The passover

It will happen, when your children ask you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’” The people bowed their heads and worshiped.
Exodus 12:26‭-‬27

Spending time in nature

For today’s outside activity and craft, I’m stealing a page from the Passover book. This can be done inside or outside the house. During Passover, everyone is to take part in eating unleavened bread. There are three pieces of bread stacked on one another. The middle bread is always broken in two; the larger piece is wrapped in a white cloth and hidden. Today, do a similar activity with three unleavened bread pieces. Once you hide the larger side of the middle bread, have the children search for it. Once someone finds it, they’ll bring it back and receive a coin. The meal can only begin once the middle piece has been found and the seeker has received their payment. As a Christian, this is a beautiful glimpse into our salvation. Christ died without a broken bone, but He was made lower than the angels when He was sent to Earth as a baby. He was fully human and fully God, the bread of life went through more torment than we can imagine. Once His breath left His body He was wrapped in a white cloth and placed in the tomb. He would not remain there, He was brought forth and restored to His flock and then to His father. When we are restored to Him there will be a great feast.

Tip

The top matzah is referred to as Kohen, for the Kohen takes precedence in all matters.

The middle matzah Levi is broken into two at the beginning of the Seder. The smaller piece is left on the plate and is later eaten along with the Kohen matzah in fulfillment of the mitzvah of matzah; the larger piece is put away for use as the afikoman.

The bottom matzah, Yisrael is used for korech, so that every one of the matzot is used for the performance of a mitzvah.

Do Something Creative

Today’s creative activity is to sew a Matzah tosh beg. ‘Three pieces of Matzoh are placed into a cloth pouch, called a Matzah Tosh, which has three pockets–one piece of Matzoh per pocket.  “Each piece is separated from the others by a piece of cloth.  They are a unity, yet in three parts, as we understand the triune nature of GOD to be. “‘ To create this beg, take two pieces of cloth that are the same size about the length of the children’s forearm by the length of their full arm. You can get decorative fabric, but if you are sewing by hand, purchase thinner fabric. Take the two pieces and while they are laying on top of one another fold them so the short ends are touching, and will make up the opening. Sew the sides of the beg. When you are done you should have a beg with three pockets.

What you will need:

  • Two cloths (the same size) per person
  • Needle and thread (or a sewing machine)

Family worship idea

For family worship, put down cushions on the floor for everyone to sit on. Place candles and candlesticks around your Sabbath room. Search your favorite music streamer for Passover music. If you have them give everyone a goblet and grape juice. Also put out salted water (representing the tears of the enslaved Israelites) and celary (representing the new spring). Dip the celary in the salted water for a snack. Read Exodus 11 and 12. Allow everyone to enjoy the juice and dipped vegetables. Talk about the lamb and how it points to Jesus. Think about why the entire lamb had to be consumed. Ask if the blood of the lamb is covering the posts of a door now. Talk about the Israelites asked their neighbors for silver and gold, do Christ’s followers need anything from non believers as we let go of the cares of this world?

Personal thoughts

So this post is hard for me. The Jewish Nation held the keys for the Passover for hundreds of years before Christ came to earth. God gave them the ceremony along with the promise He would remove their yoke, save them from bondage, redeem them, and take them as His own people (Exodus 6: 6-7). They, as a collective, know so much more than I can ever hope to know about the words baked into Jesus’ heart. This being said, the Matzah Tosh was likely not used during the Exodus; the three pieces of bread could represent different lessons in the old testament. For me, though, it is so beautiful to think of the bread as the trinity. My ancestors lost so much of their language and culture because settlers wanted conformity. This is why taking the Passover and viewing it as a person who believes in Christ has me conflicted. I hope the pieces I stole from the eve of Passover were done in a respectful way that doesn’t mock or disrespect how others know and celebrate these two pieces.

Hiding His word in your ❤

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6: 2-4

The Plagues

‘Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days. They didn’t see one another, and nobody rose from his place for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. ‘ Exodus 10:22-23

Spending time in nature

When Pharaoh’s servants went to him in hopes of keeping Egypt from any more dangers, they asked, “how long will this man be a snare to us?” For the outside activity today, try to get out of a snare. Take a long string (1.5 meters) and tie a single loose loop on each end. Place a person’s hands through each loop. Cross a second string over the first by putting it through the arms of the first person. Do the same to this string, with two loose loops, put them over a second person’s hand. The two lines should link the two people together now. See if they can uncross the strings and free themselves. They can use any means possible. The easiest way to uncross the two lines is to take one and put it through one of the loose loops on either hand and put the string over the hand. Pharaoh worshiped many of the things that were destroyed in Egypt during the plagues. His loyalty belonged to gods that were deaf and without life. Though his servants asked how long they would be in a snare, they couldn’t see their bondage existed long before God went to free the Israelites. Just like the strings, the solution might have seemed easy at first, but the more attempts to free yourself, the more clouded your previous actions become. He had a solution right in front of him, yet he thought his power and force were influential enough.

Tip

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8) Knowing and devouring the bible, is key to understanding God will and fine tunes our ears to hear His voice.

