Chapter 12 is the most unique chapter. It highlights the Passover. For the Israelites to be spared from the plague of death, a lamb with no defects had to be killed and its blood placed on the door frames of each house. What was the significance of the lamb? Why is the communion meal sometimes associated with the Passover meal? How are they similar? What do you learn from the exodus? How important is the first born in the writings of chapters 12 & 13? Notice one of the greatest miracles in the history of God’s people – the parting of the Red Sea. How might that help you? Identify a verse in each chapter as you are reading it that draws you closer to God. Why is this verse significant to you? What do you think God is saying to you through it?

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.’ Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the LORD swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived . . .That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians . . . the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.” (14:26-28, 30, 31)

July 1: Exodus 10

July 2: Exodus 11

July 3: Exodus 12

July 4: Exodus 13

July 5: Exodus 14

We will read six more chapters in the Book of Exodus before Exodus focuses on the ceremonial laws and community stipulations necessary for so many people to live in the wilderness together. We will conclude on Saturday with the Ten Commandments. On Sunday we will begin reading Joshua 1. I know personally it is difficult to keep up a daily reading time during the summer. I think our sense of discipline and routine change during the summer. On the Mexico trip, many of the young people said how difficult it was for them to read the Bible every day. I see this as a factor that will weaken our connection with God. You see, we are people in relationship with the Living God through Jesus Christ. Relationships are progressive, or not. An inconsistency in God’s Word will create inconsistency in relationship with God. If your primary relationship in life is the Lord you will spend time with him. You find time to eat meals during the day. You find time to do the things you like to do. If you love the Lord you will spend time with him. That’s the bottom line.

July 6: Exodus 15 – What stands out to you from the song of Moses? What impresses you and why? The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (verse 2) The prayers of the Bible are filled with affirmation about who God is and what he does. So often our prayers are just a list of requests. Why not pray today all the things you appreciate about God and not ask him for one thing? Moses’ song of praise may be one of the most famous songs in the whole Bible. What would you sing to the Lord today? How would you pray to him, knowing that God has been good to you?

July 7: Exodus 16 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why? “Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning.” (verse 19) God supplied manna and quail for the Israelites. He supplied them daily. “Give us this day our daily bread.” There is something about trusting God on a daily basis to meet our daily needs. This idea is so foreign to us. How do you need to trust God today? What are your daily needs? How are needs different than wants? How did the Israelites struggle with God’s simple provision? How do you struggle with God’s simple provision?

July 8: Exodus 17 – What catches your eye in this chapter? Why do you think God has brought it to your attention? “The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ Moses replied, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?’” (vv. 1 & 2) The people were prone to complain about their problems instead of pray about their problems. Some problems can be solved by problem-solving, but more often than we realize God puts problems in our paths so that we will seek him. What problems are you facing? Have you prayed about it? Do you trust God to answer your prayer? What does the Bible say about God’s faithfulness?

July 9: Exodus 18 – What stands out to you in this story? How might you apply it to your life? This is one of my favorite stories. As a pastor I have often struggled with doing too much. Jethro’s counsel to Moses is great counsel for me. Maybe you need to delegate more in your life. We are not called to do everything. We are only called to do what God has purposed us to do. If we are faithful with that, we will receive a reward. If you have two talents, invest the two talents. If you have five talents, invest the five talents. There are different measures for different folks. “Moses’ father-in-law replied, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.’” (vv 17 & 18) We are called to develop relationships of service together and teamwork. How are you too independent? What partnerships has God put in your life? Why is it affirming to another to ask someone to help you? What do you learn from this?

July 10: Exodus 19 – What stands out to you in this chapter? Why is it important? “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.’” (vv 10 & 11) The Old Testament principle of consecration is important to us today. It has to do with having a readied heart to meet God. Oftentimes we come to church too casual and with the question, “What am I going to get out of this?” How about approaching church with the idea of what I am going to offer unto the Lord? When we meet God for worship, we should set aside the cares and preoccupations of everyday life. Why not consecrate yourself for the service this Sunday as we gather at the Marion County Fair? Spend some time in prayer before we gather in the open air to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What does consecration mean to you? Do you do it? Why or why not?

July 11: Exodus 20 – In this last chapter we will read in Exodus what stands out to you? Which commandment gets your attention? “You shall have no other gods before me.” (verse 3) This is the commandment of all commandments. It means to put God first. The commandments were designed to lead Israel to a life of practical holiness. The commands and guidelines were intended to direct the community to meet the needs of each other in loving and responsible ways. Law-keeping is not an end in itself, but it is a means to draw closer to God and live more fully in his love. What is the purpose of the law? Why can’t you meet it? Why is it still important to be in step with the law as God empowers you to live his principles?

July 12: Joshua 1 – What do you know about Joshua? Are you excited to read this book? Why or why not? “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (verse 9) This is a verse worth memorizing. It is still true today. The Lord will be with us and we do not have to be afraid. Joshua was stepping forward in faith that God would do great things as they entered the Promised Land. The circumstances looked overwhelming. The enemy had great strength, but God promised to be with him and that’s all he would need. What does it mean that God is with you? How are you walking humbly with the Lord? Why is his presence so important; such a wonderful promise?

