Tag: bsf exile and return lesson 29

Haggai 1:3-6; Zechariah 1:1-6; and Malachi 1:1-2 from bsf exile and return study www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 5: Haggai 1:3-6; Zechariah 1:1-6; and Malachi 1:1-2

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

Summary of Haggai 1:3-6; Zechariah 1:1-6; and Malachi 1:1-2

Haggai 1:3-6

God tells His people through Haggai the prophet that it is time to rebuild His house. The people need to examine their ways.

Zechariah 1:6

The Lord spoke to Zechariah, telling him to tell the people to return to Him. If they do, He will return to them. He warns them to not be like their ancestors who ignored Him. The people repented, saying, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’”

Malachi 1:1-2

God declares His love for Israel, but Israel doubts God’s love for them, but God says He loves them.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 5: Haggai 1:3-6; Zechariah 1:1-6; and Malachi 1:1-2

12a) Haggai and Zechariah confronted the exiles’ misplaced priorities. Haggai rebuked their “paneled houses” while God’s temple lay in ruins (Haggai 1:4), linking their economic hardship to spiritual neglect. Zechariah urged a return to God to avoid their ancestors’ judgment (Zechariah 1:3), demanding internal repentance alongside physical rebuilding. Life is so busy that it can be distracting. We get caught up in doing the little chores that we forget the biggest blessing in our lives — God. We must make God our primary thought, not secondary.

b) Focusing more on God in the day-to-day moments of life. Thinking of What Would Jesus Do in situations. Loving people more rather than judging. Putting God front and center always in my life.

13) Remembering what God has done for me.

14) I simply move forward each and every day, trying to do God’s ways and not mine.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 5: Haggai 1:3-6; Zechariah 1:1-6; and Malachi 1:1-2

I have been consciously trying to keep God at the forefront of my thoughts.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 5: Haggai 1:3-6; Zechariah 1:1-6; and Malachi 1:1-2

See my previous notes: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE

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Nehemiah 1; 4:4-5, 5:6-9, and 6:14-15 from bsf exile and return study www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 4: Nehemiah 1; 4:4-5, 5:6-9, and 6:14-15

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

Summary of Nehemiah 1; 4:4-5, 5:6-9, and 6:14-15

Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah reports that Jerusalem is broken and the gates have burned. He prayed to God, saying he confessed the sins he and the Israelites had made. They have not obeyed. He reminds God of His promise to gather them back to the Promised Land if they return to Him and obey. He asks for favor before the Lord.

Nehemiah 4:4-5

Sanballat and Tobiah insulted the Israelites as they rebuilt Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah prayed to God to take them captive as punishment for ridiculing God. The people rebuilt the wall anyway.

Nehemiah 5:6-9

Some Jews spoke of their troubles to Nehemiah, saying they had to borrow money to pay the king’s taxes, and their children were forced into slavery, to get grain. Nehemiah went to the nobles and officials, telling them to stop taking advantage of their own people by charging interest and taking their fields and vineyards. The nobles agreed to give the land back. Nehemiah worked for the people and the land, never demanding the food allotted to the governor.

Nehemiah 6:14-15

Nehemiah simply prayed about being intimidated. He did not retaliate. The wall of Jerusalem was completed in 52 days.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 4: Nehemiah 1; 4:4-5, 5:6-9, and 6:14-15

9) Currently, this unexpected cancer battle that I’ll have to fight and recover from. While the outcome is extremely good, it is still concerning, but with God, I have nothing to fear. And, I believe He wants me to push my novel, too.

10a) I believe this blog is God’s work, but when I began it, I received very hateful comments that I should not be posting my answers for others. Of course, the world is different now, and BSF has moved online. I still posted, and God still showed up in people’s lives. I believe my novel is God’s work. I believe my life is still His work.

b) Getting my novel published. I don’t feel like quitting, but it is daunting. But, I’ll persevere and rely on Him to open the doors I need if this is His will.

