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Daily Bible Reading Podcast
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Listen to the whole NLT or GNT Bible in 365 20-minute-long podcasts!
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NL-Day200 Jonah 1-2; Psalm 136; John 17
5d ago00:18:27Tap to summarizeJONAH 1-2:For quite a few years when I was just reading the Bible without a set reading plan, I enjoyed a break from reading the books of history after Second Kings, moving to the prophets. And our first is Jonah, who was mentioned back in 2 Kings 14. Note that the little story of Jonah is masterfully written. Little details poke out everywhere. Jonah has a downward journey. He goes down from Jerusalem to Joppa, then down again into the hold of the boat, and then down into the underworld of the ocean. He wasn't just being disobedient. He was saying, "I'm turning in my prophet's mantle." Bob Deffinbaugh: "Let's face it, don't you find that our text has reversed the heroes and the villains? … we would have expected Jonah to be the hero, while the heathen sailors would certainly have been expected to be the villains. This was certainly the perspective of Jonah, and of the Israelites, whom he typified. Yet in our text it is the sailors who pray, while Jonah does not. The sailors sought to deal with sin on the ship, not Jonah. The sailors end up worshiping God, [Jonah grumbled against God//not Jonah]. The sailors have compassion on Jonah, while he seems to have little concern for the danger in which he has put them. Clearly this chapter turns our expectations inside-out." Even the fish comes out better than Jonah. He obeyed. The pagans of Nineveh and their king also come out looking better than Jonah. They repent. PSALM 136:This is the most famous antiphonal psalm. If it won't bother anyone around you while you are listening, I invite you to join me on the antiphonal response: His love is eternal. JOHN 17:Jesus' high priestly prayer is considered the pinnacle of the upper room discourse. NLT Translation notes:Ps. 136:6Give thanks to him who placed the earth [upon/?in between/among] the waters.His faithful love endures forever.====John 17:1 After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify [Me— ]your Son[,] so [that I//he] can give glory back to you. 2 For you have given [Me/him] authority over everyone. [I give//He gives] eternal life to each one you have given [to Me//him]. 3 [Parenthesis by John:] And this is the way to have [that] eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, [you have given me your power. Now protect them by your power and for the sake of your reputation.//you have given me your name;b now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.]12 During my time here, I protected them by the power you gave me.c I guarded them so that not one was lost, [0//of the name]except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are [joined together with/in] me, Father, and I am [joined with//in] you. And may they be [joined as one with/in] us so that the world will believe you sent me.23 I am [joined together with//in] them and you are [joined together with//in] me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.25 "O righteous Father, the world doesn't know you, but I [know you//do]; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be [joined together as one with//in] 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.
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NL-Day199 2 Kings 24-25; Psalm 135; John 16
5d ago00:21:23Tap to summarize2KINGS 24-25:In yesterday's reading, we heard of Josiah's reforms, leading the people to renew the covenant with God. That chapter had this telling comment about the Passover: 2Kings 23:22 There had not been a Passover celebration like that since the time when the judges ruled in Israel, nor throughout all the years of the kings of Israel and Judah. Many times I think people make the naive assumption that the people of Israel customarily performed all sorts of difficult commands in the Law— like the one about the Year of Jubilee. In my opinion, no way! PSALM 135:Olsen's book gives the title for the chapter on this psalm as, "What kind of God do you have?" That's a great question to ask to introduce this psalm! JOHN 16:At the end of chapter 14, Jesus mentioned leaving that 'place'— the upper room, but Jesus' teaching in chapters 15-16 fit so well with chapter 14 that they may have taken place in the upper room. This chapter includes more important teaching about the Holy Spirit— our Advocate, and important key concepts about prayer. NLT Translation notes:John 16:23 At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you [pray for the sake of my glory//use my name].24 You haven't done this before. [Make requests for the sake of my glory//Ask, using my name], and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.26 Then you will [make requsts/ask] [for the sake of my glory//in my name]. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf,31 Jesus [said/asked], "Do you finally believe?33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace [because of being joined with//in me]. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the 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.
