Brought to you in part by:
Bryan Duncan’s Hogwash Audiobook
On today’s show, i’ll share an email conversation I recently had with someone about faith…or the percieved lack thereof, why it’s been so long since the last ls show, news from the Webb front, and some great new music!
Music
Edwin Derricutt “Not Enough Music”
The Waiting Kind “For The World”
A short little show for Thanksgiving.
I’m thankful to God for his faithfulness. And thankful that he uses people to manifest that faithfulness. Thankful for people who listen to that still small voice that He sometimes uses to nudge them to encourage someone, even when all may seem well with the person.
I’m thankful for the prayers of my fellow sojourners in this life. Though this has been the most difficult of my life, I know that I am not alone. Just as I have prayed for people around me…in my family, my church, and those of you who have written to me and phoned me this year, many have held me up in prayer. And those prayers have lifted me, strengthened me, sustained me.
I’m thankful for you who participate in the shows. Even if all you do is download and listen, you are participating. You are part of the quiet multitudes, but I know you are there. It would be wonderful to hear from you, but that’s ok. I know you’re there, and I pray that I have been, in some small way, an encouragement to you in your relationship to Jesus.
Those who have written and called, well, there truly is a special place in my heart for you, because you have taken part of your precious time to do so. That is a gift I do not take for granted. I am thankful for you more than you can know.
To close this little abbreviated show, I would like to share part of a list that was written by an anonymous author, and the list is called “I Have Learned”. I’ve cut the list down to just a few points that really relate to my life this year, and maybe it will speak to you to…
I’ve learned that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
I’ve learned that it’s not what happens to people that’s important. It’s what they do about it.
I’ve learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I’ve learned that you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
I’ve learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I’ve learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.
I’ve learned that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I’ve learned that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I’ve learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I’ve learned that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.
I’ve learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I’ve learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I e learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get further in life.
I’ve learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.
I’ve learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I’ve learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I’ve learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
Don’t forget, the Lifespring! Why Christmas Show is back this year. Beginning December 1st, and each day until Christmas, my friend James Cooper, from his home in England, and I will be sharing fun facts and stories about Christmas. Most of the shows will be just a minute or two long, so they’ll fit well into your busy Christmas season.
Well that about does it for this Thanksgiving edition of LS. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you, may He cause His face to shine upon you, and may he give you peace.
As I record this, the date is November 13, 2009. and it’s about 10:30 p.m. Almost exactly five years ago at this very hour I spoke very nervously into a microphone at the back of the sanctuary of what was then known as calvary temple, and recorded the very first Christian podcast not based on repurposed church sermons.
I felt as if the Lord had called me to proclaim his name through this new technology, this new medium, and that is what I did. With much trepidation, in a barely lit sanctuary, I sat in the sound booth of that church and told whomever might be listening, why I am a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ. I spoke of his love, and his mercy. I talked about the problem of sin and the wonderful solution God came up with, at His expense, to bring reconciliation between Himself and me…and you.
I think I played music from Anne Davis on that first show. If it wasn’t that one, it was probably the second show.
I invited emails and comments, and I surprisingly heard from folks around the world…almost immediately. I was humbled that anyone would listen, and thankful for the emails. To me, it was a confirmation that I was doing the right thing.
Who knew what would result from that first show? I must say that I had no idea how much my life would change in the next five years. Then, my windshield repair business was doing well, the lovely lady LeeAnn was home schooling our two youngest sons, and I was asking God how I might serve Him.
Today, our windshield repair business is on life support with a weak, thready pulse with blood pressure dropping…as a result of the horrible economy. The lovely lady LeeAnn has had to find employment outside of our business, our middle son has graduated from our local public high school, our youngest is a sophomore at that same school, the oldest is now married to a beautiful young woman, and I’m wearing several hats in order to earn a living…all of them centered around my computer. I’m a voiceover artist, an audiobook editor, a video editor, a wordpress website developer, and a podcaster. I’ve probably forgotten something in there, but the point is that five years ago, I would have never imagined that my life was going to be so completely turned upside down. Nearly everything has changed in my daily circumstances.
There are, as I sit here and think about it, two enormously important constants over these five years. The first that I’ll mention is the love and support of the lovely lady LeeAnn. Through everything, she has been there to love and support me. She is my best friend, she is my sounding board, she is my companion. The strength of our marriage has only grown, and I am blessed beyond words to have her to be my life’s companion.
