Here are the first 50 videos that we broadcast live from The Ranch in the early years of our ministry (1998-2002).
We’re thankful to have been able to restore and convert these videos from a time when it was exciting to be able to watch live video over the internet in little windows the size of postage stamps on our computer screens . Even though life wasn’t broadcast in HD back then, I assure you that the quality of life was just as good… and God’s Word was just as true.
Hope you enjoy these classic messages from The Ranch!
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Even home-run hitters have their share of bad days. But how can you break through an extended losing streak and still achieve your goal? Find out how in this, our first, live broadcast from The Ranch. (Recorded September 11, 1998)
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. (Recorded September 20, 1998)
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. (Recorded September 27, 1998)
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. (Recorded October 4, 1998)
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. (Recorded October 11, 1998)
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. (Recorded October 18, 1998)
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. (Recorded October 25, 1998)
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. (Recorded November 1, 1998)
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. (Recorded November 22, 1998)
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. (Recorded November 29, 1998)
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. (Recorded December 6, 1998)
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. (Recorded December 13, 1998)
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. (Recorded December 20, 1998)
Need some hope for the future? While we celebrate Christ’s first coming at Christmas, we also look forward to his second coming soon. My wife, Lana, shares how this affects her hope for the future. Come and listen to what God might to say to you, too. (Our kids sing, too!). (Recorded December 20, 1998)
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. (Recorded January 10, 1999)
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. (Recorded January 17, 1999)
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. (Recorded January 24, 1999)
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.” (Recorded January 29, 1999)
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. (Recorded February 7, 1999)
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. (Recorded February 14, 1999)
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.” (Recorded February 21, 1999)
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. (Recorded February 28, 1999)
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. (Recorded March 7, 1999)
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. (Recorded March 14, 1999)
Listen as Russell Pond describes “Entering into a Sabbath-Rest.” Russ has ministered on the Internet for several years to people who suffer from panic attacks. He brings his unique insights into this week’s topic on finding rest. For more information on Russ and his “Season of Peace” ministry, visit http://www.season.org. (Recorded March 21, 1999)
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. (Recorded March 28, 1999)
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. (Recorded April 11, 1999)
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. (Recorded April 25, 1999)
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. (Recorded May 16, 1999)
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. (Recorded May 23, 1999)
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. (Recorded May 30, 1999)
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. (Recorded June 6, 1999)
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. (Recorded June 27, 1999)
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.” (Recorded July 10, 1999)
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. (Recorded July 25, 1999)
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.” (Recorded August 1, 1999)
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. (Recorded August 8, 1999)
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. (Recorded August 15, 1999)
Taking and keeping friends can be difficult, elusive, and quite risky. But in the end, it’s worth the risk. There is an inherent value in friendship that satisfies the deep long that God has put in each of our hearts. If you’re wanting deeper friendships, but don’t know how to start, join me for this message with my special guests from Wales, John and Jennifer Evans. (Recorded August 22, 1999)
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. (Recorded August 29, 1999)
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. (Recorded September 5, 1999)
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. (Recorded December 16, 1999)
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! (Recorded March 15, 2000)
How To Know For Sure That You Are Going To Heaven
God wants you to be sure whether or not you’re going to heaven. Knowing this truth will make a difference in how you live and how you die. If you have doubts about where you’ll spend your eternal life, watch as my special guest Bill Allison clearly presents, “How To Know For Sure That You Are Going To Heaven.” (Recorded April 1, 2000)
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.” (Recorded May 19, 2000)
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. (Recorded February 23, 2001)
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. (Recorded January 11, 2002)
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. (Recorded January 26, 2002)
Do you ever wish you could get away from everything for awhile? Head off to the mountains or a beach or a beautiful resort? There’s actually a place you can go that’s even better than those places – and you can go there as often as you want. That place is in the presence of God. I hope you’ll listen as my wife, Lana, describes how she enters God’s presence by going to her “prayer closet.” We hope it will encourage you to find a place where you can go and spend time with God, too. (Recorded February 15, 2002)
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. (Recorded March 15, 2002)
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. (Recorded March 29, 2002)
If you know God loves you, but don’t feel it in your heart, then this is a message for you.