WEBVTT 00:00:00.020 --> 00:00:01.060 They are cross-eyed. 00:00:03.360 --> 00:00:05.840 This is the LifeSpring One Year Bible Rewind 00:00:05.870 --> 00:00:08.020 and coming to you from Riverside, California, 00:00:08.760 --> 00:00:10.060 podcasting since 2004. 00:00:10.340 --> 00:00:12.880 My name is Steve Webb and I'm your OG Godcaster. 00:00:13.640 --> 00:00:16.100 This is the podcast that comes to you every single day 00:00:16.190 --> 00:00:18.700 and we're reading the entire Bible together in a year. 00:00:18.840 --> 00:00:21.000 I'm so glad you are here, really. 00:00:21.520 --> 00:00:23.980 The website is lifespringmedia.com. 00:00:24.740 --> 00:00:27.200 Today is National Homemade Soup Day. 00:00:27.680 --> 00:00:29.560 I make a delicious split pea soup. 00:00:29.800 --> 00:00:30.220 How about you? 00:00:30.440 --> 00:00:31.600 What's your favorite soup to make? 00:00:32.259 --> 00:00:34.340 More importantly, this is Psalms Wednesday. 00:00:34.680 --> 00:00:36.780 We'll read Psalms 45 through 47. 00:00:37.300 --> 00:00:39.540 As has become our custom when we read the Psalms, 00:00:39.940 --> 00:00:42.500 I'll have a brief introduction for you before each chapter, 00:00:43.160 --> 00:00:45.820 and then we'll see what happened on this date in church history 00:00:45.940 --> 00:00:48.460 when we're done with Psalms, and we'll have a time of prayer. 00:00:48.920 --> 00:00:49.480 Let's begin. 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:52.080 Our Heavenly Father, as we open your word today, 00:00:52.280 --> 00:00:55.880 I pray that you would speak to us, teach us, speak to our hearts, Lord. 00:00:55.940 --> 00:00:57.120 I pray in Jesus' name. 00:00:57.560 --> 00:00:57.760 Amen. 00:01:00.560 --> 00:01:07.260 The title of Psalm 45 is, To the Chief Musician, Set to the Lilies, a Contemplation of the Sons of 00:01:07.440 --> 00:01:13.060 Korah, a Song of Love. According to Matthew Henry's commentary and that of Charles Spurgeon, 00:01:13.260 --> 00:01:18.420 the subject of this psalm is Christ Himself. I like the way Spurgeon put it. He said, 00:01:18.880 --> 00:01:24.479 Some here see Solomon and Pharaoh's daughter only. They are short-sighted. Others see both 00:01:24.500 --> 00:01:31.020 Solomon in Christ. They are cross-eyed. Well-focused spiritual eyes see here Jesus only. 00:01:31.620 --> 00:01:37.360 Or if Solomon be present at all, it must be like those hazy shadows of bypassers which cross the 00:01:37.370 --> 00:01:42.560 face of the camera and therefore are dimly traceable upon a photographic landscape. 00:01:43.340 --> 00:01:48.759 This is a wedding song for the heavenly bridegroom and his elect spouse. Verse 1 is an announcement 00:01:48.780 --> 00:01:54.380 of intention, a preface to the song. Verse 3 adores the matchless beauty of Messiah, 00:01:54.900 --> 00:02:02.140 and from verses 3-9 he is addressed in admiring ascriptions of praise. Verses 10-12 are spoken 00:02:02.340 --> 00:02:08.920 to the bride. The church is further spoken of in verses 13-15, and the psalm closes with another 00:02:09.179 --> 00:02:14.860 address to the king, foretelling his eternal fame. I think Brother Spurgeon summed it up nicely. 00:02:15.320 --> 00:02:20.100 Now, interestingly, for this time of year, C.S. Lewis thought of the psalm in the context of 00:02:20.280 --> 00:02:25.500 Christmas. He wrote, The birth of Christ is the arrival of the great warrior and the great king, 00:02:25.980 --> 00:02:31.660 also of the lover, the bridegroom, whose beauty surpasses that of man. But not only the bridegroom 00:02:31.760 --> 00:02:37.459 is the lover, the desired, the bridegroom also who makes fruitful, the father of children still 00:02:37.480 --> 00:02:45.960 to be begotten and born. Psalms chapter 45. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite 00:02:46.140 --> 00:02:52.900 my verses for the king. My tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of 00:02:53.060 --> 00:02:57.440 men, and your lips have been anointed with grace since God has blessed you forever. 00:02:58.800 --> 00:03:03.920 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one. Clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. 00:03:04.940 --> 00:03:10.500 In your majesty, ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility, and justice. 00:03:11.480 --> 00:03:13.800 Let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. 