Today on the Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, we witness the escalating tension between God and Pharaoh. As the plagues of Egypt reach their devastating climax in Exodus 9-12, we see a transition from Pharaoh’s personal stubbornness to divine hardening. Consequently, this episode explores a challenging theological question. Was God’s treatment of Pharaoh truly fair?

First, the story of the Exodus is more than just a historical account of liberation. It serves as a blueprint for understanding God’s character. Furthermore, it highlights the clear distinction between those who fear the word of the Lord and those who remain insensitive to it. Ultimately, the institution of the Passover remains a foundational ritual that points toward a greater sacrifice and God’s enduring protection for His people.

To begin, we must remember that the wages of sin is death. Pharaoh was an evil man who horribly mistreated the Israelites. For over four centuries, the Egyptian population followed their leaders and treated God’s people as less than human. While the text eventually says God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, we must recognize that Pharaoh hardened his own heart first. In a similar way to a parent using a strict punishment to correct a child’s behavior, God utilized Pharaoh’s stubbornness to display His power. In the end, He showed mercy by allowing the nation to continue existing instead of facing total destruction.

“But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them as the Lord had spoken to Moses.” — Exodus 9:12

On February 2, 1881, Pastor Francis Edward Clark founded the Young People Society of Christian Endeavor in Portland, Maine. As a result, he created the modern blueprint for youth ministry. Additionally, on this date in 1915, the church said goodbye to Fanny Crosby. Although she was blind, she saw the gospel with incredible clarity and left behind thousands of beloved hymns.

On this date in church history, we celebrate two major milestones in Protestant life. In 1881, the very first “youth group” was formed through the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, changing how we disciple the next generation forever. We also mark the passing of the legendary hymn writer Fanny Crosby in 1915. Though blind from infancy, Fanny saw the gospel with incredible clarity, leaving the church a legacy of over 8,000 hymns. If you want to hear the inspiring “stories behind the song” for her classics, be sure to explore the archives of my other show, Lifespring! HymnStories.

Fanny Crosby Episodes from Lifespring! HymnStories:

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Today on Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, we commemorate National Freedom Day. This day marks the signing of the 13th Amendment. This crucial law abolished slavery in the United States. Steve Webb reminds us that this event happened only 89 years before his birth. Consequently, we see how recent this move toward freedom really was. In our scripture reading, we dive into the “Resurrection Chapter.” Here, the Apostle Paul defends the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The reading of 1 Corinthians 15-16 concludes our study of this book. First, Paul provides a detailed defense of the resurrection. He lists many eyewitnesses who saw the risen Christ. In fact, over 500 people saw Him at once. Paul explains that our faith is useless if Christ did not rise. Without the resurrection, we remain in our sins. Finally, the episode covers Paul’s practical instructions for the collection. He also shares his final greetings to the church in Corinth.

The resurrection is more than just a theological concept. It represents the ultimate victory over death. Paul argues that Christ rose as the “firstfruits.” Therefore, we have a guaranteed hope for our own future. We will eventually receive incorruptible bodies. This reality should change how we live today. It gives us the courage to stand firm. We can work tirelessly for the Lord because our labor is never in vain.

Steve addresses the “Swoon Theory” in today’s commentary. Some people claim that Jesus only fainted on the cross. However, Steve highlights the efficiency of Roman executioners. He also notes the medical significance of the blood and water from Jesus’ side. This fluid buildup resulted from hypovolemic shock. Thus, we know Jesus died of heart failure before the spear pierced Him. Most importantly, Jesus’ resurrection was permanent. He opened the door to eternal life for everyone who believes.

“But Christ really has been raised from death, the first one of all those who will be raised.” — 1 Corinthians 15:20

Read 1 Corinthians 15:20 on BibleGateway

In 1792, over 1,100 Black Loyalists arrived in Sierra Leone. They established Freetown. These Methodist and Baptist converts brought their faith with them. As a result, they created a pivotal moment for African led Protestantism. Additionally, we celebrate the birth of Edward Norris Kirk in 1801. He led the Second Great Awakening and pioneered global missionary advocacy.

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In today’s episode of Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, we explore Mark chapters 9 and 10. We witness the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, hear His difficult teachings on divorce and wealth, and follow Him as He heals blind Bartimaeus on the road to Jericho. We also tackle a common question regarding Jesus’ statement about the coming of God’s kingdom. Is it possible He was mistaken? We dive into the context to find out. Finally, we remember two pivotal figures in church history, Guido de Bray and Charles Spurgeon, who proved that some truths are worth more than life itself.

