Brian Nelson of SAT 7 joins us on Encouragement Live tonight
>> Don Hawkins: these days we live life at a fast pace, often plagued with worries and fears. But Jesus told us to live with eternity's values in view, and that will take care of those worries and fears. Brian Nelson of SAT 7 joins us on on Encouragement Live. Welcome to Encouragement Live, providing biblically based encouragement and insight on a wide range of practical life issues. Now here's your host, Don Hawkins, author, of Master Discipleship Today. Thank you, Steve and friend. It's so good to have you with us. As live from studios located in First Christian Church of Wylie, Texas, Encouragement Communications presents Encouragement Encouragement Live. Our mission is to provide biblically based encouragement and insight on a wide range of issues. And while we often find ourselves caught up in the pressures of day to day life, as Christians we're told to live with eternity's values in view. So how can we avoid being distracted by earthly values and anxieties? Well, according to Brian Nelson of Sat. 7, it comes down to a matter of the heart. And Brian Nelson is the ministry development director at SAT7. He joins us tonight by telephone. Brian, it's great to have you on Encouragement Live.
>> Caroline: It's great to be with you, Don. Thank you.
>> Don Hawkins: Been looking forward to this, getting a chance to get to know you and some other members of the team of Sat7. Tell us about yourself, your family, and how you connected with Sat seven.
>> Caroline: Well, sure, Don. Yeah, I, I am, I'm from a great Christian family. One of those families where we were in the church every time the gates.
>> Don Hawkins: Were open and the doors were open.
>> Caroline: Yes, exactly. And, and we had a Christian school there as well. So I was actually in six days a week. And, come from a great heritage there. Went, to Christian college at Cedarville University. Worked in Christian radio for a good number of years as well. and so, it's good to be a part of the family of God. My wife and I have been married for about 29 years and we have two grown kids, one daughter, one son. So, yeah, I always thought I was going to be a musician when I was growing up, but as it turned out, I wound up in radio, playing music. And, then, in 2007, I really, valued the idea of being a light in a dark place. And so the Lord opened some doors for me to go to work in network radio. I worked for the radio network that broadcast NASCAR racing across the country.
>> Don Hawkins: Okay.
>> Caroline: And I don't anymore, but I did, for about 13 years, loved my job, did well. I went to wherever the races were and, mostly behind the scenes and helped make sure that the broadcast, came off, as it should. But then In April of 2020, in his mercy, God drew me away from my job after, about 13 years. I didn't know what was coming next, didn't know what to do next. but a friend approached me about returning to a ministry context as a fundraiser. and that's what, my capacity is with sat 7 right now. So, during a season of unemployment, I went deep. I just wanted to know more about Jesus. I wanted to know Jesus. and so in those times of searching, I went to the Sermon on the Mount, which I really consider to be Jesus, kind of, quintessential teaching, his manifesto, so to speak. And so for about six months I studied that, over and over and over and it really changed my perspective.
>> Don Hawkins: Wow. Well, man, I'm delighted to hear first of all that you had a real commitment to the Lord Jesus and he brought you back to Sat 7. Especially delighted to hear about your radio background. That wouldn't have been Cedarville radio by any chance, would it? Wcdr.
>> Caroline: Yeah. I had, one weekend at wcdr. Yeah. And it was really kind of filling in. But we had a student radio station that I was involved with there and then worked right after graduation at two different stations in Dayton, Ohio, but, never really at cdr. when I was there.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, I had two grandsons that went to Cedarville University. Great school. And we have a lot to talk about tonight in terms of reorienting our hearts toward eternity. That's the focus with Brian Nelson tonight. He is with sat 7 and our toll free number is 855-586-5433.
>> Caroline: We're over 100 years old.
>> Don Hawkins: Dallas Theological Seminary President, Dr. Mark Yarborough on the seminary's motto, teach truth and love.
>> Caroline: Well, that is what we do. That's our slogan that we use. Obviously it's preach the word for all of us. We are called to teach truth and live it out.
>> Don Hawkins: To learn more about how Dallas Theological Seminary can equip you for biblically based Christian service, visit DTS. Edu. That's dts. edu.
>> Caroline: I was so high and I was so drunk that I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand up. I collapsed in my garage. And then I awoke two days later in the hospital. I heard about Teen Challenge. I came here and this place has shown me that it truly does care. That's when everything changed. At Adult and Teen Challenge, we provide.
>> Don Hawkins: Hope and healing for a new drug free Future.
>> Caroline: And you can find the center nearest.
>> Don Hawkins: You at 8:55 and addiction or teenchallengeusa.org Freedom from addiction starts here. Thank you, friend, for joining us for encouragement live. I'm Don Hawkins. With me tonight, Brian Nelson, ministry development director at Set seven. They have a great ministry, getting into the Middle east and North Africa using satellite television and the Internet. And by the way, next Sunday, next, Saturday evening, Dr. Mark Yarborough, the president of Dallas Seminary, will be with us on the program and talking about, Israel and a little bit of what's going on there.
Talk about the distractions of living life at the fast pace today
and Brian, it's great to have you on the broadc. You've suggested what I think is an extremely timely topic. Talk about the distractions of living life at the fast pace like most of us experience today.