We are reading in the Book of Joshua. We have just begun and will start with chapter 2 this week. After wandering for forty years in the desert, a new generation is ready to enter Canaan. This is a very encouraging time as Joshua leads the people with courage and faith. This has always been one of the most inspiring stories of the Bible for me. It has a downside though, because a whole generation missed out on God’s marvelous plan of enjoying the Promised Land. God has great plans for us, and yet it takes courage and faith to take ahold of them. What does this story about entering the Promised Land say to you?

July 13: Joshua 2 – What stands out to you in this story about Rahab? What encourages you; what challenges you? “Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death.” (vv. 12 & 13) Rahab shows incredible courage and risky faith to put her life and the lives of her family in the hands of the people she doesn’t even know. But she had a vision that God was doing something powerful on behalf of his people. She was willing to risk everything on this sense that she had that God was working in a powerful way. What inspires you about Rahab? Why is faith sometimes risky? How strong is your faith?

July 14: Joshua 3 – What stands out to you in this short chapter that is leading up to the crossing of the Jordan? What might you apply to your life? “Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.’” (verse 5) The consecration ceremony that took place among the Israelites pictured the importance of approaching God with a pure heart. Like the Israelites, we need God’s forgiveness before we approach him. Confession is the first step in acknowledging your need for God. What does consecration mean to you? How aware are you of your need for God; for His forgiveness; for cleansing?

July 15: Joshua 4 – What stands out to you as the story continues of the Israelites crossing the Jordan? What does the ark of the covenant represent? What was the reason for this miraculous occurrence? “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.” (verse 24) The memorial twelve stones was to be a constant reminder of the day the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. Retelling the story would help keep the memories of God’s faithfulness alive for God’s people. What are some of the magnificent things God has done in your life? When was the last time you shared them with your family members or someone special in your life? Why is important to retell your story?

July 16: Joshua 5 – What stands out to you in this short chapter? “Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.” (verse 1) The Israelites spent 39 years in the desert unnecessarily because they were terrified of the Canaanites. They underestimated God’s power and how he would overtake people who opposed him. The courage of the Canaanites had melted away because of the great power of God demonstrated through his miraculous hand. How great is your God? What situations do you face that seem obstacles insurmountable for you to handle? What would it mean to trust God for your next important step?

July 17: Joshua 6 – This is the exciting story of Jericho. What stands out to you this time as you read it? What is so special about the way that God conquered Jericho? “When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.” (verse 5) Obviously, that is exactly what happened. God was making it undeniably clear that the battle would depend upon him and not upon Israel’s weapons or expertise. This was a demonstration of God’s ability to do anything without the help of man. What does this story teach you about God? What obstacle in your life can you trust God to break down? What did the Israelites need to advance into the Promised Land?

July 18: Joshua 7 – Everything seemed to be going so well, however very soon we read about Achan’s sin. What does this story teach you? What stands out to you? Why? “Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions.” (verse 11) It is so interesting about the plural as if all of Israel did this. It actually was the sin of one man. Do you notice how important the whole body is? In an individualistic world we ignore the affect of other people’s behavior and sin on our church body. It is not true. We are to help each other live well for God. How are you helping others in their relationship with Christ? How might you lovingly be used by God to help your brothers and sisters in Christ be accountable to God? What is the key to accountability? Are you accountable to anyone?

July 19: Joshua 8 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What, if anything, is encouraging to you. “’Hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city.’ So Joshua held out his javelin toward Ai.” (verse 18) The Lord gave Joshua the city. Yesterday’s defeat became today’s victory. Once sin is dealt with, forgiveness and victory lie ahead. With God’s direction we need not say discouraged or burdened with guilt. No matter how difficult a setback that sin may bring, we must renew our efforts to carry out God’s will. The Lord wants to begin again. He has a plan and if our sin gets in the way, he still wants to accomplish his plan and purpose. How are you needing to move forward in your walk with the Lord? What is God asking you to do next?

The conquest of the Israelites continues through the Promised Land. There are some inspiring stories that we will read this week and we will also skip to the conclusion of Joshua’s leadership, and his famous statement found in Joshua 24.

July 20: Joshua 9 – What stands out to you from this chapter? How is God speaking to you? “The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.” (verse 14) When the leaders sampled these men’s provisions they saw that the bread was dry and moldy, the wineskins were cracked and the clothes and sandals worn out. But they did not see through the deception. After the promise had been made and the treaty ratified, the facts came out. Israel’s leaders had been deceived. God had specifically instructed Israel to make no treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan. By failing to seek God’s guidance, and rushing ahead with their own plans, they had to deal with angry people in an awkward alliance. What do you learn from this story of disobedience? How might you apply it to your life?