The second thing that has been constant has been the presence of God in my life. In Malachi 3:6 [show] "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. (ESV)
, God says “I am the Lord, I change not.” And that has become for me a wonderful scripture of comfort.
To know that God is not changed by the circumstances and foibles of man, to know that there is a safe place, a source of strength when everything else seems to be about as stable as Jello…well, that knowledge helps me to move forward and keep fighting the good fight.
A scripture that has become very popular over the past few years is Jeremiah 4:11 [show] At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, "A hot wind from the bare heights in the desert toward the daughter of my people, not to winnow or cleanse, (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I love that scripture. It is a wonderful promise, to be sure, but I’ve learned that putting a scripture in context is always a good thing. It brings more clarity and understanding, in most cases.
Now listen to the context.
Because the children of Israel had rebelled against God, He—after numerous warning through His prophets—allowed them to be taken into captivity and exiled from Jerusalem into Babylon. But because of His great love for them, He gave them this promise. Listen to verses 10 through 14:
10 This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
What a marvelous, loving God. Even though there was a history of God providing miraculously for them, and them abandoning Him, and this chain of events happening over and over, His loving nature was to, yet again, offer this promise of hope and restoration.
And of course, ultimately, it became apparent that this cycle would never end, because it is the nature of man to rebel…to sin. God allowed the multiple cycles not because He was under any notion that man would someday “get it”, but so that we might see our complete inability to maintain any kind of righteousness. We would never be able to live according to God’s standard of behavior…to be without sin.
And then, according to Gal. 4 [show] I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then has become of the blessing you felt? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written,
"Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;
break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
than those of the one who has a husband."
Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman." So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. (ESV): 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law.
At just the right time in history, Jesus came into the world to break that cycle we spoke about. Jesus came to make full and final payment for my sin and yours, so that we might at last have lasting peace and relationship with God. He did that by taking my sin and yours upon himself and paying for them with his own blood…his own life. And then proving his right to do so by being resurrected on the third day. If he had remained dead, then it would have all been for nought. But He showed himself to be God, to be the only one with the power to bring forgiveness to us, by his resurrection. How do we know it really happened? For one thing, there were many eyewitnesses. He appeared to over 500 people on one occasion. The fact that most of his disciples chose horrible deaths over denying Jesus’ resurrection is another fact that lends credibility, and there are others.
The point is that because of what Jesus did all those years ago, and because of the fact that we know God doesn’t change, you and I can have peace and even joy, despite this changing and unsteady world in which we find ourselves.
God is still God. He is still;
El-Shaddai — The God Who is Sufficient for the Needs of His People
Jehovah-Elohim — The Eternal Creator
Jehovah-Jireh — The Lord our Provider
Jehovah-Nissi — The Lord our Banner
Jehovah-Ropheka — The Lord our Healer
Jehovah-Shalom — The Lord our Peace
and all the other names we learn about in Scripture.
If you are looking for peace, my friend, the only place you will find it is in the loving arms of this God. He created you. He loves you with an intensity and a depth that is impossible to express in words. He wants you to know him and to have an ongoing, intimate relationship with him. And that is only possible through knowing Jesus Christ. Listen to some of Jesus words…
“I and the Father are one. No one comes to the Father but by me. If you love me, you’ll keep my word, and my father will love him and we will make our home with you. For 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…”
Eternal life. Eternity is a long time. It’s forever. The changes I’ve seen in my own life over the past five years show me that this world is far from forever. There are constant variations and movements in my circumstances. But my Rock doesn’t move, doesn’t change. My present is uncertain, but my future is secure.
How about yours? If you are not sure, if you have questions, if you have doubts or fears, I would love to hear from you. I’m not a preacher. I’m just a guy who has found peace, and I would love to provide whatever answers I can if you have questions.
Email me at steve (a t) lifespringmedia.com, or phone me at 951-732-8511. I will get back to you.
We’re living in some trying times, aren’t we? Well, instead of looking at circumstances, let’s look at who God is and what it means to be His, shall we? I mean, after all, if it doesn’t make any difference in the here and now, when things are so difficult, how much incentive is there to be a follower of Jesus? I mean, pie in the sky is nice, but shouldn’t there be some benefits NOW?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that I think there should be more money in my bank account just because I’m a Christian. I don’t even have a specific expectation in mind when I say this. But really, what’s so great about being a Christian?
