Read Exodus 2:5-7

When I read this through, it occurred to me that I wasn’t sure of the origin of the title “Hebrew”.

Genesis 14 is the first time that Abraham is referred to as a “Hebrew”. From what I read, though the exact origin is unclear, it seems to have the meaning of “one who crosses over”- or went from place to place, an alien, or traveler. This certainly seems to fit.

• When did you “cross over” from death to life through faith in Jesus work on the cross?

Read 1 Peter 1:18

• What has it looked like for you to “cross over” from the old ways that you learned growing up into new ways that define God’s family?
• Describe a time that you “crossed over” from disobedience to obedience? What prompted this?

Read Exodus 2:1-4

I can’t help but notice that Moses’ mom coats the basket with pitch before she puts Moses into the water in it. Genesis 6 tells us that Noah was commanded by God to coat the ark inside and out with pitch. Perhaps pitch is a common coating for things?

But it reminded me of God’s protection for Noah’s family. How He called the animals to Noah. How He closed the door after they went inside and did not leave it to them to shut people outside.

• What do you think was going through the mind of Noah’s mother as she set the basket off floating?
• Can you think of a time or situation when you stretched out in faith despite it seeming hopeless?
• Where do you need a stretch of faith right now?

Read through Exodus 2: 1-25 a couple of times.

• What are the words or statements that pop out to you?
• What are the emotions that this passage brings to the surface in you?
• What do you come to know about the Lord’s character in this chapter?
• What about people in general- can you learn anything from this passage? Who are they “being”?
• Is there anything the Lord is prompting you to do based on this chapter?

Spend some time this morning sitting quietly before the Lord preparing your heart for corporate worship. Listen to some music, pray, rest in the Father.

• On a separate piece of paper, journal about anything that comes to mind.

Our final area to consider is our physical selves. The Lord has given us bodies to care for and steward. Without strength in our bodies, it is hard to serve and give ourselves for his purposes.

• In what ways are you working to care for your body well? Think through eating, exercise, rest, play, and other pieces of your physical self.
• What areas need attention in the care of your physical self? Do you get enough rest? Do you exercise to your ability? How do you plan your food intake? Do you have times of play and laughter?

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Today we will consider the emotional part of ourselves.

• How would you describe your emotional state? Healthy? Struggling? Depleted? Dry?
• What have been the circumstances, people, events, that have contributed to where you are at emotionally?
• How comfortable are you with naming how you are feeling and expressing that to someone close to you?
• Where would you ask the Lord for emotional healing?

Philippians 4: 6-8

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Today we will continue to spend time assessing where we are in the hope to prepare the soil for where we are going.

• As you think back over the past couple of years, how are the people relationships around you? Have they grown in depth and substance, stayed constant, or shrunk?
• What are the ways you need to be pursuing deeper friendships? What helps this happen for you?
• Who are people in your life who sharpen you and push you to know God in richer ways?
• What are your desires going forward in the area of relationships?

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.