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Prayer : Pray first
The obvious route may not be the best road for you to take. Seek God's Sat Nav for your journey.
Exodus 13:17-22
'By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.'
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Bible passage: Exodus 13:17-22
Israel Goes Through the Red Sea
17 Pharaoh let the people go. The shortest road from Goshen to Canaan went through the Philistine country. But God didn't lead them that way. God said, "If they have to go into battle, they might change their minds. They might return to Egypt."
18 So God led the people toward the Red Sea by taking them on a road through the desert. The Israelites were prepared for battle when they went up out of Egypt.
19 Moses took the bones of Joseph along with him. Joseph had made the sons of Israel take an oath and make a promise. He had said, "I'm sure that God will come to help you. When he does, you must carry my bones up from this place with you."-(Genesis 50:25)
20 The people left Succoth. They camped at Etham on the edge of the desert.
21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud. It guided them on their way. At night he led them with a pillar of fire. It gave them light. So they could travel by day or at night. 22 The pillar of cloud didn't leave its place in front of the people during the day. And the pillar of fire didn't leave its place at night.
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Text: First step of a long journey
After hundreds of years in slavery, God's people are at last allowed to leave Egypt.
God has demonstrated his awesome power and judgement in the great plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn sons and male animals. Now his servant, Moses, leads the tribe of Israel towards the land that was promised to their ancestors.
Follow the signs
As he leads them, look at God's care:
● he keeps them away from wars (v 17)
● he gives them clear signs to follow, both day and night (v 21)
● he never leaves them without those signs (v 22)
● he takes them to the edge of the wilderness (v 20)
But where will they go from there?
It's not a mystery tour
Even for God's chosen people the route was scary and indirect. But we will see this week that God knew what he was doing then just as he does today.
Our lives are not a mystery tour. He gives us his Word and his Spirit to guide us. He is constantly present with us as he leads us lovingly in small steps, though not always in the direction we want to go or expect!
David Arscott
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Prayer : Speak Lord
'By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night' (v 21).
Look to God to guide you, to show you the direction of the next step and to give you the faith to take it.
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Choose from today's activities...
Audio Bible passage: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77457
Pillars of cloud and fire: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77460
Pillars of cloud and fire (Application): http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77461
A tale of two relationships with God: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77462
Worship song: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77464
Podcast: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77467
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77606
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77469
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77470
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14619&activityid=77078
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Support WordLive
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Prayer : Pray first
As you inhale and exhale, thank God.
Psalm 150
'Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.'
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Bible passage: Psalm 150
Psalm 150
1 Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his holy temple.
Praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his powerful acts.
Praise him because he is greater than anything else.
3 Praise him by blowing trumpets.
Praise him with harps and lyres.
4 Praise him with tambourines and dancing.
Praise him with stringed instruments and flutes.
5 Praise him with clashing cymbals.
Praise him with clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
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Text: Main point: Total praise
This psalm is so alive it jumps off the page! The psalmist is unembarrassed - all is abandoned praise.
None like our God.
This is worship that doesn't stop in the building, but sings out under open skies (v 1). This is praise that remembers all that God has done (v 2).
Saviour, Healer, Redeemer, Restorer, Deliverer. This is a psalm that recognises that there is none like our God (v 2). Father, Compassionate, Merciful, Mighty, Holy. There never has been anyone like him, and there never will be.
Every instrument, every sound is employed in praise, until all that's left is dancing (v 4).
Praise, not performance
This is our God. What has he done for you? Praise him. Praise him for who he is. Praise him loudly, praise him quietly. Praise him with all you've got. Praise him.
Dare for a moment to push past your inhibitions. Who cares if we sing in tune? Who cares if we can't dance? Do it anyway! It's praise, not performance!
Worship him with your life!
We are often such busy people, with such hectic lives, that we can easily forget to praise him, thank him, remember him, recognise him. We don't intend to take such love for granted; there just barely seems the time or energy these days.
So take this moment. Today - let's praise him. Give him all you've got. Worship him with your life!
Jo Saxton
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Choose from today's activities...
Seated in heavenly places: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14618&activityid=77449
Worship song: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14618&activityid=77451
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14618&activityid=77505
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77385
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77386
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77078
Topical: Escape?: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77578
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP You did what? http://www.wordlive.org
Prayer : Pray first
Thank Jesus for being the ultimate Passover Lamb, allowing you to say this prayer and know that God will hear it.
