Transcript

Executive Producer

John

Podcast Introduction

Today is History Tuesday, and we will read 2 Chronicles 21-24. We’ll read about the murderous queen Athaliah, and how the line of king David was nearly snuffed out. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “The Evil Queen.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Mohammad Metri on Unsplash

Comments on 2 Chronicles 21-24

In these chapters, we read about Joash, and how he was saved from the evil Queen Athaliah, who killed every child of King Ahaziah, who was killed by Jehu. Every child but one. Jehosheba was the sister of King Ahaziah, and when she heard that Athaliah wanted to kill all of his children, she hid one-year-old Joash with the priests in the Temple for six years.

That’s quite a story in itself, but this next part is what I find most interesting. At this point, Joash is the only living descendant of King David. Remember God’s promise to David? That there would always be one of his descendants on the throne? Yep. So God made sure that Joash was not killed. 

And who else was from the house of David? Of course. None other than Jesus of Nazareth. 

It would be nice if we could say that Joash grew to be a good and godly king, but such is not the case. Yes, he did right before the Lord while Jehoiada the priest was alive, but once Jehoiada died, Joash took a left turn. He turned away from God, and he and the leaders and the people of Judah began to worship false gods. God then allowed Judah to be defeated by the smaller army of the Arameans, and Joash was wounded. And then his own servants killed him on his own bed. And when he was buried, it was not in the place where the other kings were buried.

A sad ending to a life that was miraculously spared by God, wouldn’t you say?

The apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Would that Joash had kept his eyes on God. Coming from a believing family is no guarantee. He was literally raised in the Temple, with a godly role model in Jehoiada the priest. Parents, grandparents, anyone with influence over children…it is eternally important that you impress upon your children the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 21-22 ERV; Ch. 23 NET; Ch. 24 NKJV

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Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB – 0:00Don’t take it for granted.

INTRO S12E293 – 0:09This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year and today’s History Tuesday, and we’ll read 2 Chronicles 21 through 24. After the reading, I’ve got some comments for you. And there’s an On This Date in Church History segment, and I’ve got a comment to share with you today. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Evil Queen”. The show notes page is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e293, if you’d like to leave a comment or you can send me an email at st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

2 CHRONICLES 21 (ERV) – 0:482 Chronicles, chapter 21. (1) Then Jehoshaphat died and was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. Then his son, Jehoram became the next king. (2) Jehoram’s brothers were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah. They were the sons of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. (3) Jehoshaphat gave his sons many gifts of silver, gold, and precious things. He also gave them strong fortresses in Judah. But Jehoshaphat gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was his oldest son.

(4) Jehoram took over his father’s kingdom and made himself strong. Then he used a sword to kill all his brothers. He also killed some of the leaders of Israel. (5) Jehoram was 32 years old when he began to rule. He ruled eight years in Jerusalem. (6) He lived the same way the kings of Israel lived. He lived the same way Ahab’s family lived. This was because Jehoram married Ahab’s daughter. And Jehoram did evil in the Lord’s sight. (7) But the Lord would not destroy David’s family because of the agreement he made with David. He had promised to keep a lamp burning for David and his children forever.

(8) In Jehoram’s time, Edom broke away from under Judah’s authority. The people of Edom chose their own king. (9) So Jehoram went to Edom with all his commanders and chariots. The Edomite army surrounded Jehoram and his chariot commanders. But Jehoram fought his way out at night. (10) Since that time and until now the country of Edom has been rebellious against Judah. The people from the town of Libnah also turned against Jehoram. This happened because Jehoram left the Lord God. He is the God Jehoram’s ancestors followed. (11) Jehoram also built high places on the hills in Judah. He caused the people of Jerusalem to start worshiping other gods. He led the people of Judah away from their God.

(12) Jehoram received this message from Elijah the prophet:

“This is what the Lord, the God your father David followed, says, ‘Jehoram, you have not lived the way your father Jehoshaphat lived. You have not lived the way King Asa of Judah lived. (13) But you have lived the way the kings of Israel lived. You have caused the people of Judah and Jerusalem to stop doing what God wants. That is what Ahab and his family did. They were unfaithful to God. You have killed your brothers, and they were better than you. (14) So now, the Lord will soon punish your people with terrible suffering. He will punish your children, your wives, and all your property. (15) You will have a painful sickness in your intestines that will get worse and worse. Your intestines will finally come out.’”

(16) The Lord caused the Philistines and the Arabs living near the Ethiopians to be angry with Jehoram. (17) They attacked Judah and carried away all the riches in the king’s palace. They also took Jehoram’s sons and wives. Only Jehoram’s youngest son, Ahaziah, was left.

(18) After this happened, the Lord made Jehoram sick with a disease in his intestines that could not be cured. (19) His intestines fell out two years later because of his sickness. He died in very bad pain. The people did not make a large fire to honor Jehoram as they did for his father. (20) Jehoram was 32 years old when he became king. He ruled eight years in Jerusalem. No one was sad when he died. The people buried Jehoram in the City of David, but not in the graves where the kings are buried.

2 CHRONICLES 22 (ERV) – 4:162 Chronicles, chapter 22. (1) The people of Jerusalem chose Ahaziah to be the new king in Jehoram’s place. Ahaziah was Jehoram’s youngest son. The people who came with the Arabs to attack Jehoram’s camp killed all of Jehoram’s older sons. So Ahaziah began to rule in Judah. (2) He was 22 years old when he began to rule. He ruled one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah. Her father’s name was Omri. (3) Ahaziah also lived the way Ahab’s family lived because his mother encouraged him to do wrong things. (4) Ahaziah did evil in the Lord’s sight. That is what Ahab’s family did. Ahab’s family gave advice to Ahaziah after Ahaziah’s father died. They gave Ahaziah bad advice that led to his death. (5-6) Ahaziah followed the advice of Ahab’s family and joined King Joram to fight against King Hazael from Aram. They fought near the town of Ramoth in Gilead. Joram, who was the son of King Ahab of Israel, was wounded in the battle. He went back to the town of Jezreel to heal from the wounds he suffered at Ramoth. King Ahaziah went there later to visit him.

(7) God caused Ahaziah’s death when he went to visit Joram. Ahaziah arrived and went out with Joram to meet Jehu son of Nimshi. The Lord chose Jehu to destroy Ahab’s family. (8) Jehu was punishing Ahab’s family. He found the leaders of Judah and Ahaziah’s relatives who served Ahaziah. He killed the leaders of Judah and Ahaziah’s relatives. (9) Then Jehu looked for Ahaziah. Jehu’s men caught him when he tried to hide in the town of Samaria. They brought him to Jehu. They killed Ahaziah and buried him. They said, “Ahaziah is the descendant of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat followed the Lord with all his heart.” Ahaziah’s family had no power to hold the kingdom of Judah together.

(10) Athaliah was Ahaziah’s mother. When she saw that her son was dead, she killed all the king’s children in Judah. (11) But Jehosheba took Ahaziah’s son Joash and hid him. Jehosheba put Joash and his nurse in the inside bedroom. Jehosheba was King Jehoram’s daughter. She was also Jehoiada’s wife. Jehoiada was a priest, and Jehosheba was Ahaziah’s sister. Athaliah did not kill Joash, because Jehosheba hid him. (12) Joash was hidden with the priests in God’s Temple for six years. During that time Athaliah ruled over the land as queen.

2 CHRONICLES 23 (NET) – 06:492 Chronicles, chapter 23. (1) In the seventh year Jehoiada made a bold move. He made a pact with the officers of the units of hundreds: Azariah son of Jehoram, Ishmael son of Jehochanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zikri. (2) They traveled throughout Judah and assembled the Levites from all the cities of Judah, as well as the Israelite family members.

They came to Jerusalem, (3) and the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the temple of God. Jehoiada said to them, “The king’s son will rule, just as the Lord promised David’s descendants. (4) This is what you must do. One third of you priests and Levites who are on duty during the Sabbath will guard the doors....