00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:17.740 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies. 00:03:18.460 --> 00:03:20.560 Let the nations fall beneath your feet. 00:03:21.460 --> 00:03:24.120 Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever. 00:03:24.820 --> 00:03:27.500 A scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 00:03:28.600 --> 00:03:30.860 You love righteousness and hate wickedness. 00:03:31.080 --> 00:03:37.780 Therefore, God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. 00:03:38.520 --> 00:03:41.880 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. 00:03:42.520 --> 00:03:46.900 From palaces adorned with ivory, the music of the strings makes you glad. 00:03:47.800 --> 00:03:50.200 Daughters of kings are among your honored women. 00:03:50.900 --> 00:03:54.200 At your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. 00:03:55.140 --> 00:03:57.140 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention. 00:03:57.980 --> 00:04:00.020 Forget your people at your father's house. 00:04:00.680 --> 00:04:02.800 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty. 00:04:03.490 --> 00:04:05.460 Honor him, for he is your lord. 00:04:06.140 --> 00:04:08.100 The city of Tyre will come with a gift. 00:04:08.660 --> 00:04:10.480 People of wealth will seek your favor. 00:04:11.720 --> 00:04:14.360 All glorious is the princess within her chamber. 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:16.780 Her gown is interwoven with gold. 00:04:17.739 --> 00:04:20.340 In embroidered garments she is led to the king. 00:04:20.799 --> 00:04:24.300 Her virgin companions follow her, those brought to be with her. 00:04:25.220 --> 00:04:28.820 Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. 00:04:29.700 --> 00:04:31.980 Your sons will take the place of your fathers. 00:04:32.540 --> 00:04:34.700 You will make them princes throughout the land. 00:04:35.320 --> 00:04:37.980 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations. 00:04:38.860 --> 00:04:41.480 Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever. 00:04:43.380 --> 00:04:50.380 The title of Psalm 46 is, To the Chief Musician, a Psalm of the Sons of Korah, a Song for Alamoth. 00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:56.000 Adam Clark wrote, An Ode upon Alamoth, or Concerning the Virgins, 00:04:56.720 --> 00:04:58.800 possibly meaning a choir of singing girls. 00:04:59.900 --> 00:05:03.100 Psalm 46 has been called the Song of Holy Confidence. 00:05:03.940 --> 00:05:05.260 It opens with these words, 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:09.420 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 00:05:09.870 --> 00:05:14.580 Then it goes on to say that because this is true, whatever happens, we will not fear. 00:05:15.100 --> 00:05:16.520 And it closes with these words, 00:05:16.980 --> 00:05:20.640 The Lord Almighty is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress. 00:05:21.940 --> 00:05:26.020 A believer cannot help but be lifted up and encouraged by this psalm. 00:05:27.340 --> 00:05:34.460 Psalms chapter 46. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 00:05:35.320 --> 00:05:39.540 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 00:05:40.680 --> 00:05:45.340 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge. 00:05:46.360 --> 00:05:50.960 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. 00:05:51.500 --> 00:05:58.380 God dwells in that city. It cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. 00:05:59.020 --> 00:06:04.280 The nations are in chaos and their kingdoms crumble. God's voice thunders and the earth 00:06:04.600 --> 00:06:10.380 melts. The Lord of heaven's armies is here among us. The God of Israel is our fortress. 00:06:11.740 --> 00:06:17.260 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord. See how he brings destruction upon the world. 00:06:17.660 --> 00:06:20.460 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. 00:06:20.990 --> 00:06:23.200 He breaks the bow and snaps the spear. 00:06:23.780 --> 00:06:25.420 He burns the shields with fire. 00:06:26.540 --> 00:06:29.000 Be still and know that I am God. 00:06:29.420 --> 00:06:31.240 I will be honored by every nation. 00:06:31.900 --> 00:06:33.460 I will be honored throughout the world. 00:06:34.420 --> 00:06:36.860 The Lord of heaven's armies is here among us. 00:06:37.300 --> 00:06:39.180 The God of Israel is our fortress. 00:06:42.300 --> 00:06:45.620 The title of Psalm 47 is To the Chief Musician, 00:06:45.850 --> 00:06:47.500 A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. 