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
'Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch - as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.'
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Bible passage: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
1 Corinthians 5
Throw the Evil Person Out!
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual sin among you. I'm told that a man is living with his father's wife and is having sex with her. Even people who do not know God don't commit that sin. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn't you be filled with sadness instead? Shouldn't you have put the man who did that out of your church?
3 Even though I am not right there with you, I am with you in spirit. And I have already judged the one who did that, just as if I were there.
4 When you come together in the name of our Lord Jesus, I will be with you in spirit. The power of our Lord Jesus will also be with you. 5 When you come together like that, hand that man over to Satan. Then his sinful nature will be destroyed. His spirit will be saved on the day the Lord returns.
6 Your bragging is not good. It is like yeast. Don't you know that just a little yeast works its way through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old yeast. Be like a new batch of dough without yeast. That is what you really are, because Christ has been offered up for us. He is our Passover lamb.
8 So let us keep the Feast, but not with the old yeast. I'm talking about yeast that is full of hatred and evil. Let us keep the Feast with bread made without yeast. Let us do it with bread that is honest and true.
9 I wrote a letter to you to tell you to stay away from people who commit sexual sins. 10 I didn't mean the people of this world who sin that way or who always want more and more. I didn't mean those who cheat or who worship statues of gods. In that case you would have to leave this world!
11 But here is what I am writing to you. You must stay away from anyone who claims to be a believer but who does those things. Stay away from anyone who commits sexual sins or who always wants more and more things. Stay away from a person who worships statues of gods or who tells lies about others. Stay away from anyone who gets drunk or who cheats. Don't even eat with a person like that.
12 Is it my business to judge those outside the church? Aren't you supposed to judge those inside the church? 13 God will judge those outside. Scripture says, "Get rid of that evil person!"-(Deuteronomy 17:7; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21,24; 24:7)
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Text: Main point: You did what?
This story reads like a soap opera, or a tabloid talk show! One of the congregation is sleeping with his stepmother, and everyone seems to be OK about it (vs 1,2).
Repentance needed
Everyone except Paul, that is! Some have interpreted 'hand this man over to Satan' (v 5) as excommunication, others as a particular response unique to the apostles of the Bible. Either way, this situation is addressed to provoke a penitent response (v 5).
God's words for God's people
Paul also points out that we're not called to disassociate ourselves from those outside of the church with different lifestyles to us (vs 10,12). His main challenge is for the Christian community.
They've become casual about sin. Worse, they seem to boast about it, unaware that their acceptance of these problems affects everyone (vs 6,7).
Engage with the world
Do we really want to know what these verses could mean for us today? Evangelistically, it's a reminder that we are called to engage with our world, rather than stand at a distance to judge and condemn.
But perhaps more uncomfortably, we realise that we offer more than our talents and tithes to our churches. We bring our attitudes, our words, our lives, our sin. We are more than a gathering of individual believers; we're intricately connected.
What would it mean for us to engage with the world and love the Church as passionately as Paul does? What would we address?
Jo Saxton
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Choose from today's activities...
Dealing with sin in the church: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14617&activityid=77439
True worship: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14617&activityid=77441
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14617&activityid=77503
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77385
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77386
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77078
Topical: Escape?: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77578
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP Dedicationhttp://www.wordlive.org
Prayer : Pray first
Offer God your first moments; make God your priority. Share the life you've been given.
Exodus 13:1-16
'Then Moses said to the people, "Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the LORD brought you out of it with a mighty hand."'
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Bible passage: Exodus 13:1-16
Exodus 13
Setting Apart the Oldest Sons
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 "Set apart for me the first boy born in every family. The oldest son of every Israelite mother belongs to me. Every male animal that is born first to its mother also belongs to me."
3 Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day. It's the day you came out of Egypt. That's the land where you were slaves. The Lord used his mighty hand to bring you out of Egypt. Don't eat anything that has yeast in it. 4 You are leaving today. It's the month of Abib.
5 "The Lord will bring you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites. He took an oath and promised your people of long ago that he would give that land to you. It's a land that has plenty of milk and honey. When you get there, keep this holy day in this month.
