Daily Bible Reading Phil Fields
Join us in reading through the whole NLT Bible in 365 20-minute-long podcasts! This podcast was previously named Daily Bible Reading.
info_outline
103: Reader: Take Note Buckling the Belt of Truth 1
04/07/2025
103: Reader: Take Note Buckling the Belt of Truth 1
A few years ago I published a YouVersion reading plan entitled Buckling the belt of truth. In this podcast I’m reissuing the first episode of that reading plan. Here I am at 72. I'm beginning to not be so surprised at my own age. Being so very elderly, perhaps it is time to share some grandfatherly advice. Maybe I have some of you fooled. Some of you may think that an elder missionary like me has it all together and that I don't ever sin. You might think that I have conquered all weaknesses and no longer have episodes of sinful thoughts. You would be wrong. And I suspect that I don’t fool everyone. People who really know me have seen my weaknesses. However, if I am working with the right information, a lot of you have struggles with sin the same way I do. So let me start by calling our attention again to these frequently quoted verses: 2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT'15 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV: 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. Those are great verses, but they leave me asking, even crying out, “Which promises?! I don't think I have “escaped the world's corruption” yet! Have I been overlooking a key promise somewhere?!” Peter follows verses 3-4 by urging his readers to take steps for spiritual maturity found in verses 5-8. While Peter gives great advice in those verses (which I hope you will study), I still keep coming back to verses 3-4 and asking, “How do I put golden promises found somewhere in the Bible into effect?— so that through them, I can ‘share in God’s divine nature’ and truly ‘escape’ from bondage to sinful desires. What are the practical steps to do that?” Where can I find the promises that unlock moral excellence and self-control? Just like any college curriculum, before you start advanced courses, you need to take the prerequisites. So also, for you to get the most from this study, here are the prerequisites. This study is for true believers in Christ who are mature enough in following Jesus to have experienced the frustration I just explained above. The 5-7 studies I am starting with this session won’t be much help to you if you are living in gross disobedience to basic commands in God’s Word. Using an extreme example, if you make your living by stealing packages, you need to get an honest job before taking this course. This course is for those seeking spiritual maturity. The first step in becoming a maturing follower of Jesus is for you to repent of all openly disobedient life-styles. Another foundational step toward maturity is being a member of a local Bible-believing church, being baptized, and taking part in the Lord’s supper with your fellow believers. I can imagine some readers complaining about my saying this. I urge you to understand that membership in an organized fellowship of believers is a baked-in part of how God designed humans to live. The picture of community life starts in Genesis and goes through the whole Bible. You will not be successful in your quest for spiritual maturity if you are attempting to live as a Lone Ranger Christian. Other readers will say, “I don’t want to be a lone ranger, but there isn’t a Bible believing church near me.” I recognize that finding a church that is faithfully teaching the Bible will become increasingly difficult at this time— especially in some countries, but also anywhere in the increasingly post-Christian world. Look for a home fellowship that you can join. Finally, an important foundational prerequisite step is to cultivate a scheduled Bible reading habit. If you fit this profile, please continue to listen/read. 1. My first step to finding the golden promises Peter mentioned and escaping moral corruption is to Put on the belt of truth. This is one of seven parts to the Christian’s armor found in Ephesians 6. But I suggest that we make this clarification: Buckle the belt of truth by believing what God says about you in the Bible. NLT'07 Ephesians 6:14: 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth … If you are a Christian, you believe a lot of true things already about Christ and the Bible. (You believe Christ came to earth to save us. You believe the Bible is God’s message to us.) But do you reject believing other things the Bible says about you? If you do, it is like putting on a belt— putting it through your belt loops, but not buckling it. So let’s learn how to buckle the belt of truth. In this lesson, I want to sensitize you to realize when you don’t actually believe it when the Bible says incredibly awesome things about YOU as a believer in Christ. Having the realization is often the hardest part. After that, ask God to renew your mind to fully accept the new truth. Let’s make one thing clear about believing. Believing isn’t something that just sort of happens. Believing is an act of the will. You decide if you believe something or believe in Somebody, or not. This is why in Scripture we read that God commanded people to believe and do what He told them, and He punished them for a stubborn refusal to believe His commands. Just look at the people of Israel who followed Moses all the way from Egypt and through the wilderness. They got all the way to the border of the promised land, knowing all the time what they would have to do. But when the Lord, “Now it’s time to enter and conquer that land,” they said, “Surely you couldn’t mean us!” Let’s go back to where we started. Peter said, “he (God) has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. Here’s the basic principle I hope you will learn: When you encounter ‘great and precious promises’ in your Bible reading, telling you about wonderful things God has done for you or given to you, ask God to make those things real to you. Ask him to open your mind to receive that truth about you, and help you live in the light of that truth. You will need to pray asking God for such help, because for your whole life, Satan and his friends have been feeding lies to you. Now let’s turn to Ephesians 1. You might want to follow the episode notes so that you can see the words I have highlighted. NLT'15 Ephesians 1:1-23: 1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. This letter written to the normal believers in Ephesus, is therefore written to us too. For now let’s skip the idea that Paul called them ‘holy people’, because Paul comes back to that idea more than once below. 