hese half-hour messages are great for giving you an encouraging word, a song and a prayer. Just from what God has put on my heart, made specifically for you.

The Ranch Archives: Popular Topics

Resurrection Power
We need faith to get through many things in this life.  But ultimately, the true power of our faith hinges on one thing:  our belief in the resurrection from the dead.  It is so critical that Paul said, "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied above all men."  We must believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, for only then can we have hope that he can raise us also. (Message: Eric Elder; Running time: 32:30)
How To Finally Be Free From Sin
Many people write to me asking for help to be free from a sin that has plagued them for a long, long time. Although they want to be free from sin, they feel defeated. They’re worn out from the fight. They’re about ready to give up hope of ever changing. If you feel the same way, I hope this message will give you new hope. Not only that, but I pray it will help you to break free from the sins that plague you as well. (Message: Eric Elder; Piano Music: "You Are My All In All" written by Dennis Jernigan, played by Eric Elder; Running time: 27:35)
Loving Your Neighbor Over The Internet
Have you ever considered using the Internet to help others? In this broadcast, I'll give you several examples of how God has been working on the Internet. I specifically want to encourage YOU to think about ways you might help bring the love of Christ to others as well. I hope you'll join me, not only for this broadcast, but also in loving your neighbor...over the Internet. (Message: Eric Elder; Piano Music: "I Just Want To Praise You" written by Arthur Tannous, played by Eric Elder; Running time: 20:21)
Your Life Is More Than Just A Dash
Even though our tombstone will mark the date of our birth and the date of our death, with a dash in between, that doesn't even come close to telling the whole story. Your life is more than just a dash. You were alive long before you took your first breath. And, if you believe in Christ, you will live long after you take your last.  Join me for a new perspective on just how precious you are to God.
A Thoughtful Look At Human Cloning
Human cloning is now here.  What's a Christian to think about it? And how should we respond?  Join me for look at three ways I believe a Christian can respond to human cloning in a thoughtful, compassionate, and Christ-like manner.
If God Were Here
What difference would it make in your life right now if you knew that God were here?  What difference would it make in your situations, in your relationships, in your work, in what you do or don't do?  The Bible says that God is here and, in fact, he is not far from each one of us.  Join me as I share some of my own encounters with the living God and three things I believe He would tell each of us.
The Trouble With Sex
If your sex life isn't all you want it to be, or if you wonder if you'll ever have a sex life at all, this message is for you.  God doesn't want us to be disappointed with sex any more than we want to be disappointed with it.   And he's thrilled to point us to answers to solve all of our troubles, even our troubles with sex.  Includes special musical guest, Kent Sanders.
The Secret Of Happiness
It's been said that "every man dies, but not every man truly lives."  God wants us to "truly live."  But how?  The apostle Paul, even after being beaten, robbed, imprisoned, shipwrecked and left for dead, said "...now we really live."  How?  He knew the secret of happiness and he shared it with us in one of his letters.  I'll share it with you, too, in this practical message on "The Secret of Happiness."
The Gift Of Rest
One of God's greatest gifts to us is the gift of rest.  But like many gifts He offers us, we sometimes let this one sit in our closet unopened.  In this message, I'll help you unwrap this great gift so you can begin to enjoy its benefits in your life.  If you're tired and weary, this is a message for you! 
Stocking Up On Your Faith
When Y2K was just around the corner, no one knew exactly what would happen.  But there's one thing we can stock up on anytime  that will help us through anything:  FAITH.  This message will give you some practical ways to "stock up on your faith."
What's God Up To?
Do you ever feel like life is going nowhere?  And do you sometimes wonder if there's an overall plan for life on this planet?  I want to assure you that life is going somewhere and that there is an overall plan.  Regardless of what it looks like around you, God is up to something.  In this message, you'll learn more about his plan for the world and how you can be part of it as it unfolds. 
True Intimacy
One of the deepest longings of our heart is the longing for true intimacy.  Yet all too often we settle for something less, not because we don't want the real thing, but because the risk is simply too great.  But true intimacy does exist.  It starts by being honest with God, and it continues in our relationships with others when we are honest with them.  This message will help you take steps toward True Intimacy.
