From Newsgroup: alt.bible

Day 264, 24 September 2025

Today at <A href="https://www.calvarycommunity.ca>" Calvary Community
Church </a>, Pastor Nathan Zieber spoke on Empowered - Chains of Hope

Paul Preaches in Rome

17 (Ac 25:8; 6:14) After three days Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers, having done nothing contrary to our people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 (Ac 26:31-32) When they had examined me, they were determined to release me, because there was no charge against me deserving death.
19 (Ac 26:32; 25:21) But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal
to Caesar, not that I had any charge to bring against my nation.
20 (Ac 21:33; 23:6) For this reason I have asked to see you and speak with you, because I am bound with this chain for the hope of Israel."
21 (Ac 22:5) They said to him, "We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of the brothers that have come have reported
or spoken any evil of you.
22 (Ac 24:14; 1Pe 2:12) But we think it is proper to hear from you what you think. For concerning this sect,
we know that it is spoken against everywhere."
23 (Ac 19:8; 8:35) When they had arranged a day to be with him, many came
to him at his residence. From morning until evening he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God to them, persuading them concerning Jesus
from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
24 (Ac 14:4; 17:4-5) Some believed what was said, but some did not believe.
25 (Mt 15:7) Being in disagreement with one another, they were dismissed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit accurately spoke to our fathers through Isaiah the prophet,
26 (Eze 12:2; Isa 6:9-10) 'Go to this people and say:
You shall certainly hear, but never understand;
and you shall certainly see, but never perceive;
27 for the heart of this people has grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have closed their eyes,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.'
28 (Lk 3:6; Ro 11:11) "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation
of God has been sent to the Gentiles. They will hear it!"
29 When he had said these words, the Jews departed and disputed greatly among themselves.
30 Paul remained two whole years in his own rented house. He welcomed all who came to him,
31 (Ac 28:23; Mt 4:23) boldly and freely preaching the kingdom of God
and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ.

[17] And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of
the Romans.
[18] Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
[19] But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
[20] For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to
speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
[21] And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
[22] But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning
this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
[23] And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the
prophets, from morning till evening.
[24] And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. [25] And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that
Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet
unto our fathers,
[26] Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
[27] For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should
be converted, and I should heal them.
[28] Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
[29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
[30] And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
[31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern
the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

1) Ezra 8,9,10

Ezra 8

Family Leaders Returning With Ezra

1 (Ezr 7:7) Now these are the chiefs of the households of the fathers
and the genealogical register of those who went up with me from Babylon,
in the reign of King Artaxerxes:
2 (1Ch 3:22) of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom;
of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel;
of the sons of David, Hattush,
3 (Ezr 2:3) a descendant of Shekaniah
and a descendant of Parosh, Zechariah, plus another 150 registered
in the genealogical register;
4 (Ezr 2:6) of the sons of Pahath-Moab; Eliehoenai a descendant of Zerahiah, plus two hundred other males;
5 of the sons of Zattu, Shekaniah a descendant of Jahaziel,
plus three hundred other males;
6 (Ezr 2:15; Ne 7:20) of the sons of Adin, Ebed a descendant of Jonathan,
plus fifty other males;
7 of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah a descendant of Athaliah,
plus seventy other males;
8 of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah a descendant of Michael,
plus eighty other males;
9 of the sons of Joab, Obadiah a descendant of Jehiel,
plus two hundred and eighteen other males;
10 of the sons of Bani, Shelomith a descendant of Josiphiah,
plus one hundred and sixty other males;
11 (Ezr 10:28) of the sons of Bebai, his son Zechariah, plus 28 other males;
12 of the sons of Azgad, Johanan a descendant of Hakkatan,
plus one hundred and ten other males;
13 (Ezr 2:13) of the last sons of Adonikam, the ones named Eliphelet,
Jeuel, and Shemaiah, plus sixty other males;
14 also of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zakkur, plus seventy other males.

[1] These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy
of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes
the king.
[2] Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of
the sons of David; Hattush.
[3] Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and
with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.
[4] Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with
him two hundred males.
[5] Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three
hundred males.
[6] Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him
fifty males.
[7] And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him
seventy males.
[8] And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with
him fourscore males.
[9] Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two
hundred and eighteen males.
[10] And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.
[11] And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him
twenty and eight males.
[12] And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him
an hundred and ten males.
[13] And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet,
Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.
[14] Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.

