A New Adventure!

Change is in the air.

I guess you could say change is on the air too!

After 8 and-a-half awesome years at the SOS Radio Network in Las Vegas, I'm moving on to a new assignment: Co-Hosting the Afternoon Show on The Family Life Network.

FLN is a non-commercial Christian radio network based in beautiful Upstate New York.

Right now the network has about 70 broadcast outlets throughout New York and Pennsylvania.

They're growing by leaps and bounds!

God is doing some amazing things through this group of godly people.

There are so many new and exciting things going on at the ministry that I can't list them all.

So.....click on this video to see what I mean:

Discover: Family Life Network (full resolution) from Family Life on Vimeo.

You can't have a beginning without an ending though.

Sigh.

How can I put it into words?

SOS listeners thank you!

Thank you for listening.

Thank you for making me smile.

Thank you for your calls and thoughts on the show.

Thank you for your many kind words.

Thank you for your prayers. For me and my family.

Thank you for being such good friends.

Some of you in Southern Nevada remember my days on TV.

Has it really been that long ago?!

Some of you I've met face to face.

Others on the phone.

Still others through email.

I have always walked away from these encounters thanking God for the honor of serving Him by serving you.

I don't deserve to serve such an awesome God.

Even on my best days I fall way short.

But because of His grace, I can embrace the role He has for me.

And you can too. Believe it!

I hope you'll keep checking in with the blog.

And you can listen to the new show online at http://www.fln.org/

Looks like I'll be starting there on Monday, October 12th.

See ya on the Internet.... or.....

See ya on the radio!

Is Mom Always Right?

She always seemed so confident when she said things like....

"Don't sit so close to the TV. You'll ruin your eyes!"

"Don't frown, you'll get wrinkles!"

"Put on a coat, you'll catch cold!"

You remember those don't you?

Maybe if you're a mom you've said some of the same things.

Well...the researchers put mom to the test.

Was she... is she... right about some of this stuff?

Click on the link to find out.

Is Mom Always Right? http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/11/parenting.rules.mom/index.html

Feeling Sleepy

There's one thing that absolutely drives me nuts.

Waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep.

Do you deal with the same problem?

Here are some tips that make a lot of sense:

Keep the room dark when you wake up. Keep a small book light or mini flashlight next to your bed and use it to navigate your way to the bathroom, or put a dim night-light in the bathroom and leave the door cracked, so you can find your way there. Whatever you do, don't turn on the overhead light in the bathroom once you're there.

Don't turn on the TV or computer. Nope, not even for a few minutes—the light from the screen "resets" your internal clock, stimulating your central nervous system and making it harder for you to fall back asleep.

Don't eat unless you're truly hungry. Getting your digestive system revved up can keep you awake, so avoid snacking unless a growling stomach is going to keep you awake. Better yet, learn the foods that help you sleep as well as the foods that interfere with sleeping.
Keep a pen and paper next to your bed.

If you're often kept awake by racing thoughts and worries and you tend to make to-do lists in your head, keep a pen or pencil and a small pad of paper handy and write them down. As you put each item down on paper, imagine yourself setting aside that concern. (Again, use a book light; don't turn on the overhead or a bright bedside light to write.)

Do a simple isolation and relaxation exercise. Relax methodically, starting with your feet: Tense the muscles as hard as you can, then relax each area completely. Do the same with your calves, thighs, buttocks, hands, arms and on up. By the time you get to your neck and head, you should have banished much of the tension."-Courtesy of Caring.com

All of that is good and practical advice.

But for the Christ follower, prayer can make a big difference.

Use the opportunity to pray for others.. and yourself.

End your prayer with a request: "Lord, will you help me get back to sleep?"

Remember this verse as you drift off:

Psalm 127:2 (NIV) "..... He grants sleep to those he loves."

Don't you feel sleepy already?

Stop Child Trafficking Now

Maybe you've seen the news stories about the tragedy of child trafficking for the sex trade.

Your blood boils... and you've asked yourself.."What can I do to help stop this?"

There's a national organization you need to know about.

It's called Stop Child Trafficking Now: http://www.sctnow.org/

While other organizations work on rescuing the kids, this group focuses on the predators.

For the details click and listen to my recent conversation with Joseph South from the Las Vegas office:

Stop Child Trafficking Now-Las Vegas: http://www.box.net/shared/3gfok50c8u

One of the things we talk about is the walk to raise awareness coming up on Saturday, September 26th in downtown Las Vegas.

Here's a link to register and get more details: http://sctnow.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=570&destination=E

Thanks for caring about the kids!

Nick Scores Again!

When I first interviewed Nick Vujicic, he had just appeared on ABC's 20/20.

I knew he was something special.

