbath to be a new explorer in a new land.

Tip

Don’t be afraid to get a little lost, sometimes the best gems are hidden, try getting a little lost and finding your way back home with your cell phone.

Do Something Creative

For the creative activity build a scale. If you already have a couple of scales you can just find different objects around the house that weigh the same. If you want to make a simple scale you can take a clothes line hanger and tie three equal length string on each side of the clothes hanger. Make three wholes in the cups (about 120 degrees from each other), thread, and secure the string to the leveled cup. When the scale is empty the two sides are perfectly balanced, this is how it will be in heaven, without the presents of sin our hearts will be obedient to the law at all times. Our desires will be God’s desires so the scales will be equal. During the reading Moses took on the entire tribes so his side of scale was very heavy. Once he separated the duties among other judges he lightened his load and it was distributed among many other wise men.

What you will need:

• A clothes hanger with notches to keep the strings stationary
• String or yarn
• A single-hole punch
• Two identical paper cups (Try to avoid wax bottom cups)
• A pair of scissors
• Measuring tape
• Masking or packing tape

Family worship idea

For family worship, read through Exodus 18 and put together a family puzzle. Moses had an important role in Israel’s deliverance, but he was just one part of their leadership. God uses each of us to create the body of the church. Jesus is enough to take our load, but our greatest gift is being able to work alongside Him while He moves in our communities. Visit about why Jethro told Moses what he was doing was not good and, if he continued him, and the people of Israel would be worn away. Talk about our roles in the church as well as in our community. Discuss what the puzzle would look like if it were missing a piece. Most people would see the big picture, but most viewers would still long to see the missing piece. Though we will find peace and happiness in heaven, the fact is God would have that none would perish and all would have everlasting life. We should want everyone we know to be with us in heaven.

Personal thoughts

While Jesus was on Earth, He lived as a foreigner in a foreign land but was sustained because of His constant connection with God. Moses and the Israelites were at Mount Sinai (verse 5), and God was their ruler; later in Samuel’s time, they want an earthly king, but at that moment, everything was as it was meant to be. They were not ready for the army that surrounded Elisha, but they needed to work on their unbelief. It’s reassuring that God meets us where we are. In Exodus 18, the judges, who don’t make laws but interpret them, are established. Once they are put in place, they enjoy a great feast. I can’t wait until the day when we go to Heaven, and the offering and sacrifices have been made, so we sit with the elders to eat bread. Just as Moses judged every person, Jesus is in the tabernacle opening the books for each person by himself; one day after the feast, we will be like judges.

Hiding His word in your ❤

Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

Jacob 4:11

More detailed Craft instructions

How to Make the Scale

1. Measure two pieces of string two feet long and cut.
2. Make holes to attach the string to the cups. Make a mark one inch below the rim on the outside of each cup. 
3. Have your child use the single-hole punch to make holes in each cup. Punch a hole on either side of the cup, along the 1-inch mark. 
4. Attach the hanger to the wall, using a cup hook, doorknob or a level bar for hanging clothes or towels.
5. Tie the string to each side of the cup and let it sit in the notch of the hanger. The string should support the cup like the handle of a bucket.
6. Repeat this process with the second cup.
7. Ask your child to steady the hanger to make sure the cups are hanging at the same level. If they are not; adjust the string until they are even.
8. When they look even: use a piece of tape to secure the string in the hanger’s notches.

He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us, or not?”

Spending time in nature

For the outside activity today, hike to a waterfall or a lake. Bring a small picnic, if time allows. Along the shore, sit and read Psalms 105 together. The 45 verses recap Abraham to Moses so far. No public reading, bring some paper and writing utensils, write a poem or story about God being the rock in your family/life. If you know how to skip stones across the water’s surface. Jesus is our living water (John 4:10); water flows throughout the entire earth, connecting the world; there is no life without water. If you are blessed to be close to clean running water, you have abundance. In Isaiah, we also learn God is the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion He is a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16). Later in 1 Corinthians 10, we learn Christ was the stone the water came out of. As you enjoy this moment, think about what it will be like to drink the living water (Ephesians 5:25-27) from the stone that is Messiah one day.

