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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

Summary of Daniel 10:1-11:1

Daniel received a vision from God during the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia. Daniel saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel fell into a deep sleep. He was touched by the man. Daniel was overwhelmed by the vision and felt weak. The man touched Daniel and gave him strength. The man will return to fight against the Prince of Persia and the prince of Greece will come.

After Daniel fasts for three weeks, he is overwhelmed by a vision of a glorious divine being. An angel strengthens him, explaining his 21-day delay was due to a spiritual battle against the demonic “prince of Persia.”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

3a) Daniel received a vision from God during the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia (around 536 BC), and it concerned a great war. The verse places the aged, faithful prophet at the end of his life, still earnestly seeking God, and at the precipice of receiving his final, longest, and most detailed prophecy about future conflict.

b) Daniel saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel had no strength left and he fell into a deep sleep.

c) A hand then touched him and told him he was highly esteemed. He told Daniel not to be afraid, and he would explain to him what he saw. He was encouraged and strengthened with words and with touch.

4a) Prayer is necessary when you are overwhelmed, weak, and just need God’s presence. God will come and offer you His strength and courage to carry on. These verses teach that prayer is necessary because it immediately dispatches a response from heaven. Its power is revealed as Daniel’s persistent prayer on earth is directly linked to the outcome of an unseen spiritual battle. It shows that a delay in receiving an answer doesn’t mean God hasn’t heard.

b) The purpose of the encounter was for God to tell Daniel that soon he will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when he goes, the prince of Greece will come; but first, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. The angel’s purpose was twofold: primarily, to reveal the detailed prophecy of future events written in the “Book of Truth.” Secondarily, he explained the unseen spiritual warfare behind history by describing his angelic battles against the demonic “princes” of Persia and Greece who influence these earthly kingdoms.

5) I learn that God hears prayers the moment they are offered. It reveals, however, that the delivery of His answer can be delayed by unseen spiritual warfare. It shows that our persistent prayers are significant in a cosmic conflict where God dispatches mighty angels to ensure His message prevails.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

I love when God appears to humans and reveals great things. Such wisdom here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

We will read about Daniel’s vision he received in 536 BC under King Cyrus, in the last three chapters of his book.

Fasting can bring clarity.

The exiles are beginning to return to Jerusalem during Cyrus’ reign.

No one is sure the exact reason for Daniel’s mourning. It could have been the opposition to building the temple or that so few had returned to Jerusalem so far.

The man could either be Jesus since the description mirrors what John described Revelation 1:12-16. It could be the angel, Michael Daniel 10:13.

Daniel could not stand before the man.

Daniel again is called “highly esteemed” (Daniel 9:23)

The man appeared because of Daniel’s prayer. This is a profound testament to the power of prayer. God also responded the moment of the prayer.

The prince of Persia was a type of angel and it was evil since it opposed God. This was a high-ranking angel  (Ephesians 1:21Ephesians 6:12Colossians 1:16Colossians 2:15). This angel delayed the answer to Daniel’s prayer by 3 weeks.

The delay probably helped Daniel to keep being persistent in prayer.

An angel touched Daniel to strengthen him.

The angel must fight the prince of Persia and Greece before Daniel’s prayer could be answered.

Fun Fact: This is the first time Michael appears in the Bible.

Fun Fact: The Bible does not mention this book of Truth except for here.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 10:1-11:1 serves as a profound prelude to Daniel’s final vision, pulling back the curtain to reveal the reality of cosmic spiritual warfare behind earthly events.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • Spiritual Warfare Revealed: The most striking revelation is the angel’s 21-day delay. He explains he was engaged in a battle with a demonic “prince of the Persian kingdom” and that the “prince of Greece” is yet to come. This shows that earthly empires have corresponding spiritual powers that actively oppose God’s purposes.
  • The Power of Persistent Prayer: The angel states that God heard Daniel “since the first day” he began his three-week fast. This directly links Daniel’s prayer on earth to the spiritual battle in the heavens, demonstrating that the humble, persistent prayer of the faithful is a powerful and crucial element in this conflict.
  • The Overwhelming Nature of the Divine: The vision of the glorious divine being is so overwhelming that it physically incapacitates Daniel, leaving him weak and speechless. He must be supernaturally strengthened multiple times just to receive the message, emphasizing the immense gap between the human and the divine.
  • The Role of Michael the Archangel: The angel mentions Michael as “your prince” and a “chief prince” who came to his aid. This identifies Michael as the specific angelic guardian of Israel, reinforcing the idea of a structured spiritual realm where God deploys His mighty angels to protect His people.