Do Something Creative

The first three signs the wise men of Egypt were able to replicate. For the craft today, you are going to be the counterfeiter. With the below supplies, create a small money printer using the following steps. One, create a base for the printer by laying down three “popsicle sticks” and gluing two additional sticks across each end to make a base resembling a small raft. Trim the excess if you want. Two, flatten one side of two more popsicle sticks, line them up and drill two small holes; the holes should be in the same exact spot for both. Three, glue them to the base, so they rest against the sticks laying across the bottom on the center “stick.” Four, take two hot glue gun fillers and cut them to get a loose fit on the inside of the two sticks you just glued on. Five, while holding the glue stick between the printer “frame,” pierce a toothpick through one of the drilled holes and into the glue stick on one side and puncture a paperclip in the shape of a “stiff Z” on the other side. Do the same for the bottom holes. You should have two perpendicular glue sticks suspended between two hanging popsicle sticks. Six, tape a piece of crepe paper to the top glue stick; it should be as wide as the glue stick and as long as your forearm. Seven, use the crank to roll the crepe paper onto the glue stick. Eight, before the final end, is rolled through, tape it to the bottom glue stick. Nine, take some form of paper currency; after cranking once or twice to cover the bottom stick, place the money between the roller and crank until it is hidden within the crepe paper. Ten create a counterfeit bill and insert it between the rollers. After a couple of turns, the counterfeit will be sucked in, and the printed bill will emerge. Now you have a fun new trick you can show your friends and family. It is true the magicians were able to produce the three signs; they merely had to utilize what was already available. To produce the lice, they would have had to create something that was not yet created. This stands for all of God’s works, each day we consume the bible so we can identify the truth.

What you will need:

  • Large popsicle sticks
  • Hot glue gun and three hot glue sticks
  • Something to make small holes (drill and a bit the size of a toothpick)
  • Two paper clips
  • Toothpicks
  • Crape paper
  • Tape
  • paper money
  • blank sheet

Family worship idea

For family worship, read Exodus 7:15-10:29, the story of the plagues. If you only want to read about a specific sign, the verses are provided below. For each wonder, God brought forth have a new sound bit playing in the background to help the story come to life. Have water trickling sounds for the first plague, farm animal sounds for the pestilence, and so forth. For the darkness, try to be as quiet as possible, listen to the story, and try to hear any other sounds. To keep the jitters low, see if the listeners can draw each plague as you read about it. Through these chapters, the writer doesn’t give an abundance of description in some areas of the story. Moses does tell us some of the Egyptians were becoming believers. With each plague, more evidence God was not like the stone lifeless gods of other nations was brought forth; He is a living God. For believers, there is no amount of evidence to prove God is not real because the evidence is in our peace. In the face of turmoil Goshen was safe. Sharing this peace with others opens up a new way of living in this world where peace is hard to find.

  • Water into blood
  • Frogs (vs 8:1-15)
  • Lice (vs 8:16-19)
  • Flies (vs 8:20-32)
  • Pestilence (vs 9:1-7)
  • Boils (vs 9:8-12)
  • Hail (vs 9:13-35)
  • Locust (vs 10:3-20)
  • Darkness (vs 10:21-29)

Hiding His word in your ❤

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:5

You Shall Speak

‘The Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I have made you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you; and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. ‘

Spending time in nature

For the outside activity today, create a short scavenger hunt of different things God has created. For each item on the list, develop a secret code that only the family will know to signal the item has been found. An example would be; if you are supposed to find a bush, and someone sees one, have a verbal code “things are heating up” or a physical one “do the tree pose.” Have a list of things you know will be easy to find and two or three challenging items. Take a walk along a trail that is sure to offer a variety of objects God created. Also, rehearse the code for each item a couple of times. Today’s story talks about how Moses was unsure of his ability to speak in front of Pharaoh. God gave Moses the words he would need before the ruler of Egypt. Moses, in turn, shared these words with his brother Aaron. God sends us messages all the time, but He is not always as clear with His message. He might send us a message through our favorite devotional or a bible radio story; He might even send us a message through people around us. The best way to hear these messages is to listen and watch and compare new lessons with lessons found in the bible. The best way to share these lessons is not always by telling others; we have to know each person. As we understand our neighbors, we learn the best way to share messages with them.

Tip

“The internationally recognized distress signal, SOS, does not stand for any words: the letters were chosen because they are easy to transmit in Morse code: “S” is three dots, and “O” is three dashes and they were easy remember and send.”

Do Something Creative

For the craft, have everyone create a “Mad Lib” based on a story from the bible. If you would like, you can take a passage directly from the bible and take out a few verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. and have family members create a new story. If you have older children, it might be fun to have them create an entire Mad Lib that someone else will fill in. Read the hilarious stories out loud. Maybe it will be easier for you to speak, than it was for Moses.

What you will need:

  • Writing paper
  • Writing utensils
  • Short Bible Stories/passages (Optional)

Family worship idea

For family worship, read Exodus 6:28-7:12. The reading is short. Have the family sit in a circle back to back; once you are done reading the story, have the pairs do a simple exercise. Facing away from one another, one person will describe something they see in the room. The more basic the object, the easier the task. As one person communicates what they see, the other person will be drawing what they think is being described. If it is a wedding picture in a frame, descriptive words can be: a rectangle; inside is an item of white clothing, a tie, and clouds. Once the illustrator is done with their rendition of the descriptor’s view, the target will be revealed. When Moses and Aaron came before Pharoah, they produced a real snake that ate the other counterfeit snakes. In the family activity, the drawings were based on real objects, but replicas are not always exact copies. Discuss how God does not “re-create” objects; God creates originals. Talk about the snake Moses produced versus the one the magicians brought forward. The snake Moses had was able to eat the others because it was a living, breathing snake with a conscience. God does not take shortcuts when showing who he is; we can trust his plans are well thought out and sincere.