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. This paragraph turns our normal understanding upside down. I think that most people think of God as the angry judge that will destroy us. But these verses have God as the actor doing all these wonderful things, which are too many for me to comment on now. Let me highlight just two of them: God loves us and called us in advance. Change what you think about God and yourself: Tell this truth to yourself: God loves even me. God called me long ago, before I was born (amazingly, before He made the world). Let’s claim another truth here: As a believer in Christ, you are united with Christ. A literal translation will say, ‘in Christ’. Jesus spoke of this unity when He said, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” (John 15:5) NLT'07 John 15:4: 4 Remain in me (joined to me), and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. This idea of being ‘joined’ to Christ (or ‘in Christ) is spoken of in many places in Paul’s writing, and it becomes one of the themes of this letter. But, dear friend, it’s time for you to start believing this idea about yourself! This is a key concept in believing that you are accepted as ‘holy’ in God’s sight. If you see yourself as separate from Christ, sadly, you will act like you are not connected to Christ. Now with this connection, we also have the reason we are holy. It’s not that we are in any natural sense ‘saints’, but we have been made holy by Christ. We have received his holiness. Out of the incredible richness of this paragraph, I want to pull out one more gem. God has adopted you and me into his family. In the Greek Paul used a legal term here which means you have been given ‘sonship’ or ‘legally adopted as a son’. In Roman law, the adoption of a son could not be undone. It was permanent. (Ladies, in this spiritual reality, don’t let the male gender of this term rob you from considering yourself permanently adopted.) Dear friend, it's time to revise how you think of yourself. You’re not a nobody. You’re not unloved. You are a permanent member of the most powerful royal family! Let’s skip down to the middle of v.13. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Think about this: God has given you a guarantee that he is going to give you a wonderful inheritance. Stop saying, “Well, as long as I get to heaven I don’t need an inheritance.” God wants us to think about that inheritance. It is healthy for us to think longingly for our inheritance in heaven. Our guarantee is not some flimsy card that we will misplace. Our guarantee is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts! Our text says, “when you believed in Christ, he (God) identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit,” It is crucial that you have a sense of belonging to God given by the Holy Spirit. Think of how personal and intimate is this bond we now have with God. I think you will find that this intimate bond is something you want to keep. This is one of our main motivations in seeking to live a holy life in God’s sight. NLT'07 Romans 8:9: 9 … (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) It’s no wonder that in the John 15 passage we quoted about Jesus being the vine and we the branches, He mentions prayer: NLT'07 John 15:7: 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! If we aren’t praying, then we aren’t believing the truths I just listed for you. Power points: God is for us and loves us. God is the actor for most of this chapter. This love from God the Father is counter-intuitive for us. We won’t believe it unless we realize our lack of belief and pray to God asking Him to make it real to us. God went to great lengths to put his plan into action. This gives us great confidence that we have really been called by Him. We are one with Him, joined to Him. We are united to Christ, so much so that He considers us actually part of his body. We have a powerful guarantee, the Holy Spirit, which is not an external thing, but an inward witness that we are joined to Christ. We are God’s holy people, not because we have the power to be holy. But God has made us holy by our unity with Christ. This is our identity! Take this identity. Believe and preserve this identity by taking care of the unity you have with the Holy Spirit. Paul wants us to understand all these things so that we understand that God will use his power to help us. Homework: 2PE.1.3-4 EPH.6.10-18 EPH.1 EPH.2.1-10
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/26130006
info_outline
NL-Day103 Deuteronomy 21-22; Psalm 60; Acts 14
04/07/2025
NL-Day103 Deuteronomy 21-22; Psalm 60; Acts 14
DEUTERONOMY 21-22:Yesterday we heard an explanation of why cities of refuge were needed. And we heard interesting rules concerning war. In the war and conquest of Canaan that we will read about in Joshua, I urge us to remember that God spoke repeatedly about the wickedness of the Canaanite nations that Israel would conquer (beginning with what He said to Jacob way back in Genesis 15:16). Included in the detestable customs of the nations mentioned, is that they sacrificed human babies, burning them alive, plus all of the other sins Moses told the people not to imitate. PSALM 60:This poem is again based on David’s experiences. I think that this psalm must show how David prayed before the victories mentioned in the rabbinical title. ACTS 14:In chapter 13 we completed the story of Paul and Barnabas' short but successful ministry in Pisidian Antioch. They were too successful, so were run out of town. This is just the first time that will happen! NLT Translation notes:Deut. 21:6 “The elders of the town must wash their hands over the heifer whose neck [has been//was] broken.====Ps. 60:6[O] God [You have/has] promised this by [your/his] holiness:“I will divide up Shechem with joy.I will measure out the valley of Succoth.12With [Your help O God,//God’s help] we will do mighty things,for [You/he] will trample down our foes.====Acts 14:22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue [believing in Christ//in the faith], reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they [surrendered//turned] the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.27 Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church together and reported everything God had done through them and how he had opened the door of [belief//faith] to the Gentiles, too. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5235536
info_outline
NL-Day102 Deuteronomy 19-20; Psalm 59; Acts 13:26-52
04/07/2025
NL-Day102 Deuteronomy 19-20; Psalm 59; Acts 13:26-52
DEUTERONOMY 19-20:In yesterday’s reading we heard that the duties of the king included having a copy of the Law made, or perhaps making it himself (the Hebrew is unclear on that point). This is something we never hear of happening. (I don’t think what was given to King Josiah at his inauguration qualifies.) Then Deuteronomy 18 is very import in its prohibition against all kinds of witchcraft and fortune telling. Then there is one of the most important prophecies regarding Jesus: God was going to send a prophet like Moses and the people must listen to him. Another important point about this prophecy is the specific requiremant that the prophet would come from the people of Israel. PSALM 59:Because of David’s unique situation, he certainly learned how to pray for protection from enemies. ACTS 13b:In the first part of chapter 13, we heard how God called Barnabas and Saul in the city of Antioch— the one in the Roman province of Syria, and the church sent them out. We repeat some verses from Paul’s important speech, which took place in the other city called Antioch, the one in the province of Pisidia. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 59:10 In [your/his] unfailing love, [You] my God will stand with me.[You/He] will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.====Ac 13:51 So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign [that God would judge the because of their rejection of the message they brought//of rejection] and [then they] went to the town of Iconium.13:52 And the believers [there] were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5234236