But I was floored when I had the chance to speak with him.

I can't recall a more powerful and inspiring conversation in my 8+ years here.

You see, Nick was born without arms or legs.

As a child he tried to commit suicide.

"Why am I like this?" he cried to God.

God doesn't always answer the "Why Question".

But this time He did.

Nick picked up his Bible and read these words:

John 9:1-3 (ESV) "As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him."

"I was born this way for the glory of God."

"To point others to Him."

Nick accepted Christ and began to grow in the faith.

And God has given him opportunities to share the good news of Jesus in places other people would never be able go.

Sunday night he was given the opportunity to speak a huge audience at the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle.

Amazing!!!!

He's only the third evangelical Christian to do that in the past 100 years.

Here are some articles from the local Salt Lake City News Media

Click here for Deseret News Article

Click here for KSL-TV News link

Click here for Salt Lake Tribune link

Here's his website: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

You'll find all kinds of great videos there.

Here's one I like a lot.

Nick visits with Greg Laurie:

Freebies

Free.

A great word.

A word filled with many possibilities.

A word not limited by phrases like....

"It's not in the budget!"

"We can't afford that!"

"It costs... how much?!"

Maybe it's time to embrace your inner tightwad.

Click and read on for a few freebies courtesy of Kiplinger.com:

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/107638/fabulous-freebies-2009.html?mod=banking-budgeting

Tips you can use.

At no extra charge.

A Friday Funny

And so the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert wilderness.....

Trial By Fire

Are you in the midst of some kind of fiery trial right now?

You're in the furnace.

The heat keeps getting turned up.

"Does the Bible have anything to say to me today?" you ask.

It sure does.

Just one example: What happened to three guys named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Remember them?

Their story is in the book of Daniel Chapter 3.

They're in Babylon when King Nebuchadnezzar sets up this huge statue of himself.

When the music plays.. everyone has to bow down and worship the statue.

Not our three heroes from Israel.

They only worship the one true God.

This leads to a trial by fire.

Literally.

Because they refuse to worship the idol, they're thrown into a blazing hot furnace.

Daniel 3:21-27 (ESV) "Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace.

Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."

He answered and said, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods."

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!"

Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men.

The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them."

Yes... they were thrown into the fire.

Circumstances were bad.

Very bad.

But they never let go of their faith.

I think this snapshot BEFORE they were tossed into the furnace really highlights a faith that trusts in God no matter what the outcome might be:

Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV) "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

"God is able to deliver us...........BUT IF NOT....."

God can do it.

But in his infinite love and wisdom He may not.

That's okay.

He knows best.

He's sovereign.

At that point they didn't know how this whole thing was going to turn out.

Either way God was to be worshipped.

And even though he let them be thrown into the fire, He was with them.

They were in trouble but with God.

A safe place to be even if it doesn't look all that safe.

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) "..... when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Clear the smoke from your eyes.

You'll see Someone standing right there with you.

Okay. So Now I'm Afraid.

Danger is lurking in the most unlikely of places.

It's germ warfare.

Every time one of these articles appears I tell myself I'm not going to read it.

And every time I do.

Call it morbid curiosity.

Call it news you can use.

You know you're just as curious as I am.

Click if you dare:

8 Things in Your Home That May Be Harming You:
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100243934&GT1=31036

Level 3 Wisdom

Happy Tuesday!

I always love having Ray Pritchard on the show.

He's a former pastor, longtime author, and now the head of Keep Believing Ministries.

Here's some insight from his blog today:

"I received an e-mail from a friend who endured a very difficult trial that lasted for several years. He wrote to say how his ordeal has changed his view of what it means to know God.

There are three levels of knowing God, he wrote....

"First, there is the level of experience. All of us who know the Lord have some experiences with him that we can use to help others.

Second, there is the level of knowledge. This comes from going to church, listening to sermons, reading the Bible, reading good books, going to a Christian college or to a seminary.

Most people consider knowledge a higher level of the spiritual life. “This is a level I tried to work from, but it did not seem adequate,” my friend said. But there is a third level, which he called the level of wisdom. This level comes only by prayer.

He offers this very helpful insight about a Level 3 relationship with God:

We begin to see things through God’s eyes and less through our eyes. Peace only comes from this level. It is not measurable, explainable, nor understandable.

Levels 1 and 2 are not prerequisites. I see prayer lifting the illiterate to great levels of peace and wisdom where certain PhDs in religion may feel empty. Our prayers become less “gimme” and more “Help me see what you want me to learn through this—to deepen my relationship with you."

God invites us to seek his face. He wants us to know him better. It’s not as if our Heavenly Father is hiding himself from us.

As my friend has discovered, out of pain comes prayer and out of prayer comes a closer walk with God who is the source of all wisdom."

