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Prayers for Surgery

Featured by atozmom, posted in Life

Hey all!

Thank you all so much for your prayers, support, and donations. Knowing I have prayer warriors in my corner and support is invaluable to my heart.

My surgery to remove the cancer from my lung is scheduled for this Tuesday. I will be offline for a couple of weeks. The BSF lessons will continue to be posted as I have completed them in advance.

Any and all prayers would be greatly appreciated during this time!

If you would like to donate to help cover my cancer treatment costs, please use the donate button below or the link in my sidebar. Many thanks in advance, and lots of love and hugs to all!

DONATE HERE

Many blessings to you all!

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Donations Requested for Cancer Treatment

Featured by atozmom, posted in Life

Hey all!

I hope you all are well and learning so much from God in our BSF study! God is so, so good!

I am writing to share with you all that I have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, most likely caused by exposure to secondhand smoke as a child. I will require surgery to remove a portion of my lung and then recovery afterwards. The prognosis is good thanks to the Lord, as long as the pathology report comes back favorable.

I would appreciate any prayers you could send my way for a successful surgery and recovery.

If you would like to donate to help cover my cancer treatment costs, please use the donate button below or the link in my sidebar. Many thanks in advance, and lots of love!

DONATE HERE

Many blessings to you all!

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 26, Day 2: Nehemiah 9:1-21

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 9:1-21

The Israelites gathered together and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They read from the Book of the Law, confessed, and worshiped. The people recited God’s deeds, praising Him for bringing them out of Ur, raising up Abraham, bringing them out of Egypt, giving them the Law, feeding them, and not abandoning them in the desert when they disobeyed.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 26, Day 2: Nehemiah 9:1-21

3a) Sackcloth and ashes outwardly demonstrated their internal brokenness and humility before God. Separating from foreigners was essential to cut ties with idolatry and compromise. Together, these actions proved their repentance was genuine—they were not just sorry for the consequences, but were actively purging sin to restore their covenant relationship.

b) Materialism and vindictiveness

4a) The people recited God’s deeds, praising Him for bringing them out of Ur, raising up Abraham, bringing them out of Egypt, giving them the Law, feeding them, and not abandoning them in the desert when they disobeyed.

b) To learn from the past and not repeat it. And, to remember what God has done for His people, so we have faith, hope, and encouragement that He will do it again. Romans tells us: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

5a) Lots. Selfishness. Disobedience. Mean-spirited. Anger. Revengeful. Unforgiveness. Etc.

b) By humbly confessing specific sins, trusting in God’s merciful character through Christ, and turning away from evil to walk in His new life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 26, Day 2: Nehemiah 9:1-21

I love it when the people remember what God has done. We need to remember what God has done in our lives so that we have faith that He will continue to be there for us no matter what.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 26, Day 2: Nehemiah 9:1-21

After the work had been done and the Holy Spirit had done its work, it was time for repentance.

Fasting, wearing sackcloth, and covering their heads in dust is a sign of humility. It showed that the Israelites were so troubled by their sin that they couldn’t eat.

All sin is of equal weight. Sin is when we miss God’s mark by disobeying what is in His Word.

Once we repent, we aim to do better.

Fun Fact: This is the longest prayer in the Bible, and it only takes 6 1/2 minutes to recite.

What God has made (the world) gives us reason to praise Him.

God does not forsake His people even when they forsake Him. His patience is infinite.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

After the joyful Feast of Booths, the people transitioned to solemn fasting and sackcloth. The Levites led a prayer recounting their history, contrasting God’s sovereignty with human rebellion.

  • Creation & Covenant (vv. 5–8): The prayer anchors the people in the fact that God is the sole Creator (“You are the LORD, you alone”) and recalls the election of Abraham. It affirms that God kept His promise to give the land because He is righteous.

  • Deliverance & Guidance (vv. 9–15): It recounts the Exodus miracles—the Red Sea, the pillar of fire, and the giving of the Law at Sinai. It highlights God’s supernatural provision of bread (manna) and water.

  • Rebellion met with Mercy (vv. 16–21): Despite these miracles, the ancestors became arrogant and even made a golden calf. Yet, God was “ready to forgive, gracious and merciful” (v. 17). He did not abandon them in the wilderness but continued to instruct, lead, and feed them for forty years so that they “lacked nothing.”

Conclusion

This section teaches that God’s faithfulness is not held hostage by human failure. The Israelites repeatedly responded to grace with rebellion (arrogance, idolatry), yet God repeatedly responded to rebellion with mercy. The people’s confidence to confess their sins came from knowing God’s character, not their own track record.