info_outline
NL-Day101 Deuteronomy 17-18; Psalm 58; Acts 13:1-33
04/07/2025
NL-Day101 Deuteronomy 17-18; Psalm 58; Acts 13:1-33
DEUTERONOMY 17-18:In yesterday's reading we heard about the release of debts and slaves in the Jubilee Year (also called the year of restoration), and a reminder about 100% participation for the males in three festivals. PSALM 58:This poem celebrates that God will indeed give justice to His people, even though many times it seems to us that there is no justice on earth. ACTS 13a:In yesterday’s reading, we heard how Herod decided to go after the top apostles, killing James. But Peter escaped. As a result, 16 soldiers died. Then Herod met his richly deserved end. NLT Translation notes:Deut. 17:22 If the prophet speaks in [my//the LORD’s] name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that [I, the LORD//the LORD] did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.’====Ps. 58:9 [You, O] God will sweep [those unjust people/them] away, bothyoung and old, faster than a pot heats over burning thorns.====Acts 13:52 And the believers [there] were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5233207
info_outline
NL-Day100 Deuteronomy 15-16; Psalm 57; Acts 12
04/07/2025
NL-Day100 Deuteronomy 15-16; Psalm 57; Acts 12
DEUTERONOMY 15-16:Yesterday's reading included Moses' warning about being led astray by anyone, including false prophets or even close family members. No one who proposed idolatry was to be allowed to live. Then we heard a repetition of the laws about which animals were to be treated as clean/edible and those unclean/detestable. Psalm 57:This Psalm is beautiful and often quoted. It again is from David's experiences. ACTS 12:In Acts 11 we heard how Peter needed to defend what he did in sharing the Gospel with Gentiles. The result was that the church leaders joyfully accepted that God was giving salvation to more than just the Jews. Then we heard how Barnabas visited the predominantly Gentile believers in Antioch and then called Saul to join him. NLT Translation note:Ps. 57:2 I cry out to [You—] God Most High, to [You//God] who will fulfill [your//his] purpose for me. 3 [You//He] will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. Interlude[You, O] My God will send forth [your//his] unfailing love and faithfulness.[In v.2-3 the honorific 3rd person was changed to ‘You’ for English discourse naturalness.]====Acts 12:9 So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought [“this must be//it was] a vision.” He didn’t realize it was actually happening. 15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his [guardian/0] angel.”18 At dawn there was [no little//a great] commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter. 20 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. [With the aid of a little bribe money, the//The] delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant, Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5227727
info_outline
NL-Day099 Deuteronomy 13-14; Psalm 56; Acts 11
04/06/2025
NL-Day099 Deuteronomy 13-14; Psalm 56; Acts 11
DEUTERONOMY 13-14:In yesterday's reading Moses continued to stress the need for faithfulness to God and all his commands. It is clear that Moses loves the people and is marshaling every argument possible to convince them to keep on obeying God. PSALM 56:This is another psalm from the experiences of David. This is a good psalm for us to pray when we feel that our lives are out of control and that people are against us. ACTS 11:In yesterday's reading, Peter didn't even get to finish his speech before the Holy Spirit took control of the Gentile listeners. The new believers were baptized by the astonished Jewish-background believers from Joppa. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 56:4 I will praise [You,/0] God, for what [You/he] has promised.I trust in [You,/0] God, so why should I be afraid?What can mere mortals do to me?Similar changes in v. 9-11====Acts 11:2 [So/But] when Peter ar13 He told us how an angel had ap o Joppa, and summon a man named Simon[, also called//0] Peter. 17 title-name order: Christ Jesus Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5226732
info_outline
NL-Day098 Deuteronomy 11-12; Psalm 55; Acts 10:21-48
04/06/2025
NL-Day098 Deuteronomy 11-12; Psalm 55; Acts 10:21-48
DEUTERONOMY 11-12:In yesterday's reading, Moses continued to hammer on the people not to think that they have been favored by God because they are such good people. Moses gave his first hand account of being in God's presence for 40 days and 40 nights on two occasions, one right after the other. He also again models in his prayer for Israel the way to effectively pray for people— which is to base our prayers on God's character and his promises. PSALM 55:This poem was written out of the discouragement caused by betrayal. It includes the figure of speech called apostrophe. That is where the writer, David, speaks to his enemy as if he were present. The same part which includes that figure of speech is often quoted as it shows us how Jesus must have felt about Judas’ betrayal. ACTS 10b:Yesterday we heard of the wonderful way the Lord called Peter to go to Cornelius' house. In preparation, God gave Peter a vision (repeated three times to leave no doubt whatsoever) to the effect that God was now opening the door to the Gentiles to be cleansed and included as God's people. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 55:19 God, who has ruled forever,will hear me and humble them.Interlude For my enemies refuse to change their ways;they do not fear [you,/0] God.====Acts 10:5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon [and also called//0] Peter.18 they asked if a man named Simon [and also called//0] Peter was staying there.22 They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. [An angel from God//A holy angel] instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” 28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man [like me//0] to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon [and also called//0] Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ], who is Lord of all.43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that [through Jesus,//0] everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven [0//through his name].”48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of [Christ Jesus//JC]. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5226689
