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  1. 5D AGO

    Lamentations 3-5 and Ezekiel 1-6: Visions

    Transcript Podcast Introduction In our reading today we will complete our catch-up chapters, caused by my little unscheduled stay in the hospital a couple weeks ago. We’ll read Lamentations 3-5 and Ezekiel 1-6. The title of this episode is “Visions.” Comments on Ezekiel 1 Regarding the visions that Ezekiel saw in chapter one, I have to say that it is hard to envision what he describes. Don’t you think? I can only imagine that he must have been terrified. The storm, the four beings (which some commentators say are angels) with the four faces and wings and hands and legs, and eyes. Nothing like these beings had ever before been seen by a human, that we know.  We have seen all sorts of strange creatures, thanks to Hollywood special effects. But Ezekiel had absolutely no frame of reference.  And then the wheels within wheels. It’s sort of a wonder that Ezekiel was able to put any of this into words, but then again, he was given the words to write by the Holy Spirit. But still, imagine how dumbfounded he must have been at these visions. And the sounds he heard! Sounds like tremendous waterfalls and the tumult of an army camp. Have you ever stood close to a large waterfall? It’s almost deafening. And the sound is unrelenting. It makes you feel so small and insignificant. Such enormous power. And then, over the beings and the wheels, above them all, was something like a throne that looked like a kind of jewel, with a man sitting on the throne. But His appearance was like no ordinary man, and the radiance around the throne was unlike anything seen on earth. Who was the man? We know Him as Jesus. We generally think of Him as He appeared on earth. But think of it. His time here was just a flash of time, but for all of eternity past, present and future, except for those 33 years, He is in this place which our words are unable to describe adequately. We think of Him kind of like a buddy or big brother, but seeing Him like this…I think we would just have to fall on our faces. And of course, we know that when we do see Him at some point in the future, that is precisely what we will do.  I can’t wait. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ales Dusa on Unsplash Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Lamentations Ch. 3-5 HCSB; Ezekiel Ch. 1-6 NASB Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude. Transcript Download .txt Steve Webb 0:00 I can only imagine that he must have been just absolutely terrified. Steve Webb 0:12 And here we are, again, this is the Lifespring family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, podcasting since 2004. I’m your OG God caster Steve Webb. This is a daily podcast and we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. How are you doing? It’s good to see you. Welcome. If this is your first time here, I’m really glad you stopped by and I hope you come back in our reading today we’ll complete our catch up chapter is caused by my little unscheduled stay in the hospital a couple of weeks ago. Today we’re going to read lamentations three through five and Ezekiel one through six. After the reading I’ll have some comments on Ezekiel chapter one. I’m calling today’s episode visions. And because of the length of today’s reading, and because I value your time, I’m going to keep my comments brief. The show notes page for today’s episode is Lifespring media.com/s 12 e 163. I always welcome your comments. And if you’d like to email me you can do that at Steve at Lifespring media.com. Alright, let’s get started, shall we? Steve Webb 1:14 Lamentations chapter three. Steve Webb 1:17 I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath. He has driven me away and forced me to walk in darkness instead of light. Yes, he repeatedly turns his hand against me all day long. He has worn away my flesh and skin. He has shattered my bones. He has laid siege against me in circling me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those who have been dead for ages. He has walled me in so I cannot escape. He has weighed me down with chains. Even when I cry out in plead for help. He rejects my prayer. He has walled in my ways with cut stones. He has made my pads crooked. He is a bear waiting in ambush Elian in hiding. He forced me off my way and tore me to pieces. He left me desolate. He strung his bow and set me as the target for his arrow. He pierced my kidneys with his arrows. I am a laughingstock to all my people mocked by their songs all day long. He filled me with bitterness satiated me with warm wood. He grounded my teeth on gravel and made me cower in the dust. My soul has been deprived of peace. I have forgotten what happiness is. Then I thought, my future is lost as well as my hope from the Lord. Remember my affliction in my homelessness, the wormwood and the poison. I continually remember them and have become depressed. Yet I call this to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord’s faithful love, we do not perish for his mercies never end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. I say the Lord is my portion. Therefore I will put my hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for him to the person who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for deliverance from the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young. Let him sit alone and be silent for God is disciplined him. Let him put his mouth in the dust perhaps there is still hope. Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him. Let him be filled with shame. For the Lord will not reject us forever. Even if he causes suffering, he will show compassion according to his abundant faithful love, for he does not enjoy bringing affliction or suffering on mankind, crushing all the prisoners of the land beneath one’s feet, denying justice to a man in the presence of the Most High or suppressing a person’s lawsuit. The Lord does not approve of these things. Who is there who speaks and it happens unless the Lord has ordained it? Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High? Why should any living person complain any man because of the punishment for his sins? Let us search out and examine our ways and turn back to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven. We have sinned and rebelled. You have not forgiven. You have covered yourself in anger and pursued us you have killed without compassion. You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through. You have made us disgusting filth among the peoples. All our enemies open their mouths against us. We have experienced panic and pitfall devastation and destruction. My eyes flow with streams of tears because of the destruction of my dear people. My eyes overflow unceasingly without end until the Lord looks down from heaven and sees my eyes bring me grief because of the fate of all the women in my city. For no apparent reason my enemies hunted me like Steve Webb 5:00 Byrd. They dropped me alive into a pit and threw stones at me. water flooded over my head and I thought, I’m going to die. I called on your name your way from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea. Do not ignore my cry for relief. You come near when I call on you, you say, Do not be afraid. You defend my cause, Lord, you redeem my life. Lord, you see the wrong done to me judge my case, you see all their malice, all their plots against me, Lord, you hear their insults all their plots against me. The slander and murmuring of my opponents attacked me all day long. When they said and when they arise, look, I am mocked by their songs. You will pay them back what they deserve Lord according to the work of their hands, you will give them a heart filled with anguish. May your curse beyond them, you will pursue them and anger and destroy them onto your heavens. Steve Webb 5:58 Lamentations chapter four. Steve Webb 6:00 How the gold has become tarnished the fine gold become dull. The stones of the temple life scattered at the corner of every street. Zions precious people once worth their weight in gold, how they are regarded as clay jars, the work of a potter’s hands. Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young. But my dear people have become cruel like ostriches in the wilderness. The nursing infants tongue clings to the roof of his mouth from thirst. Little children beg for bread, but no one gives the many. Those who use the delicacies are destitute in the streets. Those who were reared in purple garments huddle in garbage heaps. The punishment of my dear people is greater than that of Sodom, which was overthrown in an instant without a hand laid on it. Her dignitaries were brighter than snow, whiter than milk. Their bodies were more ready than coral, their appearance like Sapphire. Now they appear darker than soot. They are not recognized in the streets, their skin has shriveled on their bones, it has become dry like wood. Those slain by the sword are better off than those slain by hunger, who waste away pierced with pain because the fields lack produce. The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children. They became their food during the destruction of my dear people. The Lord is exhausted his wrath poured out His burning anger. He has ignited a fire in Zion, and it has consumed her foundations. The kings of the earth and all the world’s inhabitants did not believe that an enemy or adversary could enter Jerusalem’s gates. Yet it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the guilt of her priests who shed the blood of the righteous within her blind. They stumbled in the streets defiled by this blood so that no one dared to touch their garments. Stay away