00:06:48.280 --> 00:06:52.840 Willem van Gemeren, Professor Emeritus of the Old Testament in Semitic Languages at Trinity 00:06:53.220 --> 00:06:57.800 Evangelical Divinity School and author of the Expositor's Bible Commentary wrote, 00:06:58.460 --> 00:07:03.600 In later Jewish usage, Psalm 47 was utilized as part of the New Year's service. 00:07:04.700 --> 00:07:08.440 Psalm 47 begins with a call to praise and worship. It says, 00:07:08.870 --> 00:07:13.040 Clap your hands, all you nations. Shout to God with cries of joy. 00:07:13.960 --> 00:07:17.240 And then it lists several reasons that God is worthy of praise. 00:07:18.020 --> 00:07:18.900 It's a celebration. 00:07:19.540 --> 00:07:22.160 And please note that it's written to all you nations. 00:07:22.880 --> 00:07:24.640 This is not just written to the Israelites. 00:07:25.380 --> 00:07:27.680 God is calling us all to rejoice in Him. 00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:28.820 Hallelujah. 00:07:31.180 --> 00:07:32.320 Psalms chapter 47 00:07:33.360 --> 00:07:37.780 Come everyone, clap your hands, shout to God with joyful praise. 00:07:38.600 --> 00:07:40.240 For the Lord Most High is awesome. 00:07:40.980 --> 00:07:42.940 He is the great King of all the earth. 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:47.420 He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet. 00:07:48.100 --> 00:07:53.880 He chose the promised land as our inheritance, the proud possession of Jacob's descendants, whom he loves. 00:07:54.840 --> 00:07:56.760 God has ascended with a mighty shout. 00:07:57.240 --> 00:07:59.440 The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring. 00:08:00.260 --> 00:08:01.640 Sing praises to God. 00:08:01.960 --> 00:08:02.580 Sing praises. 00:08:03.280 --> 00:08:04.680 Sing praises to our King. 00:08:05.080 --> 00:08:05.800 Sing praises. 00:08:06.540 --> 00:08:08.780 For God is the God over all the earth. 00:08:09.240 --> 00:08:10.580 Praise him with a psalm. 00:08:11.160 --> 00:08:14.220 God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. 00:08:15.110 --> 00:08:18.800 The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. 00:08:19.520 --> 00:08:22.080 For all the kings of the earth belong to God. 00:08:22.600 --> 00:08:24.440 He is highly honored everywhere. 00:08:26.440 --> 00:08:27.960 What do you think about these Psalms? 00:08:28.280 --> 00:08:30.940 Tomorrow we're going to read Job 31 and 32. 00:08:31.940 --> 00:08:34.180 Here's the verse of the day. 00:08:36.719 --> 00:08:39.360 Today's verse of the day is Psalms 46.1. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:44.540 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 00:08:48.820 --> 00:08:51.800 Most of us don't struggle to believe that God loves us, do we? 00:08:52.320 --> 00:08:56.660 What we struggle with is believing that His love actually defines us. 00:08:57.480 --> 00:09:00.580 In the latest episode of Verses We Missed, published today, 00:09:01.090 --> 00:09:06.080 I take a closer look at 1 John 3.1, and we hear a simple but powerful command, 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:13.560 See. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. 00:09:14.360 --> 00:09:20.160 This isn't love you earn. It's love that names you. Listen to See What Kind of Love, 00:09:20.580 --> 00:09:24.860 available now at VersusWeMissed.com or wherever you get your podcasts. 00:09:30.520 --> 00:09:36.460 You know, history often feels like a series of disconnected dates, but today, February 4th, 00:09:36.520 --> 00:09:42.660 reminds us of the global and sacrificial reach of the gospel, from the frozen shores of 18th 00:09:42.750 --> 00:09:50.380 century Canada to the resistance movements of Nazi Germany. In 1786, on this date, an African-American 00:09:50.680 --> 00:09:55.940 preacher named John Merrant stood before a large gathering of the Mi'kmaq people and white settlers 00:09:56.150 --> 00:10:01.100 in Newfoundland. Merrant, a former musician converted under the preaching of George Whitefield, 00:10:01.260 --> 00:10:07.040 had already survived incredible trials, including being captured by Cherokee Indians years before. 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:11.540 And on this day, his sermon served as a bridge between cultures. 00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:17.860 His ministry proved that the message of the Great Awakening wasn't just for a specific race or class, 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:23.660 it was a truly global movement that empowered even the marginalized to become messengers of the cross. 