A Moment to Remember

Wrecked

As we come into a new year this is the time in which we take a closer look at ourselves and make plans and goals to make a bigger impact on our world.  Like many other people, Jeff Goins was on a quest to break free of the mundane and live a life with those types of goals - live a more incredible life that impacts our culture.

In his new book, Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life, Goins, a writer and blogger, defines being "wrecked" as an expereince... a time when a broken world slams into our comfortable existence and what is left over is a tension between a lifetime of adventure and our daily routines.

Goins explains that being wrecked is often times a season in our lives when we are exposed to the uncomfortable reality of povery, pain and suffering and then return to our "normal" existence.  But after that exposure our lives are never the same.  We can be wrecked in our daily lives, close to home, at work, school or on mission trips. "When we are wrecked we choose the harder things... the things we don't want to do but we know we need to do in order to grow," says Goins.  "It means everything we believe - everything we know about ourselves, our world and our destiny is now in question because we have seen something bigger."

I had the chance to talk with Jeff about his expereience in being "wrecked" and what that meant in his life. We also talked about intentionally being wrecked and what that committment means in the life of a follower of Christ.  To listen to the conversation click here.  I want to warn you though -- being wrecked is not easy nor is it fun, but I believe it is a necessity in order to grow in your relationship with Christ.  Be prepared to be WRECKED!

God As He Wants You to Know Him

I remember reading A.W. Tozer's classic, The Knowledge of the Holy, and in it Tozer says, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."  As a young college student that hit me extremely hard (it still does!).  I wanted to know that God was more than what my finite brain could understand.  The problem I had was that I was in Bible college and all the books (other than Tozer's) was written from an academic, theologian's perspective and I was always getting lost in the language.  That's why I'm grateful for this new book by Dr. Bill Thrasher.  Dr. Thrasher is professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Theological Seminary, and he manages to communicate the most academic biblical truth with the heart and personal connection of a pastor.  

His new book, God As He Wants You to Know Him, Dr. Thrasher teaches:

• Why the doctrine of God is so foundational to our Christian life
• What the symptoms of having a wrong view God and what we can do to correct them
• There are wrong responses to the goodness of God
• Know God can result in experiencing the deepest desires of one's heart

Plus so much more.  The book is written in somewhat of a devotional format so it's perfect to start your day with.  He also has a complimentary study guide which is available at his web site by clicking here.

As the Christmas season approaches and the New Year will be soon upon us, take the time to really know how God wants you to know Him. To listen to my conversation with Dr. Thrasher please click here or scroll down to the media player.

Love After Marriage

Although every married couple hopes for lifelong happiness together, the current statistics still show that 40% to 50% of modern marriages fall apart.  But one couple believes that God can create a miracle out of a marriage.  Barry and Lori Byrne have released a new book entitled Love After Marriage, and through it share principles that have shaped their marriage as well as those that they have counseled.  To listen to my interview with them click here.

In Love After Marriage, the Byrne's share their 30-year marriage testimony and struggles and breakthroughs of other couples that have miraculously resolved marital barriers and discovered a more intimate relationship with each other and God.  Those couples who have struggled with conflict, infidelity, shame, addiction, sexual dysfunction, financial hardship and loss of intimacy are now experiencing deeper spiritual, emotional, and physical oneness.

Some of the principles featured in Love After Marriage include:

• How to create a relationship of deep intimacy through openness and honesty.
• Spiritual strategies that break barriers that can destroy a marriage.
• Inviting the Holy Spirit and His power into your marriage.
• Establishing and maintaining deeper communication
• Having a powerful prayer time with your spouse
• Overcoming the Enemies strategies that will destroy your lives by destroying your marriage.

When Helping Hurts

While 40 percent of the world's inhabitants struggle each day to find nourishment, North American Christians are presented with an enormous responsibility to demonstrate compassion to the poor.  John's first letter states, "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?" (I John 3:17).  We need to have a deeper awareness regarding the poor and desire to do something to alleviate it.

