May God bless you richly.

Welcome to Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, where we revisit past episodes of the Lifespring family of podcasts so you can hear the entire Bible read in one year. In this episode we are in the Gospel of Matthew, reading chapters 8 through 10, and then spending some time in Matthew 10 thinking about what it really means to confess Christ openly in a world that is often hostile to Him.

Today’s reading is Matthew 8–10. These chapters show Jesus healing the sick, calming storms, casting out demons, calling Matthew, raising the dead, opening blind eyes, and then sending His disciples out with authority to preach, heal, and confront spiritual darkness. It is an action packed section of Scripture that reminds us that Jesus has real authority over disease, nature, demons, and people.

If you would like to follow along in your own Bible or online, you can read

In the commentary segment, I focus on Jesus’ words in Matthew 10 about confessing Him before people. Jesus says that if we confess Him before others, He will confess us before His Father in heaven, and if we deny Him before others, He will deny us before the Father. Those are strong words, and they underline how important it is that our faith in Christ is not hidden or purely private.

I share a line from an old song by Gary S. Paxton that has stayed with me for decades: if you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? My prayer is that in my own life there would be so much evidence that it would be the world’s shortest trial. This episode is an invitation for you to think about what your “evidence” looks like, too.

We also look at Jesus’ warning that following Him can cause division even inside families. He is not telling us to be harsh or unloving, but He is clear that loyalty to Him comes before every other relationship. At the same time He reminds us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light, and that whatever we lose for His sake is nothing compared to what we gain.

In the On This Date in Church History segment for November 15 we look at three believers whose lives still speak today:

Taken together, Müller, Sunday, and Elliot remind us to trust God for daily provision, to respond to His call with boldness, and to hold our lives loosely for the sake of Christ.

In this season of Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, the prayer segment is current, not a rewind. I share a fresh request about a friend who has been deeply hurt by others and invite you to join me in praying for healing, reconciliation, and wisdom. I also encourage listeners who have not yet trusted Christ to come to Him, ask for forgiveness, and begin a real relationship with Him today.

If you have a praise report or prayer request, I would be honored to pray for you on the show. Visit

This podcast follows the value for value model. There are no advertisers, which means the show continues only as listeners who find value in it return value in the form of time, talent, or treasure.

However you choose to support the show, thank you. You help keep the Bible in earbuds and hearts around the world.

If pronouncing Bible names has ever tripped you up, you might find my book Webb’s Easy Bible Names Pronunciation Guide helpful. I spent more than two years putting it together, and many pastors, teachers, and students have used it to gain confidence when reading Scripture aloud. You can learn more or order a copy at

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode, especially about confessing Christ in today’s world. You can leave a comment at

Thank you for listening to Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind. Until tomorrow, may God bless you richly.

Isaiah 18–22. You can read these chapters at

BibleGateway.

In these chapters Isaiah delivers strong words for several nations that surround God’s people.
He speaks to Ethiopia, Egypt, Assyria and Babylon. He also turns his attention to Jerusalem
itself. The message is clear. The Lord is not only the God of Israel. He rules over every kingdom,
and he uses history to carry out his purposes.

Egypt’s power will fade. Babylon’s idols will fall. Even Judah’s leaders come under judgment
when they trust in walls and water systems instead of in the living God. At the same time, there
are bright glimpses of hope. God promises that one day Egypt, Assyria and Israel will worship
him together. The Lord is able to humble nations and also heal them.

Isaiah 22 focuses on the “valley of vision,” the city of Jerusalem. The people see danger coming,
but instead of humbling themselves before God, they throw parties and say, “Eat and drink,
tomorrow we will die.” The Lord called them to mourning. They chose distraction.

Then we meet two men. Shebna is a proud official who uses his position to build a grand tomb and
honor himself. Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, is called “my servant.” To him God gives real authority.
The Lord says that the key to the house of David will rest on his shoulder. What he opens no one can
shut, and what he shuts no one can open. That language ultimately points to Jesus, the one who holds
the key of David and has final authority over every door in our lives.

