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Ezra

  Ezra   A CHAPTER A DAY Wed. August 26 – Read Ezra 1 The ancient book (scroll) of Ezra included the book of Nehemiah as they both continue the books of ancient Israel’s history begun in 1 Kings. There is an odd transition here from the end of 2 Chronicles 36 in that the last three verses there are identical to the first two and a half verses in this book. The other odd piece of this book is that Ezra does not show up until chapter seven!    We begin here with a name and a date – the year Cyrus became king of Persia 539 BCE. This causes me to wonder about significant dates in our lives. First, we may think of our birth year or the years of life changing events like becoming king. We might recall graduating class years or the year we were married or started a new business as we see those years marked on their signs. As I write this, I note that I have been a pastor since 1983. What all do you note for yourself?    Here something significant happened ...
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Isaiah

  ISAIAH June-August 2026   A CHAPTER A DAY Wed. June 10 – Read Isaiah 1. Isaiah was a prophet during the reigns of four kings of Judah – the southern kingdom around Jerusalem. He begins with a proclamation against the wickedness of the country and claims the people do not know it or understand it. As you read the words about people in the ancient world, watch for similarities in people and the world today.    He sees sinfulness, corruption and evil all around him. He points it out first in Israel – the northern kingdom which had been overrun by the Assyrians. The people have been wounded and the land is desolate, but Zion (Jerusalem) is left like a lone standing building or besieged city. They are not wiped out completely, but only a remnant remains. He likens his day to the days of Sodom and Gomorrah and their utter destruction.    Then he proclaims the word of the Lord against the religious practices of sacrifices and burnt offerings. In ancien...
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