Lifespring! Media: Quality Christian And Family Entertainment Since 2004

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Exodus 17-20, and I’m calling the episode “Respect.”  Comments on Exodus 20 Let’s focus on verse 2 of chapter 20, which says, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” God spoke these words, and the entire Ten Commandments, to Moses, who was to take them to the people. And God Himself wrote these 10 laws on two stone tablets. It was not Moses who wrote on the tablets, it was God. Let’s break this sentence down, shall we? There is a tremendous amount of information that we can glean from these words. "I am the Lord your God…” God is asserting his authority, his right, to establish the Law to which you must be bound. The reason you must be obedient to this Law is that 1) God is the Lord, Jehovah, self-existent, independent, eternal, and the source of everything that is. Therefore, He has the absolute right to rule. 2) He was their God, in covenant, or agreement with them. They agreed to this arrang

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is 2 Corinthians 4-5, and I’m calling the episode “Make A Decision." Comments on  2 Corinthians 5 Today I’m going to focus on the seventh verse of chapter 5, which just happens to consist of only seven words: We live by believing, not by seeing. You know, there comes a time in each person’s life where they just have to make a decision. Given the facts that can be known, and accepting that there are some things that cannot be known, we just have to decide and move forward. I have someone in my life who has a tremendous amount of knowledge about the Word of God, he’s well read, he’s listened to some of the world’s best teachers, he says he believes, and yet he cannot rest in his faith. He continues to have doubts, because there are things of God that he cannot understand.  My first response is, “Of course you can’t understand it all. God is infinite. We are finite. It would be a small god indeed if we could have perfect understanding of him.”  Thankful

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Katya Austin on Unsplash Podcast Introduction In our reading today we’ll complete the Gospel of Mark by reading chapters 15-16, and I’m calling the episode “He Is Alive!" Comments on Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 15 NCV; Ch. 16 ERV Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude. Please rate or review the show by clicking the heart! Experiencing God (2021 Edition): Knowing and Doing the Will of God By Henry & Richard Blackaby, Claude V. King / B&H Books Experience the book that has restored, reoriented, and renewed millions of people---now thoroughly updated with seven new chapters and dozens of additional stories! Whether you're reading it for the first time or eager to encounte

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Brad Neathery on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Jeremiah 27-31, and I’m calling the episode “Take a Letter.”  Comments on Jeremiah 29 In chapter 29, God told Jeremiah to send a letter to those people who had been taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar into Babylon. In essence, God told the people to settle in because they were going to be there for a while. Seventy years to be exact. He told them to go ahead and build homes, plant gardens, have families. And pray that their new hometown would do well, because they will do well when it does. This was a letter of reassurance. God did not want his people to be discouraged or without hope. They were in a sort of time out because of their sins, but He was not abandoning them. In verse 11 he said, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.“ We als

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Benjamin Child on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Job 35-36, and I’m calling the episode “The Giver of Songs.” Comments on Job 35 Elihu has thus far been no more help to Job than the others have been, and in this chapter Elihu accuses Job of being self-righteous. But he did say one thing that I especially liked in verse 10. Elihu said: He is the One who gives us songs to sing in the night. In our darkest hour, when all seems lost, when we turn to Him and are reminded of who it is that we rely on, with His power and grace and glory, we can sing songs of praise and worship because we know that God is on the throne. I know this because I have been there. I have lain in my bed in the middle of the night, and have felt His presence and poured my heart out to Him, and felt His peace settle over me. And it is in those times when He gives us songs to sing.  During Elihu’s discourse, Elihu pointed out some errors that he thought Job made in his statement

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Psalms 51-53, and I’m calling the episode “A Love Song”.  Comments on Psalm 51 Oh my goodness what a beautiful prayer Psalm 51 is. And better than that it must’ve been a beautiful song, as the songs are. And for those of you who might be from the Jesus freak generation as I am, verses 10-13 might have sounded just a little bit familiar. Let me read them to you from the King James Version, which I much prefer for this Psalm. It goes,  Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me.Cast me not away from thy presence;And take not thy holy spirit from me.Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;And uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51: 10-12 KJV Ring a bell? If you thought of Keith Green, then you are correct. If you don’t know Keith Green's music, I highly recommend you look him up on whatever your preferred music service is. Keith Green put music to these three verses, and literally every time I hear it I end up in tears. Keith

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Samuel Austin on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Our reading today is 2 Sam 1-4, and I’m calling the episode “A New King." Comments on 2 Samuel 1-4 Thoughts on 2 Samuel 1 and 2 The man who brought the report of Saul’s death to David made a terrible miscalculation, didn’t he? As we read at the end of 1 Samuel, Saul fell on his own sword because he didn’t want to fall into the hands of the Amalekites. This soldier must have thought that David would be pleased to meet the one who killed Saul, since it was widely known that Saul had been pursuing David for so long. But remember, David had no desire to harm Saul, and considered him to be the Lord’s anointed. So when David heard that this man killed Saul, he had him executed right there on the spot. David’s grief over Saul and Jonathan is genuine and deep, as evidenced by the song he wrote and his tearing of his clothes and the mourning, weeping and fasting he and his men did. In chapter two, we see David seeking Go