I had the chance to talk with Brian Fikkert, founder and executive director of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development, who has released a revised edition of his book When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself about the need to go beyond just helping meet immediate needs and move to bringing the poor back into a right relationship with Jesus.  To listen click here.

Churches and Christians have faulty assumptions about the causes of poverty and many times those wrong assumptions lead to ministry strategies that do more harm than good.  This powerful book addresses these assumptions and moves the reader to a better understanding of the causes of poverty.  As Brian as said the church is need of "welfare reform."

Who's in Your Social Network?

Online social networking is just a normal part of life for most teens, but many discover too late that uncritical participation can lead to distorted relationships and even stunted personal character.  Pam Stenzel, internationally known motivational speaker who is an abstinence advocate and youth expert that speaks to over 500,000 youth each year, says, “We are immerse in a society driven by technology…From the time you get up in the morning to the minute you fall asleep at night, you are bombarded with media.” But, Stenzel poses the question, “What do you choose to watch/listen to?” The statistics for how much time our youth are spending on social networking and modern media is alarming. On average, the number of hours of media consumed per day is 7.5 hours. When “multitasking” is included, the number jumps to 10 hours and 45 minutes!

In her new book, Who’s In Your Social Network? (Regal, January 2012), Stenzel addresses the need to reevaluate what type of media we are allowing ourselves to be exposed to, and ask ourselves the question, “Is this helping me to glorify God, or am I just trying to be part of the “in crowd.” She also reminds us that our time is precious, and while social networking in and of itself, isn’t bad, we need to be careful to use it in moderation and to make sure there is a good balance in our lives. Her hope for this book is that it bring healing to your past and help raise awareness for the future; to no longer see the media as something to fear or question, but rather feel empowered to make healthy choices and used media for your benefit and HIS glory.

Who’s In Your Social Network? will identify and discuss the following issues:

• Online bullying
• Sexting and Pornography
• Who we should and shouldn’t invite into our social network?
• Video gaming—when fantasy turns to reality
• How to make sure we use modern media in a way that glorifies God

To listen to my conversation with Pam click here.  To hear my previous interview with her click here.

Be Exceptional at One Big Thing

One of my favorite movies is City Slickers.  The following scene made the biggest impact on me:



Olympic athlete's pursue one purpose; they know what they are born to do - win the gold!  Author, speaker and filmmaker Phil Cooke calls that purpose, "One Big Thing."

Phil helps you discover what you were meant to do with your life; how to identify what your one big thing is in his latest book, One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do.  He shows how to discover the one thing that can change the world, along with the steps you need to help you along.

For everyone who's been pulled in different directions, born with multiple abilities, or just wondered what to do with their lives, Phil offers answers. And if your purpose isn't clear he suggest starting by answering these questions:

• What comes easy for you?
• What do you love?
• What drives you crazy?
• What do you want to leave behind?

"This isn't about productivity," he says. "What's the one single step that will start you on the journey to making your dream happen? Whatever it is, it's time to take it. Make it small, make it ugly, make it rough - just take it."

To listen to my conversation with Phil about his book click here.

Phil Cooke has been a change agent for millions of people all over the world (including me!) through his work in television and media.  He lectures throughout the country and has spent the past 30 years advising many of the world's largest organizations.  He has appeared on MSNBC, CNBC, CNN and FOX News.  You can read his blog on change, culture, and media at www.philcooke.com.

Jamie Nieto - Olympian and Actor

I had the privilege of interviewing Jamie Nieto, an actor, 2-time Olympian, and professional track and field athlete. But most of all he is a follower of Jesus Christ.  Jamie is competing in London games in the high jump (which he qualified on Sunday) but at the same time sharing his faith with athletes from around the world. To listen to our conversation click here or scroll down to the player.

He is also in the movie Jerusalem Countdown that stars Davis A.R. White, Jaci Velasquez, Randy Travis, Stacy Keach and Lee Majors.  The movie was adapted from a novel by John Hagee of the same title, and highlights the reality of an inevitable conflict between Israel and Islam.

