Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapter 111-113. I’ll have a brief introduction before reading each chapter, and after the reading I’ll have some comments. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode  “I Will.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash

Comments on Psalm 112

Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

Psalm 112: 1 NKJV

Notice the psalmist says, “I will praise the Lord…”. He does not say, “I feel like praising the Lord…”. It is an act of will, not an emotion. 

Face it, sometimes we do not feel like praising the Lord. Maybe we have had a difficult week, or we’ve been on the outs with our spouse, or money ran out before the month did. Or maybe we are just in a dry spell with the Lord. 

Does any of that change who God is? Of course not. No matter what happens in our own life, God is still God. He is still worthy of praise, and when we decide that we *will* praise the Lord with our whole heart, 99 times out of 100, our emotions will be lifted up as we lift up the name of the Lord. I know, because I have experienced it myself, and have talked to others who agree.

When you are feeling down, or afraid, or lonely, or like God doesn’t hear you, praise the Lord with your whole heart. 

Remember the old milk commercial? Milk. It does a body good.

Let’s change it up. Praise. It does a spirit good.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 111-113 NKJV

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Transcript

Download .txt file.

Steve Webb 0:00Does any of that change who God is?

Steve Webb 0:10Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. Welcome! Like my dad used to say, I’m just tickled to see ya. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 111 through 113. I’ll have a brief introduction before reading each chapter and after the reading, I’ll have some comments. I have an On This Date in Church History segment for you, and we’ve got some prayer requests. The title of today’s episode is “I Will”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e259. And my email address as always is st***@*************ia.com. You ready? Let’s go.

Steve Webb 1:00Psalm 111, like the rest of the Psalms we have today, has no title or author attribution. Psalm 111 is an acrostic which means that in Hebrew each of the twenty-two lines begins with successive letters except for the first line which begins with the Hebrew word “Hallelujah” or in English “Praise the Lord.” Being an acrostic makes the psalm easier to memorize – if you speak Hebrew.

Steve Webb 1:02Psalms, chapter 111. Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. He has declared to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Steve Webb 2:33Psalm 112 is very similar to Psalm 111. This is what James Montgomery Boice wrote about these two psalms. “They are the same length, fall into identical stanzas, and even have identical or similar phrases occurring at the same places in each. Both are precise acrostics; that is, they have twenty-two lines each of which begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.” Also, beloved, where 111 declared the glory of God, 112 was about the man who loves and serves God.

Steve Webb 3:09Psalms, chapter 112. Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Health and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever. Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies. He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor. The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish.

Steve Webb 4:19There are three specific groups of psalms in the book of Psalms which are called Hallel. One of those groups begins with this Psalm 113, and it ends with Psalm 118. These six Psalms are called the Egyptian Hallel because they’re associated with the Passover, which marks Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. The Psalms were sung as part of the Passover observance and Psalms 113 and 114 were sung before the meal and Psalms 115 through 118 were sung after the meal. I have a question for you. When was Jesus crucified? Just before the Passover. What did he do before the night of his crucifixion? He celebrated the Passover meal with His disciples. So it’s most likely that he sang these songs with His disciples on his last night with them. Both Matthew and Mark made mention in their gospels that they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives, which is where he prayed to the Father asking, “If it is possible that this cup of suffering be taken away from me, yet I want your will to be done not mine.” After he prayed this prayer, Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. So as we read this psalm, listen carefully and imagine what he must have thought and felt as he sang, knowing that he would soon be betrayed into the hands of those who would put him to death.

Steve Webb 5:43Psalms, chapter 113. Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord From this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down The Lord’s name is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, And lifts the needy out of the trash heap, That He may seat him with princes— With the princes of His people. He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Steve Webb 6:30Beloved, did you notice that all three of the Psalms we read today began the same way? They began with “Praise the Lord”. Psalm 112 said, “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.” Notice that the psalmist says, “I will praise the Lord.” He doesn’t say, “I feel like praising the Lord.” For this psalmist, it’s an act of will. It’s not an emotion. Let’s face it, sometimes we don’t feel like praising the Lord, do we? Maybe we’ve had a difficult week or maybe we’re on the outs with our spouse, or money ran out before the month did. Or maybe we’re just in a dry spell with the Lord. So does any of that change who God is? Of course not. No matter what happens in our life, God is still God. He’s still worthy of praise. And when we decide that we will praise the Lord with our whole hearts, 99 times out of 100 our emotions will be lifted up as we lift up the name of the Lord. I know this because I’ve experienced it myself. And I’ve talked to others who agree. When you’re feeling down or afraid or lonely or like God doesn’t hear you, praise the Lord with your whole heart. Do you remember that old milk commercial? “Milk. It does a body good.” Well, let’s change that up. “Praise. It does a spirit good.” What do you think? I’d love to hear your comments, let me know at lifespringmedia.com/s12e259. Tomorrow is Poetry Thursday and we’re in the Proverbs. We’ll read chapter 25. Boost!

Steve Webb 8:22On this date in church history, May 18, 1843, nearly half of the member congregations of the national Church of Scotland seceded on this day to form the Free Church of Scotland. Renowned clergymen associated with this reformed Presbyterian denomination included Thomas Chalmers, Horatius and Andrew Bonar, and William Robertson Smith.

Steve Webb 8:52Sean of San Pedro sent in two prayer requests today, he said, “My friend’s beloved mom passed away yesterday. Please pray for him, his father, and the rest of his family as they grieve and go through this. Thank God we’ll all meet again in heaven.” Amen to that, Sean. And then he continues. “Another of my friends reached out from the ER. He’s feeling at risk of leaving his three young teenage and tween kids behind. I don’t think it’ll come to that. But please pray for his recovery and comfort.” Yeah,...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is history Tuesday and we’ll begin the book of 2 Chronicles with chapters 1-5. After the reading I’ll have some comments. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “The Best Request.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Corey Agopian on Unsplash

Comments on 2 Chronicles 1

Solomon now begins his reign as king. It seems that his first order of business was to strengthen his hold on the kingdom. In 1 Kings, chapter 2, we read that shortly before his father David died, he gave Solomon instructions on what he should do to accomplish this. And it looks like Solomon wasted no time.

Also, we’re told in 2 Chronicles 1 that God was with him and highly exalted him. God seems to be pleased with how Solomon began his reign.

Then he brought all Israel together to make a very special sacrifice of 1,000 burnt offerings to God. This seems to have been to show that he would seek God as the leader of the nation.

That night God came to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask. What should I give you?”

Of course, the implication is that He would have given Solomon anything that he asked for, isn’t it?

Can you imagine? Anything! Wow. Wouldn’t it be great if God made that kind of offer to you? What would you ask for? 

But wait! He has made that offer! Don’t believe me?

· Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).

· If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).

· Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).

Those promises apply to every believer, beloved. The question is, have we availed ourselves of them?

We all know what Solomon’s request was. He asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead Israel. Please note that he asked for *both* wisdom *and* knowledge. Knowledge without wisdom can be a very dangerous thing. For instance, it’s one thing know how to use a gun, but if I don’t have the wisdom to know when to use it, great harm could not be far away.

And God said, “Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king, 12wisdom and knowledge are given to you. I will also give you riches, wealth, and glory, unlike what was given to the kings who were before you, or will be given to those after you.”

