What’s New At The Ranch

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries, with updates on “What’s New at The Ranch.”

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Cookies and Cocoa with Eric!

Join me this Thursday night for cookies and cocoa! It’s Christmastime, and I’d love to host you as my guest for an online party!

I’ll be live online from 7-8:30 PM CST, this Thursday, December 18th on Zoom. Just send me a note if you’d like to join and I’ll send you the link. Since we’ll be online, I’ll have to ask you to bring your own cookies and cocoa!

Here’s what I’m hoping for our 90 minutes together...

  1. I’d like to share a life and ministry update with you, including 3 recent stories of “divine encounters” that left me shaking my head in praise to Jesus.
  2. I’d like to give you time to make new friends and maybe reconnect with old ones.
  3. I’d like to enjoy cookies and cocoa and share some Christmas cheer!

If you’d like an inspirational night with friends old and new (plus cookies and cocoa!), I hope you’ll join the fun.

Again, just send me a note if you’d like to join and I’ll send you the link.

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Maybe the ending isn’t the most important part

I was reading the Christmas story this week in the Bible, and I was surprised at my reaction to the opening words. In Luke, chapter 1, an angel appears to Zechariah, telling him that he and his wife Elizabeth are going to give birth to a son named John.

This was good news, as they had been barren for years. Yet my immediate thought was:

“Yeah, great. And one day, John’s going to get his head chopped off by a crazy king.”

“What?!?” I thought. “What happened in my heart that made me jump to the end of the story, where the king’s wife asks to be given the head of John the Baptist on a platter?”

Somehow I skipped the entirety of John’s fruitful and productive life. I went straight to the ending. Why did I skip over all the good stuff? I knew exactly why.

I’ve recently gone through my own “bad ending.” I was in a relationship that began so beautifully, yet ended so abruptly after only a few short months. My head was reeling, as if someone had brought it out on a platter, too. What began as good news soon filled me with tremendous grief and disappointment, so much so that I considered giving up on ministry completely.

I must not have heard from God, I thought. I must have messed up somehow that caused my dream world to burst. And I am now looking back on the relationship through the lens of its ending, leaving me with feelings of pain, shame, and despair.

So I understood why I responded to Zechariah’s “good news” that the angel had brought him. Remembering how the story ended, I filtered it through the lens of the ending only, as if the ending was the most important part.

But John’s story is more than its ending! As I kept reading the Christmas story, I saw a much fuller view of the “good news” the angel had given to Zechariah even before his son John was born. The angel said:

“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God is showing grace to you. For I have come to tell you that your prayer for a child has been answered. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son and you are to name him John.

“His birth will bring you much joy and gladness. Many will rejoice because of him. He will be one of the great ones in the sight of God. He will drink no wine or strong drink, but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even while still in his mother’s womb.

“And he will persuade many in Israel to convert and turn back to the Lord their God.

“He will go before the Lord as a forerunner, with the same power and anointing as Elijah the prophet.

“He will be instrumental in turning the hearts of the fathers in tenderness back to their children and the hearts of the disobedient back to the wisdom of their righteous fathers.

“And he will prepare a united people who are ready for the Lord’s appearing.”

Luke 1:13-17, TPT

Now that’s a life well-lived! And John did do all of those things, even up to his final breath, when he was beheaded because of his warning to the king to turn away from his adulterous and incestuous relationship with his brother’s ex-wife.

And then there’s this: listen to what Jesus had to say about John’s life:

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…” (Matthew 11:11a).

Now that’s the RIGHT perspective! My initial reaction to the passage was skewed by the pain of what I had recently been through myself. I had jumped to the end and skipped all the good stuff in between. My lens was askew.

I thought again about my relationship that ended. I thought of the joys and blessings that have come from it, despite its ending… and some blessings even because of its ending.

I thought again:

Maybe the ending isn’t the most important part.

I prayed: “Lord, help me to have Your perspective on the people and events in my life. Help me to not skew my memories through a lens that’s distorted. Help me to have a clear view of the whole story, especially the parts that are most important to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Here’s John’s story in a nutshell, as foretold by the angel… the parts that matter most of all:

“His birth will bring you much joy and gladness. Many will rejoice because of him. He will be one of the great ones in the sight of God.”

May God give us all His perspective on the people and events in our lives.

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

P.S. And if you’d like to listen to some beautiful Christmas music, here are two full albums of piano music recorded by my sister, Marilyn Byrnes. Just use the links below or search any streaming music service for “Marilyn Byrnes, Christmas.” Enjoy!

https://marilynbyrnes.hearnow.com/christmas/

https://marilynbyrnes.hearnow.com/a-cozy-christmas/

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Dealing with Secrets

My brother Craig is a rocket scientist—a real rocket scientist! He’s worked on missions you may have heard about in the news: the James Webb Space Telescope, the LCROSS lunar mission to look for water on the moon, or the launch of the Milstar military communication satellites. Cool stuff!

But what’s NOT COOL is that he had to keep certain things “TOP SECRET.” While that’s essential for protecting our country and the people involved, if not done right, it can lead to isolation, loneliness and despair.

Craig’s not alone in this. Doctors, lawyers, pastors, teachers, counselors and sometimes just close friends or family have to keep secrets for good reasons. As Proverbs says:

“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” (Proverbs 11:13).

So it’s not wrong to keep secrets when needed. But it can be difficult… and sometimes even tragic. As Psalms says:

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away” (Psalm 32:3a).

A few weeks ago, Craig shared with me about a time of despair he went through starting ten years ago… despair so deep he contemplated giving up on life itself.

I’m thankful to say he’s now 100% back to Craig, the brother I know. He’s laughing, playing games, talking, interacting. Life is good. I can’t imagine if he had given up.

But what got him through? And what can help you through when you feel like giving up?

That’s what we talk about in our conversation below. In it, Craig shares what he did wrong, what he did right, and what you can do to help you through, too. I hope you’ll watch or read the whole conversation!

If there’s one takeaway I want you to know today, know this:

There is hope! There is another side! Keep pressing on, even if you feel like giving up!

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Here’s the link to watch our whole conversation, or read the transcript below the video.

https://youtu.be/yFVoJ6zODXw

TRANSCRIPT (not word-for-word, but cleaned up for clarity and flow)

Eric: This is Eric Elder and I’m with my brother, Craig Elder. This is a rare opportunity to get together in our yard here in Illinois. He’s normally from California—been there for a long time—and it’s nice that he’s here this weekend. We’re just talking about pressing on when you feel like giving up.

And I wonder if he could say a prayer to open us. We’re going to talk about dealing with secrets, and he’s in a unique role dealing with secrets in his life. We’ll start with a prayer. This is one of his favorite scriptures.

Craig: Dear Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer. That’s Psalm 19. It starts out with “The heavens declare the glory of God,” and “the heavens display the work of his hands.” And in aerospace that means a lot to me. It always motivated me to follow my passion for space—everything space.

Eric: And Craig is a literal rocket scientist. So my brother is a rocket scientist and he’s been doing this for how many years?

Craig: I had 43 years of aerospace. I recently retired after 43 years. It’s good to have all my days be Saturdays from here on out—except for Sundays. Sundays are still Sundays. But all those weekdays, it’s kind of nice. I’ll come back to this point—that there is a reason to keep going on, because when you get to the point where all your days are Saturdays and Sundays, and then you look forward to an afterlife full of endless weekends and joy, you don’t want to miss out on that.

Eric: I know. And tell people what you did and what role secrets played in your life.

Craig: Over the course of my career I had various levels of government security clearances that required me not only to keep my mouth shut but also to actively protect secrets. I wasn’t alone in that. There are medical doctors who need confidentiality, or lawyers—attorney-client privilege—pastors, police officers, teachers. But my role as a government contractor meant that to do my job correctly, I had to absolutely not talk about certain things. Absolutely not leave a social media footprint. Don’t give the bad guys anything to go off of.

If not done correctly, that lifestyle can lead to loneliness and despair, and it can quickly spiral down.

About 10 years ago, I went through a real period of despair and fatigue. To give some context: in 2015 I had 30 years in building spacecraft—flying things like the James Webb Space Telescope, the LCROSS lunar impactor, and the Milstar nuclear-hardened, World-War-III-surviving communication satellites that kept all of our subs and bombers connected back to the United States. It had to survive a near nuclear burst of an anti-satellite weapon and come back with secure communication. My equipment had to come back within 10 seconds. We had to have the warfighters back in communication within a minute. All of this is unclassified now. But those satellites are still up there. They will far outlive me.

After many of those projects, I was asked to change companies to run a project that was six months behind schedule and had an insufficient budget. Some of my friends were retiring and would get 80% of their pension in cash at age 55. I was 54. I was approached by customers to run this program. After talking with my wife—and not talking with the financial advisors I should have—I said, “I’ll pass on the 80% pension at 55 and hold out for 100% at 65. I’ll work the 10 years.”

Four months before my 55th birthday, I switched companies. In the first two months, we recovered that six months of schedule and held a design review. Everyone was pleased. But there was a lot of churn and chaos at this company. In the 10 months I was there, I had five different bosses. One boss would be replaced, then we changed from one management structure to another. That construct lasted about a month.

Then one Monday morning, of the three contracts our company had, two were halted because of government funding restrictions. Keep in mind, I couldn’t talk to other employees about what we were doing. These were smart people asking good questions they needed for their jobs, but I couldn’t tell them. If I told one thing to one person, someone else might figure out what we were doing, and that would be very bad for America. People can be compromised.

Security clearances require not just no arrests—your finances are reviewed, your psychological profiles, your polygraphs every two years or more. They want to know if anyone in your circle could be blackmailed by anything. And I couldn’t divulge anything that people put on their security clearances that I had to approve.

Another issue was that I found myself working really long hours. There were only a handful of us who could open the secure vault. I lived near the factory, so I’d go in every morning at 5:30, fully dressed for the day. And in the evenings, people needed to work late, so I’d close up at midnight. They would’ve worked longer, but I said, “I can’t. I have to get up at 5:30 to open.”

In my isolation I became fatigued, and that spirals when you’re dealing with unsolvable problems. We were over-budget and understaffed. We didn’t have the right people cleared. I was getting fatigued. My wife is a teacher and had school-related problems. I got to a point where I absolutely felt I didn’t have time for friends. I barely had time for family. I was fatigued and started feeling despair. And I couldn’t talk to anyone, because if I talked to a counselor it would show up on my security records, and I didn’t want the hassle of explaining why I was talking to a psychiatrist.

I also knew I had given up that 80% pension bonus. I could have stepped away from it all and had enough to retire, had I stayed four months longer. And now I didn’t have that opportunity. I’d have to work 10 years in this unsustainable position. There was a lot of regret. A lot of regret about my decisions and my future. I didn’t see any value for life because I felt I had made bad decisions and couldn’t talk to anybody.