In conclusion, this passage is a crucial introduction that frames the detailed prophecy to follow. It teaches that human history is intertwined with a fierce spiritual battle, and it powerfully affirms that the persistent, humble prayer of the faithful on earth directly impacts that struggle in the heavens, preparing the way for God’s truth to be revealed.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

Summary of Daniel 1

Israel had been conquered by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. Daniel was chosen to learn the language and the literature of the Babylonians so that they could then serve the king.

Daniel refused to compromise his beliefs about God when it came to eating tainted food and wine. He offered a test up and passed it and was granted the exemption to eat his own food.

To these four young men (Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. They were wiser and  ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

3a) The conquering of Israel by the Babylonians.

b) He faced the challenges of food. He did not want to eat the food and drink that was defiled, so he came up with a test that showed his food was just as healthy as the king’s. He was granted the exemption.

c) To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. They were ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

4) God rewards those who stand for Him with amazing gifts, blessings, and abundance.

5) I try to stay away from social media and the news as much as possible (without being totally oblivious to what’s going on in the world). I try to fill my mind with God’s word as much as possible. I pray to God for strength to follow His ways and be faithful to His words and decrees.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

I love Daniel. He’s one of my favorite characters of the Bible. So strong in his faith, and God rewards him for it. Great stuff!

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

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Daniel lived in the 6th century B.C.

The Jewish people were conquered by the Babylonians for 2 reasons:

  1. Idol worship
  2. Working on the Sabbath (Leviticus 25:1-7 and 26:2-35)

Nebuchadnezzar took the best and brightest young men to teach them his ways so that they would not rebel against him in the future.

Fun Fact: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are the Babylonian names given to these youth. Daniel’s Babylonian name was Belteshazzar.

Eating the king’s food violated Daniel’s beliefs because it was not kosher, was probably sacrificed to idols, and implied they agreed with Nebuchadnezzar.

In Daniel’s rejection, he came with a plan. God was behind their plan, so it worked.

God then blessed them with knowledge, skills, visions, and dreams. For their faithfulness, they were rewarded. How great is He!

God had a plan for Daniel’s life like He has a plan for your life.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:1-4

Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.  Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

3) The Jewish leaders were out to get Jesus and have him killed. The time had not yet arrived for Jesus’ death, so he has to avoid any altercations with the Jewish leaders.

4) Jesus puts his needs aside and tends to his flock, the people. He had compassion on them and taught them. He considers his people important.

5) I would like to be more generous with my time and put others ahead of myself like Jesus. I would also like to serve more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

What a scene with Jesus preaching to the multitudes! Love it!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

We are in the region of Galilee where Jesus is teaching. The feeding of the 5,000 is recorded in all the other three Gospels, too.

John is the only one to mention the timeframe of the Passover.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:1-12

Elijah and Elisha were on their way to Gilgal. Elijah tried to make Elisha stay behind instead of accompanying him to Bethel, but Elisha insisted on going. He also insisted on going to Jericho and the Jordan. 50 prophets stood at a distance while Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the Jordan River with it. It divided so they could cross on dry ground.

Elijah asked Elisha if there was anything he wanted before he was taken to heaven. He asked to inherit a double portion of his spirit. Elijah said if he sees him when he is taken, he will have it. A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cried out and then saw him no more. He took his own clothes and tore them in grief.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

3) Close. Elisha did not want to let Elijah go.

4) Elisha asked Elijah to inherit a double portion of his spirit, probably meaning to be as wise as he was.

5) A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. It’s a cool way to get to heaven. It’s very unique, so it makes me wonder just how important Elijah must have been to not have to suffer death like we all have to.