    32 min

  2. MAR 16

    Exodus 33-36: Alone

    Transcript Podcast Introduction Our reading today is Exodus 33-36. I’m calling today’s episode “Alone.” Comments on Exodus 33 Chapter 33 begins where chapter 32 left off, immediately after the people made the golden calf. The Lord is angry, and tells Moses to quickly leave this place. And he tells Moses that He will not go with them, but will send an angel to go with them instead, because, “you are a stiff-necked people, and I might destroy you on the way.” There are two things I would like to talk about in this short scene. 1) Do you think God really was considering whether or not to destroy them when He said, “…I might destroy you on the way.”? Did He really need to remove Himself from their presence so He wouldn’t destroy them in a fit of anger? Would He have wiped them out because they built a golden calf and worshipped it?  I remember when my sons were just young boys. There were times when I would catch one or more of them doing something they knew they shouldn’t do. Sometimes I would discipline them on the spot. But other times, I would send them to their room. And with a stern look and firm tone, I would say, “I’ll be in to deal with you later.” And then when they were very young, they’d trudge off to their room, crying all the way. The waiting for the other shoe to drop was sometimes worse than whatever punishment might come. Beloved, God was not surprised when the people built that golden calf. When we sin, it doesn’t shock God. But He does want us to learn to obey His Word. So I believe that He said He “might destroy them on the way” so that they would think about what they had done, and know that God does not take their sin lightly. 2) God did not remove His presence from them to restrain Himself. He had no intention of wiping them out. Their sin was not going to change God’s plan for the redemption of mankind! No, in removing His presence from them, He was testing them. Up to this point, God had been with them in a very close way. He was in the midst of them, rescuing them from Pharaoh and beginning their journey to the Promised Land. And He promised to protect them along the way and bring them victories as the took the land. God was with them visibly with the pillar of cloud in the daytime and the fire at night. Now He said, “I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey.” What was the test? What if their response to this new arrangement was, “OK. Cool. We can live with that.”? What would that say  about them? It would say that as long as they got the goodies, they didn’t care about God!  But to their credit, they mourned when they heard God was withdrawing from them. Commentator Martin Lloyd-Jones put it this way: “To be given every other blessing is of no value if God is not with you. What is the value of Canaan? What is the value of milk and honey? What is the value of having possessions, if God was not with them? They saw that the realization of the presence of God, having this fellowship and company, was infinitely more important than everything else.” Beloved, every believer, every Christian has an even greater presence of God than a pillar of cloud or fire. We have the Holy Spirit living in us! God is with us in a very real way! Can you imagine if He was to withdraw from your life? Think of it. Imagine how bleak life would be. Imagine the loneliness. The hopelessness. It’s a terrifying thought. And this, dear one, is why we must share the Good News. Non believers, though they do not have the Holy Spirit living in them, do benefit from living in a world where God’s influence is all around. They may not acknowledge Him. They may not be aware of Him. But God is here, and He truly does restrain a great deal of evil. And the entire world benefits from God’s presence. But when a non believer dies, they are forever removed from any presence of God. There truly is no hope of redemption.  As I said on yesterday’s show, we have a responsibility to tell people of God’s saving grace. They need to know that Jesus came to save them from that terrible, eternal fate. “16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:16-18 How will they know unless we tell them? Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Verne Ho on Unsplash Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 33 NET; Ch. 34 NIRV; Ch. 35-36 ERV Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude. Transcript Right click to download transcript Steve Webb 0:00 Okay, cool. We can live with that Steve Webb 0:09 This is the Lifespring family Audio Bible and I’m coming to you from Riverside, California, podcasting since 2004. I’m your OG Godcaster Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we are reading through the entire Bible in a year. I’m happy to see you today. How are you? Welcome. Our reading today is Exodus 33 through 36. I’m calling the episode “Alone.” The show notes page for today’s episode is that lifespringmedia.com/s12e152. Steve Webb 0:39 And I want to mention that beginning with the special edition “Where Has Steve Been?” episode, complete transcripts are now available for every episode. There’s a link to the episode transcript near the top of every show notes page going forward. Now listen, I use an online service to create the transcripts. And they’re not perfect, but they’re about 95% right. Now, if you would like to contribute some time, as in time, talent or treasure, the value for value concept…if you’d like to contribute some time and help me out by correcting the transcripts, I would be so thankful. All you would need to do is go to the show notes page, download the transcript, make the corrections and then email the corrected transcript to me, I would then put the corrected transcript on the page. And I’ll credit you there on the page. And I’ll mention your contribution on the next episode. How’s that sound? Cool, I’d appreciate it. Alright, let’s get started. Steve Webb 1:41 Exodus chapter 33. The Lord said to Moses, go up from here, you and the people whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob saying, I will give it to your descendants. I will send an Angel before you and I will drive out the Canaanite the Amorite, the Hittite, the parasite, the high vite and the Jebusite. Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go up among you, for you are a stiff neck people and I might destroy you on the way. When the people heard this troubling word they mourned. No one put on his ornaments. For the Lord had said to Moses, tell the Israelites you are a stiff neck people. If I went up among you for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments that I may know what I should do to you. So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments by Mount Horeb. Moses took the tent and pitched it outside the camp at a good distance from the camp. And he called it the Tent of Meeting. Anyone seeking the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting that was outside the camp. And when Moses went out to the tent, all the people would get up and stand at the entrance to their tents and watch Moses until he entered the tent. And whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend in stand at the entrance of the tent. And the Lord would speak with Moses. When all the people would see the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people, each one at the entrance of his own tent would rise in worship. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face the way a person speaks to a friend, then Moses would return to the camp, but his servant, Joshua, son of Nun, a young man did not leave the tent. Moses said to the Lord, see, you have been saying to me bring this people up. But you have not let me know whom you will send with me. But you said, I know you by name. And also you have found favor in my site. Now if I have found favor in your site, show me your way that I may know you that I may continue to find favor in your site, and see that this nation is your people. And the Lord said, My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. And Moses said to him, if your presence does not go with us, do not take us up from here. For how will it be known then that I have found favor in your sight I and your people? Is it not by you’re going with us so that we will be distinguished I and your people from all the people who are on the face of the earth. The Lord said to Moses, I will do this thing also that you have requested, For you have found favor in my site, and I know you by name. And Moses said, Show me your glory. And the Lord said, I will make all my goodness pass before your face. And I will proclaim the Lord by name before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious. I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy. But he added you cannot see my face for no one can see me and live. The Lord said here is a place by me. You will station yourself on a rock when my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft and the rock and will cover you with my hand while I pass by. Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen. Steve Webb 5:12 Exodus