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Monday so we’ll read from the Law. We’re still in Deuteronomy, the last book we’ll read from the Law, and our chapters tomorrow will be 13-15. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “What’s In It For You?”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Comments on Deuteronomy 15

Have you ever heard someone make a statement like, “You should give, without any expectation of receiving anything in return”? In general, I agree with that statement as it relates to our attitude toward people. We should not give with the expectation of receiving something back from them. If we do, great. But don’t give with the motivation of getting something back from them. 

Do you agree with that? It seems like a good way to avoid being disappointed if they don’t reciprocate, doesn’t it? And if we only give to those who have the ability to give back to us, we probably won’t be giving to people who really *need* the help. So there’s that.

But in Deuteronomy 15, the people were told to be generous to those in need because God would bless them for it. So it seems to me that it is alright for us to be generous with the expectation that there will be a blessing for us from God.

And of course, this is not the only place that this principle is spoken of in the Bible. In Luke 6:38, Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” To tell you the truth, I would much rather receive a blessing from God than from man!

One more thing. Because God has made it clear that He will bless us when we give, I don’t think it’s bad that we expect a blessing. But we need to remember that we cannot manipulate God. He will never be beholden to us. We can’t *obligate* Him. This promise of His does not give us license to say, “Okay, God. I gave a thousand dollars to such-and-such, so You have to give it back to me.” I doesn’t work that way, in my opinion. God blesses us in ways we might not see until we see Him in Heaven. Yes, sometimes He does bless us materially, but not always. He might bless us with good health, or the friendship of someone, or keeping something we own from breaking. The possibilities are endless. And sometimes it might just be the satisfaction of knowing we did something good for someone. 

The point I’m trying to make here is this: Don’t be mercenary in your giving. Give cheerfully and generously out of the goodness of your heart. And as a plus, I believe that is when God is most generous in returning a blessing.

Also in Deuteronomy 15, God spoke about slaves. These days the subject of slavery is triggering for some people. I’ve spoken about it a few times here on the show, so I won’t address it today, If you would like to listen to that show, here it is: https://lifespringmedia.com/family-bible/lsfab0077-1-corinthians-7-8/

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 13 CEB; Ch. 14 CEV; Ch. 15 GNT

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This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB – 0:00We can’t manipulate God.

INTRO S12E320 – 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, and podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we are reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today’s Monday, so we’ll read from one of the books of the Law. We’re in Deuteronomy which is the last book we’ll read from the Law. And our chapters today are 13th through 15th. I’m calling today’s episode, “What’s In It For You?”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e320. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

DEUTERONOMY 13 (CEB) – 0:46Deuteronomy, chapter 13. (1) Now if a prophet or a dream interpreter appears among you and performs a sign or wonder for you, (2) and the sign or wonder that was spoken actually occurs; if he says: “Come on! We should follow other gods”—ones you haven’t experienced—“and we should worship them,” (3) you must not listen to that prophet’s or dream interpreter’s words, because the LORD your God is testing you to see if you love the LORD your God with all your mind and all your being. (4) You must follow the LORD your God alone! Revere him! Follow his commandments! Obey his voice! Worship him! Cling to him—no other! (5) That prophet or dream interpreter must be executed because he encouraged you to turn away from the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt, who redeemed you from the house of slavery; they tried to lead you away from the path the LORD your God commanded you to take. Remove such evil from your community!

(6) Similarly, if one of your relatives—even one of your own siblings—or your own son or daughter or your dear spouse or best friend entices you secretly, if someone like that says: “Come on! We should follow and worship other gods”—ones that neither you nor your ancestors have experienced, (7) gods from all the neighboring peoples, whether nearby or far away, from one end of the earth to the other— (8) don’t give in to them! Don’t obey them! Don’t have any mercy on them! Don’t have compassion on them and don’t protect them! (9) Instead, you must execute them. Your own hand must be against them from the beginning of the execution; the hand of all the people will be involved at the end. (10) Stone them until they are dead because they desired to lead you away from the LORD your God, the one who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. (11) All Israel will hear about this and be afraid. They won’t do that sort of evil thing among you again.

(12) Or if you hear about one of your towns the LORD your God is giving you to inhabit, that (13) certain wicked people have gone out from your community and they’ve led the citizens of their town astray by saying: “Come on! We should follow and worship other gods”—ones you haven’t experienced before; (14) at that point you must look into this situation very carefully to see if it’s true. And if it’s definitely true that this detestable thing was done in your community, (15) you must completely strike down the inhabitants of that city with the sword. Place it and all that is in it under the ban. Put its animals to the sword. (16) Gather all the plunder into the middle of the town’s square. Then burn the city and all of its plunder as an entirely burned offering to the LORD your God. It must remain a heap of rubble forever. It must not be rebuilt. (17) Don’t hold on to any of the banned items—this will ensure that the LORD turns from his great anger and is compassionate to you, showing you mercy and multiplying you just like he swore to your ancestors. (18) You must definitely obey the LORD your God’s voice, keeping all his commandments that I am giving you right now, by doing what is right in the LORD your God’s eyes!

DEUTERONOMY 14 (CEV) – 3:50Deuteronomy, chapter 14. (1) People of Israel, you are the Lord’s children, so when you mourn for the dead, you must not cut yourselves or shave your forehead. (2) Out of all the nations on this earth, the Lord your God chose you to be his own. You belong to the Lord, so don’t behave like those who worship other gods.

(3) Don’t eat any disgusting animals.

(4-5) You may eat the meat of cattle, sheep, and goats; wild sheep and goats; and gazelles, antelopes, and all kinds of deer. (6) It is all right to eat meat from any animals that have divided hoofs and also chew the cud.

(7) But don’t eat camels, rabbits, and rock badgers. These animals chew the cud but do not have divided hoofs. You must treat them as unclean. (8) And don’t eat pork, since pigs have divided hoofs, but they do not chew their cud. Don’t even touch a dead pig!

(9) You can eat any fish that has fins and scales. But there are other creatures that live in the water, (10) and if they do not have fins and scales, you must not eat them. Treat them as unclean.

(11) You can eat any clean bird. (12-18) But don’t eat the meat of any of the following birds: eagles, vultures, falcons, kites, ravens, ostriches, owls, sea gulls, hawks, pelicans, ospreys, cormorants, storks, herons, and hoopoes. You must not eat bats. (19) Swarming insects are unclean, so don’t eat them. (20) However, you are allowed to eat certain kinds of winged insects.

(21) You belong to the Lord your God, so if you happen to find a dead animal, don’t eat its meat. You may give it to foreigners who live in your town or sell it to foreigners who are visiting your town.

Don’t boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.

(22) People of Israel, every year you must set aside ten percent of your grain harvest. (23) Also set aside ten percent of your wine and olive oil, and the first-born of every cow, sheep, and goat. Take these to the place where the Lord chooses to be worshiped, and eat them there. This will teach you to always respect the Lord your God.

(24) But suppose you can’t carry that ten percent of your harvest to the place where the Lord chooses to be worshiped. If you live too far away, or if the Lord gives you a big harvest, (25) then sell this part and take the money there instead. (26) When you and your family arrive, spend the money on food for a big celebration. Buy cattle, sheep, goats, wine, beer, and if there are any other kinds of food that you want, buy those too. (27) And since people of the Levi tribe won’t own any land for growing crops, remember to ask the Levites to celebrate with you.

(28) Every third year,...

Transcript

Associate Producer

Cindy Gardner

Podcast Introduction

Today is Epistles Sunday, and we’re going to complete the book of Hebrews  with chapters 11-13. You’ve heard of the Baseball Hall of Fame? Today we’ll read about Old Testament people who are in a sort of Faith Hall of Fame, or Hall of Faith.  I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “What Is Faith?”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Comments on Hebrews 11

Chapter 11 is sometimes called the Faith Hall of Fame, or the Hall of Faith. 

