By Pastor Dr. Shana Wise
Month 2
Week 5
Read Chapters 12-14
Chapter 12 The Passover
o God was giving Moses the instructions to prepare the people for the final plague. This plague would be the one that would have Pharaoh ask the Israelites to leave. These instructions were not just a one-time ordeal, but this would be a national holiday to be remembered forever (The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread). It was important for the Israelites to follow these instructions of the Lord; it was a meaning of life or death for them. How are we blessed when we follow God’s word?
o Exodus 12:13 Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. What does this verse mean to you?
o It is very sad that Pharaoh’s first-born son had to die for him to tell Moses and the Israelites to leave Egypt. It is unfortunate that something tragic must happen to people before they change. Let us make sure that that is not us. Let us worship God while we can.
o Read Exodus 12:31-42 again. We read about the Israelite's departure from Egypt. What can we learn from this passage of scripture concerning our enemies, God, and his promise to us?
Chapter 13 Dedication of the First-Born and The Israelites' Alternative Route Through the Wilderness.
o What is the significance of dedication to the firstborn male? As parents, we should dedicate all our children to the Lord, because they come from Him.
o Exodus 13:8 And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, ‘This is done because of what the Lord did for me when I came up from Egypt.’
Exodus 13:14 So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Why is it important to teach our children about God and what he has done for us?
o Exodus 13:17-18 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. God always knows what’s best for us even when it does not make sense. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Has God ever had you do something that didn’t make sense?
o Exodus 13:21-22 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. How does this scripture relate to us today?
Chapter 14 Pharoah Chases After the Israelites and They Escape
o Exodus 14:1-4 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ 4 Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so. God is in the details of our lives. Even when things seem bad or we don’t understand, God is working things out for our good (Romans 8:28). If you are going through a difficult time now, write a prayer about what you are expecting God to do about it.
o Read Exodus 14:10-14 again. Have you ever been in a really bad situation, and you began to complain to God and doubt him? Moses told the Israelites not to be afraid but to trust God, and he would fight for them. Have you ever been afraid, and God fought for you?
o Exodus 14: 21-22 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. This was a miracle happening right before the Israelite's eyes. God did this for them! Has God ever performed a miracle for you? If not, what do you believe He can do for you, your situation, or your family and friends?
o Pharaoh’s heart was so hardened against God that even when God performed miracles and was working supernaturally on the Israelite's behalf, it didn’t stop Pharaoh’s actions. His evil heart not only cost him his life but the lives of others as well. What lesson can we learn from Pharoah?
o What else can we learn from this passage of scripture?
Week 6
Read Chapters 15-18
Chapter 15 The Israelites Sings Songs of Deliverance and They Complain About Bitter Water
o Moses chose to worship the Lord after he delivered them from Pharoah and his army. He led the whole community to praise God. His sister led the women in a song and dance. If you were to write a song about what the Lord has done for you and your family what would it be? How would it sound? Would you dance?
o The Israelites complained about the water being bitter and God blessed them through Moses and the water became drinkable. God turned around and blessed them with an abundance of fresh water in Elim. Have you ever complained to God about your situation prematurely? Has God ever blessed you so great that you felt silly complaining to Him in the first place?
o Read Exodus 15:25-26 again. What does this verse mean to you? How has God healed you?
Chapter 16 God Sends Manna and Quail from Heaven
o This chapter starts off, again, with the people complaining about Moses. What is striking about the Israelites complaining is that these are the same people who witnessed God perform miracle after miracle in and out of Egypt, yet they still chose to complain. The lesson that we can learn from this the next time we want to complain about something, let us reflect on how faithful God has been toward us.
o As you read this chapter, what other lessons can we learn? List out at least five takeaways from this text.
Chapter 17 Water Comes Out a Rock and The Israelites Defeat the Amalekites
o The Israelites were making a habit of complaining against God. This time it was about water, again. God performed a miracle again through Moses. What bad habits do you need to break that are hindering your relationship with God?
o Exodus 17:7 So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Have you ever questioned, with a bad attitude, God when thing wasn’t going your way? How can having a bad attitude toward God and others hinder your spiritual growth?
o Exodus 17:10-13 So Joshua did as Moses said to him and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. What lessons can we learn from these verses as it relates to a leader and their support team? What other lessons can we learn?
o Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner...”. How has God been a banner in your life?