    39 min

  3. MAR 11

    Ephesians 3:20 - When Words Run Out

    Some verses feel like they were written for the moments when your vocabulary fails—when you’ve prayed all you know to pray, and all that’s left is a quiet hope that God is still at work. In this episode of Verses We Missed, we sit with Ephesians 3:20 and listen to Paul stretch language to the breaking point as he points us to a God whose power and generosity are beyond measure. Today’s Reading Today’s reading is Ephesians 3:20 (ESV). Reading: Ephesians 3:20 Follow along here: Ephesians 3:20 (ESV) on BibleGateway. Commentary Paul doesn’t simply say, “God can help.” He piles word on top of word—able, then more, then far more, and finally “than all we ask or think.” It’s as if he’s reaching for the biggest sentence he can build, because ordinary language won’t hold the weight of what he’s trying to say. And notice where he locates the miracle: not only in what God can do “out there,” but in what God is already doing “in here”—“according to the power at work within us.” The same God who exceeds our prayers is also at work forming us, strengthening us, and teaching us to trust Him beyond the limits of our imagination. Verse of the Day Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God is not constrained by our best request or our biggest idea. When you’ve reached the end of what you can ask—when you’ve hit the ceiling of what you can even think—God is still God. Let this verse reframe your prayers today: not toward anxiety, but toward awe. Value for Value If this episode encouraged you, would you consider supporting the show? Your prayers, shares, and financial support help keep Verses We Missed going and growing. Learn more about value-for-value and how to participate at Lifespring Media, and thank you for being part of this work. More from Lifespring Media If you’d like more Bible-centered listening, you can find the show page here: Verses We Missed at LifespringMedia.com. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open – When Words Run Out 00:59 Welcome to Verses We Missed 01:34 Reading Ephesians 3:20 (ESV) 03:15 The Prayer Behind the Verse 04:23 Nerd Nugget – Paul’s Turbo Word 05:20 Word Stacking & Mary Poppins 06:50 Ask or Think – Two Limits 07:45 The Power at Work Within Us 08:38 The Purpose: God’s Glory 09:25 Closing Prayer 10:14 Value for Value Support 11:45 Final Thought & Sign-off