Story Synopsis
With Middle East in turmoil, Israel's preeminent ally is thrust into an impending war, America is now the target as the battle for Jerusalem begins.  Nuclear weapons are smuggled into America and Senior FBI agent, Shane Daughtry (White) is faced with the impossible task of finding them before they are detonated.

The clock is ticking and the only people who can help are a washed up arms dealer (Majors), a converted Mossad agent (Keach) and a by-the-book- CIA agent (Travis).  Nuclear holocaust on American soil threatens global stability and the impending destruction of the world is coming to fruition in this film of international terror and suspense.  Jerusalem Countdown is a "24-ish" nail-biter that will have you on the edge of your seat.  A "can't miss" movie now available on DVD from Pure Flix Entertainment.

I AM Changes Who i am

In John's Gospel he shares the personality and power of Jesus through His miracles and the "I AM" statements.  When we have a better understanding of those seven I AM statements coupled with His miracles, we understand Christ more and our lives are never the same.


Gregg Matte, pastor of Houston's First Baptist Church in Texas, has released a new book, I AM Changes Who i am, and in this work he reaffirms the idea that ultimately, "Who Jesus is changes who I am, what Jesus does changes what I am to do."

The I AM statements Gregg covers are:

• I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48, 51)
• I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12)
• I AM the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7)
• I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-14)
• I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
• I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
• I AM the True Vine (John 15:1)

To listen to my conversation with Gregg Matte please click here or scroll down.

Experience Your Bible

There have been nearly 4 billion Bibles purchased in the last 50 years which makes it the best-selling book of all time! That's more than Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and Twilight combined! However, there's a huge difference between "best-selling" and "most read." If the Bible was the most read book of all time I think things would be just a little different in our world today.

Why is reading the Bible such an issue today?  Is it the language, the "datedness," time?  There are so many reasons why people don't read the Bible, but I believe the primary reason is that we don't know how to experience the Bible.


Sean McDowell (along with his dad, Josh) has written a fantastic book that addresses this very reason. In Experience Your Bible, the McDowells proclaim that God's original design was to reveal Himself in the Scriptures so that He can enjoy a relationship with His people.  When Christians experience the Bible and its author, they find wisdom, meaning, and fulfillment.

I spoke with Sean about this new book and the challenges that Christians today face in developing the discipline of reading their Bibles.  To listen click here.

Are You Living Fully Alive?

I talked with Ken Davis, best-selling author, frequent radio and television guest and one of the country's most sought after inspirational and motivational speakers, about his new book entitled, Fully Alive. To listen to the interview, click here.

Fully Alive uncovers forgotten signs of life in a culture seemingly filled with the opposite. Through action steps that led to his physical, mental, social, and spiritual health, Ken recounts his journey back to the land of the living and the signs of life he found along the way.

The anchoring focus is based on the apostle Paul's quest for life, when he said, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection." A power greater than death is available for what we face today? Who doesn't want a piece of that?  Filled with narrative stories, humor, and practical help, this book is for anyone who wants to live fully and wonders just what that might look like in daily life.

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, "Many men die at 25 and aren't buried until they are 75." This book is intended to wake up these people.  Ken is a gifted comedian and a master storyteller, year after year he continues to delight audiences of all ages from coast to coast with Christian comedy that's actually funny!His new book is no disappointment!

Winning Him Without Words

Week after week, they sit in church... alone.  they are the spiritually mismatched, those who are committed to a spouse who does not share their faith..  Feeling abandoned by their spouse and forgotten by their church, they live out their faith in survival mode, guarding the spiritual flame yet never feeling free to share it.  But God wants them to thrive - not just survive.

Winning Him Without Word by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller gives 10 keys to thriving in a spiritually mismatched relationship.  You will be encouraged to commit to a Christian community, to release their spouse to God's capable hands, to believe their marriage is blessed, to pick and choose their battles, and to continue their pursuit of a growing faith and to love their spouse with enthusiasm.