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Friday’s Digest BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF EXILE & RETURN: A TIME TO BUILD LESSON 25

  • We must remain committed to the work God has ordained us to do
  • Trusting God requires discernment and wise decisions
  • God puts things on our hearts
  • God’s word is important to our spiritual life
  • Only God can satisfy our hearts
  • Our daily lives should fulfill the purpose for which God created us
  • God is faithful even when we are not

TAKE AWAY: Our life’s purpose is to know and walk with God.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 5: Nehemiah 8:13-18

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 8:13-18

The people came again to hear the words of the Law. The Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month. The people had not been doing this, so they immediately went out and did it. Ezra continued to read the Word of the Lord to the people.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 5: Nehemiah 8:13-18

12a) The people discovered that the Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month. The people had not been doing this, so they immediately went out and did it.

b) The Festival of Tabernacles, which celebrated God bringing His people out of Egypt and how God had provided for them on this journey. The people had just finished building the wall and could see His blessing upon them, too.

13) The people were eager to hear God’s word and to hear from God continually.

14) I celebrate by giving God all the glory and trying to do His work through me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 5: Nehemiah 8:13-18

I love the thirst for God’s Word. Lord, give me that same thirst!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 5: Nehemiah 8:13-18

The leaders gathered to hear God’s Words again.

They did what the Bible told them to do. So great!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Rediscovery and Obedience

After the initial reading of the Law, the leaders returned the next day to study deeper, leading to immediate action.

  • Deepening the Study (v. 13): The heads of households, priests, and Levites gathered around Ezra again. This wasn’t a passive listening session; they came specifically to “study the words of the Law.”

  • Recovering Lost Truth (vv. 14–16): They discovered the command to live in booths (temporary shelters) during the feast of the seventh month (Feast of Tabernacles). Although the feast had been observed in some form, the full, joyful community participation—dwelling in booths to remember their wilderness journey—had been neglected since the days of Joshua (v. 17).

  • Joyful Application (vv. 17–18): They didn’t debate the inconvenience. They went out, gathered branches, and built booths on their roofs and in their courtyards. This wasn’t a burden; there was “very great rejoicing.” The revival continued with daily reading of the Law for seven days.

Conclusion

This passage confirms that genuine spiritual growth moves from conviction (weeping) to curiosity (study) and finally to compliance (obedience). When God’s people eagerly seek His will, they often rediscover forgotten blessings. Obedience to God’s Word, even in the details, results in a unique joy that religious routine cannot produce.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 4: Nehemiah 8:1-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 8:1-12

Ezra brought the Law before the people and read it to them. Ezra praised the Lord, and all bowed down and worshipped Him. The Levites explained the Law so that the people understood it. The people then left to eat, drink, and celebrate because they understood God’s Law.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 4: Nehemiah 8:1-12

9a) All of the people came together to listen to the reading of the Law. They listened attentively. All the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” to the Law. Then they bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. The people were weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.  But Nehemiah told them to go eat, drink, and celebrate and not to weep, for this is a holy day. They were not to grieve but instead have joy. All of the people did this because they understood the Law.

b) That the people were so moved by the words of God that they were weeping and worshipping Him. That they listened for hours, eager to understand.

10a) Leadership wanted to ensure that the people understood the Law and not just heard it. They said it was a holy day and a joyous day and told the people to celebrate! They were also there supporting Ezra. They respected and heard God’s words, so this sets a great example for others to hear and listen, too.

b) It prevented the people from being paralyzed by guilt. By redirecting them from their failures to God’s mercy, the leaders transformed grief into “the joy of the LORD.” This renewed strength was essential for the community to move forward in sustained obedience, proving that God’s Word brings life, not just condemnation.

11a) God’s word has given me so much. I understand His ways. I grow closer to Him. I’m a better person because of it. The world makes more sense to me and does not seem so chaotic. It has enriched my life immeasurably.

b) I try to explain it the best I can to those who ask, and we investigate together what God is trying to do/say.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 4: Nehemiah 8:1-12

Seeing God’s people thirst for His Word and thirst to understand it is nothing short of inspiring.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 4: Nehemiah 8:1-12

The Law of Moses is the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).

Ezra was a priest and a scribe who had the temple rebuilt and brought the people back to worship.

The people came willing to hear God. Such a difference this makes!

Everyone there respected the Word.

The people thanked God, prayed, and worshipped. This is what we need to do to grow with God, too!

You have to understand God’s law in order to make changes in your life.

The teachers of the law/preachers are there to help us understand God’s word better. They are often gifted to do so.

We often need things explained to us so our hearts can grasp them.

The best teachers help us understand God’s word, not their opinions.

We should be glad that God is doing work in us, which is why the people were told to not cry.

The people realized they had been ignoring God’s commands and were full of sorrow. Yet, through repentance comes joy, which is what the leaders were telling the people.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Revival at the Water Gate

With the physical walls secured, the people gathered voluntarily to rebuild their spiritual foundation.

