MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
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I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. Have you spent time in the wilderness before? If so, what was your experience? How is it different from your normal day to day life?
2. If you could summarize your current situation, which one would you choose: in a wilderness season, just got out of a wilderness season, about to go into a wilderness season.
3. Why must we experience seasons of wilderness?
4. Read Exodus 32:1. What is a common reaction from the Israelites throughout Exodus? How is it displayed here? Are you surprised by their response? Why or why not?
5. Read Exodus 33:1-4. What is encouraging about this passage? What is discouraging?
6. Why did the Israelites take off their jewelry? What does this represent?
7. Read Exodus 33:5-6. Describe how God is showing the Israelites love in this passage. What do you think would be the initial reaction from the Israelites? Why?
8. Read Exodus 33:7-11. Describe what is happening during this time. Does this surprise you after the previous events? What is God doing during this time?
9. Read Exodus 33:12-16. How does Moses respond? Do you think you would respond in the same way? Why or why not?
10. Describe the way that Moses speaks to God. Is it appropriate for him to speak to God in this way? Describe the way in which God responds and speaks to Moses?
11. How does this passage demonstrate Moses' leadership and intercession skills? How has Moses changed since the beginning of Exodus?
12. Read James 1:2-4. Do you enjoy trials? Why or why not? What are the benefits of going through trials? What is the result of going through trials?
13. How is God saying “no” just as loving and kind as when He says “yes”?
14. Read Exodus 33:17. What does it mean that God knows Moses by name?
15. Read Exodus 33:18. Why did Moses ask to see God's glory? How does this reflect his desire for intimacy with God?
16. What is Moses most focused on in this moment? What is a possibility of what he could be focused on?
17. Read 1 Peter 1:6-7. Spend time looking at each section of this passage. Then, summarize what this passage states. Why is the reference to gold used in this passage?
18. How does this passage encourage you to seek God's presence more earnestly?
19. Describe what you have learned and experienced throughout this study of Exodus. How have you deepened your relationship with God?

Live It Out:

This week, reflect on these questions.

1. Do I find value in the wilderness? Reflect on a time of wilderness you have experienced. As hard as they might be able to identify, write down the value and benefits that came from that time. Spend time with God, thanking him for what you've reflected on.
2. Am I more focused on lack of adversity or the reality of God’s presence in the midst of it? Reflect on what happens when you experience discomfort. Where do you turn? How do you react? Do you look for easy routes when given options? Why? Write down specific ways you can truly value closeness, connection, and intimacy with God in your everyday life.
3. Do I believe that a valley with God is better than a mountaintop without him? Are you willing to live a life that exists for nothing greater than the glory of God? Are you willing to say that you don’t want to be in the wilderness, but even more than that, you don’t want to be apart from God’s presence? What is your next step to fully experience God’s presence and glory, despite your circumstances?

Reading Plan:
Follow along with our Exodus Reading Plan here: www.thebridgevenice.com/exodus