>> Caroline: Man, I don't know if we have enough time to get through the entire list of distractions, Don. I mean, there are many distractions and many kinds of distractions. And I think that's exactly how the enemy of our souls wants it to be. entertainment, activities that are good activities, even church activities, sometimes sports. How about work, your hobbies, home projects, social media, entertainment. I mean, the genius of the enemy of our souls is that he takes things that may not be bad in and of themselves and then persuades us to make them our priorities, make them our gods, and to spend or even waste unnecessary time doing things that will just burn up in the final analysis, that don't lead to a heavenly reward. So, I know he wants us to. The enemy wants us to waste our lives here below. And the Lord wants us to live a life with purpose.
>> Don Hawkins: No question about that. but our culture, I suspect, is a major contributor to the kind of distractions you're talking about. talk to us about, how culture contributes to these distractions.
>> Caroline: Well, it sure does. Although I don't want to blame our culture. I mean, there are many ways for us to be sucked into things that are not productive. But really, I mean, yes, we see the trappings of our culture, but I think the real problem, Don, is that we, even as believers, as Christians, don't truly live like this world is not our home. We want so badly to fit into this world, and we're consumed with being comfortable here, happy here, wealthy here, successful here, and it's all going to be worthless someday. We're not thinking enough about eternal life that's coming and, and maybe even very soon.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes, no question about that. And in fact, we're going to after the Break. Take a look at a very core passage on this from Matthew chapter six. And Brian's going to enlighten us on some of the insights that Jesus shared in the Sermon on the Mount. Sat 7 is an incredible ministry penetrating the barriers of the Middle east and North Africa using satellite television and interactive Internet. And you can learn more about that minist by visiting sat7usa.org you'll find out more about the ministry there. We've had John Cernelion, the new president, want to encourage you to pray for him and for Brian and all the staff especially. Also, we want to ask you to pray for those in Cyprus. I believe, that Brian, there have been some fire alerts in Cyprus and I think the staff actually had to evacuate at one point.
>> Caroline: Yeah, we, you know, just like we hear about wildfires in Canada or on the west coast, there are wildfires sweeping across the part of Cyprus where we have a major studio that ministers to Iran and Afghanistan.
>> Don Hawkins: And we'll come back and talk more about that after this break. The toll free number here is 855-586-Life Crossflix. A complete multimedia platform at your fingertips featuring faith based shows for the entire family. Plus an amazing library of interactive online Bible courses such as Revealing the Secrets of the. You'll have access to a community and.
>> Caroline: Join others on their spiritual journey.
>> Don Hawkins: Crossflix partners with the Seal Future foundation and Bless IL to support American and Israeli veterans and families suffering from trauma. Crossflix. Educate, entertain and inspire.
60% of Christians will die with no will. Only 10% have up to date estate plans
60% of Christians will die with no will. Only 10% have up to date estate plans virtually guaranteeing that probate courts will sort out their affairs. What does being a wise steward of God's resources mean? The Bible has a lot to say on the subject. Sat 7 offers a biblical estate planning seminar or webinar that takes the mystery out of wills, trusts and estate planning. To learn more visit sat7usa.org Plan the.
>> Caroline: People of the Middle east and North Africa are familiar with hardship and struggle.
>> Don Hawkins: But Sat7 gives the hope of God's word to the hurting and broken. SAT7's new president, John Cernelia.
>> Caroline: Our vision is to see oh growing.
>> Don Hawkins: Church in the Middle east and North.
>> Caroline: Africa, confident in Christian faith and witness, serving the community and contributing to the good of society and culture.
>> Don Hawkins: To learn more or support this ministry visit sat7usa.org Toni King on her book the Maze of Medicare.
>> Caroline: I looked up on the Internet how many books have biblical in regards to Medicare and there was zero. And then God brought you into My life. And you helped me write the Maze of Medicare. Because we took Medicare and put Scripture with it because people are stressed, they don't know what to do, where to turn.
>> Don Hawkins: You can order the Maze of medicare@, tonysays.com that's T O N I tonysays.com welcome back to Encouragement Live. Don Hawkins, along with with Brian Nelson of SAT 7, our toll free number. Maybe you're struggling with anxiety and fear, stressed out by the rat race of life. Brian and I would love to pray with you and encourage you. Our toll free number is 855-586-5433. Maybe you have a question or comment about the Ministry of Sat. 7 and you can call us at that same number, 855-586-life. And you can learn more about the Ministry of Sat 7.
Group of Afghan Christians facing forced return to Afghanistan from Tajikistan
And Brian, before we went on the air, you and I were talking about a prayer request that we had from a group of Afghan Christians who are facing, being forced to return to Afghanistan from Tajikistan. And you, indicated there may be more to this than what I had originally heard.