Isn't that good stuff?

Check out his ministry: http://www.keepbelieving.com/

See ya on the radio!

Face Decorations

It's amazing what you can do with a little facial hair.

Or a lot of it.

This guy to my left looks like he's wearing a white octopus on his face.

I mean that in the nicest possible way, of course.

He's a contestant in The World Beard and Moustache Championships.

I know.

I didn't think there was such a thing either.

Some of the photos are so cool they make a guy seriously consider entering next year's competition.

For about a half a second.

Until he thinks about breaking the news to his wife.

He pictures her threatening to wear a bag over her head when they go out together.

It's only then that he realizes the true ramifications of his decision to turn into a walking canvas for facial art.

For a few grins check out some photos from the competition:

The World Beard and Moustache Competition:

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1658835_1439509,00.html

Catch The Wind

Are your sails up?

Or are you simply exhausted from trying to row the boat yourself?

The Christian life isn't supposed to be lived based on what WE can do.

It's God's Holy Spirit working in us that carries us through life.

Isn't it interesting that the Holy Spirit is often linked with wind?

Acts 2:1-2 (ESV) "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting."

Jesus said....

John 3:8 (ESV) " The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

The Apostle Paul wrote....

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.."

This verse is really interesting.

In the original Greek the word "filled" presents a word picture of a sail being filled with wind.

We aren't alone on the sea of life with only a pair of oars.

Prepare your heart and you'll find the sail.

Put it up.

Can't you feel a breeze stirring already?

Books As Missionaries

On Monday I mentioned how valuable good Christian books can be.

That's why I was excited to find a ministry that firmly believes these kinds of books are missionaries.

Going places and impacting lives.

Christian Library International distributes donated Christian books to US prisons.

The mission of CLI is to bring Christ to the imprisoned.

Since its founding in 1996, CLI has helped thousands of incarcerated men and women find new hope in the healing powers of Christ.

With a small Christian staff and a team of devoted volunteers, CLI maintains a low overhead, ensuring that the bulk of the resources go directly to the prisons it supports.

CLI's success depends on the prayers and generosity of individual donors as well as local churches, foundations and Christian publishers.

To learn more click on the link:

Christian Library International:
http://www.christianlibraryinternational.org/

Whiplash The Cowboy Monkey

Yesterday on the show I told you about a small cowboy who triggers big smiles.

It's... Whiplash... The Cowboy Monkey!

When I was working in TV news back in Colorado Springs, I was assigned to "get a cowboy story" at the local rodeo.

I'd covered my share of rodeos while working in Texas and Oklahoma, so I yawned.

But imagine my surprise when I ran into Whiplash and his trainer at the rodeo grounds!

I couldn't believe it.

I struck feature story gold.

Whiplash was riding high in the saddle.

Decked out in the finest cowboy wear.

The western shirt.

The scarf.

Ten ounce hat.

Chaps with big W'S on them.

Riding on a border collie.

Rounding up goats.

Loving every minute of it.

I think that story ended up on CNN Headline News.

Since that time, he's been on The Today Show, Good Morning America, ESPN Sportscenter, Etc.

When I decided to Google him, I found all kinds of fun stuff.

Check out this commercial he starred in:



Here he is in action at the rodeo:



Also... you know everybody has a website.

Here's Whiplash's: http://www.whiplashrides.com/

Also, more details on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiplash_the_Cowboy_Monkey

Ride Whiplash!

Ride like the wind!

And one more thing.

Don't forget to hang on.

Encouragement From Dusty Pages

I guess you might say my main hobby is reading.

It's all about the books.

The Bible is number one.

But good Christian books that can encourage, instruct, and make me think are priceless too.

My books are my friends.

Old classics.

Forgotten titles that shouldn't be forgotten.

New titles that bring old truths into the 21st Century.

Biographies.

Commentaries on the Bible.

A library filled with these kinds of books is a living library.

When life happens I can grab my Bible.

I can also grab a Christian book that speaks to me at that moment.

I may have read it months or years ago.

But I open it and God uses the words to speak anew.

It's a fresh dose of encouragement from dusty pages.

These books travel with me through life.

Just yesterday I picked up "Made For His Pleasure" by Alistair Begg.

I opened it to a chapter with the title "Finding The Ideal Place To Serve God."

A few words hit the sweet spot of my soul:

"The Bible makes it clear that God's call is not primarily about geography. We are called...

According to God's purpose (Romans 8:28)

By His grace (Galatians 1:15)

Through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14)

Heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)

Out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9)

To belong to Jesus (Romans 1:6)

To be saints (Romans 1:7)

To be holy (1 Corinthians 1:2)

To live in peace (1Corinthians 7:15)

To one hope (Ephesians 4:4)

To His eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10)

Even in this brief selection, it's apparent that God is more concerned about what is happening than where it's happening.