Sorry for so much context, but it gets to these points: What did I do wrong, and what did I do right? Because here I am on the other side. I’m wonderfully retired. I’ve got a wonderful family with a granddaughter and another on the way. They make life worth living. I’ve got great relationships with my kids, my wife, my friends who rallied around me in spite of myself. I thoroughly enjoy my life at this stage. I had no idea what I would have been throwing away when I was at my low.

Eric: We weren’t able to talk about this during the time. We saw the change in your personality and your silence. You were unable to talk.

Craig: We have a joke: with each program you’re briefed into, you become stupider at cocktail parties because people come up to you and say, “Hey, what’s the real story about aliens?” You can’t give any hint.

Eric: And so we’re watching you, not knowing how to help. It’s hard on the people around you. It’s hard on you. So I’m really curious—what you felt you did wrong and what you did right.

Craig: What I did wrong: first, I buried it. There’s a new Marvel movie out called Thunderbolts. A character has a dark side and says, “It’s hopeless. Why do we go on?” The young Russian girl says, “Shut up. Do what we do: bury it. Bury it deeper.” That was one thing I did wrong.

Another thing I did wrong was dwelling on past mistakes—thinking my career had been perfect until I changed companies. “I should have pushed back. I should have delayed. I should have…” That was wasted time. Dwelling on regret was a catalyst for the spiral down.

The third thing I did wrong was contemplating giving up. The biggest waste of time in my life was trying to figure out how to kill myself so my family could collect insurance money and be set. As an engineer I processed it, and there was no good way that wouldn’t impact my family. And if I searched online, that would trigger security flags and a polygraph: “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” And I’d bury it deeper.

What I did right was figuring out how to bury what needed to be buried without betraying the trust of the secrets I had to keep.

Eric: This weekend you shared some of these things I hadn’t heard before. You’re opening up here, and that’s why I asked if you’d share it—because people struggle with hope in very dark places. I didn’t realize the depth of what you went through. And I’m so sorry you were there. I’m so glad you’re here on the other side—100% back to Craig, the brother I know. You’re laughing, playing games, talking, interacting. Life is good. I can’t imagine if you had given that up. And I’m hopeful for people watching—including those who can’t see what’s on the other side. All they see is darkness.

Craig: Absolutely. Some people are dealing with the darkness of a terminal diagnosis. You see the darkness, but you need faith that something better is out there.

Eric: Let me affirm that keeping secrets is not wrong. Proverbs 11:13 says, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” A teacher, pastor, spouse, police officer—there are times to keep a secret. But how you deal with what you also bury along with it matters. Psalm 32 says, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away.” Silence can feel crushing. And Ecclesiastes says there’s a time to be silent and a time to speak. When I asked you this morning if you’d film this, I took a risk. Your trained muscle memory was, “I can neither confirm nor deny.” But you’re able to speak about hope, health, healing, and what helped you. So I think that’s huge. I’ll save the last verse for the end of the show. But yeah—how did you get out? What did you do?

Craig: Right. This sounds hokey, but I started going back to my company Bible study. Every Wednesday morning before work, a number of believers would meet for a Bible study. Just hearing God’s Word and seeing it in the faces and lives of my colleagues—many of whom worked in the closed area also, but on other projects—helped me. I couldn’t go in their vault, they couldn’t go in mine, but we could kind of knowingly wink. We had that shared experience of keeping secrets. I didn’t know what they were working on; I wanted plausible deniability. I didn’t want to know what they were working on because if I knew, I’d have to get breathed in, and then I’d become stupider at cocktail parties. I’d rather not know.

So just going back to God. Honestly, as I look back, I didn’t think of it much at the time as “God.” I just thought, “I’ve got to get away. I’m going to go meet with Howie and Lance and the guys at my old company for breakfast.” It was almost taboo showing up at another company. But it got me re-grounded and helped stop the spiral. It really did, those weeks.

I ended up, in talking with them, realizing that I could go back to work in my old job. I didn’t need the money. I didn’t want a salary increase. I didn’t want a new boss. I didn’t want a new title. Just get me into a safe space. But that wouldn’t have happened had God not called me—or had I not gone back to Bible study and kept those connections.

The second thing I did right was I just spent time with a friend. He was the dad of one of my son’s friends. We had a lot in common, but we weren’t super close. But he was willing to spend every Tuesday night with me. Usually Mondays were hell, Tuesdays were more hell, and by Tuesday night I was not looking forward to the rest of the week. But Serge knew I was going through some tough times. When a movie came out that our wives would never want to see—it was a blood-and-guts action movie—I wanted to see it, he wanted to see it. Tuesday nights were discount movie nights in our LA theater. So we established Tuesday as a dad date night.

Our wives would see a trailer and say, “Nope. Tuesday night—dad date. I’m not coming.” So Serge and I would go see it. We saw some stinkers over the years, but if there wasn’t a movie going on, Serge was willing to just get together and watch a hockey game, Disney Plus, or Hulu. We had some common science fiction background. Just spending time with him—not even talking about words or anything necessarily—helped. We’d go for a 20-minute hockey period not saying a word, and yet just being in the presence of someone else helped me through.

So I encourage you: it doesn’t have to be a good friend. It doesn’t have to be someone who knows your deepest, darkest secrets. Sometimes that’s better. I know some people in therapy or counseling have their therapist fill that role, but it doesn’t have to be a paid professional. Just somebody willing to sit with you. And to have a friend, you need to be a friend. Sometimes that person is going through something and they need you there, and you lean on each other.

How long have I done this with him? This has been five years now.

The last thing is: don’t bury your despair. Don’t bury the secrets. Don’t bury your badness. Bury your ego. That should be the first thing you bury. And take advantage of the resources. If someone is offering you a hand, take it. There are so many resources tailored for you. I was honestly blind to them. But now in hindsight, the company had a classified psychiatrist who was used to dealing with polygraphs. It was advertised on page three of the small print: “If you’re having problems, contact help.” But I was unaware of it—and maybe my pride kept me from seeking it. I thought, “I can do it. I’m going to buck up and do it. All the Cold Warriors before me, those rocket scientists in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s—they had to do it. They did it. I can do it.” But it was hard. Many of them didn’t survive. And there’s too much good to live for.

So there are resources out there. Bury your ego. That’s half the battle. If you can reach out for help, you don’t even have to reach that far—there are people reaching to you.

Eric: At church I went through Celebrate Recovery. You can bury the secrets you have to keep, but you don’t have to bury the feelings.

Craig: You don’t have to bury the “I’m feeling really stressed.” You can talk to someone about the stress you’re feeling. Moms and dads don’t have to provide the details of what they’re burying, but they need to deal with it. So definitely take advantage of the help that’s reaching out to you.

Eric: That leads into this verse that I want to close with. And if you have some other thoughts, great. But we’ll close and pray if you don’t. Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Just like Serge was there—you didn’t even have to say anything. He knew you needed help. He was local, he was right there, and he was willing to sit next to you. I see this all the time when someone dies and people say, “I don’t want to go. I don’t want to bother them. I don’t know what to say.” Just go sit in their driveway. You don’t have to say a word. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Don’t open your mouth. Just go there.

Craig: You’ve got two ears and one mouth for a reason.

Eric: Say, “I just want to sit with you.” You don’t have to solve their problem. You can’t solve their problem. But you can sit with them, and that’s huge.

So carry each other’s burdens and reach out for help. Share the burden, but not necessarily the details—share them with trusted people. And trust that God can walk you through. There are a lot of people who have gone before us—believers who trusted in God—and they came through. Jonah and the whale—pick a Bible hero. They went through a crucible and then they delivered Israel or did whatever they did. Paul was beaten numerous times, and he kept getting up and doing it again.

Somehow we have this faith in God, hope in God, and there is always hope. I am convinced of this: there is always hope. The best is yet to come. And it’s not necessarily in the form you want. I planted some trees in the yard. They were these little sticks, and the company sent me the wrong trees. I thought I planted hazelnuts. Five years later, the first fruit comes—and it’s a peach. I wasn’t expecting peaches. But this year we had so many peaches that we couldn’t eat them all. We were calling people to come eat peaches. It was fruitful, but not in the way I expected or planted.

So there’s hope. It may not show up in the way you expect or plant, but I can promise you—not because it’s my promise, but because the Word of God tells you—that there is hope. Keep pressing on for the prize set before you. That’s what Jesus did. He pressed on through all the trials for the prize set before Him, and now He is seated at the right hand of God. That is for each of us. Your story encourages me; I pray it encourages those watching.

Any final thoughts, Craig, before we pray?

Craig: Yeah. You are stronger than you think you are—but why push it? Many hands make light work. Don’t go it alone. Many hearts can turn a lonely trial into an incredible journey.

Eric: I love that. Would you close us in prayer? I’m so thankful. I’ll start: Thank you, God, for Craig, for bringing him through these trials and deep dark times, and for the things he shared this weekend and here on camera. Lord, I pray it would help others like it has helped me already this weekend. I pray, too, that You would continue to bless him from here on out and let him know the best is still yet to come. Amen.

Craig: And praying for everybody out there who has secrets that God needs them to keep—their friends, family, nation need them to keep those secrets—but they don’t need them to come at the price of despair. Amen.

Eric: Love that. Thanks, Craig, for being my friend, my brother, and for sharing this today.

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Navigating Saturdays

Do you ever have days where you don’t know what’s next? Where something big in your life has come to an end, and you can’t see what’s around the corner?

Those are the “Saturdays” that I want to talk about today… like the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. For the disciples, that had to be one of the lowest points in their lives. All their hopes and dreams had seemingly come crashing to a violent end. They had no idea what was ahead.

How do you navigate those Saturdays?

That’s what I talked about recently with my friend Kay Helm. Kay helped me a few years ago when I was trying to get back on track with the funding for my ministry. I had reached the end of what I could do, and Kay helped me create a plan to move forward.

What I didn’t know was that Kay had some of those “Saturdays” in her personal life as well, such as the day her husband left and all she could do was lay face-down on her kitchen floor and cry out to God.

Maybe you’ve had days like that? Maybe you’re going through one right now and you have no idea what’s next.

What did Kay do? She did what I’ve done, and what I’d encourage you to do. She reached out to Jesus. Kay said:

“I didn’t want surface Jesus. I wanted the miraculous, inexplicable, all-powerful-God Jesus.”

That kind of prayer is an invitation for God to do the miraculous. And the answer may not be like anything you’ve ever expected or experienced. Kay continued:

“God doesn’t operate from a template. He never changes, but He always invites us to walk with Him.”

It makes me think of the Israelites in the desert when they ran out of food. God’s next step was to provide manna from heaven, something they’d never seen before. “Manna” literally means “What is it?” Something they had never known before became their bread from that point on… for forty more years.

But then the manna ended. It just stopped showing up one day. What were they going to do?

