Podcast Introduction

Our reading today 2 Timothy 3-4. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Equipped.”  

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Comments on 2 Timothy 3-4

In the beginning of chapter 3, Paul said that in the last days things would be difficult because of how evil people will be, and he listed some of the characteristics they would have. Here’s the list again: lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.

You know, one thing social media has done is allowed pretty much anybody with a computer or smart phone to put their life on display for all to see. And it used to surprise me what some people chose to post. It doesn’t surprise me any more, but we’ve all seen every one of the characteristics Paul listed shown on social media. 

Now, let me hasten to say that there some wonderful people there as well who display the opposite traits, but I must admit that I had no idea how many of the other kind there were in the world.

The final four verses of chapter three really encapsulate the reason I do the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. Here they are again: You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

To continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, you need to be a continuing student of Scripture. Most believers agree with that but have a hard time doing it, me included. So this show helps me to stay in the Scriptures, and I hope that it helps you, too.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 3 and 4 NASB

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Podcast Introduction

Our reading today John 13-15. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Unity.”  

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Comments on John 13-15

What Jesus shared with His disciples in these three chapters is so rich that an entire college semester could be devoted to its study. We don't have that kind of time, so I am going to focus on just two topics. 

Jesus knows that this is the last meal he will share with His disciples before He will be crucified. They are in the Upper Room. They are going to have the Passover meal together. And knowing this is His last time with them, He wants to leave them with some final words. 

God uses repetition in the Bible to emphasize important points. 

John 13: 3x

John 13:34-35 “I give you a new commandment – to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples – if you have love for one another.”

John 15:12 My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you.

John 15:17 This I command you – to love one another.

Why was loving one another so critical? Why did Jesus emphasize it so much? 

Jesus will soon be leaving them with a monumental task: to take His message of salvation to the entire world. Eleven men. He knew that in order for them to do this, they had to be united in every way. They had to be focused on the one purpose. They had to love one another. 

He said they were to love each other as He had loved them. And they did not yet know it, but in a few short hours He would demonstrate just what that meant. 

By loving one another, they would be able to overlook petty differences that always come up when people are involved.  1 Corinthians 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. 6 It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.

Where there is love, there is unity. When there is unity, great things can be accomplished. And when God is in it, nothing can stop the mission.

In chapter 15, from verse 18 to the end of the chapter Jesus told them that the world would hate them because it hates Him. In verse 25 he said, Now this happened to fulfill the word that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without reason.’ What he means there is they had no *good* reason. Of course they had a reason: they hated everything Jesus was and did and said. 

And that's why the disciples needed to love one another. So that they could stand the attacks.

Beloved, we live in difficult times. And Jesus' command still stands, for the same reason. If we allow the attacks of the world to divide us, we lose. Isn't that what has been happening for decades? We're divided because of race, sex, political party, age group, the neighborhood we live in, you name it. Why? Because when we are divided, we are weak. We are less effective. 

How are we going to win people to Jesus if we don't love? We first have to love one another, and then we need to love the lost. But if we can't even love other believers, why would non believers have a reason to listen to us? What do we have to offer them? 

I understand being passionate about your political views. But do divisive or insulting social media posts help or hurt the mission of sharing the love of Jesus? Don't participate in spreading the hate, the division. We are called to be salt and light. To do that, people need to see Jesus in us. Let's remember that next time we sign on to our social media accounts. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 13 GNT; Ch. 14 NASB; Ch. 15 NET

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Associate Producer

Paul of Seattle. God bless you!

Podcast Introduction

Our reading today Joel. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Is There A Joel Out There.”  

