Podcast Introduction

This is Prophecy Friday and today we’ll begin the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation. Chapters 1-6. I’m calling today’s episode “It Begins."

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Introduction to Revelation

The book of Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing for those who read it and who hear and heed it. Listen to the first three verses of chapter 1 from the ESV: "1The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 ]Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."

The "John" mentioned in verse 1 is the Apostle John. John, the one who Jesus loved. John, the brother of James...Jesus called James and John Boanerges, "sons of thunder." John, the disciple who was at the foot of the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus when Jesus was crucified, and into whose care Jesus placed his mother on that day. John, the writer of the Gospel of John, the three epistles bearing his name, and the book of Revelation.

Thoughts on Revelation 1

John is either shown a vision of Heaven, or he is taken there. We can’t really tell from his description.

And when he is there, a voice tells him to write down what he sees. When he turns to see who was speaking to him, he sees someone who looked like a son of man. He didn’t know who it was, and no wonder. John says, “He was dressed in a long robe with a gold strip of cloth around his chest. 14The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a blazing fire. 15His feet were like bronze metal glowing in a furnace. His voice sounded like rushing waters. 16He held seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth came a sharp sword that had two edges. His face was like the sun shining in all of its brightness.”

What would you do if you saw someone or something like that? Probably what John did. He fainted. 

But this awe inspiring person puts his right hand on John and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18I am the Living One. I was dead. But look! I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Hell.”

It was Jesus! And he told John not to be afraid. Despite His appearance, despite the fact that He holds the keys to Death and Hell, He tells John not to be afraid.

If we are in Christ Jesus, if we are His, we have no cause for fear. We don’t need to fear what is in the past, we don’t need to fear what is in the present, we don’t need to fear what is in the future. We are His. We are in Him, and He is in us. And greater is He that is in us than he that is the world. 

Do not be afraid. 

Thoughts on Revelation 2 and 3

The Lord told John to write to the seven churches which were spoken of in the first chapter as the seven golden lampstands. What does a lampstand do? It brings light into darkness, and the church is meant to bring light into a dark world.

As we read here in chapters 2 and 3, each of the seven churches is singled out by Jesus, and He has a message for each. Of the seven, only two receive commendations with no negative comments. Those two are the Philadelphian church and the church at Smyrna. 

Jesus says He knows that the church at Smyrna is suffering and is poor. “But,” he tells them, “you are rich!” 

How could they be rich if they are poor and suffering? Because they are faithful. 

This sort of puts the lie to those who say that God wants you to be materially rich, doesn’t it? It puts the lie to those that say that God will bring prosperity to your church if you are pleasing Him, doesn’t it?

The Philadelphian church is similar to the church at Smyrna,

Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday, and we’ll begin reading the Song of Solomon with Chapters 1 and 2. Before beginning the reading, I’ll have an introduction to the book for you. I’m calling today’s episode “The Couple.”  

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Introduction to the Song of Solomon

Whether this book is to be taken literally, spiritually or allegorically has been debated over the years. Because of the nature of the content, some commentators, preachers and teachers have avoided it altogether. But even in Victorian England, Charles Spurgeon preached nearly 60 sermons on it. 

Some believe that this is a book that portrays only the love relationship between God and His people. 

Others believe that it is what it appears to be...a book showing romantic and sensual love between a man and a woman. We see snapshots of their courtship and their marriage.

I tend to believe that this book is intended to show how a loving and pure marriage relationship between a man and a woman is blessed by, and a gift of, the God who created man and woman. And at the same time, I believe that it is intended to show the intensity of how strong God wants our relationship to be with Him. G. Campbell Morgan wrote, "There are those who treat this Book as a song of human love. There are those who consider its only value is that of its mystical suggestiveness. Personally, I believe that both values are here." 

God created the institution of marriage, and He created the act of physical love, to be shared by a husband and a wife. There is nothing shameful about it within the confines of marriage. It is the enemy who perverts it, as he does with every other thing that God created.

One important thing to note as we read through this book, is that procreation is not mentioned even once. And this should tell us that physical love is not intended solely for that purpose. It is to be enjoyed as a time of bonding and pleasure.

In some translations, this book is called the Song of Solomon. In others it is called the Song of Songs. And still others call it the Latin word for the word "songs"...Canticles. 

Solomon, the son of David, is the writer of the book. According to 1 Kings 4:32 he wrote 1,005 songs. This book is called "Song of Songs" because it is considered the greatest.