>> Caroline: Well, there are, there is a group in Afghanistan, in Tajikistan, which is just, adjacent to Afghanistan, and many Afghans have fled to parts all over the world after 2020. and many times any Afghans that have had cooperated with the US Forces in one way, shape or form are in real danger. Not just Christians, but, there is a group of Christians in, Tajikistan that are close to being forced back. Most of these Afghans, no matter where they are in the world. And certainly, there are some even here in the US who, with the immigration roundups that are being done right now, Christians are, impacted by that as well. So I know of some near Raleigh, North Carolina. But there are others. And when they go back, they're going back to the very mouth of death is what this, viewer who reached out to our Sat 7 Pars channel earlier this week said. So we're praying fervently for their safety, this group in Tajikistan. But let's also pray for those who are scattered around the world and many even here in the United States.
>> Don Hawkins: Let's take a moment to do that. Heavenly Father, we just want to commit to you, these Afghani believers, and especially this man who's reached out who said he hasn't been able to sleep for 23 nights and feels overwhelmed with anguish, tears and groaning for others like, him, Lord, who are just stressed out, some from Tajikistan, some from other places. Lord, we just ask you to draw those People close to you to protect them and to watch over them, Lord. And, we especially thank you that sat7 is ministering to their hearts and lives. We pray these things in Jesus name. Amen. Our number is 855-586-5433.
Our topic, Reorient Reorienting our hearts toward eternity
Our topic, Reorient Reorienting our hearts toward eternity. Brian Nelson, who has a radio background. Delighted to learn that. Brian. Always glad to have radio pros on the air with me. And, you have picked out a passage of scripture that I think is absolutely central, essential to what we're talking about. Could you share with us that passage from Matthew, chapter six?
>> Caroline: Yeah, yeah. And it's really the centerpiece of the Sermon on the Mount, which is Matthew 5, 6 and 7. but the core here is in Matthew 6, 1933. In, verses 19 through 21, Jesus says, don't lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, where thieves do not break in and steal. He later says in verse 24, no one can serve two masters, that you'll be devoted to one or hate the other. You can't serve both God and money. And Jesus goes on to say, I tell you, don't be anxious about your life. What you'll eat or drink, what you'll put on. Life is more than food. The body is more than clothing. And so this is a really challenging piece of scripture where we really have to encounter for ourselves where our heart has our treasure and where our peace is in our hearts. And Jesus, of course, wants us to look toward eternity for our place of security.
>> Don Hawkins: And that's exactly what verse 21 says. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. And I think, probably, Bryan, that's more than just our bank account. In fact, I've been preaching through Proverbs in the church I pastor, and it's amazing. The book of Proverbs has 76 references to the heart. And, that verse seems to really indicate that for Jesus, the heart, which is our intellect, our emotions, our will, is really a major issue as far as he's concerned.
>> Caroline: Yes, it sure is. And it really is the central thing for us to get a master on, with how we relate to the Lord is what is our heart condition? And what I love about this few verses in Matthew 6 here is that Jesus doesn't condemn us for treasuring something. I mean, a treasure is, what we pursue. It's a prize. It's what we Place value in. And Jesus doesn't say, don't treasure anything, but me. And, our treasure is often inseparable from our heart condition. The most important thing to Jesus is what's going on in our hearts. He is simply asking us to. Not just to modify our behavior, but to reorient our whole, passion and drive to something that, that is with the Lord. I'm taking. You mentioned Proverbs. Proverbs 4:23 says, above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes, and it goes on to say, as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. In other words, really, the heart is the key to the matter.
Three times Jesus tells us to stop being anxious in Matthew 6
Now, three times in his passage in Matthew 6, Jesus told us to stop being anxious. Once in verse 25, another in verse verse 31, and another in verse 34. And I've studied this word for anxiety, thanks to a, word Brian, and you probably are aware of this too, that has the idea of being distracted. how do you see believers being. Allowing the things of this world to distract us from eternal perspectives?
>> Caroline: Yeah, you know, it goes back to something I mentioned a little earlier. It starts with us being focused on this world, that what we treasure is what our culture treasures. Quite often, you know, the wealth, health, comfort, ease, entertainment, control. And often we even think, well, if it's. If it relates to health, if it relates to wealth, if it relates to the ease of life here below, then that must be God's will. And how do we encounter all of the things in the New Testament, especially that say that, we're going to encounter suffering? but, you know, what is the value of, this world, all of these things that we're anxious about? If we can just stay in touch with our heart condition, we'll more easily stay on track. I think about, another verse in Proverbs. Delight yourself in the Lord. M. This is Proverbs 37. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of our heart. We allow anxiety to crop in because we forget about where our delight is or where it should be. And maybe we're delighting in things that are threatened, and so we're worried about that. We're delighting in these things, of the world that might be threatened, and we can't control that, and so we worry about it. But Proverbs 34 centers us. Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart, not just those desires for wealth and health and prosperity. Not that it's not what he's talking about. I really think that what Proverbs is saying there is, if you delight in the Lord, you've turned your heart towards the Lord, your desires are going to be the Lord and the Lord will give you the desires that are, your delight.
>> Don Hawkins: I think you're absolutely correct on that, Bryan. And really what it comes down to is a heart adjustment or a desire adjustment that God can adjust our desires so that we're desiring the things of the lord.