Why do you suppose the author of this book found it necessary to write this chapter? Of course, we know that the author wrote it because he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to do so, but beyond that I think the reason God gave this message for the Hebrews was because they were used to relying on the ongoing sacrifices to make them right with God. They were relying on their efforts to conform to the Mosaic Law. In the previous chapters, the Jews were told that Jesus offered Himself as the One sacrifice for all time, and that it was faith in Him that cleanses a person from sin. This notion of faith was a bit of a new concept for many of them. Thus they, and we, are given this chapter.

I like the way this translation of the Bible explains what faith is. It “is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see.”

Now, the word “hope” as it is used here is not the kind of hope a child has when he says, “I hope I get a new bicycle for Christmas.” That kind of hope is a sort of childlike wish. The hope spoken about here in Hebrews is the sort of hope that carries with it an assured anticipation of what will be in the future. I don’t wish that Jesus will someday return. I know He will, and it is that hope that allows me to have an unshakeable peace when I think about the future. I have no doubt that it will happen. 

Why don’t I doubt? Because I have the kind of faith spoken about in this chapter. 

Some people have little faith, some have great faith. Those who have little faith, if they ask for more, will receive it. I know this because at one time I had very little faith. But the faith I had told me that the One in whom my faith rested was real. So God, in His matchless grace, brought events into my life that made me see that whatever faith I had put in Him was well-placed. 

Often times my faith was tested. And when you think about it, when our faith is tested it is often God who is being tested. God says, “Do you have faith that I will do this?” And I say,”I believe, but help my unbelief.” And He proves Himself worthy of my faith in that instance, thus causing my faith to grow. 

Like God delivering the people of Israel from Pharaoh’s army: God says to Moses, “Do you have faith that I will provide a way of escape?” Moses says, “I have faith, Lord, but how are you going to do it?” And then God does the unthinkable by parting the Red Sea. Moses’ faith was tested, but it was God who did the miracle. 

It’s important to understand that our faith is not something that we whip up ourselves. It is God who gives us the faith in the first place, and it is God who increases our faith. Our part in the process is to believe and trust Him. At the beginning of the process, we cannot see the end. Not with our eyes, and not with our reason. But by faith, we know…we have the hope…that God will do as He says He will. 

I am not a man of faith because of some great thing that I have done. It’s not because of me, or my parents or the church I attend. The faith I have is because I responded to His call to trust Him. And when my trust was challenged, and when I responded with a, “Yes Lord, I will trust you”, He did something that made me see that, yes, He is there and He is trustworthy. 

I have to rush to say that no… I do not have a perfect score. I have often failed when given the decision to trust or not. And every time, that has been to my detriment. But even in those times, God has proven that He was there. And He has said, “Are you ready to trust me now? Shall we try again?” He doesn’t give up on us when we fail. He just takes us back to school, because He knows where He wants to take us, and He knows the person He wants us to become.

Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see. God doesn’t have to hope, because He does see the end, and He lovingly and patiently brings us along until we reach where He already is.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 11 ERV; Ch. 12-13 CEV

Support

This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file.

Steve Webb 0:00I have faith, Lord, but how are you going to do it?

Steve Webb 0:10Hi there. This is the Lifespring family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, podcasting since 2004. I’m your OG God Gaster Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year and today is epistle Sunday, we’re going to complete the book of Hebrews with chapters 11 through 13. You’ve heard of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Well, today we’ll read about Old Testament people who are in a sort of faith hall of fame, or Hall of Faith. I’m calling today’s episode. What is faith? Today’s show notes page is it Lifespring media.com/s 12 e 291. My email address is Steve at Lifespring media.com. And I think it’s time to get started.

Steve Webb 0:51Hebrews chapter 11. Faith is what makes real the things we hope for it is proof of what we cannot see. God was pleased with the people who lived a long time ago because they had faith like this. Faith helps us understand that God created the whole world by his command. This means that the things we see were made by something that cannot be seen. Cain and Abel both offered sacrifices to God. But Abel offered a better sacrifice to God because He had faith. God said He was pleased with what Abel offered. And so God called him a good man because he had faith. Abel died. But through his faith, he is still speaking. Enoch was carried away from this earth, so he never died. The Scriptures tell us that before he was carried off. He was a man who pleased God. Later, no one knew where he was because God had taken Enoch to be with him. This all happened because he had faith. Without faith. No one can please God, whoever comes to God must believe that He is real, and that He rewards those who sincerely tried to find him. Noah was warned by God about things that he could not yet see. But he had faith and respect for God. So he built a large boat to save his family. With his faith, Noah showed that the world was wrong. And he became one of those who were made right with God through faith. God called Abraham to travel to another place that He promised to give Him. Abraham did not know where that other place was. But he obeyed God and started traveling because he had faith. Abraham lived in the country that God promised to give him. He lived there like a visitor who did not belong. He did this because he had faith. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who also received the same promise from God. Abraham was waiting for the city that has real foundations. He was waiting for the city that is planned and built by God. Sarah was not able to have children. And Abraham was too old. But he had faith in God, trusting him to do what he promised. And so God made them able to have children. Abraham was so old, he was almost dead. But from that one man came as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. So many people came from him that they are like grains of sand on the seashore. All these great people continued living with faith until they died. They did not get the things God promised his people. But they were happy just to see those promises coming far in the future. They accepted the fact that they were like visitors and strangers here on Earth. When people accept something like that they show they’re waiting for a country that will be their own. If they were thinking about the country they had left, they could have gone back. But they were waiting for a better country, a heavenly country. So God is not ashamed to be called their God, and He has prepared a city for them. God tested Abraham’s faith. God told him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham obeyed because he had faith. He already had the promises from God. And God had already said to him, it is through Isaac that your descendants will come. But Abraham was ready to offer his only son. He did this because he had faith. He believed that God could raise people from death. And really when God stopped Abraham from killing Isaac, it was as if he got him back from death. Isaac blessed the future of Jacob and Esau. He did that because he had faith. And Jacob also because he had faith blessed each one of Joseph sons. He did this while he was dying, leaning on his rod and worshiping God. And when Joseph was almost dead, he spoke about the people of Israel leaving Egypt and he told them what they should do with his body. He did this because he had faith. And the mother and father of Moses hit him for three months after he was born. They did this because they had faith. They saw that Moses was a beautiful baby. He, and they were not afraid to disobey the Kings order. Moses grew up and became a man. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose not to enjoy the pleasures of sin that lasts such a short time. Indeed, he chose to suffer with God’s people. He did this because he had faith. He thought it was better to suffer for the Messiah than to have all the treasures of Egypt....

Transcript

Distinguished Producer

Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Paul of Seattle.

Podcast Introduction

Today is Gospels Saturday. We’ll read Acts 5-6.  I’ve got an On This Date In Church History, and I’m calling today’s episode “The Choice.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jackson Hirsch on Unsplash

Comments on Acts 5

In chapter five, after the apostles had been locked up for preaching about Jesus, and after the angel of the Lord had released them during the night and had told them, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life”, they went right back to the temple to again teach (or preach) to the people.

The high priest had them brought back to stand once more before the Council and he said, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

Now, does this sound at all familiar to you? Doesn’t this go on today? Aren’t we told not to speak the name of Jesus? Christians are one of the only groups today that are discriminated against, and it’s perfectly fine with most of the world.

What Peter and the other apostles said to the high priest and the Council should be an encouragement to us. They said, “We must obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Friends, they got the courage to do this from the same Holy Spirit that is in every believer today. Don’t be afraid to speak the name of Jesus and tell what He has done in your life and what He wants to do in the lives of every person alive. Be bold. Be strong. Do not obey those who would tell you to shut up. We answer to a higher authority. We answer to Almighty God!

That is not to say that we will necessarily be miraculously rescued. As a matter of fact, there is a good chance that we will not be. But is that any reason to be afraid? Is it not better to do what God wants us to do, than to do what man wants us to do? In Luke 12:4-5, Jesus said, “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. 5But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.” He didn’t say that to scare us into obeying God, He said that to say that we have nothing to fear from men. Of course God has the power to throw us into hell, but if we are in Christ, He has promised that we are forgiven. So it’s a moot point. 

