Daily Bible Reading Podcast

NUMBERS 24-25:Yesterday we heard how Balak sent for the shaman Balaam to curse Israel, and we heard that God instead moved him to bless Israel two times. And a third sacrifice of 7 bulls and 7 rams was made. PSALM 40:This is a psalm that is quoted in the New Testament. It is a great psalm of praise which conveys many New Testament concepts. (Some of you will perceive some differences in the NT quote. This is because the NT quote was taken from the Septuagint— the ancient translation of the OT into Greek.) ACTS 2a:Yesterday we heard about Jesus' followers who were waiting in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit and for power from God.   Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

NUMBERS 22-23:In Numbers 21, the Lord gave victory to the Israelites over the Amorites, and then over King Sihon. And because of Israel’s grumbling, the Lord sent poisonous snakes among them. When the people cried out to Moses, the Lord told him to make a snake and set it up on a pole. This is an unannounced picture of Christ. PSALM 39:This is a prayer for relief by David when he felt he was under the discipline of the Lord. ACTS 1:We follow up Luke's first report to Theophilus with his second to the same man. (Or perhaps Luke meant this account to be for any 'lover of God'.) The book covers the story of what happened after Jesus’ death in 33AD to Paul’s two-year house arrest that ended in 62AD. Since only a few of the apostles are told about in this book, rather than ‘Acts of the Apostles’, others have suggested the name ‘Acts of the Holy Spirit’. Constable quotes William Neil, who starts out quoting Streeter: “Streeter suggested that an alternative title for the book of Acts might be ‘The Road to Rome’, for

NUMBERS 21:Yesterday we heard about the water of purification, which involved the burnt offering of a red heifer and following very exacting requirements. Then we heard the story of Moses and Aaron's failure to display God's holiness in the issue of speaking to— rather than striking the rock. It is no wonder Moses was exasperated by the people. And following that incident, not being able to pass through the land of Edom, they turned back to Mount Hor, where Aaron died. PSALM 38:This is a beautiful song of repentance and a cry for deliverance from enemies. LUKE 24b:Yesterday we heard the story of the women not finding Jesus in the tomb, and the story of the two men meeting the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. NLT Translation notes:Luk. 24:6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that [He,/0] the Son of Man[,/0] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”25 Then Jesus  said to them, “You foolish

NUMBERS 19-20:In yesterday's portions we heard how God proved again His choice of Aaron and the Levites by causing Aaron's staff to bud and even produce almonds. And God explained to the Levites and priests that their portion was not land— as for the other Israelites, but God himself and all the gifts given to God. PSALM 37b:Today we return to the acrostic poem, Psalm 37. Look for how this poem shows us God’s perspective about this world. LUKE 24a:At the end of chapter 23, we heard of the events of the crucifixion, including the miracle of the torn curtain in the temple. Jesus was laid in a tomb while the women watched, and they prepared spices to go back and anoint his body. NLT Translation note:6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that [He,/0] the Son of Man[,/0] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”   Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible

NUMBERS 17-18:Yesterday we heard another dramatic chapter in Israel's history: The rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. They must have been included in those who refused to go to the Promised Land, but then they had the gall to find fault with Moses that he didn't lead them to that land. It is also incredible that God would prove Moses' authority so dramatically (resulting in the death of the three conspirators and their families), yet the people would the next day without fear accuse Moses of killing the Lord's people (further resulting in a plague). PSALM 37a:This is an acrostic poem,and a great Psalm for giving us the right perspective in our fallen world. LUKE 23b:In the first half of this chapter, Jesus was tried by Pilatos (the phonetic pronunciation I will use in the podcasts) and Herod, before finally Pilatos caved into pressure and sentenced Jesus to death. Let’s repeat a few verses, starting at verse 36. For today’s prayer, I read the hymn “How deep the Father’s love for us.” This was composed by

NUMBERS 16:In Numbers 15, we found out that there were sacrifices that could be made for unintentional sins— whether done by the whole community or by an individual. But there was no sacrifice to cover an intentional sin— such as working on the Sabbath, as was so clearly illustrated by the man who gathered wood on the Sabbath. Then at the very end of chapter 15, we heard the instruction about the tassels with a blue cord that were to hang on the four corners of the Israelites’ garments. Those are the tassels that Tevia in Fiddler on the Roof doesn't know the meaning of. PSALM 36:While this is a song praising God’s unfailing love, notice how some parts of this poem are so appropriate to what we just read about Dathan, Abiram, and Korah. LUKE 23a:Chapter 22 ended with Peter's denial of being a follower of Jesus, and we heard of the council's decision against Jesus. NLT Translation notes:Luk. 23:3 So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”Jesus replied, “[Yes, as you said.//You have said it.]”34 Jesus