info_outline
NL-Day097 Deuteronomy 9-10; Psalm 54; Acts 10:1-29
04/06/2025
NL-Day097 Deuteronomy 9-10; Psalm 54; Acts 10:1-29
DEUTERONOMY 9-10:In yesterday’s reading, Moses continued his stern lecture. I note particularly that Moses did all he could to stress that the Israelites must not get proud or think they’re great people based on their own merits. The reading also included the famous words, “people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” PSALM 54:This poem is a short cry for help, when David was under severe stress and being attacked. ACTS 10a:We are prepared for today's reading by the two notable miracles performed by Peter in Acts chapter 9. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 54:3 For strangers are attacking me;violent people are trying to kill me.They care nothing for [You, O/0] God.====Acts 10:5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon [and also called//0] Peter.18 they asked if a man named Simon [and also called//0] Peter was staying there.22 They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. [An angel from God//A holy angel] instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” 28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man [like me//0] to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon [and also called//0] Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ], who is Lord of all.43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that [through Jesus,//0] everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven [0//through his name].”48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of [Christ Jesus//JC]. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5225405
info_outline
NL-Day096 Deuteronomy 7-8; Psalm 53; Acts 9:17-43
03/30/2025
NL-Day096 Deuteronomy 7-8; Psalm 53; Acts 9:17-43
DEUTERONOMY 7-8:Yesterday in Deuteronomy we heard Moses repeating the 10 Commandments and pleading with the people that they remain faithful in obeying all the commands and regulations the Lord gave. The reading ended with an important statement to remember when considering the difference between the old and new covenants: NLT: 6:25 “For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the LORD our God has given us.’” PSALM 53:This is another Psalm that is quoted in the New Testament, and therefore, often quoted in general. This is a tell-it-like-it-is psalm, not a sweet and flowery poem. ACTS 9b:In the first half of this chapter, we heard most of the story of Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. NLT Translation notes:Deut. 7:4 for they will lead your children away from [the LORD//me] to worship other Gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and he will quickly destroy you. [GNT says ‘the LORD’ here. Many translations do not catch the fact that Moses is speaking, not the LORD. Actually the Hebrew also says 'me'. Either the scribe writing Moses' words forgot that Moses, not the LORD, was speaking, or else he forgot to show where Moses began quoting the LORD.]Acts 9:14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name [here//0].”21 All who heard him were amazed [and asked//0]. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” [0//they asked]. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”25 So during the night, some of [his fellow/the other] believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ] heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5221877
info_outline
NL-Day095 Deuteronomy 5-6; Psalm 52; Acts 9:1-21
03/30/2025
NL-Day095 Deuteronomy 5-6; Psalm 52; Acts 9:1-21
DEUTERONOMY 5-6:Yesterday we heard Moses expound on the most important command to never worship any idol or any god other than the Lord. He based this on the Israelite's experience of hearing God's voice and not seeing his form. Moses was realistic and knew that Israel would eventually leave God, and that God would judge them. He gave them this amazing promise: “from there (where you have been exiled by your enemies) you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” PSALM 52:This is another psalm from David's experiences. He was betrayed by a man called Doeg, and then that man killed priests who had done nothing wrong. This psalm stands as testimony that God notices such things and will eventually bring just punishment for all injustice. ACTS 9a:In chapter 8, we heard the fantastic way the Lord led Philip. The Lord wanted a certain Ethiopian high official to be saved. The traditional church in Ethiopia still traces its history to that official. And Philip had the privilege of being miraculously teleported to a new location. He continued from there in preaching the Gospel, all the way to Caesarea, which is where we find him later. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 52:9 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good [reputation//name] in the presence of your faithful people.====Acts 9:14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name [here//0].”21 All who heard him were amazed [and asked//0]. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” [0//they asked]. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”25 So during the night, some of [his fellow/the other] believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ] heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5221578
info_outline
NL-Day094 Deuteronomy 4; Psalm 51; Acts 8:25-40
03/30/2025
NL-Day094 Deuteronomy 4; Psalm 51; Acts 8:25-40
DEUTERONOMY 4:Yesterday Moses gave his personal account of how God led the people of Israel in not attacking three nations, but finally led them in attacking two kings. Moses pleaded with God to allow him to cross the Jordan into the promised land, but God refused to let him. PSALM 51:This is one of the most quoted and most famous psalms. David's sincere and broken-hearted prayer for forgiveness is a pattern for all of us to follow. ACTS 8b:Yesterday we heard how the believers in Jerusalem were scattered by a wave of persecution following Stephen's martyrdom. Philip (the deacon, not the apostle) is given the wonderful privilege to turn many to the Lord in Samaria. My own thought about why the Holy Spirit was not given when the believers were baptized is because Peter really was given the “keys to the kingdom.” Peter was present when the Jewish people received the Holy Spirit, and when the despised mixed-breed Samaritans received the Holy Spirit, and when non-Jews received that same gift. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 51:7 [Please perform the ritual of purification over me to cleanse me from my sins//Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;]wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and make me willing to obey you [once again//0].15 Unseal my lips, O Lord,that my mouth may praise you [again/0].====Acts 8:12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and [about Jesus as the Christ or Messiah//the name of Jesus Christ]. As a result, many men and women were baptized. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, [although/for] they had [0/only] been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah [while a driver was driving the carriage//0].30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading [aloud/0] from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5220496
