Seeing the Face of God is today’s episode of Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind. In Genesis 32–35, we walk with Jacob through fear, repentance, reconciliation, and renewal. These chapters show us what happens when God meets a deeply flawed man with grace and transforms his future.

Genesis 32–35

Jacob prepares to meet Esau, the brother he deceived years earlier. Expecting judgment, Jacob instead encounters mercy. After wrestling with God at Peniel, Jacob learns that blessing often comes through surrender. When Esau runs to embrace him, Jacob recognizes something profound. He sees forgiveness reflected in his brother’s face and declares it like seeing the face of God.

The story does not stop there. These chapters also include moments of tragedy, repentance, and renewed commitment as Jacob leads his household back to Bethel. God reaffirms His covenant, reminds Jacob of his new identity as Israel, and continues unfolding His promises.

In today’s commentary, we reflect on Jacob’s lifelong transformation from deceiver to covenant bearer. Forgiveness is not God’s exception. It is His character. Just as Esau ran to meet Jacob, Jesus runs to meet sinners who turn toward Him.

This is the good news worth proclaiming. God does not merely tolerate repentance. He rejoices in it.

Today’s Lifespring! WhyChristmas explores the story behind the hymn “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Discover the theology and history behind one of the most beloved Christmas hymns and why its message still matters.

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December 15

We remember Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who in 1944 wrote powerful reflections from a Nazi prison. His faith, courage, and devotion to Christ continue to challenge believers facing hardship today.

We also note a milestone in 1954, when Billy Graham’s crusade messages were first broadcast on television, expanding gospel outreach into homes across America and shaping the future of evangelism.

Learn more about Dietrich Bonhoeffer here:

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In today’s episode of Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, we read 1 Corinthians 1-2. The Apostle Paul addresses division in the early church and calls believers back to what truly matters. The gospel of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, must remain the center of our faith and our fellowship.

The Corinthian church struggled with factions and preferences. Some followed Paul, others Apollos, others Peter. Paul’s response is simple and direct. Christ is not divided. Salvation does not come through eloquence or intellect, but through the power of the cross.

Paul intentionally avoided flashy speech so that faith would rest on God’s power rather than human wisdom. This reminder is just as important today as it was in the first century.

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This podcast is freely available with no paywall or subscription required. If today’s episode encouraged you or helped you stay grounded in Scripture, you are invited to respond according to the value it provided. That may include prayer, sharing the show, or financial support.

We remember the life and legacy of Charles Simeon, a faithful pastor who committed himself to preaching Christ crucified, even in the face of intense opposition. His perseverance reminds us that faithfulness over time bears lasting fruit.

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Thank you for being part of the Lifespring family as we continue this journey through Scripture together.

Our reading today is _Matthew 20-22_, and I’m calling the episode “Fig Tree and Invitation.” 

After my comments, we will of course learn what happened On this day in church history.

Let’s take a look at Jesus and the fig tree from verses 18 and 19. Jesus was hungry and he saw that the fig tree had leaves on it. A fig tree with leaves should have fruit on it. That’s the way they’re supposed to work. So when Jesus saw the leaves, he expected fruit. But when there were none, he cursed it.

The natural question  here is, “Why are we given this picture? What are we to learn from this?” 

If we profess to be followers of Jesus, there are certain expectations God has for us. When we ask Jesus to come into our lives, when we ask Him to be our Savior, we are also asking Him to be our Lord, our King, our Master. In John 14:15 He said, “If you love me, you will keep  my commandments.” In John 15:10 He said, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” So yes, there is the expectation that when we ask Him to save us, we will give Him the authority to expect us to exhibit different behaviors than we did before.

If we don’t, then we have not really put our faith in Him. We call ourselves Christians, or followers, but we really are not.

If we truly are followers, our lives will bear fruit. What kind of fruit? The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 5 tells us some of the fruit. Listen: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

If we call ourselves believers, but our lives do not begin to produce this fruit, we are like the fig tree that had leaves but no fruit. From a distance it looks good, but get close enough to really see it and its barrenness is obvious. It is good for nothing.

When we accept Jesus, we must surrender ourselves completely so that the Holy Spirit can begin the process of making us in the image of Christ. When we do that, the fruit of the Spirit will begin to grow, and we will be amazed at how God will begin to use us for His glory.

Some parables are easier to understand than others, aren’t they? Today’s reading started with one of the harder ones, so let’s look at it.

This is the parable that Jesus told to the chief priests and elders, about the wedding dinner.

Here it is again, briefly. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like this. A king prepared a wedding dinner for his son. He sent his servants out to those who had been invited to tell them that all was ready for them. But they refused to come. 