Speaking from experience has both are in marriages where their spouses are not believers, Lynn and Dineen give hope and encouragement to other women who feel trapped, unprepared or are just questioning why they are in marriages where they feel at times unfulfilled.

I had the opportunity to talk with Lynn about the book and her ministry, Spiritually Unequal Marriage.  During the interview she gave some great advice for those that need to hear that God has them right where He wants them to be and that they will be used mightily for His Kingdom.  To listen please click here or scroll down.

If you want to learn more about Lynn's ministry and the many articles that both she and Dineen have written, check our Lynn's website at www.winninghimwithoutwords.com

Platform - Are You Being Heard?

Michael Hyatt asks, "Have you ever felt that trying to get your message out was hopeless? Like trying to get noticed in a packed stadium? Or trying to get heard at a crowded, loud party with music blaring in the background?"  Well, if you have then you are not alone.  We all have a message to say, a product to sell, or a business to market; but if we don't have platform in which to communicate those things then we are not successful.

I had the privilege of talking with Michael Hyatt, chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishing, about his new book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World.  We discussed the importance of having a platform, no matter what you are trying to communicate and the ease in which you can build one.

Michael says, "Without a platform —something that enables you to get seen and heard—you don’t have a chance. Having an awesome product, an outstanding service, or a compelling cause is no longer enough."  This book will give you the step-by-step instructions on setting up your platform in an easy to read and comprehend format.


To listen to the interview please click here, scroll down or view the video below.

Be A Better Dad Today

Gregory Slayton is an American professor, businessman, philanthropist, former Ambassador and father of four.  His greatest passion, for fathers to be the best dad they can be, comes from his own story, featured in his new book, Be a Better Dad Today.

Be a Better Dad Today reminds fathers that they can fulfill their parental responsibilities and overcome whatever issues they may have inherited or grown up with.  Slayton has studied the art and practice of fatherhood on six different continents over the past 25 years. Some of the topics covered in the book include:

• Is the Role of Fatherhood in Crisis?
• Fatherhood today is not like it was in your dad's generation.
• Military fathers are finding it difficult to reconnect with their children.
• And many others!

With humor, empathy and relatable advice, Be a Better Dad Today speaks to all father, no matter their situation.  Slayton even has a section devoted to helping single and long-distant fathers connect and engage with their kids.

To underscore his commitment to strengthening fatherhood and families, Slayton is donating 100% of his royalty profits to Christian fatherhood charities.  Plus, he is giving copies of the book to those in active military service for FREE!.  To learn more about this powerful book and how you can obtain a free copy go to www.beabetterdadtoday.com

Pictured left is Ambassador Slayton with his wife and children. It was a privilege to have Ambassador Slayton on my show and to discuss the many issues that fathers today are facing.  To listen to our conversation please click here or scroll down.

Swipe - Dystopian Thriller for Middle Grade Readers

In a location once known as North America lies the American Union, a country formed to end total war and famine.  In the A.U., children become citizens at thirteen years of age by receiving The Mark.  The Mark allows citizens to go to school, see a doctor, and even buy food and concert tickets.

That is the setting for Evan Angler's new book Swipe.  This futuristic thriller depicts a world full of government influence and the lead the character Logan, along with his friends, find themselves in the middle of a conflict they never knew existed.  Fans of the popular series The Hunger Games will delight in Angler's original style and Logan races through this adventurous story.

Evan was a guest on my show and shared his thoughts on his first book, the series and what it's like writing for the Middle School audience.  To listen to the podcast click here or scroll down. Click here to learn more about Evan Angler.

Swipe, the first book of the series, is available through Tommy Nelson, the children's division of Thomas Nelson, Inc.  To learn more about Tommy Nelson click here.  Book two, Sneak, will be available later this year.

Flag Day 2012 - Forever Shall It Wave!

Thank You!

Lamplighter Theater

One of the most unique ways of educating and entertaining audiences is through the art of radio theater.  There aren't too many people or organizations who use this tool as effectively as Lamplighter Publishing.  Lamplighter's mission is “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord, by building Christ-like character one story at a time.” The mission of this ministry is deeply rooted in the truths found in Malachi 4:6 and Luke 1:17.  The folks at Lamplighter have discovered little known literary works that deal with the characters and virtues that will develop strong adults and a strong culture.