So Solomon had made a good request, don’t you agree? 

But did he make the *best* request? Let’s think about this.

Did he ask for a deep and abiding love for God and the desire to follow Him, and lead the people in how to be devoted to God, as his father had? Would this have been even better? Surely, as we’ve seen David was a flawed man, but his love of God never waned. David ended his life still in love with God. As we shall see, this was not how Solomon ended his days.

Solomon is thought to have been between twenty and twenty-five years old when he took the throne. What generally happens to young people when they attain great wealth? It ruins them. Not always, but quite often.

Perhaps it would have been better if Solomon had asked for a heart devoted to God, it would have been the best request.

Adam Clarke, who lived from 1762 to 1832, was a Methodist theologian and Bible scholar, wrote these words about Solomon: “Instead of being the wisest of men, did he not become more brutish than any man? Did he not even lose the knowledge of his Creator, and worship the abominations of the Moabites, Zidonians, and [so forth]? And was not such idolatry a proof of the grossest stupidity? How few proofs does his life give that the gracious purpose of God was fulfilled in him! He received much; but he would have received much more, had he been faithful to the grace given. No character in the sacred writings disappoints us more than the character of Solomon.” 

Yes, God gave Solomon great blessings, but as is always the case, Solomon had to decide to follow God and make right decisions in his life. Tragically, he often chose wrongly.

Beloved, we may not have the greatest riches, the most wisdom or the deepest knowledge, but if we ask for and cultivate a continual thirst to know and love God, when we reach the end of our days we will have run the race well.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1HCSB; Ch. 2-3 NASB; Ch. 4-5 NLT

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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 will have run the race well.

INTRO S12E265 – 0:09Hi, there. This the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. Thank you for inviting me into your day. This is the daily show where we are reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today is HISTORY Tuesday. We’ll begin the book of 2 Chronicles with chapters 1 through 5. I’ll have some comments after the reading, and we’ve got an On This Date in Church History segment. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Best Request”. The show notes page is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e265 and we’re in double digits now on remaining episodes. There are just 99 left in this season. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

2 CHRONICLES 1 (HCSB) – 0:542 Chronicles, chapter 1. (1) Solomon son of David strengthened his hold on his kingdom. The Lord his God was with him and highly exalted him. (2) Then Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel — the heads of the families. (3) Solomon and the whole assembly with him went to the high place that was in Gibeon because God’s tent of meeting, which the Lord’s servant Moses had made in the wilderness, was there. (4) Now David had brought the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place he had set up for it, because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem, (5) but he put the bronze altar, which Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, had made, in front of the Lord’s tabernacle. Solomon and the assembly inquired of Him there. (6) Solomon offered sacrifices there in the Lord’s presence on the bronze altar at the tent of meeting; he offered 1,000 burnt offerings on it.

(7) That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him: “Ask. What should I give you? ”

(8) And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great and faithful love to my father David, and You have made me king in his place. (9) Lord God, let Your promise to my father now come true. For You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. (10) Now grant me wisdom and knowledge so that I may lead these people, for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

(11) God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king, (12) wisdom and knowledge are given to you. I will also give you riches, wealth, and glory, unlike what was given to the kings who were before you, or will be given to those after you.” (13) So Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place that was in Gibeon in front of the tent of meeting, and he reigned over Israel.

(14) Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen, which he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. (15) The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar as abundant as sycamore in the Judean foothills. (16) Solomon’s horses came from Egypt and Kue. The king’s traders would get them from Kue at the going price. (17) A chariot could be imported from Egypt for 15 pounds of silver and a horse for about four pounds. In the same way, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram through their agents.

2 CHRONICLES 2 (NASB) – 3:392 Chronicles, chapter 2. (1) Now Solomon decided to build a house for the name of the Lord and a royal palace for himself. (2) So Solomon assigned 70,000 men to carry loads and 80,000 men to quarry stone in the mountains and 3,600 to supervise them.

(3) Then Solomon sent word to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, “As you dealt with David my father and sent him cedars to build him a house to dwell in, so do for me. (4) Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, dedicating it to Him, to burn fragrant incense before Him and to set out the showbread continually, and to offer burnt offerings morning and evening, on sabbaths and on new moons and on the appointed feasts of the Lord our God, this being required forever in Israel. (5) The house which I am about to build will be great, for greater is our God than all the gods. (6) But who is able to build a house for Him, for the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him? So who am I, that I should build a house for Him, except to burn incense before Him? (7) Now send me a skilled man to work in gold, silver, brass and iron, and in purple, crimson and violet fabrics, and who knows how to make engravings, to work with the skilled men whom I have in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided. (8) Send me also cedar, cypress and algum timber from Lebanon, for I know that your servants know how to cut timber of Lebanon; and indeed my serv

Transcript

Associate Producer

Timothy LaFontaine

Podcast Introduction

Today is Monday, so we’ll read from one of the books of the Law. We’re in the book of Numbers, and we’ll read chapters 21-24. After the reading I’ll have some comments. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “Don’t Be Too Eager.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Serghei Trofimov on Unsplash

Comments on Numbers 22 and 24

Thoughts on Number 22

If this were Sesame Street, I would say that today’s chapter from Numbers was brought to you by the letter “B”. Balaam, Balak, Bamoth-Baal, Beor. 

So what did you think about the situation with Balaam and God at first denying him permission to go to see Balak, and then telling him it was okay to go, and then being mad that he did go? Were you confused by that? Is God a capricious God?

Of course not. But I was confused, too. So I did some digging, and here is what I found.

Balak sent messengers first to ask Balaam to come and curse the Israelites. God told Balaam not to go since He, God, had blessed them. Then Balak sent even more distinguished messengers, with the additional message that he would confer great honor upon Balaam, in effect Balak was attempting to bribe Balaam. This appears to have been a bit of a temptation to Balaam, even though he said with his lips that even if Balak gave him enough silver and gold to fill a house, he could not do anything against what God had told him…he told the messengers that he would see if God had anything else to say on the matter.

This seems to be the crux of the matter. God told Balaam that the people were blessed. Why would he expect that God would say anything different about cursing people whom He blessed? 

Here is what God said, and the version we’re reading today doesn’t convey the original meaning well. Commentators agree that what God said was, “If the men come to you, then you may go with them.” 

Let’s stop here for a moment. This is an important point. God allows us to do many things that He does not endorse. Right? Sometimes He will allow us to succumb to our own wicked and lustful hearts. He allows us, in effect, to touch the hot stove to see that it will burn us. I can imagine Balaam laying in his bed that night, thinking how cool it was that these important visitors had come to his humble home. He felt important. And I can also imagine him laying there fantasizing about the honors that Balak would bestow on him once he arrived. He got to thinking, perhaps, about the palace full of silver and gold.

So what happened next? In the original Hebrew, God said, “If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” But Balaam got up the next morning and saddled his donkey and went with the men. Scripture doesn’t say, “When they came to get him, he went.” It says, “He got up and went.” 

Balaam was too eager. He wanted to get his hands on the treasure Balak promised him. So he did not follow God’s instruction.

Remember, the reason that Balak sent for Balaam was so that Balaam would come and curse the Israelites. God’s chosen people. God does not look with favor upon those who conspire to harm His people, or those who seek to gain favor with those who conspire to harm his people.