  4. MAR 4

    Proverbs 25:2 - The Glory of Searching Scripture

    Why does God conceal some things instead of explaining everything? Proverbs 25:2 answers that question in a surprising way. Rather than eliminating mystery, the verse reveals that divine mystery is part of God’s glory. At the same time, it invites believers to search the Scriptures with humility and curiosity. In this episode of Verses We Missed, we explore Proverbs 25:2 and a question many believers whisper in seasons of uncertainty: why doesn’t God explain more? Although the verse doesn’t remove the fog entirely, it does reveal something beautiful—mystery is not a flaw in the Christian life. Instead, it can be part of the glory of God, and our response to that mystery reveals something about us. You can explore more episodes in the series at Recent Episodes. This is a mid-week breath of Scripture and grace. The Glory of Hidden Things Proverbs 25:2 (ESV) Have you ever come to a passage of Scripture and thought, “Why didn’t God just say more?” Or have you walked through a season of life and found yourself saying, “Lord, I don’t understand what You’re doing”? There are moments when faith feels less like standing on solid ground and more like standing in fog. And yet, Proverbs 25:2 reminds us that the fog is not always a sign of God’s absence. Sometimes it is a reminder of His greatness. You can read this verse in other translations at ESV.org here: Proverbs 25:2 (ESV) “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” One sentence. Two glories. God’s glory is seen in concealing. A king’s glory is seen in searching. However, these two are not at odds. Rather, they are designed to work together. This is a mid-week breath of Scripture and grace. Understanding the Context of Proverbs 25 Proverbs 25 begins a new section of the book. Verse 1 tells us these were proverbs of Solomon that were copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah. In other words, this wisdom was preserved for leadership—for rulers, for responsibility, and for those who needed discernment. Therefore, it makes sense that the first proverb in this section sets the tone. It teaches that God’s glory is seen in concealing, while the glory of kings is seen in searching. As a result, the verse invites us to see wisdom as both received and pursued. What Does Proverbs 25:2 Mean? The meaning of Proverbs 25:2 is built around a beautiful tension: God is infinite, and we are not. Because God is the Creator, His wisdom is not merely larger than ours—it is of a different order. Consequently, there will always be truths that remain beyond our ability to fully comprehend. And yet, that does not mean God is unknowable. Instead, it means He is not exhaustively knowable. Therefore, we can know Him truly, even if we cannot know Him fully. Moreover, what He has revealed is enough for faith, obedience, and worship. So when Proverbs 25:2 says it is the glory of God to conceal things, it is not accusing God of being unclear. Rather, it is proclaiming that His greatness cannot be reduced to what we can immediately grasp. The Glory of God in Concealing The word “glory” speaks of weight, honor, splendor—the visible expression of greatness. And Proverbs 25:2 says something that may surprise us: God’s glory is seen not only in what He reveals, but also in what He conceals. That does not mean God hides truth to play games with His people. Instead, His concealment highlights His infinite wisdom and reminds us that He is God and we are not. In fact, this is what theologians have long called the incomprehensibility of God—not that God cannot be known, but that He cannot be fully known. As Romans 11:33 puts it, God’s judgments are “unsearchable” and His ways are “inscrutable.” However, unsearchable does not mean irrational, and inscrutable does not mean arbitrary. Rather, it means infinite. Therefore, mystery can steady us instead of unsettling us, because the God whose ways are beyond us is also the God who has clearly revealed His goodness in Christ. The Glory of Kings in Searching The second half of Proverbs 25:2 says, “but the glory of kings is to search things out.” In ancient Israel, kings were responsible for justice, discernment, and wise governance. As a result, they could not rule by impulse. They had to investigate, examine, and weigh matters carefully. This creates a beautiful truth for the Christian life: divine incomprehensibility does not cancel human responsibility. Because while God is infinite, He has also revealed real truth. Therefore, searching is not presumption—it is obedience. When you open your Bible and linger over a difficult passage, when you compare Scripture with Scripture, when you look up cross-references and ask honest questions, you are not putting God on trial. Rather, you are sitting at His feet. There is a difference between demanding, “Explain Yourself,” and praying, “Lord, teach me.” Proverbs 25:2 commends the second. Why God’s Mystery Helps Us Grow If God revealed everything instantly and effortlessly, what would become of our growth? There would be no wrestling, no meditation, and no returning to the text again and again. However, Scripture repeatedly calls us to seek wisdom like treasure. And treasure is hidden. Therefore, the search shapes the seeker. As we study, we are formed. Our minds are renewed. Our humility deepens. Our awe increases. Moreover, the very act of searching glorifies God—not because we solve every mystery, but because the pursuit draws us into deeper reverence. How to Search the Scriptures Searching is not complicated, but it is deliberate. It is slower than scrolling and more thoughtful than skimming. So the next time you study a passage, try asking a simple set of questions: What does this verse actually say? Not what I assume it says—what words are actually there? What does this reveal about God? What does it show about His character and wisdom? What does this reveal about humanity? What does it say about our responsibility and calling? What tension does this create? Where does the verse make you pause and think? How does this connect to the rest of Scripture? Where do these themes appear elsewhere? How does this connect to Christ? How does the passage deepen trust in Jesus? What would change if I believed this deeply? Not just intellectually—practically? Therefore, we can search with confidence, even when we cannot resolve every question, because we are anchored in what God has clearly revealed: He is holy, He is good, Christ has died, He is risen, and salvation is by grace. Final Thought Proverbs 25:2 does not promise that the fog will always lift. However, it does tell us how to live faithfully in the fog. Do not be discouraged by what you don’t understand. Lean in. Open the Word. Ask questions. Search carefully. Because the mystery is not a wall. It’s an invitation to grow. Podcast Chapters 00:00 Opening Reflection — Why Does God Conceal Things? 01:00 Welcome to Verses We Missed 01:25 Scripture Reading — Proverbs 25:2 01:40 Context — The Proverbs of Hezekiah 02:15 The Glory of God in Concealing 03:40 The Incomprehensibility of God 05:00 The Glory of Kings — Searching for Wisdom 06:00 Why Scripture Requires Careful Study 07:00 The Danger of Surface-Level Bible Reading 08:00 How to Search the Scriptures 10:30 Anchored in What God Has Revealed 11:10 Closing Prayer 12:00 Value for Value Support 12:45 Final Encouragement and Blessing Support the Show Verses We Missed is a value-for-value show—no advertisers, no sponsors—just your support of time, talent, or treasure. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who loves Scripture. And if your podcast app allows ratings or reviews, leaving one helps others find the show. If you’d like to support the show financially, you can do that at lifespringmedia.com/support. Your prayers and your gifts make this ministry possible.