Not only does Lamplighter Publishing work in the book arena but now they have ventured into radio theater where they take these marvelous books and turn them into powerful radio dramas.  Hosted by acclaimed actor John Rhys-Davies, these first rate productions will take you back and provide quality entertainment for the whole family.

I had the chance to talk with Lamplighter Publishing founder and president Mark Hamby (check out his blog here) about what influenced him to start Lamplighter and the new ventures the publishing group will be going in to.  To listen click here or scroll down.

Chuck Colson - The Passing of a Giant

I knew this day would come but I just didn't expect it to get here so soon.  Saturday afternoon my friend and mentor Chuck Colson entered into his eternal reward.  When I heard the news that Chuck had finally passed away I was immediately flooded with memories and emotions that it has taken me some time to sort them all out.

I remember the first time I heard about Chuck Colson. I was in high school and learning about the Watergate scandal.  My teacher urged us all to read Born Again, Chuck's biography.  It was an incredible read about the power of the Gospel and how it affected one man's life.

A few years later I entered the Christian radio field and was reintroduced to Chuck through his Breakpoint commentaries and his ministry, Prison Fellowship.  Those commentaries began to stir within me an urge to learn more about my faith and how it affects every area of my life.  With that new passion I began reading all that Chuck recommended and most of what he wrote.

After a number of years and life going on the Holy Spirit began to stir my soul again to dig deeper into my Christian faith.  I attended a National Religious Broadcasters and was introduced to some representatives of Prison Fellowship who heard my desire to learn more.  The shared with me about Chuck's program The Centurions and how those that go through this year long study will grow deeper in their walk and understanding of their faith.

During my year in The Centurions program my relationship with Chuck grew from a man that admired to a man that I called friend.  Chuck challenged me to grow deeper and to never stop learning.  That's what he left for me - an insatiable desire to know the Truth and to share that Truth with as many as I can.

There were a couple of special moments in our friendship that meant so much to me.  The first was during a Centurion residency where Chuck and I and few others had dinner together.  Chuck and I had a small debate on the issue of case law.  To this day I don't know why I debated the issue with him.  But I think he had a deeper respect for me because I was able to share my opinion and stood by my convictions (by the way - I never debated him again!).

The second moment was an email I received from him after an apologetics conference we both attended.  I was there to interview a number of the speakers and tried to get Chuck for an interview.  The interview didn't happen.  I was a little disappointed but understood.  A few days later I received an email from Chuck personally apologizing that we didn't get together.  He said that if he had known that it was me he would have stayed a little longer.  After that Chuck was always available to be on my show when I needed him.

Another moment was something that my wife Kathy pointed out to me.  We were invited to a Prison Fellowship dinner in Atlanta and I was able to introduce Kathy to the man that, after my dad and grandfather, had made a profound impact on my life.  Once the introductions were made and we sat back down Kathy said that when she watched Chuck come to us I was the only person in the crowd that he hugged!  Can you imagine that! Nixon's hatchet man embraced me!  I will never forget that night.

The final moment came during the Doing the Right Thing tour.  Chuck and the tour stopped in Atlanta and I was able to bring my son, Jon-Michael, to the day long event.  I didn't know if Jon-Michael was going to get anything out of the event or if he would understand the issues being discussed.  After the event a few of us were able to join Chuck for lunch, and during the luncheon Chuck made a brief presentation and asked us questions.  Jon-Michael responded very intelligently about the topics that meant something to him.  Needless to say I was quite proud of him.  Chuck later commented to me how proud he was for job I was doing with my son.  I can't tell you what that meant to me.

While others will remember a giant in the evangelical Church and a man that worked in social justice before social justice was popular - I will remember a man who constantly challenged me and called me friend.