Personal thoughts

God made Moses as God to Pharoah. Moses would perform the miracles and speak to God; he would then give the message to Aaron (7:2). Like us, Israel was so close to being released from bondage and traveling back to the promised land. In the grand scheme of things, Aaron’s job was done rather quickly. If you are someone blessed with the gift of prophecy, remember: “Above, all you must understand no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things” (2 Peter 1:21-22). It must be words carried along by the Holy Spirit. God kept the Israelites informed, away from many of the plaques, and gave them direction. He has provided us with a road map we, like the prophets searching for salvation, need to search the bible for prophecies (1 Peter 1:10). The bible gives us a complete picture of the beginning of the Earth through its destruction. Over the 1,500 years of writing, authors and periods have changed, but the message remained the same. Diving into the word of God will not only bless us with a peace that no man can offer, but it will also help us to receive the prophet’s reward (Matthew 10:41). The prophets not only will have eternal life, they knew God’s plan and could withstand the turmoil happening during their lifetime. We can be assured God will finish our work when the time is right, for now we must listen and obey.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations. But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. ‘

Matthew 10:18-20

Israel Is My Son

‘Therefore tell the children of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments. I will take you to myself for a people. I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it to you for a heritage: I am the Lord.’” ‘ Exodus 6:6-8

Spending time in nature

For your outside activity today, visit a brick wall and do some chalk rubbing. Bring some chalk and a few sheets of paper. With the paper held against the wall/brick, rub on a thin layer of chalk. Remove the artwork from the wall and see if you can create an image from the transferred design. If you don’t have a wall nearby for some chalk art, take a walk along with a nearby path. Pick up little reminders of God’s creative power. Bring a journal with you and write down tiny details you see. Look for things that remind you of life on earth. No matter what you can do today, talk about how wonderful it is to be free and to be able to stop and enjoy these small moments with God. The Israelites had to remember what a blessing the Sabbath is, but we get the worship freely on Sabbath.

Tip

God Hallowed the Sabbath, He set it apart. Each week God has given us something so valuable and fleeting. God gave us time. He is hoping that we will treat this gift as a possession of God’s and keep it holy.

Do Something Creative

For today’s craft time, gather different materials you can use to create a platform. Try to find items that might not make the best support system, straws, pipe cleaners, spaghetti, newspaper, coupled with masking tape or string. See if you can create a platform that can hold ten, twenty, or more pounds. Talk about how these unlikely materials can be formed and fashioned to bear a burden with the guiding hand of a grand creator. Remember, triangles or pyramids can take on more weight better than cubes by themselves. Also, visit about how the tape or string helps the weaker materials take shape and keep form. God forms us with the end result in mind. He creates us to be who we were born to be. God also promises that He will complete the work He began; God will take our burdens, so even though we are weak, He will make up the difference.

What you will need:

  • Masking Tape or any tape
  • String (Optional)
  • Newspapers/straws/other various building materials

Family worship idea

For worship, show and tell some of the things God has blessed us with. If you didn’t go on the nature walk but opted to do the chalk rubbing, have everyone draw a picture of their favorite gift from God while you read Exodus 4:18- 6:13. If you did go on the walk, have everyone share the different little trinkets/observations they collected. Remind them that God has given these things to us freely because He cares for us. Talk about how even in the thorns, God has blessed us with blooming roses. Once you are done, talk about a difficult decision, but God needed to reinstate a Sabbath rest. The chosen people would be accused of being idle, but God knew He would need to re-accustom them to worship on the Sabbath day. For God, a thousand years are like a day. He didn’t need the time for Him; He knew we would need the time for us. Everything you were able to notice today or remember was part of the gift of life God has in store for you. Try to count these little blessings every moment you can.

Personal thoughts

God wants obedience, so much so that He took on our actions. If we allow Him to, He will replace our heart with one that longs to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Though this heart is not fashioned and changed overnight, God has a clear plan in place for each of us. He promises He will complete good work in us; we only have to allow God to control the formation process. The Israelites had been in captivity for so long they had forgotten how to worship God on the Sabbath. Moses tried to bring this sign of obedience back, but the Egyptians served a roadblock to the Israelites Sabbath-keeping. One day we too will have others trying to take away this precious time we have with God. Though the taskmasters made this a difficult choice, God shortened their time under the Egyptians rule. As we allow God to mold us, we can trust that He will bring us through moments that will help us grow into the person we were meant to be.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘ “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”’

Matthew 11:28-30

He Came Over to see

‘Moses said to God, “Behold, when I come to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what should I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” and he said, “You shall tell the children of Israel this: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God said moreover to Moses, “You shall tell the children of Israel this, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations. ‘ Exodus 3:13-15