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Comments on Joel

In studying this book, I came upon a commentary by the 19th century English preacher, Joseph Parker. This man was known as a great orator, so I know I won’t do him justice in quoting him, but these are his words in regards to the prophet Joel: 

“We need a Joel today. For his wages we would award him starvation. He would not live in king’s houses. There is nothing today in Church or state that does not need pulling to pieces, cross examination, analysis, that all that is good therein…and there is much good…may be brought into new cohesion, and set to new and fuller uses. Men are bribing men, and then going to the Sunday school; many are saying, “If you will get this property on these terms through my hands it will be on the understanding that…” and the all but silent reply is…”That will, of course, be understood.” And then they go to church! If some Joel were to come he would be starved, he must be starved. No one ever came to do Messianic work who was not nailed and pierced and crucified. It is in vain to preach peace until we have first preached repentance; it is mischievous to say, peace, peace, where there is no peace; It is iniquity in the sight of God to daub the wall with untempered mortar. Nothing is settled until it is settled at the foundations.”

We don’t speak like that today, do we? Let me try to paraphrase Rev. Parker: We need someone like Joel today. The church and the culture needs to be completely re-examined to find what is good so that there can be a new and unified partnership with them in order for them to be effective. There is corruption and deal making, even among so called believers. It is foolish to call for peace until we first call for repentance, a turning from our sins and to Almighty God. It is wrong in the sight of God to try to bring repairs with corrupt methods and people. Nothing will stand unless the foundation is strong.

As we look at our world today, I think we would have to agree with Rev. Parker’s message. The world is in turmoil. People call for peace and unity, but there is neither peace nor unity. Why? Because God has been expunged from our governments, our schools, our society. We will never have peace until the people turn back to him. 

Several shows back I asked you to pray with me for a world wide revival. I believe that is the only way we’ll see sanity return to the world. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Like God promised through Joel to heal Israel, I believe he can do the same now. We don’t know God’s plan for us now, but I do believe it is our responsibility to pray, to confess our sins and to ask God to move on people’s hearts. 

Today's Bible Translation

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

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Podcast Introduction

Our reading today Proverbs 22. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “What Will They Say?”  

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Comments on Proverbs 22

You should want a good name more than you want great riches. To be highly respected is better than having silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1 NIRV

My wife, the Lovely Lady LeeAnn, doesn't like it when I talk about this, but Proverbs 22:1 brought it to mind, so I must. 

I'm at the age where I sometimes think about how I will be remembered when I'm no longer around. At close to 68 years old, I think I have eased out of middle age. Wouldn't you agree? As a matter of fact, at this point I have lived longer my biological father, and three of his four brothers. The paternal side of my family didn't live long lives. My mother's side of the family mostly lived into their 80's and 90's, so it's anybody's guess what the chances are that I'll live to be an old man. I tease about being old now, but 68 really isn't considered to be old like it was in past generations. Is it??? Maybe I’m just kidding myself.

But I do think about how I'll be remembered. One thing is for sure, I have no interest at all in being remembered for how wealthy or poor I was. I have never lived my life to see how much wealth I could acquire. Sure, I tried to provide as comfortable life as I could for the Lovely Lady LeeAnn and my kids, but I never made it a goal to see how large I could grow my business or bank account.

I had a childhood friend who I was very close to, even into our twenties. We were both Christians and grew up in middle class families, we played sports together at our high school, and generally had the same values. Around the age of about 30 we began to grow apart, mostly because our lives just got busy with family and trying to earn livings for ourselves. 

But then this friend of mine got into a business that eventually made him a multi-millionaire. It's a good business. He is well respected in his industry, as far as I know, and he travels the world and has all the trappings of success. Except it does not appear that he has a relationship with the Lord. Again, I am no longer close him, but I see him occasionally. Obviously I can't know what is in his heart. But I cannot say that there is any observable evidence that Jesus has a place in his life.

Sure, when he is gone people will know that he had great wealth. From that perspective, his life will have been a success. When we were in our twenties, I remember having conversations about gaining wealth, and that was one of his top goals. So he made it.

But when people remember me, I want to be remembered as a godly man. I want my kids and grandkids to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I loved God, and I lived my life for Him. Of course, they'll remember I was far from perfect, but I hope they'll know that despite my flaws, I was one hundred percent in love with my Lord. I hope that I have many more years to build memories with them that they'll be able to look back on when I'm gone that will cause them to say, "Yes. He was a good man, an honest man, a fair man, a man of integrity, and above all, a godly man."