SAT 7 reaches out to people in the Middle east and North Africa
You know, SAG 7 reaches out to people in the Middle east and North Africa with life changing eternal truth. Talk about how the people who live in these areas have been distracted by these kinds of pressures. Are they similar to what we have in, North America?
>> Caroline: Yeah, the people in the Middle east are still people and many of them face unimaginably difficult circumstances. We learned about these Christians in Tajikistan that are from Afghanistan and what they're facing. but all throughout the Middle east and North Africa, people are seeking solace the same way we do in the things of the world. Drug and alcohol abuse is rampant, especially among young people in the Middle East. Many people in the region believe it's okay to have, up to four wives. And so they seek comfort, through having multiple marriages, even temporary marriages for a price. but then, you know, sports, wealth, entertainment, all of those things are pursuits of people in the Middle east, just like they are here for us in America. Unfortunately, there's just little hope for many people who live there. Little prosperity. Life is just too hard. And so they're looking to find comfort any way they can.
>> Don Hawkins: 855-586-5433 is our toll free number. Talk about how SAT 7 is addressing these issues, Bryan.
>> Caroline: Well, SAT 7's motto is making God's love visible. and so the work begins and ends with the love of God. And quite frankly, in the Middle east and North Africa, the love makes all the difference there. Whole religious orientation, their orientation even to culture there. they don't believe that God can be known or that he's loving. and I really believe that God's love is the greatest reality that mankind has ever encountered. And so we want everything that hits one of the four channels that SAT seven programs and our online, channels as well to be marked by the love of God. And we do that with three priorities that we've outlined now for people who are not yet believers, people who are brand new believers, and for children, youth and young adults. And so the not yet believers is, gospel oriented, trying to draw People in sometimes more holistic approaches about education for children who don't have access to education or champion being a champion for women's rights, helping people with financial matters and things like that. Programs that are really real life, practical things that will drive them to the channel, but then it's laced with the gospel. And then there's a whole bunch of programs for new believers. Discipleship, worship, church services, Bible teaching, and then a viewer support team that can help them through social media channels and through other ways to connect them to believers in a real community of faith near them. And then we talk about children, youth and young adults. In the Middle east and North Africa, more than 60% of the population is under age 30. And so sat7 is making that group of people a priority when we're designing new programming. And we've got an on demand app, that was introduced several years ago. It's the first of its kind in the Middle east and North Africa. A Christian Netflix, so to speak, where people can access free of charge without an account, downloading SAT seven programs, films, those kinds of things and watching all four, all of our, three of our four channels on that app as well. So we're doing everything we can to reach people where they are.
>> Don Hawkins: And an incredible impact. The Ministry of Sat 7 again, using satellite television, interactive Internet and this app to reach out to people who are not yet believers with the life changing message of the gospel. To reach out to believers with great encouragement. And any breathing person needs encouragement. We all know that. And especially the youth program now which is having a great impact. You can learn more about this@sat7usa.org I strongly encourage you to pray about being a part of the prayer team and the ministry team and even supporting this ministry financially. A very worthwhile ministry. Again, the website sat 7 USA or our toll free number on the program encouragement live 855586 life.
There are only two ways that your affairs will be settled after you pass away
>> Caroline: There are only two ways that your affairs will be settled after you pass away. Your way or the government's way. For anyone without a will or trust in place, the government will settle it through probate. So we must all ask ourselves, do I want the government to decide how.
>> Don Hawkins: My minor children get their inheritance and.
>> Caroline: Where my assets go and then charge my heirs probate and court fees to make that happen? Or do I protect my family from probate and steward the resources that God has entrusted to me by determining how the assets that I leave behind will be used? Find out what you need to know and do to protect your heirs at a free Webinar with his faithful stewards. This free webinar will discuss wills and trusts and help you understand it all. Go to hisfaithfulstewards.com and find the link for webinars. There's a place there under webinars where you can sign up. That's hisfaithfulstewards.com and the link to webinars his faithful stewards.com when you need to.
>> Don Hawkins: Consider independent or assisted living or memory.
>> Caroline: Care for a parent or spouse, Restoration.
>> Don Hawkins: Senior Living provides a distinctly Christian setting with the most stringent quality care. Restoration's innovative program addresses the message medical, emotional and spiritual dimensions leading to an.
>> Caroline: Enhanced quality of life.
>> Don Hawkins: You can learn more@restorationsl.com that's restorationsl.com Sagi Lukas grew up in South India without Christ. But when he trusted the Savior, his Hindu family disowned him. His witness brought his entire family to Christ and led to the founding of Mission India, which trains hundreds of village missionaries each year. For a free copy of Sagi's biography Transform for a Purpose and to learn more about Reaching Indians Ministries International, visit remi.org that's remi.org I was so high.
>> Caroline: And I was so drunk that I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand up. I collapsed in my garage. And then I awoke two days later in the hospital. I heard about Teen Challenge. I came, came here and this place has shown me that it truly does care. That's when everything changed. At Adult and Teen Challenge we provide.
>> Don Hawkins: Hope and healing for a new drug free future.
>> Caroline: And you can find the center nearest.
>> Don Hawkins: You at 8:55 and addiction or teenchallengeusa.org Freedom from addiction starts here.