July 21: Joshua 10 – What stands out to you? How is God speaking to you through this chapter? “The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!” (vv. 13 & 14) How did the sun stand still? The point is that the day was prolonged and God uses his power over nature to prolong it. Regardless of how God did it, the Bible is clear that the day was prolonged by a miracle and that God’s intervention turned the tide of the battle for its people. This unique miracle is meant to encourage you. How does it encourage you? What is the message found in the first half of this chapter?

July 22: Joshua 11 – How does this chapter read for you? What would you say is the main point? “The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.’” (verse 6) As long as Joshua followed the Lord’s instructions he was victorious. The Promises Land was God’s land and the enemies were no match for God. What does this teach us about God’s power? What do you learn about God’s plan to do something, will it happen? Why?

July 23: Joshua 13-15 – What do you learn about God’s promise to his people? Why is the dividing of the land a part of God’s promise? “The allotment for the tribe of Judah, clan by clan, extended down to the territory of Edom, to the Desert of Zin in the extreme south.” (15:1) These boundaries and descriptions of the Promised Land are very specific. God was telling Israel exactly what to do and he was giving them just what they needed. There was no excuse for disobedience. God fulfilled his promise and this was the benefit. There would be a season of rest in the land. How has God provided for you?

July 24: Joshua 20 – What is the message of this chapter? What does it teach you? “Then the LORD said to Joshua: ‘Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protection from the avenger of blood.’” (vv 1-3) The purpose of these cities was to prevent injustice, especially in cases of revenge. Revenge was a very common response in that day. The Lord has never been in favor of revenge. If you are interested, read Romans 12:17-21. The Levites were in charge of these cities. They were to ensure that God’s principles of justice and fairness were kept. What does this teach you about God? How do you understand this provision? Does it encourage you? Why or why not?

July 25: Joshua 23 – What stands out to you from Joshua’s final words to the leaders of Israel? What do you learn from these words? “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.” (verse 6) Notice how these are the very words God told Joshua in chapter 1. You could summarize Joshua’s message in these words, “Hold fast to the Lord your God.” That was the heartbeat of Joshua. That’s his life in a nutshell. What about you? What does it mean to hold fast to the Lord? How are you doing that?

July 26: Joshua 24 – What stands out to you in this final chapter in the Book of Joshua? “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (verse 15) Joshua is an example of incredible leadership and spiritual commitment. His leadership affected the whole country. How does your life affect your family; your workplace; the community you live in? If you stand up for God like Joshua did, your life will impact others. Why not commit yourself to the Lord with your whole heart?!

Have you ever read the Book of Judges? It has a challenging story of decline and compromise. The key verse is found in 17:6 – “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” Judges is a book about sin and its consequences. Like a minor cut or abrasion that becomes infected when left untreated, sin grows and soon poisons the whole body. Pay close attention to why such a devastating decline. Be encouraged as well by some of the heroes of the faith even as we read about Deborah and Gideon this week.

July 27: Judges 1 – What stands out to you in this chapter? What is God saying to you? “The LORD was with the men of Judah. They took possession of the hill country, but they were unable to drive the people from the plains, because they had iron chariots.” (verse 19) They failed to drive out the evil Canaanites from the land. Over time the Canaanites gained strength and the Israelites weakened in their resolve. Often you would see how they would choose to tolerate sin rather than drive it out. A gradual deterioration begins. How does this all begin? Are there any New Testament verses that indicate the gradual decline that sin causes? (James 1:13-15) Are you susceptible to a spiritual decline? Why or why not?

July 28: Judges 2 – What gets your attention in this chapter? What verse stands out to you? Why? “After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.” (verse 10) We begin to read about the cycle of sin, judgment and repentance that Israel experienced again and again. Each generation forgot to teach the next generation to love and follow God. Things got worse, not better. God has clearly presented in his Word that we are to pass on the truth of who he is through our lives and teaching to our children so that the next generation can walk strongly with the Lord. How are you doing in passing on the truth of God to your children; to the next generation? What are you doing, or what could you be doing to assure a more spiritually vibrant generation will follow ours?

July 29: Judges 3 – What verse catches your attention? How is the Lord using this verse in your life? “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him.” (verse 10) I am drawn to the phrase, “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him.” The period of the Judges was a time when God would touch a leader, who would then become God’s example to the whole nation. Othniel was the first of a long succession of judges. You will read about twelve judges, all the way through chapter 16. What do the judges represent? What was good about the judges? What was something that might be negative? Why?

July 30: Judges 4 – What gets your attention about Deborah? Why would the Lord show himself through Deborah? How does this encourage women who want to do something significant for God? “Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” (verse 4) God chose Deborah to lead Israel. God can choose anyone to lead his people, young or old, man or woman. Don’t let your prejudice get in the way of those that God may have chosen to lead you. What do you learn about from Deborah? What was the strength of her leadership? How do you need to be more like her?

July 31: Judges 5 – What phrase in Deborah’s song gets your attention? Why? “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel.” (verse 3) Songs of praise and worship are meant to draw our attention to God. They are an important aspect of our celebration and worship of God’s faithfulness and character. Singing praises is an important part of our Sunday morning worship. Why is it important to praise the Lord? What do you learn from this song that helps you praise God? How might you worship God today?