We need to be thinking theologically rather than geographically."

Seems to me that's a healthy word for all of us.

Where is the ideal place of service?

It's where God puts us.

I think of Jesus calling the disciples to follow him in Luke 5:11:

"And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him."

The first disciples, in obedience to the call of Jesus, left behind normality and security and began a journey into the unknown.

A place where theology and geography collide.

A place where I know I'm supposed to be.

A Parable from the Beach

I always enjoy having pastor/evangelist Greg Laurie on the show.

I ran across a recent video he made where he brings the Parable of the Sower to life at the beach near his home in Southern California.

I think it's very cool because Mark records that Jesus taught this parable "by the sea". (Mark 4:1).

If you have a few minutes... take a look.

You'll be blessed.

Somebody Loves You

This weekend the message of God's amazing grace gets kicked up a notch here in Las Vegas.

Raul Ries and the Somebody Loves You team will be coming back to the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV.

Everything is free!

Really it's two events in one.

On Saturday, it's the Exit Concert.

On Sunday, it's The Somebody Loves You Worship Event.

Exit will focus on the kids.... and the potential for reaching them for Christ is HUGE!

Raul will be speaking at both events.

I chatted with him recently about his upcoming visit to Vegas:

Raul Ries: http://www.box.net/shared/ovrcf98xld

No matter where you live I hope you'll be in prayer for the outreach.

Here's a link to get more info: http://www.somebodylovesyou.org/news/index/las_vegas_fact_sheet.html

Walking In Circles

Ever feel like no matter how hard you try, you're walking in circles?

A preliminary study by European scientists says that you may be.

According to the study carried out using global positioning software, the myth that people who try to walk a straight line and find themselves going in circles is actually true.

The study was carried out by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and published in Current Biology.

Studies of nine people walking in the desert and in a forest found that all tended to go in circles and/or veer from a straight line if there was nothing to guide their way.

Walkers were only able to walk in a straight line when they could see either the sun or the moon.

Our walk through life can be like that.

Clouds can roll in to obscure Jesus.

A health crisis.

A tough relationship.

A financial setback.

A child turning away from the faith.

A rejection.

A misunderstanding.

But even on a cloudy day the sun is still shining above the clouds.

We know it's true.

Even if we can't see it right now.

Keep walking.

Use your Bible as your compass.

Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."

It'll help you see Jesus with the eyes of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) "... for we walk by faith, not by sight."

God makes straight the crooked path.

Proverbs 3:6 (ESV) "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

We might as well practice living this way as Christ followers.

That way it'll be business as usual when we walk the streets of the New Jerusalem in the age to come.

Revelation 21:23 (ESV) "And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb."

When It's Time To Go

You can't go with God and stay where you are.

That's a simple thought that can take on a whole new dimension when God says... "It's time to go."

There's a place for waiting on God.

Absolutely.

But once he gives you the green light, it's time to release the brake and hit the gas.

The God of the universe is calling!

Can there be anything more exciting?

Hang on for the ride of your life!

And yet many of us sit at the green light.

Foot on the brake.

It may not be very much fun here at this stoplight but we've gotten used to it.

We can learn to ignore the honking of the cars behind us.

They can go around.

And they do.

We pray....

"Lord, lead me."

"Lord, guide me."

"Lord, use me."

But when he says "Yes"... and the light turns green.. we say "No Lord".

How can we use those two words together?

If He's truly Lord how can we say "no?

"But I'm afraid."

"I've never headed in that direction before."

"What if the road gets rough?"

"What if I run out of gas?"

What if....... What if.

"What if the road is beautiful?"

"What if I meet all kinds of wonderful people?"

"What if you use me in a much bigger way than I ever expected?"

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever."

Now that I think about it.... sitting at God's green light doesn't even mean staying where we are.

We're actually going backwards.

Throwing it in reverse.

We soon find out the old familiar scenery looks strange now.

Distorted.

That's because God's good plan for us is just ahead.

On a road that looks....

Inviting.

Intimidating.

Interesting.

The light is still green and God is still God.

What's it going to be?

Last in Line

Ah yes..... it's the first day of school for my boys.

Everything went off without a hitch this morning.

Yesterday was... well... a little stressful.

We've been so busy over the past couple of weeks that my wife and I suddenly realized... "Hey tomorrow is the first day of school!"

She was working... so... picture this:

It's late afternoon.

I realize I'm going to have to get all of this stuff. No problem right?

Wrong.

That false sense of security lasted about 10 minutes at most.

I take the boys to get their hair cut.

One barber was normal.

The other one shouldn't ever be allowed to hold a razor.