Man on the Run

Do you have a hyper-hobbied man in your life?  You know who I mean - those guys that live and breathe adventure, sports, and other pursuits that challenge and stimulate them.  What happens when those God-given passions become obsessions?  When they interfere with the important things in life like family, relationships and God?  Zeke Pipher, senior pastor of Heartland Evangelical Free Church in central Nebraska, has written a fantastic book that deals with those issues - Man on the Run: Helping Hyper-Hobbied Men Recognize the Best Things in Life.

Passionate, pursuit-driven men can make great husbands, fathers, friends, and colleagues because of their tendencies to "go for it."  However, these same qualities can destroy those same relationships and men end up losing what's most important in life.  How to have the best of both worlds is what Zeke attempts (and successfully accomplishes) to address in this book.

I had the chance to talk with Zeke about his book and what led him to write about what fuels a man's passion.  To listen click here or scroll down.  I can't help but recommend this book to men and women who want to have the adventurous life with out that same life consuming you.

The Legend and Myth of Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick's Day is tomorrow and I thought it would be good to learn more about who Patrick was and his unique place in church history.  The best person to learn all of this from is T. M. Moore.  T.M. is the dean of the Centurions program and content editor for Breakpoint and the The Chuck Colson Center.  To learn more about T.M. check out his website.

Our conversation started by learning about the history of Patrick and what the Irish culture was like at that time.  We also talked about some of the myths that surround Patrick that we currently believe today.  This is a great conversation so to listen click here

Aaron Shust - This is What We Believe

Recently I had the chance to talk with Aaron Shust, recording artist, Dove Award winner and alum of Toccoa Falls College.  We talked about his new project, This Is What We Believe, and his time at TFC.  There's a couple of ways you can listen to the interview: you can "watch" the interview or click here.

Aaron Shust Interview


Risen Today lyric video


My Hope Is In You

At the Throne of Grace

Dr. John MacArthur is host of the daily radio program, Grace to You, and has been the senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Southern California for nearly 50 years.  At the Throne of Grace is a collection of 54 prayers that have preceded some of his 3,000 plus sermons.

MacArthur's goal, rather than encourage repetitive prayer and religious formalism, is to motivate believers to become more prayerful, more expressive and more thoughtful in their prayer as they come to the Lord before his throne of grace.

Dr. MacArthur has found his own prayer life blessed by Puritan prayers and resources from Charles Spurgeon and other godly men of earlier generations who convyed truth and passion in vivid, heartfelt language.

"We need to pray more; we need to give more careful thoughts to the content of our prayers; and we need to spend more time preparing our hearts and our tongues for prayer," says MacArthur. "Remember that Jesus warned against vain repetition and showy, grandiose prayers (Matthew 6:5-8)."

To listen to my conversation with John MacArthur, click here or scroll down.

Prayer Circles

Mark Batterson is lead pastor at National Community Church in Washington, D.C., a multi-site church plant that is targeting emerging generations. He is author of several books, and his latest is, The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears.

The idea for this book, Mark says, came from a story from the Talmud.  It is a true legend of how Honi, a man of God, prayed a bold prayer for rain during an intense drought.  What he did was he drew a circle and said to God that he would not leave that circle until He blessed the area with rain.  Mark shows in his book that miracles will happen once Christians pray bold prayers.

In his unique story-telling way, Mark Batterson encourages his readers to take that step of faith, like the children of Israel, Moses, Noah and many others in Scripture, and watch what God does when you pray "circles" around your biggest dreams and greatest fears.

To listen to my interview click here or scroll down.

A New Year and A New You!

Each year we all make resolutions to improve ourselves, and the top promise made is to lose weight. However, as the month rolls on we tend to get away from that particular goal and then before we know it we are off all together.

I thought I would ask my friend Pastor Steve Reynolds, author of the book Bod4God, to give me a few pointers about losing weight and how to stay focused on the goal.  To listen to our conversation click here or scroll down.


Pastor Steve has a great web site that is full of information and ways to start a weight loss challenge in your community or church.  Check out the Bod4God site to learn more.