So God became angry at Balaam.  

Thoughts on Numbers 24

In Numbers 24 Balaam once again disappointed Balak. I guess you have to hand it to Balak. He wasn’t one to give up easily. And it is good to see that, despite the inauspicious beginning of this time with Balak, Balaam was faithful to what God told him to say. 

There is a good lesson to learn from this. How many times do we sin, and then feel as if, because of that sin, we cannot be a useful instrument for God? We might even think that since others saw our sin, our credibility is ruined. Here in these few chapters of Numbers we see that such is not the case. We can make an about face, we can turn in the right direction, and continue walking with God, and can go on to be a voice for Him…and be effective. Do not let the enemy of your soul steal away the blessing of following after God and doing His will just because you stumble.

If you will confess your failure to God, He will forgive you. He can, and He *will* use you again for His glory. Remember, every person we have read about, or will read about in God’s Word, except Jesus, was imperfect. Every one of them failed at one time or another. Some of them multiple times. And God accomplished His will through them despite their failings. He will do the same with you, if you don’t give up and give in. 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 21 KJV; Ch. 22 CEV; Ch. 23 GWT; Ch. 24 NASB

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 – 0:00We can make an about face.

INTRO S12E263 – 0:09This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. Welcome. 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 the book of Numbers, and we’ll read chapters 21 through 24. After the reading, I’ll have some comments, and, of course, I’ll have an On This Date in Church History, and we have a prayer request today. So I’m calling today’s episode, “Don’t Be Too Eager.” The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e264 which means there are just 100 remaining days to this season of the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. Let’s get started.

NUMBERS 21 (KJV) – 0:59Numbers, chapter 21. (1) And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners. (2) And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. (3) And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.

(4) And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. (5) And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. (6) And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. (7) Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. (8) And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. (9) And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

(10) And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth. (11) And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ije-abarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising. (12) From thence they removed, and pitched in the valley of Zared. (13) From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. (14) Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD,

What he did in the Red sea,And in the brooks of Arnon,(15) And at the stream of the brooksThat goeth down to the dwelling of Ar,And lieth upon the border of Moab.

(16) And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

(17) Then Israel sang this song,Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it:(18) The princes digged the well,The nobles of the people digged it,By the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves.

And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah: (19) and from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth: (20) and from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.

(21) And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, (22) Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king’s high way, until we be past thy borders. (23) And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel. (24) And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong. (25) And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof. (26) For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon. (27) Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say,

Come into Heshbon,...

Transcript

Distinguished Producer

Paul of Seattle

Podcast Introduction

Today is Epistles Sunday, and we’ll read the book of Philemon. It’s another one chapter book. Before reading the book, I’ll give you a brief introduction, then after the reading I’ll have some comments. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “Restitution.”

Design: Steve Webb

Comments on Philemon

Onesimus was a slave, and I’ll address the issue of slavery in a moment. But first let’s talk about Paul’s letter to Philemon.

In addressing the letter Paul says, “To Philemon our dearly loved coworker…” The entire letter is written within this framework. He does not come from his position as an apostle, but as a close friend. 

Philemon lived in Colosse, and when Onesimus ran away, he made his way to Rome, where Paul was a prisoner of the Romans. Somehow Paul and Onesimus met, and Paul led him to the Lord. After this, Onesimus became a great help to Paul.

Running away was a crime punishable by death, but once he became a Christian, Onesimus and Paul agree that Onesimus must return to Philemon as a way to make restitution. Legally, Onesimus was the property of Philemon. However, Paul appeals to Philemon as a beloved friend, asking that Philemon accept Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a fellow believer. 

The name Onesimus means “profitable” or “useful”, and in his appeal, Paul makes a play on words, saying that Onesimus had been useless or unprofitable to Philemon in the past because he had run away, but now as a fellow believer he could truly live up to his name and be useful to both Philemon and Paul.

Paul said that if Onesimus owed Philemon any money, he (Paul) would personally pay the debt. But he also gently reminded Philemon that he owed Paul his life, since Paul is the one who brought him to Christ. 

Paul’s offer is a parallel of what Christ has done for us. We owed a debt that we could not pay, but Jesus took that debt upon Himself.

Paul’s love for both Philemon and Onesimus is evident in this short letter, isn’t it? If the message of the Gospel could be boiled down, it’s all about forgiveness. And Paul, who at one time persecuted Christians, even to the point of holding the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen to death, could speak first-hand about being forgiven. Jesus appeared to Paul in a vision, as he was headed to Damascus on another mission to persecute Christians and asked him, “Saul, why do you persecute me?”

I won’t recount the whole story here, but Paul, whose original name was Saul, was convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, and lived the rest of his life serving the God who forgave him. Asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus as Jesus forgave him was at once a “big ask” and completely in character with who Saul became once Jesus got hold of his heart and changed his name to Paul.

If we who have been forgiven of so much cannot find it in our hearts to forgive those who do wrong to us, I think it’s time to reevaluate.

Jesus said, “They will know you are my disciples by your love.” Is that how the world knows us? 

Slavery

When the topic of slavery comes up, our minds generally think of the kind of slavery that existed in the 16th to 19th century when Africans were hunted by slave hunters (many of whom were also African), sold to slave traders, and then sold to slave owners. 

The Bible clearly condemns this. 

Exodus 21:16: “Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.” ESV

1 Timothy 1:8-10: “8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine…”

Because slaves in the 16th-18th century were predominantly African, slavery became associated with skin color, and some slave owners believed that black people were inferior human beings. But the Bible says that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him…”

Why does the Bible not specifically condemn slavery? In Biblical times, slavery was a financial agreement between the slave and the slave owner. A person could sell himself as a slave when they could not pay their debts or provide for their family. Or if they merely wanted to have their needs provided for by their owner. In New Testament times, even doctors, lawyers and politicians could be slaves. 

Remember that the purpose of the Bible is to reveal God and lead men and women to Christ. It is not meant to be a social reform handbook. But as in the book of Philemon, once a man’s heart is changed, his actions are changed. The recipient of grace will extend grace to others. 

I would love to hear your comments.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1 CEB

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Transcript

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00I think it’s time to reevaluate.

INTRO S12E263 – 0:09This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. Welcome. This is the daily show where we are reading through the entire Bible in a year and after today’s show, there are just 100 episodes left in season 12. We are on the threshold of double digits. My, oh my. Today is EPISTLE Sunday, and we’ll read the book of Philemon. It’s another one-chapter book. Before reading the book, I’ll give you a brief introduction. Then, after the reading, I’ll have some comments. And of course, I’ll have an On This Date in Church History segment as well. The title of today’s episode is “Restitution”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e263. If you’d like to send me an email, I’d like to get it, st***@*************ia.com. Let’s begin.

INTRO TO PHILEMON – 1:01In this letter, Paul is writing to a man named Philemon, whom he had previously brought to the Lord. Paul’s writing about an escaped slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had been a slave of Philemon’s and had apparently taken some of Philemon’s belongings when he ran away.

PHILEMON 1 (CEB) – 1:22Philemon, chapter 1.

