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Prayers for Upcoming 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 got pushed. It is now scheduled for this coming Monday, March 2nd, so I just wanted to update you all. Hopefully, it won’t get pushed again. The prayers are MUCH appreciated, and I truly cannot say how much they all mean to me!

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!

photo of praying hands www.atozmomm.com

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!

photo of praying hands www.atozmomm.com

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!

photo of jesus lying in a manger www.atozmomm.com

Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 3, Day 3: Matthew 2:1-2

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Summary of Matthew 2:1-2

The Magi search for the King of the Jews after having seen his star.

Questions for Matthew 2:1-2

6) The Magi were from the east and were looking for the King of the Jews to worship. I would like to know everything about these Magi: where they were from exactly, what they were wearing, the length of their trip, why they decided to follow the star, etc.

7) In many ways. Obviously, by need, but also by nature, and a need to find a higher purpose than myself. God draws people through His unconditional love, the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, the truth of Scripture, and the life-changing gospel of Jesus.

8 ) Today, Jesus is in heaven seated at the right hand of the Father until he comes again. Unsure about others. Perhaps,some may say that Jesus lives within the hearts of believers, is present everywhere, or exists merely in historical memory (unbelievers).

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 3, Day 3: Matthew 2:1-2

God drew the Magi to worship Him with the star in heaven. God drew them to Him. Lord, do the same for me!

Contact me with questions today!

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 3, Day 2: Luke 2:1-21

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Summary of Luke 2:1-21

Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem for the census. Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger. Angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the news, and they traveled to Bethlehem to see the babe and worship him.

Questions for Luke 2:1-21

3) God is at work orchestrating a Roman census, sending angels to humble shepherds, and bringing prophecies to pass through the miraculous birth of the Savior. In short, God is at work everywhere in Luke 2, from the miraculous birth of Jesus to the fulfillment of the prophecy of being born in a manger. God is faithful, good, and trustworthy. He is in control. He is sovereign.

4) The great joy is that Jesus died for all of our sins so that we can be with God forever. It’s so, so comforting to know that I don’t have to be perfect and that my sins are forgiven.

5) Yep, when God told me to get checked out for lung cancer, and sure enough, I had it! Having a life-threatening disease changes you, your priorities, and what matters in the world. It deepens your gratitude. It fulfills you.

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 3, Day 2: Luke 2:1-2

Angels announce the Savior’s birth in Bethlehem to shepherds, while a cosmic star guides the Magi to find and worship the newborn King of the Jews.

Love, love, love this passage! Jesus would die so that we could live the life God intended us to live! So powerful!

Contact me with questions today!

photo of jesus lying in a manger www.atozmomm.com

Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 3, Day 1: Luke 2:1-21 & Matthew 2:2

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Summary of Luke 2:1-21 & Matthew 2:2

Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem for the census. Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger. Angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the news, and they traveled to Bethlehem to see the babe and worship him.

Questions for Luke 2:1-21 & Matthew 2:2

1)

  • The Davidic Lineage and Location: Luke 2:4–11 establishes that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, fulfilling the exact prophecy that directed the Magi to Judea.

  • The Angelic Proclamation: The angel explicitly announces the birth of a “Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11), validating the Magi’s search for a divine King worthy of worship.

  • The Heavenly Sign: The glowing “glory of the Lord” that shone around the shepherds (Luke 2:9) acts as a local, spiritual counterpart to the cosmic star that guided the Magi from the East.

  • The Rite of Naming: Jesus’s circumcision and official naming on the eighth day (Luke 2:21) cements His legal, human entry into the covenant of Israel, confirming His status as the true “King of the Jews.”

2) For me, no questions, only awe that Jesus would become human and suffer for our sins.

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 3, Day 1: Luke 2:1-21 & Matthew 2:2

Angels announce the Savior’s birth in Bethlehem to shepherds, while a cosmic star guides the Magi to find and worship the newborn King of Jews.

Reading the birth of Jesus never gets old!  So touching every time!

Contact me with questions today!

photo of joseph and mary www.atozmomm.com

Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 6: Matthew 1:20

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Passage Matthew 1:20

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

Questions for Matthew 1:20

15) It’s always good to study how God is in charge of everything and how He has us. God is full of mercy and infinitely sovereign. I trust in Him for my life.

16) These are hard questions. To maintain wonder, I try to stay grounded in faith. I try to do God’s work as my life’s purpose. God gives me hope, so I pray a lot. Lord, renew my wonder daily through Your Word and prayer. Keep me amazed that You became man to save me, give me purpose, and secure my hope. Amen.

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 6: Matthew 1:20

Great lesson on being faithful to God’s calling for your life and having faith that God will get you through all of your days.

Contact me with questions today!

photo of joseph and mary www.atozmomm.com

Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 5: Matthew 1:24-25

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Summary of Matthew 1:24-25

Joseph obeyed the angel, married Mary, but he did not consummate the marriage till after Jesus was born.

Questions for Matthew 1:24-25

12) He obeyed the angel/God and married Mary. He waited to consummate the marriage. He named the baby Jesus.

13) Mary couldn’t exactly hide her pregnancy, so everyone knew she got pregnant before marriage somehow. Both had to sacrifice their reputations to follow God. Their obedience meant facing severe social scandal, potential rejection from their community, and sacrificing marital intimacy, prioritizing God’s divine plan over personal reputation and comfort.