In the episode we talked about how God sometimes closes doors that we wanted to walk through.
That can be painful and confusing. It can feel like failure or rejection. However, the picture in
Isaiah reminds us that the Lord sees more than we do. He closes some doors to protect us, to
redirect us or to keep us from a path that would drain our lives.

Closed doors are not lost opportunities, beloved. They are part of God’s guidance. The better
prayer is not “Why is this door shut,” but “Lord, lead me to the open door you have prepared.”
Through that door we find real blessing, deeper growth and service that honors him. When God closes
a door, he is never finished. He is moving us toward something better, even when we cannot see it yet.

In this episode we looked at several moments from November 14. We remembered the Byzantine emperor
Justinian and his lasting influence on worship and law. We heard about hymn writer William Cowper and
his partnership with John Newton that produced the Olney Hymns. We also mentioned the early
services that would eventually lead to the Washington National Cathedral. You can learn more about
these stories at resources such as the articles on Justinian, William Cowper, and the Washington National Cathedral.

Episode 38 of “Lifespring! HymnStories”

John from Canada sent this to me:

This podcast is a value for value show. That means there are no advertisers and no sponsors who shape
the message. Instead, the Lifespring family keeps the show going. If the reading and the commentary are
a blessing to you, please ask the Lord how he would have you respond. Then do whatever he puts on your
heart. You can give a one time gift or set up a recurring donation at
LifespringMedia.com/support.

I would love to hear your thoughts about Isaiah 18–22 or about times when God has closed doors in your
own life. Visit
comment.lifespringmedia.com
to send a comment, or email me at st***@*************ia.com.
With your permission I may share your note with the Lifespring family on a future episode.

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

Webb’s Easy Bible Names Pronunciation Guide

Isaiah is full of names that are hard to pronounce. In this episode I mentioned my book
Webb’s Easy Bible Names Pronunciation Guide. It is a tool to help you read these names
with confidence. You can find it at EasyBibleNamesGuide.com, and when you buy it there you also help support the show.

Job 7–8. You can read these chapters at

Job continues speaking from a place of deep suffering. His life feels like hard service with no rest. He questions his purpose, and he cries out to God with honest words. Many people have felt this kind of pain. The Lord invites honesty, even when it sounds raw.

Bildad responds to Job with cold logic instead of compassion. He tells Job that his children died because of their sin. This reveals how cruel and damaging theology can be when it lacks love. Job needs comfort. Instead, he receives accusation. This also shows how easily we can misunderstand another person’s suffering.

Suffering often comes without explanation. Sometimes we pray and see healing. Other times we pray and still walk through grief. I shared two personal stories in this episode. One ended with restoration. The other ended with loss. Both shaped my understanding of God. You may have your own story. What matters is that God stays faithful whether we understand His reasons or not.

We sometimes ask questions like “Why me?” or “Where is God now?” These questions do not scare Him. He remains patient even when we doubt. Job did not hide his confusion, and God carried him through it. The Lord does the same for us.

When I began podcasting back in 2004, I simply wanted to share God’s Word with anyone who would listen. Nearly twenty years later, that mission has not changed. It is only possible because of listeners who give. If this podcast has blessed you, would you help me keep it going? Just head to LifespringMedia.com/support. Your generosity keeps the Bible in earbuds and hearts all around the world.

We look at several events from November 13, including the birth of Augustine of Hippo, the publication of John Wesley’s Arminian Magazine, and the passing of F. W. Krumacher. These voices still encourage believers today. They remind us that God uses different people in different times to point the world toward Christ.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Visit comment.lifespringmedia.com and send a message. With your permission, I may share it with the Lifespring family in a future episode.

Thank you for listening. Until tomorrow, may God bless you richly. I am grateful that you are part of the Lifespring family.

Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind — S3E024

Today’s reading is Psalms 9–11. I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. These psalms call us to trust God when fear rises. As we listen, we learn again that the Lord sees, judges fairly, and shelters His people. Therefore, we can rest in Him.

