BSF Northwest MI

04/30/2026

In Lessons 13-15, we studied Esther’s dramatic story. God providentially intervened to deliver His people from extinction. Elevated by God to surprising positions of influence, Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai trusted God and courageously stood for the Israelites. God often works behind the scenes, placing people in strategic positions to uphold His call. Fierce enemies may oppose God and His people but cannot thwart His sovereign purposes. God delivered His people from their enemies’ murderous intentions, proving His faithfulness to keep His promises.

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

In Nehemiah 12:27–47, the people gathered to dedicate the wall—not for their own recognition, but for God’s glory. They paused to remember His faithfulness, to give thanks, to celebrate, and to acknowledge that everything they have accomplished has come from His hand. Their joy was so great, it could be heard from far away.

That same heart of celebration is before us, as we review with Lesson 29 and celebrate “Share Day” with Lesson 30. These next 2 weeks are our “view from the top of the wall.”

We’ll stand in awe of what God has built—not just around us, but within us. It is a time to look back and recognize the spiritual work God has been doing in each of us…
Notice where God met you.
Where He stretched you.
Where He comforted you.

The next two weeks, we come ready to magnify Him, to remember His blessings, and to rejoice in all He has done.

04/29/2026

Lessons 9-12 focused on the historical account of Ezra’s leadership. Persian King Cyrus issued a decree that allowed the exiled Israelites to return to their homeland. The people rebuilt the Jerusalem temple despite opposition. Ezra’s leadership focused not only on physical accomplishments, such as the rebuilding of Jerusalem and repopulation of the city, but called the returned exiles to properly honor and obey God. In every age, God’s enemies oppose God’s work. By His grace, God raises up leaders who courageously stand for Him. God cares not only for the external success of His people but seeks their wholehearted commitment to Him. He replenishes and restores what sin has destroyed.

04/28/2026

Lessons 3-8 covered Daniel’s faithful service for the Lord while in exile. Though living in a Babylonian world that sought to engulf him, Daniel stood and spoke boldly for the Lord. He proved God faithful by refusing the king’s diet and trusting God to deliver him from hungry lions. He prayed powerfully and prophesied mightily. Serving God faithfully requires trusting and valuing Him above all else while living in a world that opposes Him. Daniel’s prophetic declarations revealed God’s sovereignty over all human empires. Though the way of obedience often feels hard, God meets His people where they are, empowering them to do His will.

04/27/2026

In Lessons 1-2, God called, stood up, and equipped His humbled prophet, Ezekiel, who was flattened by God’s promised judgment and radiant glory (Ezekiel 1–2). God also offered Israel hope by promising to resurrect His exiled people from death and discouragement (Ezekiel 36:16–37:28).

Through Ezekiel, God promised to restore life and unity to His people under an eternal king from David’s lineage. God’s people do His work in His strength, not their own. Only God can redeem sinners by infusing new, eternal life into people rendered dead by sin’s corruption. The Lord declared, “I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” The deadness in us cannot defeat our life-giving God, who washes believers clean and fills them with His Spirit.

04/26/2026

04/26/2026

04/25/2026

NEW BLOG POST: In Exile & Return we discovered that courage is not only forged in the dramatic moments. It is also shaped in the quiet ones—in the daily choice to open God’s Word, to pray, and to obey even when the outcome was uncertain.

But even in their faithfulness, the heroes of Exile & Return still could not solve their deepest problem: they needed a Savior.

Exile & Return showed us what it looks like to build a life of faith. Next year’s study “Romans: From Guilt to Grace” shows us how that life is possible. Use the link in our bio to read the full blog.

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed­—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last. ~ Romans 1:17

04/24/2026

Lessons 17-22 looked to the prophet Zechariah, who challenged the returned Israelites to repent and turn to God. Zechariah spoke God’s message through visions and exhortation, urging the people to embrace God’s plans for them. God will accomplish everything His plans require. The last few chapters in Zechariah foretell a day when the people of Israel will weep bitterly over their rejection of God’s promised Messiah and return to God. The past, present, and future rest in God’s strong hands. God delights to restore wayward sinners to fellowship and spiritual wholeness.