Personally, I would much rather die doing what God has called me to do than to deny Him in the hopes of escaping the punishment of men. Those types of people are never satisfied. They will always continue to require more and more, until they have sucked the life out of you anyway. 

My prayer is that no one listening to this right now will ever have to make that choice. But it is better to decide in advance what choice we will make, rather than wait until circumstances force a hasty, emotional decision. 

Growing tyranny seems to be the order of the day around the world, beloved. We must be prepared. Prepared to stand and speak the truth of God and His offer of eternal life through Jesus, prepared to face opposition from those who hate God, and prepared to sacrifice the fleeting life of the body for eternal life with God, and with those who have gone before us.

What will you choose? Are you prepared?

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 5 ERV; Ch. 6 GW

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00Those types of people are never satisfied.

INTRO S12E283 – 0:10This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. And today is Gospel Saturday. We’ll read Acts five and six. After the reading I’ve got some comments for you, and I’ve got an On This Date in Church History today as well. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Choice”. The show notes page is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e263, if you’d like to leave a comment. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

ACTS 5 (ERV) – 0:48Acts, chapter five. (1) There was a man named Ananias. His wife’s name was Sapphira. Ananias sold some land he had, (2) but he gave only part of the money to the apostles. He secretly kept some of the money for himself. His wife knew this, and she agreed with it.

(3) Peter said, “Ananias, why did you let Satan fill your mind with such an idea? You kept part of the money for yourself and lied about it to the Holy Spirit! (4) Before you sold the field, it belonged to you, right? And even after you sold it, you could have used the money any way you wanted. How could you even think of doing such a thing? You lied to God, not to us!”

(5-6) When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. Some young men came and wrapped his body. They carried it out and buried it. And everyone who heard about this was filled with fear.

(7) About three hours later his wife came in. Sapphira did not know about what had happened to her husband. (8) Peter said to her, “Tell me how much money you got for your field. Was it this much?”

Sapphira answered, “Yes, that was all we got for the field.”

(9) Peter said to her, “Why did you and your husband agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! Do you hear those footsteps? The men who buried your husband are at the door. They will carry you out in the same way.” (10) At that moment Sapphira fell down by his feet and died. The young men came in and saw that she was dead. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband. (11) The whole church and all the other people who heard about this were filled with fear.

(12) The apostles were given the power to do many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. They were together in Solomon’s Porch, and they all had the same purpose. (13) None of the other people dared to stand with the apostles, but everyone was saying wonderful things about them. (14) More and more people believed in the Lord, and many men and women were added to the group of believers. (15) So the people brought those who were sick into the streets and put them on little beds and mats. They were hoping that Peter’s shadow might fall on them as he walked by. (16) People came from all the towns around Jerusalem. They brought those who were sick or troubled by evil spirits. All of them were healed.

(17) The high priest and all his friends, a group called the Sadducees, became very jealous. (18) They grabbed the apostles and put them in jail. (19) But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail. The angel led the apostles outside and said, (20) “Go and stand in the Temple area. Tell the people everything about this new life.” (21) When the apostles heard this, they did what they were told. They went into the Temple area about sunrise and began to teach the people.

The high priest and his friends came together and called a meeting of the high council and all the older Jewish leaders. They sent some men to the jail to bring the apostles to them. (22) When the men went to the jail, they could not find the apostles there. So they went back and told the Jewish leaders about this. (23) They said, “The jail was closed and locked. The guards were standing at the doors. But when we opened the doors, the jail was empty!” (24) The captain of the Temple guards and the leading priests heard this. They were confused and wondered what it all meant.

(25) Then another man came and told them, “Listen! The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple area teaching the people.” (26) The captain and his men went out and brought the apostles back. But the soldiers did not use force, because they were afraid of the people. They were afraid the people would stone them to death.

(27) The soldiers brought the apostles in and made them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them. (28) He said, “We told you never again to teach using that name. But look at what you have done! You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching. And you are trying to blame us for his death.”

(29) Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God, not you! (30) You killed Jesus by nailing him to a cross. But God, the same God our fathers had, raised Jesus up from death. (31) Jesus is the one God honored by giving him a place at his right side. He made him our Leader and Savior. God did this to give all the people of Israel the opportunity to change and turn to God to have their sins forgiven. (32) We saw all these things happen, and we can say that they are true. The Holy Spirit also shows that these things are true. God has given this Spirit to all those who obey him.”

(33) When the council members heard this, they became very angry. They began to plan a way to kill the apostles. (34) But one member of the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, stood up. He was a teacher of the law, and all the people respected him. He told the men to make the apostles leave the meeting for a few minutes. (35) Then he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful of what you are planning to do to these men. (36) Remember when Theudas appeared? He said he was an important man,...

Transcript

Executive Producer

Roderick. Thank you!

Podcast Introduction

Today is Prophecy Friday. We’ll read the book of Micah, seven chapters. Today we’re going to skip on this date in church history I’m calling today’s episode “The Greatest Miracle.“

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jesus the True Shepherd, Library of Congress LC-DIG-pga-11327, Colorized

Comments on Micah

This book, although much shorter, is as bit like the book of Isaiah. That book was about “Judah and Jerusalem” and Micah’s prophecy was about “Samaria and Jerusalem”. Micah brings God’s warning about the coming judgment of Israel, and he mourns it. 

The sins of Israel are laid out: idolatry, covetousness, oppression, rejection of God’s Word, corrupt leaders, both spiritual leaders and political leaders. Boy, I’m sure glad we don’t live back then. We’ve come so far, haven’t we?

Thankfully for Israel, the upcoming chapters do have some encouraging words. As always, it’s important to remember that God’s judgments are not vengeful towards His people. They are motivated by love.

Chapter four began with the words “In the future…” Some of the prophecies Micah wrote about have been fulfilled, some are yet to be. 

Verse one says: “In the future, the mountain with the Lord’s temple will be the highest of all. It will reach above the hills, and every nation will rush to it.” 

In a figurative sense, the mountain with the Lord’s temple could be considered the highest of all with the coming of Messiah. And there are believers in every nation. But I believe that the temple will be rebuilt during the Millennial reign of Christ, when there will be a more literal fulfillment.

Chapter five, verse two through five is a prophecy of the coming Messiah. Bethlehem is named and the fact that the Savior would come from a family with a long history. Obviously, we know that Jesus’ lineage was traced back to King David, and that was prophesied in other books of the Bible. Of course, God promised David that the Messiah would come from his line and would establish a kingdom that would last forever.

Chapter 7 verses 14 and 15 encapsulate the relationship that God really wants with his people…with you and with me. Micah prays in verse 14, “Lead your people, Lord! Come and be our shepherd.” And in verse 15, God answers, “I, the Lord, will work miracles just as I did when I led you out of Egypt.” 

What greater miracle is there than a loving, merciful, righteous and holy God choosing to leave the glories of Heaven to live as a man among the wretched and fallen creation that has been so crippled by sin, to live a perfect and sinless life with the knowledge that He would be despised, rejected, beaten, broken and hanged on a cross as the sacrifice for the very people who sent Him to that cross; only to have life enter His body again on the third day; and then, miracle of miracles, freely offer salvation from sin to anyone who believes? There is no greater miracle!

“Lead your people, Lord! Come and be our shepherd.”

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1-3 NLV; Ch. 4-7 CEV

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Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB – 0:00We’ve come just so far haven’t we?

INTRO S12E282 – 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, and podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today is Prophecy Friday, so we’ll read the book of Micah, seven chapters. I’m calling today’s episode “The Greatest Miracle”. The show notes page is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e282. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. And let’s get started.