Spending time in nature

For fun outside activity, see if you can visit a farm where the kids can see lambs in action. If this is not an option, create an obstacle course to train up the young shepherds in your family. The start can have hula hoops, water noodles in a ring shape, or tires in two rows, and everyone has to step in each ring to get from one side to the other. Right after, you can have balance beams made from anything that can support everyone’s weight (4×4’s, a cement sidewalk edge, a parking bump, a row of steady chairs). These obstacles represent the muddy mess and sometimes high ridges shepherds have to navigate when keeping their flock. Next, take a broom and scattered balloons or various sports balls and try to “herd” them together in one area, or if you’re really ambitious, a small corral. Next, have a milking station made up of disposable gloves filled with water; prick a small hole in the fingertips and hang somewhere. To help practice their throwing skills, if a predator comes around, create a target (tape the ends of a water noodle together) or various targets. Try to throw a rock or water noodle through the ring(s). Next, go to a table and stack fifteen cups in a triangle shape; this represents building a corral. Next, fill a beg with a weighted item and a small bag of birdseed (optional) that can be scattered after reaching the end. This final act is bringing feed to the herd. Through the course, we can see there are many tasks shepherds need to do to keep the flock safe and healthy, but a shepherd’s life also gave Moses patience, humility, and a keen ear. These things can be hard to teach.

Tip

In the states, we are taught about farm animals at an early age, but I thought it was just a silly thing we did. This scholastic parent has five great reasons kinds should know their farm animals by age 3, including language development and caring about creatures in the world. 

Do Something Creative

If your child might play with fire when there isn’t an adult around, DO NOT do this experiment. Create a landscape of sheep with cotton balls or there are various Moses and the burning bush print outs you can find. If you feel comfortable the kids have a strong since of fire safety, then lets try to set Ice on Fire. First, put on the safety goggles, and have the fire extinguisher ready. Next place the ice in your fire proof container. Next you’ll want to have your kitchen lighter ready (once you pour the alcohol on the ice you’ll immediately light it). Now pour less than 1/2 a teaspoon of alcohol on the ice and set it on fire. In this experiment the ice will melt, but the bush, set on fire with the eternal flame, remained.

What you will need:

  • 99% Isopropyl Alcohol Antiseptic Solution (rubbing alcohol)
  • BBQ lighter
  • A large block or ball of ice
  • Goggles
  • Fire-proof bowl
  • Fire Extinguisher

**Warning: This project is NOT safe for kids to do alone. Only a parent/adult should conduct the experiment with proper safety gear (goggles, a fire extinguisher) on hand just in case.

The fire can spread and catch unexpectedly. This is a science demonstration only, not something kids should touch.**

Family worship idea

For family worship, get red, orange, and or yellow crape paper and a bright flashlight. Form the paper/material around the flashlight and set it up in the middle of the Sabbath room to create a small fire pit. Have everyone sit around the fire and read Exodus 2:11- 4:18. If the kiddos need something to keep their hands busy as you read, see if you have some old mittens or thin gloves laying around. Give them some craft supplies and make puppets you can donate to the mothers’ room. Once you’re done reading through the story, talk about Moses’ time in the wilderness. Moses watered the flocks of the seven daughters of Jethro, just as Jesus waters the sheep of the seven churches. You can also talk about how Moses heard the words of God at the burning bush. God had always planned to bring the people out of Egypt after 400 years, but here we see God heard the collective cry of His people. He’ll listen if His people cry out again, and He’ll come back to bring us home. This time He won’t send an intercessor; He’ll return himself and carry us home.

Personal thoughts

Before Moses left Egypt, his brothers asked him a question. They asked, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us.” Moses would leave his brothers behind and grow to be the leader he became in Midian. When he returned, he tried to remind the Israelites of the Sabbath commandment. He tried to prepare the people to go home. But here, at his humble beginning, he might have been scared to go before, not only the followers of God but the leaders of Egypt. It wouldn’t take long before Moses took on his leadership role. His preparation for this position didn’t involve military training or years of training in an institution (though he likely received this during his upbringing with the Pharaoh’s daughter). He gained humility and gentleness while working with sheep every day for forty years. Our time on Earth is consumed daily with tasks that don’t enhance our relationship with the creator, but Moses was gifted with time. He stopped every day and observed the flock in front of him. He noticed when the bush was burning; he recognized when it wasn’t consumed. As we continue to grow and take in our disciple training, we need to slow down and see what is around us. It is exciting to recognize the flame when it is burning near us. More importantly, it is good to recognize when the flame is burning inside of us.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘For the Lord is our judge. The Lord is our lawgiver. The Lord is our king. He will save us. ‘

Isaiah 33:22

Save the Baby Boys Alive

‘But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They started to dread the children of Israel. The Egyptians ruthlessly made the children of Israel serve, and they made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve. ‘ Exodus 1:12-14

Spending time in nature

Spending time in nature can be fun this week. Go outside to a river or stream where there are thick grasses or a favorite park, or build a hide and seek space in your house or yard. Only you are going to play a game called sardines. One person in the family hides everyone seeks the hidden individual. Once they find them, they too will cozy up in the hiding spot. The game is over once everyone has spotted the missing person. This game goes out, in part, to Miriam. She was hiding among the reeds, spying on her little brother, not an easy task for youngsters. Think about how it was waiting for everyone to find you. Once everyone is in the same place, brainstorm as a family how you could hide a baby for three months. Play the game again, let each family member take a turn hiding.

