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.

NL-Day137 1 Samuel 1; Psalm 90; Romans 1:1-17 05/10/2026

NL-Day137 1 Samuel 1; Psalm 90; Romans 1:1-17 1SAMUEL 1:Yesterday we heard the charming conclusion of the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. The words of the town women have prophetic significance: “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family.” (NLT) The words have a double meaning for us today, as we see them looking forward to Jesus our Redeemer. Now if you have been listening closely, you didn’t hear the word ‘redeemer’ in the GNT. That word happens 8 times in Ruth, beginning at 2:20. GNT translated the correct meaning as “a close relative of ours, one of those responsible for taking care of us.” The term meant much more than— for instance, redeeming a family member who had been sold into slavery. The nearest kinsman would also revenge a murder or marry a widow of a close family member. The advantage of GNT’s term is that it accurately shows the meaning, but the advantage of translating using the word ‘redeemer’ is that readers will more quickly see the correspondence between what Boaz did with Jesus— who both came from Boaz’ line and is our redeemer. Continuing the history of Israel, we now move to the transition from the period of judges to the period of kings. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally one book in the Hebrew Scripture. They were separated in the Greek Septuagint. The books are named after Samuel, not written by him. In 1 Samuel, we see that Samuel is not just a judge, but also a prophet, and that he anointed both Saul and David. This book contains many of the favorite Bible stories told to children. Thanks to Claire Greathouse for reading the part of Hannah in chapters 1 and 2. PSALM 90:The traditional titles in the Psalms (given as headings or footnotes in our Bibles) were written centuries afterward by the Rabbis and we need not consider them part of the inspired Word. This title of Psalm 90 may identify Moses as the author, or the Rabbis may have meant that this psalm reflects a Mosaic perspective. No other psalm is labeled like this one. This is a good psalm for meditating on the meaning of our life and our short life-span. ROMANS 1a:Yesterday in the final chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul continued giving instructions on how to teach particular groups in the church, ending with teachings for slaves and for rich people. Note that those who give generously to help others store up heavenly treasures and “a good foundation for the future.” Paul's closing encouragements to Timothy are moving because we can sense Paul's deep love for Timothy. We move back in time slightly from 1 Timothy to Romans. Romans was written perhaps 6-9 years before 1Timothy, written at the time that Paul was in Corinth. The topic sentence for Romans is 1:16-17, and the book is an outstanding presentation of this thesis in impeccable logic. As a translator, I often use those two verses as an example of how hard it is to understand a literal translation versus a meaning based translation. I encourage you to compare the NLT with something like the ESV— to see what I mean. NLT Translation notes:Rom. 1:8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your [fully believing//faith] in him is being talked about all over the world.12 When we get together, I want to encourage you in your [fully believing in Christ//faith], but I also want to be encouraged [in the same way by you//by yours].16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—[both Jews, and also non-Jews//the Jew first and also the Gentile.[As I have said repeatedly already, translating pistis/pistew (same root word) by the different-appearing words in English ‘faith’ and ‘believe can cause misunderstanding for some English speakers. (This certainly happens in Indonesian where the same root was translated as ‘iman’ and ‘percaya’.) Keeping the word ‘believe’ in all places helps us to see the continuity/cohesion. Our being ‘made right’ in God’s sight is not accomplished by the fuzzy touchy-feely stuff Americans often refer to by the word ‘faith’.]17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by [our fully believing this message (the Good News)//faith]. As the Scriptures say, “It is through [fully believing//faith] that a righteous person has life.” 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/5279439

NL-Day136 Ruth 3-4; Psalm 89:19-52; 1 Timothy 6 05/10/2026

NL-Day136 Ruth 3-4; Psalm 89:19-52; 1 Timothy 6 RUTH 3-4:In yesterday’s start to the book of Ruth, we saw how Naomi was left all alone, and how one of her two daughters-in-law, Ruth, left her family and idols to accompany Naomi and to follow Naomi’s God. Then it just so happened that Ruth was noticed by a man named Boaz while gathering left-behind grain in his field. PSALM 89b:Ethan, the psalm-writer was very wise in his prayer. He started his prayer with praise and adoration. Then starting in verse 19 he reminded God of his promises to Israel about the everlasting dynasty of David. But this is all building up to the big problem that Ethan will bring up in verse 38. 1TIMOTHY 6:Yesterday we heard Paul’s instructions to Timothy about widows and about judging cases where church leaders are accused of wrong-doing. The chapter ended with two encouragements to Timothy. NLT Translation notes:1Tim. 6:1 All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on [God’s reputation//the name of God] and his teaching.10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true [true way of believing//faith] and pierced themselves with many sorrows.11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with [full and proper belief//faith], love, perseverance, and gentleness.12 Fight the good fight for [our true beliefs//the true faith]. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 21 Some people have wandered from the [true way of believing//faith] by following such foolishness.[And to all who read this, may God’s grace be with you!//May God’s grace be with you all.] 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/5276025