It turned out that God had something else in mind. He had brought them to the end of that season and into a new one, into a land flowing with milk and honey, a land where just one bunch of grapes was so heavy that it took two men to carry it on a pole between them! (see Numbers 13:23).

What lay ahead was beyond anything they could have ever imagined. As I talked with Kay, I thought about my own situation:

“What if the manna stops because God has a new kind of provision ahead?”

And that thought helps give me strength to press on. God is always inviting me to take hold of His hand and walk it out with Him.

As the Bible says:

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2).

The same God who saved you by sending His Son to earth will keep on saving you as you walk out your faith in Him. Take hold of His hand today!

I hope you’ll watch my whole conversation with Kay. Here’s the link:

https://youtu.be/irERoAXeOIk

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Feeling Humbled

I’ve been asking my friends how they keep pressing on when they might feel like giving up. Why? Because I need the encouragement to keep pressing on when I feel like giving up! Maybe you do, too?

If so, I hope you’ll listen in on my conversation with my neighbor and friend, Cammie Quinn. 

After working with a high-profile publishing house for three years on a novel that felt like it took a lifetime to write, she got a rejection letter at the end of the whole process. It was just three sentences, which she summed up like this:

“In this world of so many people trying to get books published, yours was just not extraordinary enough.”

But that wasn’t the worst. That came the same week when she got a lab report back from her doctor. Her eye had a cancerous tumor. They would have to take it out. Cammie says:

“I felt like I lost my health and my dream in the same week.”

Her fears magnified when she thought of her husband and two young kids. “Is the cancer going to spread? Am I going to die from it?”

That night, she walked out to pray in a field near her house. “I was just broken,” she said. “I was asking God ‘Why?’ I thought You wanted me to be a writer. I’ve thought this my whole life from childhood. I don’t understand. And now, I might even die from this cancer. I was thinking, ‘Where are You, Lord?’

“All of a sudden, this meteor came across the sky. It was a big one that just lobbed over. It was as if God had drawn his finger across the sky and said, ‘I’m here. Just trust me.’ It affected me so deeply. When things like this happen, you can say it was a coincidence. You can try to explain it away. But to the person it happens to, they know deep down. They know it’s God speaking. It just changes you, and you can never really completely explain it to somebody else because it’s so personal.”

Cammie felt God’s peace. She pressed on. She said:

“I started praying that God would allow me to see Him better with one eye than I did with two.”

She also asked God what He wanted her to write about and began writing articles for newspapers and newsletters, as well as co-authoring a book with her pastor.

Last year, after fifteen more years of pouring her heart and soul into a new novel, she was able to finish AND publish it for the world to read. It’s called Follow the Wind Home, an epic Civil War novel about grief and loss and moving on when you find yourself loving too much.

And THIS year (THIS weekend!), she’s publishing her second book called Going Home, a collection of real and fictional short stories about small-town life in Central Illinois written especially for those in the autumn of their lives.

If you’ve ever faced disappointment or felt like your dreams have been derailed, I want to encourage you to take some tips from Cammie. Watch our whole podcast episode and/or read or listen to her novel and short stories. You’ll be glad you did! As Cammie says:

“It’s not about making a big splash on the bestseller list—it’s about being faithful with the talent God gave you. I don’t know what He’s going to do with that book. I have to stay humble. Whatever He decides to do, it’s up to Him. But having seen His promises afar off, like those who are mentioned in Hebrews 11:13, I think He gives us glimpses to keep us going.”

Here’s the link to watch our whole conversation:

https://youtu.be/GB_ofwHbBZc

And here are the links to her books (which I had the pleasure of helping her publish!):

  • Follow the Wind Home, her epic Civil War novel about moving on after loss
  • Going Home, her collection of short stories about small-town life in Central Illinois

Keep pressing on!

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Listening to God

I recently sat down with my friend Cathy Vincent to talk about listening to God. Cathy wrote a book of her experiences with God called Never-Ending God Stories, so I wanted to hear how she listens to God. She said three things:

1) Surrender Your Day
Cathy starts her mornings with a simple prayer:

“Every morning before I even get out of bed, I say, ‘God, I love You and I just want to serve You today. My day is Yours. Do whatever You want with it.’”

I do the same — asking God to lead and guide me opens my heart to notice His presence, even in the smallest moments.

2) Be Thankful at Night
Every night, Cathy writes down three things for which she’s thankful:

“I always write in my journal three things for which I’m thankful.”

This practice helps her focus on God’s goodness instead of life’s problems — which we’ll always have.

3) Ask One Question
She also asks God one question before going to sleep:

“I ask Him one question. Sometimes it’s answered that night. Sometimes it’s answered later, but it’s like Jesus said, ‘You have not because you ask not,’ so I just ask Him what I want to know.’”

The truth is, God has a vested interest in your life and how you live it! He wants you to know His will even more than you want to know it. So ask!

Life Lessons from Faithful Practice
These three practices — morning surrender, nightly gratitude, and asking one question — have created for Cathy a rhythm of intimacy with God. As Cathy said, 

“With every problem, there’s a promise and a provision — if we just keep our eyes on Jesus.” 

I’d love for you to listen in on the rest of our conversation. I’ve posted it below. Just click the link to enjoy this conversation with Cathy, and to start your own conversations with God.

https://youtu.be/IqYsQS2FBS0

And if you’d like a copy of her book filled with never-ending God stories from her life, you can get it in paperback, ebook, or audiobook at this link:

https://www.amazon.com/NeverEnding-GodStories-Our-Adventures-Lifetime/dp/0960058702

Have a great week!

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Surrendering to Win

It sounds backward, doesn’t it? Surrendering to win? In most areas of life, surrender means defeat. But when we surrender to God, we win!

When we finally stop trying to control everything—our jobs, our relationships, our pain—and put it into God’s hands, that’s when we can find peace, strength, and wisdom like we may have never found before.

As the Bible says:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I recently talked to my friend, Kirk Billiter, about surrender. I met Kirk and his wife Rebecca while we were each leading various “care groups” at our church. We had the opportunity to walk with many people who were hurting, whether from divorce, addiction, cancer, or veterans’ issues.

But just because we were helping others didn’t mean we weren’t hurting ourselves. As Kirk said,

“In that setting, we found so many people who came forward and talked to us personally, ministering to us while we were trying to minister to them. That was such a help at the time, because we were having our own struggles.

“My wife and I were both suffering—she had just lost her parents in 2017 and 2018, and then in 2020 I lost mine. Then there was the loss of a job, starting another job, and losing that within eight months. It all compounded. But during that time, I found purpose again. Much of that time was spent writing—doing a lot of personal writing—as well as creating through my art.”

From his experiences, Kirk says:

“You can’t go around something like grief or divorce or suffering—you have to go through it. And in order to go through it, you have to feel the pain. We do anything we can to avoid that pain, but the whole idea of surrendering is one that I continue to come back to.

Surrender, in a worldly sense, is the worst thing you can do. You don’t surrender to anything. Surrendering would be losing. But in this case, you’re surrendering to God’s call on your life, allowing Him to heal you from whatever you’re dealing with. To do that, you have to surrender your heart and soul to that calling and to God’s plan for your life.”

Maybe you’ve found yourself struggling to hold things together? Maybe today’s the day to loosen your grip, to let God take over?

Letting go doesn’t mean losing. Letting go means you might finally find what you were looking for all along. As Jesus said,

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

I hope you’ll watch our whole conversation about surrendering to God in practical ways. I believe it will give hope to keep pressing on… even when you may feel like giving up.

Here’s the link to watch:

https://youtu.be/7c6nWQ38HvA

I’d love to pray with you.

Lord, thank You for giving us the ultimate example of what it means to raise the white flag of surrender, not to give up, but to give in to our Father’s plan for our lives. Lord, help us to surrender today, to give up control so that You can take the reins of our lives. Guide us, direct us, fill us with Your wisdom. We’re coming to You, running to You, and kneeling before You… putting our whole faith and trust in You. Please walk us through this next season of our lives in a way that thoroughly honors and glorifies and magnifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great week!

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Seeing Hope in the Clouds

I travelled to India recently and stood on the top of some mountains in the Himalayas. During the day, I could see snowcapped peaks all around me. But at nighttime, when the clouds rolled in, I could only see what was directly in front of me. The peaks that had been so clear the day before were now completely invisible.

Sometimes my life is like that. Even though I KNOW there are mountaintops all around me, and even though I may be STANDING on top of one, my vision is limited to what I can see directly ahead.

And it’s in those times, when the clouds are SO IMMERSIVE, that I tend to falter in my faith. I lose sight of what’s next. Even though I’m convinced deep down of the mountains around me, not being able to see them STIFLES me from moving forward.

That’s where people like Nicki Green come in! Nicki has been a long-time friend who has been able to see my mountaintops on my cloudy days, and to remind me of them when I need help pressing on… even though I feel like giving up.

I sat down with Nicki to ask how she’s able to do this for me and for others. We talked about:

  • the value of speaking into each other’s lives when all we see are clouds,
  • the value of giving ourself space to NOT make important decisions on those cloudy days,
  • and the value of knowing we STILL have options, even when we feel there’s no way forward.

As Nicki says:

“One of the greatest gifts we can give someone is to see their mountain on a cloudy day.”

In this way, we can:

“…encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11a).

I hope you’ll watch the whole conversation—then forward it to a friend who might be going through their own cloudy day!

https://youtu.be/NRy8auSGoIM

P.S. Here are some short clips I took in the Himalayas, first in the clouds at night and then in the clear skies the following day.

Keep pressing on! Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Finding Purpose in Pain

I hate pain! Maybe you do, too? But I’ve learned that pain has a purpose. Without pain, we wouldn’t know that something is amiss.

I recently sat down with my good friend and doctor, Eric Farinas, to talk about finding purpose in pain. Eric has walked me through heart surgery, diabetes, COVID, grief, and relationship upheaval. I always love his calming presence, his careful listening, and his help in finding a way forward.

I used to dread getting a bad report from my doctor (and sometimes I still do!) But as Eric says:

“You can’t work on it if you don’t have a diagnosis.”

He adds, “Even bad news can be relieving—at least now we know what we’re facing.”

While pain can be difficult, it’s not without purpose. As Paul said in Romans 5:3-5:

“We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

If you need hope today, I encourage you to watch our conversation! I believe it will give you peace and a new perspective on whatever you’re facing.

Here’s the link to watch:

https://youtu.be/yykTtO_S2yc

Eric Farinas and Eric Elder talk about finding purpose in pain

Maybe you know someone else who needs this message, too? If so, please forward it on!

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Letting Friends In

It’s hard to ask for help. But it’s also hard to suffer in silence. I want to encourage you today to let your friends into your struggles… and to be a friend in the midst of theirs.

I’ve heard it said, “If you don’t make time for friends, you won’t have any.” Now’s the time to reach out to a friend. And now’s the time to be a friend. The dividends will pay off for a lifetime.