MICAH 1 (NLV) – 0:41Micah, chapter one. (1) This is the Word of the Lord which came to Micah of Moresheth about Samaria and Jerusalem in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

(2) Hear, O people, all of you. Listen, O earth and all who are in it. The Lord God will speak against you from His holy house. (3) See, the Lord is coming from His place. He will come down and walk on the high places of the earth. (4) The mountains will melt under Him and the valleys will break open, like a candle in front of the fire, like water poured down a hill. (5) All this is because Jacob would not obey and because of the sins of the people of Israel. What is Jacob’s sin? Is it not Samaria? What is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem? (6) So I will make Samaria a waste in the open country, making it a place to plant grape-fields. I will pour her stones down into the valley, and lay open the base of the city. (7) All of her false gods will be broken to pieces. Everything given in the place of worship will be burned with fire. I will destroy all her objects of worship, for she gathered them from the pay of a woman who sells the use of her body. They will return to pay a woman who sells the use of her body.

(8) Because of this I must cry out in sorrow. I must go without shoes and clothing. I must cry out like the wild dogs, and cry in sorrow like the ostriches. (9) For her hurt cannot be cured. It has come to Judah. It has come to the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem. (10) Do not tell about it in Gath. Do not cry at all. Roll in the dust in Beth-leaphrah. (11) Go on your way, people of Shaphir, without clothing and in shame. The people of Zaanan do not come out. Cries of sorrow come from Beth-ezel. Its help is taken from you. (12) Those who live in Maroth become weak waiting for good, because trouble has come down from the Lord to the gate of Jerusalem. (13) Tie the war-wagons to the horses, you people of Lachish. You were the beginning of sin to the people of Zion, for the sins of Israel were found in you. (14) So give gifts to Moresheth-gath. The people of Achzib will fool the kings of Israel. (15) I will bring one who will beat you in battle, O people of Mareshah. The shining-greatness of Israel will come to Adullam. (16) Cut off all your hair in sorrow for the children you love. Let no hair be on your head like the eagle, for your children will be taken away from you.

MICAH 2 (NLV) – 3:09Micah, chapter two. (1) It is bad for those who make plans to do wrong, who lie on their beds thinking of something sinful to do! When morning comes, they do it, because it is in their power. (2) They want fields that belong to someone else, and take them. They want houses, and take them. They rob a man and his house, a man and what has been given to him. (3) So the Lord says, “I am planning trouble against this family, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk in pride, for it will be a time of much trouble. (4) On that day they will make fun of you and sing a bitter song of sorrow, saying, ‘We are destroyed and everything is gone! My people’s land is divided. He takes it from me! He gives our fields to those who turned against us.’” (5) So you will have no one among the Lord’s people to divide the land in a right way for you.

(6) “The people say to me, ‘Do not speak about these things, because we will not be put to shame.’ (7) Should it be said, O people of Jacob: “Is the Spirit of the Lord angry? Would He do such things? Do not My Words do good to the one whose way is right and good? (8) My people have begun to hate those who are at peace with them. You pull the coat off from a brother Israelite, from those who pass by in peace like men returning from war. (9) You drive the women of My people away from their beautiful houses. You take My greatness away from their children forever. (10) Get up and go away, for this is no place of rest, because it is made unclean. It is destroyed with much suffering. (11) If a man comes speaking lies and says, ‘I will speak to you about wine and strong drink,’ he would be the one for these people!

(12) “I will gather all of you together, Jacob. I will gather all those left of Israel. I will put them together like sheep within a fence, like a flock in its field. The land will be filled with the noise of many people. (13) The One Who breaks open the way will go out before them. They will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, and the Lord will lead them.”

MICAH 3 (NLV) – 5:11Micah, chapter three. (1) And I said, “Hear now, leaders of Jacob and rulers of the people of Israel! Should you not know what is fair? (2) Yet you hate good and love sin. You tear off the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones. (3) You eat my people’s flesh, pull off their skin, break their bones, and cut them up like meat for the pot.” (4) Then they will cry to the Lord, but He will not answer them. He will hide His face from them at that time, because they have done sinful things.

(5) This is what the Lord says about the men who speak in God’s name and lead my people the wrong way. When they have something to eat, they speak of peace. But they make holy war against him who does not feed them. (6) So night will come to you without a special dream. Darkness will come to you without any word about the future. The sun will go down on those who speak about special dreams, and the day will become dark over them. (7) Those who tell what is going to happen in the future will be ashamed. Those who learn about the future using their secret ways will be ashamed. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God. (8) But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, with what is fair, and with strength. I am able to make known to Jacob his wrong-doing, and to Israel his sin. (9) Now listen to this,...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Proverbs  29-30. We will read more contrasts between the wise and the foolish. Today we’re going to skip on this date in church history I’m calling today’s episode “Naive No More.“

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: James Lee on Unsplash

Comments on Proverbs 29

Chapter 29, verse 18 said, “Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.” The NIV renders it this way: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” The English Standard Version says, “18Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” And for good measure, the King James Version translateth this verse thusly: “18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

I always like to look at several translations when I do a Bible study. It helps me get a better grasp of what is being taught. And I think the different translations here help to illuminate what God is telling us in this verse. 

You might remember that when we read through the book of Judges back in October and November there were several times in Judges where the text said something like, “And there were no kings in the land.” In other words, there was no one to lead the people, with the implication being “no one with an understanding of the Word of God.” And since the people were free to do as they wanted, many terrible things happened.

And isn’t that what verse 18 here is saying? “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”

When I was young and naive, I trusted the wisdom of the people. I believed that the voting public would make right decisions in electing people for office and in voting on issues. Yes, I was very naive. I’m not naive any more, and I certainly no longer believe in the wisdom of the people. Maybe it was true in the past, when our elected leaders (at least in public) honored the Word of God. Maybe. But now that the Bible is all but banned in the halls of government and politicians care more for pleasing lobbyists and following polls, and not being cancelled, than in doing what is right and moral and best for the country, the public have cast off restraint. There is no longer an overarching God fearing moral compass in the land. People without a respect and reverence of the Lord and His Word are, as a group, unhappy and selfish and rebellious. One has only to look at recent news reports to see examples of that. 

It is not until we fall on our knees and confess our sin and rebellion, and once again look to the Author of life and law will we see peace in our land and in our world. I’ve already told you that I believe that we are in the last days, so I’m not holding my breath for this change to happen. But I will also be the first to admit that I could be wrong. God has brought rebellious nations back to himself many times in the past, and perhaps He’ll do it in the future. I am sure of the fact that it is our job to pray for our nation and its people until our last dying breath, or until Jesus returns. 

Once more, let me read Proverbs 29:18. “Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.”

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 29-30 NLV

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This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB – 0:00Meh, not so much.

INTRO S12E281 – 0:09This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. And podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. Today is Poetry Thursday and we’ll read Proverbs 29 and 30. After the reading, of course, I’ll have some comments and I’ve got in On This Date in Church History segment for you, but title of today’s episode is ìNaive No Moreî. If you’d like to leave a comment on today’s show, do so at lifespringmedia.com/s12e281. That’s the show notes page. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

PROVERBS 29 (NLV) – 0:50Proverbs, chapter 29. (1) A man who does not listen after many strong words are spoken to him will be destroyed all at once and without help.

(2) When those who are right with God rule, the people are glad, but when a sinful man rules, the people have sorrow.

(3) A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but he who goes with women who sell the use of their bodies wastes his money.

(4) The king makes the land strong by doing what is right and fair, but the one who takes pay for doing wrong, destroys it.

(5) A man who gives his neighbor sweet-sounding words that are not true spreads a net for his own feet.

(6) A sinful man is trapped by his sins, but a man who is right with God sings for joy.

(7) The man who is right with God cares about the rights of poor people, but the sinful man does not understand such things.

(8) Men who speak against others set a city on fire, but wise men turn away anger.

(9) When a wise man argues with a foolish man, the fool only gets angry or laughs, and there is no peace and quiet.

(10) Men who kill hate him without blame, but a good man cares for his life.

(11) A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man keeps quiet.

(12) If a ruler listens to lies, all who work for him will become sinful.

(13) The Lord gives light to the eyes of both the poor man and the man who makes it hard for others.

(14) If the king is fair as he judges the poor, his throne will stand forever.

(15) The stick and strong words give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

(16) When the sinful are many, sins become many, but those who are right with God will see their fall.