Temple Servants

15 (Ezr 7:7; 8:21) I gathered them together at the river that runs to Ahava, and we camped in tents three days. As I examined the people and the priests,
I discovered that none of the sons of Levi were there.
16 So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, chief men; and also for Joiarib and Elnathan, discerning men.
17 (Ezr 2:43) I gave them orders for Iddo, chief at the place Kasiph-!ia,
and crafted exactly what they would say to Iddo, his brothers,
and the temple servants at the place Kasiphia so that they would bring us ministering servants for the house of our God.
18 (1Ch 6:19; Ezr 7:28) Because the good hand of our God was upon us,
indeed they brought us a man of understanding descended from the sons
of Mahli, who is a descendant of Levi, the son of Israel-Sherebiah along
with his sons and his brothers, eighteen men;
19 (1Ch 6:1; 6:16) and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons
of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty men;
20 (Ezr 2:43; 7:7) and of the temple servants whom David
and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites,
two hundred and twenty temple servants, all of them designated by name.
21 (2Ch 20:3; Ps 5:8) Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river
of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God,
to seek from Him a good route for us, our little ones,
and all our substance.
22 (2Ch 15:2; Ezr 7:6) For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort
of foot and horse soldiers to help us against the enemy on the way,
because we had spoken to the king, saying, "The hand of our God is upon
all who seek Him for good, but His power and His wrath are against all
who forsake Him."
23 (Jer 29:12-13; 1Ch 5:20) So we fasted and sought our God for this,
and He was moved by our prayers.

[15] And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and
there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the
priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
[16] Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of
understanding.
[17] And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his
brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto
us ministers for the house of our God.
[18] And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;
[19] And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his
brethren and their sons, twenty;
[20] Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.
[21] Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and
for our little ones, and for all our substance.
[22] For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and
horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek
him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
[23] So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

Temple Gifts

24 (Ezr 8:18-19) Then I separated twelve of the presiding priests-
Sherebiah and Hashabiah, along with ten of their brothers-
25 (Ezr 8:33) and weighed out to them the silver, the gold, the vessels,
as well as the contribution collected for the house of our God by the king,
his counselors, his lords, in conjunction with what all Israel had offered.
26 I weighed out into their hand six hundred and fifty talents
[About 24 tons, or about 22 metric tons.] of silver, silver articles worth
one hundred talents, [About 3 3/4 tons, or about 3.4 metric tons.]
one hundred talents [About 3 3/4 tons, or about 3.4 metric tons.] of gold,
27 twenty gold bowls worth a thousand darics, [About 1/4 ounce or 8.5 grams.] and two vessels of fine shining bronze, precious as gold.
28 (Lev 22:2-3; 21:6-8) I said to them, "You are holy to the Lord.
The vessels are holy also. The silver and the gold are a freewill offering
to the Lord God of your fathers.
29 (Ezr 8:33-34) Watch and guard them until you weigh them
before the presiding priests and Levites, and the presiding elders of Israel
at Jerusalem, for the chambers of the house of the Lord."
30 So the priests and the Levites accepted the weighed-out silver and gold, along with the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God.

[24] Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah,
Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,
[25] And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even
the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellers,
and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:
[26] I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;
[27] Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of
fine copper, precious as gold.
[28] And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God
of your fathers.
[29] Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem,
in the chambers of the house of the LORD.
[30] So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.

The Return to Jerusalem

31 (Ezr 7:9; 8:15) Then we began the journey from the Ahava River
on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the attacker
and the ambusher along the way.
32 (Ne 2:11) When we arrived at Jerusalem, we stayed there three days.
33 (Ne 3:4; Ezr 8:30) Then on the fourth day the silver and the gold
and the vessels were weighed out in the house of our God by the hand
of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest. With him was Eleazar
the son of Phinehas as well as Jozabad the son of Jeshua,
and Noadiah the son of Binnui-both Levites.
34 All of it was counted by number and by weight,
and all the information was recorded at that time.
35 (Ezr 6:17) Then, the children of the exile who had come out of captivity offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel. On behalf of all Israel,
they offered twelve bulls, 96 rams, 77 lambs, and 12 male goats
as a sin offering. All of it was offered as a burnt offering to the Lord.
36 (Ezr 7:21-24) Finally, they delivered the king's decrees to the satraps
of the king as well as to the governors of the province Beyond the River. Accordingly, they supported the people and the house of God.