That matters far more to me than leaving them a big inheritance. I would much rather leave a legacy of living for the Lord, than how to become wealthy. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 22 NIRV

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Podcast Introduction

Our reading today Psalms 105-107. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “They Forgot His Mighty Deeds.”  

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Comments on Psalms 106 and 107

Thoughts on Psalm 106

Chapter 106 opens with a call to praise the Lord and give thanks because He is good and His loyal love endures. In fact, the first five verses are a joy to read. We're sort of saying, "Yes! Amen!" along with the author.

And then at verse seven things take a darker tone. The author confesses that we have sinned like our ancestors. There is talk of sin and judgement, betrayal and anger. Deliverance and forgetfulness. 

And then, in the second to the last verse, the writer pleads for God to deliver us. He promises to give thanks and tell of God's marvelous deeds. And the last verse proclaims that the Lord God of Israel deserves praise forever, and urges everyone to say, "We agree! Praise the Lord!".

What I make of this is that even in the midst of judgement and pain, God is worthy of praise. Why? Because, as it says in the very first verse, "His loyal love endures forever." Judgement and anger don't come because God no longer loves us. On the contrary. If God didn't love us, he would be indifferent to us. He would turn us over to our own wicked ways, which we know from scripture that He does do to those who have hardened their hearts to him. But if we seek him, if we turn from our rebellion, His love for us is shown by forgiveness and redemption. 

As a matter of fact, God already proved that over 2,000 years ago with the death and resurrection of Jesus, His son. We have only to accept that fact and believe that He died for our sins, and then allow Him to guide our actions and decisions, to experience that loyal and enduring love. I'm so glad I don't have to depend on my own effort or my own faithfulness. I fail more often than I care to admit. But he sees it all, and he offers forgiveness. 

The Lord God of Israel deserves praise, in the future and forevermore. Say with me, "We agree! Praise the Lord!”

Thoughts on Psalm 107

In this Psalm there are several calls to give thanks to the Lord, for he is good and his loyal love endures.  We hear this refrain four times: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for people! " 

The Psalm ends with this: Let them consider the Lord’s acts of loyal love!

Have you been delivered from an enemy? Give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for you!

Have you been delivered from hunger or thirst? Give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for you!

Have you been a prisoner or a captive? God was and is there to bring freedom. Give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for you!

Have you been sick? God is the creator of our bodies. He is the Master Physician. Give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for you!

Have you experienced a raging storm and known the calm brought by the Word of God? Give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for you!

Have you experienced loss, but seen God miraculously provide? Give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for you!

God's loyal love. It never fails. It never wavers. God is love.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 105 CEV; Ch. 106-107 NET

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Podcast Introduction

Our reading today 1 Chronicles 15-19. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “What A Promise.”  

Comments on 1 Chronicles 17

David looked at the palace he had built for himself and thought, "I should build an appropriate place for the ark of the covenant." Seems like a good and noble thing to do, right? The prophet Nathan thought so, so he told David to go ahead with the project.

But God spoke to Nathan that night, telling him that he had not asked for a house, and it was not David who would build one for him. I like what Charles Spurgeon said:  “Though the Lord refused to David the realization of his wish, he did it in a most gracious manner. He did not put the idea away from him in anger or disdain, as though David had cherished an unworthy desire; but he honored his servant even in the non-acceptance of his offer.” 

Beloved, when we ask to do something for God from a pure and loving heart, I believe He is pleased. Even our best efforts and greatest gifts to Him are far short of what He has done for us, but a loving Father finds pleasure in His children's gifts. When my oldest son was about five or six years old, he found a red brick at the beach that had obviously been tossed around by the waves for a very long time because all the corners and edges on it had been rounded and smoothed by the sand and water. He thought it was a wonderful and unique treasure. And he gave it to me as a gift. I still have that brick. And that little five or six year old boy will be 40 years old this year. I have moved homes many times since he gave it to me, but every time I look at it, it brings warm memories. 