One of my good friends, Brian Osmond, sat down and talked with me about “Letting Friends In” on this week’s episode of my new podcast series, Pressing On… When You Feel Like Giving Up.

I’ve leaned on Brian more times than I can count, and he on me. You can watch our conversation here:

https://youtu.be/1abqHeOWGZY

I ran into Brian when I was moving my family and belongings to a new town. Brian asked if I had anyone to help me move, and I said I had help on the packing end, but not on the unpacking end. He showed up with his two sons and helped us carry beds and couches and dressers from the truck to the house on one of the windiest days I’ve experienced.

The move was hard not only physically, but also emotionally, as it was precipitated by some deeply broken relationships. Brian and his sons were just doing what they could, reaching out to help, and I desperately needed the help. I didn’t know him well, but I swallowed my pride and let him in, also sharing what had happened to precipitate our move.

I didn’t want to burden anyone, but it turned out he was glad to help. I learned that just because I don’t want to do something doesn’t mean others don’t want to do that thing, too. In fact, Brian and his boys were happy to do it, connecting with us and serving in this way.

How many times have I carried burdens (including beds and couches and dressers) all by myself, not wanting to burden others, not realizing that others would often be happy to help—overjoyed, even!—if I would just reach out and let them in?

And how many times have I not reached out to help others, thinking I had so little to offer that it couldn’t possibly help? As another friend has told me:

“We need so little, but we need that little so much.”

Maybe you have a need this week. Maybe you’re trying to “move your whole house on your own,” when God has others who would be glad to help. And maybe God has others who could use a helping hand from you.

I hope you’ll watch today’s podcast and be encouraged to let others into your struggles, and to reach out to others in theirs. As the Bible says:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Keep pressing on!

Here’s the link again to today’s podcast.

https://youtu.be/1abqHeOWGZY

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Pressing On… When You Feel Like Giving Up

I’m starting a new series this week called Pressing On… When You Feel Like Giving Up.

Today’s message is on “Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize.”

I’ve faced many setbacks in life: job loss, miscarriages, deaths of family and friends, sickness and surgery, broken relationships, and unmet expectations. Each setback has threatened to take me out… out of my life, out of my ministry, and sometimes out of my will to go on.

But each setback has also been a setup for some of my greatest ministry! God can turn our greatest miseries into our greatest ministries.

We all face losses all the time… whether in our jobs, our relationships, our health, our finances or hundreds of other “little” losses we experience along the way.

Thankfully, God also provides what we need in the face of those losses, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a counselor, or a special Word spoken directly from Him.

God wants us to press on. He’s given each of us special works to do. As the Bible says:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

My hope with this series is that it will help you carry on with the work God has called YOU to do. I’ll share ways that God has helped get me back on my feet… and more than that, to keep you moving forward, with purpose in spite of pain. And sometimes His purpose is revealed in our pain!

God really can turn our greatest tests into our greatest testimonies.

In this series, I’ll be interviewing people who have helped me through difficult times.

I’m starting today with an interview with a long-time friend, Al Lowry, who has come alongside me as a friend, a partner in ministry, and a member of my board of directors. You can watch our conversation here.

https://youtu.be/tsB689yoMsE

Al hails from Michigan, then ended up in Orange County, California, after riding his bike across the country when he was 21. He stopped when he hit the Pacific Ocean. Soon after he went to a startup church called Saddleback, came to Christ, and volunteered to help lead worship in their earliest days.

Al joins me today to talk about keeping our eyes on the real prize. This may be the most helpful video you watch all day!

P.S. Here are links we talk about in this video:

Have a great week! Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Pointing People to Jesus

We’re back! My son Bo and I have just finished a whirlwind summer. I’ve been touring the Midwest and Canada with an Italian puppet opera, and Bo has been working at a special needs camp in Texas.

We chatted on our porch this weekend about being salt and light, as Bo has been making sourdough bread lately but keeps forgetting to add the salt! A pinch of salt makes a world of difference.

There’s a story about a young man who was hired to be an usher at a big theater. He was supposed to attend a special training session before working his first shift, but he said he didn’t need it. The man who hired him said, “But what if there’s a fire and you don’t know what to do?” The young man replied, “Oh, don’t worry about me, I’ll find a way out.”

The young man missed the point! He was hired to help others find their way!

God cares deeply about your walk with Him. But He also wants you to share that joy with others. The Bible says:

“He has called you out of darkness to experience His marvelous light, and now He claims you as His very own. He did this so that you would broadcast His glorious wonders throughout the world. For at one time you were not God’s people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God’s mercy, because you hadn’t received it yet, but now you are drenched with it!” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Let me encourage you today in two things:

  1. Lean into your relationship with Jesus like never before. Listen to Bo’s worship song at the end of our video and let God “remind you of your love for Him.”
  2. Lean into sharing about your walk with Jesus with others. You can be the salt and light they need to experience the full life that God has in mind for them, too.

Keep pointing people to Jesus! We ALL need Him… more and more each day.

You can watch our conversation and Bo’s song here:
👉 https://youtu.be/RaBvMcl_YFU

Love you! Have a great week!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Livestream Our Italian Puppet Shows!

TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT you can LIVESTREAM our Italian puppet shows, straight from my farmhouse in Chenoa, Illinois!

The livestream begins at 7 PM Central Time both nights on YouTube. You can watch BOTH shows LIVE OR LATER (for 7 days) by simply making a donation at the link below. We’ll send you a link to watch both shows for one donation of $10 per person or $30 per device (and invite others to watch with you!) Here’s the link to donate:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/G39KFY2VZ7SX2

  • SATURDAY, August 2nd at 7 PM Central: “Saint Nicholas: An Italian Puppet Opera”
  • SUNDAY, August 3rd at 7 PM Central: “The Grand Duel of Orlando and Rinaldo”

I’m so thankful to host these talented Italian Puppeteers at my home, Girolamo Botta and Alessandra Guadagna of Pupi Italici, who will perform with their hand-carved, hand-painted, and hand-costumed puppets.

I’m also glad to join them by playing the piano during their Saint Nicholas show—the backstory of the real-life Santa Claus. And it’s fun to watch the sword fighting and comedy of their traditional Italian show called The Grand Duel Between Orlando & Rinaldo.

Both shows are in Italian, but we’ll share the storylines in English, with pre-show and post show talks about the puppets and questions and answers. Join us!

Click to watch the 1-minute trailer!

Buona settimana! (Have a great week!)

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4 Nights! 2 Shows! 1 Dream!

Ever since I became a Christian, I’ve dreamed of reaching everyone in the world with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He has done SO MUCH for me, I just want to share Him with everyone I know.

This weekend, I’m hosting an event at my farmhouse in Chenoa, Illinois, to reach as many as possible in my local sphere of influence. Maybe you?

We all need a little Jesus (a LOT of Jesus), and I’d love for you to come see a special story of faith in the form of a LIVE Italian Puppet Opera!

I’ve invited puppeteers Girolamo Botta and Alessandra Guadagna of Pupi Italici from Italy to perform 2 shows over 4 nights, featuring a couple dozen puppets—each one hand-carved, hand-painted, hand-costumed, and hand-maneuvered.

I’ll be playing piano to accompany them as they bring to life the story of Saint Nicholas and his great faith in Christ—the backstory of the real-life Santa Claus—plus a traditional Italian show called The Grand Duel Between Orlando & Rinaldo.

This is the 4th variation of the St. Nicholas story that I have produced: first a book, then a ballet, then a musical, and now, an Italian Puppet Opera. Our film of the puppet opera is on Amazon Prime Video and was nominated this year for the “Best Stage Play” award by the International Christian Film Festival.

Click to watch the 1-minute trailer!

Now you can watch it LIVE at my home! I hope you’ll join us for these unique spettacoli (“shows” in Italian!). Here are the details:

Eric’s Farm
25615 East 3000 North Road
Chenoa, Illinois

$10 donation at the show, $30 per family
Outdoor shows – bring your lawn chairs!

  • Thu, Jul 31, 7 PM – St. Nicholas: The Extraordinary Journey of His Life
  • Fri, Aug 1, 7 PM – The Grand Duel Between Orlando & Rinaldo
  • Sat, Aug 2, 7 PM – St. Nicholas: The Extraordinary Journey of His Life
  • Sun, Aug 3, 7 PM – The Grand Duel Between Orlando & Rinaldo

Come if you can! Tell your friends! And if you can’t come, pray with us that many would see, many would hear, and many would put their faith in the Lord.

Have a great week!

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Puppets and Pulpits

When Mr. Rogers was trying to decide between going into the ministry or going into children’s television, he realized he could do both! He went to seminary and got a degree, but he also started working at a television station, using puppets as his pulpits!

I’m now doing the same thing, getting ready to launch our North American tour of an Italian Puppet Opera to tell the true story of Saint Nicholas and his great faith in Jesus Christ. My Italian puppeteers have just arrived in the US this week, and we’re launching our tour this weekend, right here at the Chenoa Public Library! If you’re in the Illinois area, come see us!

We’ll also be touring the next 5 weeks around Central Illinois, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Toronto. If you’d like to host us at your church, in your community center, or at your local home or theater, PLEASE let us know! We want to reach as many as we can with the HOPE of Jesus Christ.

Here are a few shots and a video of our team at work this week.

Eric, Girolamo, Alessandra, and Diletta at the Chenoa Public Library

Girolamo setting up the puppet booth for rehearsals in my living room.

Eric, Girolamo, and Alessandra

Girolamo and Eric painting and building the puppet theater.
Link to watch 40-second video: https://youtu.be/7wvGWEfWGcU

Here’s the listing of our first 2 shows at the Chenoa Library at 230 S Green St, Chenoa, IL 61726:

  • Saturday, July 19 | 1-3 PM — “Saint Nicholas: The Extraordinary Journey of His Life”
  • Tuesday, July 22 | 7–9 PM — “The Great Duel Between Orlando and Rinaldo”

Bring your friends and family — we’d love to see you! Entry is free, donations are welcomed!

You can learn more at italianpuppets.com.

And please pray with us that many would see, many would hear, and many would put their faith in the Lord.

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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I Can Hardly Wait

I’m traveling this week, but I was able to catch up with my son Bo this weekend on FaceTime for our “Breakfast on the Beach.”

He’s writing a new song, and he sang a bit of it for me. It’s beautiful. The lyrics go like this:

Someday I will see Your face
When I am remade
It will be beautiful

If Your shadow says it’s so
Then I already know
I can hardly wait

It reminds me of the verse in the Bible:

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Here’s a snippet you can watch of him singing it for me, from a long way away!

I love this idea that NOT ONLY will we see JESUS face-to-face, but we will ALSO SEE those who have gone before us into heaven, like my beloved Lana, who have put their faith in Him.

You see, I’m traveling right now in part to celebrate our wedding anniversary from many, many years ago. Since Lana’s gone to heaven, I’ve continued to take trips on our anniversary. It’ a great way to me to reclaim a day that could otherwise be filled with unbearable grief. These trips continue to turn my grief into joy.