[31] Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the
first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and
he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by
the way.
[32] And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.
[33] Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels
weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was
Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;
[34] By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was
written at that time.
[35] Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come
out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs,
twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto
the LORD.
[36] And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants,
and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people,
and the house of God.

Ezra 9

Ezra Prays About Intermarriage

1 (Ne 9:2; Lev 18:24-30) Now when these things were done, the leaders
contacted me, saying, "The people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites
have not separated themselves from the people of the lands. They practice
the abominations of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites,
the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
2 (Ex 22:31; 34:16) Specifically, they have taken some of their daughters
as wives for themselves, as well as for their sons, so that the holy seed
has been mingled with the people of the lands. In fact, the involvement
of the leaders and rulers has been foremost in this vile behavior."
3 (Ne 1:4; Jos 7:6) When I heard this, I tore my clothes and my robe,
plucked out the hair of my head and from my beard, and sat down astonished.
4 (Ezr 10:3; Ex 29:39) Because of the vile behavior of those who had been
in exile, every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered
to me, but I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice.
5 (Ex 9:29; 1Ki 8:22) At the evening sacrifice I rose up from my heaviness
and, despite having my clothes and my robe torn, I knelt on my knees
and stretched out my hands in prayer to the Lord my God
6 (2Ch 28:9; Rev 18:5) and said:
"O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities have expanded over our heads and our wrongdoing
has grown up to the heavens.
7 (2Ch 29:6; Da 9:5-8) Since the days of our fathers until this day,
we have been in a great guilt. It is because of our iniquities that we,
our kings, and our priests have been delivered-by the sword, by captivity,
by spoil, and by being shamed-into the hand of the kings of the lands.
This day is like that, too.
8 (Ps 13:3; Ecc 12:11) "Yet now for a little while, there has been a favorable response from the Lord our God-leaving us a remnant to escape, giving us
a tent peg from His holy place, having our eyes enlightened by our God,
and giving us a little reviving in our bondage.
9 For though we were slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage
but has extended mercy to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, granting us
a reviving for the rebuilding of the house of our God, for the repairing
of its ruins, and for giving us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.
10 "Now, O our God, what shall we say after this?
For we have forsaken Your commandments,
11 (Ezr 6:21) which You commanded by Your servants the prophets, saying,
'The land you are going to possess, it is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands. By their abominations, it is has been filled
from one end to another with their uncleanness.
12 (Dt 7:3; 23:6) Now, therefore, cease giving your daughters as wives
to their sons, do not take their daughters to your sons,
and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you might grow strong
and eat the good of the land and leave it as an eternal inheritance
to your children.'
13 (Ps 103:10) "After all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds
and our great guilt, seeing that You our God have punished us less than
our iniquities deserve and have given us such deliverance as this,
14 (Dt 9:8; 9:14) should we again break Your commandments
and intermarry with the people of these abominations?
Would You not become so completely angry with us that there would be
no remnant nor any who escape?
15 (Ps 130:3; Da 9:14) O Lord God of Israel, You are righteous,
for we who escaped exile yet remain to this very day. Here we stand before
You in our guiltiness even though we should not stand before
You because of this."

[1] Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The
people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their
abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
[2] For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their
sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.
[3] And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and
plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.
[4] Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the
God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.
[5] And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having
rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God.
[6] And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee,
my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass
is grown up unto the heavens.
[7] Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been
delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to
captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.
[8] And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God,
to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place,
that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.
[9] For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage,
but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give
us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.
[10] And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken
thy commandments,
[11] Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The
land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness
of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it
from one end to another with their uncleanness.
[12] Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take
their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for
ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for
an inheritance to your children for ever.
[13] And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our
great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;
[14] Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping?
[15] O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as
it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

