odcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Proverbs 31. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “A Mother’s Advice”

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Comments on Proverbs 31

This chapter is a mother's advice to her son. The son is King Lemuel, and I'd like to tell you about him, but scholars don't know anything about him. There's a fair amount of conjecture, but no facts. One thing that seems true is that there was no king of Judah or Israel with this name. So instead of spending time on who he was, let's just talk a little about the content of this chapter.

She warns her son about the dangers of sexual immorality. Good advice. And the advice would be just as good as if it were from a mother to a daughter or a father to either son or daughter. Both men and women invite all kinds of trouble if they are not sexually pure. I know that sounds very old fashioned, but look at the consequences on our culture today brought on by the sexual revolution that began in the 60s, not the least of which is more than 62 1/2 million abortions in America alone since 1973. STDs are rampant. About a quarter of the children in the US live in single-parent homes...the highest rate in the world. I could go on. Beloved, God's plan for marriage is not to take our fun away, it is to give us a better, happier life. 

Then this wise mother talked to her son about the dangers of alcohol. Nearly everyone has a family member or knows someone whose life was ruined by alcohol. I never met my paternal grandfather. He was killed while driving drunk. My biological father was an alcoholic, as were three of his four brothers, if I’m not mistaken. And I could go on with other stories. Don’t get me wrong. Alcohol can be used responsibly, but a dangerous substance must be used with the realization that it is indeed dangerous. 

She talked about the importance of defending the defenseless. This is certainly important for a king or any person in a position of power, but it's true for all of us. What are we doing for the defenseless? What is your church doing? Some churches feed the needy. Some have programs for the homeless. Some are active in right to life activities. Individuals can volunteer in soup kitchens, or do prison ministries, or counsel women who are considering abortions. Literally, the sky is the limit. Ask God what He would have *you* do.

And then verses 10 to 31 are probably the verses that Proverbs 31 is best known for: the mother tells her son the value of a woman of character and virtue. In the original Hebrew language, each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This may have been done to make it easier to memorize. One commentator called it "An Alphabet of Wifely Excellence." I like that. Someone else called it "The ABCs of wisdom." That's good, too.

I have to say that as I was rereading these verses, I was wondering how to talk about them, because my wife, the the Lovely Lady LeeAnn, comes as close to fulfilling these verses as I can imagine any woman can. I could tell you about our marriage, and how I truly do love her more every day, and how reading this list made me fall even more in love with her as I compared her to the list. I told her about my thoughts, but she only said, "I fall so short. I'm not that woman." And I thought that you wouldn't believe me, or you'd think I was just gilding the lily. 

So I'll just say this. I believe, down to my very core, that I am the most blessed man in the world. LeeAnn *is* a marvelous example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her mother raised her right, and on top of everything, she loves the Lord with all her heart. I have thanked my mother-in-law numerous times over the years for the woman my wife is. 

So that's all I'll say about her. Today, at least. For those who are longtime listeners, you know I've talked about her many times over the years. So I'll probably do so again.

Podcast Introduction

Today is Wednesday and we’ll read Psalms 120-121. Before reading each one, I’ll have an introduction, and after the reading I have some comments for you. These are very short chapters, so this will be a short show today. I do have an on this date in church history for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Ascents Part 1.”  

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Comments on Psalms 120-121

I really like these short little Psalms. Besides being sung on the journey up to Jerusalem, I can easily see these as songs that became popular to be sung as people went about their daily lives, especially Psalm 121. Don't you have some favorite songs or choruses from your church that you find yourself singing throughout the week? I know I do. 

In my imagination I can almost hear a man or a woman sing these to the Lord as they go through the day with the cares of the world weighing them down, or as they celebrate how God has blessed them in one endeavor or another. Can't you?

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 120-121 HCSB

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Podcast Introduction

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

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Comments on 2 Chronicles 17-20

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

(Meaning, David his ancestor). 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Podcast Introduction

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

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Comments on Numbers 35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where do we flee for refuge? To Jesus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He is our refuge.

Today's Bible Translation

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

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Podcast Introduction

Today is Epistles Sunday. We’ll read Hebrews 8-10. I’m calling today’s episode “Once For All."

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Comments on Hebrews 8-10

My comments today are going to be very short, because the main point being made in these three chapters can be summarized very succinctly. Here it is: Jesus made the perfect sacrifice with His own blood, and that one-time sacrifice was good for all time.

The reason the author of Hebrews elaborated so much is because the main audience of the book, the Jews, needed to be convinced from the point of view of one who, like them, at one time had been under the Mosaic law. Their entire lives, they had been told that doing annual sacrifices was necessary. To trust in the once-for-all-time sacrifice of Jesus was a huge change for them.

I’m so glad the old system is no longer in effect. Aren’t you?

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 8 NLT; Ch. 9-10 ERV

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Distinguished Producer

Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Paul of Seattle.

Podcast Introduction

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

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Comments on Acts 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What will you choose? Are you prepared?

Today's Bible Translation

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

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Executive Producer

Roderick. Thank you!

Podcast Introduction

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

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Comments on Micah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today's Bible Translation

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

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Podcast Introduction

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

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Comments on Proverbs 29

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today's Bible Translation

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

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Podcast Introduction

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

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Comments on Psalm 119

Introduction to Psalm 119

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

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

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

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

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

Comments on Psalm 119

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

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

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

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

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch.

Podcast Introduction

Today is history Tuesday, and we’ll read 2 Chronicles 11-15. I have an on this date in church history segment that I think you’ll find interesting, and related to that, I have a song for you at the end of the show today. I’m calling today’s episode  “Correction."

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Comments on 2 Chronicles 11

King Rehoboam was a mixed bag. There were times where he followed the Lord, and times where he turned his back on God. And in chapter 11, verses 16 and 17, we read some very important words.

16Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 17They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam son of Solomon three years, following the ways of David and Solomon during this time.

Chapter 12 tells us that Rehoboam reigned for 17 years, but those three years were his best, because he and the people sought the Lord and followed the examples of David and Solomon.

Beloved, when things are not going well with us, it's a really good idea to take a spiritual inventory. How is our relationship with God? Are we seeking the Lord? Is there unconfessed sin in our life? Are we spending time with Him in prayer and in the Word? Of course, being right with God is no guarantee that life will be a bed of roses, because we live in a fallen world. But sometimes our loving Heavenly Father uses difficulties and hardships to get our attention if we are straying off the path. 

Yes, we are secure in God's grace because of the shed blood of Christ. He paid the price for all of our sins, if we have been born again. I'm not saying that we are in danger of losing our salvation if we have a time of rebellion. But God loves us too much to not correct us if we need it. 

If you want to have God’s blessing, the place you want to be is in harmony with God, seeking to know Him better each and every day. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 11 NIV; Ch. 12-13 CEB; Ch. 14-15 NLT

Music

https://youtu.be/D8EsDJMdH54

Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns graciously gave his permission to play this song on the show. Support him at Reawaken Hymns.

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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