6 "For seven days eat bread that is made without yeast. On the seventh day hold a feast in the Lord's honor. 7 Eat bread that is made without yeast during those seven days. Nothing that has yeast in it should be found among you. No yeast should be seen anywhere inside your borders.
8 "On that day talk to your son. Tell him, 'I'm doing this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.'
9 "When you celebrate this day, it will be like a mark on your hand. It will be like a reminder on your forehead. The law of the Lord must be on your lips. The Lord used his mighty hand to bring you out of Egypt. 10 Obey this law at the appointed time year after year.
11 "The Lord will bring you into the land of Canaan. He will give it to you, just as he promised he would. He even took an oath when he made the promise to you and your people of long ago.
12 "After you arrive there, give to the Lord the oldest son of every mother. Every male animal that is born first to its mother among your livestock belongs to the Lord. 13 By sacrificing a lamb, buy back every male donkey that is born first to its mother. But if you don't buy the donkey back, break its neck. Buy back every oldest son.
14 "In days to come, your son will ask you, 'What does this mean?'
"When he does, say to him, 'The Lord used his mighty hand to bring us out of Egypt. That's the land where we were slaves. 15 Pharaoh was stubborn. He refused to let us go. So the Lord killed every oldest son in Egypt. He also killed every male animal that was born first to its mother. That's why I sacrifice to the Lord every male animal that was born first. And that's why I buy back each oldest son for him.'
16 "This day will be like a mark on your hand. It will be like a sign on your forehead. It will remind you that the Lord used his mighty hand to bring us out of Egypt."
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Text: Main point: Dedication
The Lord speaks to Moses and calls the people. He calls his firstborn son, Israel (Exodus 4:22), to dedicate their own firstborn to him. It's a powerful reminder of what happened that first Passover night.
Belonging to God
As Egypt mourned the loss of their firstborn, the Israelites were spared, passed over, and set free. Israel's firstborn were a testimony to God's faithfulness. Others had died, that Israel might live.
So alongside the joy is a response: consecrate, dedicate the firstborn to God (vs 1,2). They belong to him now.
Liberated for new life
The Israelites were liberated so that they could live a new life with God, and communicate his greatness to the nations. Yet as we look at their story, we discover that they struggled to be faithful to God, sometimes reaching back to the familiarity of slavery (see Exodus 16:3; ch 32).
Let's walk with him
Our deliverance and freedom came at great cost - the death of God's Son. How will we respond? With dedication?
Let's give to God all that is first in our lives, all that we are and have. Let us walk out our days with the one who led us into freedom: our Deliverer.
Jo Saxton
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Choose from today's activities...
Audio Bible passage: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14606&activityid=77429
Praise and worship: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14606&activityid=77431
The firstborn: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14606&activityid=77432
Remember! (Theology/Application): http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14606&activityid=77433
Faithful forever: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14606&activityid=77434
Podcast: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14606&activityid=77435
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14606&activityid=77502
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77385
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77386
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77078
Topical: Escape?: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77578
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP Just ushttp://www.wordlive.org
Prayer : Pray first
Some rules and guidelines are there for a good reason. And prayer certainly has a good reason. Pray.
Exodus 12:43-51
'All the Israelites did just what the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron. And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.'
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Bible passage: Exodus 12:43-51
Rules for the Passover
43 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron. He said, "Here are the rules for the Passover.
"No one from another country is allowed to eat the Passover meal. 44 Any slave you have bought is allowed to eat it after you have circumcised him. 45 But a hired worker or someone who lives with you for a while is not allowed to eat it.
46 "It must be eaten inside a house. Do not take any of the meat outside. Do not break any of the bones. 47 The whole community of Israel must celebrate the Passover.
48 "Suppose an outsider who is living among you wants to celebrate the Lord's Passover. Then all of the males in that home must be circumcised. After that, the person can take part, just like an Israelite. Only males who are circumcised can eat it.
49 "The same law applies to Israelites and to outsiders who are living among you."
50 All of the people of Israel did just what the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron. 51 On that very day the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt like an army on the march.
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Text: Main point: Just us
At first glance the Passover regulations seem restrictive and rather harsh. Any outsider who wants to celebrate the Passover must first be circumcised (vs 44,48,49). The freedom and celebration suddenly feels a long way away.
