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Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jonathan Safa on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Psalms 36-38, and I’m calling the episode “Schemers.” Comments on Psalm 36 The title of this psalm is “For the choir director. A psalm of David, the Lord’s servant.” There are only two psalms that use the phrase “the Lord’s servant.”: Psalm 18 and Psalm 36. In Psalm 18, David is an old man. Here in Psalm 36, David is a young man. All his life, David saw himself a God’s servant. Psalm 36 reaffirms something for me that I have often thought of. In verses 1-5, David talks about the evil man, and how he acts…what he does. And in verse 4, David says, “He plans ways to sin while he lies in bed; he is committed to a sinful lifestyle; he does not reject what is evil.” Now, I am far from perfect. In fact, there are times that I feel, like the Apostle Paul, that I am the chief of sinners. But I am constantly amazed by how thieves and liars devise schemes. When I hear how they do things to accomplish th

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Hassan Pasha on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read 1 Samuel 6-10, and I’m calling the episode “How’s That Workin’ Out For You?”  Comments on 1 Samuel 8 The first section of this commentary was written on September 6, 2020. Six months before this, much of the world began the "fifteen days to slow the spread" of Covid-19. Two months after it was written, the United States would have a presidential election.  The second section was written on November 22, 2021. Thoughts on 1 Samuel 8 - September 6, 2020  In this chapter, we see once more that there is nothing new under the sun.  God rescued the children of Israel out of Egypt, and God looked out for them, cared for them and supplied their needs. He gave them the Promised Land, enabling them to defeat their enemies. But time and again, they forsook God and began to worship the false gods of heathen nations. Each time He forgave them, and for a time they would follow Him, but in the end, they wo

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Erika Giraud on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Genesis 44-47, and I’m calling the episode “Reconciled." Comments on Genesis 44-47 Let's recap quickly what has happened in Joseph's life, in relation to his older brothers. He was the eleventh son of Jacob, but the first son through Rachel, his favorite wife. And Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons because he was born when Jacob was old. Of course Jacob made no attempt to hide his favoritism toward Joseph, and this caused his brothers to hate him. To make matters worse, when he was a teenager he had dreams in which the family would bow down to him...and he told them about the dreams. And his brothers hated him so much that they sold him into slavery, but they told Jacob that he had been killed by wild animals. Then, through a series of events that saw Joseph become the supervisor of an Egyptian official's household, then falsely accused of rape by this same official's wife, thrown int

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Chase Clark on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read 1 Corinthians 7-8, and I’m calling the episode “Looking Out For the Other Guy." Comments on 1 Corinthians 7-8 Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 7 Let’s quickly look at a couple of different points from today’s reading. These are things that cause some people to wonder what Paul meant, so I hope I can clear them up for you. Let’s first tackle the parts where Paul says he is expressing his opinion. Does that mean that we can discount what he says if we don’t like what we hear? No. Those parts don’t somehow become the uninspired Word of God. If they did, then they would not be included in the Bible. What Paul was saying was that there were no scriptures yet in existence that dealt with the issue, so He wasn’t able to quote any verses to support what he was teaching here. But if you look at how he ended the chapter, he was declaring that he was lead by the Holy Spirit. When he says, “I think that I too hav

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Torsten Dederich on Unsplash Tim and Val Announcing the Newest Webb! Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Mark 3-4, and I’m calling the episode “Terror On the High Seas." Comments on Mark 3-4 Thoughts on Mark 3 28I assure you: People will be forgiven for all sins and whatever blasphemies they may blaspheme. 29But whoever blasphemes  against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” 30because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark 3:28-30 HCSB This passage receives a lot of attention. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the one unforgivable sin. So what is it?  To answer the question, let's first put these three verses into context. The scribes had just said of Jesus. "“He has Beelzebul in Him! ” and, “He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons! ”  Jesus had been performing miracles healing people, casting demons out of people and forgiving people. And the scribes said He did that by the power of satan.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: YIFEI CHEN on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to complete the book of  Isa 62-66., and I’m calling the episode “The Ultimate Upgrade." I'll also share a song from one of my favorite artists, Adrina Thorpe. Comments on Isaiah 56-57 You know how sometimes your computer or your phone or your tablet just starts acting funny? The operating system slows down or apps just don’t act like they’re supposed to. It’s frustrating, right? What do you do? Sure, you reboot the device. Often, that’s enough to set things right. Sometimes though, the problems don’t go away because somewhere along the line, some of the pieces of the operating system have gotten corrupted in some manner. Yeah, corrupted is the term commonly used by tech folks. When the OS is broken like this, the best course of action is to save your data and then wipe the hard drive, reformat and reinstall the OS to get a fresh start. When you do this, you get back to a pristine, just like new, out of the b