Ezra 10

The People's Confession of Sin

1 (2Ch 20:9; Da 9:20) Now while Ezra prayed and confessed, weeping
and prostrating himself before the house of God, a very large congregation
of men, women, and children gathered around him from Israel, for the people
too wept bitterly.
2 (Ne 13:27; Ezr 9:2) Shekaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said to Ezra, "We have acted with vile unfaithfulness against
our God and have wedded foreign women from the people of the land,
yet there is now hope in Israel concerning this.
3 (Dt 7:2-3; Ezr 9:4) Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God
to sever relations with all the women and their children according
to the counsel of my lord and those who tremble at the commandment
of our God. May this be done in accordance with the law.
4 (1Ch 28:10) Arise, for this matter is your responsibility.
But we are standing with you. Be courageous and act!"
5 (Ne 5:12; 13:25) Then Ezra stood and made the presiding Levitical priests
and all Israel to swear an oath to act according to this word.
And they swore an oath.
6 (Dt 9:18; Ne 3:1) Then Ezra stood in front of the house of God
and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib.
When he arrived there, he ate no bread and drank no water because
he was mourning over the vile unfaithfulness of the exiles.
7 They made a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem for all the children of the exile to assemble in Jerusalem.
8 Whoever would not come within three days would forfeit all his possessions, according to the counsel of the leaders and the elders, and would himself be excluded from the congregation of the exiles.
9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together
to Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month,
on the twentieth day of the month. All the people sat on the grounds
of the house of God, trembling about this matter and also because
of the great rain.
10 Ezra the priest stood up and said to them,
"You have acted unfaithfully by bringing home foreign women,
adding to the guilt of Israel.
11 (Jos 7:19; Ezr 10:3) Now therefore make confession to the Lord God
of your fathers and do what pleases Him: Sever your relationships
with the people of the land, especially from the foreign women."
12 Then all the congregation answered loudly, "As you have said to us,
that we will do.
13 But there are many people, and because it is the rainy season
we will not be able to set up outside. Moreover, this is not a task
for a day or two since we have so grievously transgressed in this matter.
14 (2Ch 29:10; 30:8) Let now our rulers preside over all the congregation
so that, in each of our cities, all who have married foreign women,
along with the elders and judges of that city, will come at appointed times, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter is turned from us."
15 (Ne 11:16) Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah opposed this, with Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supporting them.
16T hen the descendants of the captivity did so. Ezra the priest selected men, heads of the fathers' households, according to their families,
each of them by name. They sat down in the first day of the tenth month
to examine the matter,
17 and finished dealing with every man who had married foreign women
by the first day of the first month.

[1] Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel
a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.
[2] And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.
[3] Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord,
and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.
[4] Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee:
be of good courage, and do it.
[5] Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all
Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware. [6] Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the
chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat
no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of
them that had been carried away.
[7] And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;
[8] And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be
forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had
been carried away.
[9] Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God,
trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
[10] And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.
[11] Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from
the strange wives.
[12] Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.
[13] But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
[14] Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them
which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and
with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.
[15] Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.
[16] And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of
them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the
tenth month to examine the matter.
[17] And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives
by the first day of the first month.

Those Guilty of Intermarriage

18 (Ezr 2:2; 3:2) Some of the sons of the priests were discovered to have wedded foreign women,
namely the sons of Joshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers:
Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah.
19 (Lev 6:6; 2Ki 10:15) They committed to sever their relations with their women, and, being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their guilt.
20 (1Ch 24:14; Ezr 2:37) Likewise, of the sons of Immer,
there were Hanani and Zebadiah.
21 (1Ch 24:8) Of the sons of Harim,
there were Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah.
22 (1Ch 9:12) Of the sons of Pashhur,
there were Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah.
23 Also, from the Levites,
there were Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita), Pethahiah,
Judah, and Eliezer.
24 Among the singers,
there was Eliashib,
and from the porters,
there were Shallum, Telem, and Uri.
25 (Ezr 2:3; Ne 7:8) Further from Israel,
of the sons of Parosh,
there were Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, Mij-!amin, Eleazar, Malkijah, and Benaiah. 26 (Ezr 10:2) Of the sons of Elam,
there were Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah.
27 (Ezr 2:8; Ne 7:13) Of the sons of Zattu,
there were Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza.
28 Of the sons of Bebai,
there were Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.
29 Of the sons of Bani,
there were Meshullam, Malluk, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth.
30 Of the sons of Pahath-Moab,
there were Adna, Kelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui,
and Manasseh.
31 (Ne 3:11) Of the sons of Harim,
there were Eliezer, Ishijah, Malkijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32Benjamin,
Malluk, and Shemariah.
33 Of the sons of Hashum,
there were Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh,
and Shimei.
34 Of the sons of Bani,
there were Maadai, Amram, Uel,
35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Keluhi,
36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,
37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasu.
38 Of the sons of Binnui,
there were Shimei,
39 Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,
40 Maknadebai, Shashai, Sharai,
41 Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah,
42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.
43 (Ezr 2:29) Of the sons of Nebo,
there were Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah.
44 All these married foreign women,
and some of them had wives that had children.