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NL-Day198 2 Kings 23; Psalm 134; John 15:18-16:15
5d ago00:16:15Tap to summarize2KINGS 23:Hilkiah found the book of the Law in the temple while repairs were being carried out as ordered by king Josiah. When Josiah heard the book of the Law, he instituted reforms. And God again is glorified in fulfilling a prophecy we heard in 1 Kings. PSALM 134:I would like to have been one of the Levitical temple musicians who had the duty of singing praises to God at night. This is the last of the Psalms of Ascent. JOHN 15:18—16:15:We are still in the upper room. I have chosen to reread the last verses of chapter 15, in order to help us make the connection with chapter 16. NLT Translation notes:John 16:23 At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you [pray for the sake of my glory//use my name].24 You haven't done this before. [Make requests for the sake of my glory//Ask, using my name], and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.26 Then you will [make requsts/ask] [for the sake of my glory//in my name]. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf,31 Jesus [said/asked], "Do you finally believe?33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace [because of being joined with//in me]. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the 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.
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NL-Day197 2 Kings 21-22; Psalm 133; John 15
5d ago00:17:43Tap to summarize2KINGS 21-22:The Assyrian king mocked the God of Israel at the end of chapter 18. We heard God's answer yesterday in chapter 19, and we were introduced to the prophet Isaiah. Hezekiah asked to live for a longer time, and his request was granted. I have heard that there is actually scientific proof of the long day miracle that was given to Hezekiah. What a shame that he did not ask God not to send his sons to Babylon! PSALM 133:This Psalm of Ascent comes at a very fitting time in relation to our readings yesterday and today in John. If we are _one_ with Jesus, then we are _one_ with one another. Rereading JOHN 15:Today we hear again about our vital relationship of oneness with Jesus. We didn't actually choose Him! Before we chose Him He had already chosen us. If you are one who has difficulty believing that there is anything good about you, let your identity and worth be based on this passage! Here also we find the promise repeated of answered prayers when we pray for the sake of Jesus' name— which is to say, for his cause or for his glory. Note that this is not just 'dropping or using Jesus' name'. God realizes when we are praying selfish prayers, and He is not fooled by our tacking on 'in Jesus name' at the end. NLT Translation notes:John 15:4 Remain [joined to//in] me, and I will remain [joined to//in] you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain [joined to//in] me. (Similarly in 5-7.)[When talking of the organic unity of a branch and a vine, we don't say a branch 'in' a vine, do we?! Greek says it that way. But it is much more natural it English to say a branch is 'joined' or is 'connected', and various other words. Because of this, we also tend to miss out on the meaning of 'in Him/Christ' that comes up so often in the New Testament. The meaning is NOT that we are 'inside' Him, but that we are joined as one with him.]16 You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, [for my name's sake/for the sake of my glory//using my name].[This promise is NOT about 'dropping' or 'using' Jesus' name! Ending a selfish prayer with, "in Jesus' name" does not transform it into a good prayer. We don't simply 'use' Jesus' name and cash in on this promise! God can tell the difference when people unselfishly pray for things in the cause of bringing glory to Christ.This must be one of the worst mistakes in the NLT! This translation shows that the translator has been affected by modern Christian culture and did not consider what this really means. But then, I must admit, every translator, including me, falls in this regard from time to time, and that is why it is said in the NIV introduction, "No translation is perfect."] 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.
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NL-Day196 2 Kings 19-20; Psalm 132; John 15
6d ago00:20:45Tap to summarize2KINGS 19-20:The writer of 1 & 2 Kings was very brief about the sins of the people of Israel (in both kingdoms) until what we heard yesterday. He seems to have saved the moral of the story until chapter 17. And then we have the wonderful contrast with Hezekiah in chapter 18. Then the Asyrian king mocked the God of Israel at the end of chapter 18. We hear God's answer today. PSALM 132:It would appear that Solomon wrote this Psalm of Ascent, as part of it was quoted by him at the dedication of the temple. JOHN 15:Yesterday we heard Jesus promise that He would send our Advocate/Comforter/Helper, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the one who literally 'comes along beside' and will lead us into all truth and be with us forever. And I think it is really due to Him that we can have "a peace that the world cannot give or understand." NLT translation notes:Ps 132:2 He made a solemn promise to [You/the] LORD.He vowed to [You,] the Mighty One of Israel,====John 15:4 Remain [joined to//in] me, and I will remain [joined to//in] you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain [joined to//in] me. (Similarly in 5-7.)[When talking of the organic unity of a branch and a vine, we don't say a branch 'in' a vine, do we?! Greek says it that way. But it is much more natural it English to say a branch is 'joined' or is 'connected', and various other words. Because of this, we also tend to miss out on the meaning of 'in Him/Christ' that comes up so often in the New Testament. The meaning is NOT that we are 'inside' Him, but that we are joined as one with him.]16 You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, [for my name's sake/for the sake of my glory//using my name].[This promise is NOT about 'dropping' or 'using' Jesus' name! Ending a selfish prayer with, "in Jesus' name" does not transform it into a good prayer. We don't simply 'use' Jesus' name and cash in on this promise! God can tell the difference when people unselfishly pray for things in the cause of bringing glory to Christ.This must be one of the worst mistakes in the NLT! This translation shows that the translator has been affected by modern Christian culture and did not consider what this really means. But then, I must admit, every translator, including me, falls in this regard from time to time, and that is why it is said in the NIV introduction, "No translation is perfect."] 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.