And because Jesus has been raised from the dead, I am confident that Lana will raised from the dead, too, just as will I be.

If you need hope today that Jesus can raise YOU from the dead, listen closely to the words of the Apostle Paul, written to the believers in the city of Corinth nearly 2,000 years ago:

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for THIS LIFE we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).

Take heart, Jesus WAS raised to new life, and we can be too, when we put our faith in Him.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord WILL BE saved” (Romans 10:13).

Have a great week! Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Everybody Needs A Little Jesus!

A year ago, just before I got up to speak at an event, a friend handed me a pocket-sized figurine of Jesus. My friend said, “Everybody needs a little Jesus!”

I thought, “Oh, that’s cute.” I stuck it in my pocket and went onstage.

The next day, my world sort of blew up—things happened that affected me deeply, even up to today. I realized it wasn’t just cute. It’s true! We all need a little Jesus.

Actually, we need a lot of Jesus. All the time! The truth is:

“Everyone, everywhere, at all times, has needs.”

I pray as you celebrate the conclusion of this Holy Week that it will be the beginning of a new season in your life… a season where you rely on Jesus, fully, every day, every hour, every moment.

None of us are immune from life’s troubles. As Jesus said:

“In this world you will have trouble.”

But He said MORE than that. Here’s His full quote, in context:

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

And THAT changes EVERYTHING! In Him we can have peace. We can have forgiveness. We can have wholeness. We can be made new, cleansed, restored, washed whiter than snow. We can become fully alive as He is fully alive.

If you need more encouragement today, I hope you’ll watch this podcast my son Bo and I recorded this weekend. It’s full of breaths of fresh air, plus some personal challenges, as you walk forward into your new season ahead.

Here’s the link to watch:

https://youtu.be/MTEJ8K3GWn8

And if you’d like a “Little Jesus,” I’m glad to share! Just send me a note with your name and mailing address, and I’ll put one in the mail. No strings attached, just glad to send you one!

Love,

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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The Three Most Important Days of Your Life

I’m heading overseas on Easter Sunday to speak to the graduates of a Bible program. I’m looking forward to sharing their delight as they celebrate this milestone. In preparing my talk—in which I want to encourage them in their calling—I recalled a quote often attributed to Mark Twain:

The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.

I’ve thought about that quote in the context of my own birth and calling. I share more about this in my podcast this week with my son Bo.

During our chat, Bo mentioned the THIRD most important day in your life: TODAY! And he’s right!

So, I’ve modified my talk to share the THREE most important days in your life: the day you were born, the day you find out why, and TODAY!

Every day is a gift from God. Every day God gives us reasons to live. Every day, we can wake up and say, “Thank You, Lord, for the gift of today. Help me to use it in a special way.”

I pray for YOUR day ahead, that God will speak to you about how you can use it to glorify and enjoy Him.

He is so glad you were born. He is so glad you are here. And He is so glad to walk you through THIS day, TODAY.

You can watch the rest of our podcast at this link.

https://youtu.be/HVq1ZRW2hlc

And if you need encouragement that YOU were born for a purpose, here are three Bible verses I’d love for you to read and even commit to memory. They can bring life to your soul.

As God said to Jeremiah:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).

As Paul said to the Ephesians:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

And as David sang in the Psalms:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalms 139:13-16).

Before I go, I wanted to show you a painting I made this week, capturing an image of my puppet carver friend from Italy, Girolamo Botta, with one of his “babies,” as he calls them. This one is Rinaldo. You can click the link or the picture to watch how I painted it. :)

https://youtube.com/shorts/-KRUb7FiZqM

Have a great week! And enjoy TODAY!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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When Jesus Appears!

There’s a story in Luke 24 where two disciples of Jesus are walking on the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ death. They didn’t know He had risen. A man walks up and starts talking to them and explaining the scriptures to them.

When they reach their destination, they ask him to stay. In verse 30, it says:

“Joining them at the table for supper, Jesus took bread and blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. All at once, their eyes were opened and they realized it was Jesus.”

And then—just like that—He vanished! But knowing He was with them changed everything.

This week I had a similar experience. I was at a restaurant out of town having dinner with a friend. I had had a disappointing lunch meeting earlier in the day, but at dinner that night with my friend, I heard a song come on the sound system in the restaurant. It was a song that God had used to speak to me before, called “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.”

Just hearing that melody put a smile on my face, and I knew God was smiling down at me, too, regardless of whatever was going on in my life. I knew He was there.

Knowing Jesus is with you changes everything! He didn’t give me any instructions. He didn’t tell me what to do next. He just told me He was there. I went on to enjoy the rest of the night and the rest of this week.

I was chatting with my son Bo as we had our weekly “Breakfast on the Beach.” Bo said:

“That’s good stuff. There’s not a peace in the world that compares to just knowing Jesus is with you. It’s the best feeling—when you can actually feel His presence. And I love that you took that moment. You could’ve missed it—just kept talking with your friend and not heard the song. But every moment is a moment that you can meet with the Lord.”

I’d love for you to hear the rest of our conversation! You can listen in at this link:

https://youtu.be/U4ZI5hDNVCQ

Also, we talk about Bo’s LATEST piano album—released just this weekend—called For Your Glory, Part 2. It features 8 of Bo’s original songs for God’s glory and your enjoyment. I hope you’ll listen on ANY streaming platform.

Here’s the link on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lnqIC2gKZcK9yNxfLFaNxfUhB9Oge5tZw&si=VtNdPeaoFqBv9VvB

And lastly, I shared my testimony this week at a local Celebrate Recovery group. If you haven’t heard my story, or haven’t heard it lately, this one focuses in particular on how God has helped me deal with unhealthy attractions. You can click this link to listen.

https://theranch.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/erics-celebrate-recovery-testimony-at-bloomington-first-church-5.m4a

So, you’ve got your playlist for the week! Watch our podcast (30 minutes), listen to Bo’s album (25 minutes), and listen to my testimony (20 minutes). Enjoy!

And remember, wherever you are, God is with you! And that changes everything.

Love you all!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Fear Less, Create More!

God has given you unique gifts, and He wants you to use them—whether it’s through music, art, or simple acts of love! 🎨🎶

In our latest podcast, my son Bo and I talk about embracing creativity with “less fear.”

We also talk about his new worship song (out now!) called Purify. Here’s a link to listen to his song. Let us know what you think! (He’d really love your feedback… but be gentle, he says!… it’s his first worship song he’s released to the world.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHlkTZ1wVF4

Here’s the link to watch our full podcast. You can also read the highlights in the text below the video.
https://youtu.be/6QSEcW2hs0Y

And here’s the Bible passage we were talking about today… if you read nothing else, read this!

Jesus said, “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” (Matthew 25:14-18).

But if you want to read more, here’s a summary of our chat. But I suggest watching the whole podcast just for fun! Enjoy our “Breakfast on the Beach”… with us and Jesus! (And if you like it, like and subscribe so you’ll get more!)

Discovering Your Unique Talents
God has placed talents and gifts inside each of us. When we recognize them and put them into action, not only are we blessed, but so are those around us. For Bo, that means writing and releasing worship songs. For me, it has meant leaning into painting in a way I never expected. Bo recently released his first vocal and piano song, Purify, and we’d love for you to listen and let him know what you think. Honest feedback is welcome—but be kind! It’s a learning process, just as it is for anyone stepping out in faith with their gifts.

The Joy of Creating
This past year, I’ve rekindled my love for painting. It started with an art retreat where I learned about “priming the pump” in creativity—pouring into your gifts to generate more from them. It’s been a joyful experience, one that has surprised me with how freely I’ve been able to create. I used to worry about perfection, but now I’m embracing the process, enjoying the act of painting itself rather than stressing over every detail.

Fear Less, Create More
One thing I’ve been learning is to be fearless—or at least to fear less. Fear of making mistakes can hold us back from using our gifts. But as I’ve taken more risks in painting, I’ve realized that even the imperfections contribute to something beautiful. That same principle applies to life, to faith, and to stepping out in our callings.

The Call to Missions
In a few weeks, I’ll be heading to India to speak at a graduation for students who have undergone intense Bible training. My encouragement to them will be the same encouragement I offer you: be who God created you to be and share what He has placed in your heart. Personal experience with God’s Word brings it to life in a way that simply repeating scripture never could.

Imperfection Can Be Powerful
As I’ve embraced painting in a looser, more impressionistic style, I’ve realized how this applies to sharing our faith. Trying too hard to be perfect can actually highlight imperfections. But when we embrace the beauty of imperfection, we create something more authentic and impactful.

Your Gifts Are Meant to Be Used
Jesus told the parable of the talents—where servants were given different amounts of money and expected to invest them. We each have talents and gifts, and God calls us to use them for His glory. For me, those gifts include playing piano, reading the Bible, teaching, and creating art. What are your five gifts? What has God placed in your hands?

Aligning Your Gifts with God’s Plan
It’s simple: 1) Look at your gifts. 2) Look at God’s plan. 3) Use your gifts to fulfill God’s plan. Whether you’re an artist, musician, teacher, or something else entirely, your talents have a purpose in God’s plan.

Small Acts, Big Impact
We often think ministry has to be something grand, but sometimes, it’s as simple as sharing what you love. Playing music, creating art, mentoring someone—these small acts, when done with God’s love, can have a ripple effect beyond what we imagine.

Micro and Macro Evangelism
There are two ways we share our faith: micro and macro. Micro evangelism happens in one-on-one relationships, while macro evangelism reaches larger groups. Both are important. Even Bo, who writes original worship music, also plays well-known worship songs, joining with others in corporate worship. Sharing faith can happen both personally and publicly.

Take the First Step
What has God put in you? What can you offer today? It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be faithful. Like priming a pump, when you pour into your gifts, you create the suction needed for more to flow. Step out, fear less, and trust that God will use what He’s placed in you to bless others.

Your Life is a Canvas
Whether through music, painting, or simply spending time with others, you have something valuable to share. Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace your talents, align them with God’s plan, and watch how He uses them to impact the world.

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Tender Moments

Fan art for appreciation only. Painted by Eric Elder. Music by Bo Elder.

(Fan art “for appreciation only,” painted by Eric Elder)

I have a confession to make. I cry every time I watch When Calls the Heart. If you’ve seen it, you understand. If you haven’t, I can explain.

In every episode, there’s at least one moment where I am deeply moved… deeply touched… way down in my heart. It’s not just the scene or the drama. It’s the Holy Spirit, speaking into those places in my heart where I need a touch, a healing, or a new perspective on similar situations I’ve faced in my life.

Last week, I cried through the whole show. I had to stop and restart the show half a dozen times to catch my breath and let God do the work He was doing down inside of me.

At the end, I stopped the show on the final shot. It was a tender moment between the two main characters, and I wanted to capture it.