[18] And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken
strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.
[19] And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and
being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.
[20] And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.
[21] And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and
Jehiel, and Uzziah.
[22] And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.
[23] Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
[24] Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem,
and Uri.
[25] Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.
[26] And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi,
and Jeremoth, and Eliah.
[27] And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth,
and Zabad, and Aziza.
[28] Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.
[29] And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth.
[30] And of the sons of Pahath-moab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.
[31] And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, [32] Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.
[33] Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.
[34] Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,
[35] Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,
[36] Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,
[37] Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,
[38] And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,
[39] And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
[40] Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,
[41] Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,
[42] Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.
[43] Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah.
[44] All these had taken strange wives: and some of them had wives by whom
they had children.

2) Our Daily Bread for 21 September 2025 titled
<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/ devotional-category/peace-with-god"> Peace with God </a>

Romans 5:1-11

Results of Justification

1 (Jn 14:27; Ro 4:5) Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 (1Co 15:1; Eph 2:18) through whom we also have access by faith
into this grace in which we stand, and so we rejoice in hope of the glory
of God.
3 (Jas 1:2-3; 1:12) Not only so, but we also boast in tribulation,
knowing that tribulation produces patience,
4 (Jas 1:12) patience produces character, and character produces hope.
5 (Gal 4:6; Php 1:20) And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God
is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
6 (Ro 4:25; 5:8_ While we were yet weak, in due time Christ died
for the ungodly.
7 Rarely for a righteous man will one die. Yet perhaps for a good man
some would even dare to die.
8 (Jn 15:13; 1Pe 3:18) But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 (Ro 1:18; 1Th 1:10) How much more then, being now justified by His blood, shall we be saved from wrath through Him.
10 (2Co 5:18-19; Col 1:20-21) For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.
11 (Ro 5:10; 2Co 5:18-19) Furthermore, we also rejoice in God through
our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ:
[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,
and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in
our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
[7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a
good man some would even dare to die.
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
[10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
[11] And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom we have now received the atonement.

When I accompanied my friend to the salon on her birthday, we were delighted by the pampering we received. Soothing music and a personal attendant
welcomed us to the tranquil, dimly lit spa. The whole experience was calm, quiet, and restful. I had to suppress a giggle, however, at a sign displayed on a table proclaiming, "This organic hair-care line gives you more than beautiful hair - it gives you peace of mind."

We know hair products donrCOt bring lasting peace, yet we often settle for temporary relief when our world is stressful. In reality, true peace comes
not from something but someone.

While encouraging the believers in Jesus in Rome, Paul reminded them,
"Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Sin separates us from God,
but Christ's atoning sacrifice makes a way for us to have a relationship
with Him (5:9-10). Jesus offers peace for today and peace for e
ternity (v. 1) - providing "access by faith into this grace,"
"the hope of the glory of God" (v. 2), and hope despite earthly
suffering (vv. 3-4). Peace with God is more than simply a feeling;
it's a gift we receive through faith in Jesus. Whether we feel close
to God or not, His peace is available to us - at a salon or a hospital,
in times of serenity and times of chaos.

Reflect & Pray

When are you tempted to seek a peaceful circumstance more than peace with
God? How does the reminder of JesusrCO sacrifice allow you to rest in Him today?

Dear Jesus, thank You for providing peace through Your own sacrifice.