Tip

Water moves through the earth as liquid, vapor, or snowy ice. The same water that rains down on us is the water that fills the deepest oceans. This same water cascades off cliffs and is home to fish.

Do Something Creative

For the creative activity, see if you can make your arm float. Moses, who is a type of Christ for us, and in the second story of Exodus 17, Isreal’s success is reliant upon him raising his hands and offering intercession for God’s people. For a moment, complete the steps below. I’m sure Moses’ arms had to be raised higher than his waist, so it was good that Aaron and Hur were able to help him. The stone he sat on was no doubt a relief as well. Moses had God’s rod in his hand; what can you hold while your hands are raised? Try holding different objects while raising your hands and concentrating on a memory verse, poem, or song you know.

What you will need:

• Stand in a doorway (can be done with a wall as well, you’ll just use one arm)
• Press the backs of your hands against the inside of the door frame for 30 seconds.
• Let your arm(s) down to your side
• Relax and allow your arm(s) to move as they will
• What happened?

Family worship idea

During family worship, remind everyone what happens when we trust in God. Suspend a piece of rope or string. On the free end of the rope, tie a ball or a small heavy object. Take Dominoes and place them in a standing row that will fall if the first one is pushed. If you don’t have dominoes build a house of cards or something that can fall after being hit with the homemade catapult. Place the suspended string and object near the front of the row of Dominoes or Tower of Cards. Grab the ball on the end of the rope; pull it close to the front of the collapsible structure (not close enough to touch it). Release the stringed object; it should swing forward and then come back, but it should not reach your structure. Now try the same experiment but instead of releasing the catapult, push it. Trusting in God can be like simply letting the string go; all we have to do is let go of our own agenda. But when we pushed the suspended object, there is no telling its direction or even its force. It can most likely knock over the dominoes or cards. This is our life when we are trying to make things happen by our own will. The action may be the same as God’s plan, but the force is different, and it can take a new direction. Read Exodus 17; in this story, twice Israel is asked to trust God, first when He opened the rock and again in a fight against Amalek. How is God asking you to trust Him today?

Personal thoughts

Exodus 17 is a lesson on trusting God, this isn’t always easy but the Israelites showed us the consequence of not trusting in the Creator. First, without His life-giving water, we will return to what we once knew. When they wanted water they didn’t start searching out clean water; they complained and asked to go back to slavery. Every day we spend with God He makes progress, every moment in prayer He hears, for His sake, He sees us as His son. He wants to live ve and care for us every moment of every day, the ultimate bulldozer parent, but He lets us make our own choices and mistakes. Rest assured when we are spending time in His Word, the hurt, anger, jealousy, and guilt we felt over our mistakes will be diminished to nothing. The Israelites needed the water to pacify their doubt, we need the word to fight against earthly woes. Also, it is a coward’s nature to attack when you are weak and feeble, but God will have the final word with our enemies. The rock will come up again in Chapter 20, interestingly, God had Moses use the rod to essentially destroy Egypt but for His followers he is giving water and in battle the raised rod caused Israel to proveil.

Hiding His word in your ❤

Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all immersed into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Messiah.

1 Corinthians 10:1-4

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.

Spending time in nature

This Sabbath, try to appreciate how big God is. Take a walk in your favorite park or go for your favorite height hike try to think about how each tree provides home two dozens of animals. As you’re walking see the smallest details that He put together for our enjoyment. Look at the large magnificent mountains, watch as creepy crawly insects move or, listen to the sound the birds make. While you’re walking think about how the Sun gives life to the plants and how it provides vitamins for us. Try not to miss one single small detail as you explore God’s creation. Think about all the reasons we have to praise God, he is the almighty, the beginning, and the end. He knows your name He knows the number of hairs on your head. God cares about the sparrows flying in the air, He provides it with food and shelter and companionship; He cares about us more than the sparrow. If it feels appropriate stop somewhere and praise God. While you’re walking you can sing songs of praise. Make the entire walk or hike about about appreciating the Creator in His s creation. Once Israel was freedom from slavery they sang a song that lifted God up. Now they could enjoy these small moments, now they had time to remember something they had forgotten. God would give them the commandments soon, but twice before mount Sinai He pleaded with them to remember the Sabbath. As their slave masters were buried in the sea, they were given back time, choice, and freedom. The song they sang reflects this more than anything.