The covenant agreement
However, circumcision was the sign expressing the covenant agreement God had made with his people (see Genesis 17). He would be their God and they would be his people, faithful to one another.
They would receive all the benefits of a relationship with him. He would provide for them and protect them from their enemies, because as a result of this covenant they now carried his identity.
The covenant relationship
This was no ordinary feast; it was a feast celebrating the covenant relationship at work. It was a celebratory moment, but also an intimate one. How could anyone else know about this relationship between God and his people - what they had been through, the pain they'd suffered?
Only they would really understand the journey they'd been on for so long. Only they would appreciate the reach of God's faithfulness to them. God's goodness, mercy and love Some of our celebrating is public. We gather our loved ones, eat and tell stories. It's vital and life-giving to share and point the world to Jesus!
But equally there are times when we should reflect privately on all God has done for us. We remind ourselves of the goodness and mercy that pursues us (see Psalm 23:6), the power of his love. Jo Saxton
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Prayer : Think about
Think about how God has shown his faithfulness to you.
Thank him.
Commit yourself to whatever God is leading you onto next - knowing you can trust him for the future.
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Choose from today's activities...
Audio Bible passage: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14605&activityid=77419
Who can celebrate the Passover?: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14605&activityid=77422
Why bother with church? (Application): http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14605&activityid=77423
To include or not to include?: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14605&activityid=77424
Worship song: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14605&activityid=77425
Podcast: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14605&activityid=77426
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14605&activityid=77500
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77385
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77386
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77078
Topical: Escape?: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77578
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP Walk onhttp://www.wordlive.org
Prayer : Pray first
Guidance from God can come at any moment. Still your being and listen in prayer.
Exodus 12:31-42
'During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me."'
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Bible passage: Exodus 12:31-42
The People of Israel Leave Egypt
31 During the night, Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron. He said to them, "Get out of here! You and the Israelites, leave my people! Go. Worship the Lord, just as you have asked. 32 Go. Take your flocks and herds, just as you have said. And also give me your blessing."
33 The Egyptians begged the people of Israel to hurry up and leave the country. "If you don't," they said, "we'll all die!"
34 So the people took their dough before the yeast was added to it. They carried it on their shoulders in bread pans that were wrapped in clothes.
35 They did just as Moses had directed them. They asked the Egyptians for articles that were made out of silver and gold. They also asked them for clothes. 36 The Lord had caused the Egyptians to treat the people of Israel in a kind way. So they gave them what they asked for. The people of Israel took many expensive things that belonged to the Egyptians.
37 The Israelites traveled from Rameses to Succoth. There were about 600,000 men who were old enough to go into battle. The women and children went with them. 38 So did many other people. The Israelites also took large flocks and herds with them.
39 They brought dough from Egypt. With it they baked bread without yeast. The dough didn't have any yeast in it. That's because the people had been driven out of Egypt before they had time to prepare their food.
40 The people of Israel lived in Egypt for 430 years. 41 At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all of the Lord's people marched out of Egypt like an army.
42 The Lord kept watch that night to bring them out of Egypt. So on that same night every year all of the Israelites must keep watch. They must do it to honor the Lord for all time to come.
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Text: Main point: Walk on
It's said that, on the night before the abolition of slavery in the USA, many slaves did not sleep. Instead they gathered together to sing in a new dawn.
Deliverance has begun
Back to the story. Screams of agony pierce the Egyptian night, from the prison to the palace. No firstborn is spared, except from among the Israelites (v 30).
The deliverance has begun: 430 years to the very day; 430 years of oppression, of abuse, or being dehumanised, of hoping your children will be free and then seeing them subjected to the same captivity; 430 years of sorrow.
Confident in God
Finally the day had come. The pride of Egypt had finally succumbed and now begged the Israelites to leave (v 33). So they did, with friends and family, with treasures and resources from their captivity (vs 32,36).
Perhaps the tough times have produced some rich resources for you - a greater confidence in God, a stronger faith (see James 1:2,3).
Free to walk on
Oh, to be free. to walk away from the bitterness of broken relationships, missed opportunities and disappointments. For the past to stay in the past, for the sting of critical and abusive words to heal and disappear. For destructive habits to loosen their grip, once and for all.
It's like the sound of a new dawn. Jesus saved us. But salvation isn't just about our lives in eternity; it's about our lives in today's reality. Are we free to walk on?