(1) From Paul, who is a prisoner for the cause of Christ Jesus, and our brother Timothy.To Philemon our dearly loved coworker, (2) Apphia our sister, Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church that meets in your house.(3) May the grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

(4) Philemon, I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers (5) because I’ve heard of your love and faithfulness, which you have both for the Lord Jesus and for all God’s people. (6) I pray that your partnership in the faith might become effective by an understanding of all that is good among us in Christ. (7) I have great joy and encouragement because of your love, since the hearts of God’s people are refreshed by your actions, my brother.

(8) Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to command you to do the right thing, (9) I would rather appeal to you through love. I, Paul—an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus— (10) appeal to you for my child Onesimus. I became his father in the faith during my time in prison. (11) He was useless to you before, but now he is useful to both of us. (12) I’m sending him back to you, which is like sending you my own heart. (13) I considered keeping him with me so that he might serve me in your place during my time in prison because of the gospel. (14) However, I didn’t want to do anything without your consent so that your act of kindness would occur willingly and not under pressure. (15) Maybe this is the reason that Onesimus was separated from you for a while so that you might have him back forever— (16) no longer as a slave but more than a slave—that is, as a dearly loved brother. He is especially a dearly loved brother to me. How much more can he become a brother to you, personally and spiritually in the Lord!

(17) So, if you really consider me a partner, welcome Onesimus as if you were welcoming me. (18) If he has harmed you in any way or owes you money, charge it to my account. (19) I, Paul, will pay it back to you (I’m writing this with my own hand). Of course, I won’t mention that you owe me your life.

(20) Yes, brother, I want this favor from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. (21) I’m writing to you, confident of your obedience and knowing that you will do more than what I ask. (22) Also, one more thing—prepare a guest room for me. I hope that I will be released from prison to be with you because of your prayers.

(23) Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the cause of Christ Jesus, greets you, (24) as well as my coworkers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke.

(25) May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

COMMENTS – 4:02Onesimus was a slave, and I’ll address the issue of slavery in a moment. But first, let’s talk about Paul’s letter to Philemon.

In addressing the letter, Paul says, “To Philemon, our dearly loved coworker,” and the entire letter is written within this framework. He doesn’t come from his position as an apostle as he did in many of his other letters. But he’s coming to Philemon as a close friend.

Philemon lived in Colossae and when Onesimus ran away from him, he made his way to Rome,...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

It’s Gospel Saturday, we’ll be continuing in the  Gospel of John, and we’ll read chapters 16-18.  I’ll have some comments after the reading for you. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “Jesus’ Prayer For You.”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Krisztus az olajfak hegyen Christus am olberg

Comments on John 17

Did you know that there is a prayer by Jesus about YOU in the Bible? How exciting is that? Jesus prayed for you before his crucifixion. 

He knew he was soon going to be betrayed and turned over to be beaten and hung on a cross. He knew that His purpose would soon be fulfilled, and He prayed to the Father about many things. And you and I were on His mind. 

Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is a marvelous look into the mind of our Savior in the hours before the sacrifice that would change the eternities of all who believe in Him. The events of the coming hours will be the fulfillment of His mission…the reason He gave up the glories of Heaven to be born in a manger some 33 years earlier. 

He prayed to the Father, as a Son. “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You…” There had never been a moment when Father and Son were out of touch with one another. Think of it. Jesus was with the Father from eternity past until this very moment when He prayed this prayer. And He knew that in just a few short hours, the Father would turn His face away from Him when all the sins of the world would be placed on Him. Jesus would be completely alone for the first time in all of eternity. 

And yet…He thought to pray for you and for me.

First He prayed for the disciples, that they would be one, as Jesus and the Father were one. And that they would have His (Jesus’) joy fulfilled in them. What a prayer! The joy of Jesus fulfilled in them. Think what that means. A perfect, pure joy. A joy that comes for knowing that you have perfect oneness with the Father. That there is *nothing* separating you from Him. Pure joy. 

And Jesus prayed that the Father would not take the disciples out of the world, but that He would keep them (or protect them) from the evil one…from compromise, from falling away, from anything that would keep them from running the race to a victorious finish.

And Jesus prayed that the Father would sanctify the disciples by the Father’s truth. To sanctify is to set apart for God’s purpose. Jesus said, “…by Your truth.” How do we know what God’s truth is? By reading His Word, hearing it, understanding it and applying it to our lives. Jesus prayed that God’s Word would set the disciples apart for His purposes. Beloved, it is impossible for anyone to live a life of close relationship with God, or to be used by God, unless he or she is steeped in the Word of God. 

The Christian life is a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. That relationship is kept alive and healthy and strong by staying in contact one with the other. How do we do that? How does God communicate with us? Primarily through the Bible, His Word. We communicate with Him through prayer, as Jesus did.

And after Jesus prayed for His disciples, He prayed for you and for me. He said, “20 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

There’s a lot in that prayer, beloved. There are several take-aways. I really encourage you to meditate on this part of Jesus’ prayer. Get some quiet time with your Bible and with the Lord, and slowly read each part of it, starting at verse 20, through to the end of the chapter.

Evangelist, preacher, Bible teacher and commentator G. Campbell Morgan wrote about this part of Jesus’ prayer: “He prayed for them. He prays for us. He knew His intercession for them would prevail. He knows His intercession for us will prevail. Then let us rest in Him, with the rest of loving obedience and of surest confidence.”

Yes, beloved. We can most assuredly rest in Him. Despite the gales that blow around us in these troubling times, we can rest in Him. 

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 16 NLV; Ch. 17 ESV; Ch. 18 HCSB

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Transcript

Download .txt file.

Steve Webb 0:00Pure Joy

Steve Webb 0:08Well, hi there coming to you from Riverside, California podcasting since 2004. I am your OG God caster Steve Webb. And this is the Lifespring family Audio Bible. I’m so glad you’re here today. Good to see you. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. It’s gospel Saturday. So we’ll be continuing in the Gospel of John and we’ll read chapters 16 through 18. I’ll have some comments after the reading for you. And of course, I’ll have an on this date in church history segment for you. I’m calling today’s episode, Jesus Prayer for you. The show notes page for today’s episode, is it Lifespring media.com/s 12 e 255. seems like just yesterday, we had Episode 222, doesn’t it? Time has gone by fast. My email address is Steve at Lifespring media.com. Let’s get started.