<a href="https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-beliefs/ salvation/the-oldest-theology-jesus-victory-over-adams-curse">
Learn more about Jesus's Victory over Adam's Curse.</a>

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 1 - Sin Universal

Romans 3:23-24

23 (Ro 3:9) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
24 (Ro 4:16; Col 1:14) being justified freely by His grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus:

A distinguished middle-aged man stood trembling before his church
to give his testimony. Years before, in the grip of a mental illness
that nearly destroyed his life, he had taken the life of his own daughter
and tried to kill himself. But he did not die; tried and convicted, he
spent years in prison, and even longer in the prison of his own guilt.
After the service, a young woman walked up to him and simply said,
"Thank you for sharing. I've sinned, too."
We've all sinned, too - lest we forget or rationalise, the Bible reminds
us in no uncertain terms. And the writer of these verses was no stranger
to sin: he was the Pharisee, the holier-than-thou religious leader
who officiated at the stoning death of Stephen. He was the Jew who had scattered and killed the followers of this heretic called Christ. He
thought he was righteous while he murdered God's people.
Christians tends to establish a "hierarchy" of sin - sexual sin is "worse"
than pride: murder is "more horrible" than slander. Yet the Bible gives
no indication that god acknowledges our hierarchy. Sin is sin; all have
sinned, and if we are guilty at one point, we are guilty of all.
Rather than rationalise our individual sins as being "less bad"
than someone else's, we need to openly confess our dilemma as sinners
and turn to God for his remedy. We cannot and do not need to earn or
deserve that grace - it is a gift from God.

Application

a) Have I ever compared my sin with someone else's in order
to make myself fell like a better person? Why is such
comparison not a valid remedy for sin?

b) Why do I need to acknowledge my sin honestly before I can
receive justification?

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Ps 37:25-26

25 I have been young, and now am old;
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor their offspring begging bread.
26 The righteous are gracious and lend,
and their offspring are a source of blessing.

25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth;
And his seed is blessed.

5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:

When you are ill or injured

Matthew 8:14-17

The Healing of Many People

Mk 1:29-34; Lk 4:38-41

14 When Jesus entered Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother,
lying sick with a fever.
15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she rose and served them. 16 When the evening came, they brought to Him many
who were possessed with demons.
And He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all who were sick,
17 to fulfill what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet,
"He Himself took our infirmities
and bore our sicknesses."

[14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother
laid, and sick of a fever.
[15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
[16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
[17] That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet,
saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Remember God's promises when You pray

The Lord's prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2022 edition?)

Nova Scotia

Total population 942700
Muslim population (est.) 14629

With 6 of the Nova Scotia's 10 universities located in Halifax, there is
a high concentration of Muslin international students in the area,
a harvest field in itself.
Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations

- in and around Halifax and other cities

- on university campuses

- for new workers among Muslims

- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.

- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them

- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims

Halifax is the centre of Muslim activity for the Province of Nova Scotia
with at least 10 Islamic centres (mosques) and musallas
(prayer locations, especially for Friday prayer). And there are other mosques in Chebucto, Kearney Lake, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro.

Though the original community of Muslims was primarily composed of
newcomers from Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, continued immigration has further diversified this community. Anf it is said thay Arabic
is the second most spoken language in Halifax.

while conservative estimates place the number of Muslims at almost 15000
in 2014, the Imama of a primary Halifax mosque estimates their population somewhere between 25000 to 30000.

Adding further

30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and, of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other, "What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)


7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

21st Day of the Month

a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions

(

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,

)

b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.

Conclusion:

Pray to The Lord to help advance His Kingdom for GodrCOs Kingdom
cannot be stopped

Pray to the Lord and pray a prayer of national confession
for your nation to confess their sin.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear Jesus, thank You for providing
peace through Your own sacrifice."

Pray to the Lord and pray to Know that We
have All sinned and need the Grace of God.

Pray to the Lord and pray to rooted in God's goodness.

Pray to the Lord and pray for the lord's power of Healing.

Pray for Nova Scotia and her Muslim populations

- in and around Halifax and other cities

- on university campuses

- for new workers among Muslims

- for pastors and churches to be bold in vision, passion and outreach
to Muslims in their areas.

- for Muslims who are searching for a better way to find a Christian friend
to share Jesus with and disciple them

- for Muslim-background believers to be both wise and bold in sharing their
new faith in Jesus with other Muslims

Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions

Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.

Pray that Christian converts from Islam in Tunisia will share the love
and truth of Christ with their coworkers.

Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising! Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
All I want to hear from JEsus Christ is WEll done Good and Faithful servant
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