Or anything sharp.

A grumpy, bitter barber.

Is there anything worse?

I'm trying to tell him how to cut my 9 year old's hair.

Pretty simple: Clean it up on the sides and the back, trim the front just a little.

His response?

"I'm not going to give him 3 haircuts!"

3 haircuts?

Math still isn't my best subject but even I know 1 doesn't equal 3.

He was ready for a barbershop smackdown.

He stared at me.

I stared at him.

The theme song from "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" played in the background.

No blinking.

Until....

I must have looked like I was going to scalp him with that dull razor over there by the hair dryer.

He blinked.

From there it was off to WalMart.

No shopping carts.

Not even one available.

Turns out I didn't need one.

With the school supply list in hand I made my way into the mass of back to school humanity.

I should have known I was in for trouble when I saw a mom pistol whipping her teenager.

"This is the binder you're required to have!"

"I want the other one!!"

"You can't get the other one."

"But this one looks sooooo stupid!!!!"

Lovely.

No Number 2 Pencils available.

At the risk of turning my boys into rebels I look for some Number 1 or Number 3 Pencils instead.

Someone mentions that they don't even exist.

Shouldn't the public be informed of this conspiracy?

No colored pens.

No erasers.

Out of 15 or more items on my list I picked up maybe 3.

Off to Target.

Less people.

Still very little that would complete my list. Then to Walgreen's.

Yes!

Everything I need!

I pay.

Then I realize I'm missing something.

A ruler!

I go back.

They have one!

I smack myself on the head with it.

Ouch.

My boys laugh.

I laugh.

This gives me an idea.

"Hey guys... do you think the barbershop is still open?"

Nine Tips For Life

How about some wise words today?

I really enjoyed reading this article.

Here it is courtesy of Mark Moring and Christianity Today:

Nine Tips for Life

1. Guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight."

This might be the most quoted passage in all of Proverbs; maybe you've memorized it. But wherever you're headed in life, these words will always remind you who directs your steps.

2. Discernment (Proverbs 14:12)"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

Yeah, that verse ends on kind of a downer. But you get the point: Sometimes something seems right, but it might be the wrong choice after all. That's why we've always got to ask God to help us make wise decisions.

3. Confidence (Proverbs 3:25-26) "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

Remember: "The Lord will be your confidence."

4. Work (Proverbs 6:6-9)"Go to the ant, you sluggard;consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?"

Life lessons from an ant? Yep. Ants might be the hardest-working critters alive. They're always busy, always planning ahead.

5. Relationships (Proverbs 12:26)"A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. "

Here's a great verse on choosing friends wisely. Ask God to point you to people who won't lead you astray."

6. Sexual purity (Prov. 6:25-26, 28) "Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,and the adulteress preys upon your very life. … Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?"

You might be saying, "Prostitutes and adultery? That doesn't apply to me." But these verses are about much more than that. They're about the strong temptation of sex, a temptation that affects us all. This passage clearly says sex outside of marriage is also outside of God's perfect plan. When we violate that plan, we walk "on hot coals"—and get burned.

7. Money (Proverbs 11:28)"Whoever trusts in riches will fall,but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."

It's easy to think that money will bring happiness or solve your problems. But the Bible is clear that money doesn't do those things. If you wanna "thrive like a green leaf," pursue righteousness, not riches.

8. Compassion (Proverbs 19:17)"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will reward him for what he has done."

We all tend to get so caught up in our own lives that we sometimes forget there are hurting people all around us. But God always wants us to share his great love with others. Volunteer with a local ministry. Take a short-term missions trip. Make time to reach out and touch someone.

9. The future (Proverbs 23:18)"There is surely a future hope for you,and your hope will not be cut off."

You're probably wondering what your future holds. But this verse says you don't have to worry about it: If you follow God, he'll take care of it—and he'll take care of you.

Nothing can cut you off from his love. He will carry you through, all the way.

Clean Up... Work Out

Turning work into a workout.

One two three... mop!

Four five six.... sweep!

Seven eight nine... my.... that floor looks fine!

Click on the link to see how you can get your house... and yourself.. in shape.

Can You Work Out While Doing Housework?: http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=8359555

Playing Catch-Up

Have you ever found yourself moving so fast you feel like you've left something behind?

I have.

It's an emptiness that gnaws at you from the inside out.

Motion without meaning.

Activity without equilibrium.

What you've left behind is your soul.

Your spirit.

The quiet place where you and God meet.

John 4:24 (ESV) "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

We live in a visible world but live for an invisible one.

It's okay to stop and let your soul catch up a bit.

It's way too easy outrun your reason for doing.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) "...but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Looking Sheepish

I know we need to watch out for false prophets.