Tip

This week’s tip is more of a fun fact. Grass, well Dragon bamboo, can grow up to 45 meters in height. Grass has up to 33 calories per 100 grams and 3.3 grams of carbs, along with 2.2 grams of protein and 4.6 grams of fiber. Although I don’t recommend eating grass. It’s just amazing how what I see on my lawn comes in so many heights and textures.

Do Something Creative

The Egyptians wanted to use the Israelites to build storehouses that would hold treasures here on Earth. As Christians, we know that God is providing our every need here on Earth. For today’s craft, use the Mod Podge to seal some old pages of a book onto the old cans. First, apply a thin layer of the Mod Podge to the cleaned tin can. Take the pages and smooth them on the outside of the can. Once the can is covered and you are happy with the text that is showing, apply another layer of Mod Podge and let the sheets dry to the can. You can use the cans to display art supplies or plants. The idea behind this craft is to pick books that reminded us that our time on Earth, though precious, is not the end of the story; it is only a page or two. The Israelites were tasked over 400 years with harsh servitude; their existence would be more than anything the imagination can bring to life.

What you will need:

  • An old book that can be destroyed
  • Various sizes of tin cans
  • Mod Podge or a slightly watered down glue mixture
  • Newspapers to keep surfaces clean
  • Paintbrushes to apply Mod Podge

Family worship idea

For worship, weave a blanket out of paper or ribbon; don’t make the weave tight. Take a lantern and hide it under the weave. Read Exodus 1 to Exodus 2: 10. As you read, remove a strip of paper or ribbon from the weave every time a female helped Moses. You’ll remove one ribbon, for each of the midwives, for Jochebed, Miriam, and Pharaoh’s daughter. As you remove part of the weave, more of the light will shine through. By the end of the story, there might only be a small amount of light exposed. This small amount of light has the power to make a big difference in very dark places. Remind the family that our light is not meant to be hidden under a basket (Matthew 5:15). Baby Moses was found in a vessel of papyrus on the water. In Isaiah 18:2 the prophet is preparing those who might hear to “Go to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!” Moses would grow up and go to a nation similar to the one described. Maybe we, too, will go to such a nation. “All you inhabitants of the world, and you dwellers on the earth, when a banner is lifted up on the mountains, look! When the shofar is blown, listen!” (Isaiah 18: 3) This will be our call when the message of God’s love is complete. There will be difficult times as the word of God is pushed out of homes, but God does not leave us in the dark (Zechariah 9:14, Joel 2:1, Revelation 10: 7, Amos 3:7).

Personal thoughts

Some time had passed, and the new ruler of Egypt did not know Joseph. The Israelites were given taskmasters over them to afflict them; they were tasked with building storehouses. These storage cities were for the kings of this earth. The Israelites would never be able to enjoy the riches that were in the storehouses. Their work was in vain because all that was stored will remain here on earth. The burden laid on them by man might not have been a life-threatening task. It did, however, keep them from keeping God’s commandments. Later, we learn Moses had to help the people become reacquainted with the Sabbath. This is not uncommon. When we take on the burdens of this world or man’s traditions, the weight is too much. Jesus promises a lighter load. This weight is not lighter because the task can be done effortlessly. It’s easier because Jesus carries the burden for us. When Sampson was pushing the mill, he grew someone else’s wealth, walking in circles and going nowhere. Once he was committed to God’s work, he was not only successful; his strength was enough. Once we allow someone to be over us, we find out how difficult it becomes to be obedient to God. Once we allow God to be over us, we find even in persecution with dirt floors, we are content because our treasure is greater.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘ “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”’

Matthew 11:28-30

God Will Surely Visit you

‘Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today. Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them. ‘ Genesis 50:19-21

Spending time in nature

For today’s outside activity, play a trust game. There are various trust activities you can play both indoors and outside. If you have a hula-hoop join hands and see if you can move it from one end of the human chain to the other and back again. Again, with a hula-hoop, you can have everyone form a circle and extend a single index finger. Rest the hula-hoop on the fingers and see if you can lower it to the ground. If you don’t have enough to support a hula-hoop, grab a stick and try working together to move this object to the ground. There is always the classic fall trust exercise, have someone turn away from their partner and, as stiff as a board, fall backward. If you want to put a family spin on this activity, stand in a circle; have one family member in the middle who slowly falls back. Once someone catches them, gently push them along to the other members of the family. Each trust activity should have rules in place to ensure everyone feels safe. Joseph was entrusted with bringing his father back to Canaan to wait for the Lord with Jacob’s wife, Leah. With this act of love, the founding fathers were gathered together, waiting to be reunited. There is no doubt that God would have been able to call Jacob’s bones up from Egypt, but being put to rest next to his wife, parents, and grandparents meant his next thought would be his family. As we navigate this world, there is no greater earthly treasure than our family. No matter what activity you play, remember trust is a pillar that holds the family up.

Tip

Listening to one another and following through promises fosters trust in a relationship; this trust signals to children that they can go to you with any problem.

Do Something Creative

For a messy craft create a paper mache cave. You’ll start by covering the crafting area with news paper, blow up a balloon, and place the balloon on the balloon container (it’s best if it is slightly narrower than the balloon). Next you’ll mix the flour and water, and dip the strips of paper into the mixture and gently remove excess paste, before placing on the balloon. Keep laying down paste covered strips until most of the balloon is covered and there is a single opening. Once the strips are dry pop the balloon and paint if desired.