info_outline
NL-Day093 Deuteronomy 2-3; Psalm 50; Acts 8:1-25
03/30/2025
NL-Day093 Deuteronomy 2-3; Psalm 50; Acts 8:1-25
DEUTERONOMY 2-3:Yesterday we heard Moses preaching and confronting the people of Israel about their bickering and their incredible stubbornness in refusing to believe the Lord's commands, and their refusal to believe God’s loving intent in his commands. PSALM 50:Remember what Moses said yesterday in Deuteronomy? This Psalm tells us what God wants most from his people. ACTS 8:Yesterday we heard the conclusion of Stephen's speech. He confronted the high council with the indisputable fact that the people of Israel had always refused to follow what God told them and killed the prophets. “They (our ancestors) even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered.” Shortly after saying that, Stephen died as Saul watched. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 50:14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to [Me, your] God,and keep the vows you made to [Me,/0] the Most High.23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.If you keep to my path,I will reveal to you the salvation [given by Me, your God!//of your God].”====Acts 8:12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and [about Jesus as the Christ or Messiah//the name of Jesus Christ]. As a result, many men and women were baptized.16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, [although/for] they had [0/only] been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah [while a driver was driving the carriage//0].30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading [aloud/0] from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5219921
info_outline
NL-Day092 Deuteronomy 1; Psalm 49; Acts 7:30-60
03/30/2025
NL-Day092 Deuteronomy 1; Psalm 49; Acts 7:30-60
DEUTERONOMY 1:Yesterday in the conclusion of Numbers, we learned that each clan's allotment of land must stay within that clan, even when parcels of land could be inherited by daughters. Mears says, “Deuteronomy is a book of remembrance. The name ‘Deuteronomy’ means “second law,” which indicates that the law is repeated. Moses did this to remind the people what God had done for them and what they were to do to serve Him when they reached the Promised Land. This book omits the things that relate to the priests and Levites but includes the things that the people should know. And the happenings in this book would cover only about two months, including the 30 days of mourning for Moses.” I love this book because it seems to be a transcription of Moses’ last sermons to the people. Imagine sitting at the feet of the aged and revered leader and hearing him tell what is most important! I love the way this book frequently records Moses speaking in the first person. PSALM 49:This powerfully thought-provoking psalm shares important wisdom which should help us be content with whatever our situation is in this life. Note the parallels with Jesus' teaching. ACTS 7:Yesterday we heard the first part of Stephen's speech. Shephen was accused of two things: “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” So far it is clear that Stephen was NOT teaching against the laws or customs Moses gave the people of Israel. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 49:14 Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd.In the morning the godly will rule over them.[The bodies of those so-called wise people//Their bodies] will rot in the grave,far from their grand estates.====Acts 7:37 “Moses himself told the people of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people.[That Prophet is Jesus!]42b ‘Was it to me you were bringing sacrifices and offerings during those forty years in the wilderness, Israel?43 No, you carried your pagan gods—the shrine of Molech,the star of your god Rephan,and the images you made to worship them.[This is not to be taken literally. This is hyperbole which highlights that the people were not faithful to the tabernacle.]48 However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As [God said through a prophet,//the prophet says,]56 And he [said/told] to them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5218695
info_outline
NL-Day091 Numbers 36; Psalm 48; Acts 7:1-39
03/30/2025
NL-Day091 Numbers 36; Psalm 48; Acts 7:1-39
NUMBERS 36:Yesterday we heard about the boundaries for the nation of Israel, the 12 clan leaders appointed by the Lord, and about cities set aside for the Levites and cities of refuge— to protect from unjust prosecution of murder. PSALM 48:This psalm praises God for Jerusalem and shows that Jerusalem is a reflection of God's glory. It is clear that more than the earthly Jerusalem is the topic. God has prepared a city for us! ACTS 7a:Yesterday in chapter 6 we heard how grumbling in the ever-expanding group of believers in Jerusalem required that seven helpers (the first deacons) be appointed. (The word ‘deacon’ comes directly from a verb in Greek that means ‘to serve’.) One of them, Stephen, became the object of controversy with the Greek-speaking Jews. Before the council, his face shone with radiance like that of an angel. The false witnesses made two accusations against Stephen, and today we hear his defence against the first of them. NLT Translation notes:Acts 7:37 “Moses himself told the people of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people.[That Prophet is Jesus!]42b ‘Was it to me you were bringing sacrifices and offerings during those forty years in the wilderness, Israel?43 No, you carried your pagan gods—the shrine of Molech,the star of your god Rephan,and the images you made to worship them.[This is not to be taken literally. This is hyperbole which highlights that the people were not faithful to the tabernacle.]48 However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As [God said through a prophet,//the prophet says,]56 And he [said/told] to them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5218244
info_outline
NL-Day090 Numbers 34-35; Psalm 47; Acts 6
03/30/2025
NL-Day090 Numbers 34-35; Psalm 47; Acts 6
NUMBERS 34-35:Yesterday we heard the listing of the stages of the nomadic journey of the people of Israel. God began giving instructions for the time when the people would enter the promised land. PSALM 47:This is a jubilant song of praise. This has been a special Psalm for our family. We remember singing this whole Psalm with one of our favorite churches. And when we were in Indonesia, they made a recording and we listened to it many times. ACTS 6:Yesterday we heard Peter and the apostles give fearless testimony before the Jewish high council. They were beaten, but counted it an honor. NLT Translation notes:Acts 6:5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following [men//0]: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 10 None of them could stand against the wisdom [given by the Holy Spirit//and the Spirit], with which Stephen spoke. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5058932