(17) Punish your son when he does wrong and he will give you comfort. Yes, he will give joy to your soul.

(18) Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.

(19) A servant will not be taught by words alone. For even if he understands, he will not answer.

(20) Do you see a man who is quick with his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

(21) He who gives good care to his servant from the time he is young, will in the end find him to be a son.

(22) A man of anger starts fights, and a man with a bad temper is full of wrong-doing.

(23) A manís pride will bring him down, but he whose spirit is without pride will receive honor.

(24) He who works with a robber hates his own life. He knows about the bad that will come, but can tell nothing.

(25) The fear of man brings a trap, but he who trusts in the Lord will be honored.

(26) Many look for the rulerís favor, but what is right and fair comes from the Lord.

(27) A sinful man is a shame to those who are right with God, and he who is right with God is a shame to the sinful.

Steve Webb 4:06Proverbs chapter 30. (1) The words of Agur the son of Jakeh of Massa. The man says to Ithiel and Ucal:

(2) For sure, I am more foolish than any man, and I do not have the understanding of a man. (3) I have not learned wisdom, and I do not know much about the Holy One. (4) Who has gone up into heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has gathered the waters in His coat? Who has put in place all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Sonís name? For sure you know!

(5) Every word of God has been proven true. He is a safe-covering to those who trust in Him. (6) Do not add to His words, or He will speak strong words to you and prove you to be a liar.

(7) Two things I have asked of You. Do not keep me from having them before I die: (8) Take lies and what is false far from me. Do not let me be poor or rich. Feed me with the food that I need. (9) Then I will not be afraid that I will be full and turn my back against You and say, ìWho is the Lord?î And I will not be afraid that I will be poor and steal, and bring shame on the name of my God.

(10) Do not speak against a slave while talking with his owner, or he may curse you and you will be found guilty.

(11) There are those who curse their fathers, and do not honor their mothers. (12) There are people who are pure in their own eyes, but are not washed from their own dirt. (13) There is a kind, O, how proud are his eyes! His eyes are opened wide with pride. (14) There is a kind of man whose teeth are swords, whose jaws are like knives, who eat up those who are suffering from the earth, and those in need from among men.

(15) The one who lives by the blood of another has two daughters, ìGive,î ìGive.î There are three things that are never filled, four that never say, ìEnoughî: (16) The place of the dead, the woman who cannot have children, the earth that is always thirsty for water, and fire that never says, ìEnough.î

(17) The eye that makes fun of a father and hates to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the young eagles.

(18) There are three things which are too great for me, four which I do not understand: (19) The way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship out at sea, and the way of a man with a woman.

(20) This is the way of a woman who is not faithful in marriage: She eats and washes her mouth, and says, ìI have done no wrong.î

(21) Under three things the earth shakes,...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday and we’ll read chapter 119. Last week we read the shortest Psalm and the shortest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 is the longest. Today we’re going to skip on this date in church history I’m calling today’s episode “Ode To the Owner’s Manual.“

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Comments on Psalm 119

Introduction to Psalm 119

We do not know the author of this, the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 is another acrostic. There are 22 sections of 8 verses each, and each section is assigned one of the 22 Hebrew letters in succession, with each verse in each section beginning with that letter.

Psalm 119 is written to glorify God and His Word. Nearly every verse mentions Scripture in one way or another. The most common word used is Law, or in Hebrew, torah. It appears 25 times. The Hebrew word dabar, which is translated as “word” in English, appears 24 times. Judgements, or mispatim (Hebrew) is used 23 times. Testimonies (edut/edot Hebrew) is also used 23 times. Commandments (miswah/miswot) shows up 22 times. Statutes (huqqim), 21 times. Precepts (piqqudim) 21 times. Word (imrah) 19 times.

It is important to note that without exception, every mention of the Scripture is tied to its author…God. This psalm is not a celebration simply of Scripture, but of Him, the giver of Scripture.

“This wonderful psalm, from its great length, helps us to wonder at the immensity of Scripture. From its keeping to one subject it helps us to adore the unity of Scripture; for it is but one. Yet, from the many turns it gives to the same thought, it helps you to see the variety of Scripture…. Some have said that in it there is an absence of variety, but that is merely the observation of those who have not studied it. I have weighed each word, and looked at each syllable with lengthened meditation; and I bear witness that this sacred song has no tautology in it, but is charmingly varied from beginning to end. Its variety is that of a kaleidoscope: from a few objects a boundless variation is produced. In the kaleidoscope you look once, and there is a strangely beautiful form. You shift the glass a very little, and another shape, equally delicate and beautiful, is before your eyes. So it is here.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Luther professed that he prized this Psalm so highly, that he would not take the whole world in exchange for one leaf of it.” (Charles Bridges)

Comments on Psalm 119

As I said in the Introduction, the word for Scripture that is used most in this psalm is torah, which is rightly translated as “law.” But isn’t it interesting that the second, perhaps more nuanced definition of Torah is direction? God’s Law is very accurately described by some as an Owner’s Manual for us. 

Several years ago, the church where I was in charge of the tech used in the sanctuary for over 20 years did a complete remodel in the sanctuary. It was over a year long undertaking, and part of project was to upgrade the sound system. Since I was tech guy, it was been my job to recommend new equipment. once the new equipment arrived, I had to learn how to use it. Guess what the first thing was I looked for when I opened the boxes. Right. The Owner’s Manual. I wanted to be sure we got the best sound out of the new hardware, and I wanted to be sure I don’t break anything. I wanted to use the equipment as it was made to be used. 

God created us, and He knows how we best operate, and how we can best reach our highest potential. And that is why His law was given to us. It was because of His great loving kindness. God didn’t want us thrashing about trying to figure things out on our own. And Psalms chapter 119 is filled with praise to God for giving us directions for our life.

Thank you Lord, for your loving kindness, and for revealing yourself to us through your Word.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. NLV

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Transcript

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00I had to learn how to use it.

INTRO S12E280 – 0:09Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today is Psalms Wednesday and we’ll read chapter 119. Last week we read the shortest Psalm and the shortest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 is the longest. We’re going to skip the On This Date in Church History segment, but I will have an introduction for you on Psalm 119 after which I’ll have some comments. The title of today’s episode is “Ode to the Owner’s Manual”. If you’d like to make a comment on today’s episode, go to lifespringmedia.com/s12e280, where you’ll find the show notes, scroll to the very bottom of the page and you’ll find a place there to leave your comment. If you’d like to send me an email, I’d like to get it. Send it to st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

INTRO TO PSALM 119 – 1:06We don’t know who the author of Psalm 119 is, but we do know that it’s another acrostic. There’s 22 sections of eight verses each in this psalm and each section is assigned one of the 22 Hebrew letters in succession, with each verse in each section beginning with that letter.

Psalm 119 is written to glorify God and His Word, and nearly every verse mentions scripture in one way or another. The most common word used in 119 for the scriptures is “law”, or in Hebrew, “torah”. It appears 25 times, but there are other words used. There’s the Hebrew word “dabar” or “debar”, which is translated as “word” in English, and that appears 24 times. “Judgments” or “mispatim” is used 23 times. “Testimonies” in Hebrew is used 23 times. “Commandments” is used 22 times. “Statutes” is used 21 times, “precepts” 21 times, and another form of the word “word” or “imrah” is used 19 times.

Now it’s important to note that without exception, every mention of the Scripture is tied to its author, God. This Psalm is not just a celebration of Scripture, but of God, the giver of Scripture. I like what Charles Spurgeon had to say about Psalm 119. He said,

“This wonderful psalm, from its great length, helps us to wonder at the immensity of Scripture. From its keeping to one subject it helps us to adore the unity of Scripture; for it is but one. Yet, from the many turns it gives to the same thought, it helps you to see the variety of Scripture…. Some have said that in it there is an absence of variety, but that is merely the observation of those who have not studied it. I have weighed each word, and looked at each syllable with lengthened meditation; and I bear witness that this sacred song has no tautology in it, but is charmingly varied from beginning to end. Its variety is that of a kaleidoscope: from a few objects a boundless variation is produced. In the kaleidoscope you look once, and there is a strangely beautiful form. You shift the glass a very little, and another shape, equally delicate and beautiful, is before your eyes. So it is here.”