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Exodus 13-16, and I’m calling the episode “Where Is Your Focus?” Comments on Exodus 13-16 The Israelites wanted safety. They wanted to be taken care of, even if that meant they would stay in slavery. You cannot remain free and also be safe. If you want to be safe, you will have to give up your freedom. But you say, "Steve, aren't we supposed to be slaves to Christ?" Yes, beloved. His is the only yoke is light, and in Him, we have freedom from slavery to sin. God is LOVE, and being a slave to Him is NOT the same as being a slave to any other person or entity or anything or anyone else. In Him is absolute freedom to be who He created you to be. In chapter 14, verse 31 we read, "When the Israelites saw the great power with which the Lord had defeated the Egyptians, they stood in awe of the Lord; and they had faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses." But we read in 15:22 that they soon began complaining. When they had been in the desert for three days, a

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is 2 Corinthians 1-3, and I’m calling the episode “Enough Is Enough”.  Comments on Beloved, I have some news for you that you might find shocking. It might completely alter your world view. Maybe you should sit down. Ok. Take a deep breath. Brace yourself.  You need to know that the church (and I’m not referring to one specific local church or even a denomination, I’m talking about all of the church, which is made up of all the believers) is made up of imperfect people. Oh. You knew that? Of course you did, because you know that whenever people are involved, there will be difficulties. People mess up. Sometimes there are what might be considered minor infractions and sometimes there will be major sins. Not really surprising, is it? Do you remember back in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, Paul addressed a major sin that was happening there in the church at Corinth. There was a man who was married to his father’s wife. It was an incestuous relationship, and Paul cha

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is  Mark 13-14. I’m calling the episode “ A Sweet Fragrace ”  Plus I’ll have a special encore presentation of the Christmas Story that I did with James Cooper of whychristmas.com way back in 2010 with several of our friends for the LifespringWhyChristmas podcast. And at the end of the show, I’ll play my favorite Christmas song of all time.  Comments on Mark 14 You know that fragrances, aromas, smells, can have an enormous effect on us, right? One of the greatest things about the Christmas season is the smell of the Christmas tree in the house. It brings back memories of Christmases past, and it just gets me into the Christmas spirit. The smell of the classic version of Old Spice after shave takes me back to when I was a little boy and watching my dad shave.  The Lovely Lady LeeAnn has a favorite perfume that whenever I catch a whiff of it, it makes me think of her.  As I was reading this chapter, which I have read many, many times, something occurred

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Jeremiah 22-26.  I’m calling the episode “Courage." Comments on Jeremiah 26 Jeremiah 26:1-6 (ESV) 1 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. 3 It may be they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds. 4 You shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, 5 and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.’”Jeremiah 26:1-6 (ESV) A proph

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is  Job 33-34. I’m calling the episode “Give A Gentle Answer." Comments on Job 33-34 Elihu continues. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Nick Fewings on Unsplash Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 33-34 NLT Today's Music The Rad Dudes - Christmas In Malibu Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude. Please rate or review the show by clicking the heart! Experiencing God (2021 Edition): Knowing and Doing the Will of God By Henry & Richard Blackaby, Claude V. King / B&H Books Experience the book that has restored, reoriented, and renewed millions of people---now thoroughly updated with seven new chapters and dozens of additional stories! Whether you're reading it for the

Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Psalms 48-50.  I’m calling the episode “This Is Love." Comments on Psalms 48-50 Introduction to Chapter 48 The title of this psalm is "A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah." The Hebrew word for Song in the title here is "schir", which conveys the idea of a joyful song. The same word is used in Genesis 31:27: "Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me, and not tell me; for I might have sent you away with joy and songs, with timbrel and harp?" Also in Psalm 33:3: Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. Remember that the Sons of Korah were Levites, the tribe of priests, and they seem to have been part of the music ministry of temple worship...sort of the worship band.  Introduction to Chapter 49 The title of this psalm is "To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Of this psalm G. Campbell Morgan wrote, “The teaching of the song is simple, and sublime, present, and perpetual.” And I love this, from Alex

Podcast Introduction We’ll complete the book of 1 Samuel today with the reading of chapters 26-31.  I’m calling the episode “Another Missed Opportunity?” Comments on Chapters 26-28 Thoughts on 1 Samuel 26 and 27 Once more, David passes on an opportunity to take out Saul, because David refuses to touch God’s anointed, even though he knows that Saul is unjustly after his blood. David knows that God has promised to give the throne to him, and he won’t force the issue by taking matters into his own hands. Have you ever heard the phrase “God helps those who help themselves”? Wouldn’t it make sense for David to take advantage of the situation here? Well, not really. Because that phrase is not in the Bible. God gave David the promise, and it is up to God to make it come to pass. It is not up to David.  When David shows Saul the spear and the water jug, Saul is finally convinced that David is not after him, and we have no more recorded instances that they ever saw each other again. So what of Dav