6a) God cares for all of His people, providing their every need.

b) He always provides. Always.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

I love this scene. So encouraging and inspiring. I love the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, too. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

Commentators believe that Elijah is testing Elisha’s devotion as he moves from place to place as his death nears.

Elisha could have asked for wealth, but instead he wanted the Spirit of God. The double portion refers to the what the first born son receives Deuteronomy 21:17. Itshows Elisha’s commitment to continue Elijah’s work.

Elijah had the strength of Israel with him. We’ll see these same words uttered at Elisha’s death (2 Kings 13:14)

Fun Fact: Only 2 men in the entire Bible, Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah, avoided death to get to heaven.

The company of prophets were most likely prophets in training.

Elijah’s miraculous crossing of the Jordan is reminiscent of Moses’s parting of the Red Sea as the Israelites fled Egypt.

Elijah to Elisha foreshadows John the Baptist to Jesus. One preceeded the other and followd with reconciliation and healing. God is preparing His people for His Son.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 2: Matthew 8:1-17

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 8:1-17

After the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus came down from the mountain. His teaching amazed everyone. A man with leprosy approached Jesus and asked him to make him clean. Jesus healed the man and told him to not tell others but instead to go to the priests and offer a gift that Moses commanded as a testimony instead.

map of capernaum where jesus lived www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew lesson 9In Capernaum, a Roman centurion (an elite soldier) came to Jesus to ask him to heal one of his servants who is paralyzed. Jesus agreed to come. However, the centurion did not think he was worthy to have Jesus under his roof, so he asked Jesus to heal the man from afar. Jesus admired his faith and did so.

Jesus arrived at Peter’s house. His mother-in-law was sick. When he touched her, he healed her.

Jesus healed many more and cast out many demons.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 2: Matthew 8:1-17

3) He asked Jesus in a humble way (kneeling and worshipping him) to heal him and Jesus did. He had faith Jesus could heal him; it was only a matter of if Jesus was willing. Leviticus 13:2-3 tells us that priests declared those with an infectious skin disease unceremoniously. Verses 44-46 tell us that those who continue to have an infectious skin disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, and cry out, “Unclean!” They must live alone and outside of camp. Here, Jesus touches the man without hesitation despite his unclean status.

4a) The centurion asked Jesus to heal one of his servants who is paralyzed. Jesus agreed to come.

b) However, the centurion did not think he was worthy to have Jesus under his roof, so he asked Jesus to heal the man from afar. Jesus admired his faith and did so.

5) Healing people showed Jesus’s compassion, his authority, and his power. It also showed he fulfilled prophecy, as we read in Isaiah about how their savior will heal the deaf, the blind, the lame, to free captives from prison, and to release those in the dark. It revealed he was God’s chosen one.

6) It’s encouraging that Jesus has the power to change lives.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 2: Matthew 8:1-17

I love these stories of Jesus’s healing ministry. It gives me hope that Jesus will heal others, and I love to imagine what it would have been like to see Jesus do so.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 2: Matthew 8:1-17

We will not see 10 miracles that Jesus performs after the Sermon on the Mount. This served to further establish his authority. Matthew puts these in no particular order, and they differ considerably from the order in Mark and Luke. These chapters will focus on Jesus’s power and authority over all things. Here, we’ll see three people who normally would have been ignored in the Jewish culture.

The Healing of the Leper

Leprosy was akin to COVID-19 except you had no hope of a cure. You had to stay in isolation, away from friends and family. You had to stay 6 feet away from lepers (sound familiar?), so you wouldn’t be unclean. Those with leprosy were essentially dead. This man wanted cleansing — cleansing of his life, of the treatment he had to endure, of the mental anguish he suffered.

NOTE: This is the first place in the Bible where Jesus is called Lord. And note it’s by a leper, an outcast in society. It’s also Jesus’s first recorded healing in the Gospels.

You could not touch a leper, but Jesus did. He didn’t have to, but the leper needed to be touched.  Mark 1:41  Jesus has compassion. He shows this to us each and every day.

We see Jesus carefully controlling his reputation when he tells the leper not to shout to the world what happened. Instead, he tells the leper to go quietly to the priest so he could be declared clean and enter society again. He did not want the crowds to get excited. Instead, he meets us where we are at. However, we see in Mark that the leper proclaimed his healing anyway. (Mark 1:44-45).