  5. FEB 25

    Matthew 11:12 - No One Drifts Into the Kingdom

    In this episode of Verses We Missed, we explore Matthew 11:12 and one of the most puzzling statements Jesus ever made. What did He mean when He said the kingdom of heaven “suffers violence”? Far from endorsing physical force, Jesus reveals the urgent, decisive nature of repentance. The kingdom does not drift quietly into history—and no one drifts quietly into it. You can explore more episodes in the series at Recent Episodes. This is a mid-week breath of Scripture and grace. No One Drifts Into the Kingdom Matthew 11:12 (NASB95) Have you ever noticed how easy it is to become spiritually familiar? We read. We listen. We nod along. But we don’t always respond. In Matthew 11:12, Jesus says something that has unsettled readers for centuries. You can read the passage in other translations at ESV.org here: Matthew 11:12 (NASB95) “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.” That sounds intense. Almost disruptive. But Jesus is not describing aggression. He is describing urgency. This week on Verses We Missed, we slow down and examine the Greek verb biazetai—a word that has sparked centuries of discussion—and discover what it reveals about entering the kingdom of heaven. This is a mid-week breath of Scripture and grace. Understanding the Context of Matthew 11:12 When Jesus says, “From the days of John the Baptist until now,” He marks a hinge in redemptive history. For centuries the kingdom was promised. With John, it was announced. With Jesus, it was present. The long-anticipated reign of God was no longer distant—it had broken into history. And whenever the kingdom advances, it provokes a response. The Verb That Stumps Scholars The Greek word translated “suffers violence” is biazetai. It can carry the sense of being attacked—or advancing forcefully. The tension of the word mirrors the tension of the moment. The kingdom advances powerfully. And that very advance produces two responses: Resistance from those who feel threatened Urgent repentance from those who recognize their need Darkness resists light. But the desperate press in. The Violence of Repentance This verse does not teach political conquest or physical aggression. Jesus rebuked Peter’s sword. His kingdom does not advance through coercion. The “violence” here is directed inward. It is the violence of surrender. The force of repentance. The tearing down of pride and self-rule. No one drifts into salvation. No one wanders accidentally into the reign of Christ. Entering the kingdom requires decisive response. An Invitation to Respond If you have been spiritually curious but not surrendered, this verse invites you to move. Curiosity observes. Desperation acts. The door of the kingdom is open—but entrance requires repentance and trust in Christ. And if you already belong to Him, this passage gently asks: Have you grown comfortable? Has urgency faded into familiarity? The kingdom is still advancing. The question is whether we are pressing in. Final Thought From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven advances. Some resist. Others repent. But no one remains neutral. The kingdom of heaven is not entered by the curious. It is entered by the desperate.