Tip

In a single tree there can be 2.3 million different species dwelling together. The scientist also estimated this could be an understatement. It puts a whole new outlook on tree house.

Do Something Creative

For today’s creative activity, create a banner or a shield that represents your family. Across the top put “He is my Father’s God” or something similar and decorate the banner/shield with pictures or symbols that represents past family members. Another theme for the crest, write “The Lord is a Warrior” and decorate the banner/shield with pictures or symbols showing how God has protected you. He loves you and will keep your foot from stumbling. He loves your family and has built up the descendants to be more abundant than the stars.

What you will need:

• The banner (can be a large sheet of paper or a cloth)
• Something to draw on the banner (Markers, crayons, etc.)
• Rod or BBQ stick to hang the banner on (glue the banner to the stick)
• Nice ribbon (tie one end of a ribbon longer than the top of the banner to each end of the stick)

Family worship idea

Prepare the Sabbath room to look like a sanctuary, put up sheets to cover the walls, add small delicate lights and/or candles. Sit on the floor, on pillows, to be closer. If busy hands need something, give them some clay and tell them to sculpt the waves of the Red Sea held up like a dam, or any other moment in Israel’s escape. Read Exodus 15: 1-21 talk about the verses and how Israel felt about their triumphant escape. How much of their freedom did they attribute to God? They sang about their present and what was to come. Though the possibilities to come were going to be numerous, the Israelites had to celebrate their present. They had been waiting for that moment for 400 years. When we too are going home what will our praise song sound like?

Personal thoughts

I don’t know my future, or where I’m going to be when Christ returns for His people. But with His faithful love, He will lead the people He has redeemed; He will guide them to His holy dwelling with His strength, (Exodus 15:13), with great power and an outstretched arm (Deuteronomy 9:29). There is no place on Earth where He can’t find me, not in the uttermost parts of the sea, or in total darkness (Psalms 139:7-12). I take comfort in knowing this. This body is a temple a vessel that can only be filled with the Holy Spirit, I am not my own, but have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6: 19-20). The living waters will flow from me (John 7:37-39,Acts 2: 1-4) though I am just a clay vessel, I will not be crushed under pressure, I will not despair or be forsaken (2 Corinthians 4:7-12). One day this whole world will be His, He will take it back (Psalms 78: 54) and give it as an inheritance to the gentle (Matthew 5:5) and the humble (Psalms 37:11). In that moment “God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.'” (2 Corinthians 6:16). My hope is I will no longer be stiff and made of stone, I have faith God will make me new, complete with a fleshy heart.

Hiding His word in your ❤

Therefore prophesy, and tell them, ‘The Lord GOD says: “Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, my people; and I will bring you into Eretz-Israel. You will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, my people. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live. Then I will place you in your own land; and you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”

Ezekiel 37: 12-14

‘Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today; for you will never again see the Egyptians whom you have seen today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall be still.” The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward. ‘Exodus 14:13-15

Spending time in nature

When spending time in nature this week, see if you can be a water bender. Find a When God brought Israel out of Egypt, He sent them many wonders. One of the greatest wonders was dividing the Red Sea. Find or create a small puddle and see if you can divide the waters. Can you blow on the water with enough force to separate it? Is there a different element you can use to separate the water? If you can’t be outside, try putting a small amount of water in a bowl and see if you can divide the water in the bowl. Once everyone has had some fun with the liquid, try a simple experiment to cause the separation. In a bowl, add a small amount of water. Sprinkle pepper on the water. Take a Q-tip slightly covered in a small amount of dish soap and dip it in the pepper-covered water. You should see all the pepper move to the edges of the bowl. The dish soap (at least for a thin layer) was able to part the water. The Israelites walked under the cloud, and in the sea, in doing so, God baptized them (1 Corinthians 10:2). They declared they were willing to follow God no matter where He led them. In Egypt, the believers didn’t have to do anything to show they were part of Israel; walking through the Red Sea required action on their part.