NUMBERS 15:Yesterday in Numbers 14 we heard the very important and dramatic story: The people of Israel became unworthy to enter the Promised Land because of their stubborn unbelief. In the midst of that experience, Moses' prayers to God on behalf of the people are prime examples of how to plead with the Lord. The key revealed in that passage is to plead with God in accordance with his character and quoting his promises! PSALM 35:In today’s psalm, David prays for victory over his enemies. Opposition to David was sponsored by King Saul, who became David's enemy for no good reason— only because of envy. LUKE 22b:Yesterday in this chapter we heard of Judas betraying Jesus to the Jewish leaders, of the last supper, and of Jesus' last words to the disciples, including the prophecy that Peter would deny Him three times. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 35:8 So let sudden ruin come upon them!Let them be caught in the [same/0] trap they set for me!Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me.9 Then I will rejoice in [Yo

NUMBERS 14:Yesterday we again found out what the Lord thinks when we grumble against him! Let's remember Miriam. Then the Lord commanded to send out the spies, but after taking stock of the land of Canaan, they brought an evil, unbelieving report— forgetting all the miracles the Lord had done to bring them out of Egypt. Psalm 34:This is an acrostic psalm. I cannot write an introduction that is better than the one already written by the ancient Rabbis. LUKE 22a:Yesterday in chapter 21, we heard Jesus' prophecy about what will happen in judgement upon Jerusalem before his return. NLT Translation notes:Num. 14:13 But Moses objected [and asked the Lord//.0] “What will the Egyptians think when they hear about it?” [0//he asked the LORD.] “ They know full well the power you displayed in rescuing your people from Egypt.====Luk. 22:22 For it has been determined that [I—/0] the Son of Man[,] must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays [me/him].”48 But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the [Me,/0] the Son o

NUMBERS 12-13:In Numbers 10 we heard 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 and God. Moses appointed 70 leaders, and God sent quail in response to the people's complaints. Even Moses said some things that sound like complaining to me. But remember the name Kibroth Hattaavah. We have strong evidence that God doesn’t like complainers. PSALM 33:This psalm is full of important wisdom for us! This is the 4th Psalm without a title given by the rabbis. LUKE 21b: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' important prophecies about signs that will occur before he returns. NLT Translation notes:27 Then everyone will see [Me,/0] the Son of Man, coming on a cloud with power and great glory.36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to esca

NUMBERS 10-11:Yesterday we heard about the position of the lamps on the lampstand in the Holy Place, and the Levites were dedicated for service. The second Passover was celebrated. The Israelites received their marching orders based on when the cloud moved from over the sacred tent. PSALM 32:Psalm 32 gives essential spiritual principles conveyed in David's testimony. I encourage every listener to camp out a while in this psalm. LUKE 21:In the last confrontation in Luke 20, Jesus soundly refuted the Sadducees. After this, his teaching further embarrassed and offended the religious teachers. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 32:1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven [by You, Lord//0],[and] whose sin is put out of [your/0] sight!2 Yes, what joy for those[, oh Lord/0],whose record [you have//the LORD has] cleared of guilt,whose lives are lived in complete honesty! ====Luk. 21:27 Then everyone will see [Me,/0] the Son of Man, coming on a cloud with power and great glory. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pr

NUMBERS 8-9:In Numbers 7, we heard about the gifts given by the leaders of Israel following the dedication of the sacred tent. Translation note: How the ‘waving’ of the ‘wave offering’ was done is variously interpreted in 8:13. And it could be taken simply as a presentation, because it would be rather hard to ‘wave’ some objects.    NLT:  Then have the Levites stand in front of Aaron and his sons, and raise your hands and present them as a special offering to the LORD. HCSB: … and you are to present them before the Lord as a presentation offering. CEV: They will stand at my altar in front of Aaron and his sons, who will dedicate the Levites to me. GNT: “Dedicate the Levites as a special gift to me, and put Aaron and his sons in charge of them.  PSALM 31: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. LUKE 20b:Yesterday’s reading in first part of Luke 20 showed how the Jewish leaders tried to confront and di

NUMBERS 7:Yesterday we heard how people had to follow through with God’s commands, and those with defiling diseases were expelled from their camp until such time as they could be declared ritually clean again. And we heard about cleansing for issues involving the conscience, and what a man might do if he suspected his wife of unfaithfulness. (A man would have to be a terrible jerk to do this to his wife if he didn't have good reasons for his suspicions!) The 6th chapter dealt with the Nazarite vow, and the ended with the famous Aaronic blessing. In today’s chapter 7 of Numbers, the GNT has done a beautiful job of giving the complete information in a way that is clear, precise, and that reduces repetition. PSALM 30:This is a wonderful song of thanks to God. LUKE 20b:Yesterday in the second half of chapter 19, Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem. While on the road he wept over Jerusalem because of the spiritual blindness of the leaders, and he cleansed the temple of commerce. NLT Translation notes:8 I cried ou

NUMBERS 5-6:Yesterday we heard the assignments for the Kohathite, Gershonite, and Merarite clans in regard to the care and moving of the sacred tent, all under the direction of Aaron's sons. PSALM 29:This 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. LUKE 19b:In yesterday's reading, Zacchaeus— a notorious sinner, dramatically came to Jesus. Then Jesus told 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. NLT Translation note:Num. 6:27 Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel [on my behalf//in my name], I myself will bless them.”   Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