Steve Webb 1:03John, chapter 16. I have told you these things so you will not be ashamed of me and leave me they will put you out of the places of worship. The time will come when anyone who kills you will think he is helping God, they will do these things to you because they do not know the father or me. When these things happen, you will remember I told you they would happen. That is why I’m telling you about these things. Now. I did not tell you these things before because I was with you. But now I’m going to Him who sent Me. Yet none of you asked me where are you going? Your hearts are full of sorrow, because I’m telling you these things. I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go away. If I do not go the Helper will not come to you. If I go I will send him to you. When the Helper comes, he will show the world the truth about sin. He will show the world about being right with God. And he will show the world what it is to be guilty. He will show the world about sin because they do not put their trust in me. He will show the world about being right with God because I go to my father and you will see me no more. He will show the world what it is to be guilty because the leader of this world Satan is guilty. I have many things to say to you. You are not strong enough to understand them. Now. The Holy Spirit is coming. He will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak what he hears, He will tell you of things to come, he will honor me he will receive what his mind and will tell it to you everything the father has his mind. That is why said to you, he will receive what is mine and we’ll tell it to you in a little while you will not see me. Then in a little while you will see me again. Some of his followers said to each other, What is he trying to tell us when he says in a little while you will not see me it in a little while you will see me again. And because I go to my father. So they said What is he trying to tell us by saying a little while we do not know what he was talking about? Jesus knew they wanted to ask him something. He said to them, are you asking each other why I said in a little while you will not see me and in a little while you will see me again. For sure. I tell you you will cry and have sorrow but the world will have joy. You will have sorrow but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman gives birth to a child, she has sorrow because her time has come. After the child is born, she forgets her pain. She is full of joy because a child has been born into the world. You are sad now I will see you again and then your hearts will be full of joy. No one can take your joy from you. When the time comes that you see me again, you will ask me no question. For sure. I tell you, My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive then your joy will be full. I have told you these things in picture stories. The time is coming when I will not use picture stories. I will talk about my father in plain words. In that day you will ask in my name. I will not ask the Father for you because the Father loves you. He loves you because you love me and believe that I came from the Father. I came from the Father and have come into this world. I am leaving the world and going to the Father. His followers said to him now you are talking in plain words. You’re not using picture stories. Now we are sure you know everything. You do not need anyone to tell you anything. Because of this. We believe that you came from God. Jesus said to them, Do you believe now the time is coming? Yes, it is already here. When you will be going your own way....

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Since today is FRIDAY, we’ll be reading from one of the books of Prophecy. We’re begin the book of Amos. I’ll start with a brief introduction to the book, then after we read chapters 1-4. I’ll have some comments  for you. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “Warning From A Good Ol’ Boy”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Rebecca Ritchie on Unsplash

Comments on Amos 1-4

Amos was what we might call today a good ol’ boy. He was a plain-speaking, simple, country farmer. The name means “burden-bearer”, and he certainly did bear the burden of carrying God’s message.

Amos challenged Bethel’s priest, Amaziah, and he bore God’s message reproving the sin of the people and calling them to repentance. His first message was against nearby enemies of Israel, and then he spoke to Israel about their idolatry and stubbornness toward God. After telling them about the judgments God would bring against them, the book ends with the promise of the coming Messiah.

Over and over again in chapter four we heard the phrase, “The Lord is speaking.” Throughout their history, God has repeatedly told them what He expects from them in terms of their behavior and the condition of their hearts. But repeatedly, they forsake God to go their own way, only to come under His judgment. After a time, they repent, and God again blesses them. 

Now, at this point in their history, they are being told again of impending judgment. And now Amos reminds them with each statement, “The Lord is speaking.” As if to say, “Guys, I’m not saying this, God is. Remember who He is! Think of what has happened in the past. Do you want that again? This is God telling you this!”

There used to be a TV commercial many years ago. If you’re as old as I am, you might remember it. It was for a stock brokerage firm by the name of E.F. Hutton. The tag line was, “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.” 

If only we would listen when God talks, huh?

Steve Jobs Introduces the iPod

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 1-4 NET

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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 was a plain speaking simple country farmer.

Steve Webb 0:11Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring family Audio Bible and podcasting since 2004. I am your OG God caster Steve Webb, welcome. It’s really great to see you today. And this is the Daily Show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Since today’s Friday, we’ll be reading from one of the books of prophecy, we’ll begin the Book of Amos. I’ll start with a brief introduction to the book. Then after we read chapters one through four, I’ll have some comments for you. We’ll have an on this date in church history. And I have a praise and a prayer request. I’m calling today’s episode warning from a good old boy. The shownotes page for today’s episode is at Lifespring media.com/s 12 e 354. Which means there are 110 remaining days to this season of the Lifespring family Audio Bible. You can email me at Steve at Lifespring media.com. Let’s get started.

Steve Webb 1:04This introduction to Amos is from the New International readers version of the Bible. When the nation of Israel was divided, Israel became the northern kingdom. Judah was the southern kingdom. Israel had become very powerful under the long rule of King Jeroboam the second. And that was about 800 years before Jesus was born. Israel had put its trust in its own military strength and wealth. Everything was going well for them. They acted like they loved God when they worshipped, but they didn’t really love him in their hearts. They thought that since God was with them in the past, he had to be with them now. They expected the day of the Lord would come and they thought it would bring them blessings. They thought God would make Israel the ruler of all the nations around it. The prophet Amos came into the situation. He was a farmer and a shepherd. He lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but God called Amos to be a prophet, and Amos was to speak to the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Amos announced that God is preparing a nation to conquer Israel. He was told Israel that the day of the Lord will be darkness, not light.

Steve Webb 2:16Amos chapter one. The following is a record of what Amos prophesied, he was one of the herdsmen from Toccoa. These prophecies about Israel were revealed to him during the time of King Uzziah of Judah and King Jeroboam, son of Joash. In Israel, two years before the earthquake, Amos said, The Lord comes roaring out of Zion from Jerusalem. He comes bellowing. The shepherds pastures wilt the summit of Carmel withers. This is what the Lord says. Because Damascus has committed three crimes Make that four. I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They ripped through Gilead like threshing sledges with iron teeth. So I will set Hayes ales house on fire, fire will consume Ben hate ads fortresses, I will break the bar on the gate of Damascus. I will remove the ruler from Wicked Valley, the one who holds the royal scepter from Beth Eden, the people of Aram will be deported to care. The Lord has spoken. This is what the Lord says. Because Gaza has committed three crimes Make that four I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They deported the whole community and sold them to eat them. So I will set Gaza city wall on fire, fire I will consume her fortresses. I will remove the ruler from Ashdod, the one who holds the royal scepter from Ashkelon, I will strike Ekran with my hand, the rest of the Philistines will also die. The Sovereign Lord has spoken. This is what the Lord says. Because tyre has committed three crimes Make that four I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They sold the whole community to eat them. They failed to observe a treaty of brotherhood. So I will set fire to Tyre city wall fire will consume her fortresses. This is what the Lord says. Because Edom has committed three crimes Make that four. I will not revoke my decree of judgment. He chased his brother with a sword, he wiped out his allies. In his anger he tore them apart without stopping to rest. In his fury he relentlessly attacked them. So I will set Tieman on fire, fire will consume Balzers fortresses. This is what the Lord says. Because the Ammonites have committed three crimes Make that four I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They ripped open Ghillie ads pregnant women so they could expand their territory. So I will set fire to rabid city wall fire will consume her fortresses. war cries will be heard on the day of battle. A strong Gale will blow on the day of the wind storm Ammons King will be deported and his officials will be carried off together. The Lord has spoken.