What you will need:

  • Brown paper bag cut into strips
  • Newspaper
  • Balloon
  • Container to set the balloon in
  • Container to mix the paper mache paste
  • 1/2 cup (4oz) flour
  • 1 cup (8oz) of water
  • Paint if you want to paint the outside of your cave once it is dry
  • Paint brush

Family worship idea

For Family worship, read Genesis 49:28- Genesis 50; have everyone draw a simple object, animal, or person. Once the story is finished, each person should have something that anyone else in the family can draw with simple instructions. Now pair everyone up. One person will tell the other(s) how to draw their picture with simple instructions. The key is to not say if they are drawing an object, animal, or person. Just give them simple directions. An example for someone who sketched a cat would be: draw a circle, draw two peaks on top of the circle with a small distance between them, draw two small circles inside the larger circle that are parallel to the peaks, and so on. Afterward, compare drawings. When God gives us a message, we don’t always know what the complete picture looks like. The right parts might not always be in the right places, or our interpretation might be missing a detail. What we do know is God is in charge. He will ensure the right leaders are put in power or knowledge is offered at the right time. God promises that He won’t leave us in the dark; we just have to maintain our faith and patience. When Jacob brought his family to Egypt, he knew their fate; he was aware they would be mistreated, but he also knew they would return to the promised land at the right time.

Personal thoughts

When studying Joseph’s life, there are moments when the plan of salvation is so clear, but this chapter has me pondering two numbers. The first is how long it took the Egyptians to embalm Jacob. The word “embalm” only appears four times in the Bible. Three of those occurrences are here in Genesis 50; the other is in Mark 16:1. Embalming was a process to anoint all over with balm; especially, to preserve from decay… filling the body with aromatics and drugs that may resist putrefaction. Using the day for a year principles (Numbers 14:34, Ezekiel 4:5-6, Daniel 9:24-27, Genesis 29:27), it took a whole generation to prepare this prophet to return home. When Jesus returns to escort us home to those pearly gates, it should be no surprise that some prophets are there to greet us. I don’t know if Jacob is in heaven or if he is still resting, waiting for the first resurrection when he’ll see his father and grandfather taken to heaven. What I do know is there is hope. Joseph would later be carried to the promised land as bones. Abraham’s family would all be in the Canaan with the return of Israel in another 400 years. The prophets rested; the living would journey with Moses at their lead, and Joseph, represents the dead being carried to the land with milk and honey. This is a promise to us that one day we will all be gathered together as a family. 

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘I (the Lord) declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. I say: My counsel will stand, and I will do all that I please. ‘

Isaiah 46:10

For our Money Fails

‘Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly. Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. The days of the years of my life have been few and evil. They have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” ‘ Genesis 47:9,27-28

Spending time in nature

Today’s outside activity is somewhat of a treasure hunt. In the story we are reading today, a whole nation surrendered their lives to purchase bread. We should all be so hungry for the word of God that we would do the same. Today go on a nature walk. Bring a basket or bag so you can collect little treasures along the way. Have everyone try to find multiple or a single thing in nature that you believe is valuable. Once you have found your priceless piece, place it in the basket or bag. When you are at the end of your walk or at home, pull each item out and have the treasure seeker say why they found it valuable. Talk about how everything in nature was made for us. Each trinket was created by God as a gift for us. 

Tip

Where your heart is, is where your loyalty dwells. Giving your heart to God is more than giving your money, God also wants your time. He wants to walk with you in the garden.

Do Something Creative

For todays activity create an assortment of coins that can represent some of the treasures that your are storing up in heaven. Flatten small balls of clay to your desired coin size. Use a toothpick or a small bobby pin to carve something that represents a treasure you would like to store in heaven. Talk about the treasures we will have in heaven. We’ll have the love for the word of God, a relationship with the God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We’ll have time to do or learn anything we want.

What you will need:

  • Air-hardening clay
  • Metallic (gold) acrylic paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Assorted items that can be pressed into the clay

Family worship idea

For family worship, you’ll be reading Genesis 47. The Egyptians sell everything for bread. Remind your family how blessed you are to have simple comforts. Once everyone is sitting, hand out a simple piece of bread, cracker, or something small to eat. As you are reading, every time the family hears bread or food, they have to take an appropriate bite of their treat. They should have a small piece left by the end of the story. Once you’re done reading, they can finish their snack. Talk about how Joseph had to portion the food out over seven years of famine. Talk about how God’s word is our daily bread, and we are so blessed to be able to spend time in His word.

Personal thoughts

This chapter gives us small glimpses into bible prophecy through a subtle lens. During the famine, God’s chosen people were sent to a foreign land, a place to feed their cattle. Eventually, they lost everything, including their freedom. Jesus said, “I am the door: by me, if any man enters in, he shall be saved and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9). When Israel finally returned to the promised land and defeated all the tribes, they received their cities and pasture lands (Joshua 21). Jacob and his family were placed in the land of Goshen, a land of comfort and plenty. They were given bread according to the size of their house. While they were in Egypt, they were committing acts directly in contrast to their idol-worshiping neighbors. Israel would maintain their own customs but didn’t really impact Egypt’s religious practices until they were ready to depart. God promised them they would be here for 400 years until the Amorite’s iniquity was full. They were also promised they would leave this land with great wealth. (Genesis 15: 12-18) Our pasture is currently in a foreign land. Here some people are comfortable and have plenty of earthly treasures. Those who are storing up treasure in Heaven (Mark 6) will have everlasting wealth. All of us are foreigners searching for a pasture where we can keep our flocks safe and full. We live among wolves, and wolves in sheep’s clothing, waiting for the day we will return to our promised home. Throughout chapter 47, the people returned to Joseph and bartered for their bread. Eventually, Egypt owned their entire flock, all their land, and finally their body. We can not be bought we were bought at a high price. Our freedom belongs to Jesus, and so we wait in our small pastures of plenty. We care for our few sheep and know one day we may be in the foreground of the battle, and every victory God has been there for will give us the strength we need to defeat the giant.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘ “Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber. But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ‘”