Psalm 9 lifts praise to God who judges righteously. Moreover, the oppressed find a safe place in Him. Even when nations rage, God remains faithful. As a result, hearts grow steady and grateful.

Psalm 10 laments the arrogance of the wicked. However, the cry of the lowly reaches God. He sees, He cares, and He acts. Consequently, confidence returns to those who seek Him.

Psalm 11 asks, “What can the righteous do?” The answer points upward. The Lord is in His holy temple. Therefore, we refuse panic and choose trust. Ultimately, the righteous enjoy His favor while evil fades.

Reflection: We face real pressures, yet God remains near. When fear speaks loudly, faith answers with truth. Because the Lord is our refuge and strength, we stand firm and keep loving one another.

If something stood out to you today, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment at comment.lifespringmedia.com.

For today’s passages, you can follow along here:

Today’s readings are Joshua 16–20, and together they show us something important about the heart of God. These chapters continue the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. At first, it can seem like background information. However, it reminds us again that God is faithful. He completes what He begins, and He keeps the promises He makes.

In addition, Joshua 20 introduces the cities of refuge. These were places where someone who had unintentionally taken a life could run. Because of this provision, the person was protected from revenge until a fair hearing could take place. In other words, these cities were places where mercy and justice were held together. God made sure that compassion was built into the daily life of His people.

Furthermore, this shows us something about God’s character. Sometimes our steps are uncertain. Sometimes our choices are imperfect. Yet even then, God does not abandon us. Instead, He provides a place for us to turn. He welcomes us when we are afraid, tired, or unsure. As a result, we learn that God is not only a righteous judge. He is also a refuge.

Moreover, the cities of refuge point forward to Christ. He is the One we run to when life breaks unexpectedly. Just as the city gate was always open, Christ’s invitation remains open. So, when our hearts are heavy or our confidence is shaken, we have somewhere to go. Therefore, we do not need to stay in fear or regret. We can come to Him with honesty, and He meets us with mercy.

Today we remember Martin of Tours. He is known for compassion, especially the story of sharing his cloak with a man in need. Likewise, his life encourages us to extend to others the same mercy we receive from God.

Finally, thank you for being part of the Lifespring Family. Your prayers and support truly keep the show going and growing. Additionally, every gift helps make it possible to continue sharing the Word daily. I am grateful for you.

If something in today’s reading stood out to you, I would love to hear from you. Send a message at

The focus idea for today is When Faith Pauses. Sometimes our faith slows down or hesitates, yet God continues to work with patience and grace. He does not abandon us when our confidence weakens. Instead, He invites us to trust Him again.

Today we read Genesis 12–15. These chapters show Abraham beginning his journey of faith, learning to follow God step by step. You can read the passage here:

Abraham received God’s promises, yet he did not always respond with immediate confidence. He took some steps forward and some steps back. However, God did not cancel His plans. God continued speaking, guiding, and reassuring. This tells us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our perfection. Instead, His care continues while we learn and grow.

Today we remember Fanny Crosby, a woman who wrote thousands of hymns that still help believers worship. Even though she faced limitations, God used her gifts to encourage countless hearts. Her life reminds us that God works through willing people, regardless of obstacles.

Here’s the link to the Lifespring! HymnStories episode on this wonderful Fanny Crosby hymn.

Your support keeps the Lifespring Family growing. Thank you for listening and for being part of this journey.

Lord, thank you for your steady love. Help us trust you even when our faith feels small. Guide us forward one step at a time. Amen.

If something in today’s reading stood out to you, I would love to hear from you. Send a message at comment.lifespringmedia.com.

Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind — S3E021

In today’s reading we focus on the freedom we could never earn as we walk through Romans 7–8. I am your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. Paul names the struggle of the flesh in chapter 7. However, he then announces the good news in chapter 8: there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we rest in grace and we learn to walk by the Spirit.

We recognize the tension Paul describes. We want to do good, yet we fall short. The law exposes sin, but it cannot save us. Consequently, we need a Savior. Paul points us away from self-effort and toward Jesus.