Steve Webb 4:58Amos chapter two This is what the Lord says. Because Moab has committed three crimes Make that four. I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They burned the bones of itams king into lime. So I will set Moab on fire and it will consume carry on its fortresses. Moab will perish in the heat of battle amid war cries and the blaring of the ram’s horn. I will remove Moabs leader, I will kill all Moabs officials with him. The Lord has spoken. This is what the Lord says. Because Judah has committed three covenant transgressions Make that four, I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They rejected the Lord’s law. They did not obey His commands, their false gods to which their fathers were loyal, led them astray. So I will set Judah on fire and it will consume Jerusalem’s fortresses. This is what the Lord says, because Israel has committed three covenant transgressions make that for I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They sold the innocent for silver, the needy for a pair of sandals. They trampled on the dirt covered heads of the poor. They pushed the destitute away. A man and his father go to the same girl. In this way. They show disrespect for my moral purity. They stretch out on clothing seized as collateral. They do so right beside every altar. They drink wine brought with the fines they have levied, they do so right in the temple of THEIR GOD. For Israel sake, I destroyed the Amorites they were as tall as cedars and as strong as oaks. But I destroyed the fruit on their branches and their roots in the ground. I brought you up from the land of Egypt. I led you through the wilderness for 40 years, so you could take the Emirates land as your own. I made some of your sons, prophets and some of your young men Naza rights. Is this not true? You Israelites? The Lord is speaking. But you made the Nazirite drink wine. You commanded the prophets do not prophesy. Look, I will press you down like a cart loaded down with green presses down. fast runners will find no place to hide. Strong men will have no strength left. Warriors will not be able to save their lives. archers will not hold their ground. fast runners will not save their lives. Nor will those who ride horses, brave hearted warriors will run away naked in that day. The Lord is speaking.

Steve Webb 7:29Amos chapter three. Listen you Israelites to this message which the Lord is proclaiming against you. This message is for the entire clan I brought up from the land of Egypt. I have chosen you alone from all the clans of the earth. Therefore I will punish you for all your sins due to walk together without having met Does a lion roar in the woods if he has not cornered his prey? Does a young lion bellow from his den if he is not caught something?...

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Since today is Thursday, we’ll be reading from one of the books of Poetry. We’re currently reading Proverbs, and today  we’ll read chapters 23-24. After the reading, I’ll have some comments  for you. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too.

I’m calling today’s episode “Stand Up”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ben White on Unsplash

Comments on Proverbs 24

Read verses 11 and 12 of chapter 24 and see if they don’t sound prophetical, as if they apply to the Holocaust of WWII….

11Save those who are being led away to death. 12Don’t say, “But we didn’t know anything about this.”Doesn’t the God who knows what you are thinking see it?He will pay back everyone for what they have done.

Beloved, you’ve heard me say that I believe that we are quite literally in the last days. I believe that we will see more crimes against humanity than have ever been committed, including the holocaust. These verses from Proverbs make it clear that it is our responsibility to stand in the way when we see things like this happen. Christians are being killed today because of their faith in various places around the world, and it is going to spread. We need to be prepared…to take action when possible, and to not renounce our faith when it is demanded of us. 

I saw a t-shirt design recently that succinctly stated what our attitude must be. It said, “I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees.” We must not bend our knees to those who would demand that we deny Jesus. After all, the worst that they can do to us is kill us. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV): “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

So there is no loss if we die, if we know Jesus. We will be with Him. 

Just know that when people are suffering and being put to death, if it is in our power, we are responsible to intervene. At the very least, we should be in prayer for the victims of evil people.

Well, it’s not often that my comments are this heavy, but the reality is that the world is in trouble. And it just might be that some of us in the Lifespring! family will be called into this kind of situation. I just felt like I needed to give you encouragement for that time.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 23-24 NIRV

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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 0:00Stand up.

Steve Webb 0:083-2-1 Coming to you from Riverside, California. This is the Lifespring family Audio Bible and podcasting since 2004. I’m your OG God caster Steve Webb, I’m so glad you’re here. Thank you for coming. Thank you for inviting me into your day. This is the daily show where we are reading through the entire Bible in a year. And since today is Thursday, we’ll be reading from one of the books of poetry. We’re currently reading Proverbs, and today we’ll read chapters 23 and 24. After the reading, and I’ll have some comments for you. And of course, I’ll have an on this date in church history segment. I’m calling today’s episode stand up. The show notes page is at Lifespring media.com/s 12 e 253. If you would like to comment on the show. My email address is Steve at Lifespring media.com. And let’s get started.

Steve Webb 0:59Proverbs chapter 23. Six. When you sit down to eat with a ruler, look carefully at what’s in front of you. Put a knife to your throat if you like to eat too much. Don’t long for his fancy food, it can fool you. Seven. Don’t wear yourself out to get rich, Be wise enough to say no. When you take even a quick look at riches, they’re gone. They grow wings and fly away into the sky like an eagle. Eight. Don’t eat the food of anyone who won’t share it. Don’t long for his fancy food. He is the kind of person who’s always thinking about how much it costs. Eat and drink he says to you, but he doesn’t mean it. You will throw up what little you have eaten, you will have wasted your words of praise. Nine, don’t speak to a foolish person, he will laugh at your wise words. 10 Don’t move old boundary stones. Don’t try to take over the fields of children whose fathers have died. The one who guards them is strong. He will stand up for them in court against you. 11 Apply your heart to what you were taught. Listen carefully to words of knowledge. 12 Don’t hold back training from a child. If you correct him He won’t die. So correct him, then you will save him from death. 13 My child, if your heart is wise, my heart will be glad. Deep down inside I will be happy when you say what is right. 14 do not long for what sinners have, but always show great respect for the Lord. There really is hope for you tomorrow, so your hope will not be cut off. 15 My child listen and be wise. Keep your heart on the right path. Don’t join those who drink too much wine. Don’t join those who stuffed themselves with meat. Those who drink or eat too much will become poor. If they sleep too much, they’ll have to wear rags. 16 listen to your father who gave you life. Don’t hate your mother when she is old. By the truth. Don’t sell it. Get wisdom training and understanding. The father of a godly child is very happy. Anyone who has a wise child is glad. May your father and mother be glad. May the woman who gave birth to you be happy

Steve Webb 3:3417 My son, give me your heart. Keep your eyes on the way I live. A prostitute is like a deep pit. A wife who commits adultery is like a narrow Well, she hides and waits like a thief. She causes many men to sin 18 who has trouble? Who has sorrow? who argues who has problems? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has red eyes. Those who spend too much time with wine, or those who like to taste wine that is mixed with spices. Don’t look at wine when it is red. Don’t look at it when it bubbles in the cup. And don’t look at it when it goes down smoothly. In the end. It bites like a snake. It bites like a poisonous serpent. Your eyes will see strange sights. Your mind will imagine weird things. You will feel like someone sleeping on the ocean. You will think you are lying among the ropes in a boat. They hit me you will say but I’m not hurt. They beat me but I don’t feel it. When will I wake up so I can find another drink.