While there are other interpretations, my belief is that there are three main players to be found as we read.

First, there is the young maiden, or bride, often called "The Shulamite". She was from a small farming village called Shunem. Then there is the young man, called "The Beloved", who is Solomon. Lastly there is the chorus, or "the Daughters of Jerusalem". A few other characters show up, but are not major players.

Thoughts on Song of Solomon 2

In verse five, the Shulamite says, "Sustain me with cakes of raisins, Refresh me with apples, For I am lovesick."

Lovesick. Such an interesting word. But for anyone who has been head over heels in love, it's also accurate. Sickness can cause a variety of symptoms not unlike the initial thrill of "falling in love." On can feel weak, dizzy, or suffer a loss of appetite, butterflies in the stomach. But while it is definitely no fun to be ill, lovesickness is, for most, one of the great joys of life. 

Of course, scientists have studied the phenomenon of lovesickness, and they have found that there is a chemical called phenethylamine that washes over the brain when we fall in love. When this happens we have a feeling of exhilaration and being on top of the world. We might even lose our appetite. Thankfully, this admittedly wonderful feeling doesn't last, or I think we would never get any real work done! Of course, there is a big spike in the beginning of a relationship, but it declines after four or five years. Not so amazingly, divorce rates jump during the 4-5 year mark, worldwide. 

However,

Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday, and we’ll read chapters 140-142. I’m calling today’s episode “The Matter of the Heart.”  

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Comments on Psalm 140 and 141

Comments on Psalm 140

There were times in David's life when he was pursued by men that literally wanted to kill him. He was slandered. He was hunted. This is a Psalm that was written during one of those times. 

Do you ever think of the power of your words when you go to the Lord in prayer? David asked God not only for deliverance from evil men who would do him harm, but he also asked for their destruction. Listen again: "As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!"

I had a conversation with a man recently who had been the victim of slander. Another person was literally trying to destroy this man's reputation and business. The attacks got so bad that this man, for whom I have tremendous respect, prayed this Psalm asking God to deal with his attacker. And the response from God was so powerful that he told me he would never pray this way again. He told me that this person's life was utterly destroyed. He didn't tell me any details, but based on our relationship I believe him. 

If we are truly being attacked by genuinely evil people, God, our Heavenly Father, has it in His power to come to our rescue. His plan for our life will not be foiled by anyone or anything. If the plans of our enemies would keep us from fulfilling God's plan, I believe He *will* intervene on our behalf. 

I love the way David closed this Psalm: "I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence."

Comments on Psalm 141

In our translation today, David prayed in verse 4, "Take away my desire to do evil or to join others in doing wrong." But in the original Hebrew, instead of the word "desire", David said "heart". I like how the NASB renders this verse, "Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers..."

I think the distinction between desire and heart is important. At least it is for me. And maybe I'm the only one, but to me, desire resides in the mind. The more we think about the thing, the more we desire it. So if I can just force my mind to think of something else, the desire lessens. I have *some* control over my thoughts. 

Ah, but the heart. It is not easily controlled by the mind, is it? The heart wants what the heart wants, pretty much no matter what the mind thinks. 

So David prays, "Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil..."

Charles Spurgeon wrote, "“The way the heart inclines the life soon tends: evil things desired bring forth wicked things practised. Unless the fountain of life is kept pure the streams of life will soon be polluted.” 

David well knew what trouble his heart could get him into. It was his heart that drew him to Bathsheba, and he never again wanted to get into that kind of situation. 

How often, when tempted to sin, have you just tried to grunt it out…to not sin on your own strength of will? How’d that work for you? If you’re anything like me, lots of times it didn’t work very well. I have to admit that my own efforts, when the sin is right in front of me, are typically all too human. I fail. But David asks God for help in keeping his heart from being drawn to sin in the first place. And of course, that’s something that you and I can do, too. We can pray that same prayer.

It’s always a good idea to ask for help before it is needed, right? If we begin each day with a prayer that includes this request, and make it an ongoing habit throughout the day, I have a sneaking suspicion that the times of facing sin head-on will become fewer and farthe...

Podcast Introduction

Today is History Tuesday and we’ll begin the book of Nehemiah. Our reading will be chapters 1-4.

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Comments on Nehemiah 1-4

See if you agree with this statement: What matters to God should matter to us. 