That was good. Charles Bridges said, “Luther professed that he prized this psalm so highly, that he would not take the whole world in exchange for one leaf of it.” So enough introduction, let’s read Psalm 119.

PSALMS 119 (NLV) – 3:56Psalms, chapter 119. (1) Happy are those whose way is without blame, who walk in the Law of the Lord. (2) Happy are those who keep His Law and look for Him with all their heart. (3) They also do not sin, but walk in His ways. (4) You have set down Laws that we should always obey. (5) O, that my ways may be always in keeping with Your Law! (6) Then I will not be put to shame when I respect Your Word. (7) I will praise You with a heart that is right when I learn how right You judge. (8) I will obey Your Law. Do not leave me all alone.

(9) How can a young man keep his way pure? By living by in Your Word. (10) I have looked for You with all my heart. Do not let me turn from Your Law. (11) Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against You. (12) Great and honored are You, O Lord. Teach me Your Law. (13) I have told with my lips of all the Laws of Your mouth. (14) I have found as much joy in following Your Law as one finds in much riches. (15) I will think about Your Law and have respect for Your ways. (16) I will be glad in Your Law. I will not forget Your Word.

(17) Do good to Your servant so I may live and obey Your Word. (18) Open my eyes so that I may see great things from Your Law. (19) I am a stranger on the earth. Do not hide Your Word from me. (20) My soul is crushed with a desire for Your Law at all times. (21) You speak sharp words to the proud, the hated ones, because they turn from Your Word. (22) Take away shame and bad feelings from me, for I have kept Your Law. (23) Even if rulers sit together and speak against me, Your servant thinks about Your Law. (24) Your Law is my joy and it tells me what to do.

(25) My soul is laid in the dust. Give me new life because of Your Word. (26) I have told about my ways, and You have answered me. Teach me Your Law. (27) Make me understand the way of Your Law so I will talk about Your great works. (28) My soul cries because of sorrow. Give me strength because of Your Word. (29) Take the false way from me. Show Your loving-favor by giving me Your Law. (30) I have chosen the faithful way. I have set Your Law in front of me. (31) I hold on to Your Law, O Lord. Do not put me to shame. (32) I will run the way of Your Law, for You will give me a willing heart.

(33) O Lord, teach me the way of Your Law and I will obey it to the end....

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is History Tuesday 2 Chronicles 16-20. After the reading I have some comments for you, I have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “How Does God See You?”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

Comments on 2 Chronicles 17-20

King Jehoshaphat really got off on a good foot when he began his reign as king of Judah. Chapter 17:3-6 tells us, “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. 

(Meaning, David his ancestor). 

He did not consult the Baals but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. 

(Unlike some of the other kings, and unlike the culture of the time.)

The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor. His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.”

(In removing these things, he demonstrated that he truly wanted to do what was right before the Lord. In taking down these places, he would have made many people angry. But he cared more about pleasing God than in pleasing people.)

 In addition, Jehoshaphat sent men throughout the kingdom to teach the people the Law of God (2 Chronicles 17:7–9).

(The people had to be taught God’s Law. Many had forgotten it, or never been taught. This is one of the reasons that they had Asherah poles and high places. They didn’t know any better.)

Jehoshaphat was serious, and he sent a delegation of at least 16 highly qualified men around the county to do the teaching. And commentator Adam Clarke wrote of this, “Thus the nation became thoroughly instructed in their duty to God, to the king, and to each other. They became, therefore, as one man; and against a people thus united, on such principles, no enemy could be successful.” And according to verse 10 of chapter 17, “The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat.”

They became as one man. They were united. And they were seen as unbeatable.

Of course, as we read, Jehoshaphat was not a perfect king. But God is merciful, and in chapter 20 verse 32, we read, “He followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” His father Asa was not perfect either, nor was King David. But all three of these men put their faith in God. And despite their failings, God says of them “They did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”

Beloved if you’re anything like me, when you fail to do that which you know God wants you to do, you have a tendency to beat yourself up. You get down on yourself. You let the enemy tell you that you’re a hypocrite. A lousy Christian. A failure. That God is mad at you. That He can’t use a person like you. 

Don’t misunderstand. When we stumble, when we fail, it is good to face up to it. It’s good to have remorse for our sin. That’s the Holy Spirit bringing you to repentance. If we’re not sorry for our sin, how can we be truly repentant? But as true as that is, it is also true that God *wants* to forgive us. He is not stingy with His grace. 

In Matthew 18:21-22 we’re told, 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Do you think Jesus would have told Peter to forgive like that if *He* isn’t willing to do even more?

All of us sin, beloved. We are still in these bodies of flesh. We are to strive to be perfect, but we are going to fail. When we do, we must confess it, repent, humbly and joyfully accept His forgiveness, and move on. Don’t look back, look up. Even with failures, we can be a person about who it is said, “They did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.”

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 16-17 NIRV; Ch. 18-19 NCV; Ch. 20 ERV

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This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file.

STEVE WEBB – 0:00He is not stingy with His grace.

INTRO S12E286 – 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible and podcasting since 2004. I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. It’s History Tuesday, so we’ll read 2 Chronicles 16 through 20. After the reading, I’ve got some comments, I’ve got an On This Date in Church History, and we’ll have a time of prayer. I’m calling today’s episode, “How Does God See You?” The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e286. As always, my email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

2 CHRONICLES (NIRV) – 0:492 Chronicles, chapter 16. (1) Baasha was king of Israel. He marched out against Judah. It was in the 36th year of Asa’s rule over Judah. Baasha built up the walls of Ramah. He did it to keep people from entering or leaving the territory of Asa, the king of Judah.

(2) Asa took the silver and gold from among the treasures of the Lord’s temple and his own palace. He sent it to Ben-Hadad. Ben-Hadad was king of Aram. He was ruling in Damascus. (3) “Let’s make a peace treaty between us,” Asa said. “My father and your father had made a peace treaty between them. Now I’m sending you silver and gold. So break your treaty with Baasha, the king of Israel. Then he’ll go back home.”

(4) Ben-Hadad agreed with King Asa. He sent his army commanders against the towns of Israel. His army captured Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim and all the cities in Naphtali where Baasha stored things. (5) Baasha heard about it. So he stopped building up Ramah and left that place. (6) Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah to Ramah. They carried away the stones and wood Baasha had been using. Asa used them to build up Geba and Mizpah.

(7) At that time Hanani the prophet came to Asa, the king of Judah. He said to him, “You trusted the king of Aram. You didn’t trust in the Lord your God. So the army of the king of Aram has escaped from you. (8) The people of Cush and Libya had a strong army. They had large numbers of chariots and horsemen. But you trusted in the Lord. So he handed them over to you. (9) The Lord looks out over the whole earth. He gives strength to those who commit their lives completely to him. You have done a foolish thing. From now on you will be at war.”

(10) Asa was angry with the prophet because of what he had said. In fact, he was so angry he put him in prison. At the same time, Asa treated some of his own people very badly.

(11) The events of Asa’s rule from beginning to end are written down. They are written in the records of the kings of Judah and Israel. (12) In the 39th year of Asa’s rule his feet began to hurt. The pain was terrible. But even though he was suffering, he didn’t look to the Lord for help. All he did was go to the doctors. (13) In the 41st year of Asa’s rule he joined the members of his family who had already died. (14) He was buried in a tomb. He had cut it out for himself in the City of David. His body was laid on a wooden frame. It was covered with spices and different mixtures of perfume. A huge fire was made to honor him.

2 CHRONICLES 17 (NIRV) – 3:252 Chronicles, chapter 17. (1) Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa. Jehoshaphat became the next king after him. He made his kingdom strong in case Israel would attack him. (2) He placed troops in all the cities of Judah that had high walls around them. He stationed some soldiers in Judah. He also put some in the towns of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.