Don Hawkins, author of Master Discipleship Today, joins us tonight
Welcome back. To encourage us, our Toll free number is 855-586-LIFE. Here again is your host, Don Hawkins, author of Master Discipleship Today. So glad to have you with us on the program tonight and especially those of you listening over Lonesome Road Radio, brand new connection. Tuesday mornings drive time, 8:30am Central Time and 8:30pm Central Time evening drive and this is a truckers channel. And Brian, Nelson, you'd be interested to know about this. we have just added this particular, Internet radio station and they have documented listeners of over 8 million truckers who listen to Lonesome Road Radio. Brand new opportunity to spread the word about Sat7 and the various ministries of encouragement live.
>> Caroline: Yeah, that's excellent. I know that there is a fleet of strong believers going up and down the road and who have a strong witness and in fact, I've engaged with one who is a trucker, lives in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. And she just loves the Lord and is praying all the time while she's going up and down the road.
>> Don Hawkins: Boy, what a great opportunity for people. You know, I was thinking about, the fact that you've got a lot of stories because you work with people who support the ministry through prayer and through finances. Some of the stories about people who've been motivated to support SAT7 and maybe how they feel about that support. Maybe you have a thought or two you could share about that.
>> Caroline: Well, I can tell you, Don, that overwhelmingly people who are supporting Sat 7 are in it to spread the gospel. They want to see lives changed for Christ throughout the Middle east and North Africa. And when we share with them a testimony about how specifically, somebody has come to the Lord, I've sat across the table with people and they're crying tears of joy because they really sense in their spirit that the Lord used them to lead somebody. It's a very humbling thing when all you're doing is you might, you give, you know, some money, but you, you see the fruit of that. And and that's really what I love to do more than anything, is just to help people experience the, the real joy of knowing that what they've done has resulted in people coming to know the Lord. And and, and I get to see it all the time. People who are rejoicing. Some people laugh, some people, just shed a tear at the reality of, of the release that they've been a part of bringing.
>> Don Hawkins: And you can learn more about that at sat7usa.org the letters sat the number7usa.org our toll free number 855-586-5433. Lee is listening in Louisiana tonight over American Family Radio. Good evening, Lee. Welcome to the broadcast.
>> Caroline: Good evening, sir. How you doing?
>> Don Hawkins: very well. Good to hear from you.
>> Caroline: You you say what you want to align better with, Christ. I've been scripture now solidly for about six years. And what I can't understand is why does nobody use his real name?
>> Don Hawkins: You're talking about Yeshua?
>> Caroline: Yes.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, I think what has happened in the North American church is that people have just adopted the King James English. They started with that and now of course we have other translations as well. But I think the bottom line is, that people have gotten just used to calling him Jesus rather than Yeshua, which was the Hebrew name. And I think from God's Perspective, at least that's how I look at it, and I've been involved in ministry for quite a few years, is that the main thing is not just what name we call him by, but really what comes down to the passage that, that we have been learning about from Brian Nelson tonight about seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness. And, I think if we're doing that, that makes a huge difference. let me ask you this, Lee. Have you come to a place in your life where you've actually personally made a commitment of faith to trust in him as your Savior?
>> Caroline: Yes, absolutely. But, from my understanding, the name Jesus was coined by William Tyndale in 1425 because Jay became popular in 1424, and that big Jesus became Jesus. But there's a deeper meaning to his name. And this is where I can't understand it. I mean, Jesuit bar Joseph. And the, literal translation of his whole name means God the Father who added a Savior. And if you look at the context of what happened on the day when he was crucified, there was somebody else that was let go. And his name was Yeshua by Abbas.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Caroline: And he is. The meaning of his name was. Because God always gives you a choice. Was God the stern Father, and they chose the stern Father to let go. So when they say, you know what Jesus said, I, keep. I know we say Jesus, but it's Yeshua, Joseph. And the thing about it is when they say, you know, you. He says, if you're ashamed to use my name, then I can't understand why people don't actually use his. His real name instead of the, you know, the title Jesus Christ. Because believe it or not, Christus is not a name. Christ is not a name.
>> Don Hawkins: No, it's a title. Yeah, it's a title. You're absolutely right about that. Yeah. Let me, Let me get some.
>> Caroline: When people, when people want to align themselves with a belief or something, it's. If you get deeper into the history and the. The richness of it and the language and the timing, I've found that most things that we have been taught are just basically skimming the surface like a thin veneer of what's actually there underlying in the real truth.
Lee Nelson says believers should go fervent into Bible study
>> Don Hawkins: Well, I appreciate, Lee, your sharing those concerns and thoughts with us. Like to give Brian, Nelson a chance to respond to that. Brian, your thoughts?