Jo Saxton
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Choose from today's activities...
Audio Bible passage: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14604&activityid=77409
Speak Lord: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14604&activityid=77411
The pivotal event: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14604&activityid=77412
Puzzling numbers (Background): http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14604&activityid=77413
Worth following: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14604&activityid=77414
Worship song: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14604&activityid=77415
Podcast: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14604&activityid=77416
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14604&activityid=77498
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77385
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77386
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77078
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP Celebrate!http://www.wordlive.org
Prayer : Pray first
Just to be able to talk with God is worthy of celebration. Just talk, now.
Exodus 12:14-30
'Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.'
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Bible passage: Exodus 12:14-30
14 "Always remember this day. For all time to come, you and your children after you must celebrate this day as a feast in honor of the Lord. It is a law that will last forever.
15 "Eat bread made without yeast for seven days. On the first day remove the yeast from your homes. For the next seven days, anyone who eats anything that has yeast in it must be cut off from Israel.
16 "On the first and seventh days, come together for a special service. Do not work at all on those days. All you are allowed to do is prepare food for everyone to eat.
17 "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. I brought you out of Egypt on this very day like an army on the march. It is a law that will last for all time to come. 18 In the first month eat bread that is made without yeast. Eat it from the evening of the 14th day until the evening of the 21st day.
19 "For seven days do not let any yeast be found in your homes. Anyone who eats anything that has yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel. That applies to outsiders and Israelites alike. 20 Do not eat anything that is made with yeast. No matter where you live, eat bread that is made without yeast."
21 Then Moses sent for all of the elders of Israel. He said to them, "Go at once. Choose the animals for your families. Each family must kill a Passover lamb. 22 Get a branch of a hyssop plant. Dip it into the blood in the bowl. Put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you can go out the door of your house until morning.
23 "The Lord will go through the land to strike the Egyptians down. He'll see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe. He will pass over that house. He won't let the destroying angel enter your homes to kill you.
24 "Obey all of these directions. It's a law for you and your children after you for all time to come. 25 The Lord will give you the land, just as he promised. When you enter it, keep this holy day.
26 "Your children will ask you, 'What does this holy day mean to you?' 27 Tell them, 'It's the Passover sacrifice in honor of the Lord. He passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt. He spared our homes when he struck the Egyptians down.' "
Then the people of Israel bowed down and worshiped. 28 They did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron.
29 At midnight the Lord struck down every oldest son in Egypt. He killed the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne. He killed all of the oldest sons of prisoners, who were in prison. He also killed all of the male animals that were born first to their mothers among the livestock.
30 Pharaoh and all of his officials got up during the night. So did all of the Egyptians. There was loud crying in Egypt because someone had died in every home.
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Text: Main point: Celebrate!
Before the story continues, we see that the Lord has not finished giving instructions to his people.
A time to share
Every generation to come are to celebrate the week long Feast of Unleavened Bread. The week is to begin and end with a special worship event. In between there is to be no work, lots of meals and celebrating.
It's also a time to share. 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' (vs 26-28). Can you imagine the first few years this feast was celebrated? I imagine tear-stained faces. I imagine laughter and shouting, pain and joy. They are free.
Time to party?
Maybe we understand the worship service, but how do we feel about the party? No work, just fun and relaxation, eating and drinking, to acknowledge what the Lord has done.
We've been given a mighty deliverance, so what does the cross mean to us? What's our story?
A story of hope
It's the story of forgiveness, of cleansing and healing. It's the story of a hope and a future, the story of freedom.
We worship, we're grateful - but how many of us have celebrated our freedom? For seven days!
Fun. and worship
When did we last think about taking a vacation, eating good food and telling our family and friends just how good God is, with tears and laughter, and dare I say it, FUN? And worship. Yes, worship - because for those liberated Israelites, that's what it was all about.
Jo Saxton
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Text: To do
How could you celebrate Jesus' love for you? Plan a party or social evening together with Christian friends. Make a plan - and do it!
Things to include: fun and gamesfood and drinksharing stories of what God has done for youmusicpraise and worship
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Choose from today's activities...
