Monday, March 31, 2014

DBRP_Apr01_2014 Num36 Ps48 Acts7a


Today we hear the conclusion of Numbers, with more about how each clan's allotment of land must stay within that clan even when inherited by daughters.

 
Psalm 48 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!
 
Today we hear 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.” Stephen's speech shows that he was NOT teaching against the laws or customs Moses gave the people of Israel.

 


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Sunday, March 30, 2014

DBRP_Mar31_2014 Num34-35 Ps47 Acts6


Today we hear about the boundaries for the nation of Israel, the 12 clan leaders, and about cities set aside for the Levites and cities of refuge to protect from unjust prosecution of murder.

http://biblehub.com/nlt/numbers/34.htm

 
Today three members of the worship team at Jakarta International Christian Fellowship read the jubilant Psalm 47.
 
Today we hear how grumbling in the ever-expanding group of believers in Jerusalem required that seven helpers (the first deacons) be appointed. 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.

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Saturday, March 29, 2014

DBRP_Mar30_2014 Num33 Ps46 Acts5b


Today we hear the listing of the stages of the nomadic journey of the people of Israel. God begins giving instructions for when the people were to enter the promised land.

http://biblehub.com/nlt/numbers/33.htm


Psalm 46 is the inspiration of the famous hymn, mighty fortress is our God.
 
Today we hear Peter and the apostles give fearless testimony before the Jewish high council. They are then beaten, but counted that as an honor.

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Friday, March 28, 2014

DBRP_Mar29_2014 Num32 Ps45 Acts5a


I am thinking that I will no longer attach PDF files starting on the April 1 podcast. I would like to have your feedback on this! My reason is that few listeners are using the PDFs, and I think just having three Biblehub page links in the program notes will be more convenient for most users. I would appreciate hearing from those of you who use the PDFs if the page links are more or less convenient for you.

Today we hear how the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh promised to go ahead of their fellow Israelites in battle on the west side of the Jordon, because they would receive land on the east side of the Jordan. In hinds site, 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.

http://biblehub.com/nlt/numbers/32.htm

Psalm 45 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.

http://biblehub.com/nlt/psalms/45.htm

Today we hear the sobering story of Ananias and Saphira. Then, just when God was using the apostles to perform many miracles, they were arrested.

http://biblehub.com/nlt/acts/5.htm


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Thursday, March 27, 2014

DBRP_Mar28_2014 Num31 Ps44 Acts4b


Today we hear of the conquest of the Midianite people. This story is an example of how hard it is for us humans to follow God's instructions. 

Psalm 44 shows extreme and unexpected 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.

Today we hear about the fearless praying of the believers after being commanded to no longer teach about Jesus. And we hear of the wonderful unity of spirit among them.


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DBRP_Mar27_2014 Num29-30 Ps43 Acts4a


The listing of sacrifices continues with those made during the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the 8-day Festival of Shelters. Then in Numbers 30 we hear laws concerning the annulment of rash vows. These laws show how seriously God takes any vows made to Him!

Psalm 43 is a companion to Psalm 42, containing the same refrain at the end. This is a prayer for God to defend and guide each of us as worshipers of the Lord.

Today we hear the start of the dramatic trial that happened after the apostles were arrested because of the healing of the lame man in chapter 3 and Peter's teaching about the resurrection of Jesus. The council recognized that these men had been with Jesus.


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DBRP_Mar26_2014


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Monday, March 24, 2014

DBRP_Mar25_2014 Num26 Ps41 Acts2b


NOTE to the 50 people who are listening on the date given for the podcasts: Sorry, the podcast for the 26th will be late in being released. Joel and I and several others will be visiting the Orya area and distributing Plain Indonesian New Testaments from village to village. 

Today we heard of the second registration of Israel's troops.

Psalm 41: God hears us when we are down and cry out for his help!

Today we hear the conclusion of Peter's first sermon. 3,000 people believed in Christ that day and were baptized. And the believers devoted themselves totally to the apostles' teaching.


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Sunday, March 23, 2014

DBRP_Mar24_2014 Num24-25 Ps40 Acts2a


Today we hear 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 40 is a psalm that is quoted in the New Testament. It is a great psalm of praise which conveys many New Testament concepts.

Today we hear how the Holy Spirit came with tongues of fire and a loud noise, and the beginning part of Peter's first famous sermon.