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NL-Day195 2 Kings 17-18; Psalm 131; John 14:15-31
6d ago00:23:27Tap to summarize2KINGS 17-18:Yesterday we again heard quite a few names of kings, especially on the Israel/Northern side. And this culminated with Tiglath-pileser of Assyria deporting the people of Israel. Because of a heavy bribe, Judah avoided this by becoming a vassal state of Assyria. Actually, this was probably wise on king Ahaz's part. Judah was not always so wise in interpreting the signs of the time. PSALM 131:God's grace requires that we receive from the Lord, not insisting on our working to gain good standing by ceaselessly trying to earn points with God. We can learn from children. JOHN 14b:In John 14 yesterday, we read one of Jesus' most important and often quoted statements: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." NLT Translation notes:John 14:20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am [joined as one with/in] my Father, and you are [joined as one with/in] me, and I am [joined with/in] you. 22 Judas (not [the] Judas [from the village of Carioth//Iscariot], but the other disciple with that name) said to him, "Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?" 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.
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NL-Day194 2 Kings 15-16; Psalm 130; John 14:1-21
6d ago00:19:47Tap to summarize2KINGS 15-16:Readers and listeners are frequently confused by the names of the kings in yesterday's reading in 2nd Kings. Judah' king, Joash, died at the end of chapter 12. Then on the Israel (10 tribes) side, we heard of Jehoahaz's reign, and then the reign of his son, Johoash. He was helped by Elisha's final prophecy. Also in yesterday's reading we heard about of the reign of Joash's son, Amaziah, in Judah. Amaziah was very unwise to insist on war with Israel's king Jehoash. PSALM 130:This Psalm of Ascent is one of the most beautiful of all the psalms, and an expression of hope for anyone in despair. JOHN 14a:In John 13 we heard of Jesus taking the role of a servant and washing the disciples' feet. Judas left the upper room, and Peter was told that he would deny knowing Jesus three times. NLT Translation notes:John 14:10 Don't you believe that I am [joined as one with// in] the Father and the Father is [joined as one with// in] me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.[This is the same concept that we will see pictured as the vine metaphor in the next chapter!]11 Just believe that I am [joined as one with// in] the Father and the Father is [joined with// in] me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that [I, as ] the Son can bring glory to [my/the] Father. 14Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!17 He is the Holy Spirit, who [will lead you//leads] into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.f20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am [joined as one with/in] my Father, and you are [joined as one with/in] me, and I am [joined with/in] you. 22 Judas (not [the] Judas [from the village of Carioth//Iscariot], but the other disciple with that name) said to him, "Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?" 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.
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NL-Day193 2 Kings 13-14; Psalm 129; John 13:12-38
2w ago00:21:33Tap to summarize2KINGS 13-14:Yesterday we heard of Athaliah's seven year reign over Judah, of how Joash was saved from being killed, and of Jehoida's successful plot to end Athaliah's reign. Joash turned out to be sorta good, but disappointing at the end of his reign. And it is interesting to note that the people who worked on restoring the temple evidently had more integrity than the priests. PSALM 129:This is another Psalm of Ascent and another nationalistic psalm. In this year's readings, in just a few days we will begin hearing the parts of Israel's history where this psalm writer could have received the scars on his back. (I like how the GNT shows that the scars on the back might be taken figuratively for the whole race, instead of personally for just the writer. But one just listening to a reading of this chapter will probably not pick up on that detail.) In our time, this psalm gives us permission to pray that the Lord's enemies do not prosper. JOHN 13b:John spends several chapters in the upper room, and this is the first. We hear the most complete account here about Judas, and only here do we find the story of Jesus washing the disciple's feet. This is another time where we see Jesus consciously acting out a parable for us. And because of that event, the interchange with Peter is more poignant, although John takes pity on Peter and does not include details of that conversation that are found elsewhere. NLT Translation notes:John 13:2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas[, 0>>//son of Simon Iscariot,] to betray Jesus. [Judas was the son of (a man named) Simon from the village Carioth.]|8 "No," Peter protested, "you will never ever wash my feet!"Jesus replied, "[PET: If I don't wash your feet, you're no longer My follower.///Unless I wash you, you won't belong to me.]"12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, "Do you understand what I was [showing you//doing]?17 [You ought to wash each other's feet.] Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.[Repeating the thing Jesus wants them to do makes the last sentence more understandable. "Doing them" does not mean taking slaves or sending messages.]26 Jesus responded, "It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl." And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon[, the man from Carioth// Iscariot].31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, "The time has come for [Me] the Son of Man to enter into [my/his] glory, and God will be glorified because of [Me/him].32 And since [my Father, God,/God] receives glory because of [Me, his/the] Son,i he will soon [also] give glory to [Me/the Son].36 [0/Simon] Peter asked, "Lord, where are you going?"And Jesus replied, "You can't go with me now, but you will follow me later." 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.