Audio Bible passage : http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14603&activityid=77399
Passover: a day to commemorate: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14603&activityid=77402
How Christians celebrate the Passover: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14603&activityid=77403
Shed blood: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14603&activityid=77404
Remembering: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14603&activityid=77405
Podcast: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14603&activityid=77406
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14603&activityid=77496
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77385
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77386
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77078
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP
A new beginninghttp://www.wordlive.org
Prayer : Pray first
Every event has a beginning. Begin your next event with a prayer.
Exodus 12:1-13
'On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.'
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Bible passage: Exodus 12:1-13
Exodus 12
The First Passover Sacrifice
1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in Egypt. 2 He said, "From now on, this month will be your first month. Each of your years will begin with it.
3 "Speak to the whole community of Israel. Tell them that on the tenth day of this month each man must get a lamb from his flock. A lamb should be chosen for each family and home.
4 "Suppose there are not enough people in your family to eat a whole lamb. Then you must share some of it with your nearest neighbor. You must add up the total number of people there are. You must decide how much lamb is needed for each person.
5 "The animals you choose must be males that are a year old. They must not have any flaws. You may choose either sheep or goats. 6 Take care of them until the 14th day of the month. Then the whole community of Israel must kill them when the sun goes down. 7 Take some of the blood. Put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where you eat the lambs.
8 "That same night eat the meat cooked over the fire. Also eat bitter plants. And eat bread that is made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water. Instead, cook it over the fire. Cook the head, legs and inside parts. 10 Do not leave any of it until morning. If some is left over until morning, burn it.
11 "Eat the meat while your coat is tucked into your belt. Put your sandals on your feet. Take your walking stick in your hand. Eat the food quickly. It is the Lord's Passover.
12 "That same night I will pass through Egypt. I will strike down every oldest son. I will also kill all of the male animals that were born first to their mothers. And I will judge all of the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.
13 "The blood on your houses will be a sign for you. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. No deadly plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.
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Text: Main point: A new beginning
God the Deliverer steps into human history, giving Moses and Aaron the most powerful 'to do' list ever! The list involves preparation for the first Passover meal.
This moment literally resets history. God the Deliverer redefines time and marks this new beginning for the Israelites as a new year (v 2).
Get ready.
Each household sacrifices a perfect lamb, enough to satisfy each person (v 4). Its blood covers the doorpost of the home. The meal is literally bittersweet - accompanied by bitter herbs, recalling years of suffering (v 8).
It's a meal on the move: the bread has no time for yeast, and the diners are to eat standing up and ready to go (v 11). Life is about to change for ever, for both the Israelites and the Egyptians. The people need to be ready to respond.
for rescue and freedom
Later the Deliverer stepped down into human history, offering humanity a new beginning, a new meal. This time the Lamb was God's own Son (see John 1:29).
He is offered to us - enough to satisfy our needs. This time it's the Son's blood that rescues us and sets us free from our slavery.
A new day is coming
Do you need a new day, a new year? Perhaps we can still taste the 'bitter' moments of the past.
The Deliverer has made a way for a new life. Are we ready to respond, to move with him into freedom?
Jo Saxton
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Choose from today's activities...
Audio Bible passage: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77389
Prayer points: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77391
The first Passover: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77392
Judgement: a God who kills? (Theology): http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77393
By the blood: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77394
Worship song: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77395
Podcast: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77396
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77495
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77385
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77386
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14602&activityid=77078
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP
What a place to live!http://www.wordlive.org
Prayer : Pray first
Where is your spiritual birthplace? Discuss your birth certificate with God in prayer.
Psalm 87
'He has founded his city on the holy mountain. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.'
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Bible passage: Psalm 87
Psalm 87
A psalm of the Sons of Korah. A song.
1 The Lord has built his city
on the holy mountain.
2 He loves the city of Zion
more than all of the other places
where the people of Jacob live.
3 City of God,
the Lord says glorious things about you.
Selah
4 He says, "I will include Egypt and Babylon
in a list of those who recognize me as king.
I will also include Philistia and Tyre, along with Cush.
I will say about them, 'They were born in Zion.' "
5 Certainly it will be said about Zion,
"This nation and that nation were born in her.
The Most High God himself will make her secure."
6 Here is what the Lord will write in his list of the nations.
"Each of them was born in Zion."
Selah
7 As they make music they will sing,
"Zion, all of our blessings come from you."
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Text: Main point: What a place to live!