Matthew 7:15 (NASB) "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

I don't think this is what Jesus meant though.....

See ya on the radio!

Feeding The Piranhas

Being the father of two boys is pretty much the same thing as being the father of piranhas.

Throw them a hunk of meat (or any other item that's edible) and it's gone in seconds.

Slightly exaggerated for effect?

Not much!

We can buy 2 gallons of milk and the cow is drained in a matter of hours.

Maybe we need a real cow.

Our homeowners association would never go for it.

Neither would my wife.

We've agreed: no more pets.

"But honey... the cow isn't really a pet... she's a real contributor to the family.

She's earning her keep.

She's not just a consumer."

I practiced saying those words out loud right now.

Even I know it'll never work.

Moooooooving right along.......!

Click on this link for some ideas on How to Feed Your Family on $100 Dollars a Week:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32034923/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/

Of course there has to be a disclaimer in there somewhere if you've got a couple of piranhas in the family.

I say that with the greatest love and respect.

Love because they're my boys.

Respect because I know what can happen if.

If I don't keep my hands and feet away from their mouths when they're hungry.

Face Time!

This is such a fun photo I had to post it.

You can't plan something like this!

A couple on vacation in Canada set the timer on their camera to take a shot of them by a lake.

Suddenly.. out of nowhere... a visitor shows up to make this picture priceless:

Have a caption for the photo?

Feel free to share it when you leave a comment!

The Bridge of Grace

I can pick up a Charles Spurgeon book and open it at random and each time I'm amazed.

His thoughts jump right off the page and into my heart.

Here's what I mean:

"The bridge of grace will bear your weight, brother. Thousands of big sinners have gone across that bridge, tens of thousands have gone over it.

I can hear their footsteps now as they walk under the great arches of the bridge of salvation.

They come by the thousands, ever since that day when Christ first entered His glory.

They come and yet never a stone has sprung in that mighty bridge.

Some have been the chief of sinners and some have come at the very last of their days but the bridge has never yielded under their weight.

I will go with them, trusting the same support.

It will bear me over as it has them."

A bridge with a name.

Jesus.

A bridge built with blood, sweat, and tears.

A bridge shaped like a cross.

Already Gone

What an eye-opener on the show yesterday!

Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis joined us with the results of a new study that looks into why so many of our kids are walking away from the Christian faith once they reach their 20's.

These are kids who were raised in Christian families.

They were very involved in youth group activities.

What's going on here?

Are we losing them as they head off to college as most of us assume?

As Ken explains.... the shocking truth is that the process is starting much earlier than that.

Click to listen to our conversation:

Ken Ham Part 1-http://www.box.net/shared/8rficn0gy4

Ken Ham Part 2-http://www.box.net/shared/sofbk1lpy2

Also here's a link to Ken's website:http://www.answersingenesis.org/

Sweeeet!

I was talking with my friend Jay last night.

His struggle mirrors mine.

I'm thinking we need to keep each other accountable.

You know.

Ask the hard questions.

Have you given in this week?

How many times did you consider going on a binge?

Were you on the prowl last night?

Are you lying to me right now?

I'm squirming.

Maybe you are too.

Here's our weakness: Little Debbie Snack Cakes!

You were expecting a deeper darker secret?

Sorry.

I can eat 'em by the box.

Swiss Cake Rolls.

Zebra Cakes.

Strawberry Shortcake Rolls.

Chocolate Cupcakes.

The list is endless.

It may be nostalgia that gets the best of me.

I've loved them since I was a kid.

I never grew out of it.

Out of my 29 inch waist jeans because of them... yes.

But not out of my taste for them.

My wife, on the other hand, doesn't share my enthusiasm.

"They taste so fake."

"Look at the ingredients."

If your point is.... "I bet they would survive a nuclear attack" you're probably right.

Everything would be destroyed except cockroaches and Little Debbie Snack Cakes.

Those lucky cockroaches.

My two boys seem to have inherited the same weakness.

We buy three boxes and they don't even last three days.

It's gotten so bad we've restored to hiding them from each other.

Sad isn't it?

I was even on the official website a few minutes ago.

You can see how they make some of the snacks: http://www.mckeefoods.com/Family_Fun/Default.htm

Oh.. and I just noticed.. they have a Little Debbie Gift Shop.

I'm thinking I need to call my friend Jay about now.

Faith The Dog

A dog and pony show on The Digest today?

No way.

Just a dog show.

I'll save the pony for some other time.

Have you heard about Faith The Dog?

As a dog lover... this story really touched my heart.

If you have a few minutes click and watch:



See ya on the radio!

Limits

Limiting the limitless God.

How crazy is that?

And yet I do it.

Temporary insanity?

More like God out of focus.

I don't see Him as He really is.