  6. FEB 18

    Zephaniah 3:17-God Sings Over You

    In this episode of Verses We Missed, we explore Zephaniah 3:17 and the breathtaking truth that God rejoices over His redeemed people with joyful singing. Spoken originally to Israel in a context of restoration after judgment, this verse reveals the unchanging heart of God—mighty to save, tender in love, and delighted in His people through the finished work of Jesus Christ. This is a mid-week breath of Scripture and grace. God Sings Over You Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) Have you ever felt like God was disappointed in you? Like you’ve failed too many times… wandered too far… fallen short again? What if I told you that if you belong to Him, heaven is not sighing over you? It’s singing. This week on Verses We Missed, we slow down and sit with one of the most breathtaking verses in Scripture. You can also read the passage in other translations at ESV.org here. Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” This is a mid-week breath of Scripture and grace. Understanding the Context The book of Zephaniah is not light reading. It speaks of judgment, accountability, and the Day of the Lord. The prophet addresses Judah—covenant people who had drifted into idolatry and spiritual complacency. But chapter 3 turns toward restoration. After warning comes renewal. After discipline comes delight. And in the middle of that promise, we hear something astonishing: God rejoices over His restored people with singing. This promise was originally spoken to Israel. It is covenant language—historical, specific, and rooted in God’s faithfulness to His people. But what it reveals is the unchanging heart of God. The God Who Saves Zephaniah says, “He is a mighty savior.” This is not a hesitant rescuer. This is a victorious deliverer. For Israel, that meant restoration after exile. For us, through Jesus of Nazareth—the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world—it means rescue from sin, condemnation, and separation from God. The mighty Savior Zephaniah spoke of in shadow is fully revealed in Christ. The God Who Delights “He will take delight in you with gladness.” Not merely tolerate. Not reluctantly forgive. Delight. If you are in Christ, the Father does not see you as barely acceptable. He sees you clothed in the righteousness of His Son. And He delights. The God Who Quiets “With his love, he will calm all your fears.” Some translations say He will quiet you by His love. This is tender language. Intimate language. The kind of quieting that soothes anxiety and steadies trembling hearts. Because of Christ, your greatest fear—condemnation—has already been addressed. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) The God Who Sings “He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” The Sovereign Lord sings. Not sarcastically. Not reluctantly. Not quietly approving from a distance. He rejoices. If you belong to Him, the loudest voice over your life is not accusation. It is a song. An Invitation If you don’t yet know Jesus as your Savior, this joy can be yours. The same God who warns of judgment provides rescue through Christ. Jesus lived a sinless life, died as a substitute for sinners, and rose again in victory. “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) You can begin that relationship today by placing your trust in Him. Final Thought Zephaniah begins with warning and ends with joy. Judgment is not God’s final word to His covenant people. Restoration is. And singing is. The God who saves… sings.

