Slices
Prepare
Look back at the passages we have read over the past two weeks. What struck you most? Are there lessons you needed to learn, or warnings to heed?
Bible passage
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3 For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if only you would hear his voice,
8 ‘Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 where your ancestors tested me;
they tried me, though they had seen what I did.
10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways.”
11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
“They shall never enter my rest.”’
Explore
Something that has struck me as we have read Numbers is how often God has been angry and ready to give up on the Israelites. However, a closer reading of the passages showed that although God’s justice required him to punish rebellion, his mercy often provided a way for restoration and renewal – if the people concerned repented.
This joy-filled psalm puts God’s character into perspective. He is the great God, above all others (v 3). I wonder whether our familiarity with God means that we take him for granted and forget just how holy and majestic he is. He made everything there is (vs 4,5) and in particular he made us (v 6). Not only did he make us, he also tends and cares for us (v 7). He rescues us and provides us with stability (v 1). He speaks to us (v 7).
Bearing in mind just who God is, it is amazing that he reaches out to us, that he notices us and engages with us. The psalmist exhorts us to learn the lessons from the past, to recognise how much God has done for us and to respond positively to his care. Don’t rebel like the Israelites did!
Respond
Make time today to respond creatively to the lessons you have learnt about God – perhaps you could write a blog, paint a picture, compose a song or write a psalm or a prayer.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Job 15–17; Psalms 83,84
Pray for Scripture Union
Praise God for blessing and directing Wayne Dixon’s life – from first hearing the gospel as a child and finding faith as a teenager to his long ministry revealing Jesus to school pupils and staff across Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead. (This week's prayer relate to this article.)
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
Starting secondary school is more than new classrooms and new friends. It’s a season of growth, challenge and discovery. For some children, it’s exciting. For many, it’s overwhelming. And for all, it’s a defining moment.
That’s why It’s Your Move exists – to help children step into this new chapter with faith, courage and confidence.
For over 25 years, this trusted guide has supported more than 2.5 million children, offering practical advice, emotional guidance and encouragement rooted in Christian values.
Practical guidance you can trust.
Inside this 80-page guide, children will find:
✅ Real stories from pupils who’ve trusted God and themselves during the transition
✅ Guidance on friendships, confidence, homework and facing fears like bullying
✅ Space to reflect, pray and process emotions
✅ Encouragement and hope rooted in scripture
This isn’t just a book – it’s reassurance in their backpack.
Plus, every purchase includes instant access to:
✅ Student experience videos
✅ Assembly & lesson plans
✅ Creative tools to help children process the move
Secondary school is coming whether children feel ready or not. Let’s make sure they step forward grounded in faith, guided by hope and prepared with practical wisdom.
Get your copy here.