John : 1-4

I Will Provide

God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to safe you alive by a great deliverance. So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but God, and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 45:7-8

Spending time in nature

This can be done inside or outside. The goal of this game is to become a better messenger by practicing your listening skills. To start the game, blindfolded the first listener. The rest of the family will surround the blindfolded person in a medium to a large circle. The goal for everyone else is to keep the listener from identifying them. The person blindfolded approaches someone and asks them a series of general questions in hopes of identifying them. (how many toes do you have, what sound does a duck make, what color is the sky). The person being questioned will “disguise” their voice. Once the questioner correctly identifies the questionee, they switch places. After the blindfolded person is back in the center, everyone should switch places. The game can continue for however long the family would like. Being a messenger for God requires us to stop and listen to those around us. I don’t think it will take the blindfolded person long to recognize the person they are questioning. People generally know the voice of their immediate family members because they spend so much time together. As we grow and become closer with God, the goal is to know His voice so well we can identify it in a crowded room. Joseph was able to hear God’s voice so well, he did not hesitate to interpret God for another..

Tip

I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Do Something Creative

letter about how God has blessed you; younger children can draw pictures. Older individuals can add how they would like to bless someone else as well. If you would like someone other than the author to read the letter out loud later, have them write how the person older than them has been a blessing and address the letter to them. Try to use unique paper if you can. If you have a wax seal, inclose the letter in an envelope. Decorate the letter and envelope, add a stamp, and place them in the “mailbox.” Everyone can share their letter with the family during worship. When counting your blessings: Remember (Philippians 4:19), Refocus (Philippians 4:6-7), Move Forward (Jeremiah 17:7-8), Trust God (Luke 6:38), and Hope (John 1:16).

What you will need:

  • A “mailbox”
  • 1 Envelope per person
  • 1 Paper per person
  • 1 Stamp per person
  • Markers or crayons
  • Scrapbooking paper (Optional)

Family worship idea

For Family worship, read Genesis 45 & 46; you can skip Gen 46: 8-27 if you like. Everyone should practice another great tool in communication, eye contact. As the story is being read out loud, try to keep your eyes on the reader. While maintaining eye contact, try molding something out of a small ball of clay if you need additional “entertainment value.” This can be an easy task for some and a difficult task for others. Never the less maintaining eye contact helps make you a better listener, so you can respond appropriately. Once you are done reading the chapters, feel free to share the letters created during craft time. Talk about how Joseph was sent before his family to be a messenger in a strange land. What strengths did Joseph have that made him a strong witness for God? Which ones did he need to develop before he went before Pharaoh? How can we be messengers today?

Personal thoughts

There are believers today because there has always been a remnant. Noah and his sons did not depart from God, and so they entered the ark. Daniel and his friends stood for God’s laws in the face of death. Prophet after prophet rose to remind the people of God’s word. Jesus’ disciples were able to break away from man’s traditions and spread the news of salvation as far as they could. William Tyndale would not remain in the dark about what the bible said. Martin Luther reminded an entire governing entity that the word of God is unchanging. Others in the early Seventh Day Adventist church searched for a better understanding of the scriptures. Today, Bibles are in abundant supply in the United States and are becoming more available in 74% of counties. The word of God is reaching new nations every year. The Bible is the only book with the ability to cut deep as a two-edged sword; its message moves across the world, and because of this, new believers are born each year. The Holy Spirit guides and blesses the work believers put out into the world (Isaiah 37:31-32, 2 Chronicles 16:9). “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us a small remnant, we would have been as Sodom. We would have been like Gomorrah (Isaiah 1:9).” Being laborers for God comes with more than an eternal brightness (Daniel 12:3). Being a messenger for God is going to be cause for celebration in heaven (Luke 15:7). Joseph as a messenger did not only save his family; Joseph saved entire nations. God molds us and shapes us through life’s trials so that when it is our time to speak about our God, the testimony will bubble out like a well-fed spring. Joseph’s moments of despair gave him patience, trust, humility, and hope. When he rose to power, these traits remained with him as he continued to trust in God’s plan. Each day we add oil to our lanterns and let them shine out. Studying and meditating on God’s word is not just for us and our salvation. Perhaps one day, our wealth of knowledge can impact someone else.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters. ‘

Proverbs 25:13

Unless Your Brother is With you

‘it will happen, when he sees that the boy is no more, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our father, with sorrow to Sheol. For your servant became collateral for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I don’t bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever.’ Now therefore, please let your servant stay instead of the boy, my lord’s slave; and let the boy go up with his brothers. Now therefore when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us; since his life is bound up in the boy’s life; ‘ Genesis 44:30-33