I took out my painting journal and began to paint. You can see the process and my final painting here in this 1-minute clip. (I added some music from my son Bo’s upcoming piano album, For Your Glory Pt. 2.)

https://youtube.com/shorts/MxXLVTKVaqk

A couple months ago, I wrote to one of the co-creators of the show, as we’ve become friends over the years. I told him how much the episodes meant to me this season, particularly in light of some tumultuous times I’ve recently been through.

I said I wished he could script my life like he scripts the show! He wrote back and said:

“Thanks for sharing that, Eric. Although life takes us all through painful chapters, and you have had your fair share, friend, it’s always been my prayer that this is where the show and real life intersect. For it to be universally meaningful to everyone who watches in one way or another. Blessings to you.”

We’ve all been through painful chapters. Thank God we don’t go through them alone. As the Bible says,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

On a happier note, I also want to share with you the latest episode of my son Bo and me having “Breakfast on the Beach.” We talk about some more beautiful piano music he’s releasing this week, plus how God spoke to me through a check I needed that morning and an upcoming trip I’m taking to Northern India to encourage the believers there.

Grab some breakfast (or whatever mealtime it is for you) and sit with us a while!

Here’s the link:

https://youtu.be/18rnb4b28fA

Blessings to you this week!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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From Opera House to Farmhouse

I wanted to share a picture I painted of the opera house in Italy where we premiered the “puppet opera” of our St Nicholas story at Christmastime just over a year ago.

It was a fantastic show, created by the puppeteers of Pupi Italici (Italian Puppets), and it was a fantastic opera house.

But this year, we’re doing something special… we’re bringing the show here to the US! I’ve just booked the flights and a rental van for 3 weeks to take our puppet carver and his family on tour. We’ll be doing shows from June 17-July 8 here Central Illinois at my farmhouse, then on to Chicago and Milwaukee, then head east to Boston and New Hampshire. If you live anywhere in that corridor, we’d love to see you… on the road!

We’ll nail down dates and locations soon, but for now, I’d love your prayers that with this show we would be able to bring hope and faith to many along the way.

My desire with this show and everything we create—whether through music, film, or live performances—is that people will see God’s hand at work and be drawn closer to Him. As Psalm 40:3 says, in part:

“Many will see… and put their trust in Him.”

Would you pray with us that this would be so with this show? I’d really appreciate it. Even if you just send me a note to say you said a prayer, that would encourage me and them!

If you’d like to hear a wonderful casual conversation I had this week with my son Bo, we covered a number of topics including the miracle of bringing this show to the US, seeing God at work in our lives this week, being intentional with friendships, the balance of work and rest, and trusting God for provision.

We call these chats “Breakfast on the Beach,” and you can watch them on my YouTube Channel. Here’s the link for this week’s episode:

https://youtu.be/yExu-dbzcX0

And here’s a 1-minute behind-the-scenes look at how I painted the Italian opera house on a refrigerator magnet. One of my dear friends asked if I would paint something for her and said, “Surprise me!” Since she and her son were at the opera house in Italy with us, I decided to paint that scene. You can see them in the second balcony just to the right of center, in the white and black outfits. Haha… :) The soundtrack is from the show.

https://youtube.com/shorts/_oJpcW6Driw

I pray God will strengthen you in all you do this week! In Jesus, name, Amen.

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Supernatural provision

Join my son Bo and me for a heartfelt “breakfast on the beach” as we talk about faith, creativity, and trusting God in the unknown.

From a special painting inspired by Matthew 16:19 (about “whatever you bind in heaven will be bound on earth, and whatever you loose in heaven will be loosed on earth”) to an incredible answer to prayer about my St. Nicholas musical, we share stories of God’s provision and the power of stepping out in faith.

Plus, Bo plays a beautiful new worship song he wrote called “Purify”—don’t miss it!

You can watch the whole episode here…

And here’s a timelapse of me making the painting I made this week for Bo’s album cover for his new song, “Purify,” along with him playing and singing a portion of his song in the background.

https://youtube.com/shorts/x8lw1TVKcC4

By the way, I saw last night that I have 777 YouTube subscribers who watch my videos on a regular basis! Would you join them? Just watch any of the videos in this email, then click like and subscribe! You’ll get notified by YouTube whenever I upload new videos.

Love you all! Have a great week!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Breakfast on the Beach with Eric & Bo Elder

I had the joy of sitting down with my son Bo for a special breakfast conversation—fresh from a morning swim—to talk about his new piano album, Still Seasons. What started as a simple idea turned into a beautiful collection of peaceful, reflective music. He even experimented with blending piano and guitar in a way you don’t often hear.

I call this special time “Breakfast on the Beach” based on the biblical passage when Jesus had breakfast on the beach with His disciples after His resurrection. It’s a quiet time to reflect and share with each other and the Lord about things goin on in our life. This week, that includes Bo’s special music, a special painting I’ve just finished, and talking about using our gifts—whether music, painting, writing, or everyday work—for God’s glory.

We close our time together with a prayer for each of us and for anyone who is looking for God’s peace today.

Here’s the link to watch the episode…

And here are some highlights from the transcript…

Good morning! This is Eric Elder, and I’m here with my son, Bo Elder. We’re just having breakfast on the beach—or at least, it feels like the beach since we both went for a swim this morning. We’re also listening to some of Bo’s beautiful piano music, which he just released last Thursday.

His album is called Still Seasons, and he wrote it to bring peace to troubled minds. Why did you write these songs, Bo?

Bo: I’m doing it to glorify God with my gifts—writing music. But actually, this album started with something you asked me to do. You asked if I could put my piano music to ocean waves, so I thought, “Okay, I’ll try it out.” Then, three songs came to me in one day, and I thought, “I should make an album out of this.” So I just kept adding more songs, incorporating ocean waves, rain sounds, and even crowd sounds. The project developed pretty quickly.

Eric: And it’s beautiful. We’re listening to it now, and you can listen to it on all streaming services. Just look for Bo Elder—B-O E-L-D-E-R—and Still Seasons wherever you listen to music, on Pandora, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify.

Click here to listen to Still Seasons on YouTube

(The album has background nature sounds in the first half, and then it repeats all of the songs without the background sounds, so you can enjoy it either way.)

Lately, I’ve been using my artistic gifts, too, in the form of painting small prayer magnets. This week I painted one for a longtime subscriber from Addis Ababa who asked me to capture Nahum 1:3 in a picture. That verse says:

“The Lord is slow to get angry, but His power is great, and He never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays His power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath His feet.”

The contrast between God’s peace and power captivated me. An image came to mind, so I sketched it out and began to paint.

I title the piece “God is in the Whirlwind.” Here’s a short video I captured while painting it, accompanied by Bo’s music.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSywOHxEdVw

We also played a song this week during our prayer time from a friend who helped create Bo’s album cover. Ethan Bliese is also a composer of ethereal music that’s calming and peaceful. Take a listen to his album Summertide at this link.

Click here to listen to Summertide on YouTube

Here’s a prayer for your week...

Father, thank You for this day. I pray that each of us would take time this week to spend some time with You. Thank You for the gifts You’ve given us, even if we don’t realize how powerful they may be to ourselves and others. May the work of our hands and minds bless You, bring joy to our hearts, and serve those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hope you have a great week!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Breakfast on the Beach

I love having breakfast with friends… just to sit, chat, eat, drink, laugh, cry, and spend precious time together. It’s a great way to start my day.

And I also love spending time with Jesus… doing all of the same things! It’s ALSO a great way to start my day!

So recently I thought I’d try something new: have breakfast with you AND with Jesus at the same time!

I began a few weeks ago recording a few episodes of what I’m calling “Breakfast on the Beach.” The idea is to just have breakfast together (or coffee or lunch or dinner, whatever time and meal it may be for you when you watch it as I know this message goes all around the world).

You can watch the first episode at the link below, or read the transcript of the episode below that. It’s just an unscripted, casual time where I share stories, read the Bible, listen to music, and pray for you and me.

Today, I’m having avocado toast with poached eggs and turkey sausage. What’ll you have? I’d love for you to join me! Pull up a chair, and let’s eat!

You’ll also learn why I’m calling this “Breakfast on the Beach.” Hint: it’s scriptural!

And if you’d like to share your thoughts with me and with others, just click the “Comment” button at the end. You’ll be able to post your comments where I and others can read them. I’d love to hear from you!

Here’s the link to the episode…

And here’s the transcript…

Hi guys, good morning! This is Eric Elder, and I’m calling this “Breakfast on the Beach.” I’m not actually on the beach, and there’s snow on the ground outside here, but I’m on my porch and just having a little breakfast—two eggs, a little avocado toast, and some turkey sausage. I enjoy having friends for breakfast, I enjoy just hanging out with friends, and so I would love to just spend some time with you here, sharing a little about what’s going on with my week and encouraging you in yours.

I’m up early, and I’m going to take a bite or two because I haven’t eaten anything yet. One of the reasons I’m calling it “Breakfast on the Beach” is because Jesus had an encounter where He met His disciples on the beach as well.

If you remember, they were fishing all night. They had seen Jesus before, risen from the dead, but now they were on their own, trying to catch some fish. They couldn’t catch anything. They had been out all night, and then a man on the shore yelled to them and said, “Have you caught anything?”

They said, “No.”

And the man said, “Throw your net on the other side of the boat.”

They threw it on the other side, and all of a sudden, the net was filled with so many fish!

One of them said, “It’s the Lord!” as they had seen Jesus do this when they had first met Him. Peter, hearing it was the Lord, jumped out of the boat and ran to Jesus.

Jesus was there on the beach, cooking fish for them. He said, “Bring some of the fish that you’ve got too.” But Jesus was already there on the beach, making breakfast for them. He had breakfast prepared– even though they’d been out all night and hadn’t caught a thing.

I just love that idea of having breakfast on the beach with Jesus and how wonderful that would be.

Here’s the passage as it’s recorded in the Bible in John, chapter 21:

Later, Jesus appeared once again to a group of His disciples by Lake Galilee. It happened one day while Peter, Thomas (the twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Jacob and John, and two other disciples were all together. Peter told them, “I’m going fishing.” They all replied, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and fished through the night but caught nothing.

Then at dawn, Jesus was standing there on the shore, but the disciples didn’t realize it was Him. He called out to them, saying, “Hey guys, did you catch any fish?” “Not a thing,” they replied.

Jesus shouted to them, “Throw your net over the starboard side, and you’ll catch some.” So they did as He said, and they caught so many fish they couldn’t even pull in the net.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Peter heard him say that, he quickly wrapped his outer garment around him, and because he was athletic, he dove right into the lake to go to Jesus. The other disciples then brought the boat to shore, dragging their catch of fish. They weren’t far from land, only about 100 meters.