I need to sharpen my view through the lens of Scripture.

To adjust the eyes of my spirit.

To flex the muscle of faith.

To live what I say I believe.

This weekend some words from the Apostle Paul kept coming to my mind:

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Do I live like I know God is able?

Able and willing to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that I ask or think?

Able to bring good surprises my way?

Able to choose what's best?

Living and believing don't always walk side by side.

But they should.

That's where the action is.

Your Own Jesus

Have you had a chance to check out the new book by Mark Hall?

Mark, of course, is the lead singer/songwriter for the band Casting Crowns.

The name of the book is "Your Own Jesus".

Bravo Mark!

You always give me something to think about.

This book is excellent!

It's about owning your own faith.

You can't coast on the faith of anyone else.

Your relationship with the Jesus of the Bible has to be based on your own experience.

One quote I love from the book: "Compromise is the assassin of fellowship with God."

On the show yesterday we were talking about how small compromises lead to big compromises.

The end result is a break in our fellowship with God.

It's just not worth it!

If you set up fences around your life because you want to avoid compromise, other Christians may call you legalistic.

And it's true... they may not need the same fences you do.

Let everyone be convinced in his own mind.

But may all of us remember daily what it means to love God enough to live a life that honors him.

Go Global

I think many of us would love to plug-in and serve Christ.

But one thing that's holding us back is what I call the paralysis of analysis.

Where should I go?

What should I do?

How should I do it?

On and on it goes.

Until we just don't do anything at all.

Maybe you caught my recent interview with Michelle Diedrich of Global Media Outreach.

The work they're doing is really awesome!

Do you realize you can volunteer to be an online missionary with them?

You can impact the world for Christ by answering emails from people all over the world who have questions about Jesus.

In case you missed it, click below to listen to my conversation with Michelle:

Global Media Outreach: http://www.box.net/shared/22nuucjd5e

You'll be able to get a feel for the heartbeat of the ministry.

Then check out the website: http://www.globalmediaoutreach.com/

Maybe the paralysis of analysis will be a thing of the past for you!

The Ride Of Life

What is one thing every man and woman on the face of the planet has in common?

You could probably name a few.

We're all human beings.

We all need food and water to survive.

We're all very concerned about the rising cost of rubber chickens.

(Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention!)

The thing I'm thinking about is this: we're all getting older.

The first grader and the first-time grandparent.

The baby and the middle-aged man who acts like one.

When you're young you're headed uphill....

It's a long walk that takes forever.

Glorious at times.

And bumpy.

When you're older it's downhill.

A shorter, faster ride.

Glorious at times.

And bumpy.

But for the true follower of Christ, the glory of both seasons is that God is with you.

Isaiah 46:4 (NKJV) "Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you."

Taking this truth to heart can even make the bumps glorious.

On the way up.

On the way down.

It's still an awesome ride with an awesome God isn't it?

Strengthen The Weak Hands

What better way to begin each new day than to say to God...

"Lord, I want to be an encourager today."

"Use me to lift others up who are dealing with challenges. Especially my brothers and sisters in Christ."

That prayer can change a day.

365 of them a year can change a life.

I mentioned yesterday on the show a couple of verses out of Isaiah that have been on my mind lately:

Isaiah 35:3-4 (NKJV) "Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come ....... and save you."

Isn't that a great snapshot of what it means to be an encourager for Christ?

A simple statement.. yes.

A sincere one?

Absolutely.

It reminds me that simplicity doesn't have to be shallow.

And sincerity doesn't have to be sappy.

If I spotlight the love and the truth of God, He'll do the rest.

How encouraging that is.

For all of us.

A Sign For The Times

Are you the parent of a teen?

I am.

A teen who is still learning how to drive.

I could talk about the warm and fuzzy conversations my son and I have had during this whole process.

Or the high blood pressure that I may need to seek treatment for in light of it.


But instead I'm considering a move that seems to make sense to me.

Which means it won't make any sense at all to my son.

It's a magnet that you can put on your car.

Susan Kessler has developed signs for teens with learner permits and first-year licenses.

They're attached magnetically to the car's sheet metal and display the words "Caution Newly Licensed."

More than 15,000 of people have ordered the signs since Kessler and a group of other moms introduced them four years ago.

She now sells them nationally at cost, for $7.99, through a Web site, newlylicensed.com, and is looking for a national retail outlet to handle them.

So let's see..... more than 15,000 moms & dads are resting a little easier today.

And more than 15,000 teens are horrified.

They'll talk about being scarred for life.

Pretty tough to look cool picking up your date in a car with that kind of signage.

But hey.... you'll score points with her parents.

Not exactly the same thing.. is it?

Of course we as parents aren't clueless.

They're magnets.

The kids can always take them off and we won't know it.