Spending time in nature

Preparation for today’s outside activity is to hide an equal number of treasures for everyone in the family. You will hide them around the area; they can be color-coded with ribbon if desired. (This game can be done inside, just hide the trinkets around the house.) The treasures can be anything, a handful of lollies, small toys, love notes wrapped around a paperweight. Make sure someone is hiding treasure for you as well. Once everything is hidden, the search may begin. In today’s story, Joseph had, had a valuable cup hidden in Benjamin’s sack. He knew where the cup would be found but had his guards search anyway. For the youngest (if you have more than one child), make the treasure different. As we explore the scriptures to understand God’s will, our hunt is closer to the family’s quest for the hidden prizes. We seek out God and His will; we don’t know how the holy spirit will lead us. The longer we seek and delve into His Word, the more pearls we will find.

Tip

Remember exploring is always good, you want to get out in nature and see the beautiful world God has created for you. When you are exploring if you find treasure you didn’t hide be kind and leave it behind.

Do Something Creative

An easy creative activity today would be to create a mug or cup out of clay that can be put in a Kiln or a cup made out of play dough. You’ll take the clay or playdough and knead it until it is pliable. Roll out the clay with the rolling pin till it is smooth and even. Place the painting sticks along both horizontal edges. The rolling pin will eventually rest on the stir sticks leaving the cup evenly thick. Cut the rough edges off on the top, bottom, and sides. Make sure to leave the clay wide enough to be as tall as you want the cup to be. Wrap the cylinder with parchment paper and wrap the clay around the cylinder to make sure it is long enough. Cut off the access (Ideally, there will be enough access to cover the bottom of the cup). Use the toothbrush to rough the edges of the cup; so they bind together easily. Bind the ends together while leaving the clay on the parchment wrapped cylinder. If the access was enough for the bottom, place the “cup” on the leftover clay and cut the edges off, so you’re left with a perfect circle. Scrape the edges of the bottom and the exposed bottom of the clay on the cylinder. Bind the two rough edges together. Water helps smooth the clay. Once the cup is formed, form a thick ribbon from the discarded clay and use it as a handle. Let the whole cup dry, fire it if you have a clay shop nearby.

What you will need:

  • Clay (if you are keeping the cup)/Playdough
  • Paint stir sticks
  • Rolling Pin
  • A Cylinder
  • Parchment Paper
  • An old toothbrush

Family worship idea

For family worship, read Genesis 43 and 44. 44 ends with Joseph revealing that he is their long lost brother. If the worship time is not too long, you can continue; there will be a catalyst on chapters 45,46 & 47 and then the blessings on the sons. In chapter 44, Judah pleas with Joseph “Let (me) remain here” in place of Benjamin. Jesus also bore the sins of someone He loves, you and me. While you are reading, provide string, tape, and skewer sticks; as a family, or as individuals, quietly build a Structure that can hold five or more pounds. Once you’re done reading, see if the Structure can support five pounds (a small bag of sugar). Once you are done, discuss Judah’s promise to his dad. If he couldn’t bring Benjamin back, he said he would “bear the blame forever.” Jacob may have already known from Judah would come forth the Messiah. We don’t know, but could this be the reason Jacob agreed to let Benjamin go. Ruben had once offered his two sons if Benjamin did not return, but Jacob refused. He could have allowed them to take his youngest son because he knew the food would not last much longer. We do know that Judah was faithful to his promise to his father. When Benjamin was on the verge of becoming a slave, Judah did not hesitate to take his place. We, too, have a substitute. Jesus demonstrates His own love for us in this while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Christ bear’s our sins. He is strong enough to hold up anything we place on Him.

Personal thoughts

There is no doubt that the lessons we learn from the life of Joseph are invaluable. He is an example of faith and temperance. He is a type of Christ. When his brothers came to him the first time, Joseph punished all of them for three days. Simeon’s punishment was physically longer, but all of his brothers had suffered for selling Joseph into slavery over twenty years before. They didn’t harbor hate for Benjamin but wanted to keep him safe. Joseph must have seen the pain in their eyes, and though his treatment was harsh, it was also very loving. We can’t see our ending. We don’t always know the plans God has in store for us. We know as the Molder is working with a rough block of clay, he already sees what the end result is going to be. God has His hand out, ready to guide our steps, prepared to keep us from stumbling; we need to trust Him. Joseph likely had days of despair; there is no doubt he lifted up requests for help. Our earthly life is not perfect; there are painful reminders of the consequences of sin sprinkled throughout bushels of happiness and joy. Our heavenly life is where we store up our treasures. That is where we focus our attention and what helps the cares of this world fade away. We will find out the brothers were overwhelmed by finding Joseph. Like the man on the mat, the sweet sound, “Your sins are forgiven,” was needed. He cherished these words more than the ability to walk. As we watch Joseph’s actions help God’s Plan along, we don’t believe his inaction could have stunted God’s Plan. We know Joseph’s faithfulness allowed the Plan to unfold faster. God’s Plan is like a train. The train may increase or decrease speed based on elements; there are even stops along the way, but the train never changes course. If the wind comes up and pushes the train off the track, the cars are picked up and placed back on the same “course.” God is adjusting and moving, but His perfect Plan of salvation will come to the end He always intended.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life. ‘

Romans 5:9-10

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