The Bible says that we should be ready to give an answer, doesn’t it? Sure it does. Well, my good friends, have I got an answer for you! This answer is one that has been working its way up to my consciousness over the past several weeks. And even months.
I think that one of the reasons God has taken me through this very rough year has been to show me something first hand. We read about this throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New, but you know, there’s just something about personal experience that drives a message home. When a story goes from the third person to the first, you own it.
And when you are as hard headed as I tend to be, sometimes the message needs to be driven home with a sledge hammer.
What is it that has finally made it to my conscious thoughts? That God wants me to not only believe…but to know that I know that I know because I’ve lived it. That is a real benefit today, not just in eternity!
What is it that will encourage your heart if you’re in the pit today, or that you’ll want to remember tomorrow for the dark time that you may not even see coming?
Let me share with you a short little chapter from the book of Psalms. It’s really a pity that some verses are much a part of our culture that we don’t hear them any more. I mean, we HEAR them all the time, but we don’t HEAR them. Jesus said many times, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear”
Listen to this, if you can, with new ears. See if you can hear what David is saying here in Psalm, chapter 23. Don’t listen for what you think I am going to say, just listen to what David wrote, under the direction of the Holy Spirit. They are good and rich words for us today….
1 The Lord is my shepherd, ?I shall not want.?2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; ?He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul; ?He guides me in the paths of righteousness ?For His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, ?I fear no evil, for You are with me; ?Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; ?You have anointed my head with oil; ?My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, ?And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Did that speak to you like it does me? That is good stuff, especially for those of us who are in the dark valley right now. There is SO MUCH there.
There is encouragement, and there is hope. And it is not only for tomorrow! As a matter of fact, this is written in the present. This is a promise for NOW! This is not mainly about eternal life and a future of being in God’s presence, as great as that will be! This is NOT about future rewards! This is a promise for today!
I’m going to focus on just a portion of this chapter in just a minute, but let me just say that I can say that this 23rd Psalm is true. I have lived this psalm over the last year…actually more than a year. In the midst of my enemies, in the valley of the shadow of death, He has given me green grass and still waters. He has given me peace. I have experienced His goodness and lovingkindness in many different ways, and I know that He is my shepherd. There is no doubt. He loves me, he provides for me, and he alone is my protection. I would not have made it through the year without Him and His provision of love and strength and peace, as shown to me in times of worship and prayer, and through my family, my church friends, and those of you who have taken the time to write to me and call me.
But for right now, I want to focus on just four words, and they’re the opening words of verse three. Here they are: “He restores my soul”. HE restores my soul. He RESTORES my soul. He restores MY soul. He restores my SOUL! Any way you read that, there’s is Good News in the words!
Let’s Focus On This
So, what I want to focus on right now is the word “restores”.
I love old cars. I’ve always said that if I ever had more money than I knew what to do with, I would have a collection of them. I love the artistry, the style, the sound…even the smell of old cars with their horsehair upholstery. I especially like old cars that have been lovingly restored. Not customized. Restored. Restored to like new condition, with everything as original as is humanly possible. Restoring a car takes skill, patience, and commitment.
Starting a project car…one with body damage, rust, bad paint, with a motor that won’t run and upholstery that has rotted, wires that have shorted out and hoses that leak…that kind of car, starting on a car like that is easy…finishing it is difficult…and expensive.
God RESTORES my soul. He doesn’t patch my soul. He doesn’t just put a fresh coat of paint to hide the rust. He doesn’t put new covers over the old upholstery. He, as my creator, has the original plans for me…His unique and original blueprint that He used to knit me together in my mother’s womb. He knows where I’m broken and how to fix me. He RESTORES my soul.
He brings new hope, new vision, new vigor to a worn and tired and broken soul. He RESTORES my soul even in the midst of the valley. He RESTORES my soul even though my enemies are all around. He RESTORES my soul even though my business has failed or I just lost my job and I can’t pay the mortgage. He RESTORES my soul.
He RESTORES my soul. His presence, His touch, His Word brings life TODAY, brings hope TODAY, brings joy TODAY.
Life is hard. And as long as we live in this world with all of its problems, that will not change. But we have this promise from the lips of Jesus himself, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
HE … restores my soul!
Be sure to listen to the podcast. There is lots more to hear than what you see here on the show notes page.