NL-Day135 Ruth 1-2; Psalm 89:1-29; 1 Timothy 5 05/10/2026

NL-Day135 Ruth 1-2; Psalm 89:1-29; 1 Timothy 5 RUTH 1-2:The incident of the Levite and his concubine at Gibeah resulted in the civil war that we heard about yesterday. About 24,000 men died and many women and children as well. In certain things the army inquired of the Lord, and the Lord gave answers at his sanctuary. In the way they found wives for the decimated tribe of Benjamin, the men of Israel were repeatedly so concerned that they not break their vows. Paradoxically, they did many other things without any concern whatsoever about acting according to God’s revealed will. Let’s consider that story as a warning. Beware of the human tendency of myopic obedience to a prefered list of rules, while living like a pagan in other respects. Again the theme statement is repeated in the last verse of the book, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” And now we turn to the book of Ruth. The Talmud attributes the authorship of this book to Samuel. The story of Ruth took place during the same time as the book of Judges, but the book of Ruth is a big contrast with Judges. Ruth shows that the times were not always as dark and sinful as what is portrayed in Judges. Ruth and her second husband, Boaz, figure in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1. PSALM 89a:The author of this poem— who was named Ethan, praises God for the covenant the Lord made especially with David. The first 3/4 is beautiful in the recitation of the wonderful promises given to Israel and to David. In these, we readers at this time often see a fulfillment in Jesus, the ‘Son of David’. But suddenly at verse 38, the writer claims that God has broken his promises to David. We will hear that contrast tomorrow. 1TIMOTHY 5:In the 4th chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul showed that he considered his era as ‘the last times’. For the Jews, the coming of the Messiah signaled the beginning of the end times. Paul's advice is just as appropriate to us as to Timothy. Half of that chapter was personal advice and encouragement to Timothy in his role as a pastor, and God has passed those words on to all in church leadership today. NLT Translation notes:1Tim. 5:4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show [that they serve God in their homes/godliness at home] and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God. 1Tim. 5:8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied [our true way of believing//the true faith]. Such people are worse than unbelievers.12 Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous pledge [to live only for Christ]. 22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. [In this way, ] Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.24 Remember, [that] the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later.25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. [Be encouraged that your//And the] good deeds done in secret will someday come to light. 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/5275956

NL-Day134 Judges 20-21; Psalm 88; 1 Timothy 4 05/10/2026

NL-Day134 Judges 20-21; Psalm 88; 1 Timothy 4 JUDGES 20-21:In yesterday's reading, the people of Dan took all the items in Micah's household shrine and Micah's Levite priest. The priest’s name was given at the end of the chapter. He was the grandson of Moses! And then the Danites slaughtered the unsuspecting residents of Laish, forgetting about the law about giving terms of surrender before attacking. Then we heard of the unnamed Levite and his concubine (meaning, additional inferior-status wife). Nothing happened according to God's will in this story. While the author says nothing negative about any of the characters, all had their faults. However, the Levite stands out as a terrible husband. And what happened at Gibeah— as we will see today— becomes the basis for Israel's first civil war. PSALM 88:This poem is perhaps the most-dark of all the despairing psalms. One encouragement to us is that God has now revealed things about our hope of heaven which were unknown to the writer. This psalm offers no hope or encouragement. But the presence of Psalm 88 in Scripture gives us permission when in our darkest depression to come to God in prayer speaking words like found here. 1TIMOTHY 4:Yesterday in the 3rd chapter of First Timothy we heard one of the key passages in God's Word on the qualifications of church leaders. The chapter ended with a fragment of an early worship song. Note how important the ‘conscience’ is to Paul!1:5 The purpose of this order is to arouse the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and [(sincerely) believing in true teaching (without pretending/hypocrisy)//a genuine faith]. 3:9 [PET they must believe fully in the true teachings which God has revealed to us, and must live with a clear conscience.1:19 and [to keep on believing in true teaching//keep your faith] and [to live with] a clear conscience. Some people have not listened to their conscience and [have wrecked their minds so that they are no longer able to believe in true teaching//have made a ruin of their faith].4:2 Such teachings are spread by deceitful liars, whose consciences are dead, as if burnt with a hot iron. NLT Translation notes:14 O LORD, why do you reject me?Why do you [keep turning// turn] your face [away] from me?====1Tim. 4:1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from [true beliefs//our true way of believing//the true faith]; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by [believers//faithful people] who know the truth. 6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the [message of faith and] the good teaching[s] you have followed[— the teachings about our beliefs].[Literally “words of faith” is plural, unlike ‘message’. PET: \6 Teach things like this to the brothers and sisters in the faith there, so that you'll be proven to be His good servant before our Lord Christ Jesus. A good servant of Christ must become more and more mature in all kinds of teachings that build up our beliefs— like the good teachings that you already follow.]12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your [fully believing//faith], and your purity. 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/5274938

NL-Day133 Judges 18-19; Psalm 87; 1 Timothy 3 05/10/2026

NL-Day133 Judges 18-19; Psalm 87; 1 Timothy 3 JUDGES 18-19:In Judges yesterday, we heard the famous and tragic story of Samson and Delilah. Victory, in that case, was not ‘sweet’. Then we heard the start of the story about Micah and the not so nice background of his personal idols and shrine. This is the first time so far in Judges where we have heard the repeated theme sentence of this book, “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” (17:6) PSALM 87:This is a prophetic psalm. The writer gives a picture of what is foretold in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation about the glory of the New Jerusalem. Every tribe, tongue, and nation will be found there because they will have come to know the Lord. 1TIMOTHY 3:In chapter 2, Paul began his discussion of what Timothy should teach the congregation with the topic of prayer. We pray according to God's will if we pray for the salvation of others. God is always pleased with this prayer because we mirror his own heart. However the words of this chapter should not be twisted to say that every single person will be saved, or that the saving sacrifice that Jesus made will cover people who refuse to believe the Gospel. Chapter 2 also contains a part of Paul’s teaching about women, including that they should place high importance on being clothed with good deeds, and should dress and act sensibly and modestly. They are not to seek to take authority over men. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 87:4 [God says, “] I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me—also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia.They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!====1Tim. 3:9 They must be committed to the mystery of the [beliefs/faith] now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their [belief/faith] in Christ Jesus.16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our [way of believing//faith]:Christ was revealed in a human bodyand vindicated by the Spirit.He was seen by angelsand announced to the nations.[He has been taken up to heaven in glory,And people throughout the world have believed in Him.///He was believed in throughout the worldand taken to heaven in glory.] 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/5273007