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NL-Day192 2 Kings 11-12; Psalm 128; John 13:1-17
2w ago00:18:12Tap to summarize2KINGS 11-12:Yesterday's story was of Jehu, anointed on Elisha's orders, and who executed the Lord's vengeance on Ahab and his whole family, and even his friends and the worshipers of Baal. However, after that, he still didn't follow the Lord, but continued the idolatry of Israel. PSALM 128:Today's Song of Ascent has a similar theme about the Lord's blessings for families as yesterday's psalm. Unlike what I said about translating the Hebrew word 'sons' in Psalm 127, the context of today's psalm seems more inclusive, so we can easily agree with the NET and other versions in translating that word as 'children' here in Psalm 128. JOHN 13a:Jesus' words often have a double meaning. An example was heard yesterday when He said, "when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." NLT Translation notes:John 13:2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas[, 0>>//son of Simon Iscariot,] to betray Jesus. [Judas was the son of (a man named) Simon from the village Carioth.] 8 "No," Peter protested, "you will never ever wash my feet!"Jesus replied, "[PET: If I don't wash your feet, you're no longer My follower.///Unless I wash you, you won't belong to me.]"12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, "Do you understand what I was [showing you//doing]?17 [You ought to wash each other's feet.] Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.[Repeating the thing Jesus wants them to do makes the last sentence more understandable. "Doing them" does not mean taking slaves or sending messages.]26 Jesus responded, "It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl." And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon[, the man from Carioth// Iscariot].31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, "The time has come for [Me] the Son of Man to enter into [my/his] glory, and God will be glorified because of [Me/him].32 And since [my Father, God,/God] receives glory because of [Me, his/the] Son,i he will soon [also] give glory to [Me/the Son]. 36 [0/Simon] Peter asked, "Lord, where are you going?"And Jesus replied, "You can't go with me now, but you will follow me later." 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.
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NL-Day191 2 Kings 9-10; Psalm 127; John 12:20-50
2w ago00:25:31Tap to summarize2KINGS 9-10:Yesterday we heard one of my favorite Old Testament stories: The one about the three lepers and the famine in Samaria. Elisha's prophecy was so dramatically fulfilled, and the scoffing officer could be a parable for modern times. Then we heard how the woman from Shunem returned and was blessed a second time. The narrative switched briefly to the kingdom of Judah and Ahaziah's reign. PSALM 127:About 'children/sons' in v. 3, NET's note says this: Some prefer to translate this word with the gender neutral "children," but "sons" are plainly in view here, as the following verses make clear. Daughters are certainly wonderful additions to a family, but in ancient Israelite culture sons were the "arrows" that gave a man security in his old age, for they could defend the family interests at the city gate, where the legal and economic issues of the community were settled. This psalm would not be considered politically correct in today's world. Let's understand it with a historical perspective learn from it. JOHN 12b:Following the raising of Lazarus, the Jewish leaders became even more firm in their plans to kill Jesus. NLT Translation notes:John 12:4 But Judas [, the man from the village of Carioth// Iscariot], the disciple who would soon betray him, said,28 [Rather, I pray,] Father, bring glory to your name."Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, "I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again." 39 But the people couldn't believe, for as Isaiah [reported the Lord's words//also said],40 "[I have//The Lord has] blinded their eyesand hardened their hearts—so that their eyes cannot see,and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to meand have me heal them."41 Isaiah['s prophecy] was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah's glory.42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue[s].44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you [believe in/trust] me, you are [not just believing in//trusting not only] me, but also God who sent me.47 I will not judge those who hear me but don't obey me, for I have come to save the world [,//and] not to judge it. 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.
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