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Lindsay Henwood on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Job 23-24, and I’m calling the episode “Take A Realistic Look." Comments on Job 23 Two short chapters in which our brother Job continues to answer his friends…or should I say “accusers”. Our brother Job says he would like to make his case in God’s presence. He says, “Would He argue with me from His position of power? No, I know that He would listen to me.” Even though Job feels that God has brought his sorrows on him unjustly, he still trusts that God would listen and give him a fair audience. And then he says that surely God knows that he has been a good man, and that the trials that he has been through a refining him as gold. But even though he trusts God, he is afraid of Him, because of who God is. I believe this is a healthy fear. I think sometimes we take God for granted, beloved. We have gotten so used to His grace that we forget about His awesome, infinite power. It is good to

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Adrian N on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Ps 33-35, and I’m calling the episode “Praise God Always”, and instead of commenting after the reading, I’m again going to give you an introduction to each psalm before reading them.  I’ll tell you the results of the survey today, as promised. And we’ll learn what happened on this date in church history. Comments on Psalms 33-35 Introduction to Psalm 33 What a joyous psalm this is! It is written to all that have called on the name of Jesus to be saved, because it is written to the righteous. And because of our belief in the saving power of Jesus’ shed blood, righteousness is credited to us.  This is a psalm that looks at how good it is to be joyful and praise God in all His goodness and majesty and awesomeness and justice and power. It’s like a wonderfully fresh breath of air on a crisp, clear, sunny blue day from the top of a pristine mountain, where you can see for miles and miles and  mil

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: mali desha on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read 1 Samuel 1-5, and I’m calling the episode “The Call." Today we begin the book of 1 Samuel. Now, while this is still in the history section of the OT, we are really making a transition from the time of the Judges to what will be the time of the Kings. First and Second Samuel are not written by Samuel, but we do read about his life in the first few chapters of 1 Samuel. The balance of these two books is mostly about Kings Saul and David, who were both anointed by Samuel. Comments on 1 Samuel 1 About Samuel’s family. Elkanah, the man who would become Samuel’s father, seems to have been a devout man in a time that many people were far from God. Remember from our time in Judges how many times we were told “There were no kings in the land, and people did whatever they wanted.” Well, Elkanah made regular trips to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices. He was a Levite, which is the tribe from which God ch

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Matheus Frade on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Though this is season 12 of the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, today Nov 13, 2021 marks the 17th anniversary of Lifespring Media. I’ll talk after our reading & my comments on the reading about the early days, from my perspective anyways. I won’t take up a lot of time, but I think it’s good to review once in a while, don’t you? But for now, let’s get on with the show. I’ll take off my party hat for a bit, but you can keep yours on if you want to. Today we’re going to read Mark 1-2, and I’m calling the episode “Action!" Introduction to Mark No book has been translated more than Mark's Gospel. One reason is that it is the shortest Gospel, but perhaps an even bigger reason is that the book was written for the Romans, not people who were familiar with Judaism in the first century.  Mark, also known as John-Mark, was not one of the twelve disciples. But it is likely that he was part of the crowds that often followed Jesus. 

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Stephen Tafra on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Genesis 40-43, and I’m calling the episode “Joseph As A Type." Joseph As A Type The Old Testament has many types in its pages. A type is a person or thing that pre-figures, foreshadows, whispers of, or points to a person or thing in the New Testament. Joseph was a type of Jesus. Here are just a few of the similarities between Joseph and Jesus: Joseph was the first-born son of Jacob.Jesus was the first-born son of Mary (and the only begotten Son of God the Father)Joseph was loved by his father.Jesus is the beloved son of the FatherJoseph was hated by his brothers.Jesus was hated by His brothers.Joseph was hated for his words.Jesus was hated for his words.Joseph was thrown into a pit.Jesus was put in a tomb.Joseph was taken out of the pit, alive.Jesus was resurrected from the tomb.Joseph was a shepherd.Jesus is the Good ShepherdBoth were prophesied to be rulers.Joseph was stripped of his coat.J

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Adrian N on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Corinthians 6, and I’m calling the episode “Who Owns You?" Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 6 Corinth was an extremely hedonistic city, and had been that way for hundreds of years. It was prosperous and bustling. Much like a large metropolitan city today. It was famous for its pottery, brass, sports and military. There were temples built to honor many different Greek gods, with the largest one being for Aphrodite, which had more than a thousand female prostitutes and priestesses to serve her. The Corinthian people had a reputation for being drunkards and partyers and having extremely lax sexual morals.  In other words, they were like many people are today. In chapter five, Paul chastised the Corinthian church because they didn't call out the one in their church who was having an ongoing affair with his father's wife, most likely his stepmother. They had allowed this because they were immersed in this

