Exodus 32:1 - 34:35

Nine: They disobeyed God and broke the first two commandments. The only reason God spared them was the Egyptians and others would believe He wasn't powerful. Toys, games, TV, and my dog pull me away from God.

Twelve: The people showed they could not be trusted because after only a short while they turned away from God. Moses saved them and convinced God not to destroy them. TV, books and my dog pull me away from God.

Forty-seven: I wonder just what it would take, how short a time before I would be pulled away from God. The truth is I probably do a little of it everyday. Just a little doubt or worry or grumpy thought and I'm no longer looking at God.

Exodus 19:1 - 20:1

Nine: We should obey these ten commandments. I have a hard time following false witness, coveting, and honoring my parents.

Twelve: God had grace for Israel and chose them for His people. They should listen to the ten commandments. I have the hardest time honoring my father and mother.

Forty-seven: As I get older I find that the ten commandments expand and expand in terms of living out a faithful Christian walk. While I struggle with that expansion I also find myself liking it that there is this ever moving goal or finish line to reach for. I will never get there, but I can continually follow my savior and not just stagnate. 

Exodus 13:17 - 14:31

Nine: I think it wasn't fair for the soldiers who got killed because they were just following orders. It shows again that God is all powerful. It may have been the just desserts for the solders. 

Twelve: I think my bother is wrong: I think God did this to save His people who were going to be killed by the Egyptians. The Egyptians deserved to be killed because everybody serves to die. God chose the Israelites through Abraham. The Egyptian soldiers could have repented and not obeyed.

Forty-seven: So which is right? It's funny but my younger son's lesson in church today was on how God was fair. It used the parable of The Good Samaritan. To be honest, that leaves me scratching my head some. My oldest strikes me as being correct, if God was instantly fair we'd all be dead. Instead He is also merciful, slow to anger, calls us the repent, and believe even if we do serve in Pharaoh's army. 

Exodus 12:1- 42

Nine: This is another sign to show how God is truthful because He said it would happen and it did. It also shows His power. Jesus made it an even bigger deal by dying on Passover.

Twelve: It shows that God has lots of power and He will help us to be delivered from our troubles. He finally showed Egypt He was all powerful, and it is wonderful that He formed the Passover which becomes more important later on with Jesus.

Forty-seven: Praise be the the Lamb who was slain! 

Exodus 6:28 - 11:10

Nine: It was extraordinary how God did all those plagues. I thought it wasn't fair to all those other people since God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Some of the plagues were Pharaoh's fault. But God is always fair so I can't say that. It wasn't fair to new born babies.

Twelve: I thought God was wonderful and showed His power to the Egyptians. I think God does things in the world today including controlling natural disasters.

Forty-seven: My youngest raised a hard question in his comments today. One I can give some thoughts on, but in the end I can't be satisfied because my mind doesn't comprehend what God's mind does. I'm like our nine month old puppy she knows we don't like her chewing stuff up, but she doesn't understand why. I can only trust in God. 

Exodus 3:1 - 4:17

Nine: The Lord is amazing; He could do all those signs with Moses. Never pick up a snake by its tail! Moses was whiny. God had every right to destroy him.

Twelve: Listen to God and obey Him. He will protect you and deliver you from your troubles.

Forty-seven: How often do I whine about much easier tasks than those Moses was given? How do I learn to respond first with obedience?

Exodus 1:1 - 2:25

Nine: This story shows God's power. He let's Pharaoh's daughter see the basket. The midwives got blessed and they deserved it. They did it for the right reason, but Moses did not act for the right reason.

Twelve: God was with Moses and his family. The midwives did the right thing even though they lied because they save the lives of the little babies. Moses killed someone; he could have told the Egyptian not to do it. He had power.

Forty-seven: The midwives inspire me. They are the small players going about their everyday lives. Yet, in the face of the mightiest man in their world, they did the right thing. How often do I bow before much less powerful forces: hastiness, convenience? How do I learn to live every moment for God?