When the book of Nehemiah was written, about a thousand years had passed since God had used Moses to lead the people out of their Egyptian captivity. A lot had happened in the passing years. There had been the time of the judges, but then the people begged to have a king, like the surrounding lands were, so God appointed Saul as their first king. To say the least, he turned out to be a disappointment, just as God had warned the people he would be. 

Then there was David, who certainly had his share of failures, but God called him a man after His own heart. After David was his son, Solomon, who built a Temple for the people to have a place to worship God. Then a long succession of David's descendants followed Solomon, some of whom were godly men, some of whom were evil men who did not follow God. Eventually, because the people had turned their backs on God to worship false gods, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob allowed Jerusalem to be conquered by Babylon. The Temple was completely destroyed, as was most of the city and its walls. The people of Jerusalem and the surrounding area were taken captive to Babylon, where they remained for 70 years.

After these 70 years, the people were given the chance to go home. But most had never been to Jerusalem. Babylon was their home, and only a small number of them chose to go to their homeland, about 50,000 out of about two or three million.

We read in the book of Ezra how they rebuilt the temple. Nehemiah wrote his book about fifteen years after the period spoken of by Ezra. So in doing the math, it had been nearly 100 years since the return to the Promised Land by those who had been captive in Babylon. And the destruction of Jerusalem had taken place about 150 years earlier. But the walls of Jerusalem had still not been rebuilt. 

Nehemiah had never been to Jerusalem. He lived in the capital city of the Persians, Shushan, in what is now Iran. But he loved God, and he knew that Jerusalem was important to God. 

When he learned that Jerusalem's walls had not been rebuilt, and that the people were struggling, Nehemiah was heartbroken. And He didn't just feel bad about the situation, he did what he could do. He fasted and he prayed. And when he prayed, he came with an attitude of  humility. He confessed the sins of himself, his family and the people. And he reminded God of His promise that if His people would return to Him, He would restore them. And one more thing. He asked God to bless him, that he might have favor with the king, because he was the king's cupbearer.

The bottom line is that Nehemiah was not satisfied just to feel bad about the situation in Jerusalem. No. He humbly wanted to be used by God to do something about it. 

What a marvelous example for us, beloved. Shouldn’t we have hearts that are tender to what God cares about? We need to be willing for God to move us to action, as Nehemiah was. God found in him someone who was deeply moved and altogether willing to do what was necessary.

Oh, beloved, that we would be that kind of people. Look around you. Chances are very good that if you ask, God will show you where He can use you to make a difference.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-2 NASB; Ch. 3-4 CEB

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Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.

Podcast Introduction

Today is Monday, so we’ll read from one of the books of the law. Deuteronomy 20-22. I’m calling today’s episode “There Are Two.” And I have an important announcement today.

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Comments on Deuteronomy 22

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread"? I don't think I'm a fool, but if I am, so be it. Every so often, current events and/or cultural conditions can’t help but influence my commentary on the day’s reading. This is obviously not a political or a news show, and I do dislike participating in political speech on this show. As a matter of fact, I don’t think that what I’m about to say is political, because I’m only going to talk about what the word of God says. But some might want to paint today’s episode with a political label. Whatever. What I am about to talk about needs to be addressed, especially with what’s going on in our current culture.

Genesis 1:27 So God created humans in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.

Genesis 1:31And God saw everything that he had made and that it was very good. (GW)

Deuteronomy 22:5 A woman must never wear anything men would wear, and a man must never wear women’s clothes. Whoever does this is disgusting to the Lord your God. (GW)

Now listen. I'm not a transphobe. I do not hate people of either sex if they disagree with me or Scripture. And I am certainly not afraid of them. That is what "phobia" means. You know that, right? The reason I'm talking about this today, my motivation, in everything I say on this show, is to explain the Scriptures in such a way that the true nature of God is revealed. I believe that when He is properly understood, people's hearts will be changed and eternal lives will be saved. Failing that, my hope is that there will at least be understanding, and maybe even less antipathy.

When these scriptures were written, it was common for men and women to wear clothes that were similar. Both sexes wore long robes, but with distinctive styles that differentiated between the sexes. Deuteronomy 22:5 was a command not to blur the lines between the sexes or to purposely dress in the manner of the opposite sex.

You see, as Genesis 1:27 says, God created only two sexes. Male and Female. There is not a spectrum. It's one or the other. Now, before you say, "But Steve, some people are born with the organs of both." Yes, I know that's true. But hear me. 