>> Caroline: Yes. And I think Lee has stumbled across something that really illustrates why, believers ought to just go fervent into Bible study. you know, there is a richness and a Depth. And what he's talking about there is. There is a depth of meaning and a really a poetic nature to the name of Jesus or the name of Yeshua, that there's a depth of meaning there that we often don't latch onto. And I think what he said about how we often just kind of skim the surface, some of us will just read the word. We're trying to check off a chapter a day or whatever it is, and we think we're not. It's not speaking to us. You know what, Don? It's interesting how we can, we can read into something that our wife tells us over the dinner table and think. And we're reading into that, but we don't digest what God's telling us in his Word. And we don't chew on that and try to understand it in depth. And I think that all of us would be better off if we would, just do that, more than just read it, but really, really try to understand. And there are all kinds of great tools, even online, for us to use to do some great Bible study. And we don't have to be necessarily seminary trained to get a lot out of it.
>> Don Hawkins: Absolutely. In fact, we'll have the president of Dallas Seminary on the program next week, Dr. Mark Yarborough. And they have a website, Courses DTS EDU, with a lot of free Bible study courses. And it's interesting, Lee, that one of the names for our Savior is Yeshua Hamashiach, is used, that's the Hebrew for Jesus, the Christ or the Messiah. And you know, as you brought up the subject, Brian, of getting deeper in study of the Word of God, I think about the steps that we need to take observation seeing. What does the scripture tell me, about the Savior, what does it mean? How do I interpret it in its words, its grammar and its context? And then how do I apply it to my life? And we certainly can't leave out that step about applying it to our lives.
Brian asks Lord to lead us in prayer for Lee tonight
I wonder, Brian, if you'd lead us in prayer for Lee tonight.
>> Caroline: Yes, absolutely. Yes, Father. I thank you for our brother Lee and his passion, Lord, that. That that you are seen as you intend to be seen. Lord, that's our passion, that, that you are known to the world that you've revealed yourself to. And so Father, I thank you for Lee and his drive. I pray you would bless his thirst for, hunger and thirst for righteousness and a hunger and thirst for the Word, Lord. Lead him in your Way. Lord, I pray as well that those who are listening and may be frustrated with, hearing from you. And like I read the Word, but I just don't understand it. Lord, I, know that you said, that when we seek you with all of our hearts, you will be found.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Caroline: And so, Father, I pray that you would open their eyes, open their minds, that you would be. That you would speak to them through your word. And Lord, that those, those who are listening would not be discouraged. But Lord would be encouraged to know that these are your words and we want to dive in and soak in all that we can. And so, Lord, I thank you for that and for leading Lee to share that exhortation with us tonight. In Jesus name, Amen.
>> Don Hawkins: Lee, thank you so much for calling us tonight. Great to hear from you and we appreciate your sharing your concerns and friend. If you'd like to talk with us tonight. The number is 855-586-5433.
Matthew 6:33 says seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness
I want to go back, Bryan, to our passage in Matthew 6 and look at verse 33. Seems to me this may be the key to reorienting our hearts toward eternity. Matthew 6:33.
>> Caroline: No, it absolutely to me is. This is the thesis statement of Jesus Sermon on the Mount. the centerpiece thought, seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things that we worry about will be added. now we might not see all these things added below, especially if our hearts are focused on, health and wealth and prosperity and riches and things like that. We might not see all of those things added if we just seek first the kingdom of God. It's not a special formula for happiness here below, but seeking the kingdom of God, we use what he has given us to steward today for the furthering of his kingdom. Today, the real reward is found in eternity. and, I think of the parable of the unwise manager, unwise steward in Luke 16, which is kind of another. I don't want to go down a rabbit trail there, but, God in that parable, that steward was afraid of losing his, His, his. His job, his riches, because he had mismanaged them. And, and he said, well, I need to make friends with people. And so I'm just going to discount what they owe my boss.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Caroline: And he found that the boss was pleased in his shrewdness of, behaving with those people. And, and what I find, what that spoke to me when I read that, that is, the Lord doesn't, want us to repay a debt that he owes us. He wants us to manage what he's given us so that we can bring more people into the Kingdomnomics.
>> Don Hawkins: And that's what we're all about when we talk about SAT 7's ministry, and that is getting the good news of Jesus Christ into the lives of people in the Middle east and North Africa using Arabic and Farsi and Dari and some other languages. Our number is 855.
>> Caroline: Do you have an extra car taking up valuable space in your driveway? Let Encouragement Live. Take it off your hands. It's easy, free and best of all, tax deductible. Get your driveway back and keep Encouragement Live rolling so more people can bridge the gap between their faith and everyday Life. Mention encouragement live when you call 855-500-RIDE, that's 855-500-RIDE or encouragementlive.org what did Chuck.
>> Don Hawkins: Swindoll, David Jeremiah and Erwin Lutzer have in common? They all trained to preach God's Word at Dallas Theological Seminary. And you can train at DTS too. If you've been called to preach or teach God's Word, find a degree or course that's right for you on one of our campuses. Campuses are online at DTS Edu Dallas Theological Seminary where they teach truth and love well. Visit dts Edu the older people grow.
>> Caroline: The more important it is that they have savings that are not at risk in the stock market.
>> Don Hawkins: Here's an important warning from Roxanne Endermule of his faithful stewards.com I've seen many.
>> Caroline: People in their 50s that have all their savings still in a 401k or some other market based account that is fully at risk of loss.