NL-Day132 Judges 16-17; Psalm 86; 1 Timothy 2 05/10/2026

NL-Day132 Judges 16-17; Psalm 86; 1 Timothy 2 JUDGES 16-17:Yesterday we heard of Samson's disastrous marriage, and his first major victory over the Philistines. Ways in which Samson disobeyed God's Laws are that he touched and even ate from a carcass, he murdered people when not at war, and he associated with pagans and even married one of them. In spite of this, God used him as a tool. PSALM 86:In this psalm David models effective prayer. Let’s follow his example! 1TIMOTHY 2:Yesterday we started Paul’s first letter to Timothy. As I said yesterday, this is a personal letter to Timothy, and it is one of the group of letters called the Pastoral Epistles, or sometimes called the 5 T’s. Central to the Pastoral Epistles is Paul’s concern for true teaching in the church, and he especially stressed avoiding the controversies that at that time came from Jewish background believers. These letters often include a listing of various things, and one example is the list of the types of lawlessness in chapter one. Paul frequently mentions how important it is for believers to keep a clear conscience. And chapter one also contained one of several Pastoral ‘trustworthy sayings’. A more unique point for chapter one is that Paul called himself the ‘chief of sinners’. Additional commentary:In twenty15, a woman wrote after hearing this chapter complaining about Paul’s attitude toward women. I hope I can help some listeners by saying this: If you do not like what Paul wrote here, consider that Paul knew the audience was writing to. Compare what Paul said in Ephesians 5 with what Peter said in 1 Peter 3, and note how Paul lovingly wrote in this same letter about taking care of widows. It can be shown that Scripture played an important role in history to raise the position of both women and slaves. If you are interested in this general topic, you might also be interested in the translation note for verse 15 in the episode notes for today. Let me tell the story of a missionary who served with me in Indonesia. Before Ron Kriens was a Christian and was working as a bus driver in a big city, he was impressed by Jesus’ resurrection and reputation as a teacher, so he was willing to accept Jesus’ words, and at first would only read Jesus’ teachings. But then he found that Jesus said that after his death, the Holy Spirit would lead his disciples into all truth. So he read books penned by Jesus’ disciples, John and Peter. Then he discovered that Peter respected Paul’s writings as Scripture. (2Ptr. 3) And finally, at some point, I know that he realized how important understanding the Old Testament is to understanding the New Testament. I tell Ron’s story to say this: God’s Word is a unity. The very coherence of the message is wonderful proof of God’s sovereignly in controlling the writings which have come down to us. We will find the most joy and peace in submitting to our sovereign Creator fully and not rejecting any part of His Word. NLT Translation notes:1Tim2:1 [PET: I advise you to teach these things to the church you serve. First of all, every member of the church should give all kinds of prayer requests to God for everyone else— and also give thanks.//I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.]7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about [fully believing//faith] and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.15 [PET: As a result of that sin, the female descendants of Eve fall under the punishment of God in having pain when giving birth. But even so, God is ready to help and save each woman— if she keeps fully believing in Him, does loving acts, and lives a holy and wise life.//NLT:/But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.]Cross reference and footnote in the PET: See Gen. 3:1-13. This verse can also be translated, “Even so, God will make each woman safe when giving birth to children— as long as she keeps fully believing in Him, does loving acts, and lives a holy and wise life.” 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/5270266

NL-Day131 Judges 14-15; Psalm 85; 1 Timothy 1 05/10/2026

NL-Day131 Judges 14-15; Psalm 85; 1 Timothy 1 JUDGES 14-15:Yesterday we heard the conclusion of Jephthah's six years as a judge of Israel. Then we heard briefly of three more judges, and then about the miracles preceding the birth of Samson. PSALM 85:This psalm is one appropriate at any time and to anyone. There are hidden nuggets of spiritual gold here— deep truths that are worth digging for. 1TIMOTHY 1:Yesterday in the final chapter of Galatians, Paul continued what he was saying (from chapter 5) about the contrast between being led by God's Spirit versus allowing our sinful natures to lead us. And Paul returned to something he said in chapter two, explaining the figure of being crucified with Christ. It means being so much in union with Christ as to consider ourselves dead to this world. Paul had marks on his body that were much more valuable than circumcision, and those were the scars he had gained as a representative of Christ. Today we turn to Paul’s first letter to Timothy. This contrasts with the letter we have just finished in that it is personal correspondence written to Paul’s disciple. Timothy was so dear to Paul that he considered him a son. Paul had given Timothy— who was still a young man, the task of shepherding the church at Ephesus. This book is important for the personal advice, for personal insight given about Paul, for insight into church leadership, and for the sound teachings for us to follow. NLT Translation notes:Jdg. 15:7 [Then Samson vowed,] “Because you did this,” [0//Samson vowed,] “I won’t rest until I take my revenge on you!”====1Tim. 1:4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of [fully believing//faith] in God.5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine [belief/faith]. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He [helped me to fully believe in Christ//filled me with [belief//the faith]] and [filled me with] love that come[s] from Christ Jesus.19 Cling to your [full belief//faith] in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their [beliefs//way of believing//faith] has [been a shipwreck// suffered shipwreck//been shipwrecked]. 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/5269285