Understanding the deity of Jesus is foundational to the Christian faith. When we encounter passages that seem difficult, like Jesus’ promise in Mark 9:1, looking at the immediate context provides clarity. These chapters show us that Jesus is not just a man, but God in the flesh, all-knowing and perfectly reliable in His word. This realization transformed the disciples and continues to strengthen our faith today.

In Mark 9:1, Jesus tells His followers that some standing there would not die before seeing God’s kingdom come with power. Since those disciples died long ago, some wonder if Jesus was wrong. However, we must look at what happened just six days later. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He was transfigured. His clothes became whiter than any bleach could make them, and the voice of God the Father spoke from a cloud. These three disciples saw a glimpse of the kingdom in its true power. They saw Jesus in His heavenly glory and heard the voice of God. Peter later wrote that they were eyewitnesses of His majesty. Jesus was not wrong. He was revealing His deity to His inner circle.

Mark 9:1
“Jesus continued, ‘I assure you that some standing here won’t die before they see God’s kingdom arrive in power.'”

Read Mark 9:1 on BibleGateway

On January 31, 1561, Guido de Bray helped publish the Belgic Confession. He even tossed a copy over the castle wall to King Philip II of Spain to defend the Reformed faith. He eventually died for his faith, but his confession remains a primary doctrinal standard today. Also on this date in 1892, Charles Haddon Spurgeon passed away at the age of 57. Known as the Prince of Preachers, his legacy of thousands of sermons continues to reach millions every year.

If you find value in this daily reading, please consider returning that value through time, talent, or treasure. You can tell a friend, post on social media, or make a donation at lifespringmedia.com/support. Special thanks to today’s Associate Producers: Michael Hainer, Jamie Laudberg, and Lester Graber. Your support keeps the Lifespring! family going.

Until tomorrow, may the glory of the Lord shine clearly in your life and may he bless you richly. Thank you so much for being here. My name is Steve Webb. Bye.

Today our reading is Jeremiah 12-16.  I’m calling the episode “A Temper Tantrum.” 

Have you ever done something that you know must have disappointed the Lord? Have you ever gotten angry at God and cried out, “It just isn’t fair! YOU aren’t fair, God!” 

How do you think God reacts to us when we do that?

Here in chapter 15, Jeremiah was complaining about how he had been mistreated by the people. They didn’t like his message, and they took it out on him. And Jeremiah said, in essence, “Hey God. I have served you and done what you said. I have loved you and I have loved your Word. I’ve lived right and kept my nose clean. So why am I going through all this junk? Why is my pain without end? You, God, have misled me! I cannot rely on you!”

How’s that for a tantrum? Have you ever thrown a tantrum like that at God? 

So let’s look at God’s response. 

Look at chapter 15, verses 19-21. God says, “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the Lord. “I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”

Notice that God doesn’t respond in kind. He doesn’t respond with frustration or anger. He just says, “Jeremiah, if you apologize for this little episode, we’re good. I’ll keep using you as my spokesman, and I guarantee that no harm will come to you because I will save you from the wicked.”

So God can take it when we have a lapse in faith and blow up at Him. He knows how it feels to be human, and how our emotions can get the best of us sometimes. Remember, He is our loving, perfect Father. He doesn’t hold grudges, but He does expect a certain amount of respect and reverence when we come to our senses.

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 12-15 NIV, Ch. 16 NLV

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Today our reading is Job 29-30.  I’m calling the episode “Can You Blame Him?”

Doesn’t you heart just really go out to Job? My goodness. The poor guy remembers what life was like before his afflictions came, and He speaks of the horrible physical, emotional and spiritual pain he is in. How could anybody not feel bad for him?

Speaking of his pain. I’ve never experienced anything near the physical pain that Job suffered, but I have gone through a few excruciating episodes. I have a back that every once in a while decides to lay me out. The pain can be so bad that I need help to stand up. 

And I’ve had bouts of kidney stones. Oh my goodness. Talk about excruciating. The first time it happened to me, I didn’t know what was going on. I thought I was dying. I went to the ER and of course they knew right away what was going on, and they gave me a shot of morphine. 

Now, I’m not a drug user, so you’d think that morphine would have an effect on me, right? Nope. It did nothing to ease my pain. So they gave me another hit. After a few minutes, the pain went from a ten to maybe a seven. But they weren’t going to give me any more morphine.

And then almost exactly three years ago, I broke my ankle and tore some ligaments in my knee in a motorcycle accident. I was laid up for more than three months, and it took much longer than that to regain my mobility.