>> Don Hawkins: Roxanne and her team offer practical financial counsel to people from all age groups.
>> Caroline: It could be that they need to start saving for the future in retirement. Or maybe they've already done those things and they just need to be good managers of what God's given them and get their money to where it can grow well but won't be at risk of loss in the stock market. Or maybe they need to get a will or a trust in place to protect their family from the cost and stresses of probate.
>> Don Hawkins: You can schedule a free and confidential time to talk with Roxanne at her website, his faithful stewards.com just follow the links on the website to set a good time to talk. Or you may call the office to set a time.
Don Hawkins: Brian Nelson of SAT 7 asks for prayer for his ministry
That's his faithful stewards.com back for the final segment of a fast moving edition of Encouragement Live with Brian Nelson of Sat7.sat7usa.org is the website where you can learn more about this Great Ministry. That's SAT the number seven, the letters USA.org I'm Don Hawkins. Grateful for our team of ministry people. Rodney and Danny and Wriley and Keith and Niely. Pray for Niely. She's not feeling too well tonight. Also for Serita and Sam, both of whom have health issues and Brad and Nikki who are part of our team as well, both facing health challenges. So we appreciate your prayers for this ministry and pray for the team. Brian Nelson and John Cernelia, all the folks who are part of SAT 7, including those folks on the island of Cyprus as you mentioned earlier Brian face.
>> Caroline: Most of them native to Iran themselves and their, their studio has been, is positioned in an area where wildfires have been sweeping through. So we've not received any word that they've suffered damage but there's a heightened level of concern for sure and so they've asked us to pray.
>> Don Hawkins: Well we do want to encourage folks to be in prayer for them and lift up this ministry. And again if you'd like to learn more about it go to the website sat7usa.org want to go back to Matthew 6:33 and this word seek. I did some investigating Brian of this particular word and I discovered it's found three times in Luke's account of when Jesus was 12 years old and he went to Jerusalem with his parents and, and he turned up missing when they headed for home. And it talked about how they went back to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus. Now I don't think they made a casual turn back to the city and checked into the local Holiday Inn and had a leisurely dinner and made a phone call or two to find out where Jesus was. I think there was a little more intensity in that word seek, wouldn't you agree?
>> Caroline: Can you imagine being Mary and Joseph, Joseph who knew that they were tasked with raising the Messiah and then they lose him for three days while right after the Passover. I don't think Don, that they were they were probably pretty on edge. In fact when Mary finally discovered Jesus was in the temple, she basically said where have you been? What are you doing? We've been worried sick. but what that word seeking gets to in that context is that that this is a tenacious pursuit.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes.
>> Caroline: That we're not just going to let go when we are a little discouraged and you know, we are going to find what we're looking for and that kind of tenacity and intensity is something that will we do well to translate from that story in Luke 2.
>> Don Hawkins: You know, when I think about that, I remember a man I heard speak in chapel when I was a student at Southeastern Bible College about maybe 100 years ago. Not quite that long. Long. R.G. letourneau. You probably heard the story about R.G. letourneau. He is a classic example of stewardship. He started giving 10% of his money, wound up increasing that, incrementally, until he was eventually giving 90% of his money to the Lord's work and living comfortably on the other 10%. I would call, that Brian seeking first the kingdom of God.
>> Caroline: Yes. And he's not the only one who's done, those kinds of things. And isn't it interesting, Don, how, you know, the idea of being a steward of what God's given you and you make your mission the kingdom of God and not your own kingdom. How the Lord often blesses you beyond what you ever thought you would be blessed.
>> Don Hawkins: Amen.
>> Caroline: And you're pretty well cared for as well.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. God has a way of taking care of us in that way. And we as parents who've had a missing 12 year old child, we know how, how to make that a priority. Now, it sounds to me like there are three things that we need to orient in this. Our time, our talents, and our treasure. Would you agree?
>> Caroline: I agree. Yeah, absolutely. And I think what it all starts with, Don, is, this world is not our home. And over and over and over throughout the sermon on the mount, especially in chapter six of Matthew, Jesus talks about a reward in heaven. And he says, you can do this, but that, but that, but then here and now is the only reward you'll get. Or, you know, if you behave this way, this is the only reward you'll get. You might get the approval of the people in the streets who see you praying. You might get, you know, but that's the only reward you'll get. You. You ought to be seeking a reward in heaven is what Jesus is saying. And once we get that through our thick skulls, our time, our talents, our energies, our treasure is all falls in line.
>> Don Hawkins: Absolutely. 855-586-5433.
Donna is listening in Kentucky tonight on Christian Radio
Donna is listening in Kentucky tonight. Donna, good to hear from you. Go right ahead.
>> Caroline: That's the first time I've ever got the Rutus radio station. I like it.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, we're glad to have you listening and it's a real joy and I hope you will lock it into your dial and listen Frequently. And what would you like to share with us tonight? Night?
>> Caroline: I'm glad I found a gospel station I listen to.