127: Reader Take Note: Buckling the belt of truth, Day 2 05/07/2026

127: Reader Take Note: Buckling the belt of truth, Day 2 Review: This podcast is Day number 2 in my series about Buckling the belt of truth. In the first day in this series (which can be found by searching for 195 or the word ‘buckling’, I explained what I consider to be the first step in putting on the belt of truth. The belt of truth 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. The belt of truth is put on by believing what God says. (Remember: Believing = faith.) The belt of truth includes all of the truth found in Scripture. But if you just believe a lot of general truths found in the pages of the Bible, but don’t believe what the Bible says about YOURSELF (your own identity), it would be like leaving your house with your belt in your belt loops, but not buckled. Everyday we live in a spiritual war zone. You’ll be at a great disadvantage if your belt isn’t buckled! The main thing I am after in this belt-buckling is living in spiritual victory and standing firm in our worldly battle with the flesh and the devil. What God says about you in the Bible often seems too good to believe, because the devil has been feeding us lies about ourselves all of our lives. So, taking one example from the Day 1 lesson, when we read in the Bible, “God loves you,” the truth of this seems to bounce off of our minds. “How nice,” we think, “but God can’t really love me because I am so bad.” We must seek to notice the things we find in the Bible that are repelled by our minds. Write them down. Underline them. Preach to yourself that you should believe what God clearly says about you. Pray, asking for God to make the concepts clear and believable to you. Meditate on those things, and you will start seeing your life being transformed by God’s Word. Here are some major mind-challenging truths from our Day 1 study: God loves us. We often unfairly think of God as an angry judge. God’s Word tells us that we are one with Christ, 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 hold of this identity. Paul wants us to understand all these things so that we understand that God will use his power to help us. Residue from Day 1: Here’s something I ask you to bear in mind: We each have different versions of what the Bible calls ‘flesh’. The flesh is basically the evil and selfish desires that spring from our bodies. Men and women are normally very different in their sinful desires. And even among Christians of the same sex, one sin may be highly adictive to you, but not to your fellow brother or sister. This means that Bible verses that I will share which mean so much to me may not ring any bells for you. If so, I hope you will still find basic principles in my presentation that will apply powerfully to you. I think that it is important to remove a faulty excuse for persistent sin that many people use. In Romans 7:24 Paul says, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Please do not take the end of Romans 7 to negate what Paul was saying in chapter 6 and 8! The theme of chapter 6 is given by the NLT translators in the section heading, “Sin’s Power is Broken.” And Romans 6:6 is a key verse for buckling the belt of truth: “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.” Here’s why readers have been confused by Romans 7:24: In Rom. 7:5-6, Paul brings up a difficult concept: “For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the lawThen starting in verse 7, Paul explains how the law gets involved in our ‘living in the flesh’. Note that for 17 verses more, Paul carries on for an uncharacteristically long time without mentioning Christ. That’s because he is either talking about how living in the flesh works out for someone who doesn’t know Christ, or someone who forgets about Christ and reverts to living in the flesh., were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.” But Paul doesn’t leave us wallowing in our fleshly weaknesses (in 7:24-25) with ‘Wretched man that I am’, but quickly returns to his victorious theme. In chapter 8:2 he says: “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” And then he begins to talk about living in the Spirit. Clearly, we are supposed to start having victory because of the Spirit. Understanding our spiritual position plus the help of the Spirit allows us to ‘put to death’ various sins that beset us. Yes, I must admit that as long as we are in our bodies, we will stumble. We are ‘saints’ (holy people) who occasionally still fall into sin. However, overwhelming victory over fleshly sin is available to us. Don’t be satisfied with falling back to being a ‘wretched man’ or woman like Romans 7:24 when you have the riches of chapter 8 available! THEME: Buckle up the belt of truth regarding your PRESENT RESURRECTION LIFE. ROM.6.1-14, 8:10-13; 12:1-2 2CO.5.14-15 GAL.2.19-20 COL.3.1-11 EPH2.6 There are basically four steps to buckling the belt of truth: Realize: Be alert when reading the Bible for truths that are presented as true for believers in Christ, but which seem too good to be true. Note them down, and check out translations like the NLT, GNT, and NET to make sure you are understanding what the Scripture says. Ask God to help you overcome your difficulty in believing the truth you have discovered. It may be appropriate to ask God to help you discover if strong opposing ideas are coming from demonic influence or previous sins that you should confess. Meditate on the scriptural truth you are working to internalize. Imagine how your life would be different if you started to live according to that truth. Take any steps the Holy Spirit gives you to put your new identity into practice. Today’s topic for belt-buckling is our resurrection life in unity with Christ. This goes along with Romans 6:6 that we just read: “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.” Being ‘crucified with Christ’ of course means that in some sense we have died. There’s a truth that will definitely bounce off your mind! It will go in one ear and right out the other. This is because we are dealing with a spiritual reality, not something that we can see with physical eyes or understand with earthly minds. It will often help to consult a meaning based translation when we deal with spiritual realities. Let me illustrate from my experience in Indonesia. I was speaking to a small congregation and I read Colossians 3:1-3 in the default Indonesian literal translation. You’ll understand better if I read the ESV: 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. There was a man on the second row who must have been an elder in the church, and I put him on the spot. I said to him, “This verse says, ‘For you have died’. Have you died?” And he replied, “No.” So I asked someone else to read the verses again and I again asked the man, “Sir, this verse in your Bible says ‘You have died.’ Have you died?” And he again said, “No.” I would have been smiling by now, because I knew this would help me make my point. I said, “This verse says ‘You have died’. Is there a spiritual way that you have died?” “Oh,” he said, “well yes, if you put it that way!” The next thing I would have done is to read our translation, which makes the verse much clearer. So let’s read the NLT for those verses: Col. 3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Our first step that I mentioned above is to realize that this truth is something every Christian is supposed to believe. I hope you will take steps 2 and 3, namely Asking God how to do this and Meditating on this truth. But we are helped significantly in step 4, as Paul gives us steps to follow in the next part of Colossians 3. For now, I am leaving those as homework. Let’s go back to Colossians 2 to pick up more important ideas about how God releases us from our fleshly weaknesses. Col. 2:11 NLT When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. In verse 11, we see a different spiritual reality: That of our receiving a spiritual circumcision. This invisible circumcision was performed by Christ, and putting two and two together, I conclude that his own crucifixion is what made this possible. Verse 12 is linked with the word ‘For’, describing how this circumcision takes place. 2:12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. So in chapter 3, Paul says we died, and here in chapter 2, we have been buried with Christ when we were baptized. This is exactly what Romans 6 says also. Note that the spiritual reality of our spiritual death and resurrection is so important that God gave a command for all believers to be baptized, so that all believers would have the physical experience of baptism to remind them. We can see the picture in the Lord’s supper, where we take the symbols of Jesus’ death right into our bodies. We in effect become unified with the Lord in that sacrement (John 6:56). We see our spiritual death in Jesus’ words in Mark 8:34: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Look deeper and you will find this concept in so many places. It turns out that if we are to be ‘born again’ (as in John 3), then it implies that something fatal has happened to our old life. Consider the details: We are born again ‘of water and the Spirit’. (John 3:5) I love the powerful implications of our being ‘crucified with Christ’ in Romans 12:1-2. Rom. 12:1-2 NLT And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. In our Plain Indonesian Translation we found it more powerful to translate ‘give your bodies to God’ as a promise spoken directly to God: “O God, I offer up my body as a sacrifice to You.” I suggest that you, my listener, say that out loud: “O God, I offer up my body as a sacrifice to You.” Now notice that your having made that commitment is the prerequisite for verse 2! This is the way that we ‘let God transform’ us into new people! We become transformed in our minds. We will think differently. There is an added bonus promise: We will discover God’s will for us, “which is good and pleasing and perfect.” I think by now you will agree with me. This is what we want! And I hope that I have proved that this spiritual reality of our being crucified with Christ and resurrected by the Spirit is the key to our transformation. Unlock this transformation by following the steps of Realizing, Asking God for his help, Meditating on this spiritual reality, and Taking the steps given to you by the Spirit and guided by passages like Colossians 3. Do those things while reading these passages: ROM.6.1-14, 8:10-13; 12:1-2 2CO.5.14-15 GAL.2.19-20 COL.3.1-11 EPH2.6 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/24584514