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Saturday, March 22, 2014

DBRP_23Mar_2014 Num22-23 Ps39 Acts1


Today we hear how Balak sent for the shaman Balaam to curse Israel, and we hear that God moved him instead to bless Israel two times. And a third sacrifice of 7 bulls and 7 rams was made.

Psalm 39 is a prayer for relief by David when he felt he was under the discipline of the Lord.

Today we hear about how Jesus' followers who were waiting in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit and for power from God.


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Friday, March 21, 2014

DBRP_Mar22_2014 Num21 Ps38 Luke24b


In Numbers 21, the Lord gave victory to the Israelites over the Amorites, and then over King Sihon. And because of their 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 38 is a beautiful song of repentance.

In today's reading, Jesus ascends to heaven after proving he is not a ghost and giving the Great Commission.


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Thursday, March 20, 2014

DBRP_Mar21_2014 Num19-20 Ps37b Luke24a


Today we hear about how the water of purification was made, involving the burnt offering of a red heifer and following very exacting requirements. Then we hear 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.

Marcia reads the conclusion of Psalm 37 for us.

Today we hear 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 Emaus.


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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

DBRP_Mar20_2014 Num17-18 Ps37a Luke23b


In today's portions of Numbers we hear how God proves again his choice of Aaron and the Levites by causing Aaron's staff to bud and even produce almonds. And God explains 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 37 is a so helpful for giving us the right perspective in our fallen world.

Today we hear the events of the crucifixion, including the miracle of the torn curtain in the temple. He was laid in the tomb, and the women prepared spices to anoint his body.

 


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DBRP_Mar19_2014 Num16 Ps36 Luke23a


Joel and I are in Papua. We are fine, but the Internet connection has made it impossible to upload this podcast. So I encourage you to read our portions for each day that I am here. If I cannot upload during my entire time that I am here, you will suddently find the new podcasts appear on the 27th of April!

Today we hear 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 have 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 (resulting in a plague).

Psalm 36 is a song praising God's unfailing love.

Today Jesus is tried by Pilato and Herode before Pilato caves into pressure and sentences Jesus to death. 


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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

DBRP_Mar18_2014 Num15 Ps35 Luke22b


In Numbers 15, we find 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 illustrated in chapter 15 also. The tassels that Tevia in Fiddler on the Roof doesn't know the meaning of are explained at the end of chapter 15.

In Psalm 34, David prays for victory against his enemy, which seems to be King Saul, because he David's enemy for no good reason— only because of envy.

Chapter 22 ends with Peter's denial of being a follower of Jesus, and we hear of the council's decision against Jesus.


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Monday, March 17, 2014

DBRP_Mar17_2014 Num14 Ps34 Luke22a


Today's chapter in Numbers contains a very important and dramatic story: The people of Israel became unable 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 is to plead with God in accordance with his character and quoting his promises!

Psalm 34 is one of the acrostic Psalms. The introduction that is part of the inspired Scripture gives clear context for this psalm of praise.

Today in Luke 22 we hear 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 Jesus three times.


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Sunday, March 16, 2014

DBRP_Mar16_2014 Num12-13 Ps33 Luke21b


Today we find out what the Lord thinks when we grumble against him! Let's remember Myriam. Then the Lord commanded to send out the spies, but after taking stock of the land of  Canaan, they brought an evil, unbelieving report. 

Psalm 33 is full of important wisdom for us! And this is an acrostic psalm.

Today we hear Jesus' prophecy about what will happen in judgement upon Jerusalem and before his return.


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Saturday, March 15, 2014

DBRP_Mar15_2014 Num10-11 Ps32 Luke21a


In Numbers 10 we hear about the signals given to the people using two silver trumpets, and about the first journey leaving Mount Sinai. Then we heard of the start of the grumbling against Moses. Moses appointed 70 leaders, and God sent quail in response to the people's complaints.

Psalm 32 gives essential spiritual principles conveyed in David's testimony. I encourage every listener to camp out a while in this psalm.

Chapter 21 starts with the short account about the widow's offering exceeding (according to heavenly reckoning) the large gifts of the rich. Most of the chapter is Jesus' most important teaching prophesying signs that will occur before he returns.


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Friday, March 14, 2014

DBRP_Mar14)2014 Num8-9 Ps31 Luke20b


Today we hear about the position of the lamps on the lampstand in the Holy Place, and the Levites are dedicated for service. The second Passover is celebrated. The Israelites receive their marching orders based on when the cloud moves from over the Tabernacle.