>> Don Hawkins: Absolutely. You know, it's amazing. God has used Christian radio in a great way. And Brian, Nelson, you mentioned the fact that you, sort of cut your teeth in radio on Christian radio. Work with the student, broadcast station at Cedarville University and a little bit with CDR radio and couple of other Christian stations in the Dayton, Ohio area. And I suspect that back in the day when I was on the M. Menrith Meyer Clinic, we probably were on some of those stations as well. So it's really, neat that in Kentucky or in Ohio or we had Louisiana earlier where, we had Lee calling us from, that are in the Carolinas, that people can listen to Christian radio and. And we can be a part of their lives. Lives. And. And Donna, that's really a big part of what Christian radio is all about. It introduces us to, to the gospel, and it also provides encouragement for us. That's one of the reasons we call this program Encouragement Live. you know, the concept of encouragement. Jesus said he was the ultimate encourager. And he was sending his disciples when he was going to go back to heaven, sending them another encourager, the Holy Spirit, to be alongside them, to help them in their troubles. And so, Donna, I am so glad, that you have, come alongside us tonight by Christian Radio, and I hope you'll continue listening.
Donna calls us tonight with a prayer request for encouragement
Do you have a specific prayer request that you'd like to share with us that we could pray with you?
>> Caroline: Prayer, that people could treat me mean, try to use me. I need prayer against all angels.
>> Don Hawkins: That all right.
>> Caroline: I get a little over 900 months later on that much money. I get loan money.
>> Don Hawkins: Well, let, let us pray for you right now, Donna. Lord, thank you that Donna has called us tonight and Lord, that she's discovered this Christian radio station where she can be encouraged. Lord, I know it's discouraging when people are not treating us well and when we don't have enough resources to, provide for our needs. So Lord, I just pray that you would provide for her and bless her in every way and encourage her tonight in a special way. I pray for Jesus sake. Amen. Brian, you may have some words of encouragement to share with Donna as well.
>> Caroline: Well, I think that Donna has discovered this. We talked about all the distractions in the world and just having a Christian radio station like this that you can turn off and that orients your mind to the things of God is going to give you an anchor to those moments of weakness when you feel like you're being downtrodden or whatever. I hope that she's filled with hope listening to this channel and realizing that the Lord is always with her.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes. And, Donna, another thing that's really important. I want to mention a passage of scripture. Donna, do you happen to have a pen and paper handy? Are you where you can write something down?
>> Caroline: Yeah.
>> Don Hawkins: Okay, here's what I want you to write down. Philippians, four verses, P, H, I, L, I, P, P, I, a, n, s. 4. Yeah, 4, chapter 4, chapter 4, verses 11 through 13, and especially verse 13, because many times, and this is what we talked about earlier from Matthew 6, their anxieties that just weigh us down. Maybe people treating us poorly, maybe we don't have enough resources. But again, when we turn those things over to God through prayer, and especially if we have trusted him as savior. And I, hope and pray, Donna, that you have trusted him. Have you come to that place, you've trusted Christ?
>> Caroline: I think I backslid. I've been getting more living world treat me back.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.
>> Caroline: Drive a car and I have to walk everywhere going.
>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. Well, you know what? This may be the time for you to just turn your life back over to the Lord to rededicate your life to him. Would you pray with me and let me pray with you about that?
>> Caroline: Yeah.
>> Don Hawkins: Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you for saving me.
>> Caroline: Thank you for saving me.
>> Don Hawkins: I've placed my trust in you as my Savior. And tonight I want to rededicate my life to you as Lord of my.
>> Caroline: Life, as Lord of my life, I.
>> Don Hawkins: Want you to take my anxieties away and let me live for you. Give me the courage to stand up to the trials. Trial in Jesus name. Amen. Donna, we are so happy that you called us tonight. I'm going to ask our entire encouragement, live listening family to be praying for you, and we will lift you up. You keep listening. Okay?
>> Caroline: All right.
>> Don Hawkins: God bless you.
>> Caroline: Do you have any gospel music? We don't have no cable or nothing.
>> Don Hawkins: Okay. What I want you to do is stay on the line. We'll get back with you again your address, and we'll send you. I'm going to send you a copy of my book, Never Give Up. It's a book of encouragement and hope. Okay, I'll send that to you. And we might be able to send you some music as well. Okay. You stay on the line. Don't go away. And, Brian, it's been great to have you on the broadcast tonight. I'm looking forward to having you back again, my brother.
>> Caroline: Well, it's been great to be with you. It is encouraging, isn't it? Just to dwell on the things of God and to realize that he is for us and he wants to shower us with blessing.
>> Don Hawkins: Yes. And if he be for us, as Romans 8 said, who can be against us? Wonderful promise for us to end up on. And Philippians 4:13. that's a great verse. It says, be anxious about nothing, but in everything, according to prayer and supplication. With thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will secure your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Thank you, Brian. It's been great to have you on the broadcast this evening.
>> Caroline: Yes, sir. God bless you guys.
>> Don Hawkins: You as well. And again, if you'd like to learn more about and pray about and support the Ministry of Sat7, go to the website sat7usa.org Again, that's sat7usa.org we archive our programs at encouragementlive.org for all of us who are part of the team of Encouragement Live, I'm Don Hawkins. Good night from Encouragement Live.