NL-Day130 Judges 12-13; Psalm 84; Galatians 5:22-6:18 05/03/2026

NL-Day129 Judges 10-11; Psalm 83; Galatians 5 05/03/2026

NL-Day129 Judges 10-11; Psalm 83; Galatians 5 JUDGES 10-11:Yesterday we heard the conclusion of the story of Gideon. It is a pity that Gideon was so successful, but that a half-son and unfaithful people ruined his legacy. I am always very disappointed that Gideon so quickly turns to idolatry after God has worked so fantastically through him. The whole story, including the part about Abimelech, supports the verse which says, “Whatever you sow, that is also what you will reap.” PSALM 83:This is a psalm asking God to stop being silent when Israel was praying for relief from their enemies. And we now have the background to understand the names mentioned by Asaph. GALATIANS 5:In chapter 4, Paul continued to use Old Testament pictures to show the teaching that is central to this book: Gentiles do not need to be circumcised because we have been freed from the Law of Moses. We do not need to earn favor with God. We have already been adopted as sons and are considered heirs of God's promises. Proof of this is that the Spirit of Jesus is in our hearts. Remember that in Greek, ‘faith’ and ‘believe’ have the same root word. Most other English words— like ‘operate’ and ‘operation’, show their root word similarity. It is an unfortunate quirk of English that it doesn’t work that way for ‘believe’ and ‘faith’. To help you see the cohesion and how Paul is harping on this one concept, I suggest reading this book substituting ‘fully believe’ for ‘faith’. NLT Translation notes:Gal. 5:5But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive [through believing//by faith] the righteousness God has promised to us.[Again, ‘faith’ and ‘believe’ are the same root word in Greek, differing no more than ‘operate’ and ‘operation’ or ‘performance’ and ‘perform’. In pointing this out and using the verb ‘believe’ rather than the noun form, I am trying to restore cohesion and clarity. And I do this because the word ‘faith’ is used today with all sorts of fuzzy and mystical unbiblical meanings.]6 For when we [fully believe//place our faith] in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is [fully believing//faith] expressing [that belief//itself] in love. 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/5267508