And God did something that David would never have anticipated. God told David that HE was going to build a house for David, one that would last forever. God promised David that he would have a descendant on the throne forever. David's son, Solomon ruled after him, and Solomon built a magnificent Temple for God, and many generations after Solomon ruled over Israel, until they suffered God's judgement for turning away from Him. But even then, God did not forget His promise to David, and Jesus came from David's line. So God’s promise to David is even now being fulfilled.

David's response was thankfulness and humility. "Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me this far?"

Indeed. Who am I God, that you would give Your Son's life for me? Who am I? Thank you, Lord. I owe you everything, yet You have been so gracious to me. What may I do for You, Lord? I give you my life. I give you my all.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 15 NIRV; Ch 16 NLT; Ch. 17-18; Ch. 19 NCV

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Podcast Introduction

Our reading today Numbers 9-12. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you.  I’m calling today’s episode “Move Out.”  

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Comments on Numbers 12

I don’t recall ever hearing a message, or a sermon on Numbers 12. So that’s what I’m going to talk about today. It seems like somewhat of an unusual chapter to me. Does it seem that way to you? Let’s dig in.

1Miriam and Aaron began to criticize Moses because he was married to a woman from Sudan." (GW)

Miriam and Aaron were the brother and sister of Moses. And because of the way the sentence is constructed in Hebrew, and the fact that Miriam is listed first, she is probably the instigator of this confrontation. We'll talk more about that in a moment.

Out of the 35 translations I checked, this is the only translation that says Moses was married to a woman from Sudan. Most other translations say she was a Cushite woman. Others say she was Ethiopian. The original language says Cushite. The Cushites were descendants of Cush. Cush was the oldest son of Ham. Ham was the son of Noah. So Cush was the grandson of Noah. Interestingly, one of Cush's sons was Nimrod, who is thought to be the ruler of Babel when the Tower of Babel was built. So the great-grandson of Noah probably built the Tower of Babel. (There's another reminder that it is imperative to teach faithfully each generation the Word of the Lord. Just because you're a believer is no guarantee that your children will be, or their children. Be diligent in living in such a way that your children see that God is real.) 

The land of Cush might very well be, and probably is synonymous with Ethiopia. Though the Ethiopia of the Bible is not exactly the same as the Ethiopia of today. However, the Ethiopia of the Bible included an area of what is Sudan today! See how it all comes together?

Given this background, it is probably not going to surprise you when I say that the Cushite people were dark skinned. As a matter of fact, Cush means "black." 

One last thing about Cush. I found this at gotquestions.org: Significantly, Cush is also a nation that received the gospel and will be involved in the millennial kingdom. The evangelist Philip gave the gospel to an Ethiopian eunuch, who would have been referred to as a Cushite in Hebrew, and the eunuch was one of the first converts of Ethiopia to Christianity (Acts 8:26–39). He undoubtedly took the gospel back to his land, where he had great influence as a royal official to Queen Candace (Acts 8:27). During the millennial reign of Christ, Jesus will receive honor from Cush/Ethiopia: “From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings” (Zephaniah 3:10).

So the fact that Moses was married to a Cushite woman is the reason Miriam and Aaron gave for their complaint. It was not forbidden for Israelites to marry Cushites, so that is not likely to be the basis for the complaint. It is possible, and maybe even probable that their reason was because of the color of her skin. Something she had no control over. 

But this was not the real problem. As is often the case, there was something deeper. 

Verse 2 says, " 2They asked, 'Did the Lord speak only through Moses? Didn’t he also speak through us?'” 

Can't you just hear Miriam? "Who do you think you are, Moses? You think you're so special because God speaks through you. He speaks through me! And Aaron, too!"

In a way, she was right. God spoke through Aaron in Exodus 4:30, He spoke to Aaron in Exodus 12:1, and Miriam spoke God-inspired words in Exodus 15:21. But God spoke through Moses in a very unique way, and He selected Moses as *the* leader of Israel. 