  7. FEB 16

    Exodus 17-20: Held Up in the Battle

    In Exodus 17–20, we walk with Israel through wilderness thirst, frontline conflict, wise counsel for leadership, and the thunderous awe of Mount Sinai. From water flowing out of the rock to Moses’ hands being held up in the fight, today’s reading reminds us that God provides what we cannot—and His commands are rooted in His redemption. Because He brought His people out of slavery, they owed Him their trust and obedience… and because Christ has redeemed us, we respond with grateful, reverent love. Today’s reading is Exodus 17–20. Listen & Read Along Read today’s passage here: Exodus 17–20 on BibleGateway. Verse of the Day Exodus 20:2 — “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Commentary God doesn’t give His people a rulebook first—He gives them rescue. At Sinai, the Lord’s holiness is undeniable, but the foundation of the Ten Commandments begins with a declaration of deliverance: “I brought you out.” Obedience isn’t meant to be fueled by terror, but by covenant love and gratitude. We honor Him because He has the right to rule—and because He has proven His goodness. On This Date in Church History January 3, 1816 — Anne Ayers was born. She later founded the Sisterhood of the Holy Communion, recognized as the first U.S. Episcopal sisterhood. January 3, 1956 — The Colored Methodist Episcopal Church officially changed its name to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Prayer Heavenly Father, we worship You and praise You. Thank You that in Christ we come to You not in terror, but with reverence, awe, and trust. Provide where there is need, heal where there is sickness, unite where there is division, and give wisdom where there are questions. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. If you have prayer requests or praises, please share them at prayer.lifespringmedia.com.

  8. FEB 15

    2 Corinthians 4-5: Make A Decision

    Podcast Introduction Our reading today is 2 Corinthians 4-5, and I’m calling the episode “Make A Decision.” Comments on  2 Corinthians 5 Today I’m going to focus on the seventh verse of chapter 5, which just happens to consist of only seven words: We live by believing, not by seeing. You know, there comes a time in each person’s life where they just have to make a decision. Given the facts that can be known, and accepting that there are some things that cannot be known, we just have to decide and move forward. I have someone in my life who has a tremendous amount of knowledge about the Word of God, he’s well read, he’s listened to some of the world’s best teachers, he says he believes, and yet he cannot rest in his faith. He continues to have doubts, because there are things of God that he cannot understand.  My first response is, “Of course you can’t understand it all. God is infinite. We are finite. It would be a small god indeed if we could have perfect understanding of him.”  Thankfully, God has loving patience. He allows circumstances in our lives that cause us to have to trust Him, and when we see how He was present in those circumstances, our faith grows.  About nine years ago, when my middle son, Steven, nearly died, God showed the Lovely Lady LeeAnn and I once more that He is trustworthy. Today, Steven is physically healthy, he just celebrated his seventh wedding anniversary with his beautiful wife, and he’s doing well in his career.  My wife and I felt God’s presence during Steven’s crisis, and we knew that whatever happened, He would not desert us. It would have been easy to look at circumstances and fall apart. Steven came within a hair’s breadth of dying. During those hours that he was in the operating room, my wife and I certainly were afraid for Steven, and we shed many tears as we cried out to God to spare him, but we didn’t doubt that God had Steven in His hands. And we knew that his being in God’s hands was the very best place that he could be. LeeAnn and I were willing to accept God’s will for Steven and for us, because we were living by believing, not by seeing. Beloved, there are countless times in each of our lives where we cannot see what lies ahead. We don’t know what God is doing in a given situation. All seems lost, or the way forward is unknown. That is where faith comes in. We live by believing, not by seeing. Philippians 4:6 and 7 says, “6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding…” All of the knowledge in the world, all of the “seeing” in the world, will not bring such peace. To have this peace, the peace of God, we need to decide to believe. Put the “need to know” away. You can’t know. Do your due diligence, to be sure, but then, make the decision and let the peace of God guard your heart and mind. He has made promises galore in regards to his love and protection.  Decide to believe. Rest in God’s peace. Live as God guides you. Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jen Theodore on Unsplash Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 5-6 NIRV Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude. Please rate or review the show by clicking the heart! Experiencing God (2021 Edition): Knowing and Doing the Will of God By Henry & Richard Blackaby, Claude V. King / B&H Books Experience the book that has restored, reoriented, and renewed millions of people—now thoroughly updated with seven new chapters and dozens of additional stories! Whether you’re reading it for the first time or eager to encounter a fresh edition of the classic text you already love, you’ll not be the same when you finish it. 368 pages, hardcover from B&H.

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