We live in a fallen world. We live in a world that is suffering the effects of sin. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, all of creation has been under a curse. Romans 8:22 says, "All creation groans..." Every living thing on the planet is less than God intended it to be. Humans were not meant to die. Humans were not meant to be born with any kind of defects. There was not supposed to be any disease. Every system on the planet is not what God intended. The weather is not the way God intended. Earthquakes were not supposed to be something we worried about. Everything is broken. Sin ruined everything. Including how we think about ourselves and each other. 

Birth defects do happen, and when a baby is born with a defect, it is not because God made it happen. It is because of the condition of the world. Yes, God allows bad things to happen, but He is not the cause of bad things happening. Couldn't He just step in and stop bad things from happening? Sometimes He does, but other times He doesn't. God is sovereign, which means that He does what He does, and He answers only to Himself. But know this: His way is perfect. Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...” One day, everyone who has ever been born will see that and acknowledge that.

So, back to the subject at hand. God says that it is wrong to dress in the manner of the opposite sex. Why? Because,

Podcast Introduction

Today is Epistles Sunday. Our reading will be 1 John 1-3.. Before I begin the chapters, I’ll have an introduction to John’s Epistles for you. Tomorrow is August 1st, and I will have an announcement to share with you on the show, so don’t miss it. I’m calling today’s episode “They’re Talking About You.” 

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Comments on 1 John 1-3

Chapter 1

John begins chapter one much like he did his Gospel. He refers to Jesus as the Word, and he affirms that the Word has existed from the beginning. And he says that he, John, personally saw and heard Him.

He says that it is through Jesus that we can have a relationship with God, and that when we have that, we have a relationship with other believers…we truly are brothers and sisters.

This is important because if we say we believe, and yet don’t love each other, we are fooling ourselves. 

And then at the end of chapter one we read one of the foundational truths of the Gospel. John writes in verse nine, “God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we’ve done wrong.” Of course, God sets a high standard for us, but He knows how weak and fallible we are. But because of what Jesus did on the cross, this forgiveness is available to all who believe.

Chapter 2

And in the opening verses of chapter two, John continues this thought. And this one just blows me away. Did you know that you are a topic of conversation between Jesus and the Father? You are. And I am. Listen to this. John writes: I’m writing this to you so that you will not sin. Yet, if anyone does sin, we have Jesus Christ, who has God’s full approval. He speaks on our behalf when we come into the presence of the Father.” 

When you and I sin, Jesus looks at the Father and says, “Forgive him, Father. I already paid for that sin with my blood.” What better advocate could there possibly be? Such Good News!

Of course, there are a lot of golden nuggets of truth in these first three chapters, but I’m going to leave you with that last one.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-3 GWT

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Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.0 Chapters: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Sean of San Pedro and Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Michael HanerShow Art: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider and Lifespring Family Berean Jason PaschallNewsletter Publisher: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Brittaney

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Lifespring Family member Berean Brother Paul of Seattle

Podcast Introduction

Today is Gospel Saturday. We’ll read Acts 19-20. I’m calling today’s episode “Big Business.” 

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Comments on Acts 19-20

Thoughts on Acts 19

So Paul sort of stirred things up in Ephesus, didn't he? There was a whole industry built around the worship of Artemis. The silversmith, Demetrius, had a financial interest in keeping people devoted to this false god, didn't he? It was big business. 

What really caught my attention about this scene was when, during the confusion at the big assembly, it said in verse 32 that "Most of the people did not even know why they were there." That even happens now at big demonstrations. There's mass confusion, shouting and even violence, and many of the demonstrators don't know why they're even there. And some are there for their own vested interests. 

As it says in Ecclesiastes, "there's nothing new under the sun". Beloved, people don't change. Circumstances change, but men and women are still the same. They needed Jesus in Paul’s time, and we need Jesus now.

Thoughts on Acts 20

For me, the thing that stands out here in Acts 20 is where Paul says, "I want to finish the race that I'm running. I want to carry out the mission I received from the Lord Jesus; the mission of testifying to the Good News of God's kindness." 

Paul had already been on the receiving end of quite a lot of persecution, and the Holy Spirit told him that in every city imprisonment and suffering was waiting for him. Yet he was determined to run…and finish…the race.