I tell you all this to say that when I’m in really bad pain, my personality has a tendency to shift just a bit. Instead of the nice guy that you’ve come to know and love here on the show, I can get…shall we say…snippy. And my normally sunshiny disposition changes to gloom. I’m sure I’m going to die at any moment. 

I’m a terrible patient. 

So given what Job was experiencing, I don’t think we can really hold against him with his feeling sorry for himself. I know what that feels like. But Job had come to the end of his rope. 

Let’s cut him some slack.

Over the next few chapters we’ll hear from Elihu, the last of Job’s friends that came to visit him. And then it’ll be God’s turn. What God says to Job is one of my favorite parts of the Bible.

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 29-30 NLT

Chuck Girard “The Heart of Christmas”

Lifespring! Podcast interview with Chuck Girard

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Today’s Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind explores the deep, spiritual thirst that only God can quench. Whether we are in a literal desert or a spiritual one, the cry of the heart remains the same: a longing for the presence of the Living God. From the songs of the sons of Korah to personal reflections on the heat of the California desert, we are reminded that God remains faithful even when we feel we have drifted far from His refreshing streams.

Today’s reading is Psalms 42–44.

The chapters begin with Book 2 of the Psalms. Psalm 42 and 43, often seen as a single unit, express the soul’s intense longing for God amidst discouragement and the taunts of enemies. The psalmist repeatedly asks, “Why am I so sad?” before choosing to put hope in God once again. Psalm 44 shifts to a national perspective, where the people of Israel recount God’s past victories but struggle with their current state of defeat and perceived rejection. Despite their suffering, they maintain their integrity and appeal to God’s faithful love for rescue.

Entities: Sons of Korah, Elohim, Jehovah, Mount Hermon, Jordan River, King Henry VIII, Edward VI, John G. Patton, New Hebrides, the Lovely Lady LeeAnn, Grandma Noani

Why this episode matters: These chapters provide a powerful vocabulary for those experiencing “desert seasons” in their faith. They demonstrate that it is okay to be honest with God about our sadness and confusion. Ultimately, these psalms teach us that hope is not a feeling, but a decision to trust in God’s character even when our circumstances feel like a parched wasteland.

In Psalm 42, the image of the deer longing for streams of water is more than just poetry. Steve shares his experience as an apprentice carpenter in Palm Desert, where 110 degree temperatures made physical thirst a constant companion. This physical reality mirrors the spiritual thirst we feel when we drift away from God. It is a reminder that while we may wander, God does not move. He is the Living Water always ready to receive us.

We also look at the power of persistent prayer for those we love. Steve recounts praying for his father for thirty years before he surrendered to the Lord, and shares his current heart for his son who has turned toward atheism. The message is clear: never stop praying. As long as there is breath, there is the opportunity for a loved one to be driven by their spiritual thirst back into the refreshing arms of a loving God.

Psalms 42:1–2 — “Like a deer drinking from a stream, I reach out to you, my God. My soul thirsts for the living God. When can I go to meet with Him?”

Read it in context here: Psalms 42 (BibleGateway)

January 29th — Legacies of Reformation and Mission

In 1547, King Henry VIII died, leading to the reign of Edward VI and a surge in the Protestant Reformation that brought the Bible to the English people in their own language. In 1907, we remember John G. Patton, a Scottish missionary to the New Hebrides. Patton famously stood his ground among cannibals, declaring that he did not fear being eaten because he would be resurrected just the same, eventually seeing thousands turn to faith.

Reference: John G. Patton (Wikipedia)

Today is International Lego Day! While we’ve all experienced the unique pain of stepping on a stray plastic brick, these toys are a reminder of the joy of building. As we grow in our faith, let’s remember that God is still “under construction” in our lives, building us into the people He created us to be.

This show is powered entirely by you, the Lifespring family. There are no sponsors or big networks, just a community of listeners who find value in God’s Word. If the show blesses you, please consider sharing a gift in proportion to the value you receive at lifespringmedia.com/support.

Leave a comment at comment.lifespringmedia.com. You can also email me at st***@*************ia.com or call the Lifespring Family Hotline: 951-732-8511.

For more Scripture and grace, check out Verses We Missed.

Follow today’s reading here: Psalms 42–44 (BibleGateway)

This episode covers 1 Samuel 21-25. First, we follow David as a fugitive from King Saul. He visits the priest Ahimelech and later escapes King Achish. Additionally, the narrative shows Saul’s cruelty toward the priests at Nob. Later, David chooses to spare Saul’s life at En Gedi. Finally, Abigail uses wisdom to stop David from attacking Nabal. Steve Webb also shares commentary on waiting for God’s perfect timing and reviews church history.