NL-Day128 Judges 8-9; Psalm 82; Galatians 4 05/03/2026

NL-Day128 Judges 8-9; Psalm 82; Galatians 4 JUDGES 8-9:Yesterday we heard of Gideon who led Israel in a miraculous victory over the hoards of Midian using only three hundred men. Gideon struggled with believing that God would actually use him, and God was amazingly patient with Gideon— giving him sign after sign. Because of this, Gideon really is not the best example for us to follow of how to trust God and live a life of faith. PSALM 82:Do you ever get upset about injustice on earth? Here is a psalm for you. GALATIANS 4:The Jews called non-Jews ‘sinners’ because they did not follow the Law of Moses. But the Jewish Christians themselves also become ‘sinners’ if they leave the old system of relying on the Law, but then require non-Jews to be circumcised. The important thing is to be joined as one with Christ, not simply being followers of a religion. Being joined to Christ means dying (considering ourselves to be dead) to old things (including religious practices). Yesterday in the 3rd chapter of Galatians we heard an important teaching about the purpose of the Law. The Law did not replace the promise that was given to Abraham. And the way for us to follow Abraham and become heirs to the promise given to Abraham (even if we are not his physical descendants) is through _fully believing_ as Abraham did. NLT Translation notes:Gal. 4:5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own [sons//children].[Paul uses the legal Roman law term for the adoption of sons. By their law, such adoption was irrevocable! Men feel squeamish at being included in the Bride of Christ. So in this case, ladies, I suggest that it is good for you to rejoice that you are included as having the rights of sons. This same term occurs in Rom. 8:15, 8:23, 9:4, and Eph. 1:5.]6 And because we are his [sons//children], God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own [son//child]. And since you are his [son//child], God has made you his heir. 9 So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God [recognizes you as his sons//knows you]), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? 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/5266919

NL-Day127 Judges 6-7; Psalm 81; Galatians 2:17–3:29 05/03/2026

NL-Day127 Judges 6-7; Psalm 81; Galatians 2:17–3:29 JUDGES 6-7:Yesterday we heard the story of Deborah and Barak. (Say, that name sounds familiar!) Barak doesn't get the glory for his notable defeat of Israel's enemy, Sisera. Instead the crowning glory goes to a woman named Jael, who happened to see a new use for a tent peg. The poem in chapter 5 includes taunts to Israel's tribes who ‘sat on their hands’ and didn't get involved in the war. PSALM 81:This poem has a mysterious part in verse 5, where an unknown voice (or perhaps ‘language’) speaks to us. But immediately afterward the unknown voice clearly belongs God, who speaks in the first person to us. GALATIANS 3:Review 2:17-21 in the PET: 17 But there are Jews who believe in Christ who still don’t understand the way we are made right in God’s sight— which is only through union with Christ. For them, if we no longer depend on the Law to become right in God’s sight, we’ve become ‘sinners’. That’s definitely wrong! Becoming a follower of Christ definitely doesn’t mean that we’ve become ‘sinners’! 18 For we in the past taught, “Let’s become right in God’s sight by depending on Christ.” If we now teach, “Turn away from Christ and depend on the Law again,” it becomes very evident that we really are ‘sinners’! 19 And this is what I’ve experienced: When I tried in my own strength to obey the whole Law, I finally realized that I’m not able to do it, and would die in my sin. But it was in that despair that I realized the gift of God through Christ— which is eternal life. Now I consider that I’ve been crucified with Christ. 20 That means that I no longer control my life, but Christ is the One who is living in and through me. Now I live my whole life in this worldly body only through believing in the Son of God, who loved me so much that He gave Himself to redeem me. 21 So I reject turning away from the kindness of God which we receive through our union with Christ in order to go back to working to be made right in God's sight based on the Law. For if we suppose that mankind can be made right by obeying the Law, then it was useless for Christ to die for us! NLT Translation notes:Gal. 3:1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast [this/an] evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives [with the power of//in] the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?6 In the same way, “Abraham [fully] believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his [believing/faith].”[Here is a good example showing the reason for why I change NLT’s noun ‘faith’ to the verb ‘fully believe’. Faith has come to have too many un-biblical meanings in our culture! One could easily think— given the text before, that ‘faith’ was something different (or mystical) than the verb ‘believe’ just above in the same sentence. They are NOT different. In Greek the two are simply the verb and noun form of the same verb. Compare verse 14.]7 The real [sons//children] of Abraham, then, are those who [fully believe//put their faith] in God.[Similarly for ‘faith’ in 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 23, 24, and 26. We will see in chapter 4 that Paul uses the legal Roman law term for the adoption of sons. Even women get adopted and have rights equal to sons.]14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through [fully believing//faith].[Here is another place where both the verb and noun form (believe/faith) occur in the same verse. We don’t receive the Holy Spirit by some vague and mystical faith, but by believing in clear content.] 26 For you are all [sons//children] of God through [believing//faith] in Christ Jesus.27 And all who have been [joined/united] with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 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/5266240