I want to have that kind of determination, too. Don't you? When your race is over and you stand before God, don't you want to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." To me, that will be a glorious day, and I will do whatever it takes, go through any trial, to hear those words. 

What about you? 

As time winds down, and I believe we are in the final days, living for Jesus is not going to get any easier. We look at the news today and we see how persecution against believers around the world is growing. One of the most important things we can do is to decide, before persecution comes to us, what we will do when we look it in the face. That's one of the reasons we're told in scripture that we will face trials. God wants us to know that things aren't going wrong when those times come. He wants us to know that it's part of His plan. And He wants us to prepare mentally, emotionally and spiritually. 

Have you given any thought to what you will do if and when this kind of persecution comes your way? I pray it never does, but it is good to be prepared.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 19 CEB; Ch. 20 GWT

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This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising equals censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring One Year Bible Rewind, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and donate here: SUPPORT.

The Team

Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.0 Chapters: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Sean of San Pedro and Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Michael HanerShow Art: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider and Lifespring Family Berean Jason PaschallNewsletter Publisher: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Brittaney

Podcast Introduction

Today is Prophecy Friday and our reading is the book of Malachi. I’m calling today’s episode “In the Valley.” 

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Comments on Malachi

Chapter 1

Malachi is another Old Testament prophet about whom we know very little. Here’s what we do know. His name means “my angel”. That’s about it. Judaic tradition holds that Malachi was from the tribe of Zebulun and that he did not live a long life. 

The message of the book of Malachi contains God’s charges against the people for the neglect of the rebuilt temple. You’ll remember that the prophets Haggai and Zechariah brought reproof for their neglecting to build the temple. In Malachi’s time, the temple had been rebuilt, but now it is neglected.

In addition, God charges them with profaning the temple by their behavior while there. 

There was a period of 400 years between Malachi and the birth of Jesus. Before beginning this period of silence, God used Malachi to speak more about the coming Messiah, and He told the people that His coming was close. Four hundred years might sound like a long time, but in the scheme of things, it’s not.

Chapter 2

The second chapter of Malachi ends with this: 17You have tired the Lord out with your talk. But you ask, “How have we tired him?” By saying, “The Lord Almighty thinks all evildoers are good; in fact he likes them.” Or by asking, “Where is the God who is supposed to be just?”

Chapter 3

And  God's answer is in the first verse of chapter three: 1The Lord Almighty answers, “I will send my messenger to prepare the way for me. Then the Lord you are looking for will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger you long to see will come and proclaim my covenant.”

Who was the messenger the Lord Almighty sent to prepare the way? John the Baptist. The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all quoted this passage in pointing out that John's coming was prophesied, and that it was to prepare the way for Jesus the Messiah. 

Notice again the words of the verse: I will send my messenger to prepare the way for me. Who was speaking? The Lord Almighty. Not another prophet. God Himself would come *to the Temple*, fulfilling the old covenant and establishing a new covenant. A New Covenant. That covenant was what we call the Good News, 

And then verses two through five speaks of the second Messenger judging and refining. This is referring to the second coming of Jesus. Most of the Old Testament prophets did not see the separation of the two advents, or comings of Jesus. I have used this analogy before. In looking at a mountain range from a distance, you can't see the valleys between the peaks. The peaks are easy to see, and from a distance, they look as if they are the same distance away from you. But there could be, and actually usually is, miles between them, with a valley separating them. This is how the ancient prophets saw the coming of the Messiah. We live in the valley, beloved. The first peak, that of Jesus' first coming, is behind us, and his second coming is still ahead. 

Also in chapter three is a very unique verse. God tells the people that they are guilty of cheating (or robbing from) Him. 8b ‘How?’ you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings. 9A curse is on all of you because the whole nation is cheating me. 10Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things. 11I will not let insects destroy your crops, and your grapevines will be loaded with grapes.

What was unique? God said, "Put me to the test..." And it was a *command*. Test me. Give as I command, and I will pour out my blessings in abundance. Go ahead, try me. There is no other place in Scripture that compares to this. 

Chapter 4

And finally, the people are reminded to keep the Mosaic law as they w...

Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday, and we’ll finish the book of Ecclesiastes by reading chapters 11-12. 