Broken Hearts
If you've got a broken heart, you may feel like even God has abandoned you.  But I assure you He hasn't.  The Bible says that "the Lord is close to the broken hearted."  Let God heal your broken heart as you watch this message.  Includes special musical guests, Chuck and Lynette Giacinto of Final Quest.
Parenting - From Heaven's Point Of View
Sometimes we have to get our head out of the clouds, but then there are times when we need get them back up there and breathe in a little bit of heaven.  It's particularly helpful when changing a diaper.  If you need a breath of fresh air right now because of troubles in raising your kids, join me for a look at parenting - from heaven's point of view.
The Love Of God
There's one set of words you can hear over and over and never get tired of them:  "I love you."  And this is what God says to us, and wants us to hear from him, every day.  No matter where you are, what you are doing, or what you have done, God loves you.  He desires you to know that love, feel that love, walk in that love, and act on that love.  Let Him tell you again today: "My child, I love you."  
Blankity Blank, Blank, Blank
Does your tongue ever get you into trouble?  Do other people's tongues ever cause you trouble?  In this message, we'll take a look at how to get control over our tongues, and how to counteract the negative words that others have spoken to us.  Find out the difference this can make in your life and the lives of those around you.
Be My Lord
Many people want a Savior...someone to help them out when times are tough.  But not every wants a "Lord," because they're afraid to hand over control of their life to someone else.  But rest assured that there's Someone we can hand our lives over to Who really does know best...and will do us right every time.  Join me to hear how great it can feel to say to God, "Be My Lord."
Random Acts Of Kindness
People love to hear stories about "random acts of kindness," those thoughtful little things that people do to help one another.  God calls us to do these and more.  Join me as I encourage you to reach out with some "deliberate acts of kindness" based on God's desire that we put our faith into action. 
Broken Trust
When people break our trust, what can we do?  When they've let us down, or even deliberately betrayed us, how should we react?  In this message, we'll take a look at some famous and not-so-famous people who have given us an example to follow.  You'll find that even when people break our trust, we can still trust God.
Increase Our Faith
Take a look with me at the words of Jesus when he commended people for their faith.  When you see what happens to each person, I hope you'll be inspired to call out to God like the disciples did:  "Increase our faith!"  Join me for this guided tour of The Walk of Faith.
Two Weeks With God
Care to spend two weeks with God?   There's nothing like spending time with him to bring peace to your soul.  In this message, you'll learn more about our new online devotional "Two Weeks With God."  It's free, and it'll  encourage you to spend time each day with the One who cares about you more than anyone in the world.
God Is Very Real
When you realize that God is real, everything takes on a new perspective and a new meaning.  And when we can realize this truth every moment of every day, it can change our outlook, our actions, and our attitudes.  Join me for this message to see what a difference it can make in your life. 
The Cross
I once visited the spot in Jerusalem where Jesus died.   As I approached it, I was flooded with emotion and fell to my knees.  In this message, I'd like to share with you in a very personal way what Christ has done for me.  And in the process, I want you to know what Christ has done for you, too. 
Cheer Up!
This is a message of hope, so if you need some, listen in.  I can assure you the sun is still shining, even if the clouds are blocking your view.  You can be sure that if the sun weren't there, we'd be flung out of orbit and die instantly.  Don't despair, God is there, too.  
Tempted?
If you struggle with temptation, watch this week's "Live from the Ranch."   God has promised that when we are tempted, he will provide a way out.  Join me as I share some powerful stories of how God has done this for others, and how he can do it for you.
The Joy Of The Lord
True joy eludes many people, even long-time Christians.  But a simple change in perspective can be the key to unlock more joy in your life.  Join me for this message if you want to find out more about the Joy of the Lord.
The Will To Go On
Tired of the fight?  I want to encourage you that it's worth it.  God will make it worth your while.  Don't give up.   The Bible says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  In this message, I'll pray with you that you will have "The Will to Go On."
Recharging Your Batteries
If your rechargeable batteries run out of steam, you know what to do.  Plug 'em in and give 'em a boost.  We can do the same thing for ourselves when we run out of steam.  If we only know where to put the plug.  Join me to hear how to plug into the ultimate source of power.
What God Wouldn't Do For You
There's a verse in the Bible that says, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Can that really be true?  If you have doubts, I hope you'll watch this message to give you a whole new perspective on what God is willing to do for you.