When they got to shore, they noticed a charcoal fire with some roasted fish and bread. Then Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Peter waded into the water and helped pull the net to shore. It was full of many large fish—exactly 153—but even with so many, the net was not torn.

“Come, let’s have some breakfast,” Jesus said to them. And not one of the disciples needed to ask who it was because every one of them knew it was the Lord.

Then Jesus came close to them and served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection.

I love this story because it talks about that time when their beloved Savior had left, was gone, but He said, “I will come again.” He also said, “I’ll send my Holy Spirit to be with you.” And then He even appeared to them there on the beach, served them some bread and fish, and they had a rich time.

It was not long before this that Peter was at another charcoal fire and had denied Jesus three times. This time, they’re at a different charcoal fire, and Jesus restores him three times. It’s a beautiful contrast and beautiful story of redemption for any of us.

As I eat some and have my coffee, you can also enjoy the music that’s playing in the background. This is from my son, Bo Elder’s, beautiful, new piano album called For Your Glory—featuring relaxing instrumental piano. I’d love for you to check that out too! Just look him up on any streaming service—Pandora, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music—wherever you listen to music. You can look for Bo Elder.

You can watch the rest of the podcast where I talk about some prayer magnets I’ve been painting and how special that has been both for me and for those who are receiving them. I’ve shared those stories in my emails a couple weeks ago, but you can hear more about the stories behind the stories in the podcast.

I pray this new podcast encourages you. I want to give you confidence and strength to go on with your day too. Here’s the link again in case you want to watch.

And if there’s anything you want me and others to pray for you, just post it in the comments! I’d love to hear from you and see how God is working in your life as well.

Thanks for spending this time with me. Enjoy the music, the sunshine, and the simple joys God gives you. May God bless you!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen! Learn more at https://ericelder.com

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.

The Border of Life
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The Border of Life

I’ve been thinking about heaven this week. 

First, I’ve been learning a song on the piano called “The Border of Life.” It’s a beautifully reflective piece about that thin veil between heaven and earth.

Second, I’ve been painting a picture of “heaven and earth” at the request of one of my long-time subscribers, Esther, to go with a Bible verse that says: 

“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).

My miniature painting features angels in heaven with watering cans pouring out water on earth to grateful farmers and umbrella-carrying city-dwellers. You can watch the 1-minute clip of my painting and playing here: 
https://youtube.com/shorts/AXMsZV7flxg

Third, my dear sister-in-law Linda passed away this week. We buried her body yesterday, but I can say with confidence her soul will live on. 

Two years ago Linda asked me to baptize her. She wanted to honor and affirm her baptism from when she was young, and express again her deep faith in Christ. I was happy and honored to do it. 

You can watch a 30-second clip of her baptism here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vXTp-TgVBo

It was a sweet memory to recall her baptism while at her funeral. What seems so permanent all around us is really just so temporary. As Teilhard de Chardin has said:

“We are not human beings having a temporary spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a temporary human experience.”

And finally, today marks my own 38th anniversary of putting my faith in Christ. I have never looked back on that decision with anything but thankfulness, as He is worthy of following all the days of my life.

If you’ve never put your faith in Christ, I’d like to encourage you to do it today—right now—even while you’re reading this message! There’s no better time than this very moment to start your new life with Christ! The God of the universe would love to overwhelm you with His love by just reaching out to Him in faith.

And if you’ve already put your faith in Him, you can be confident that when the end comes, Jesus will welcome you, too, with WIDE OPEN ARMS… just as He has welcomed Linda and my late wife, Lana, and all who have gone before us who have also put their faith in Him. As the apostle John said: 

“I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

Keep trusting in Him for EVERYTHING in your life. He’d love nothing more than to wrap you in His loving arms.

Father, thank You for the lives of Linda and Lana, as well as their deep faith in You. Thank You for saving me 38 years ago when I reached out to You by faith, too. And Lord, thank You for every person who is reading these words right now, whether they’ve put their faith in You already or You’re prompting them to do so now. Let no one miss this GRAND opportunity to reach out to You, take hold of You, and let You take hold of them. We thank You for all this, and heaven, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

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God is in the Whirlwind

Last week I shared that I’ve just started painting for others. I’ve painted my whole life, but only for myself. But last fall I felt God challenging me to paint for others. 

After last week’s message, one of my long-time subscribers wrote, “Can you please make one for me?” I said, “Sure!” and asked him if there was a verse he had on his mind. He said that Nahum 1:3 resonated deeply with him.

I looked it up. It says:

“The Lord is slow to get angry, but His power is great,
and He never lets the guilty go unpunished.
He displays His power in the whirlwind and the storm.
The billowing clouds are the dust beneath His feet.” (Nahum 1:3, NLT)

The contrast of God’s peace and God’s power captivated me.  An image came to mind, and I began to paint. 

I found that by giving expression to what I saw in my mind helped me to experience God’s peace as well. You see, my mind isn’t always peaceful. Sometimes it’s tumultuous. 

Maybe you can relate?

If you’d like some peace this week, try finding a passage from the Bible that resonates deeply with you. Chew on it for a while. Think about each word, then let God speak to you.

Then try giving expression to what you’re hearing in your own creative way. Maybe it’s art. Maybe it’s music. Maybe it’s poetry. Or maybe it’s simply inviting God’s Holy Spirit to wash over you with His peace.

To help you get started, take a look at this 1-minute time-lapse I took while  painting God is in the Whirlwind. It’s set to music from my son Bo’s new album he also just released this week called Still Seasons. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/OSywOHxEdVw

And if you’d like to hear more from Bo’s album, just search on most streaming services for “Bo Elder Still Seasons.” He wrote this album “to create songs that would soothe troubled thoughts and invoke pensive ones,” and “to serve as a backdrop to your conversations with the Lord.” 

Here are the links to check it out! Enjoy!

I pray you have a peace-filled week—no matter what you may be going through! 

God really is in the whirlwind.

Painted With Prayer
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Painted With Prayer

Painted With Prayer
by Eric Elder

I painted three prayer magnets for a friend a few weeks ago. What’s a prayer magnet? I didn’t know either!

My friend told me that every year she gives her kids a small magnet with a verse on it to let them know what she’s praying for them for that year. Her kids then put it on their fridge as a reminder of her prayers.

I was so honored that she asked if I would paint them for her kids! Her idea was so simple, yet so impactful.

So I bought three little canvas magnets and got out my paints. It was fun to create each painting, knowing how thoughtful my friend had been in choosing each verse. As I painted, I prayed for her kids, too.

When I finished, I sent her a picture of each magnet, then carefully wrapped, packed, and shipped them off.

Unfortunately, they got lost in the mail!

We had updates for the first few days of every stop along the way. Then they stopped. A message said, “Delayed.” And for three weeks, they never moved.

We filed a request to look for them and prayed, but still nothing happened.

It made me cry. Not just because the magnets were lost, but because I had painted the magnets as a step of faith.

You see, I’ve never painted anything for anyone else before. I’ve only painted for myself. I just like to paint. I like to create. I like to see a blank canvas turn into something special.

But at an art retreat last fall, we were challenged to write down three goals for the next 90 days regarding our art. I felt God challenging me to share my artwork with others and not just keep it to myself.

I couldn’t imagine creating a painting and then giving it away, let alone selling it. My artwork feels like such a personal part of me! And yet, there was something intriguing about the idea.

What would it feel like to paint for someone else? To bring their idea to life. To share it with them or with those they love?

I wrote it down as one of my goals.

After the retreat, I shared some pictures of my paintings with a few friends. One of them asked if I could paint these three prayer magnets.

Normally, I would have said, “No.” I would have pointed them to other artists. But this time, I said, “Yes.” I wasn’t just saying yes to them. I was saying yes to God, for He was the one who was inviting me onward.

So why did I cry when the magnets were lost in the mail? Because I had stepped out in faith, stepped out of my comfort zone, and said yes to do something I had never done before. Now it was all lost.

Last week, as I was laying down for bed, I told God I could paint them again. I was willing to keep going. But I really wished the first ones could have made it. I had prayed over them, felt joy creating them, and now they were gone.

It wasn’t just the loss of the paintings but the feeling of falling flat on my face after stepping out in faith.

“If there’s any way,” I prayed to God, “could you please help those paintings get to their destination?”

The next morning, I got a text from my friend.

“Guess what arrived today!!! It looks like it went through the wringer… but I’m so excited!”

The paintings had come! Joy spread through my body. My shoulders relaxed. I exhaled with relief. All was not lost. God’s call was still good. And I knew I could go on.

What about you? What gifts has God given you that could bless others, too? As the Bible says:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

Look at your gifts and look at God’s plan. Then use your gifts to fulfill God’s plan! That’s the heartbeat of missions.

P.S. Here’s a one-minute video where you can see all three magnets and how I made them!

https://youtube.com/shorts/57lrUUnXjBw

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Unlocking Life’s Puzzles

My daughter gave me a puzzle box for Christmas. It’s beautiful. It’s amazing. And it’s the most intricate puzzle I’ve ever had to solve. Clue after clue led me along, but I had to look for each one.

Each clue was there, but it was up to me to put them together. Finding that first clue was the hardest. I wasn’t sure if I could do this at all. But once I unlocked the first latch, I was hooked! I knew I would find the others. So I kept looking.

When the second latch clicked open, I was super excited. I’ve got this! I thought. But the next latch wasn’t so easy. There were new clues, and some of the old clues that I still needed to use.

I set aside the puzzle box for a day and picked it up again the next. I was determined. Then…

Yes! Latch three was unlocked!

But now the fourth… that final latch. It was the most complex riddle of all, with clues strewn all over my desk from my previous revelations.

I set down the box. I picked it up.

I set it down again. I picked it up again.

I went over clue after clue, trying various combinations and strategies.

Three days later, I was still stuck!

I told my son, “I can’t do it. I’m giving up. I’ll put it back together so you can try.”

“You can get it, Dad!” my son said. He was confident. He was bold. He wasn’t going to let me give up.

Sunday afternoon, I looked at the box again. I was still stumped, just like before.

I took a nap.

When I woke up, I saw an unexpected (and unrelated) email in my inbox. It was the solution to a problem for work that I had also been trying to solve. Suddenly, there was the answer I was looking for! It turned out I had already solved the problem on an earlier try; I just didn’t know it until that email arrived. Praise God!

I picked up the puzzle box again. I had a new confidence.

I could do it. My son was right. I just had to press on.

I pressed a combination of levers, which I had done many times before. All of a sudden, the latch opened. I gave the box a twist, and the prize was revealed!

I couldn’t believe it! I had been working on that puzzle box for a week, when suddenly, it was solved!

It was like those “overnight success” stories… the ones that take twenty years of hard work, when suddenly everything falls into place—a twenty-year ‘overnight success’ story!

I tell you this story for one reason: to give you HOPE, ENCOURAGEMENT, and DETERMINATION to press on with the mission God has placed on your heart.