Steve Webb 4:41Proverbs chapter 24. 19 do not want what evil men have. Don’t long to be with them. In their hearts they plan to hurt others with their lips. They talk about making trouble 20 by wisdom a house is built through through understanding it is made secure. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with priceless and beautiful things. 21 A wise man has great power. A man who has knowledge increases his strength. If you go to war, you need guidance. If you want it when you need many good advisors 22 wisdom is too high for anyone who is foolish. He has nothing to say when people need at the city gate to conduct business. 23 Anyone who thinks up sinful things to do will be known as one who plans evil. Foolish plans are sinful. People hate those who make fun of others. 24 if you grow weak when trouble comes, your strength is very small. 25 save those who are being led away to death. Hold back those who are about to be killed. Don’t say but we didn’t know anything about this. The one who knows what you’re thinking sees it. The one who guards your life knows it. He will pay each person back for what he has done. 26 eat honey my child it is good. Honey from a honeycomb has a sweet taste. I want you to know that wisdom is sweet to you. If you find it, there is hope for you tomorrow, so your hope will not be cut off. 27 don’t hide and wait like a burglar at a godly person’s house. Don’t rob his home. Even if godly people fall down seven times they always get up. But those who are evil are brought down by trouble. 28 Don’t be happy when your enemy falls. When he trips. Don’t let your heart be glad the Lord will see it. But he won’t be pleased. He might turn his anger away from your enemy. 29 Don’t be upset because of evil people don’t long for what sinners have. Tomorrow, evil people won’t have any hope. The lamps of sinners will be blown out 30 My son have respect for the Lord and the king. Don’t join those who disobey them. The Lord and the king will suddenly destroy them. Who knows what trouble those two can bring? Here are more sayings of those who are wise. taking sides in court is not good. A curse will fall on those who say the guilty or not guilty. Nations will call down curses on them. People will speak against them. But it will go well with those who sentence guilty people, rich blessings will come to them. And honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Finish your outdoor work. Get your fields ready. After that, build your house. Don’t give witness against your neighbor without any reason. Don’t use your lips to tell lies. Don’t say I’ll do to him what he did to me, I’ll get even with that man for what he did. I went past the field of someone who didn’t want to work, I went past the vineyard of a man who didn’t have any sense. Thorns had grown up everywhere. The ground was covered with weeds, the stone wall had fallen down, I applied my heart to what I observed, I learned a lesson from what I saw. You might sleep a little or take a little nap. You might even fold your hands and rest, then you would be poor as if someone had robbed you. You would have little as if someone had stolen from you.

Steve Webb 8:41Listen again to verses 11 and 12 of chapter 24 and see if they don’t sound prophetic as if they may be applied to the Holocaust of World War Two. Save those who are being led away to death. Hold back those who are about to be killed....

Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Since today is Wednesday, we’ll be reading from the book of Psalms, and we’ll read chapters 108-110. I’ll give you a brief introduction to each chapter, then after the reading, I’ll have some comments. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “Decide In Advance.”  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jens Lelie on Unsplash

Comments on Psalms 108

David begins this psalm with a declaration: I am determined, O God! I will sing and praise you with my whole heart.

Many years ago I read the book “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby. It changed my life. Truly. In this book, the author made this point: Decide in advance that no matter what God asks you to do, your answer will be YES. That’s an easy decision if you trust God and believe that He will only ask you to do something that will ultimately be good for you, and will further His kingdom. 

Another way to put it is: Be determined that whatever God asks you to do, your answer will be YES.

David, in the opening verse says: I am determined, O God! I will sing and praise you with my whole heart. I can’t think of a better way to say it. No matter what happens, Lord, I will sing and praise you with my whole heart. 

David closed the psalm with: By God’s power we will conquer; he will trample down our enemies.

When we are His, when we cling to Him, He will bring us victory. There are battles in life; no one gets through life without them. But we need not fear if God is with us. Surely, heartbreak will come our way, but we need not be defeated. Through the darkest times, we can and we must trust God, and continue to be determined to sing and praise Him with our whole heart.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 108-109 NET; Ch. 110 NKJV

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Steve Webb 0:00I am determined Oh God.

Steve Webb 0:09Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring family Audio Bible and podcasting since 2004. I am your OG God caster Steve Webb, welcome. It’s really great to see you today. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. If you’re new to the show, welcome. I’m glad you stopped by and I hope you like what you hear. We don’t have listeners here we have family, the Lifespring family and family participates. I welcome your emails, your comments. And if you find value in the show, I welcome your support. It’s kind of like a family potluck dinner when everybody brings something the dinners better. So stick around for a while and see if the show adds to your day and your life. My prayer is that it will and that you’ll be back then is today’s Wednesday, we’ll be reading from the book of Psalms and we’ll read chapters 108 through 110. I’ll give you a brief introduction to each chapter. And then after the reading, I’ll have some comments. And of course, I’ll also have an on this date in church history segment for you. Today’s episode is called decide in advance. The show notes page for today is at Lifespring media.com/s 12. E 252. And my email address is Steve at Lifespring. media.com. Well, with all that preamble Are you ready? I know I am. Let’s go.

Steve Webb 1:29The title of Psalm 108 is a song, a Psalm of David. And it merges sections from Psalm 57 And Psalm 60. Now all of Scripture is by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that includes David’s writing of this song. Charles Spurgeon said of the repetition of those sections in this psalm, the Holy Spirit is not so short of expressions that he needs to repeat himself. And the repetition cannot be meant merely to fill the book. There must be some intention in the arrangement of two former divine utterances in a new connection. Well, beloved, perhaps one intention is to show us that it’s good to use scripture in our praises and petitions to God.

Steve Webb 2:12Psalms chapter 108. I am determined Oh god, I will sing and praise you with my whole heart. Away go stringed instrument and harp I will wake up at dawn, I will give you thanks before the nation’s Oh Lord, I will sing praises to you before foreigners for your loyal love extends beyond the sky and your faithfulness reaches the clouds rise up above the sky. Oh God. May your splendor cover the whole earth. Deliver by Your power and answer me so that the ones you love may be safe. God has spoken in his sanctuary. I will triumph I will parcel out check them the Valley of Succoth I will measure off Gilead belongs to me as does Manasa Ephram is my helmet Judah, my royal scepter Moab is my washbasin. I will make Edom serve me. I will shout out and triumph over Philistia who will lead me into the fortified city who will bring me to Edom? Have you not rejected us? Oh god. Oh god, you do not go into battle with our enemies. Give us help against the enemy for any help men might offer is futile. By God’s power we will conquer he will trample down our enemies.

Steve Webb 3:29The title of Psalm 109 is to the chief musician, a Psalm of David. The chief musician is thought by some to be the temples Director of Music. Others think that it’s God who is the creator of music. Psalm 109 isn’t in preparatory song. What’s that? It’s a song that encourages God to bring judgment on someone. This Psalm is perhaps the strongest of this type. And it’s a prayer that God will take vengeance on evil people. Now note that David knew that vengeance is in the hands of the Lord. He knew that he was not the one to take vengeance even though it was certainly within his capability.

Steve Webb 4:11Psalms chapter 109. 0h God who my praise do not ignore me, for they say cruel and deceptive things to me. They lie to me. They surround me and say hateful things. They attack me for no reason. They repay my love with accusations but I continue to pray. They repay me evil for good and hate for love. appoint an evil man to testify against him. May an accuser stand at his right side. When he is judged he will be found guilty. Then his prayer will be regarded as sinful. May his days be few may another take his job. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children roam around begging asking for handouts as they leave their ruined home. May they creditor sees all he owns may strangers loot his property. May no one show him kindness May no one have compassion on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, may the memory of him be wiped out by the time the next generation arrives. May his ancestors sins be remembered by the Lord, may his mother’s sin not be forgotten. May the Lord be constantly aware of them and cut off the memory of his children from the earth, for he never bothered to show kindness. He harassed and oppressed the needy and killed the disheartened. He loved to curse others so those curses have come upon him. He had no desire to bless anyone, so he has experienced no blessings. He made cursing a way of life. So curses poured into his stomach like water, and seeped into his bones like oil. May occurs attach itself to him like a garment one puts on or a belt one wears continually. May the Lord repay my accusers in this way, those who say evil things about me, oh, Sovereign Lord, intervene on my behalf for the sake of your reputation. Because your loyal love is good. Deliver me, for I am oppressed and needy and my heart beats violently within me. I am fading away like a shadow at the end of the day. I am shaken off like a locust. I am so starved my knees shake, I have turned into skin and bones, I am disdained by them. When they see me they shake their heads. Help me oh Lord, my God, because you are faithful to me deliver me, then they will realize this is your work and that you Lord have accomplished it. They curse but you will bless. When they attack they will be humiliated, but your servant will rejoice. My accusers will be covered with shame and draped in humiliation as if it were a robe. I will thank the Lord profusely in the middle of a crowd, I will praise Him because He stands at the right hand of the needy to deliver him from those who threatened his life.