NL-Day126 Judges 4-5; Psalm 80; Galatians 2 05/03/2026

NL-Day126 Judges 4-5; Psalm 80; Galatians 2 JUDGES 4-5:We heard yesterday that around the time of Joshua's death, an angel appeared to the people of Israel and rebuked them for disobedience. In chapter 2, the author of Judges summarized the fickleness of the people. And in chapter 3 we quickly heard about Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar— the first three judges. PSALM 80:In this poem, Asaph pictures the Lord as a shepherd and Israel like a vine. It is no accident that both of these are also pictures of Jesus in the New Testament. This psalm is marked by the repetition of these words, “Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven’s Armies.” GALATIANS 2:This chapter contains difficult concepts for many modern readers! It complicates things when Paul repeats the word ‘sinners’ with slightly different shades of meaning while mixing in irony. I suggest that you take a look at our Plain English Translation text below. 14 So when I saw that their behavior was contrary to the truth of the Good News about Christ, in front of them all I rebuked Peter, “Even though you’re a Jew, just recently you behaved like a non-Jew when you still associated with them. So now it isn’t at all proper for you to align yourself with the group who want to force non-Jews to live according to Jewish rules!” Jews and non-Jews are saved only through fully believing in Christ 15 Our brothers and sisters who were born Jewish— including myself, have at times, of course, followed the tradition of the Jews by calling people who aren't Jews ‘sinners’ because they don’t obey the Law. 16 But now we know that no one can be made right in God's sight by obeying the Law. The only way to be made right in God's sight is by believing in Christ Jesus— whether one is Jewish or not! So we who are Jews are evidently ‘sinners’ also, but now we have believed in Christ Jesus to be made right in God's sight. It isn’t possible to be made right in God’s sight by obeying the Law, because no one is able to obey the whole Law. 17 But there are Jews who believe in Christ who still don’t understand the way we are made right in God’s sight— which is only through union with Christ. For them, if we no longer depend on the Law to become right before God, we’ve become ‘sinners’. That’s definitely wrong! Becoming a follower of Christ definitely doesn’t mean that we’ve become ‘sinners’! 18 For we in the past taught, “Let’s become right in God’s sight by depending on Christ.” If we now teach, “Turn away from Christ and depend on the Law again,” it becomes very evident that we really are ‘sinners’! 19 And this is what I’ve experienced: When I tried in my own strength to obey the whole Law, I finally realized that I’m not able to do it, and would die in my sin. But it was in that despair that I realized the gift of God through Christ— which is eternal life. Now I consider that I’ve been crucified with Christ. 20 That means that I no longer control my life, but Christ is the One who is living in and through me. Now I live my whole life in this worldly body only through believing in the Son of God, who loved me so much that He gave Himself to redeem me. 21 So I reject turning away from the kindness of God which we receive through our union with Christ in order to go back to working to be made right in God's sight based on the Law. For if we suppose that mankind can be made right by obeying the Law, then it was useless for Christ to die for us! + 2:15-21 Our (inclusive) The Greek language doesn’t distinguish between ‘our’ inclusive (kita) and ‘our’ exclusive (kami), so there are those who interpret that Paul’s words to Peter ended with the last word in verse 14, or verse 16, or verse 21. It is likely that verses 15-21 are a summary of what Paul told Peter and all of the people at the meeting in Antioch. + 2:18 verse 18 In this verse Paul uses the illustration of a building to symbolize a religious system, and uses ‘I’ hypothetically, as just an example. Paul wrote more literally, “For if I start to rebuild what I’ve torn down in the past, then I’m obviously a law breaker.” NLT Translation note:Gal. 2:6 And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders [makes/made] no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) Gentiles → non-Jewsfaith → (fully-)believing 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/5264920

NL-Day125 Judges 2-3; Psalm 79; Galatians 1 05/03/2026

NL-Day125 Judges 2-3; Psalm 79; Galatians 1 JUDGES 2-3:Yesterday we heard how the tribe of Judah was more successful in driving out the Canaanites than the other tribes. Several of the tribes just moved in with their enemies. PSALM 79:This lament by Asaph is like Ps 74, talking about Jerusalem and the Temple conquered by enemies. There is a strong comparison with what we see starting to happen in Judges. GALATIANS 1:We heard the controversy over circumcision in Acts 15. This letter to the Galatian believers is on a similar theme, and it shows how Paul would have argued with the Jews of the circumcision party. Paul stays very much on this theme in this book— which in some ways foreshadows some arguments in the book of Romans. Important sections for memorizing include the ‘crucified with Christ’ passages in chapter 2 and 6, and the works of the flesh and fruits of the Holy Spirit in chapter 5. This book makes it perfectly clear that we are not saved by religion. We are saved by ‘faith’— which means ‘fully believing in Christ’. Do not fall into the trap of choosing between what James says about being saved by works and what Paul says. The two teachings are compatible. The saying taught to me by one of my spiritual fathers (Glen Zumwalt) is this: We are saved by ‘faith alone’; but saving faith will never be ‘alone’. Paul’s introduction in the first chapter is unique among his letters. He normally starts with praise for the congregation he is writing to. Not in this case! After he expresses his shock at the Galatian church, he goes on to remind them that the Good News they had so quickly abandoned was revealed directly to him by the Lord. NLT Translation notes:|Jdg. 3:12 Once again the Israelites did evil in the Lord ’s sight, and the Lord gave King Eglon of Moab control over Israel because of their evil.====Gal. 1:1This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ] himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. 6 [But] I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous [kindness/grace]. Then it pleased him16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. 23 All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very [beliefs//faith] he tried to destroy!” 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/5263375