00:10:24.220 --> 00:10:28.460 And fast forward to 1906 when Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Breslau. 00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:33.620 While he began his career as a brilliant Lutheran academic, his faith was forged in the fire 00:10:33.780 --> 00:10:37.420 of the Kirchenkampf, or the church struggle, against the Nazi regime. 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:43.640 Bonhoeffer famously challenged the world to choose costly grace over cheap grace, the 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:46.300 kind of faith that's willing to suffer for the sake of the truth. 00:10:46.860 --> 00:10:50.740 His life reminds us that theology is never just an intellectual exercise. 00:10:51.460 --> 00:10:54.240 It's a commitment that may demand everything that we have. 00:10:54.900 --> 00:10:59.620 Two men, two centuries, and one singular devotion to the Lordship of Christ. 00:11:00.180 --> 00:11:03.540 Whether crossing cultural boundaries or standing against tyranny, 00:11:04.120 --> 00:11:07.840 their lives on this date challenge us to live out our faith with courage. 00:11:15.540 --> 00:11:17.160 Praises and prayer requests. 00:11:17.920 --> 00:11:20.780 John sent actually a comment and a prayer request. 00:11:21.140 --> 00:11:22.240 So first, the comment. 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:31.300 He said, your story about God waking you up in the night with thoughts of someone and how he prompted you to call that person brought me to tears, Steve. 00:11:31.850 --> 00:11:32.320 Bless you. 00:11:32.840 --> 00:11:34.700 Our God is such a restoring God. 00:11:35.160 --> 00:11:37.640 I keep praying for my wife to reopen communication. 00:11:38.340 --> 00:11:40.880 As a reminder, they are currently separated. 00:11:41.780 --> 00:11:42.680 She has the kids. 00:11:43.640 --> 00:11:47.480 And John continues, I'm confident that in time it could happen. 00:11:47.710 --> 00:11:50.340 And even if she doesn't, then I'm supposed to love her anyway. 00:11:51.100 --> 00:11:52.020 Thank you for your story. 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:54.220 And then here's the prayer request. 00:11:55.080 --> 00:11:55.380 He said, 00:11:55.680 --> 00:11:59.120 This weekend, my 14-year-old son chose not to come to my house. 00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:00.360 I don't know why. 00:12:00.900 --> 00:12:01.620 It wasn't shared. 00:12:02.640 --> 00:12:08.480 So a prayer request for my son that he will keep on coming and for his heart to be open to God and me. 00:12:09.400 --> 00:12:13.220 The last time he was over, he took down a small cross I had on the wall in his room. 00:12:14.220 --> 00:12:16.660 Another time, he took down his baptism certificate. 00:12:17.060 --> 00:12:17.860 This was months ago. 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:21.080 So it would seem he is wrestling with faith. 00:12:21.820 --> 00:12:23.460 The breakdown of his parents will do that. 00:12:25.020 --> 00:12:32.920 I hope that God will reach my wife and I and begin to heal us so that our kids can see the power of God to restore and begin a healing in them. 00:12:33.980 --> 00:12:35.440 Thank you for your faithfulness, Steve. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:36.340 It's an inspiration. 00:12:36.900 --> 00:12:37.560 I'm so grateful. 00:12:38.060 --> 00:12:38.500 Blessings. 00:12:38.630 --> 00:12:39.120 And John. 00:12:39.920 --> 00:12:42.000 Well, John, thank you so much for your kind words. 00:12:42.380 --> 00:12:47.700 And we will continue to pray that reconciliation will happen between you and your entire family. 00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:51.340 If God can raise the dead, John, then he can restore a family. 00:12:52.560 --> 00:12:57.280 And then yesterday, the lovely lady Leanne and I had a follow-up with her ophthalmologist. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:13:01.180 In case you're new here, she was diagnosed with glaucoma last month. 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:07.480 Overall, I'd say the visit was good, but the doctor prescribed another eye drop for the left eye, 00:13:07.520 --> 00:13:09.040 in addition to the one she's already doing. 