(3) The Lord was with Jehoshaphat. That’s because he lived the way King David had lived. He didn’t ask for advice from the gods that were named Baal. (4) Instead, Jehoshaphat obeyed the God of his father. He obeyed the Lord’s commands instead of the practices of Israel. (5) The Lord made the kingdom secure under Jehoshaphat’s control. All the people of Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat. So he had great wealth and honor. (6) His heart was committed to living the way the Lord wanted him to. He removed the high places from Judah. He also removed the poles used to worship the female god named Asherah.

(7) In the third year of his rule, he sent his officials to teach in the towns of Judah. The officials were Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah. (8) Some Levites were with them. Their names were Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tob-Adonijah. Elishama and Jehoram, the priests, were also with them. (9) They taught people all through Judah. They took the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went around to all the towns of Judah. And they taught the people.

(10) All the kingdoms of the lands around Judah became afraid of the Lord. So they didn’t go to war against Jehoshaphat. (11) Some Philistines brought to Jehoshaphat the gifts and silver he required of them. The Arabs brought him their flocks. They brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.

(12) Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful. He built forts in Judah. He also built cities in Judah where he could store things. (13) He had large supplies in the towns of Judah. In Jerusalem he kept men who knew how to fight well. (14) Here is a list of them, family by family.

From Judah there were commanders of groups of 1,000.

One of them was Adnah. He commanded 300,000 fighting men.(15) Another was Jehohanan. He commanded 280,000.(16) Another was Amasiah, the son of Zikri....

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Monday, and we’ll complete the book of Numbers with chapters 33-36.  After the reading I have some comments for you, I have an on this date in church history for you. And I have a VERY exciting praise in our prayer segment, as well. I’m calling today’s episode “He Is Our Refuge.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Matthew Rumph on Unsplash

Comments on Numbers 35

To our 21st century western culture minds, the concept of cities of refuge seems very foreign, but in the culture of Israel when these words were written, this was something that was needed. Each family group had an avenger who would carry out the Genesis 9:6 proclamation, which says, “Whoever shed’s man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God, God made man.”

Here in Numbers 35, a detailed plan was shown that dealt with the situation where a person committed a killing that was accidental, and not premeditated murder, could find a place of safety from an avenger. I won’t review the details of the plan, because we just read them.

What I want to do is show how this concept of the refuge cities is a foreshadowing, or type, of Jesus.

First, there are many scriptures that refer to God as being our refuge. Here are a few:

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

Psalm 91:2 – I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

Psalm 18:2 – The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Hebrews 6:18 – That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

Where do we flee for refuge? To Jesus.

Cities of refuge were located throughout Israel so that those who needed refuge would be able to easily make their way to them. Jesus is only a prayer away.

Cities of refuge were open to anyone, not just the Jew, but to all. Jesus came that anyone who asks will find salvation.

Cities of refuge were places where the one in need could live permanently. A relationship with Jesus is eternal.

Cities of refuge were the only place a person could find safety. Without them, death was sure. Only in Jesus, do we find eternal life.

Outside of the cities of refuge, there was no protection. Outside of Jesus, there is no salvation.

Only when the high priest died was the person freed from the threat of death by the avenger. Jesus, our High Priest, died on a cross to bring our freedom.

And there is one huge difference between cities of refuge and Jesus. You had to be innocent to live in a city of refuge. Jesus accepts the guilty, and removes all guilt and sin.

Hallelujah and amen! Jesus is the only way to freedom, to peace, to live with the assurance that we will never have to pay the penalty for our transgressions, if we have confessed our need of Him and invited Him to be our Savior, and accepted His gift of salvation.

He is our refuge.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 33 NKJV; Ch. 34 CEV; Ch. 35 NIV; Ch. 36 NLT

Support

This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising=censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and send it to me here: SUPPORT.

Transcript

Download .txt file

STEVE WEBB – 0:00It was something that was needed.

INTRO S12E285 – 0:09And it’s the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. Hi there. I’m your OG Godcaster, podcasting since 2004, and my name is Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today’s Monday, and we’ll complete the book of Numbers with chapters 33 through 36. After the reading I’ve got some comments for you, I have an On This Date in Church History, and I have a very exciting praise in our prayer segment too. I’m calling today’s episode, “He is Our Refuge”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e285. And my email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

NUMBERS 33 (NKJV) – 0:51Numbers, chapter 33. (1) These are the journeys of the children of Israel, who went out of the land of Egypt by their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron. (2) Now Moses wrote down the starting points of their journeys at the command of the Lord. And these are their journeys according to their starting points:

(3) They departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the day after the Passover the children of Israel went out with boldness in the sight of all the Egyptians. (4) For the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom the Lord had killed among them. Also on their gods the Lord had executed judgment.

(5) Then the children of Israel moved from Rameses and camped at Succoth. (6) They departed from Succoth and camped at Etham, which is on the edge of the wilderness. (7) They moved from Etham and turned back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal Zephon; and they camped near Migdol. (8) They departed from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, went three days’ journey in the Wilderness of Etham, and camped at Marah. (9) They moved from Marah and came to Elim. At Elim were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there.

(10) They moved from Elim and camped by the Red Sea. (11) They moved from the Red Sea and camped in the Wilderness of Sin. (12) They journeyed from the Wilderness of Sin and camped at Dophkah. (13) They departed from Dophkah and camped at Alush. (14) They moved from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.

(15) They departed from Rephidim and camped in the Wilderness of Sinai. (16) They moved from the Wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth Hattaavah. (17) They departed from Kibroth Hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth. (18) They departed from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah. (19) They departed from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon Perez. (20) They departed from Rimmon Perez and camped at Libnah. (21) They moved from Libnah and camped at Rissah. (22) They journeyed from Rissah and camped at Kehelathah. (23) They went from Kehelathah and camped at Mount Shepher. (24) They moved from Mount Shepher and camped at Haradah. (25) They moved from Haradah and camped at Makheloth. (26) They moved from Makheloth and camped at Tahath. (27) They departed from Tahath and camped at Terah. (28) They moved from Terah and camped at Mithkah. (29) They went from Mithkah and camped at Hashmonah. (30) They departed from Hashmonah and camped at Moseroth. (31) They departed from Moseroth and camped at Bene Jaakan. (32) They moved from Bene Jaakan and camped at Hor Hagidgad. (33) They went from Hor Hagidgad and camped at Jotbathah. (34) They moved from Jotbathah and camped at Abronah. (35) They departed from Abronah and camped at Ezion Geber. (36) They moved from Ezion Geber and camped in the Wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh. (37) They moved from Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, on the boundary of the land of Edom.

(38) Then Aaron the priest went up to Mount Hor at the command of the Lord, and died there in the fortieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, on the first day of the fifth month. (39) Aaron was one hundred and twenty-three years old when he died on Mount Hor.

(40) Now the king of Arad, the Canaanite, who dwelt in the South in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.

(41) So they departed from Mount Hor and camped at Zalmonah. (42) They departed from Zalmonah and camped at Punon. (43) They departed from Punon and camped at Oboth. (44) They departed from Oboth and camped at Ije Abarim, at the border of Moab. (45) They departed from Ijim and camped at Dibon Gad. (46) They moved from Dibon Gad and camped at Almon Diblathaim. (47) They moved from Almon Diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. (48) They departed from the mountains of Abarim and camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho. (49) They camped by the Jordan, from Beth Jesimoth as far as the Abel Acacia Grove in the plains of Moab.

(50) Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying, (51) “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, (52) then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; (53) you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess. (54) And you shall divide the land by lot as an inheritance among your families; to the larger you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance; there everyone’s inheritance shall be whatever falls to him by lot. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. (55) But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. (56) Moreover it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.’ ”

NUMBERS 34 (CEV) – 6:17Numbers, chapter 34. (1) The Lord told Moses (2) to tell the people of Israel that their land in Canaan would have the following borders:

(3) The southern border will be the Zin Desert and the northwest part of Edom. This border will begin at the south end of the Dead Sea. (4) It will go west from there,...