So he sent more servants out to tell them that he had lots of food for them. It’s all ready for you. Please come. But they ignored the servants and went back to work. And some of them beat up the servants and killed them.

So the king was understandably angry, and he sent out his army, who killed the murderers and burned their city.

Then the king said, “Look. Everything is ready, but the people I invited weren’t fit to come. So go out to the highways and byways and invite everyone you see. And the servants brought back so many guests that the wedding hall was full with all kinds of people. Some good, some bad.

And when the king came to see the guests, he saw someone who was not wearing wedding clothes. And the king said, “Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?” And the man was speechless.

So the king told his servants to tie up the man and throw him outside into the darkness, where people cry and grind their teeth.

Wow! So what’s going on here? What is Jesus saying?

Remember who Jesus is talking to. The chief priests and elders. The religious Jews. These are the folks who hate Jesus and have been trying to trap him and trick him into saying something for which they can charge him with blasphemy. They are the ones who should have been able to see that Jesus is the Messiah that they have been waiting for, but instead are blind. And because of their blindness, they are keeping the people from seeing the Messiah.

And in the parable, they are the ones who were first invited to the wedding dinner. God first invited the Jews to partake in grace. But they rejected Him. And we know that they ended up killing not just Jesus, but those who would go out to tell others about Him. Many early Christians were martyred for spreading the message of the Good News. 

The second group invited to the dinner, the ones found on the highways and byways is the non-Jews, the Gentiles…everyone…the world! John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world…” When the Jews rejected Jesus, God invited anyone who would to come to the wedding.

What a wonderful invitation! The feast is prepared, and it is rich. 

So what of the man who was not wearing wedding clothes? This man represents the hypocrite. 

“He came because he was invited, but he came only in appearance. The banquet was intended to honor the King’s Son, but this man meant nothing of the kind; he was willing to eat the good things set before him, but in his heart there was no love either for the King or his well-beloved Son.” (Spurgeon)

The person who says they are a Christian but is not. If you are a true follower of Christ, you are wearing the wedding clothes. Believers are called the Bride of Christ, and what bride does not wear a wedding dress? Anyone without the wedding dress cannot partake of the wedding, and will be thrown out. But remember, each person has the choice. Each person is given the opportunity to accept or reject, and anyone who tries to come in any other way will be found out and treated like a thief or a robber.

We have been invited to the wedding dinner. Are you prepared? What are you wearing?

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 20-21 NLV, Ch. 22 NIRV

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Focus Keyphrase: Calling on the One True God

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 40–44

Welcome, Lifespring Family. Today’s passages bring us into some of the most hope-filled chapters in the Old Testament. Isaiah 40 through 44 remind us who God is, what He has done, and why He alone is worthy of our trust. These chapters lift our eyes above politics, idols, and human strength, anchoring us in the One who never grows weary, never lies, and never fails.

We read about comfort for God’s people, the emptiness of idols, the promise of the Messiah, and God’s unwavering commitment to redeem Israel. If you need reassurance today, Isaiah has it in abundance.

God declares that His people will be comforted. Nations rise and fall, but His word stands forever. The promise that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength continues to encourage believers today.

God challenges the nations to produce evidence that their gods can predict or accomplish anything. Only the Lord can declare the future. His people do not need to fear because He upholds them with His righteous right hand.

This chapter describes the Messiah, gentle yet powerful, bringing justice to the nations. Matthew 12 confirms that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. His compassion and faithfulness are on full display.

Some of the most cherished promises in Scripture appear here. God assures His people that when they pass through deep waters or fire, He will be with them. They are precious to Him, and He loves them.

Isaiah exposes the foolishness of carving a piece of wood, burning half for cooking, and bowing to the rest as a god. Created things cannot save us. Only the eternal Creator can.

These chapters make a powerful statement. God alone is God. He declares the future, fulfills prophecy, and demonstrates power in ways idols never could. Isaiah contains 132 messianic prophecies, part of the 365 found in the Old Testament.

As Steve reflected today, people still search for salvation in created things. In our time, many place their hope in politicians. But no politician has the attributes of God. Only the Lord is eternal, all knowing, all powerful, and present everywhere. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through Me.” Salvation comes only through Him.

Idols cannot save us, whether made of wood or made of human ambition. God is the only One who rescues, strengthens, and sustains His people.

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Day 12 of the Lifespring WhyChristmas Show is available now. Today Steve and James explore the British tradition of Christmas crackers, with help from Stephen and Timothy from the original 2006 recording. It is a fun and nostalgic listen.