11) I never expect obeying God to be easy. It’s downright hard, but oh so worth it. I have to trust Him with my health and my purpose and writings. Nehemiah was given everything he needed to accomplish God’s purposes. God does the same for us. I just have to trust in that.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 4: Nehemiah 1; 4:4-5, 5:6-9, and 6:14-15

Great lesson in trusting God for everything.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 4: Nehemiah 1; 4:4-5, 5:6-9, and 6:14-15

See previous lessons for notes: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE

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Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14 from bsf exile and return study www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14

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

Summary of Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14

Ezra 1:1-4

Cyrus king of Persia says that the Lord has given him the kingdoms of the earth and appointed him to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. All of God’s people are free to return to their land to do so, and they will be given help and treasures to accomplish this.

Ezra 6:16-22

 The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. The people celebrated with offerings and then with Passover.

Ezra 9:1-15

Ezra learned that the people of Israel, including the leaders, the priests, and the Levites, had intermarried with the pagan people around them. Ezra was appalled. He prayed to God. He acknowledged the people’s great sins. He thanks God for their return to Jerusalem and the temple rebuilding. He again acknowledges their sins and how they are unworthy of God’s grace, mercy, and presence.

Esther 4

Mordecai told Esther that she was put in this place for such a time as this to speak for the Jewish people and save them.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14

6) God will use whomever for His purposes. He will provide a way, even in unexpected ways and through non-believers.

7a) I have to keep moving in His purposes for my life, doing my best to understand His will and not mine.

b) Through pure repentance and a desire to change my sinful ways. I can pray, ask for forgiveness, and receive the healing blood of Christ. For others, I can pray, encourage them in their faith walk, doing my best to forgive them, too.

8a) To know and realize that God has me here in this moment at this time for a purpose and to figure out what that is for Him. And, to give Him all the credit in and for my life.

b) Both Esther and Mordecai faced the ultimate risks — death. For me, just the loss of friends and offending others, but it’s all worth it in His name.

c) I just pray and try to follow Him, pulling on His strength and not mine for all that He asks of me and all that He wants me to walk through.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14

Love how God uses everyone for His purposes, always and forever.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4; 6:16-22; 9:1-15; and Esther 4:12-14

See previous lessons for notes: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE

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Ezekiel 1:28-2:5 and Daniel 2:19-23 from bsf exile and return study www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 2: Ezekiel 1:28-2:5 and Daniel 2:19-23

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

Summary of Ezekiel 1:28-2:5 and Daniel 2:19-23

Ezekiel 1:28-2:5

He describes God on his throne above the living creatures. He was radiant and appeared like glowing metal and fire. He fell facedown upon seeing the glory of God. God told him to stand so that He could speak to him and told him He was sending him to the Israelites to speak for Him.

Daniel 2:19-23

Daniel prayed to God to interpret the king’s dream. God granted his wish. Daniel then praised God for this.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 2: Ezekiel 1:28-2:5 and Daniel 2:19-23

3a) God called Ezekiel, and Ezekiel answered. God told him what to expect and what to say. God prepares us similarly by giving us the information we need to do His bidding.

b) My battle with cancer right now. I have to rely on Him to move the surgeon’s hands and ensure this is cured and taken care of, and rely on Him to provide the financial means to get through this as well.

4) Daniel acknowledges God’s wisdom and power and how He has been the same throughout time. He understands God has a purpose for his life, and it is right where he is standing. God is in control of all things. He knows all things, and He works all things for my good. I trust in Him and His promises.

5) God cares and loves His people. He calls some to care and shepherd His people, and He prepares them for this task. For the rest of us, we are called for His purpose for our lives, and God takes care of us throughout it all.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 2: Ezekiel 1:28-2:5 and Daniel 2:19-23

Great lesson on how God does not leave us floundering. He loves us, guides us, and provides everything we need to do His will for our lives. So, so great!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29, Day 2: Ezekiel 1:28-2:5 and Daniel 2:19-23

See our previous lessons for interpretations HERE and HERE

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*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

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