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The Centurion

Jesus lived in Capernaum Matthew 4:13 , so he was going home here.

The Centurion was a man of substance, stature, and wealth. He must have cared a great deal about his servant to come to a Jewish leader on his behalf. Under Roman law, if a slave became ill, the owner could kill him. This would have been the normal reaction, not going to a rabbi.

FUN FACT: There are at least 7 centurions mentioned in the New Testament, and they are all good-hearted.

Jews were not allowed to enter Gentiles’ homes because they would become unclean. The centurion knew this so was looking out for Jesus.

The centurion understood that Jesus did not need to be present to heal. He had faith in Jesus’s powers.

You could say that this centurion understood who Jesus was much more than 99% of the Jewish people at this time, and more than most of the spiritual leaders/Pharisees, too.

Jesus praised this faith, going further by saying that Gentiles will share in God’s kingdom, too. He says that Jews are not guaranteed entry just because of their identity, either.

Heaven will have people sitting and people from everywhere.

FUN FACT: Jesus spoke of hell more so than any other in the Bible.

Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law

This makes it clear that Peter was married, making it clear you did not have to be celibate to be a priest. Again, Jesus uses a touch to heal; he cares for the big hurts and the small hurts alike. She rises and serves.

Jesus Heals Many

Matthew shows Jesus as the true Messiah and the one Isaiah speaks of. Jesus takes our sicknesses and carries them himself. This is how we can be with God.

There were many possessed of demons at this time, and the reasoning for it is unclear. Bible scholars say it was just a dark time and magic was prevalent.

God heals physically in many ways as we see here — with a touch, words, and other ways. Jesus heals those who ask, those who others ask for, and those who don’t ask. God is sovereign in His healing powers.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:1-6

Jesus is still speaking his sermon on the mount. Do not judge others, and you won’t be judged. Quit being a hypocrite and judging others for it. Do not give your valuables to others who may trample them and tear you to pieces.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

3a) Just that — Don’t judge others and think you are better than them when you are not.

b) Discernment by definition is “the ability to judge well” or in Biblical thinking “perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding.” God helps you arrive at the best decision. Romans says that discernment is knowing the right thing to do and doing it. You will be able to know God’s will and be able to do it, too. Philippians says discernment is knowing what is best in order to do good and avoid sin. Hebrews says God blesses wise discernment.

c) Galatians says that believers should help those who have been caught in sin with a spirit of forgiveness. If you know about God, you must share it with others. Ephesians reminds us to be gentle, humble, and patient with others in love. Christians are to support one another, forgive each other, and help each other to be better discerners and walkers in God’s word.

4) You must be merciful because you yourself have faults, too, and are in need of mercy. James reminds us to speak and act as though you will be judged.

5) I judge others when they do behavior I think is not right. I have to remember that I probably do the same things, am a sinner, and I’m in need of mercy, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

I love being reminded about how wrong judging is and to not do it. It’s such a human thing to do, to think better of yourself than others, but in God’s eyes, we are all the same. We need to look at others as such, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

You will be judged the same way you judge others. That being said, approving of others’ behavior is not the same as judging. This verse does not say you have to approve, only not to judge and/or treat others differently because of what they do, say, or believe.

Can you judge others’ behavior? Yes. But you must do so in the same manner that you want to be judged. Since a lot of people judge others by different standards than they judge themselves, it is often best not to judge at all.

Jesus uses an example to drive home his point. A plank is much larger than a speck. We are often blind to our own faults, but can see the smallest faults in others. In short, we are hypocrites. First, fix your own faults before you worry about others’.

Still, Jesus said we must use discernment to not give precious things to those who will not appreciate them. Or, do not give unbelievers holy things.

Bible scholars say that pearls are precious items. Do not give them to those who don’t want to receive them.

In sum, don’t give all of your precious strength and valuables to those whom God has not prepared to accept him. Look for those who are ready to receive Christ.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

Summary of Genesis 11:10-32:

The line of Shem is followed here. The account of Terah from the line of Shem who was Abram’s (later Abraham’s) father. Lot was Abram’s nephew. Abram married Sarai (later Sarah) and she was barren (had no children).