Listen at LifespringMedia.com.

1805: William Lloyd Garrison born. His Christian convictions fueled his abolitionist work. His newspaper, The Liberator, stirred the conscience of a nation.

1901: Marconi sends the first transatlantic radio signal. His breakthrough eventually opened doors for Christian broadcasting and podcasting.

1915: Hymn writer Charles Gabriel passed away. His classics, including “Send the Light” and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” shaped worship for generations. Steve shares a sample sung by Natalie Nicole Gilbert.

1946: Mahalia Jackson records “Move On Up a Little Higher.” The song became the best selling gospel recording of the decade and helped bring Black gospel music into the mainstream.

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Thank you for listening today. May the truths of Isaiah strengthen your faith and remind you that God alone is the Rock. Until tomorrow, may God bless you richly.

December 11

Context: In this Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind episode, Steve reads Psalms 21, 22, and 23, reflects on the suffering King and the Good Shepherd, shares Church history snapshots from December 10, and leads the Lifespring! family in heartfelt prayer and praise.

Why this episode matters: These psalms hold together the honesty of pain, the hope of prophecy, and the comfort of God’s care. When life feels unsteady, Psalm 22 names the ache and Psalm 23 reminds us that the Shepherd has not left.

Entities: Psalms 21, Psalms 22, Psalms 23, King David, Martin Luther, Ada Lovelace, David Wilkerson, Teen Challenge, Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, Steve Webb.

Reading: Psalms 21–23

Read today’s passage on BibleGateway here:

Today’s On This Date in Church History segment traces three very different moments that God used for His kingdom.

Learn more about the story behind The Cross and the Switchblade here:

Steve also shares how a lesson from Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God shaped his life: decide in advance that your answer to God will be “yes.” When God prompts, you can move in trust, knowing that He is good and will not waste your obedience.

This is one of our regular Praises and Prayer Requests days, and today we hear from Paul in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Steve responds as a fellow traveler who has also dealt with a hernia and understands how much pain can wear you down. He then shares a family update about the Lovely Lady LeeAnn’s thyroid biopsies, and invites continued prayer as they wait for results.

The episode moves into an extended prayer, lifting up:

If you would like to share a praise or prayer request, Steve will pray for you in his private prayer time and on the show as appropriate so the family can agree together.

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On this same day in the Lifespring! family of shows you will also find:

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Context: In this episode of Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind we hear the story of Samson from Judges 12-16, a man set apart for God whose physical strength outpaced his spiritual discipline.

Why this matters: Samson’s life shows how compromise slowly erodes calling, and how even at the end God answers the prayer of a repentant heart.

Entities: Samson, Delilah, Manoah, Philistines, Israelites, Nazirite vow, Judges 12–16, John Milton, John Wesley, Thomas Coke, Robert Moffat, Edmund Allenby, Jerusalem, Dagon, Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind.

Read along with today’s passages at

Samson’s story begins with a miracle. In Judges 13 the angel of the Lord appears to Manoah and his wife and announces that this long awaited child will be set apart as a Nazirite from birth. No wine, no uncleanness, and no razor on his head. God Himself is marking out Samson as a man devoted to His purposes.

As we move through Judges 14 and 15, we watch the tension between calling and compromise. Samson is empowered by the Spirit in remarkable ways. He tears a lion apart with his bare hands, poses a riddle at his wedding feast, and strikes back against the Philistines when they burn his wife and her family. Yet at the same time he repeatedly follows his appetites, chooses Philistine women, and treats holy things lightly. The strength is real, but the heart is divided.

In Judges 16 that conflict reaches its breaking point. Samson falls for Delilah, and he toys with the secret of his strength until he finally gives it away. His hair is cut, the Lord departs from him, and the Philistines blind him and put him to work at the mill. Only then, in weakness and humiliation, does Samson finally cry out to God with a whole heart.

Steve reflects on how Samson’s final prayer in the Philistine temple is more than a last burst of strength. It is a moment of renewed dependence. God hears, grants one more act of power, and uses Samson even in his death to strike a decisive blow against Israel’s enemies. The tragedy is that so much potential was lost along the way because Samson treated his consecration as a costume instead of a calling.

For us, Samson is both a warning and a comfort. He reminds us that small compromises can quietly shave away our spiritual strength long before we notice. He also reminds us that when we turn back to God in honest repentance, even after failure, God still hears and still works through redeemed, surrendered people.

In today’s “On This Date in Church History” segment Steve highlights several moments that shaped how believers read, preach, and carry the gospel:

Taken together, these stories show God’s people using words, translation work, and even geopolitical change to point hearts back to Scripture and to Christ.

On Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind we set aside time on Wednesdays and Sundays to pray over the needs and praises that come in from the Lifespring! family. Because episodes are released at 10 p.m. Pacific time the night before, anything that arrives late in the afternoon may be held for the next prayer show. Even so, Steve and the Lovely Lady Leanne begin praying as soon as a request arrives.

If you have a praise report, a need, or a story of how God has met you, Steve would love to hear it.

Thank you for listening to Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind. May God keep your heart awake, your eyes on Him, and your strength rooted in His Spirit.

Genesis 28–31: Cherished Moments With a Faithful God

Welcome to the Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind

In today’s episode, we travel with Jacob through some of the most formative moments of his life — dreams, vows, blessings, conflict, heartbreak, and the unmistakable presence of God. And woven throughout these chapters is a theme many of us know well: the way God meets us in the middle of ordinary days and changes everything.

As you’ll hear, even Jacob — with all his struggles and missteps — encountered God in ways he would remember for a lifetime. And Steve shares a deeply personal story of how God redirected his own life and birthed the Lifespring podcast many years ago.

Read these chapters on BibleGateway

In Genesis 31:13, God says to Jacob: “I am the God of Bethel… where you made a vow to Me.”

Steve shares two powerful stories: Jacob’s experience at Bethel — and his own moment when God unmistakably said, “Proclaim My Name.” These cherished memories become anchors in seasons when life feels uncertain. If you’ve ever wondered whether God still speaks, today’s episode will encourage you to listen with an expectant heart.

Don’t miss Day 8 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas show!

December 8 brings three remarkable moments spanning centuries — each reminding us how God equips His church in surprising ways.

397 — The Death of Ambrose of Milan. A reluctant bishop whose preaching shaped Augustine, whose hymns shaped worship, and whose courage shaped church-state relations.

1868 — First English Performance of “O Holy Night.” One of the earliest documented moments when English-speaking congregations sang the now-beloved Christmas hymn. Its rich theology helped it spread rapidly across churches.

1906 — Reginald Fessenden’s Early Radio Voice Test. Before his famous Christmas Eve broadcast, Fessenden conducted a December 8 experiment transmitting Scripture and music — the first human voice to travel wirelessly, paving the path for Christian radio and podcasts.

We pray together every Wednesday and Sunday. If you send a request after 3 p.m. Pacific the day before, it may not make the next episode — but Steve and the Lovely Lady LeeAnn begin praying right away.

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On this “Time Traveler Day,” if you make it back to the first century, tell Paul we’re still reading his mail.

Today’s Reading: Romans 15 and 16

Episode Title: One Body, Many Parts

Welcome to the Lifespring One Year Bible Rewind. Today we finish the book of Romans as Paul exhorts the early church to unity, harmony, and mutual support. Romans 15 serves as a gentle but firm reminder that those who are strong in the faith have a responsibility to build up those who are weaker. Paul then closes his letter with a beautiful series of greetings in Romans 16, demonstrating what a healthy spiritual family looks like in practice.

This episode invites us to see the church for what it truly is. A body with many members, each gifted by God, each deeply needed, each playing a part in the mission of Christ.

Paul’s encouragement to help those who are weaker is not an optional extra. It is a picture of the body of Christ functioning as God intended. Just as a healthy body compensates for an injured limb, strong believers are called to support those who are hurting, discouraged, or still growing in their understanding of the faith.

Paul’s long list of greetings reminds us that ministry is never a solo effort. Ordinary believers, families, households, and unnamed brothers and sisters all took part in building up the church. Their example shows us that every believer matters and every act of faithfulness plays a role in God’s kingdom.

Today’s historical reflections highlight how God has worked through missionaries, scholars, and ordinary servants across the centuries. Their lives remind us that the story of the church is rich, courageous, and continually shaped by God’s faithfulness.

Looking for more historical depth? Visit a trusted source on Christian history.

You are invited to share your requests and praises with the Lifespring family. When you send yours in, Steve will pray privately for you and include your request on the show so we can pray together.

Thank you for being part of the Lifespring family. Until tomorrow, may God bless you richly.

Today’s reading covers Matthew 17–19, where we see Jesus revealed in glory, teaching His disciples about

In Matthew 17, the Transfiguration gives Peter, James, and John a glimpse of Christ’s majesty—a memory that

Thank you for joining me today as we walk through the Gospel together and listen anew to the words of the

Today we reflect on events highlighting the legacy of Nicholas of Myra, the spiritual wrestling of

I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s reading.

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