Thursday, April 30, 2015

2015DBRP_121 Josh20-21 Ps76 Acts26


Yesterday we heard the details of land allotment and cities for the remaining 7 tribes with their clans. (Definitely a fun section to read to you!) Last of all, Joshua himself received a city.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.20.nlt

 

It only makes sense to know God and to be firmly on His side. As verse 10 says, Human defiance only enhances His glory and he uses it as a weapon against the same defiant ones.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.76

 

In yesterday's story in Acts, Festus took his position as governor and tried Paul. Afterward King Agrippa and his sister came, and the stage was set for Paul to defend himself again.

 

Translation note:

18to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by [fully believing//faith] in me.’

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.26


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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

2015DBRP_120 Josh18-19 Ps75 Acts25


Yesterday we heard the details about Mannaseh and Ephraim's allotment of land.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.18.nlt

 

Do you remember what Paul talked to Felix about from yesterday’s reading? Asaph’s psalm takes a similar theme today.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.75

 

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.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.25


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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

2015DBRP_119 Josh16-17 Ps74 Acts24


Yesterday Caleb received his special portion within Judah's allotment of land, and then we heard the detailed list of Judah's towns and boundaries.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.16.nlt

 

Could this psalm really have been written by Asaph?! If so, Asaph was a prophet as he seems to describe events that happened hundreds of years later in the Babylonian conquest.  It is possible he could have been a 100 year old man when writing this, speaking of the destruction caused by Pharaoh Shishak. It must be observed that the attributions in the Psalms were written centuries later than the Psalms themselves and are not to be considered part of the inspired text.  (However, I still think that Asaph was a prophet!)

 

Translation note:

21Don’t let [us/the] downtrodden [people] be humiliated again.

Instead, let the poor and needy praise your name.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.74

 

A plot was made to kill Paul. Paul's nephew “just happened” to get wind of it. The Roman commander ordered that Paul be taken to the governor in Caesarea.

 

Translation note:

24A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about [fully believing/faith] in Christ Jesus.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.24


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Monday, April 27, 2015

2015DBRP_118 Josh14-15 Ps73 Acts23b


Yesterday in Joshua we heard an inventory of the kings conquered so far and details about the allotments for the three tribes east of the Jordan.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.14.nlt

 

This is one of my favorite psalms because it speaks to an intellectual problem that so often bothers me. The turning point is verse 17 in this poem by Asaph.

 

Translation notes:

27Those who desert [You, O Lord//him] will perish,

for you destroy those who abandon you.

 

28But as for me, how good it is to be near God!

I have made [You O//the] Sovereign LORD my shelter,

and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.73

 

Paul before the council cried out words that divided the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!” Note that no one said, “But who says that Jesus has risen from the dead?!” The leaders could produce no proof that Jesus had not risen from the dead, and this fact also refuted the teaching of their sect, the sect of the Sadducees. So the resurrection of Jesus touched a very raw nerve for them. In the night, Jesus came personally to encourage Paul.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.23


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Sunday, April 26, 2015

2015DBRP_117 Josh12-13 Ps72 Acts23a


God fought for Israel in yesterday's reading, even causing the sun and moon to stand still. Basically the main central body of land was conquered in only two campaigns.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.12.nlt

 

It is clear that this psalm, written by King Solomon— or more likely written about King Solomon, goes beyond Solomon, giving adoration to the King of Kings.

 

Translation notes:

A psalm [for/of] Solomon.

NET tn The preposition could be understood as indicating authorship (“Of Solomon”), but since the psalm is a prayer for a king, it may be that the superscription reflects a tradition that understood this as a prayer for Solomon.

 

6May [our/the] king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass,

like the showers that water the earth.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.72

 

Paul gave his defense from the top of the stairway leading to the military headquarters. In spite of the miracles in his story, the mob was not impressed. It was the word ‘Gentiles’ that caused the final violent reaction.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.23


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Saturday, April 25, 2015

2015DBRP_116 Josh10-11 Ps71 Acts22


The king of Ai trusted in appearances, and was defeated. And the leaders of Israel trusted in appearances and failed to ask God for guidance, leading to a problem that would later cause more pain.

 

Translation note:

39He captured the town, its king, and all of its surrounding villages. He completely destroyed everyone in it, leaving no survivors. He did to Debir and its king just what he had done to Hebron and [0/to ] Libnah and [their kings//its king].

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.10.nlt

 

This is a poem written by an senior citizen with examples for our prayers that are appropriate for ‘youth’ of all ages.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.71.nlt

 

In the last part of Acts 21, people from Asia recognized Paul and started a riot. Paul was arrested and now gives his speech to the angry mob.

 

Translation notes:

11“I was blinded by [that/the] intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions.

 

28[The commander scoffed, “Oh yeah, I’ve heard that one before! Now you’re gonna say, ‘It cost me pleanty to buy my citizenship.’” //“I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!”]