NL-Day124 Judges 1; Psalm 78:32-72; Acts 28 05/03/2026

NL-Day124 Judges 1; Psalm 78:32-72; Acts 28 JUDGES 1:It happens that Psalm 78 is a perfect introduction to the book of Judges! This book covers the dark ages for the nation of Israel, from the time following Joshua’s death to the birth of the last judge, Samuel. HC Mears gives a good easy-to-remember summary: Seven apostasies (times of turning away from God), seven servitudes to seven idolatrous and cruel nations, and seven deliverances. The last verse is the author’s own summary, which is often repeated near the end of the book: “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” PSALM 78b:Asaph continues his poetic reminder to the people of Israel. In yesterday’s reading, I hope you wondered, “When did the tribe of Ephraim run from battle?” I encourage you to ask questions like that and do a little research. (See the Shovels page at dailybiblereading.info for sites that will give you good answers.) Because this comes up several more times in the OT, I want to tell you this: The Ephraimites were the largest of the northern tribes, and their name came to stand for all of the northern tribes in the time when people distinguished between the kingdom of Judah (in the south)and the kingdom of Israel (in the north). It is likely that there was no specific battle in Asaph’s mind, but that he was using the northern tribes as examples of what happens when the people are unfaithful to God. They refused to be numbered with God’s people in time of national wars. ACTS 28:As Paul prophesied, all two hundred and seventy-six people on board arrived safely on land, but the ship was lost. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 78:72 [David//He] cared for them with a true heartand led them with skillful hands.====Acts 28:15 The brothers and sisters in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at [a village called] the Forum on the Appian Way. Others joined us at [a village called] The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked 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/5262820

NL-Day123 Joshua 24; Psalm 78:1-39; Acts 27:18-44 04/26/2026

NL-Day122 Joshua 22-23; Psalm 77; Acts 27:1-26 04/26/2026

NL-Day121 Joshua 20-21; Psalm 76; Acts 26 04/26/2026

NL-Day120 Joshua 18-19; Psalm 75; Acts 25 04/26/2026

NL-Day120 Joshua 18-19; Psalm 75; Acts 25 JOSHUA 18-19:Yesterday we heard the details about Mannaseh and Ephraim's allotment of land. I suggest that it will be very helpful for your understanding of these chapters in Joshua to do an Internet search for “map tribes Israel.” PSALM 75:Do you remember what Paul talked to Felix about from yesterday’s reading? Asaph’s psalm takes a similar theme today. ACTS 25:Paul's accusers came, and Paul defended himself before the governor. The governor put off making a decision, and never got around to making one. One day at the beginning of that time, he and his Jewish wife came to listen to Paul for a little entertainment. But Felix cut the discussion short when Paul meddled a little too much. Paul stayed there in jail for two long years, and never gave a bribe to Felix. Finally Felix left Paul in prison when he was replaced by Festus. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 75:2 [You— O God, say,//God says,] “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. 5 Don’t raise your fists in defiance [against//at] the heavens or speak with such arrogance.6 [Yes, Lord,//For] no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness— should raise a defiant fist [against You!//.]7 It is [You//God] alone who judge[0//s]; [You decide//he decides] who will rise and who will fall.8 For [You, O Lord hold//the Lord holds] a cup in [your//his] hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. [You pour//He pours] out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs.9 But as for me, I will always proclaim what [You have//God has] done; I will sing praises to the [You—] God of Jacob.10 For [You say//God says], “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.” 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/5259746

NL-Day119 Joshua 16-17; Psalm 74; Acts 24 04/26/2026

NL-Day118 Joshua 14-15; Psalm 73; Acts 23:19-35 04/26/2026

NL-Day117 Joshua 12-13; Psalm 72; Acts 23:1-22 04/26/2026

NL-Day116 Joshua 10-11; Psalm 71; Acts 22 04/19/2026

NL-Day115 Joshua 8-9; Psalm 70; Acts 21:20-40 04/19/2026

NL-Day114 Joshua 6-7; Psalm 69:19-36; Acts 21:1-25 04/19/2026

NL-Day113 Joshua 4-5; Psalm 69:1-18; Acts 20:17-38 04/19/2026

NL-Day113 Joshua 4-5; Psalm 69:1-18; Acts 20:17-38 JOSHUA 4-5:In yesterday’s reading, Joshua sent out two spies. Rahab, who was a prostitute and later became an outstanding example of God's grace, protected them and eventually became a full member of Israel. The people of Israel crossed the Jordan miraculously on dry ground— even though the river was in flood stage, as Joshua leads following God's instructions. PSALM 69:This poem contains words that were quoted about Jesus (v. 4 and 9). Those verses give us an inside view of the nature of Jesus’ suffering while on earth in his public ministry. ACTS 20:In yesterday’s reading, Paul left Ephesus and prepared other churches for his departure. In Troas, Paul preached all night. Eutychus had trouble staying awake. And today we will hear all of Paul's speech at Miletus to the elders from the church at Ephesus. NLT Translation notes:Josh. 5:13 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and [asked him//demanded], “Are you friend or foe?” ====Ps. 69:3I am exhausted from crying for help;my throat is parched.My eyes are swollen with weeping,waiting for [You] my God to help me.====Acts 20:18 When they arrived he [began his speech//declared], “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now 21 I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of [fully believing//having faith] in our Lord Jesus.25 “And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the [Good News about God’s] Kingdom will ever see me again. 28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as [elders//leaders]. 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/5250619

NL-Day112 Joshua 2-3; Psalm 68:19-35; Acts 20:1-25 04/19/2026

NL-Day111 Joshua 1; Psalm 68:1-19; Acts 19:23-41 04/19/2026

NL-Day110 Deuteronomy 33-34; Psalm 67; Acts 19:1-22 04/19/2026

NL-Day109 Deuteronomy 31-32; Psalm 66; Acts 18 04/19/2026

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