And I hope you’ll forgive me, but today I am just going to run a repeat of last year’s episode for this reading. As I record this, it’s about 8:30 at night, which means there is only 90 minutes before the show is due to publish, and this is the first chance I’ve had to be in the studio all day, which is highly unusual. So there is no time to produce a new episode for you today. The first thing this morning, I got a call from Del that Kathi was on the way to the Emergency Room. I won’t go into all the details, but suffice to say that she has been checked into Loma Linda University Medical Center with internal bleeding. We’ll know tomorrow. And then the Lovely Lady LeeAnn and I had to go out today to do our weekly rounds for the family business. Long story short, this is one of just a very small number of episodes this season that will be a repeat. 

Pray for Kathi, and I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks for your understanding. 

Wrapping Up Ecclesiastes

Chapter 11 began with a message that would not come from an old, jaded, cynical Scrooge-type man.

He started with the advice that you should be generous with those in need, because your giving is like a farmer sowing grain. It will yield a return. And if you have the ability now, you never know when your fortunes may change and you may need someone else’s generosity.

And then Solomon advised that the young should enjoy their youth, keeping in mind that God will be the judge of all that we do. So we should avoid evil.

Chapter 12 says the young should keep the Creator in mind, because in our old age life becomes difficult. Our senses dull and our bodies become weak. And ultimately, we die.

And at the very end of the chapter and the book, Solomon refers to himself in the third person and calls himself the Preacher. And he says that after observing all that he could, he wrote down the best words that he could; words of truth. Words that could hold you steady in the storms of life. Words that were given by God. 

Solomon's Conclusion

And his conclusion was this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Because God will judge every work, every act, whether good or evil.

The Key to Lasting Happiness and Peace

Beloved, the only true and lasting happiness and peace is found in knowing God and pleasing Him. Anything apart from that will only bring emptiness, heartbreak, spiritual bankruptcy and ultimately eternal separation from God. And as Christians, we know that the only way to truly know God is when we have a personal relationship with Jesus. 

Solomon didn’t know Jesus by name, but he came to know that God was his only hope, and I am sure that God credited his account in the same way as He did with Abraham because of that faith.

My Discovery

I’ll be 67 years old in a few weeks, and even though I have not lived my life with the same privileges as Solomon did, my experiences have taught me the same lessons. When I have gone my own way, veering from the path that I knew God would want me to travel, I have always found nothing but emptiness and sadness. It is only when I cling tightly to Him that I find that unshakeable peace, that joy which is independent of my circumstances, that *knowing* that everything will be alright.

Abundant Life

I hope you have found that marvelous truth in your own life. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” That is what God wants for you. And so do I.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 11-12 NKJV

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Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 137-139. I’m calling today’s episode “The God Who Knows Me.” 

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ben White on Unsplash

Comments on Psalm 139

I love the fact that God knows me intimately. To understand that He knows my desire to know and serve Him makes me feel good, as when a little boy is happy when his daddy is pleased with him. But to also understand that God knows my ugly, dark, sinful parts causes me to feel utterly amazed that He still loves me. He knows my heart, and He knows the weakness of my flesh. But as Psalm 136 said in it's refrain: His steadfast love endures forever! 1 John 4:8 puts it this way: "God is love."

Knowing this, my heart swells with love and gratitude. And it makes me want to continue to try to please Him, to continue to persevere in my efforts to live a  life more devoted to Him today than I did yesterday. Not because I'm trying to earn His favor...I already have it. There is nothing I can do to make Him love me more, or love me less. I just want to love Him because He loves me.

And on those dark days when I fail Him to the point where I know I must have certainly brought Him grief, as the last verse in this chapter mentions, the shame I feel motivates me to humbly go to Him and ask forgiveness. And that is when I am most grateful for the promise we have in 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Every verse in this chapter is a jewel. Every verse confirms how good God is. 

How about this one: 5You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. “God is there behind me and in front of me, protecting me, surrounding me. And the most beautiful part of the verse, He lays his hand on me. When my boys were small, many were the times that when we were sitting next to each other, or when we were walking next to each other, I would lay my hand on their head or their shoulder. Just a loving touch to let them know that I was there and I love them. That's what God does with us. Our loving daddy, or Abba in the Greek language. 

How can one read chapter 139 and not love God more? 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 137-139 ESV

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This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising equals censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring One Year Bible Rewind, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and donate here: SUPPORT.

The Team

Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.0 Chapters: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Sean of San Pedro and Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Michael HanerShow Art: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider and Lifespring Family Berean Jason PaschallNewsletter Publisher: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Brittaney