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:11.900 In the morning, or at night, just before she goes to bed, 00:13:12.380 --> 00:13:15.700 she puts one single eye drop in each one of her eyes, 00:13:15.860 --> 00:13:19.760 and then puts like a, what do you call it? 00:13:20.300 --> 00:13:23.620 A night mask on just to keep her eyes shut. 00:13:24.300 --> 00:13:27.140 Anyway, now she does one in the morning 00:13:27.390 --> 00:13:28.460 in just the left eye. 00:13:29.160 --> 00:13:31.320 The pressure in that left eye is still too high 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:32.900 for the doctor's liking. 00:13:33.280 --> 00:13:33.900 So there's that. 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:37.140 We need to pray that this new eyedrop will do the trick. 00:13:37.640 --> 00:13:38.400 So let's pray. 00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:41.760 Our heavenly father, Lord, we thank you for the Psalms. 00:13:42.180 --> 00:13:43.500 We learned so much from them. 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:48.840 Thank you that we can come to you when we are in distress and when we just want to worship you. 00:13:49.560 --> 00:13:51.140 It is wonderful to be yours, Lord. 00:13:51.820 --> 00:13:53.240 And we just say hallelujah. 00:13:53.730 --> 00:13:55.180 You are good and you are loving. 00:13:55.660 --> 00:13:56.740 You're kind, you're faithful. 00:13:58.180 --> 00:14:01.500 And to know you is just the most precious thing in our life. 00:14:02.920 --> 00:14:05.220 Father, right now we lift up John and his family. 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:08.240 We know that you are a God of healing and resurrection. 00:14:09.130 --> 00:14:11.920 And we pray that you would do that miracle in this family. 00:14:12.340 --> 00:14:16.000 There's a history, of course, but you can bring life back into the family. 00:14:16.680 --> 00:14:19.520 We ask that you would do that now in Jesus' name. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:25.640 I pray that you would encourage John, strengthen him, and be with him when he's lonely. 00:14:26.980 --> 00:14:28.880 Soften the hearts of his wife and his kids. 00:14:29.380 --> 00:14:30.960 Bring them back together, we pray. 00:14:32.160 --> 00:14:36.820 And then, Father, I thank you for showing us that Leanne's eyes were not healthy last month 00:14:37.220 --> 00:14:39.840 and that we were able to get medical help for her. 00:14:40.280 --> 00:14:44.780 But we will continue to pray for and believe that you can heal her eyes. 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:46.940 But we want your will, Lord. 00:14:47.640 --> 00:14:50.680 So if the way forward is medicine, we accept that path. 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:54.360 We just ask that the decisions from the doctors will be correct 00:14:55.020 --> 00:14:57.860 and that the medicines they prescribe are the right ones. 00:14:58.540 --> 00:15:03.100 We thank you that we're able to have this opportunity to have doctors and medical care. 00:15:05.520 --> 00:15:08.360 Father, I pray for the Lifespring family today in Jesus' name. 00:15:08.540 --> 00:15:10.380 I pray that you would meet every need. 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:13.020 We pray all of this, Lord, in Jesus' name. 00:15:13.780 --> 00:15:14.000 Amen. 00:15:15.300 --> 00:15:17.920 Beloved, our next time of prayer will be this coming Wednesday, 00:15:18.300 --> 00:15:23.200 so send in your praises and prayer requests to prayer.lifespringmedia.com 00:15:23.400 --> 00:15:26.380 or email me at steve at lifespringmedia.com 00:15:26.680 --> 00:15:28.960 or text me or leave a voicemail right here. 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:35.780 Life Spring Family Hotline, 951-732-8511. 00:15:44.680 --> 00:15:49.940 Well, beloved, as we read in today's Psalms, God is not only our beautiful king and bridegroom, 00:15:49.950 --> 00:15:55.740 but also our ever-present refuge in times of trouble. Let's carry that confidence into the 00:15:55.900 --> 00:16:01.920 day, rejoicing because the Lord Almighty is truly with us, and may you find rest in his fortress. 00:16:02.680 --> 00:16:04.760 Until tomorrow, may God bless you richly. 00:16:05.160 --> 00:16:06.000 Thank you for being here. 00:16:06.400 --> 00:16:07.140 I'm Steve Webb. 00:16:07.900 --> 00:16:08.000 Bye. 00:16:10.020 --> 00:16:15.800 All the programs in the Lifespring Media family are made possible by your value-for-value support. 00:16:16.540 --> 00:16:16.880 Thank you. 00:16:19.200 --> 00:16:26.660 The Lifespring One Year Bible Rewind is a Lifespring Media production hosted by Steve Webb, the OG Godcaster, since 2004.