  • Hunger for the Word (vv. 1–4): The assembly did not wait for a sermon; they asked Ezra to bring the Book of the Law. This was a unified, desperate desire to hear from God, lasting from daybreak until noon.

  • Exposition, Not Just Reading (vv. 7–8): The Levites didn’t just recite the text; they “gave the sense” and explained it. This ensured the people didn’t just hear the sound of the words but grasped their meaning and application.

  • Conviction into Celebration (vv. 9–12): The immediate reaction was weeping, as the people realized how far they had fallen from God’s standard. However, Nehemiah and Ezra corrected them. They declared that this was a holy day, not a funeral. They famously commanded, “The joy of the LORD is your strength,” turning their repentance into a feast of gratitude.

Conclusion

This passage outlines the pattern for true revival: It begins with a hunger for Scripture, requires clear teaching to ensure understanding, and results in a balance of repentance (for sin) and joy (in God’s mercy). Understanding God’s Word should ultimately lead to strength, not despair.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 3: Nehemiah 7:4-73

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 7:4-73

Nehemiah lists the names of the exiles who returned.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 3: Nehemiah 7:4-73

6a) There were not many people living in the city. So, Nehemiah verified the families, ensuring spiritual purity for worship and identifying loyal defenders for the newly built walls.

b) God put the census into his heart.

7a) The groupings represent the restoration of covenant order. They distinguish between civil identity (clans and towns for inheritance), religious leadership (priests and Levites for worship), and service roles (gatekeepers and servants). This ensured everyone had a verified lineage and a specific duty in rebuilding the Jewish nation.

b) These verses demonstrate that holiness is non-negotiable. Potential priests were excluded from sacred duties because their lineage was unverified.

8a) Not much. I was raised a Christian, but my background is not one of strong faith.

b) Currently, I don’t serve. I volunteer where there are events online I can help with here and there. Unsure on this one. I feel like I serve here in this forum as part of my service to Him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 3: Nehemiah 7:4-73

I love that God is orderly and He has a desire to ensure His people flourish. He also wanted to make sure they were His by verifying their heritage.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 3: Nehemiah 7:4-73

Nehemiah needed to know who was in Jerusalem, so he could help build it back up.

These were the courageous ones who left the comfort of Babylon to return to God’s land and His promises.

Only about 2% of those taken returned, so God mentions them twice in the Bible (here and in Ezra 2).

God cares about each of us individually and about what we can do for His kingdom.

We’ll see people begin to return to Jerusalem in Nehemiah 11.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

With the walls built, Nehemiah realized the city was large, but the population was sparse, and houses were few (v. 4). He needed to transform a fortress into a community.

  • Establishing Identity (vv. 5–60): God inspired Nehemiah to register the people by genealogy, using the records of those who first returned with Zerubbabel. This confirmed that the current residents were the legitimate heirs of God’s covenant, connecting them to their history before the exile.

  • Protecting Holiness (vv. 61–65): Some priests could not find their genealogical records. Nehemiah excluded them from sacred service until their lineage could be verified. This prioritized the purity of worship over simply filling positions; convenience did not override God’s standards.

  • Generous Investment (vv. 70–73): The chapter concludes with a tally of the whole assembly (approx. 50,000 people) and their gifts to the treasury. The registration fostered a sense of ownership, leading heads of families to give extravagantly to the work.

Conclusion

This chapter demonstrates that structure requires substance. A city is defined not by its walls, but by its citizens. By vetting the people, Nehemiah ensured that Jerusalem would be inhabited by a faithful remnant who knew who they were, valued their spiritual heritage, and were ready to invest in the future.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 2: Nehemiah 6:15-7:3

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 6:15-7:3

The wall of Jerusalem was completed in 52 days. The enemies of Israel were afraid because they knew God had helped.

Nehemiah then appointed the gatekeepers, musicians, and Levites. He put his brother in charge of Jerusalem. The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is up.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 2: Nehemiah 6:15-7:3

3a) “All the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”

b) The enemies of God’s people never give up. They are always looking for a way to sabotage God’s work. We must ever be vigilant from attacks from all sides in order to stay on course with God’s work.

c) I wish I could say with grace, but mostly anger. However, I pray about it and let God lead me, too!

4) Nehemiah then appointed the gatekeepers, musicians, and Levites. He put his brother in charge of Jerusalem. This was important because he had to return to Susa. The danger was not over, both from the enemies of God and the Jews, too (Tobiah).

5a) Integrity was vital because strong walls cannot stop internal betrayal. With many nobles secretly allied to enemies like Tobiah, Nehemiah required leaders who feared God more than men. Their incorruptible character ensured they would not compromise the city’s safety for bribes, family connections, or political expediency.

b) I always try to do what’s right and follow what God would want of me. Being a person of integrity can help in many ways in life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 2: Nehemiah 6:15-7:3

Finally, the wall is finished! It’s always so amazing what God can do through you!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 25, Day 2: Nehemiah 6:15-7:3

God can use any of us in mighty ways.