Psalm 31 is a desperate, yet confident, prayer for protection. This prayer models the secret of effective prayer— praying with full belief in the Lord.

In the last confrontation in Luke 20, Jesus soundly refutes the Sadducees. After this, his teaching further embarrasses and offends the religious teachers.


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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

DBRP_Mar13_2014 Num7 Ps30 Luke20a


In Numbers 7, we hear about the gifts given by the leaders of Israel following the dedication of the Tabernacle.

Psalm 30 is a wonderful song of thanks to God.

Today's reading in Luke 20a shows how the Jewish leaders tried to confront and discredit Jesus. I remember reading these passages in the summer after 6th grade and being so impressed with Jesus' wisdom.


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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

DBRP_Mar12_2014 Num5-6 Ps29 Luke19b


Today we hear how people with defiling diseases had to live separately from the camp. And we hear about cleansing for issues involving the conscience, and what a man might do if he suspected his wife of unfaithfulness. (A guy would have to be a real jerk seeking divorce to do this to his wife!) The 6th chapter dealt with the Nazarite vow, and the ended with the famous Aaronite blessing.

Psalm 29 is one of my personal favorite Psalms because of the response of the people in the temple to God's glorious revelations of himself in nature.

Today in Luke 19b, Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem. While on the road he weeps over Jerusalem because of the spiritual blindness of the leaders, and he cleanses the temple of commerce.


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Monday, March 10, 2014

DBRP_Mar11_2014 Num4 Ps28 Luke19a


Today we hear of the assignments for the Kohathite, Gershonite, and Merarite clans in regard to the care and moving of the Tabernacle, all under the direction of Aaron's sons.

In Psalm 28, David cries out to the Lord with all his heart. I love the imagery of the 'rock' and 'shield'.

In today's reading, Zacchaeus— a notorious sinner, dramatically comes to Jesus. Then Jesus tells a very thought-provoking parable. He is the King who will return and He will ask for an accounting from each of us— his servants.


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Sunday, March 9, 2014

DBRP_Mar10_2014 Num3 Ps27 Luke18b


Today we learn how the Levite clans were given separate tasks in the care of the tabernacle. God took the 12,000 Levites as a substitute for Israel's 12,273 first-born sons.

Today's Psalm is a beautiful song, expressing David's confidence in the Lord’s protection, and he asks the Lord to vindicate him.

Today in Luke 18, we hear of Jesus' encounter with the rich young man, Jesus again predicts his death, and blind Bartimeus (as named in Mark) is healed.


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Saturday, March 8, 2014

DBRP_Mar09_2014 Num2 Ps26 Luke18a


Today we hear about the organization of Israel's camp, having three tribes on each side of the tabernacle. This also determined their marching position when the whole group moved.

Psalm 26 is a personal lament It is similar to Psalm 25, but does not contain confession, David asked for God’s vindication because of his personal integrity. David shows his love for God by his devotion to God’s sanctuary.

Today in the first half of chapter 18, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the one about the Pharisee an d the tax collector. And we hear Jesus' surprising response to the rich young man.


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Friday, March 7, 2014

DBRP_Mar08_2014 Num1 Ps25 Luke17b


Today we start the book of Numbers. God orders a census of the men capable as soldiers in war. And we hear the list of the clan leaders of the 12 listed tribes, excluding Levi. (The number is 12 because the tribe of Joseph is split in two.)

Numbers is the 4th of Moses' 5 books. And this is the one that I have looked forward to as the hardest book of all to read! In this book we will see that unbelief hinders God's blessings for Israel. HC Mears says, “Numbers might be called the Wilderness Wanderings,” because it chronicles the journey. And “Numbers might be called the book of the March and the Roll Call. ... It might, too, be called the Book of Murmurings, because from beginning to end it is filled with the spirit of rebellion against God.”

“Leviticus dealt with the believers' worship— Numbers deals with the believer's walk.

In Leviticus we see the believers' privileges— in Numbers the wilderness is the drill field.”

Important lessons from the Book of Numbers:

1. We must trust God, not people.

2. God will supply all we need, including food, meat, water, leaders, and land.

3. We must worship God according to his instructions.

Jae Kim reads this for us today! Thanks, Jae! I hope some others of you will send a recording of you reading one of your favorite Psalms. This is our first acrostic poem. Verse 14 is translated as 'secret' by older translations, but is better translated as we have here, or in ESV, translated as 'friendship'. Here we read of the privilege of an intimate relationship with the Lord. 