Miriam and Aaron were jealous of Moses. They wanted to have some of the authority and attention. And they thought that by bringing Moses down, they would get it.

And verse 2 ends with "The Lord heard their complaint." Of course He did.

Podcast Introduction

Our reading today 2 Timothy 1-2. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Before There Was Time.”  

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Comments on 2 Timothy 1

The apostle Paul wrote this to Timothy from a Roman prison, shortly before he was executed by Nero. The book of 2 Timothy was the last writing we have from him. 

There is a place in Rome that is said to be the place Paul was imprisoned. It is basically a cave in the ground with a small opening in the ceiling where they dropped his food down. It is windowless and small, with bare walls. It would have been a very uncomfortable place, especially in the cold winter months.

Knowing that he would soon be put to death, he wrote this letter to his "dearly loved son", Timothy. He was, of course, speaking of his spiritual family. We have seen Paul use this language for Timothy before. Paul wanted to encourage Timothy in his work with some last important words.

In verse six, Paul said, "6Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands."

Have you ever tended a fire in a fireplace or a campfire? In order to keep the fire going, you have to stir it up once in a while. If you don't, it will go out. Paul is saying, "My son, God has given you a gift, but you have to work at it to keep it going." 

Beloved, we can't just sit back and expect God to work through us. He expects us to take what He has given us, whatever those abilities are, and put effort into making the most of them for His glory, for His Kingdom. You can't, for example say, "I have the gift of teaching," and then just wait for someone to come to you for instruction. You have to actively make yourself available to use the gift. If there is a need for Sunday School teachers, volunteer. Don't wait to be approached. 

It seems that Timothy may have been somewhat timid or fearful to making the most of his gift, because Paul said, "7For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment." Going back to the example of the gift of teaching, if you have been gifted this way but feel fearful or shy about making yourself available, understand that that feeling does not come from God. With the gift, God also gave you the ability to make use of it...he gave you the power to use it. If it is from God, it is backed up with His power. And His love. And the mental ability to use the gift.

When you are given a gift, God expects you to use it. It is part of His plan for you. So be bold in its use. That does not mean to be obnoxious about it, but be confident.

Verse 9 says, "9He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began."

Beloved, we have been called by God, not because of anything we have done, but because He had a plan for us before time even began. A plan for His purpose. God thought of you before time even began. Think of it. It's a little like this. My fifth grandchild is being formed at this very moment by the hand of God. Do you think that Grandma and Grandpa, and especially her parents, have hopes and dreams for her? And do you think they're making plans for her arrival? Of course they are! She isn't even born, and her family is already filled with expectations about her and for her. And just as her mom and dad have picked out a name for her, God knew your name before he even set the universe in motion. 

Oh beloved, I hope you feel loved. I hope you understand how very much He loves you. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-2 HCSB

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Podcast Introduction

Our reading today John 10-12. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Therefore.”

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Comments on John 11

In this chapter we read about perhaps Jesus' greatest miracle...the raising of His friend, Lazarus, from the dead.

Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, had sent word to Jesus that, "...the one whom you love is ill." In the Greek, the way the word "ill" is used tells us that he had been sick for some time. This was not something that just came up suddenly. They had watched their brother in his sickness, and now felt the need to call for Jesus. 

Again, I'm not entirely happy with the way the CEB translates Jesus' response. "This illness isn't fatal. It's for the glory of God so the God's Son can be glorified through it." The fact is that the illness was fatal. The illness did, in fact kill him. In the Greek, what Jesus said was, "This ailment will not end in death. It is for God's glory, so that God's Son may be glorified through it." The difference in the two translations is subtle, but I think it is important. 

So in my comments, I am going not going to use the CEB as we move forward. There are more of these differences, and I want us to look just at what the original language wants us to see.