Nehemiah prayed for 4 months and got the work done in 2 months. Spiritual battles are often worse than the physical battles.

Tobiah was the man who opposed the walls being rebuilt from the beginning (Nehemiah 2:10, Nehemiah 2:19 and 4:3, Nehemiah 6:1-2).

We need to praise God with every victory we have.

Remember, Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani, was the one who told him about the work that needed to be done (Nehemiah 1:2). He was faithful and feared God — that’s all you need to serve the Lord.

Now, the wall needed to be guarded. We need to guard our victories, too.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Once the wall was physically built, Nehemiah shifted focus from construction to conservation.

  • Supernatural Success (6:15–16): The wall was completed in just 52 days. This feat was so undeniable that even Nehemiah’s enemies lost their confidence, realizing that God was behind the work.

  • Internal Espionage (6:17–19): Despite the victory, the danger wasn’t over. Many Jewish nobles were loyal to Tobiah (the enemy) through marriage alliances, acting as spies and sending him letters. Nehemiah had to lead a people who were still politically compromised.

  • Securing the City (7:1–3): Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers, singers, and Levites, re-establishing order. Crucially, he handed command to his brother Hanani and Hananiah, choosing them not for their skill, but because they were “faithful and feared God more than many.” He established strict protocols: gates were only to be opened when the guards were active, and citizens were to guard their own neighborhoods.

Conclusion

This passage teaches that success does not mean the struggle is over. While the “hardware” (the wall) was finished, the “software” (leadership and loyalty) still needed work. True stability requires constant vigilance against internal compromise and appointing leaders based on character and fear of God rather than just talent or status.

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Friday’s Digest BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF EXILE & RETURN: A TIME TO BUILD LESSON 24

  • Expect challenges when doing God’s work
  • Vengeance and judgment belong to God
  • God provides the power to achieve His will
  • God is always on His people’s side
  • Knowing God is with us gives us confidence to face the day
  • There will be further attacks upon your work for the Lord
  • Giving up is not an option
  • Reject anything not rooted in God’s truth
  • Read the Word
  • Trust God in your challenges

TAKE AWAY: Pray, do not be afraid, and be practical.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 5: Nehemiah 6:1-14

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Nehemiah 6:1-14

The opposers of the walls invited Nehemiah to meet with them, but they were plotting him harm. Sanballat tried to coax Nehemiah by lying to him and intimidating him. However, Nehemiah simply prayed.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 5: Nehemiah 6:1-14

12a) Nehemiah’s enemies tried to take him out in order to stop the building project.

b) He did not fall for their traps and prayed to God about it. This teaches me that we are to pray to God when we are threatened and not fall for others’ traps if recognized.

13) He realized that the supposed safety offer was a violation of God’s laws and would discredit him.

14a) Nehemiah constantly prayed to God to strengthen him and to remember those who are looking to harm him in order for God to enact retribution.

b) I can pray more for those who are opposing me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 5: Nehemiah 6:1-14

I love, love, LOVE the reliance of Nehemiah on God. What a great example for us!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 24, Day 5: Nehemiah 6:1-14

Nehemiah had discernment to see through the threats against him and recognize them for what they were. We develop discernment as we grow closer to Jesus.

Do not be distracted by the enemy. Stay focused.

We also can’t believe the lies we are told.

Only priests were allowed in the temple, so if Nehemiah went there to hide, he would be disobeying God’s laws.

Nehemiah told God to take care of them, so he could focus on the task at hand.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Here is a succinct interpretation of Nehemiah 6:1–14:

The Interpretation: Three Traps

As the wall neared completion, Nehemiah’s enemies shifted from physical threats to psychological warfare aimed at ruining his leadership.

  • Distraction (vv. 1–4): Sanballat tried to lure Nehemiah away to the plain of Ono for a “meeting.” Nehemiah discerned this was a trap to harm him and halt progress, responding famously: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.”

  • Slander (vv. 5–9): Failing to lure him out, they sent an open letter accusing Nehemiah of planning a rebellion to become king. This was designed to spread fear and force a defensive response. Nehemiah simply denied the lie and prayed to God, “Strengthen my hands.”

  • Intimidation & Religious Compromise (vv. 10–14): They hired a false prophet to frighten Nehemiah into hiding within the Temple sanctuary—an act forbidden to non-priests. Had he agreed, he would have lost his reputation for integrity and courage. Nehemiah realized a true message from God would not contradict God’s law, and he refused to hide.

Conclusion

Nehemiah demonstrates that finishing a Godly task often requires as much spiritual discernment as it does hard work. True leadership involves the courage to ignore distractions, the integrity to withstand slander without panic, and the wisdom to recognize when “safety” is actually a trap to compromise one’s character.

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