info_outline
NL-Day089 Numbers 33; Psalm 46; Acts 5:17-42
03/23/2025
NL-Day089 Numbers 33; Psalm 46; Acts 5:17-42
NUMBERS 33:Yesterday we heard how the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh promised to go ahead of their fellow Israelites into battle on the west side of the Jordan, because they were receiving land on the east side of the Jordan. In hindsight, I must say this was not a great idea. Because of how often all the men were required to go to Jerusalem for the holy assemblies, it must have been very easy to not attend those events and grow increasingly far from the Lord. PSALM 46:This was the inspiration for the hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. The word translated by the GNT as ‘shelter’ in v.1 can also mean ‘refuge’. And the word translated as ‘refuge’ in verses 7 and 11 can also mean ‘secure height’. ACTS 5b:Yesterday we heard the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira. Then, just when God was using the apostles to perform many miracles, they were arrested. GNT Translation notes:Acts 5:28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach [by the authority//in the name] of this man,” he said; “but see what you have done! You have spread your teaching all over Jerusalem, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5056933
info_outline
NL-Day088 Numbers 32; Psalm 45; Acts 5:1-21
03/23/2025
NL-Day088 Numbers 32; Psalm 45; Acts 5:1-21
NUMBERS 32:Yesterday we heard of the conquest of the Midianite people. That story is an example of how hard it is for us humans to follow God's instructions. PSALM 45:This psalm may have originally been intended as a wedding song for King Solomon, but from our vantage point we can see that it is really a song of praise to our King, the Messiah, and we— the people of God, are the bride. ACTS 5a:Yesterday we heard of the fearless praying of the believers after being commanded to no longer teach about Jesus. And we heard of the wonderful unity of spirit among them. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5056230
info_outline
NL-Day087 Numbers 31; Psalm 44; Acts 4:19-37
03/23/2025
NL-Day087 Numbers 31; Psalm 44; Acts 4:19-37
NUMBERS 31:Yesterday the listing of sacrifices continued with those for the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the 8 day Festival of Shelters. Then in Numbers 30 we heard laws concerning the annulment of rash vows. These laws show how seriously God takes any vows made to Him! PSALM 44:This is a psalm with extreme contrast between part one and part two. Part one has a tone of praise— reciting the wonderful way God helped Israel. But part two accuses God of abandoning Israel. This psalm can be a pattern for us in how to plead with God to fulfill his promises or to again act as He has in the past. ACTS 4b:Yesterday we heard the start of the dramatic trial that happened after Peter and John were arrested following the healing of the lame man in chapter 3. Their arrest was due to Peter and John's teaching about the resurrection of Jesus. The council recognized that the two apostles had been with Jesus. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 44:11 You have [stood by and watched as they] butchered us like sheepand scattered us among the nations.21 [You, O Lord] God would surely have known it,for [you know//he knows] the secrets of every heart.====Acts 4:30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done [by the authority//through the name] of your holy servant Jesus.” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5055621
info_outline
NL-Day086 Numbers 29-30; Psalm 43; Acts 4:1-22
03/23/2025
NL-Day086 Numbers 29-30; Psalm 43; Acts 4:1-22
NUMBERS 29-30:Yesterday we heard about the request of the daughters of Zelophehad, and the Lord told Moses that it was time for him to die. Joshua was appointed to lead in Moses' place. And we were given the list of sacrificial offerings to be given every day in the morning and evening, those given each Sabbath, and those offered on the first day of the month, at the festival of unleavened bread, and the harvest festival. More of the same starts our reading today. PSALM 43:This psalm is a companion to Psalm 42, containing the same refrain at the end. Both Psalms seem to be the prayers of someone in exile, who is unable to go to Jerusalem. This is a prayer for God to defend and guide each of us as worshipers of the Lord. ACTS 4a:Yesterday we heard the story of the remarkable healing of lame beggar at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. Peter's speech was interrupted as we will hear today. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5055335
info_outline
NL-Day085 Numbers 27-28; Psalm 42; Acts 3
03/23/2025
NL-Day085 Numbers 27-28; Psalm 42; Acts 3
NUMBERS 27-28:Yesterday we heard of the second registration of Israel's troops. PSALM 42:This Psalm contains words we often sing. It is a song about renewing hope in the Lord after discouragement. ACTS 3:Yesterday we heard the conclusion of Peter's first sermon. 3,000 believed in Christ that day and were baptized. And the believers devoted themselves totally to the apostles' teaching. NLT/GNT Translation notes:Num. 27:1 Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah were the daughters of Zelophehad[. Zelophehad traced his genealogy as the] son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph.2 [His daughters//They] went and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole community at the entrance of the Tent of the Lord's presence and said,====Ps. 42 [I hope that you remember who the clan of Korah was! Note that the presence of this Psalm is an interesting proof that God forgave and accepted the service of Korah’s clan. This is another Psalm where the writer speaks honorific fashion to the Lord, speaking to him using the third person. To us, this makes it seem that the writer switches back and forth rapidly to talking about the Lord and talking to the Lord. I agree with CEV in adapting this Psalm to modern English and maintaining the perception that the whole poem is a prayer. Rather than reading from the CEV, I have simply made the required changes in the GNT at verses 4-9, and verse 11.]==== Act. 3:6 But Peter said to him, “I have no money at all, but I give you what I have: [by the power//in the name] of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I order you to get up and walk!”16 GNT: It was the power of [Jesus//his name] that gave strength to this lame man. [This miracle that you can plainly//What you] see and know was done by [believing in Him//faith in his name]; it was [belief//faith] in Jesus that has made him well, as you can all see.16 revised NLT: “Through [fully believing//faith] in [Jesus//the name of Jesus], this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. [Fully believing in Jesus//Faith in Jesus’ name] has healed him before your very eyes.