Today we dive into a fast paced portion of David’s life. He remains a fugitive from King Saul. Therefore, we see David seeking refuge with priests and hiding in the desert. Through it all, a recurring theme emerges. We must learn the necessity of waiting on God’s perfect timing.

David was already anointed to be king. Nevertheless, he spent years fleeing for his life. This teaches us an important lesson. Receiving a promise does not mean immediate fulfillment. Waiting is not wasted time. Instead, it is a season of testing. We learn to trust the Giver of the promise more than the gift itself.

Steve reminds us that we live in an age of instant gratification. Consequently, we are often poor at waiting. We must remember that “the fullness of time” is a divine concept. David refused to rush God by killing Saul. Similarly, we must resist the urge to take matters into our own hands.

“Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.”

Read more at BibleGateway.

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Steve Webb explores Exodus 5–8, covering the initial confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh and the first four plagues of Egypt. The episode examines the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and provides a unique commentary on whether the Egyptian sorcerers used illusions or demonic power to mimic God’s miracles. Additional segments include a Verse of the Day from Exodus 6:5 and church history highlights regarding Cyrus McCormick and the first Christian service in Australia.

How could they do that? That is the question we face today as we see the Egyptian sorcerers duplicating the wonders God performed through Moses and Aaron. From turning staffs into snakes to turning the Nile into blood, the battle of power in Pharaoh’s court was just beginning. Welcome to the Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind.

In Exodus 5 through 8, the liberation of Israel begins not with ease, but with increased hardship. After Moses and Aaron deliver God’s message, Pharaoh responds by removing the supply of straw for the Israelites’ brick-making, calling the people “lazy.” As the plagues begin, we witness a supernatural confrontation. The Nile turns to blood and frogs overrun the land. While the Egyptian magicians initially mimic these signs, they eventually reach their limit with the plague of gnats, confessing that it is “the finger of God.”

This passage illustrates the difference between the counterfeit power of the enemy and the sovereign authority of God. It reminds us that while the world may offer illusions or even temporary displays of power, only God has the authority to judge, to save, and to remember His covenants. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart serves as a warning about the danger of resisting the clear “finger of God” in our lives.

Steve shares his lifelong fascination with magic, from mail-order catalogs to the magic shops at Disneyland. He explores the two main possibilities for the Egyptian sorcerers’ success: were they master illusionists using “snake charming” tricks, or were they utilizing actual demonic power? Scripture suggests that while Satan can perform signs and wonders to deceive, his power is always on a leash. He can mimic a plague, but he cannot provide the cure or the grace that only God offers.

“Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant.”

Exodus 6:5 at BibleGateway

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Today’s Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind explores the profound necessity of love and the importance of order in our spiritual lives. While we often focus on our own abilities or spiritual gifts, Paul reminds us that without love, our actions are merely empty noise. We look at how hearts are truly changed, not through confrontation, but through the patient planting of seeds and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 13–14.

The chapters begin with the famous “Love Chapter,” where Paul delineates the character of true love as patient, kind, and enduring. He argues that spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy will eventually pass away, but love never fails. In 1 Corinthians 14, the focus shifts to the practical use of these gifts within the church assembly. Paul emphasizes prophecy for the edification and encouragement of the believers and insists that everything in the church should be done decently and in an orderly fashion. The goal of our gathering is to build up the church so that even unbelievers can recognize that God is truly among us.

Entities: Paul, Jesus, John Henry Newman, Gladys Aylward, Del Brixey, Corinthians, Isaiah

Why this episode matters: These chapters remind us that our spiritual maturity is measured by our love rather than our talents. Furthermore, the call for order in worship teaches us that God is a God of peace, not confusion. Understanding that love is an action aimed at the benefit of others helps us navigate turbulent times with grace.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul explains that it doesn’t matter what gift you have if you don’t have love. Love is not just a mushy feeling or a high school crush. It is specific: love is about what I can do for the benefit of the object of my love, even when it is difficult or the other person is unlovable. Love keeps going.

We also discuss how hearts are changed. It isn’t done by arguing, but by the Spirit of God using people to plant seeds. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, often built a little at a time through conversations and seeing faith lived out in others. We must pray daily for God to show us how to love our neighbors and share the message of hope, love, and Good News.

1 Corinthians 13:1 — “If I speak in tongues of human beings and of angels, but I don’t have love, I’m a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal.”