Maybe they can embed a tracking device on them in the future......?!

Oh how control is slipping away.

I think it's time to pray.

A Friday Smile

A serious moment.....

Genesis 19:24-26 (ESV) "Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. "And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."

A not so serious commentary...

I saw you smile.

Microwave Myths

We've all heard at least a few of them.

So-called "Microwave Facts".

But are they really facts.. or just fiction?

Inquiring minds want to know.....

Is it dangerous to heat plastics in the microwave?

Can boiling a cup of hot water in one cause it to explode?

Do they leak unsafe amounts of radiation?

Real men aren't afraid of their microwaves.

That's a motto I live by.

Cheesy...yes.

But true.

Of course the fact that I can't cook anything without one is beside the point.

But if these kinds of questions keep you up at night.. click on the link to read this article:

Surprising Facts & Myths About Microwave Ovens:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/microwave-radiation-ovens-460709

"Come"

Walking by faith is a little uncomfortable.

That's the nature of it.

An element of uncertainty is always in the air.

But just an element.

Just enough for us to draw closely to the Lord.

Today instead of an "out of the box" experience God may be setting you up for an "out of the boat" experience.

Both are similar because they're out of the ordinary.

But only one waits for the command to come.

Or to go.

Matthew 14:25-31 (ESV) "And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. "But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Yes... Peter faltered.

Jesus came to the rescue.

But Peter was the only one who actually got out of the boat.

Once He knew it was Jesus who said "Come" he didn't delay.

The other disciples may have thought he had gone overboard.

He had.

But don't confuse overboard with overconfident.

He heard the Voice calling to him.

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV) "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

True, not every moment in life is a "come walk on the water moment".

As far as we know, Peter never did it again.

But when Jesus called to him he jumped in with both feet.

That was his moment.

Are you ready for yours?

A Lot of Laughs

Do you know someone who has one of those laughs that makes you laugh?

A laugh that is so ridiculous.. and contagious... it's in a class all its own?

It would be a sad world if we didn't have folks like that.

Case in point: A woman who has a laugh that sounds like..... a car horn!

Click here for the story: http://www.kcra.com/video/20128494/index.html

Not Just Any Old Port

Smooth sailing ahead.

A wonderful message to those of us who are hanging on for dear life.

The storm season in a life isn't as easily predicted as the storm season in the place where you live.

But the shocking suddenness of it can usher in a fresh awareness of God's presence.

Matthew 8:24-27 (ESV) "And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

Jesus calmly got the disciples to their intended destination.

The same will be true for us.

But it gets better:

Psalm 107:29-30 (ESV) " He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. "Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."

Their desired haven.

What is a haven?

Haven– a harbor or port.

But not just any old port in the storm.

Their desired haven.

A place where they wanted to be.

This time around God may be saying to you.....

I'm going to calm the storm.

A gentle yet powerful wind will soon be at your back.

A spectacular harbor awaits your arrival.

And oh yeah.

One more thing.

I'll be there to show you around.

Psalm 37:4 (ESV) "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

My Shadow

My heart is so heavy today.

Archie, our beloved 12 year old dachshund, died last night.

I've been putting off posting this entry because I knew it would be a hard one to write.

My eyes are filled with tears right now.

Archie was family.

He was with us for 12 years of ups and downs.

Always loving.

Always funny.

Always driving us crazy!

But Archie was especially attached to me.

He was my shadow.

When I would be up early to do my morning devotions he sat on my lap.

I often called him my "reading buddy."

I read a lot.. and he always sat or laid by my side.

Every day.

Not today.

He had been sick for a few days and we knew something wasn't right.

Turns out he was slipping away.

We took him to our compassionate vet and he told us there were many things wrong.

Too many.

And so we had to make a hard yet loving decision.

My wife and I along with our two boys spent about 20 minutes with Archie before they took him.

It was agonizing.

We cried.

A lot.

We held him.

We kissed him.

We prayed.

And the presence of the Lord was there.

In that moment I experienced a great truth:

God loves us and cares about what we care about.

Archie was so calm, which isn't like him at all.

He was peaceful... looking at each one of us in turn as if to say...

"I love you so much. It's going to be okay."

And then they took him away.

I don't have a theological leg to stand on when it comes to the question...

"Do our beloved pets go to Heaven?"

I like to think Archie will meet me at the gates.. running at top speed.. jumping into my arms.

Even though the Bible is silent about such things, I think about who God is.

He's loving beyond comprehension.

Why wouldn't he reunite us with our precious pets?

When we were in the room saying goodbye, I noticed some wooden words hanging on the wall:

"Loving you for loving me."

"Yes..." I said in a whisper as I held him.

"My love for you will remain even though shadows are fleeting."