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Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church

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July 17
Isaiah 18-22 (biblegateway.com) When Nations Tremble: Isaiah’s Oracles of Warning and Woe Isaiah 18–22 continues a section of prophecy where God speaks against several nations surrounding Judah—Cush (Ethiopia), Egypt, Babylon, Edom, Arabia, and even Jerusalem itself. While these chapters reflect specific historical events and geopolitical shifts in the ancient Near East, they also reveal timeless truths: pride leads to ruin, alliances cannot replace God’s protection, and ever
ASaunders
Jul 15, 2025


July 18
Isaiah 23-27 (biblegateway.com) From Earthly Pride to Eternal Praise: The Lord’s Global Rule Isaiah 23–27 moves from specific oracles of judgment to a broader, more cosmic vision of God’s justice and redemption. The section begins with a prophecy against Tyre, a wealthy and influential port city known for its pride and commerce. But the message soon shifts in scope—from localized judgment to worldwide upheaval and a glorious future for God’s people. Often called the “Little A
ASaunders
Jul 14, 2025


July 19
2 Kings 18:1-8; 2 Chronicles 29-31; Psalm 48 (biblegateway.com) Revival and Reform: Hezekiah’s Heart for God At a time when Judah had been plagued by idolatry and spiritual neglect under King Ahaz, his son Hezekiah emerged as a beacon of godly leadership. In 2 Kings 18:1–8, we see Hezekiah’s bold first steps: he tore down the high places, smashed sacred pillars, and trusted the Lord like no king of Judah before him. 2 Chronicles 29–31 offers a more detailed account of the wid
ASaunders
Jul 13, 2025


July 20
Hosea 1-7 (biblegateway.com) Love That Won’t Let Go: Hosea’s Prophetic Picture of God’s Pursuing Grace The opening chapters of Hosea are among the most heart-wrenching and symbolic in all of Scripture. God calls the prophet Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman who will be unfaithful to him, as a living illustration of Israel’s spiritual adultery. Through this painful relationship, God paints a vivid portrait of His covenant love—a love that is faithful even when His people are not.
ASaunders
Jul 12, 2025


July 21
Hosea 8-14 (biblegateway.com) Sowing the Wind, Reaping Redemption: The Final Plea of Hosea As Hosea’s prophecy continues in chapters 8–14, the tone grows more urgent and sorrowful. Israel has “sown the wind” and will now “reap the whirlwind” (Hosea 8:7). The northern kingdom is deep in rebellion, trusting in foreign alliances, worshiping idols, and ignoring God’s law. These chapters contain some of the sharpest indictments against Israel’s spiritual and moral collapse, inclu
ASaunders
Jul 11, 2025


July 22
Isaiah 28-30 (biblegateway.com) Trusting the Wrong Things Following Hosea’s passionate pleas to Israel (yesterday’s reading), the prophetic spotlight now shifts south to Judah through the voice of Isaiah. The Northern Kingdom faced judgment for its unfaithfulness, but Judah was not immune to the same spiritual decline. Isaiah 28–30 picks up the narrative in a time of political instability and growing arrogance, where leaders in Jerusalem, like those in Samaria, placed their t
ASaunders
Jul 10, 2025


July 23
Isaiah 31-34 (biblegateway.com) When Earthly Help Fails: God’s Justice and Coming Kingdom Isaiah 31–34 brings into focus the hopelessness of relying on human strength and the certainty of God’s coming judgment and salvation. Judah continued to place its hope in Egypt, trusting in horses, chariots, and alliances rather than in the Lord. But Isaiah boldly declares that such dependence will lead to defeat, not deliverance. God is not indifferent. He is like a lion, unmoved by hu
ASaunders
Jul 9, 2025


July 24
Isaiah 35-36 (biblegateway.com) A Highway in the Wilderness and a Test of Faith: Hope and Crisis Isaiah 35-36 presents a striking contrast between a vision of future glory and a present moment of crisis. Chapter 35 promises restoration when the desert will bloom, the weak will be strengthened, and a “Highway of Holiness” will lead God’s redeemed people home with singing and joy. It’s a glimpse of what God intends for His people after judgment: not destruction, but renewal. Th
ASaunders
Jul 8, 2025


July 25
Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76 (biblegateway.com) The God Who Saves: Assyria Defeated, Babylon Foretold Today’s reading completes the first major section of the Book of Isaiah. Chapters 1–39, often referred to as the ‘Book of Judgment’ or ‘Isaiah’s Prophetic Warnings,’ center on confronting sin, calling for repentance, and proclaiming God’s coming judgment, while still offering glimpses of hope through the promised Messiah and the future restoration of God’s people. Chapters 36-39, s
ASaunders
Jul 7, 2025


July 26
Isaiah 40-43 (biblegateway.com) Comfort for the Weary: God’s Unfailing Presence and Power Isaiah 40–43 opens a new section in the book of Isaiah filled with breathtaking comfort, hope, and assurance. After chapters of judgment and warning, God now speaks tenderly to His people: “Comfort, comfort my people” (Isaiah 40:1). These chapters remind Israel that though they have suffered and failed, they are not forgotten. The Lord, who created the heavens and earth, is still their R
ASaunders
Jul 6, 2025


July 27
Isaiah 44-48 (biblegateway.com) The Only God Who Saves: Idols, Redemption, and Sovereign Grace In Isaiah 44–48, God continues His message of comfort and assurance to His people, but this time with a sharp contrast between His unchanging faithfulness and the emptiness of idols. While Israel has stumbled again and again, the Lord reminds them that He has chosen them, formed them, and will not forget them. Through it all, God declares that history belongs to Him, not idols, nati
ASaunders
Jul 5, 2025


July 28
2 Kings 18:9-37; 2 Kings 19:1-37; Psalm 46, 80, 135 (biblegateway.com) When the Enemy Presses In: Faith, Prayer, and God’s Deliverance In 2 Kings 18-19, Judah faces one of its greatest crises. The Assyrian Empire had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, and now it surrounds Jerusalem. King Hezekiah stands at a crossroads: will he surrender, or will he trust in the Lord? The Rabshakeh’s mocking speech is not just political—it’s spiritual, aimed at undermining the
ASaunders
Jul 4, 2025


July 29
Isaiah 49-53 (biblegateway.com) The Servant Who Saves Isaiah 49-53 is a deeply moving section of Scripture that reveals God’s heart for His people and His plan for their redemption through His chosen Servant. In Isaiah 49-52, God speaks words of comfort, reassurance, and restoration to a weary and exiled people. He reminds Israel that though they feel forgotten, they are engraved on His hands. He promises to bring light to the nations and salvation to the ends of the earth. T
ASaunders
Jul 3, 2025


July 30
Isaiah 54-58 (biblegateway.com) Redeemed to Live Differently: Restoration, True Worship, and God’s Compassion Following the prophecy of the suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, chapters 54–58 reveal what redemption means for God’s people. These chapters overflow with promises of restoration, joy, and renewed identity. Israel, once barren and ashamed, is now invited to sing and expand, as God is reclaiming and rebuilding His relationship with His people. In chapter 55, the invitati
ASaunders
Jul 2, 2025


July 31
Isaiah 59-63 (biblegateway.com) When God Steps In: Justice, Redemption, and the Glory to Come Isaiah 59-63 continues the final section of the book (chapters 56-66), often understood to address the returned exiles living in Jerusalem after 538 B.C. These chapters continue to reflect Isaiah’s prophetic voice, calling God’s people to repentance and renewed hope. Though the exile has ended, the community still faces the challenges of rebuilding and reestablishing faithful worship
ASaunders
Jul 1, 2025
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