Read it in context here: 1 Corinthians 13 (BibleGateway)

January 25th — Faith and Grit

In 1841, John Henry Newman published Tract 90. This was the climax of the Oxford Movement, where Newman attempted to reconcile the Church of England’s 39 Articles with ancient traditions. Later, in 1915, we celebrate the birth of Gladys Aylward. Despite being told she was unqualified for missions, she traveled to China and famously led nearly a hundred orphans across mountains to safety during a Japanese invasion.

Today is National Opposite Day! While it’s a fun reason to say the opposite of what we mean, it’s a good reminder that our words carry weight. As we learned today, our communication should always aim to build others up and reflect the love of Christ in our hearts.

This show is powered entirely by you, the Lifespring family. There are no sponsors or big networks, just a community of listeners who find value in God’s Word. If the show blesses you, please consider sharing a gift in proportion to the value you receive at lifespringmedia.com/support.

Leave a comment at comment.lifespringmedia.com. You can also email me at st***@*************ia.com or call the Lifespring Family Hotline: 951-732-8511.

For more Scripture and grace, check out Verses We Missed.

Follow today’s reading here: 1 Corinthians 13–14 (BibleGateway)

Today’s Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind challenges the way we look at holiness. While the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were obsessed with outward rituals and hand-washing, Jesus points us toward a much deeper issue: the condition of the human heart. From feeding thousands in the wilderness to opening the eyes of the blind, we see that Jesus is interested in transforming us from the inside out.

Today’s reading is Mark 7–8.

The chapters begin with a confrontation over tradition. The Pharisees criticize the disciples for eating with “unwashed hands,” but Jesus rebukes their hypocrisy for choosing man-made rules over God’s commandments. Moving forward, we witness Jesus’ compassion as He heals the daughter of a persistent Syrophoenician woman and a man who was deaf and mute. In Mark 8, Jesus feeds four thousand people, warns against the “yeast” of the Pharisees, and heals a blind man in stages. Finally, the narrative shifts as Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, leading to Jesus’ sobering teaching on the cost of following Him.

Entities: Jesus, Pharisees, Scribes, Isaiah, Moses, Syrophoenician woman, Tyre, Sidon, Decapolis, John the Baptist, Elijah, Peter, Satan, Lot Carey, Helmuth James von Moltke

Why this episode matters: These chapters remind us that true faith isn’t about performing for others. Jesus makes it clear that evil originates in the heart, not in our environment. Furthermore, Peter’s confession and Jesus’ subsequent rebuke show us that following Christ requires setting aside our own desires to take up our cross.

In Mark 7, Jesus introduces what was then radical information. For generations, the Jews were taught that external things like certain foods or touching the “unclean” would defile them. Jesus flips this perspective. He explains that food merely passes through the body, but the heart is the source of our thoughts and actions. If the heart is the “wellspring of life,” then we must be careful what we allow to take root there.

We also look at the advice often given in the world today: “follow your heart.” Scripture, specifically Jeremiah 17:9, warns us that the heart is deceitful. Instead of following our hearts, which can lead us into pride, envy, and foolishness, we are called to guard our hearts. The thoughts we entertain determine whether we are conforming to the image of Jesus or the patterns of the world.

Mark 7:15 — “There is nothing from outside of the man that going into him can defile him. But the things that proceed out of the man are those that defile the man.”

Read it in context here: Mark 7 (BibleGateway)

January 24th — Courage and Conviction

In 1821, Lot Carey set sail for West Africa. Born into slavery, he bought his freedom and became the first African-American missionary to Africa, eventually founding the First Baptist Church in Liberia. Later, in 1945, we remember Helmuth James von Moltke, who was executed by the Nazis. During his trial, the judge stated his only crime was being a Christian. Moltke’s belief in a higher moral authority was seen as a direct threat to the regime’s power.

Reference: Lott Carey (Wikipedia)

Today is National Compliment Day! It’s a wonderful reminder to use our words to build others up. As we’ve learned today, what comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our hearts. Let’s make sure our words today are seasoned with grace and kindness.

This show is powered entirely by you, the Lifespring family. There are no sponsors or big networks—just a community of listeners who find value in God’s Word. If the show blesses you, please consider sharing a gift in proportion to the value you receive at lifespringmedia.com/support.

Leave a comment at comment.lifespringmedia.com. You can also email me at st***@*************ia.com or call the Lifespring Family Hotline: 951-732-8511.

For more Scripture and grace, check out Verses We Missed.

Follow today’s reading here: Mark 7–8 (BibleGateway)