Tip

God went across the sea without leaving a single foot print. As humans our minds can create solutions, but there are somethings only God can do. “When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.” Psalm 77:16-19

Do Something Creative

Create a family, or individual diorama, depicting the scene when Pharaoh caught up to Israel at the Red Sea. Divide the shoebox with a sheet of black construction paper. On one side of the shoebox, create a scene showing Pharaoh’s army, stuck in darkness. On the other side of the shoe box creative scene of Israel moving across the Red Sea. This craft can be as extravagant or simple as you would like. If you would like a simple version, print off some coloring pages of the scene. Color them in and glue them inside the shoe box. If you would like more detail, then create a backdrop, add people, horses, riders, chariots, Israelites, and animals inside the Red Sea. This craft could take a lot of time, so you can carry this activity on through worship as well. Some examples can be found online.

What you will need:

• Shoebox
• Molding clay
• Paints
• Crepe paper (Yellow, blue, red, tan, grey, etc.)
• Pipe cleaners
• Fish string
• Glue
• Construction Paper
• Scissors

Family worship idea

While you read Exodus 13 and 14, finish adding details to your diorama or play ocean noises with dimmed lights as everyone sits by their own Pillar of Fire (a candle). As you’re reading, think about what the Israelites were going through. In a moment, they all had their freedom, but they were always afraid they were going to get drugged back to Egypt. Now their captor is pursuing them and they have no way to escape. God needed to show them He is bigger than their worst fear. God shows us that He’s bigger than our worst fears as well, He gives the greatest peace to believers. There are villages struck with poverty, but because of their belief, they can’t help but feel joy. His peace has brought people through being prisoners of war. The disciples and Christians during the dark ages didn’t fear death, because their hope was so much greater. The Israelites had been slaves for so long, that their belief was still there but their fate was diminished. They would wander through the desert because their faith wouldn’t allow them to see this God who brought down the greatest Kingdom they knew could also destroy the small Kingdoms in the land of Canaan. It is very important we believe, but it is more important than our faith guides our belief.

Personal thoughts

God spared Israel from warring the Philistines by bringing them to the Red Sea, an impassable path. God often brings us to challenges that might seem unpassable, but the victory might not be ours; God may be trying to show us His wonders. When we trust God, He has a habit of helping us change the world in small ways. We leave our past life behind in a battle formation, ready to take on any challenge that comes before us (Exodus 14:2, Numbers 33:6, Jos 1:14), but our battle is against spiritual wickedness. With our faith in God, we can win this battle. The only weapon we have as we enter this war is the word of God. Everything else comes from seeking and searching for God (Ephesians 6:10-18). When the pillar of fire and cloud separated the Israelites from the Egyptians, “the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel moved and went behind them” (Exodus 14:19). We should be assured God will guard us (Psalm 91:11-12) at the moment God shows His wonders. Moses promised the Israelites that they will be still while God fights Pharaoh’s Army (Exodus 14:14). Though we are brought to the shadow of death, faith is enough to carry us through. The darkness and light did not touch one another (Exodus 14:20). Israel had light shining in the darkness, and the darkness would not overcome it (John 1:5).

Hiding His word in your ❤

But the righteousness which is of faith says this, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Messiah down); or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Messiah up from the dead.)” But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart;” that is, the word of faith which we proclaim: that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him. For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a proclaimer? And how will they proclaim unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they didn’t all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, didn’t they hear? Yes, most certainly, “Their sound went out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

Roman’s 10: 6-18