Genesis 28–31: Cherished Moments With a Faithful God Welcome to the Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind In today’s episode, we travel with Jacob through some of the most formative moments of his life — dreams, vows, blessings, conflict, heartbreak, and the unmistakable presence of God. And woven throughout these chapters is a theme many of us know well: the way God meets us in the middle of ordinary days and changes everything. As you’ll hear, even Jacob — with all his struggles and missteps — encountered God in ways he would remember for a lifetime. And Steve shares a deeply personal story of how God redirected his own life and birthed the Lifespring podcast many years ago. Today’s Reading Genesis 28 — Jacob’s dream of the stairway to heaven Genesis 29 — Meeting Rachel and living with Laban Genesis 30 — Rivalry, mandrakes, and multiplying livestock Genesis 31 — A dramatic departure, a covenant, and God’s reminder Read these chapters on BibleGateway Key Insight In Genesis 31:13, God says to Jacob: “I am the God of Bethel… where you made a vow to Me.” Moments matter. Encounters with God matter. They shape our future, sustain our faith, and remind us that the Lord who spoke before still speaks today. Commentary Steve shares two powerful stories: Jacob’s experience at Bethel — and his own moment when God unmistakably said, “Proclaim My Name.” These cherished memories become anchors in seasons when life feels uncertain. If you’ve ever wondered whether God still speaks, today’s episode will encourage you to listen with an expectant heart. Lifespring! WhyChristmas Promo Don’t miss Day 8 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas show! Discover how Christmas is celebrated in Ghana, India, the UK, New Zealand, and more. Listen at: LifespringMedia.com On This Date In Church History December 8 brings three remarkable moments spanning centuries — each reminding us how God equips His church in surprising ways. 397 — The Death of Ambrose of Milan. A reluctant bishop whose preaching shaped Augustine, whose hymns shaped worship, and whose courage shaped church-state relations. Learn more about Ambrose of Milan. 1868 — First English Performance of “O Holy Night.” One of the earliest documented moments when English-speaking congregations sang the now-beloved Christmas hymn. Its rich theology helped it spread rapidly across churches. 1906 — Reginald Fessenden’s Early Radio Voice Test. Before his famous Christmas Eve broadcast, Fessenden conducted a December 8 experiment transmitting Scripture and music — the first human voice to travel wirelessly, paving the path for Christian radio and podcasts. Praises & Prayer Requests We pray together every Wednesday and Sunday. If you send a request after 3 p.m. Pacific the day before, it may not make the next episode — but Steve and the Lovely Lady LeeAnn begin praying right away. Send your requests at