Podcast Introduction Today our reading is Exodus 9-12. I’m calling the episode “The Hardened Heart.” Comments on Exodus 9-12 Was it unfair for God to harden Pharaoh's heart? Why should Pharaoh be held accountable if God caused his heart to be hardened? First, let's remember what Romans 6:23 says: For the wages of sin is death. Pharaoh was an evil man. He was what we would call today a dictator. He had horribly mistreated the Israelites. As an example, do you remember how Moses came to be raised in Pharaoh's household? The Pharaoh had ordered every male Hebrew baby that was born, to be killed. But Moses' mother, in order to save him, put him in a basket and set him adrift on the Nile river, where he was found by Pharaoh's daughter, who took him in. In Exodus 1:16, we are told that  For over 400 years, the Israelites had been slaves of the Pharaohs in Egypt. This Pharaoh was in a long line of those who mistreated God's chosen people. And it could be reasonably assumed that the Egyptian populat

Podcast Introduction Concluding 1 Corinthians. Comments I hate to let you down, but I need a bit of a break today, so there won’t be any commentary. Also, I’m sorry about the mistake with yesterday’s episode. I was in a hurry to get to my granddaughters’ play, and I linked the wrong audio, which I was not aware of until a couple of you emailed me a little after 8 am, my time. I did get it corrected, so if you missed it, you should see the corrected file in your podcast app. As it turned out, I didn’t even get to go to the play because I came down with a case of food poisoning or something, which is why I need a break today. So today we’ll just do the reading, and then right after that will be Larry Seyer with a piece called Jingle Jangle. It’s very much a Mannheim Steamroller sounding song. Larry is on Spotify and YouTube music, but not this track. He also has a YouTube channel. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ben White on Unsplash Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's epi

Podcast Introduction Today our reading is  Mark 11-12.  I’m calling the episode “The Fig Tree." Comments on Mark 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem a day earlier to the cries of "Hosanna!" This was his last week on Earth. Near the end of the day, he went to Bethany with his disciples (the twelve). During his return trip from Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree in the distance with leaves on it. Because fig trees usually have fruit before the leaves appear, Jesus expected there to be fruit on the tree. But when he approached the tree and saw none, he cursed it. It is interesting that fig trees often bear two or three crops of figs in a growing season, and depending on climate and growing conditions, fig trees can bear fruit ten months out of the year. So it was certainly reasonable to expect fruit on a tree that had leaves on it. Symbolically, fig trees are often used in Scripture to represent Israel. Note that after Jesus cursed the tree, he went directly to the Temple, where he t

Podcast Introduction Today our reading is  Jeremiah 17-21.  I’m calling the episode “Is It Time Yet?”  Comments on Jeremiah 18 The Lord showed Jeremiah a potter who was not happy with a pot he made, so the potter made a new pot with the clay. God said to Jeremiah, "Can't I do this with Israel? But if a nation turns from its sins, I will change my mind, and I will not tear it down." God made a great nation here in America. But then we turned from Him. Can't He tear it down? Of course he can. But I believe we can stay His hand if we again turn to Him and turn away from our evil ways. Stop the abortions. (62,502,904 in the U.S. since Roe v Wade. 664,496 just this year as of the time of this writing - Oct 8, 2020) Stop victimizing children. (According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, roughly 800,000 go missing each year in the U.S. The number is 460,000 according to the FBI) The things that are done to children in the country and around the world are unspeakable. Terrible. Fr

Podcast Introduction Today our reading is  Job 31-32. I’m calling the episode “The Youngster Speaks." Comments on Job 31-32 Job 31 He starts with one of a man's most common sins: looking with lust at a young woman. How many men can say that he has not done that? He says that he made a covenant with his eyes not to do that. I remember reading that Billy Graham, in all his travels made a similar covenant with his eyes. He would always avert his eyes to the ground when he was in a place where a pretty woman was around. This is a good strategy. Job asks if he has lied or deceived anyone, and when he has said all he can in his defense, when he has laid out his case, he challenges God to answer *him*!  I think perhaps Job took it a step too far, don’t you? Job 32 Beginning with chapter 32 and ending with chapter 37, we hear from Elihu.  Chapter 32 is the first time Elihu shows up in the book of Job. From the context of his speeches, he appears to be much younger than Job or his friends,

Podcast Introduction Today our reading is  Psalms45-47.  I’m calling the episode “It Is Good To Be His." Comments on Psalms 45-47 Introduction to Psalm 45 The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love. According to Matthew Henry's Commentary, and that of Charles Spurgeon, the subject of this Psalm is Christ Himself. I like the way Spurgeon put it:  "Some here see Solomon and Pharaoh's daughter only-- they are short sighted; others see both Solomon and Christ--they are cross eyed; well focused spiritual eyes see here Jesus only, or if Solomon be present at all, it must be like those hazy shadows of by passers which cross the face of the camera, and therefore are dimly traceable upon a photographic landscape. "This is a wedding song for the Heavenly Bridegroom and His elect spouse. Ps 45:1 is an announcement of intention, a preface to the song; Ps 45:3 adores the matchless beauty of Messiah; and from Ps 45:3-9,