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.22


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Friday, April 24, 2015

2015DBRP_115 Josh8-9 Ps70 Acts21b


Yesterday the walls of Jericho “came a-tumbling down” after some skillful trumpet playing while marching around the city for 7 days. The city was devoted to destruction, meaning that this was God's judgement upon them. Right after this amazing victory, Israel learned through a man named Achan that keeping treasures devoted to destruction makes oneself devoted to destruction.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.8.nlt

 

This psalm of remembrance is a repetition also of the last part of Psalm 40.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.70

 

Paul, Luke, and the other companions arrived in Jerusalem. On the way, Paul heard the prophecies that he should not go to Jerusalem. He received advice from James and the others which turned out to be disastrous in the end. Should Paul have followed the advice he was given by prophecy? My opinion is that he did the will of God which had already been revealed to him before those prophecies. In other words, the information in those prophecies that Paul would be arrested and beaten was from God. The interpretation that Paul should not go there was added by people, and Paul was right in not following their advice.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.21


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Thursday, April 23, 2015

2015DBRP_114 Josh6-7 Ps69b Acts21a


In yesterday’s reading, Joshua lead the people across the Jordan on dry ground, and they set up 12 stones in two places to be memorial reminders for the people of this miracle. All the men were circumcised, and the angel which is the commander of God's army revealed himself to Joshua.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.6.nlt

 

I will continue the reading of Ps 69 with three verses appropriate to Jesus’ life. Note that verse 22 is quoted by Paul in Romans 11.

 

Translation notes:

30Then I will praise [Your name, O God//God’s name] with singing,

and I will honor [You/him] with thanksgiving.

31For this will please [You/the] LORD more than sacrificing cattle,

more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.

32The humble will see their [You, O] God[,] at work and be glad.

Let all who seek [your help, O God//God’s help] be encouraged.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.69.nlt

 

Yesterday we heard Paul's speech to the Ephesian elders. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that they would never see him again. He warned them to be faithful in shepherding the people and to watch out for false teaching. In Revelation 2 we find out that they did as Paul commanded, but in their zeal to protect from error, they forgot to be loving.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.21.nlt


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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

2015DBRP_113 Josh4-5 Ps69a Acts20b


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 as Joshua leads following God's instructions.

https://www.bible.com/bible/68/psa.69.nlt

 

Psalm 69 contains words that were quoted about Jesus (v. 4 and 9). This psalm gives us an inside view of the nature of Jesus’ suffering while on earth in his public ministry.

 

Translation note:

3 I am exhausted from crying for help;

my throat is parched.

My eyes are swollen with weeping,

waiting for [You] my God to help me.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/68/psa.69.nlt

 

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.

 

Translation notes:

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 19 I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.

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.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.20.nlt


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Tuesday, April 21, 2015

2015DBRP_112 Josh2-3 Ps68b Acts20a


Yesterday we started the book of Joshua, named after the man God chose as Moses’ successor. In this book we will see the victory of the Chosen People in conquering the Promised Land (chapters 1-12) and then the occupation of the Promised Land (chapters 13-24). Three times i n Deuteronomy 31, we heard the charge, “Be strong and courageousi,” and that command was repeated three more times to Joshua in chapter 1.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.2.nlt

 

Yesterday we began Psalm 68. It starts with the words Moses spoke whenever the Ark of the Covenant was taken up to move to another place: “1Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies.”

And David adds, “Let those who hate God run for their lives.”

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.68.nlt

 

Yesterday we heard of how Alexander, the silver-smith shrine-making businessman, incited a riot against Paul.

 

Translation note:

25“And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached [this news about//the] [God’s] Kingdom will ever see me again.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.19.nlt


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Monday, April 20, 2015

2015DBRP_111 Josh1 Ps68a Acts19b


Yesterday we heard the conclusion of Deuteronomy with Moses blessing each of the tribes with a prophetic blessing. And then Moses died and the Lord buried him in an unknown location in Moab.

Now we turn to Joshua, the book named after the man God chose as Moses’ successor. In this book we see the victory of the Chosen People in conquering the Promised Land (chapters 1-12) and then the occupation of the Promised Land (chapters 13-24). Three times In Deuteronomy 31, we find the charge, “Be strong and courageous,” and that command is repeated to Joshua in the beginning of this book.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jos.1.nlt

 

Psalm 68 is a beautiful song of praise. It starts with the words that Moses spoke whenever the Ark of the Covenant was moved. Some say that this Psalm might have been intended to be sung when the Ark was moved. Paul quotes from v18 and 20 in Eph 4.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.68.nlt

 

Apollos was introduced in yesterday's reading. And Paul returned to Ephesus and had a miraculous and fruitful ministry there for three years.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.19.nlt


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Sunday, April 19, 2015

2015DBRP_110 Deut33-34 Ps67 Acts18b-19a


In yesterday's reading, Moses showed Israel that the leadership was given to Joshua, and he gave the command that this book of Deuteronomy be kept near the Arc of the Covenant. Then God gave Moses a long song to teach people, to help them remember. In this song, God described some future events as happening in the past tense. This is a feature many prophetic writings.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/deu.33

 

The theme of this beautiful psalm is that the salvation that God gives is to be made known to people everywhere, to every ethnic group.