Chapter 18 Moses’ Father-in-law Jethro Visits
o Having someone in your life like Jethro is a blessing. Jethro was not only Moses’ Father-in-law, but he was also a worshipper of God, a mature, and wise counselor. Having a mentor in your life can help you grow personally and professionally. Who is your mentor or are you mentoring anyone?
o Exodus 18: 24 So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. Moses listening to the wise counsel of Jethro, made his role as a leader easier. If you find yourself struggling with your various responsibilities, in life reach out to someone who has qualities like Jethro to give you advice.
Week 7
Read Exodus Chapters 19-20
Chapter 19 The Lord Meets the Israelites on Mount Sinai
o God was establishing his covenant with Israel, the one he promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was giving instructions to Moses to prepare the people to meet him on the mountain. These instructions were specific to purity and boundaries on the mountain. The lesson that we can learn from this chapter is that we should reverence God’s presence as holy.
o Exodus 19:5-6 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” What does this verse mean to you personally?
Chapter 20 God Gives the Ten Commandments and Instructions for Alters
o Read the enclosed diagram for the Ten Commandments. Why is it important that we keep the commandments? Why do you think God gave them to us?
o Read the following parallel scriptures concerning the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ teachings: Ex. 20:3 and Mat. 4:10. Ex. 20:4 and Luke 16:13. Ex. 20:7 and Mat. 5:32. Ex. 20:12 and Mat. 10:37. Ex. 20:13 and Mat. 5:22. Ex. 20:14 and Mat. 5:28. Ex. 20:15 and Mat. 5:40. Ex. 20:16 and Mat. 12:36. Ex. 20:17 and Luke 12:15.
o God gave specific instructions for the alters because he did not want the Israelites doing things their way when it came to worshipping him. These instructions were also given to prevent them from creating their own religion.
Week 8
Read Exodus 21-24
Chapter 21-23 Laws Concerning Slavery, Personal Injury, Property, Social Responsibility, Annual Festivals, and God’s Promise to His People
o In those days slaves were common. People could become slaves because of poverty, debt, crime, or one nation conquering another. God put guidelines concerning how the Israelites treated their slaves.
o God also gave instructions for personal injury and death. How is this law similar or different from the laws today?
o In chapter 22 and part of chapter 23, there are specific incidents concerning if someone breaks the law and how to handle it. There are also specific social instructions regarding the responsibility of the Israelites. As you read these instructions, are you incorporating them into your life?
o God wants the Israelites to observe three festivals a year which are the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of the Final Harvest. Many of us are not farmers or live in farming communities, however, we can still honor and celebrate God for all we have.
o Read Exodus 23:20-33 again. What can we learn from this passage of scripture?
Chapter 24 The Israelites Accept God’s Covenant
o A covenant is an agreement between two parties that is usually sealed by blood. After God gave the Ten Commandments and the other laws, the people agreed to obey them, and Moses sealed this by sprinkling the blood over the people. How do you see this passage of scripture as it relates to what Jesus did for us on the cross? What else can we learn from this passage of scripture?
o Have you ever been in God’s presence, and you made a promise to him?
About the Author
Dr. Shana Wise is an ordained Pastor who founded and oversees Wise Choice Ministries with her husband Pastor Ron Wise. She is also the CEO and founder of The Well Christian Women’s Network. Dr. Wise is the author of Women’s Devotionals Acts of Intercession and Chief Women Arise, The Impact of Your Election, and the Basic Ministry Training Manual (all available on Amazon). She received a Doctor of Divinity degree in 2019 from St. Thomas Christian University. Her passion is to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, equip others to apply the Word to their lives and demonstrate it through the power of the Holy Spirit. She is a televangelist who appears on social media outlets. Shana is married and has four children.
For speaking engagements email: wisechoiceministries512@gmail.com.
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Acts of Intercession
The Impact of Your Election
Basic Ministry Training Manual
Chief Women Arise
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