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Eduardo Flores on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Isa 56-61, and I’m calling the episode “Wake Up." Comments on Job 22 In our reading today, the first eight verses chapter 56 explain that God wants to welcome all people, not just the Jews into His house. And then the last verses of the chapter chastise Israel's leaders...those who should be closest to God and able to lead people to Him. Verse 10 says: "The leaders who are to guard the people are blind; they don’t know what they are doing. All of them are like quiet dogs that don’t know how to bark. They lie down and dream and love to sleep." Remember that last sentence. We're going to come back to it. Here it is again: "They lie down and dream and love to sleep." Chapter 57's first 13 verses chastises the people of Israel. Since their religious leaders were asleep, is it any surprise that they were so far from God? And yet, He calls them to account, because their behavior was abhorrent to H

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: sebastiaan stam on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Today we’re going to read Psalms 30-32, and I’m calling the episode “_David Sings the Blues_”  This title in in reference specifically to chapter 31. And it might surprise you that there actually is such a thing as Christian blues music. I really like blues music, and several years ago, when I was doing the Lifespring Weekend Music Show, of which I did 102 episodes that you can listen to at LifespringMedia.com, I discovered a guy named Jimmie Bratcher. He’s a really good blues guitar player and singer, as well as being a preacher. I’m going to play on of his songs for you at the end of today’s show. Last time we were in the Psalms, instead of comments after, I gave you introductions before I read the chapters. I’ll do the same today. I think it helps to put them into context. After the readings, we’ll learn what happened on this day in church history. And I received a boostagram a couple days ago that had a comment that I wa

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Denis Degioanni on Unsplash Podcast Introduction The Book of Ruth No Commentary Today Thanks for your patience. Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-4 NIV The Ploofs and the Webbs L-R: LeeAnn, Steve, Tara, Ron at the Hotel Del Coronado 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

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash Podcast Introduction This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, and coming to you from Riverside, California, podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we are reading the entire Bible in a year. Great to be with you today! Thanks for inviting me into your day. Just a reminder, November, the 17 anniversary of Lifespring! Media is this coming Saturday. As you probably know by now, I record these the day before you get them, so today is Sunday. And the the Lovely Lady LeeAnn and I are going to be meeting in just a few hours with my good friend and fellow longtime podcaster, Ron Ploof and his wife. If you’re not familiar with the Griddlecakes Radio podcast, you should be. Ron is a master story teller, and his podcast is a real treat to listen to. It’s at griddlecakes.com. So we’re going to be meeting them down in San Diego, which is about a two hour drive from my home, in a few hours for dinner

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Max on Unsplash Podcast Introduction We'll read 1 Corinthians 3-5, and I’m calling the episode “Nothin’ to be proud of.”  Comments on 1 Corinthians 4 and 5 Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 4 In chapter 4 Paul is reinforcing his qualifications with the Corinthian church. They did not recognize his apostolic authority. So he is instructing them on his position, and how they ought to regard him. He says that they should think of him and the other apostles as a servant of Christ. There are several different Greek words that we translate as "servant". The word used here is "hyperetas", which is a subordinate servant working as a free man. The more common Greek word is "doulos", which is a common slave.  "Hyperetas" literally translated means under-rower. Think of a big galley ship. They had many, many men who rowed, and an under-rower acted without question, under the direction to the one in charge. In the apostles' case, they answered only to Christ. Paul also said tha

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ahad Uddin on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Completing Matthew 26-28, and I’m calling the episode “The Greatest Gift."  I’ve got comments on each chapter today, and after my comments, we will of course learn what happened “On This Date In Church History.” Comments on Matthew 26-28 Thoughts on Matthew 26  Have you ever made a promise to God? Have you ever been so much in love with Him that you just knew you would always be right in the center of His will?  Or let’s dial it back a notch or fifty. Have you ever made a promise to your spouse, your significant other, or even just a friend? And have you ever failed to deliver on that promise? When you break a promise made to a human being, that’s one thing. Ideally you apologize, they forgive you, and you move forward.  But when you make a promise to God, that’s BIG, right? In verse 33, Peter says to Jesus, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”  Peter was one who often spoke fro

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Cdoncel on Unsplash Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Isaiah 51-55, and I’m calling the episode “The Healing." Comments on Isaiah 53  Did you notice that there were several references to the coming Messiah in today’s reading?  Chapter 53 talked quite a lot about Him. I’m sure you’ve noticed that in most every depiction of Jesus, His appearance is very attractive. He looks like someone who could draw a crowd from just His looks, right? But verse 2 says, “He had no special beauty or form to make us notice him; there was nothing in his appearance to make us desire him.”  So what drew people was not his appearance. It must have been his message. Go figure!  But that’s not what I really want to focus on today. I want to look at verse five. Here it is again, “But he was wounded for the wrong we did; he was crushed for the evil we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to him, and we are healed because of his wounds.” Now, what I’m about to say