Today we hear about the suddenness of the coming of Jesus as the Son of Man, and that believers will be suddenly taken out of a context that looks like 'business as usual'. Jesus again says that first He must suffer and be rejected.


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Thursday, March 6, 2014

DBRP_Mar07_2014 Lev26-27 Ps24 Luke17a


Numbers is the 4th of Moses' 5 books. And this is the one that I have looked forward to as the hardest book of all to read! In this book we will see that unbelief hinders God's blessings for Israel. HC Mears says, “Numbers might be called the Wilderness Wanderings,” because it chronicles the journey. And “Numbers might be called the book of the March and the Roll Call. ... It might, too, be called the Book of Murmurings, because from beginning to end it is filled with the spirit of rebellion against God.”

“Leviticus dealt with the believers' worship— Numbers deals with the believer's walk.

In Leviticus we see the believers' privileges— in Numbers the wilderness is the drill field.”

Important lessons from the Book of Numbers:

1. We must trust God, not people.

2. God will supply all we need, including food, meat, water, leaders,

and land.

3. We must worship God according to his instructions.

One of the most majestic psalms! This ends with the song for welcoming the triumphant Messiah into Jerusalem.

Today in 17a Jesus teaches about the importance of forgiving others, the importance of believing fully and being humble servants. Then we hear of the healing of 10 men who had a serious skin disease.


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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

DBRP_Mar06_2014 Lev25 Ps23 Luke16


Today we hear about the Sabbath year and the year of Jubilee. Before the Year of Jubilee, property could be redeemed. On the Jubilee year property was returned to the original owners and poor people who had became enslaved were set free. I suspect these laws were never done in all of Israel's history. If they were, perhaps only once— seventy years after Israel entered the land of Canaan.

Today we read the most famous psalm of all. Gale, my wife, has often said: Psalm 23 is so often quoted at funerals, but this is a psalm about living, not dying!

Today we hear two longer parables, both very insightful: The parable of the shrewd manager and the one about the rich man and Lazarus. Both of them show this lesson: “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they (those friends) will welcome you to an eternal home.”


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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

DBRP_Mar05_2014 Lev23-24 Ps22 Luke15


published early!

Today we hear about the seven important yearly celebrations of the Jewish religion. Then we hear about oil and bread for the tabernacle, and then there is the example of a law-break who was stoned to death for his crime of blasphemy.

This is one of the chief Messianic psalms, containing moving prophetic words about how Jesus would die on the cross.

Today we hear the three-part parable of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son. There is much treasure to dig for here! Consider taking some time to reflect on this wonderful chapter.


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DBRP_Mar04_2014 Lev21-22 Ps21 Luke14


Today we hear two chapters of regulations for the priests, all for the purpose of preserving their holiness.

Today's psalm is a companion to yesterday's, which was for the nation and the king in time of war. Today is a victory song.

Today in Luke 14, Jesus heals on the Sabbath, teaches about humility and the cost of being his disciple, and gives the parable of the great feast.


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Sunday, March 2, 2014

DBRP_Mar03_2014 Lev19-20 Ps20 Luke13


Please note that several podcasts will be published all at once. For those of you who are most up-to-date in listening and who can normally pick from the top of the list, you will need to scroll down the list in order to pick your next podcast.

Today we hear various laws that are for preserving the holiness of God's people, and various kinds of punishment for disobedience.

Psalm 20 is a prayer for the nation of Israel and their king, asking for national security in time of war.

Today's portion of Luke contains 3-4 parables and Jesus' call for the people to repent. As in this chapter, he heals on the Sabbath day. At the end of the chapter he grieves for Jerusalem.


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Saturday, March 1, 2014

DBRP_Mar02_2014 Lev17-18 Ps19 Luke12b


Please note that several podcasts will be published all at once on the evening of the 3rd of March. For those of you who are most up-to-date in listening and who can normally pick from the top of the list, you will need to scroll down the listing in order to pick your next podcast.

Today we learn about the rule that all sacrifices must be done at the tabernacle, the prohibitions of eating anything containing animal blood, and forbidden sexual practices.

Psalm 19 is a famous psalm celebrating the heavens and God's creation, and secondly celebrating the perfection of God's Word.

Today Jesus teaches about being ready for his return, and to guard against division.


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