 

Translation note:

7Yes, [You, O ] God will bless us,

and people all over the world will fear [You/him].

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.67.nlt

 

Yesterday in Acts 18, Paul met and began working with Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth. When put on trial before Gallio, God defended him so that he didn't even need to speak. Then that night Jesus strengthened him to keep on boldly speaking.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.18


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Saturday, April 18, 2015

2015DBRP_109 Deut31-32 Ps66 Acts18a


Yesterday in Deuteronomy Moses reviewed the covenant and again stressed that the choice is between life and death, and between experiencing blessings or curses.

 

Translation note:

51For both of you betrayed me [before/with] the Israelites at the waters of Meribah at Kadeshm in the wilderness of Zin. You failed to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel there.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/deu.31.nlt

 

Our glorious God deserves glorious praise. Note that this psalm shows the importance of confessing our sins to God.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.66.nlt

 

In Acts 17, opposition hounded the steps of Paul, Silas and Timothy, first in Thessalonica and then in Berea. The people of Berea are an example for us all, and that's why so many churches are named after their city. Then Paul in Athens debated with the philosophers of his day.

 

Translation note:

5And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus [is/was] the Messiah.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.18


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Friday, April 17, 2015

2015DBRP_108 Deut29-30 Ps65 Acts17


Yesterday in Deuteronomy Moses ratcheted up the fear index to the red level. And the scary thing about the threats he used to motivate the people to obedience is that they later all came true, as we will see in books like Judges and 2 Kings.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/deu.29.nlt

 

Today’s Psalm is a hymn of joy and mighty praise.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.65.nlt

 

Yesterday we heard of how Paul and Silas were beaten and put in jail. This was as a result of freeing a slave girl from demonic bondage. Their overnight in jail led to the jailer and his family becoming followers of Christ. But as requested, they left town.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.17.nlt


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Thursday, April 16, 2015

2015DBRP_107 Deut28 Ps64 Acts16b


Yesterday we heard of the ceremony that Moses commanded the people to perform when they entered the promised land. The Levites were to loudly proclaim curses from Mount Ebal over anyone who violates the laws.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/deu.28.nlt

 

If you feel that people are looking for opportunities to slander you, this psalm is for you.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.64.nlt

 

Yesterday in Acts 16, via the change of pronouns, we heard that Luke joined with Paul as one of his traveling companions. Also note that the Holy Spirit can also be called the Spirit of Jesus. These are one and the same Spirit of God.

 

Translation notes:

18This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of [ Christ Jesus// Jesus Christ] to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.

 

31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. [And the same is true for//, along with everyone in your household.”]

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.16.nlt


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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

2015DBRP_106 Deut27 Ps63 Acts16a


Yesterday in Deuteronomy, Moses continued with miscellaneous regulations. One repeated in the New Testament is to not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating when it is treading out grain.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/deu.27.nlt

 

Psalm 63 is another poem of David, including beautiful imagery. Pray like David, if you want to be blessed like David or need protection as David did.

 

Translation note:

11But the king will rejoice in [You, O ] God.

All who trust in [You/him] will praise [You/him],

while liars will be silenced.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.63

 

Yesterday in Acts we heard how Barnabas and Paul with Silas and Judas/Justus delivered the letter from the leaders in Jerusalem. And afterward, Paul and Barnabas had their falling out over the issue of whether to take John Mark along on their next trip. Silas becomes Paul's new ministry partner.

 

Translation note:

18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ] to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.

 

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.16.nlt


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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

2015DBRP_105 Deut25-26 Ps62 Acts15b


Yesterday we heard some laws for what kind of people could not enter into the congregation of Israel, and how long before their descendants could enter into the congregation of Israel. And we heard laws about cleanliness based on God living with the Israelites. God wanted his people to be kind, fair, and thoughtful of the needs of the poor.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/deu.25.nlt

 

Here is a psalm to pray and an example to follow when you feel the world is against you.

 

Translation note:

11But the king will rejoice in [You, O ] God.

All who trust in [You/him] will praise [You/him],

while liars will be silenced.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/psa.62.nlt

 

Yesterday in the first half of Acts 15, we heard how the controversy over circumcision started and we heard the speeches of Peter and James.

 

Translation note:

18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of [Christ Jesus//Jesus Christ] to come out of her.” And

instantly it left her.

https://www.bible.com/bible/116/act.15.nlt


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