Clear My Mind
Do you have trouble clearing your mind?  Do you battle thoughts from the past, or worry about the future? God has a way to help you clear your mind.  To hear more about this peace that passes understanding, join me for this message.  Listen to the music that goes with this message from the CD "Clear My Mind."
Keeping "Up" In Your Faith
Do you get discouraged by doubt? Does it bring you down or make you depressed? God gives us some great ways to keep up in our faith, ways that will change not only our attitude, but the outcome.  In this message, I'll give you some ideas on how you can keep "up" in your faith.
The Gospel Truth
Would you like to hear a clear explanation of how to get to heaven?  Would you like to know a simple way to explain it to others?  If so, join me for this message to hear the great news:  the gospel truth.
The Power Of Forgiveness
Forgiveness brings healing to some of the deepest places in our lives. If you're in need of forgiveness, or you struggle with forgiving someone else, join me for a message that could heal the hurts you never thought could be healed.
Prayer-Squared: The Power Of 2
Wonder how to increase the power of your prayers?  Jesus gave us a hint:  "... if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."  Join me for some touching stories about prayer-squared:  the Power of 2.
Having Trouble Believing?
Do you need faith for something, but have doubts instead?   You're in good company.  Some of the main characters of the Christmas story had their share of doubts, too.  In this message, you can find out what happened to change their doubt to faith, and how you can do the same. 
The Rewards Of Perseverance
If you're wearing out waiting on God, watch this message!  You'll hear about the great rewards for perseverance.  God is faithful.  He will answer.  He will come through, not only for you, but for those who will be touched by what he does for you. 
Looking For Answers
Looking for an answer?  Wish God would speak to you, and tell you what he thinks?  Be assured, God wants you to know his will for you even more than you want to know it.  Come and find the answers to your questions.  
Need A Change?
Restless?  Unfulfilled?  Want to change a few things in your life?  If anyone can change things, God can.  Because God is in the life-changing business.   It's one of his specialties.  So if you need some faith that God can change a few things in your life, watch this. 
Scared To Life
Looking for a truly scary story this Halloween?  Here's one that's got thrills and chills galore.  It may not scare you to death, but it may just scare you to life.  The ending depends on you.  Find out why in this message.
Catching A Glimpse Of God
You've got to admit, if there is a God, He must be pretty big.  That would mean it's pretty hard to hide.  Yet God can hide Himself from us, just as He can reveal himself to us.  Although it may seem like a cosmic game of hide and seek, God promises that when you seek Him, you'll find Him. 
In God We Trust?
We put our trust in many things...our jobs, our spouses, our home, our family, our friends, our wisdom, our talents.  But it's only when we put our trust in God that we'll see true success.  Explore with me how things will change for you when you renew your trust in God.
Our Light And Momentary Troubles
Are your burdens too heavy?  Hear how Jesus can lift them, for he said, "Take my yoke upon you... for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Also includes some of my personal testimony of how I came to Christ. 
The Power Of Faith
Faith is more than a state of mind, it actually contains power, strong enough to move mountains.  Like atomic energy, just a little atom of it can blast you from here to heaven in the blink of an eye.  See how you can put it to work in your life.
Stepping Into The River
Is God calling you step out in your faith?  Do you need a little reassurance that God will carry you to the the other side?  Then watch this message for a boost in your faith.
Jumping Into God's Plan
God has a plan and he's carrying it out.  You can jump into it anytime.  And when you do, you'll find purpose and fulfillment in your life like you've never known before.   
Dealing With Discouragement
Question:  What's the difference between Mark McGwire and you?  Answer:  A whole lot of home runs. But otherwise, we all face the same struggles.  Even Mark McGwire has had his share of bad days.  (After 31 home runs, he decided to go for the record of 61 home runs.  But then he went to bat 29 times in a row without hitting a single home run.)  But in the end, he broke through and broke the record for the most home runs in a season. How did he break through?  And how can you?  I recently had a dream in which Mark McGwire showed up and told me the secret to his success.  What was it?  Find out on our next Internet broadcast, "Dealing with Discouragement." You'll get the boost you need to go on.
Grasping The Love Of God
If you know God loves you, but don't feel it in your heart, then this is a message for you.

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