Now, Paul declares our freedom. The Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death. Moreover, we are adopted as children of God, and the Spirit testifies that we belong to Him. Ultimately, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Today we remember three moments of courageous faith: William Tyndale advancing a revised English New Testament in Basel (1528) so ordinary believers could read Scripture; Dietrich Bonhoeffer witnessing against tyranny in the twentieth century with costly obedience; and Samuel Ajayi Crowther becoming the first African Anglican bishop, translating the Bible into Yoruba and serving as a faithful missionary. Together, these lives point us back to the Word of God and the freedom we could never earn.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years…until you listen to the show!

Here’s the link.

If something in today’s reading stood out to you, I would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts at comment.lifespringmedia.com.

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Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind — S3E020

In today’s reading we focus on Blessed according to Jesus as we walk through Matthew 5–7, the Sermon on the Mount. I am your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. These chapters show what true blessing looks like. Therefore, we listen carefully to the words of Jesus and let His teaching shape our desires and our choices. Moreover, this teaching forms a life marked by humility, mercy, purity, and trust.

First, Jesus begins with the Beatitudes. The poor in spirit are called blessed, as are those who mourn. In addition, the meek receive blessing and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are satisfied. Furthermore, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers are named as blessed people. Even when persecution comes for righteousness, the kingdom still belongs to them. As a result, blessing is not about status or comfort. It is about living close to the heart of God.

Then, the Lord addresses anger, lust, integrity, and love for enemies. Surface performance will not do because God cares about the heart. Consequently, reconciliation matters, the eyes and thoughts matter, and keeping our word matters. Likewise, praying for those who oppose us becomes part of ordinary discipleship. For this reason, Christian maturity looks like a transformed inner life that bears fruit in small daily choices.

Next, we learn to give, to pray, and to fast in secret. The Father who sees in secret rewards His children. Meanwhile, the Lord’s Prayer teaches dependence and calm. Therefore, we resist storing up treasures on earth and we refuse to serve both God and money. Instead, we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Consequently, anxiety loosens its grip and faith grows steady.

Finally, the call is to ask, seek, and knock. The Golden Rule summarizes life with God and neighbor. However, the narrow gate must be chosen and false prophets must be tested by their fruit. Ultimately, the two builders picture the difference between hearing only and hearing with obedience. In short, Blessed according to Jesus means building life on Him.

Application

If something in today’s reading stood out to you, I would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts at comment.lifespringmedia.com.

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Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind — S3E019

Today’s reading is Isaiah 12–17. These chapters remind us that no matter how strong a person appears, no matter how powerful a nation becomes, human strength will always fall short. Only God can save. I am your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. As we look at these passages together, we are encouraged to place our trust not in what seems solid around us, but in the Lord who never fails.

Isaiah 12 is a chapter of joyful worship. God is the source of our salvation, and He invites us to come to Him with gladness. When we remember His faithfulness, our hearts naturally turn to praise. This chapter encourages us to practice gratitude, especially when life feels uncertain. Therefore, we learn that worship is not only a response to blessing. It also strengthens us when times are hard.

Next, Isaiah warns Babylon, the picture of human pride. Their power seemed unshakable. However, the Lord brought them low. These chapters teach that pride isolates us from God and blinds us to truth. As a result, the fall of Babylon becomes a warning for every heart. We are called to walk in humility, remembering that God alone is sovereign.

Then, the focus shifts to Moab and other nations facing loss and sorrow. Their strength fades, and their plans collapse. Nevertheless, even in judgment, God’s heart remains open. He calls people to return to Him. When we turn back to God, we find compassion and restoration.

Altogether, these chapters show the contrast between the fragility of human power and the permanence of God’s love. Therefore, we choose to trust Him fully. He alone can save. He alone holds our future. And because of that, our worship is steady and sincere.

If something in today’s reading stood out to you, I would love to hear about it. Visit comment.lifespringmedia.com to share.

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