JOSHUA 10-11: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.

PSALM 71:This is a poem written by an senior citizen with examples for our prayers that are appropriate for 'youth' of all ages.

ACTS 22:In the last part of Acts 21, people from the Roman province of Asia recognized Paul and started a riot in the temple. Paul was arrested and now gives his speech to the angry mob.

NLT Translation notes:Josh. 10:39 He 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].====

====Ps. 71:6 Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always [singing your praises//praising you]!Ps. 71:22 Then I will praise you with music on the harp, because you are faithful to your promises, O my God.I will sing praises to you with a [harp//lyre], O Holy One of Israel. [Who knows what a lyre is these days. But people still know what a liar is.] ====Acts 22:11 "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!"]

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.

JOSHUA 8-9: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, and that everything was to be destroyed. Right after this amazing victory, Israel learned through a man named Achan that keeping treasures devoted to destruction makes oneself devoted to destruction.

PSALM 70:David pleads in this psalm for help against his enemies. And this poem is a repetition of the last part of Psalm 40.

ACTS 21b:Paul, Luke, and the other companions arrived in Jerusalem. On the way, Paul heard the prophecies that he should not go to Jerusalem. Once there, 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.

NLT Translation notes:Ps. 70:2 May those who [are trying//try] to kill me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace.5 But as for me [now], I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O Lord , do not delay.

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.

JOSHUA 6-7: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 who is the commander of God's army revealed himself to Joshua.

PSALM 69:In yesterday's reading, I appreciated that the writer appealed to God based on the Lord's 'constant love'. Let's continue the reading of Ps 69 with four verses appropriate to Jesus' life. Note that verse 22 is quoted by Paul in Romans 11.

ACTS 21a: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.

NLT Translation notes:Ps. 69:30 Then I will praise [Your name, O God//God's name] with singing,and I will honor [You/him] with thanksgiving.31 For this will please [You/the] LORD more than sacrificing cattle,more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.32 The 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. Acts 21:4 and 12 NLT has 'not go on' and I read 'not go'. My mistake! But many other translations do not have the word 'on' and I didn't see it both times.

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.

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.

JOSHUA 2-3: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 determined and confident," and that command was repeated three more times to Joshua in chapter 1.

PSALM 68b:This psalm starts with the words Moses spoke whenever the Ark of the Covenant was taken up to be moved to another place:"1 Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies."And David adds, "Let those who hate God run for their lives."

ACTS 20a:Yesterday we heard of how Demetrius— the silver-smith shrine-making businessman, incited a riot against Paul.

NLT Translation note:Ps. 68:31 NLT Version difference in Line B: let Ethiopia bow in submission to God.Acts 20:25 "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.

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.

JOSHUA 1:Yesterday we read the conclusion of Deuteronomy with Moses blessing eleven of the twelve 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 determined and confident," and that command is repeated to Joshua in the beginning of this book.

PSALM 68a:This beautiful song of praise is filled with poetic imagery celebrating the victories God gives his people. So this song is very appropriate for us to read as a preface to the book of Joshua. This starts with the words that Moses spoke whenever the Ark of the Covenant was moved. Paul quotes from v18 and 20 in Eph 4.

ACTS 19b:Apollos was introduced in yesterday's reading. And Paul returned to Ephesus and had a miraculous and fruitful ministry there for three years.

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.

DEUTERONOMY 31-32:Yesterday in Deuteronomy Moses reviewed the covenant and again stressed that the choice is between life and death, and between experiencing blessings or curses. Be aware that in the poem dictated to Moses by the Lord, the Lord speaks of things that were in Israel's future as if they had already taken place. This is called propleptic past tense, and is a feature of prophetic writings.

PSALM 66:Our glorious God deserves glorious praise. Note that this psalm shows the importance of confessing our sins to God.

ACTS 18: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.

NLT Translation notes:Deut. 31:51 For 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.====Acts 18:5 And 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.

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.

DEUTERONOMY 29-30: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.

PSALM 65:Today's Psalm is a hymn of joy and mighty praise.

ACTS 17: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 the next day, as requested, Paul and Silas left town.

NLT Translation notes:Ps. 73:27 Those who desert [You, O Lord//him] will perish,for you destroy those who abandon you.28 But 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.

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.

DEUTERONOMY 28:Yesterday we read 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.

PSALM 64:If you feel that people are looking for opportunities to slander you, this psalm is for you.

ACTS 16b:Yesterday in in this chapter— via the change of pronouns, we understood 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.

NLT Translation notes:Deut. 28:20 "The Lord himself will send on you curses, confusion, and frustration in everything you do, until at last you are completely destroyed for doing evil and abandoning [him//me].Deut. 28:51 Its armies will devour your livestock and crops, and you will be destroyed. They will leave you no grain, [no//new] wine, olive oil, calves, or lambs, and you will starve to death.Ps. 64:9 Then everyone will be afraid; they will proclaim the mighty acts of God and realize all the amazing things he [has done//does].Acts 16:18 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.31They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. [And the same is true for//, along with everyone in your household."]

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.

DEUTERONOMY 27: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. Paul used that as a metaphor for something else.

PSALM 63:This 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.

ACTS 16a: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— who evidently had come back to Antioch, became Paul's new ministry partner.

NLT Translation notes:Ps. 63:11 But the king will rejoice in [You, O ] God.All who trust in [You/him] will praise [You/him],while liars will be silenced.==== Acts 16:18 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.

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.

DEUTERONOMY 25-26:Yesterday we read 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 the fact that God was living with the Israelites. And, God wanted his people to be kind, fair, and thoughtful of the needs of the poor.

PSALM 62:Here is a psalm to pray and an example to follow when you feel the world is against you.

ACTS 15b:Yesterday in the first half of this chapter we heard how the controversy over circumcision started and we heard the speeches of Peter and James.

NLT Translation notes:Ps. 62:11 But the king will rejoice in [You, O ] God. All who trust in [You/him] will praise [You/him], while liars will be silenced. ====Acts 15:18 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.

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.