NUMBERS 4:Yesterday we learned that the Levite clans were given separate tasks in the care of the sacred tent. The 22,000 Levites became substitutes for Israel's 22,273 first-born sons. PSALM 28:David cries out to the Lord with all his heart. I love the imagery of the Lord as David’s ‘rock’, ‘shield’, and ‘shepherd’. (v1, 7, 9) Bible translators who translate into ethnic languages often need to make the difficult choice of whether to retain a figure of speech more literally, or just to give its meaning. For instance, at the first of v1 and 7, the GNT chose to give the meaning without using metaphors, but the NLT translated David’s metaphors more literally. Luke 19a:Yesterday in Luke 18, we heard of Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man, Jesus again predicted his death, and blind Bartimaeus (as named in Mark) was healed at Jericho. NLT Translation notes:[This psalm starts out speaking directly to the Lord. But starting in verse 5, many English readers will think the psalmist suddenly starts talking _about_

 NUMBERS 2:Yesterday in chapter 1, God ordered a census of the men capable as soldiers in war. And we heard the list of the clan leaders of the 12 listed tribes— excluding Levi. (The number of tribes remains at 12 because the tribe of Joseph is split in two.) PSALM 26:This poem is a personal lament. It is similar to Psalm 25, but does not contain confession. David asks for God’s vindication because of his personal integrity, and shows his love for God by his devotion to God’s sanctuary. LUKE 18a:Yesterday we heard 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. I want to challenge everyone to dig deeper in God’s Word— including myself. The last verse of Luke 17 says, 37 The disciples asked him, “Where, Lord?” Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a dead body, the vultures will gather.”Greek does not differentiate between ‘vulture’ and ‘eagle’.

NUMBERS 1: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 the podcast! 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 believer’s privileges— in Numbers the wilderness is the drill field.” Important lessons from the Book of Numbers: We must trust God, not people. God will supply all we need, including food, meat, water, leaders, and land. We must worship God according to his instructions. PSALM 25:This is our first acrostic poem. Verse 14 is translated as ‘secret’ by older translations whic

Today I would like to give pointers for understanding Jesus’ parables. I consider the parable to be one of the greatest of all teaching devices, and a legacy of the Greatest Teacher. I will end this episode by sharing a non-Biblical parable. One little detail to understand is that the word ‘parable’ (Greek paraboles) had a wider meaning than we normally think of in English, and you may see this sometimes in the New Testament. In English, we normally think of a parable as a story that points to some deeper meaning. However, as an example, the word ‘parable’ is used for a one-sentence figurative teaching in Mark 7:17 where it refers back to Jesus’ statement in verse 15:  GW “Nothing that goes into a person from the outside can make him unclean. It’s what comes out of a person that makes him unclean.” In verse 17, the disciples ask Jesus to explain that ‘parable’.  With that footnote, I want you to know that I will really just be talking briefly about what we normally think of as parables, the story type. In the

LEVITICUS 26-27:Yesterday we heard about the Sabbath year and the year of Restoration/Jubilee. Before the Year of Restoration, property could be bought back//redeemed. In the Restoration year property was returned to the original owners and poor people who had become enslaved were set free. I suspect these laws were never done in all of Israel's history. If they were, perhaps only once— fifty years after Israel entered the land of Canaan. PSALM 24:This Psalm is one of the most majestic psalms! This ends with the song for welcoming the triumphant Messiah into Jerusalem. LUKE 17a:Yesterday in chapter 16 we heard 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. NLT Translation notes:Luk. 17: 3 So watch yourselves! “If your fellow believer sins, r

LEVITICUS 25:Yesterday we heard about the seven important yearly celebrations of the Jewish religion. Then we heard about oil and bread for the tabernacle, and then there was the example of a law-breaker who was stoned to death for his crime of blasphemy. PSALM 23:Today we read the most famous psalm of all. My wife has often said: Psalm 23 is so often quoted at funerals, but this is a psalm about living, not dying! LUKE 16:Yesterday in Luke 15, we heard the three-part parable of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son. There is much treasure to dig for there! Consider taking some time to reflect on that wonderful chapter. NLT Translation notes:6 The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘[My dear friend, take//Take] the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.’7 “‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here, [my friend,/0]’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.’9 Here’s th

LEVITICUS 23-24:Yesterday we heard two chapters of regulations for the priests, all for the purpose of preserving their holiness. Again and again the Lord says, “I am the Lord”, emphasizing that, as He is holy, so the priests and the people of Israel must be holy. PSALM 22:We turn to a famous psalm today, Psalm 22. This is one of the chief Messianic psalms, containing moving prophetic words about how Jesus would die on the cross. And then words about what Jesus has done and is doing even now. LUKE 15:Today we read the three-in-one parable chapter. Yesterday in Luke 14, Jesus healed on the Sabbath, taught about humility and the cost of being his disciple, and gave the parable of the great feast.   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.