[Peter uses a common Jewish metonymy here— where ‘name’ stands for the whole person of Jesus. We use metonymy in English (in sayings like “The _pen_ is mightier than the _sword_.”) While many English speakers will understand ‘name of Jesus’ to simply refer to Jesus himself, others (and especially some of my podcast listeners from other cultures) could mistakenly think that the Bible teaches followers of Christ use ‘the name of Jesus’ like magic words.NET has this note at 3:6: In the name. … The reference to “the name” is not like a magical incantation, but is designed to indicate the _agent_ who performs the healing. The theme is quite frequent in Acts (2:38 plus 21 other times).If any of you say, “I’ve never heard ‘in the name of Jesus’ used like magic words!” I answer: Start listening! It’s happening all the time.] NLT Translation notes:Num28:24 On each of the seven days of the festival, this is how you must prepare the food offering that is presented as a special gift, a pleasing aroma to [Me,/0] the LORD. These will be offered in addition to the regular burnt offerings and liquid offerings.====Act.3:6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ] the Nazarene,a get up and walk!”16 “Through [fully believing//faith] in [Jesus//the name of Jesus], this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. [Fully believing in Jesus//Faith in Jesus’ name] has healed him before your very eyes.[Peter uses a common Jewish metonymy here, where 'name' stands for the whole person of Jesus. We use metonymy in English (in sayings like “The pen is mightier than the sword.”) While many English speakers will understand 'name of Jesus' simply to refer to Jesus himself, others (and especially some of my listeners from other cultures) could be tempted to think that the Bible teaches followers of Christ use 'the name of Jesus' like magic words.] Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5054961
info_outline
084: Reader, Take Note: When anxiety takes root
03/23/2025
084: Reader, Take Note: When anxiety takes root
In this episode I read Nathan Ensz' article When anxiety takes root. This article is an example of the extreme-believing of God's Word that I promote in my YouVersion reading plan entitled Buckling the Belt of Truth. I believe (in a metaphorical sense) that we buckle the belt of truth by believing what God's word says about us. Pastor Nathan Ensz is the lead pastor of Kingwood Bible Church in Salem, Oregon. His article appeared in the Mennonite Brethren periodical, The Christian Leader, in the March/April 2023 edition.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/26335971
info_outline
NL-Day084 Numbers 26; Psalm 41; Acts 2:16-47
03/23/2025
NL-Day084 Numbers 26; Psalm 41; Acts 2:16-47
NUMBERS 26:Yesterday we heard Balaam's final prophecies. Even though he was a shaman and a charlatan, God chose to speak through him on that occasion, giving a small glimpse of God's redemptive plan. PSALM 41:God hears us when we are down and cry out for his help. ACTS 2b:Yesterday we heard how the Holy Spirit came with tongues of fire and a loud noise, and the beginning part of Peter's first famous sermon. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5054895
info_outline
NL-Day083 Numbers 24-25; Psalm 40; Acts 2:1-24
03/23/2025
NL-Day083 Numbers 24-25; Psalm 40; Acts 2:1-24
NUMBERS 24-25:Yesterday we heard how Balak sent for the shaman Balaam to curse Israel, and we heard that God instead moved him to bless Israel two times. And a third sacrifice of 7 bulls and 7 rams was made. PSALM 40:This is a psalm that is quoted in the New Testament. It is a great psalm of praise which conveys many New Testament concepts. (Some of you will perceive some differences in the NT quote. This is because the NT quote was taken from the Septuagint— the ancient translation of the OT into Greek.) ACTS 2a:Yesterday we heard about Jesus' followers who were waiting in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit and for power from God. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5054399
info_outline
NL-Day082 Numbers 22-23; Psalm 39; Acts 1
03/16/2025
NL-Day082 Numbers 22-23; Psalm 39; Acts 1
NUMBERS 22-23:In Numbers 21, the Lord gave victory to the Israelites over the Amorites, and then over King Sihon. And because of Israel’s grumbling, the Lord sent poisonous snakes among them. When the people cried out to Moses, the Lord told him to make a snake and set it up on a pole. This is an unannounced picture of Christ. PSALM 39:This is a prayer for relief by David when he felt he was under the discipline of the Lord. ACTS 1:We follow up Luke's first report to Theophilus with his second to the same man. (Or perhaps Luke meant this account to be for any 'lover of God'.) The book covers the story of what happened after Jesus’ death in 33AD to Paul’s two-year house arrest that ended in 62AD. Since only a few of the apostles are told about in this book, rather than ‘Acts of the Apostles’, others have suggested the name ‘Acts of the Holy Spirit’. Constable quotes William Neil, who starts out quoting Streeter: “Streeter suggested that an alternative title for the book of Acts might be ‘The Road to Rome’, for this is indeed the significance of Luke’s work. Whatever minor motifs Luke had in mind— such as the establishment of Christianity in men’s minds as a constructive and not destructive element in the social order, his main concern was to show that, in God’s plan for the renewal of the life of mankind, Jerusalem, the heart of old Israel, was the goal of Stage I [i.e., the Book of Luke], while Rome, the centre of the world, was the goal of Stage II [i.e., the Book of Acts].” And here is a more pointed quote from Rosner: “. . . Luke in Acts is not merely concerned to draw a link between the time of Jesus and the time of the early church, as is commonly noticed, but also between the time of Israel and the time of Jesus and His church. Acts insists that the God who was at work in the history of his ancient people, Israel, bringing them salvation, is the same God who is at work in the church.” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5051770
info_outline
NL-Day081 Numbers 21; Psalm 38; Luke 24:30-53
03/16/2025
NL-Day081 Numbers 21; Psalm 38; Luke 24:30-53
NUMBERS 21:Yesterday we heard about the water of purification, which involved the burnt offering of a red heifer and following very exacting requirements. Then we heard the story of Moses and Aaron's failure to display God's holiness in the issue of speaking to— rather than striking the rock. It is no wonder Moses was exasperated by the people. And following that incident, not being able to pass through the land of Edom, they turned back to Mount Hor, where Aaron died. PSALM 38:This is a beautiful song of repentance and a cry for deliverance from enemies. LUKE 24b:Yesterday we heard the story of the women not finding Jesus in the tomb, and the story of the two men meeting the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. NLT Translation notes:Luk. 24:6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that [He,/0] the Son of Man[,/0] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish [men/people]! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5051574
