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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!

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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 30, Day 2: Magnifying God

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

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 2

3) I’ve always loved the Old Testament. It has some incredible stories of amazing people God used for His great purposes. However, I learned so much about Zechariah and Nehemiah that I had not digested before. So, so rich! I just love how everything connects in God’s word. You see God’s restoration of His people and His faithfulness

4) I see God at work more, not only in my life, but in others’ lives as well. Therefore, I see His hand at work more. I have a deeper appreciation of His character and will and how I can play a small role in that. I see God’s love throughout my entire life.

5) All prophecy leads towards Jesus since all of history and our lives do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 2

The study reveals that the physical restoration of Jerusalem was merely a stage for the ultimate Temple: Jesus. Through prophecies of the “Branch” and the “Humble King,” we see God preparing a spiritual kingdom. Every stone laid in Ezra’s time pointed toward the permanent reconciliation found only in Christ.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 30, Day 2

The “Exile and Return” study acts as a bridge, showing that while the physical temple was rebuilt, the true fulfillment of prophecy pointed toward a person, not just a place.

The Prophetic Connection

  • The Branch: In Zechariah, God promises “The Branch” (Zechariah 3:8; 6:12). This wasn’t a political leader, but Jesus—the true shoot from Jesse’s line who serves as both Priest and King.

  • The Humble King: Zechariah 9:9 captures the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, shifting the expectation from a conquering general to a Savior who brings peace through humility.

  • The True Temple: While Ezra and Nehemiah labored over stone and mortar, Jesus arrived as the “living temple” (John 2:19-21), the permanent dwelling place of God among men.

  • The Pierced One: Zechariah 12:10 offers a startlingly clear vision of the crucifixion, prophesying that they would “look on him whom they have pierced,” connecting the sorrow of exile to the redemption of the cross.

Why This Matters

It shows that God’s plan wasn’t “Plan B” after the exile. The return to Jerusalem was a necessary setup for the arrival of the Messiah. God wasn’t just rebuilding a city; He was preparing the stage for the ultimate Return—the reconciliation of humanity to Himself through His Son.

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Friday’s Digest BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 29

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 29

  • God is always at work
  • We do God’s work in His strength
  • We must trust and value God
  • God’s enemies oppose His work
  • God raises up Godly leaders
  • God puts people in strategic positions for Him
  • God will accomplish His plans
  • God never gives up on us
  • God accomplishes what we cannot
  • God uses each and every one of us
  • We study to know Him and hear Him
  • God works within us what He requires of us
  • Nothing can alter what God ordains
  • God knows our needs

TAKE AWAY: God is faithful despite our failings.

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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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Surgery Was Successful!!

by atozmom, posted in Life

Hey all!

I just wanted to update you all that my surgery was successful!

The pathology reports came back all negative!

Essentially, I am cancer-free (barring regular scans to ensure no cancer comes back through the years).

Thank you all so much for your support, prayers, emails of love, and donations. It has been such a relief knowing I have so many prayer warriors in my court! I truly cannot put into words the love I’ve felt from you all!!

God bless you all!

Removing Scraping from My Site

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

You can ignore this post. It’s  to remove scrapping from my site.

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Friday’s Digest BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 28

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 28

  • God speaks to our hearts through the Holy Spirit and His Word
  • God guides us, offering us truth and life
  • We are to repent, believe, and receive God and His blessings to escape judgment
  • We are God’s children
  • We are to love God in return for His unfathomable love
  • We are to give God our best every single day
  • We are to do His will because He loves us so much

TAKE AWAY: The Lord listens and hears you.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 28, Day 5: Malachi 4:1-6

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

Summary of Malachi 4:1-6

The day is coming when evildoers will be punished. Those who remember the Lord will be healed and will trample the wicked. Remember God’s decrees. He will send the prophet Elijah to save His people.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 28, Day 5: Malachi 4:1-6

12) The End Times

13) Luke 1:13-17 predicts the coming of John the Baptist. Luke identifies John the Baptist as the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy, not as the literal Elijah (John 1:21), but by coming in his “spirit and power” (Luke 1:17). Gabriel quotes Malachi’s specific promise to “turn the hearts,” and Jesus confirms John is indeed the “Elijah who has come” (Matthew 17:12)

14) I am able to focus on God more. Anticipating the “Day of the Lord” acts as a lens that clarifies what truly matters, shifting our focus from the temporary to the eternal. Living with the end in mind forces you to drop the heavy baggage of bitterness and pick up the light burden of love.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 28, Day 5: Malachi 4:1-6

Great lesson on getting your priorities right and focusing on what really matters: God and who He is and others.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 28, Day 5: Malachi 4:1-6

The people are reminded that the day of judgment is coming. God will right all wrongs and reward good. The wicked will burn (the stubble of grain is the part that will burn instantly). There will be no hope for the wicked.

The “sun of righteousness” is Jesus. God is called heavenly bodies many times in Scripture (Psalm 84:11, Isaiah 60:19, Revelation 22:16, Numbers 24:17).

The wings of Jesus will bring healing. God’s people will be very happy and jump for joy and trample the wicked.

God will be silent for 400 years so the people needed to remember the Law and who He is and His promises.

God will send Elijah (John the Baptist partially fulfills this prophecy  (Matthew 11:14, Mark 9:11-13, Luke 1:17) because in the End Times, scholars believe the real Elijah will appear  Matthew 17:11-12 and Revelation 11:3-12 . This is why a place is set by the Jews for Elijah during Passover — in case he comes!

Elijah is most likely chosen because he ministered to the people in a time of crisis in Israel, when the nation was far from God.

God refers to both Moses and Elijah. They both met God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:1 and 1 Kings 19:8-18). They both met Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-5). They are probably the two witnesses of Revelation 11.

The Old Testament ends with a curse, be we remember the Sun of righteousness! The end of the New Testament speaks of Jesus, too (Revelation 22:21).

It all comes back to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We are to always remember that!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The Interpretation: The Sunrise and the Silence

The book (and the entire Old Testament era) concludes with a stark contrast between two futures.

  • The Burning Oven (v. 1): The day of the Lord is compared to a blazing furnace. For the arrogant and evildoers, this fire will consume them completely (“leaving them neither root nor branch”). It is a promise of total judgment where their family lines and influence will cease.

  • The Healing Sun (vv. 2–3): For those who revere God’s name, the judgment fire transforms into the “sun of righteousness” rising with healing in its rays (wings). Malachi uses the joyful image of calves released from a stall—leaping with energy and freedom—to describe the relief of the righteous trampling over the wicked.

  • The Final Elijah (vv. 4–6): The prophecy ends by pointing backward to the Law of Moses (the standard) and forward to the Prophet Elijah (the forerunner). God promises to send “Elijah” (fulfilled in John the Baptist) before the great day comes. His mission is specific: to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers. If this restoration fails, the land faces total destruction (“a curse”).

Conclusion

The Old Testament ends not with a resolution, but with a cliffhanger. It leaves Israel looking for a new Elijah to fix broken families and prepare hearts for the coming King. The final word—”curse” (in some translations)—underscores the desperate need for the New Testament’s grace.

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