14) I would say in all of my moves across the country. Moving is hard, especially when you don’t know anyone. However, each time, God blessed us wherever we went.

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 5: Matthew 1:24-25

When Joseph woke up, he obeyed the angel, married Mary, but abstained from intimacy until she gave birth to her firstborn son, naming Him Jesus.

Jesus brought us righteousness. How amazing!

Contact me with questions today!

photo of joseph and mary www.atozmomm.com

Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 4: Matthew 1:21-23

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Summary of Matthew 1:21-23

Mary will give birth to a son, Jesus. He will save his people from sin. This fulfills the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14.

Questions for Matthew 1:21-23

9) God gives Jesus the name Jesus (the Lord saves) and Immanuel (God with us)

10) It means that God completely knows me and understands me, and He is sovereign above all else. As fully God, Jesus possesses the ultimate power to save us from sin; as fully man, He perfectly understands and relates to our human struggles.

11) Saved means I will have eternal life with God in heaven! Saved means being rescued from sin and eternal condemnation, restored to a relationship with God, and granted eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 4: Matthew 1:21-23

Mary will bear a son named Jesus who saves people from sins, fulfilling prophecy that Immanuel—meaning “God with us”—is born. Such Good News! We all need God with us each and every day!

Contact me with questions today!

photo of joseph and mary www.atozmomm.com

Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 3: Matthew 1:20

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Summary of Matthew 1:20

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

An angel of the Lord directs Joseph in a dream.

Questions for Matthew 1:20

6) It emphasizes who Joseph is and calms his fears. It connects Joseph to King David’s lineage, fulfilling prophecy, while calming his fears of social disgrace, confirming Mary’s pregnancy is a divine miracle.

7) Right now, the economy is terrible, and my company is struggling, so I’m praying I’m not next. But, if I am, God has got me, and knowing all about Jesus helps!

8 ) God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one and the same. It reveals the Holy Spirit as the miraculous source of conception, the Son as fully divine from birth, and the Father orchestrating salvation. God is amazing!

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 3: Matthew 1:20

An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, telling him not to fear marrying Mary because her pregnancy is a miracle from the Holy Spirit.

I love when God’s miracles show up, but Jesus’ is the best miracle! Although in most cases angels don’t directly appear to us, God communicates to us in different ways. Our job is to listen for Him and then act on His words!

Contact me with questions today!

photo of joseph and mary www.atozmomm.com

Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 2: Matthew 1:18-19

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Summary of Matthew 1:18-19

Joseph wanted to divorce Mary when he found out she was pregnant.

Questions for Matthew 1:18-19

3) He obviously loves Mary because his first thought is not to disgrace her publicly, so he cares about her well-being and her reputation. But, he had to be faithful to the law and divorce her.

4) I still have to honor my relationships with others, but not to the point that it would cause me to sin or break God’s laws. Being loving but firm is the key.

5) Mary conceived via the Holy Spirit. Knowing that God’s ways are not mine makes life easier. I don’t have to worry about how things will work out because I know God has got it!

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 2: Matthew 1:18-19

An angel reassures Joseph regarding Mary’s miraculous, Holy Spirit-conceived pregnancy, directing him to wed her and name the saving, divine child Jesus.

Love God’s faithfulness throughout all of life’s crises!

Contact me with questions today!

photo of joseph and mary www.atozmomm.com

Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 1: Matthew 1:18-25

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Summary of Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph wanted to divorce Mary when he found out she was pregnant, but an angel appeared to him and told him to marry her and that she was carrying the Messiah by the Holy Spirit. Joseph accepts Jesus as his son.

Questions for Matthew 1:18-25

1) The whole conception is obviously unusual and disrupted Joseph’s plans. An angel had to tell Joseph not to divorce Mary. Oftentimes, things don’t go as planned, so we should be open to changes. God’s sovereign, unexpected interventions always supersede and redirect human expectations.

2) I never wanted to move, but each move opened up more of God’s grace to see what He has for me. God knows all and knows where He is leading me when I don’t. His knowledge supercedes all, so we need to lean into and trust Him.

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 2, Day 1: Matthew 1:18-25

An angel reassures Joseph regarding Mary’s miraculous, Holy Spirit-conceived pregnancy, directing him to wed her and name the saving, divine child Jesus.

Looking forward to learning ways to deal with unplanned changes in life and learning more about God’s closeness to us because of Jesus!

Contact me with questions today!

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 1, Day 6: Matthew 1:1

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ's Incarnation

Passage Matthew 1:1

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.”

Questions forMatthew 1:1

15) Dear Lord, Thank you for your Word, for your Son, for your grace, and for your might. I am in awe of you and your care for me. I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I am yours to do with as you please.”

16) I have a life to lead for Him. I can lead others to Christ through my example, words, and deeds.

Conclusions to WordGo Born to Dwell: Christ’s Incarnation: Week 1, Day 6: Matthew 1:1

Matthew 1:1 establishes Jesus Christ’s legal and covenantal right to the messianic throne by explicitly identifying Him as the descendant of King David and Abraham.

So great and amazing! This was a great lesson on how Jesus came for us, and we can believe in all God’s promises.