After Jesus said that the illness will not end in death, we are told that Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, and *therefore* stayed two more days in the place where He was. I have always been taught that when you see the word "therefore" in Scripture, ask yourself, "What's the therefore there for?" And in this case, the therefore is there for a very specific and incredibly important reason. "Therefore" ties two thoughts or events together. What are they in this case? 1) Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 2) Jesus stayed two more days. He loved them, therefore he stayed two more days. 

Jesus could have healed Lazarus immediately. He did not need to travel to Bethany, where the sisters and Lazarus was. But there was something to be accomplished in their waiting, and in the death of Lazarus. Jesus told us what it was, "It is for God's glory, so that God's Son may be glorified through it."

Jesus knew that in going back to Judea, where the Jewish leaders had wanted to stone Him to death, He was walking into danger. And He knew that when He raised Lazarus from the dead, that would be the beginning of His final chapter. 

Therefore, because he loved.

Beloved, because He loves us, He sometimes allows us to go through difficult times. In difficulties, in heartbreaks, God can accomplish great things. He knows what it is to grieve. We saw in verse 35 that Jesus wept. Even though He knew that He was about to raise Lazarus, He wept because of his compassion for His friends. He is not a God that is far off, removed from us. He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

The miracle that Jesus did in raising Lazarus from the dead was part of the plan that ultimately took Him to the cross where He shed the blood that brings salvation to any who will believe in Him. And His resurrection proved that He had power and authority over death, confirming that He is indeed God. 

Therefore, because He loved.

Don't doubt His love for you when life seems to be falling apart. Hold Him tight. He loves you.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 10 NIV, Ch. 11 CEB, Ch. 12 NIRV

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Podcast Introduction

Our reading today Hosea 8-14. After the reading, I’ll have some comments for you. I’m calling today’s episode “Boundless Love.” 

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ian Hutchinson on Unsplash

Comments on

In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked by a Pharisee what the greatest commandment is. His response was, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." 

In Hosea, God judged His people because they were not faithful to Him. 

7For my people are determined to *desert* me.They call me the Most High,but they don’t truly honor me. (NLT)

Hosea 11:7 NLT

How many times had He told them that judgement was coming, but that He would forgive them if they would repent and come back to Him? 

1 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down.

2Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us,

so that we may offer you our praises. 3Assyria cannot save us, nor can our warhorses. Never again will we say to the idols we have made, ‘You are our gods.’ No, in you alone do the orphans find mercy.”

4The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your *faithlessness*; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever..."

Hosea 14:1-4 NLT

The same Hebrew word is used in 11:7 "for my people are determined to desert me" and in 14:4 "I will heal you of your faithlessness". The word means "backsliding" or "apostasy". To desert or to backslide or to be an apostate means that at one point they were *with* God, but then they turned away. 

Notice what God said here in 14:4: I will heal you of your faithlessness, your backsliding, your apostasy. He didn't say forgive. He said heal! Listen to what Spurgeon wrote about this: “as though he said, ‘My poor people, I do remember that they are but dust; they are liable to a thousand temptations through the fall, and they soon go astray; but I will not treat them as though they were rebels, I will look upon them as patients, and they shall look upon me as a physician.” 

After telling them that He would heal them of their apostasy, He said, "...my love will know no bounds...". And it is because of His boundless love that he looked at their backsliding as a disease instead of a willful crime. 

Oh beloved, what a God we serve! Isaiah 53 speaks prophetically of the coming Messiah, Savior, Jesus. And in verse 5 it says, "5But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." That healed is the same Hebrew word as in Hosea.

Jesus came to earth as a man so that He could be in the same "stuff" as us, the same flesh. But He never backslid, He never sinned. When He was tempted, He never gave in. And so He was the perfect, spotless sacrifice for our transgressions and our iniquities. 

Beloved, the healing that God promised in Hosea was begun on the cross and completed with the empty tomb. And this work was all because of God's boundless love. Hallelujah! 

God loves you more than you could ever hope to comprehend, and He longs to have you respond to that love by accepting His gift of mercy and grace. I hope you've done that. 

What a God! He is worthy of praise, don’t you think? I sure do.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 8-14 NLT

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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.

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