Relationship rules
This psalm celebrates God's city, Zion. It seems to be a prophetic psalm, paving the way for that great description of heaven in Revelation 21 and 22.
Zion, Jerusalem and heaven all depict the place where God dwells and rules supreme. Zion and Jerusalem have geography, but of course heaven is more describing a relationship than a place on the map.
Heavenly citizens
Notice what is celebrated about this city:
● It brings together those who used to be enemies (Rahab is a poetic term for Egypt).
● It is multi-national and multi-cultural.
● Citizenship is by a 'new birth' (v 5) initiated by God himself (v 6).
● Worship of the living God is at its centre (v 7).
What will it feel like to live as a citizen in this place (see Philippians 3:20)? So much of the thrust of 1 John is about loving one another in the community of God's people. How much are you putting into practice now all that being a citizen of heaven will mean?
Glorious things.
Think about the part you play in your local congregation. Are you helping to make it a place where love abounds? Are enemies reconciled? Is it monochrome culturally or rich in diversity? Are glorious things spoken of you and your God (v 3)?
Elaine Duncan
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Choose from today's activities...
Urban paradise: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14587&activityid=77178
Founded on love: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14587&activityid=77179
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14587&activityid=77273
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14581&activityid=77089
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14581&activityid=77090
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14581&activityid=77078
Topical: Life and death: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14581&activityid=77384
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP
Stay connected!http://www.wordlive.org
Prayer : Pray first
Pray for a bumper harvest in your life this year.
John 15:1-17
'I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.'
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Bible passage: John 15:1-17
John 15
The Vine and the Branches
1 "I am the true vine. My Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch joined to me that does not bear fruit. He trims every branch that does bear fruit. Then it will bear even more fruit.
3 "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain joined to me, and I will remain joined to you. No branch can bear fruit by itself. It must remain joined to the vine. In the same way, you can't bear fruit unless you remain joined to me.
5 "I am the vine. You are the branches. If anyone remains joined to me, and I to him, he will bear a lot of fruit. You can't do anything without me. 6 If anyone does not remain joined to me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and dries up. Branches like those are picked up. They are thrown into the fire and burned.
7 "If you remain joined to me and my words remain in you, ask for anything you wish. And it will be given to you. 8 When you bear a lot of fruit, it brings glory to my Father. It shows that you are my disciples.
9 "Just as the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. In the same way, I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy will be in you. I also want your joy to be complete.
12 "Here is my command. Love each other, just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than the one who gives his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
15 "I do not call you servants anymore. Servants do not know their master's business. Instead, I have called you friends. I have told you everything I learned from my Father.
16 "You did not choose me. Instead, I chose you. I appointed you to go and bear fruit. It is fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.
17 "Here is my command. Love each other.
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Text: Main point: Stay connected!
Often in the Old Testament the people of Israel are described as God's vine (for example Psalm 80:8-16 and Jeremiah 2:21). They failed to be a fruitful testimony of God's love and mercy to the nations around them.
Now Jesus is described as the 'true vine'. He is the one who shows how human life should be lived - healthily, happily and fruitfully. He is the one who is able to keep us connected to his Father.
Painful pruning
Pruning can be a painful business. My attempts at pruning in my garden have mixed results and I have been known to kill a plant or two by bad pruning.
When God 'prunes' our lives he does it perfectly, not to kill us but to make us more fruitful. Are you able to trust him with the painful pruning?
Fruitful living
What does the image of a fruitful life conjure up for you? In what ways is your life fruitful? Are there areas in which you would like to be more fruitful?
In the second half of our passage Jesus speaks about love, joy and friendship. How are these looking in your life at the moment?
Think about the ways in which 1 John is an expanded version of this passage in John's Gospel.
Elaine Duncan
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Choose from today's activities...
Loved and loving: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14586&activityid=77173
Worship song: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14586&activityid=77174
Bible in a year: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14586&activityid=77272
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Choose from this week's activities...
Editorial: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14581&activityid=77089
WordLive for small groups: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14581&activityid=77090
WordLive Forum: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14581&activityid=77078
Topical: Life and death: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/2981.id?sessionid=14581&activityid=77384
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Support WordLive
We'd love you to support WordLive. If you'd like to make a donation, please visit http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/91202.id?in=WLDEP
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