Terah, Abram, Sarai, and Lot left Ur for Canaan but settled in Haran where Terah died.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

3) “he became the father”, “lived and had other sons and daughters.” They went about their lives.

4) Nothing really. These lists are quite boring.

5) Personal Question. My answer: the fact that my ancestors were born, lived, had kids, and died.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

Admittedly, I got nothing here, so I’m praying you did. When we did Genesis last, BSF skipped verses 11-26 and did not ask about them.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

We see Abraham here for the first time. He is featured more than 312 times in the Bible with 272 verses dedicated to him. Wish that were me. Admittedly, Abraham if the father of nations. It takes a lot to explain that and I’d say that makes him pretty important, indeed. We’ll be studying him and his line for the rest of the year.

Too many of us try to live up to Abraham’s faith. In truth, we do; our stories just aren’t recorded in the Bible. Abraham was called God’s friend (2 Chronicles 20:7); (Isaiah 41:8). James 2:23 ) We can all be God’s friend. We are all great in God’s eyes.

FUN FACT: Sarai Abram’s wife means ” controversial.” Abraham ” means ” Father.”

What we don’t see here is that Abram is called while still in Ur Acts 7:2-4. This is important. Abram leaves Babylon to go to Ur at God’s calling. However, he brings other family members (not God’s calling), and he makes pitstop in Haran (part way there). Terah means “delay” and Haran means “barren,” which was Abram’s life in Haran.

While many fault Abraham for stopping, the important part is that he started. This is all we have to do: start. One step at a time in God’s will.

BSF Study Questions Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 8:20-22

Summary of passage:  Noah built an altar after he left the ark and sacrificed burnt offerings to the Lord. The Lord said he would never again curse the ground because of man even though his heart is evil from childhood and destroy living creatures.

Questions:

3a)  Personal Question.  My answer:  It was the first thing Noah did after more than a year aboard the Ark.  He gave God thanks through worship for all God’s goodness to him.  He also sacrificed animals (a BIG deal since there weren’t really any to spare).  This one act brought about God’s resolve to never destroy the earth again–because there is goodness in man despite the evil inclinations of the heart.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Great question because I really don’t have a daily time of worship with my family.  It’s something we’ve fallen out of and it ends up being usually on Sundays only.  Something to work on and pray about!

c)  It’s hard to say since details on sacrifices to God from Adam to Noah are not recorded.  We know Abel killed animals for God and these were accepted.  I believe burnt (animal) offerings were around since Abel’s time and that Noah had probably done them before.  In this case after the Ark, however, I believe God did not order Noah to sacrifice to him and He was pleasantly surprised by Noah’s act of sacrifice–hence, God’s determination to never destroy man or the earth again.

Since Noah walked with God (Genesis 6:9) I believe he knew how to please and praise our Lord.  Hence, I believe Noah offered this sacrifice to God of his own free will, knowing the cleansing power of blood over sin.

4a)  Psalm 27:6:  Sacrifice with shouts of joy; sing and make music to the Lord

Psalm 51:17:  A broken spirit, a broken and contrite (penitent) heart–come with a penitent heart, truly sorry for sins

Romans 12:1:  Your bodies

Ephesians 5:2:  Live a life of love like Jesus

Philippians 4:18:  Gifts to others in this case Paul is speaking of monetary aid

Hebrews 13:15-17:  Praise to God, do good and share with others; obey your leaders

1 Peter 2:5:  Spiritual sacrifices (ourselves) to God

b) Personal Question.  My answer:  All in a sense because 1) I need to work on all and 2) because they all cost me something like God sacrificed Jesus at such a high cost.

Conclusions:  Great lesson on how we can and should sacrifice to God and how we are even if we don’t recognize it as such.  My take-away was the daily time as a family with God.  I do my lesson alone in the wee hours of the morning.  I need to model this for my kids so they see what I do.  I do help them with their lesson but we do it Sunday night.

We had a daily time with God during homeschool but we have gotten away from that due to the busyness of our lives.  Been convicted of that one.