Steve Webb 7:06The title of Psalm 110 is simply a Psalm of David. Though some question David’s authorship Jesus himself said that David wrote it by the Holy Spirit in Mark 1236. When he said in quoting verse one of Psalm 10, David himself by the Holy Spirit said, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet. Psalm 110, or portions of it is quoted no less than 27 times in the New Testament, making it one of the most quoted Old Testament passages in the New Testament.

Steve Webb 7:41Psalms chapter 110. The Lord said to my Lord said it my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool, the Lord shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion, rule in the midst of your enemies. Your people shall be volunteers in the day of your power, in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, you have the duty of your youth. The Lord has sworn and will not relent, you are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. The Lord is at your right hand, he shall execute kings in the day of his wrath, He shall judge among the nations, he shall fill the places with dead bodies, he shall execute the heads of many countries, he shall drink of the brook by the wayside, therefore he shall lift up the head.

Steve Webb 8:32Today, beloved, I’m going to comment on Psalm 108. David begins the psalm with a declaration, I am determined, Oh God,...

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Podcast Introduction

Today is HISTORY Tuesday, and we will finish 1 Chronicles with the reading of chapters 25-29. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “The Man After God’s Own Heart.”  

J. & R. Lamb Studios, Designer. Design drawing for stained glass memorial window “King David” with Jerusalem and Mt. Zion. [Between 1950 and 1980] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress.

Comments on 1 Chronicles 28-29

These chapters are the finale of David’s life. 

David wanted to build the Temple, but God told him that since he had been a man of war and had spilled blood, he would not be the one to build it. That would be for his son, Solomon. Instead of allowing David to build the Temple, God told David that He (God) would build an everlasting house for David. There would be a descendant of David on the throne forever.

But God did allow David to make the preparations to build it, and this David did with all of his heart. He gathered gold, silver, bronze, wood, onyx and a variety of other stones, and marble. And he arranged for all the craftsmen that would do the work In addition, David gave the plans for building the Temple to Solomon. So in today’s parlance, you might say that David was a sort of General Contractor. Not exactly, but you get the idea. The point is, God allowed David to do everything but actually be involved in the actual construction. And David put his all into the preparation.

In these final two chapters, David called together all of Israel’s leaders and told them that they should be careful to seek out all the commandments of the Lord their God so that they would possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance for their children and children’s children forever. And he had words of advice for Solomon, his son. He said, “…know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.” And he said, ““Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you.” This is good advice for any parent to pass to their children, don’t you think?

And then David offered praise to God in the manner that you would expect the one who wrote most of the Psalms would do. 

Then Solomon took the throne, and he was anointed king. And the Lord exalted Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

So the shepherd boy, in the eyes of men the least of the sons of Jesse, but the one chosen by God to become the king of Israel, reigned for forty years. To be sure, David’s life was not without great failures, but he was called “a man after God’s own heart”. (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). Quite a legacy, indeed.

William Hobart Hare

Apostle to the Sioux

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 25-26 NKJV; Ch. 27-28 GWT; Ch. 29 HCSB

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00David’s life was not without great failures.

INTRO S12E258 – 0:10This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster Steve Webb. Welcome. It’s really great to see you today. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. And if you’re new to the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, welcome. I’m glad you stopped by and I sure hope you like what you hear. One thing I need to say right off. We don’t have listeners here. We are family, the Lifespring family, and family participates. I welcome your emails, your comments. And if you find value in the show, I welcome your support. It’s kind of like a family potluck dinner. When everybody brings something the dinner is better. So stick around for a while and see if the show adds to your day and your life. My prayer is that you’ll be back many, many times. Today is HISTORY Tuesday, and today we’re going to finish one of the books of history, the book of I Chronicles. We’ll read chapters 25 through 29. After the reading I’ll have some comments and after that I’ll have an On This Date in Church History segment for you. I’m calling today’s episode, “The Man After God’s Own Heart”. The show notes page for today’s episode is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e258. My email address is st***@*************ia.com. And with that, let’s get started.

I CHRONICLES (NKJV) – 1:25I Chronicles, chapter 25. (1) Moreover, David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. And the number of the skilled men performing their service was: (2) Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asharelah; the sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied according to the order of the king. (3) Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord. (4) Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. (5) All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to exalt his horn. For God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

(6) All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king. (7) So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight.

(8) And they cast lots for their duty, the small as well as the great, the teacher with the student.

(9) Now the first lot for Asaph came out for Joseph; the second for Gedaliah, him with his brethren and sons, twelve; (10) the third for Zaccur, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (11) the fourth for Jizri, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (12) the fifth for Nethaniah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (13) the sixth for Bukkiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (14) the seventh for Jesharelah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (15) the eighth for Jeshaiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (16) the ninth for Mattaniah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (17) the tenth for Shimei, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (18) the eleventh for Azarel, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (19) the twelfth for Hashabiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (20) the thirteenth for Shubael, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (21) the fourteenth for Mattithiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (22) the fifteenth for Jeremoth, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (23) the sixteenth for Hananiah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (24) the seventeenth for Joshbekashah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (25) the eighteenth for Hanani, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (26) the nineteenth for Mallothi, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (27) the twentieth for Eliathah, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (28) the twenty-first for Hothir, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (29) the twenty-second for Giddalti, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (30) the twenty-third for Mahazioth, his sons and his brethren, twelve; (31) the twenty-fourth for Romamti-Ezer, his sons and his brethren, twelve.

I CHRONICLES (NKJV) – 4:42I Chronicles, chapter 26. (1) Concerning the divisions of the gatekeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. (2) And the sons of Meshelemiah were Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, (3) Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh.

(4) Moreover the sons of Obed-Edom were Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, (5) Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth; for God blessed him.

(6) Also to Shemaiah his son were sons born who governed their fathers’ houses, because they were men of great ability. (7) The sons of Shemaiah were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose brothers Elihu and Semachiah were able men.

(8) All these were of the sons of Obed-Edom, they and their sons and their brethren, able men with strength for the work: sixty-two of Obed-Edom.

(9) And Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, eighteen able men.

(10) Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the first (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him the first), (11) Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen.

(12) Among these were the divisions of the gatekeepers, among the chief men, having duties just like their brethren, to serve in the house of the Lord. (13) And they cast lots for each gate, the small as well as the great, according to their father’s house. (14) The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then they cast lots for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and his lot came out for the North Gate; (15) to Obed-Edom the South Gate, and to his sons the storehouse. (16) To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came out for the West Gate, with the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway—watchman opposite watchman. (17) On the east were six Levites, on the north four each day, on the south four each day,...