info_outline
NL-Day080 Numbers 19-20; Psalm 37:20-40; Luke 24:1-34
03/16/2025
NL-Day080 Numbers 19-20; Psalm 37:20-40; Luke 24:1-34
NUMBERS 19-20:In yesterday's portions we heard how God proved again His choice of Aaron and the Levites by causing Aaron's staff to bud and even produce almonds. And God explained to the Levites and priests that their portion was not land— as for the other Israelites, but God himself and all the gifts given to God. PSALM 37b:Today we return to the acrostic poem, Psalm 37. Look for how this poem shows us God’s perspective about this world. LUKE 24a:At the end of chapter 23, we heard of the events of the crucifixion, including the miracle of the torn curtain in the temple. Jesus was laid in a tomb while the women watched, and they prepared spices to go back and anoint his body. NLT Translation note:6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that [He,/0] the Son of Man[,/0] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5050686
info_outline
NL-Day079 Numbers 17-18; Psalm 37:1-20; Luke 23:26-56
03/16/2025
NL-Day079 Numbers 17-18; Psalm 37:1-20; Luke 23:26-56
NUMBERS 17-18:Yesterday we heard another dramatic chapter in Israel's history: The rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. They must have been included in those who refused to go to the Promised Land, but then they had the gall to find fault with Moses that he didn't lead them to that land. It is also incredible that God would prove Moses' authority so dramatically (resulting in the death of the three conspirators and their families), yet the people would the next day without fear accuse Moses of killing the Lord's people (further resulting in a plague). PSALM 37a:This is an acrostic poem,and a great Psalm for giving us the right perspective in our fallen world. LUKE 23b:In the first half of this chapter, Jesus was tried by Pilatos (the phonetic pronunciation I will use in the podcasts) and Herod, before finally Pilatos caved into pressure and sentenced Jesus to death. Let’s repeat a few verses, starting at verse 36. For today’s prayer, I read the hymn “How deep the Father’s love for us.” This was composed by Stuart Townend, and here is the link to his story about writing it: NLT Translation notes:3 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”Jesus replied, “[You are the one who says it.//You have said it.]”34 Jesus said [about the ones crucifying him//0], “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was [one of those//0] waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5048785
info_outline
NL-Day078 Numbers 16; Psalm 36; Luke 23:14-34
03/16/2025
NL-Day078 Numbers 16; Psalm 36; Luke 23:14-34
NUMBERS 16:In Numbers 15, we found out that there were sacrifices that could be made for unintentional sins— whether done by the whole community or by an individual. But there was no sacrifice to cover an intentional sin— such as working on the Sabbath, as was so clearly illustrated by the man who gathered wood on the Sabbath. Then at the very end of chapter 15, we heard the instruction about the tassels with a blue cord that were to hang on the four corners of the Israelites’ garments. Those are the tassels that Tevia in Fiddler on the Roof doesn't know the meaning of. PSALM 36:While this is a song praising God’s unfailing love, notice how some parts of this poem are so appropriate to what we just read about Dathan, Abiram, and Korah. LUKE 23a:Chapter 22 ended with Peter's denial of being a follower of Jesus, and we heard of the council's decision against Jesus. NLT Translation notes:Luk. 23:3 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”Jesus replied, “[Yes, as you said.//You have said it.]”34 Jesus said [about the ones crucifying him//0], “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was [one of those//0] waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5048472
info_outline
NL-Day077 Numbers 15; Psalm 35; Luke 22:39-71
03/16/2025
NL-Day077 Numbers 15; Psalm 35; Luke 22:39-71
NUMBERS 15:Yesterday in Numbers 14 we heard the very important and dramatic story: The people of Israel became unworthy to enter the Promised Land because of their stubborn unbelief. In the midst of that experience, Moses' prayers to God on behalf of the people are prime examples of how to plead with the Lord. The key revealed in that passage is to plead with God in accordance with his character and quoting his promises! PSALM 35:In today’s psalm, David prays for victory over his enemies. Opposition to David was sponsored by King Saul, who became David's enemy for no good reason— only because of envy. LUKE 22b:Yesterday in this chapter we heard of Judas betraying Jesus to the Jewish leaders, of the last supper, and of Jesus' last words to the disciples, including the prophecy that Peter would deny Him three times. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 35:8 So let sudden ruin come upon them!Let them be caught in the [same/0] trap they set for me!Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me.9 Then I will rejoice in [You,/the] LORD.I will be glad because [you/he] rescues me.10 With every bone in my body I will praise [You/him]:====Luk. 22:48 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the [Me,/0] the Son of Man, with a kiss?”69 But from now on [I,/0] the Son of Man, will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5048327
info_outline
NL-Day076 Numbers 14; Psalm 34; Luke 22:1-38
03/16/2025
NL-Day076 Numbers 14; Psalm 34; Luke 22:1-38
NUMBERS 14:Yesterday we again found out what the Lord thinks when we grumble against him! Let's remember Miriam. Then the Lord commanded to send out the spies, but after taking stock of the land of Canaan, they brought an evil, unbelieving report— forgetting all the miracles the Lord had done to bring them out of Egypt. Psalm 34:This is an acrostic psalm. I cannot write an introduction that is better than the one already written by the ancient Rabbis. LUKE 22a:Yesterday in chapter 21, we heard Jesus' prophecy about what will happen in judgement upon Jerusalem before his return. NLT Translation notes:Num. 14:13 But Moses objected [and asked the Lord//.0] “What will the Egyptians think when they hear about it?” [0//he asked the LORD.] “ They know full well the power you displayed in rescuing your people from Egypt.====Luk. 22:22 For it has been determined that [I—/0] the Son of Man[,] must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays [me/him].”48 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the [Me,/0] the Son of Man, with a kiss?”69 But from now on [I,/0] the Son of Man, will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.” Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
/episode/index/show/dailybiblereading/id/5046295