You see, God is on a mission, and He has a mission for you, too! Believe it or not, God wants you to know His will even more than you want to know it!

If you seek Him, you will find Him—if you seek Him with all your heart (see Jeremiah 29:13-14).

This story isn’t about a puzzle box. It’s about you, jumping into God’s plan.

Keep seeking Him, keep finding Him, and keep pressing on with the mission God has placed on your heart. One day—you’ll see—that prize will be revealed!

Diving into the Bible
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Diving into the Bible

I want to talk to you today about diving into the Bible. It’s a new year, but any time of the year is a good time to jump into reading the Word of God!

The Bible is the bestselling book in the world for a reason! It’s thousands of years old, it has stood the test of time, and the words in it contain life—abundant life.

It’s my favorite book in the world.

Here are a few sentences from the book of John to show why this is so life-giving to me. In these verses, two people see Jesus and start to follow Him:

They saw Jesus and they started following Him. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”

“Come,” He replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where He was staying, and they spent that day with Him (John 1:38-39).

I can’t believe it! They spent that day with Jesus! I’d love to spend a day with Jesus!

But then I realized I can spend a day with Jesus… anytime I want. He’s still alive and active in the world. And whenever I read His Word and read about what He did 2,000 years ago—I see what He can still do in my life today.

I love spending time with Jesus, and I want to encourage you to do it, too. Jonathan Edwards said this beautifully:

“I go out to preach with two propositions in mind. First, everyone ought to give his life to Christ. Second, whether or not anyone gives Him his life, I will give Him mine.”

Here’s a simple way to jump into reading the Bible, whether you’ve never read it before or you’ve read it many times.

Just open up to the Book of John. It’s one of the four gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. The word “gospel” means “good news,” and these four books were written to share with us the good news of Jesus by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—four people who followed Him and told the stories of what He did while on earth.

  • Matthew was a Jew who wrote especially to the Jewish people.
  • Mark wrote the shortest gospel—16 chapters.
  • Luke’s gospel has 24 chapters and starts with the famous Christmas story.
  • John was perhaps the closest to Jesus during His three years of ministry and gives a very intimate view of Jesus.

If you read a chapter a day from the Book of John, you can go through all 21 chapters in 21 days! Similarly, you could read the Books of Matthew, Mark, or Luke in under a month, too—just by reading one chapter a day.

By diving into one of the gospels, you can learn more about Jesus and watch as these words impact you like they impacted me.

I was on a bus to the airport in Chicago one day when the driver gave each of the passengers a pocket-sized Book of John. I thought it was unusual, but it was a private bus company, and this driver was passionate like Jonathon Edwards.

I didn’t know him, and he couldn’t have known I was a Christian, a pastor, and had read the book of John many times. He also didn’t know that I had just lost my wife of 23 years. But what he did know was that “everyone, everywhere, at all times has needs.” And He knew that the words in the Book of John were life-giving words.

I sat on that bus for the next two hours and read the Book of John, and those words came alive for me again. They spoke of eternal life, heaven, and an abundant life here on earth.

I rediscovered that I still had a purpose, even after losing someone so significant in my life.

Here’s an excerpt from some of my reflections that day on the first chapter of John:

I’ve heard people say that Jesus is all you need. I used to think, “How can that be? I’m human, and I need all kinds of things—food, water, friendship, intimacy, health, and finances.”

But then I remembered everything I have comes from Him. As John says in chapter 1, verses 3-4: “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life.”

Now, when I hear people say, “Jesus is all you need,” I get it! Everything I have does come from Jesus: my late wife, my kids, my food, my friends, my finances, my health—they ALL come from HIM! Jesus really is everything I need because EVERYTHING comes from Him.

Is there something YOU need today?

As Jesus says, “Come and see.” Come and spend a day with Jesus! He has everything you need.

If you’d like to hear more, here’s a link to watch today’s FULL PODCAST. It’s just under 10 minutes, but I share a few more stories, a song from my son Bo that he wrote this week on a verse from John, and a prayer to encourage you in your faith.

On the podcast, I also share a few more resources you might enjoy as you start your new year:

  • Living Life with a Capital “L” – A 21-day devotional based on the Book of John that takes you through all 21 chapters.
  • A Word with You – A 365-day devotional written by my long-time friend Al Lowry who leads you through the entire Bible in a year, one day at a time.
  • 365 Daily Devotions with Eric Elder – A year of encouragement with daily devotionals based on one passage of scripture each day pulled from more than a dozen of my books.
  • And For Your Glory, my son Bo’s instrumental piano music that you can stream at anytime on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, or any of your favorite streaming services! Just search for “Bo Elder: For Your Glory.”

Praying for a terrific start to your New Year! With love,

Eric Elder

Living Life with a Capital "L"
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Finding Hope in the Darkness This Christmas

Have you ever noticed how some things can only be seen in the dark? A starry sky, a firefly’s glow, or even a glimpse into heaven after a loved one has passed “through the veil”—these beautiful moments are often hidden in the brightness of day but shine unmistakably in the stillness of night.

This thought struck me recently as I reflected on the “winter seasons” of life—those dark times when hope seems distant and the way forward uncertain. Yet, it’s in these very moments that we often grow the most gracious and loving, discovering a depth of faith and strength that can only take root in the darkness.

In today’s podcast, I share how Romans 8 reminds us that absolutely nothing—living or dead, present or future—can separate us from God’s love. I also talk about Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, enduring the darkness of her circumstances yet clinging to the promises God had spoken to her in the light. If you’re going through a dark season right now, I want to encourage you: God is with you, working behind the veil, creating room in your heart for something new and beautiful.

As a special part of this episode, my son Bo and I sing three favorite Christmas songs—O Come, All Ye Faithful, Away in a Manger, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. I’d love for you to take a moment to listen and let these songs lift your spirit, reminding you of the Hope that came into the world that first Christmas night.

Hope has a name: His name is Jesus.

You can watch the full podcast on YouTube at this link, where I share stories of how to make the most of life’s darkest seasons. Whether you’re reflecting, journaling, or just holding on to hope, my prayer is that you’ll find light breaking through in unexpected ways this Christmas.

https://youtu.be/S7CsuPT0YoY

And here’s a direct link to a brief clip of my son Bo and me singing a few Christmas songs!

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. May you feel God’s embrace and unshakable love for you this season.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. You can also get the book I mention in the podcast, Making the Most of the Darkness, as a downloadable PDF, audiobook, or paperback at this link.

Making The Most Of The Darkness , by Eric Elder

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Making the call

Today I want to talk to you about “making the call.” Sometimes you need to reach out for help. Whether you’re a self-made person or you’re just shy and don’t want to ask, there are lots of reasons why we don’t reach out to others for help. Yet I want to encourage you today: go ahead, make the call, reach out—you never know what might happen.

In fact, I had an experience just this week where I made a call that was difficult for me. That’s actually why I’m wearing this jacket. This week, I was up at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, one of the top-tier ballet companies in the world. A friend had said to me, “Eric, you should really get together with this other friend I have who’s at the Joffrey Ballet. You guys have some mutual interests, and I think it’d be great for you to talk.”

So I finally reached out and said, “Hey, I’m going to be in Chicago. I wonder if you’d want to get together.”

He said, “Sure!”

We spent over an hour just talking on Wednesday, sharing some of our mutual visions, plans, and thoughts. It was very exciting to be in that conversation. Who knows what might come of it? But we both love producing things, making things, and creating things. It’s great to be with others who can help you collaborate and think through your projects. I just want to encourage you to do that.

There’s a line I love from the TV show When Calls the Heart. Two characters are talking, and one says to the other:

“You’re a self-made man, Mr. Coulter, and you can be proud of that. But no one does it alone. We all need help at times.”

That can apply to any of us. We all need help at times, and I want to encourage you to make the call.

On this topic, I want to read you a chapter from a book I wrote called 365 Daily Devotions with Eric Elder. This book includes one devotion for every day of the year. It’s a compilation of over a dozen of my books, and you can read one chapter a day from each book.

The chapter I’m going to read today is called Making the Call. It’s from my book Exodus: Lessons in Freedom. This is Lesson 46: “Make the Call to All Who Are Willing and Skilled.”

You can keep reading below, or watch the podcast here, where I also share a song, “Trust in God,” and a prayer.

“Making the Call to All Who are Willing And Skilled”
from 365 Daily Devotions with Eric Elder

If God has put a vision on your heart to do something for Him, I want to encourage you today to take a step of faith. Make the call to all who are willing and skilled to help you do what God wants done.

If you’re like me, asking for help is one of the hardest parts of carrying out God’s will. But I’m encouraged by what I read in Exodus chapter 35. Here we see that Moses has come down from the mountain with a detailed vision in mind for what God wanted him to do next: to build an incredible place of worship for Him. Now it’s time for Moses to ask the people for their help, to see if they will provide the resources and labor to make it happen. How will he ask them, and how will they respond? Let’s take a look.

In Exodus 35:4–10, Moses says to the whole Israelite community:

“This is what the Lord has commanded: From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; and fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and hides of sea cows; acacia wood, olive oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded.”

He calls on all who are willing and skilled to give to the work and to get involved in the project. Now, let’s look at the response.

In Exodus 35:21–29, it says:

“Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work of the tent of meeting for all its services, and for the sacred garments. All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.”

In the end, God stirred the hearts of so many people that they had to be restrained from giving more. Here’s what it says in Exodus 36:6–7:

“Then Moses gave an order, and they sent this word throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.”

I love this. When I first read this passage, I wondered what it must feel like to see people give and get involved to such an extent that they had to be restrained from giving any more.

When I came back to this passage to teach it to others, I was in the middle of raising funds for five of us to go on a missions trip to Africa. Up to that point, I had often questioned whether we’d even be able to raise enough for one person to go, let alone five. I took encouragement from this passage and kept pressing on. In the final weeks before our trip, I found myself having to tell people not to give any more to the trip because we had already raised all that we needed for all five of us to go.

We can sometimes look at a passage like this—or even hear a story like I just told—and feel either discouraged or encouraged, wondering why it’s not happening to us or looking forward to when it will happen. My encouragement to you is to make the call. Make the call to all who are willing to help you carry out the vision God has put on your heart.

As Christians, God has entrusted us with great visions, great plans, and great ways to reach the world for Him. God wants us to step out in faith, make the call, and ask people to give and get involved in doing what God wants done.

Make the call.

I’d love to pray with you.

Father, thank You for this beautiful day, for this beautiful time together, and for this time to be encouraged by Your Word. Thank You for the words of Moses from thousands of years ago, for stories from today, and for how You’ve been working in my life and in others’ lives just this week.

Lord, thank You that Jesus is still alive, still real, and still active. Thank You that He puts us together with people who can help us accomplish Your will here on earth.

Help us to be willing to make the call. Help us to reach out to others for help, even when it’s hard. Lord, give us the courage to ask, even if the person says no, or if it’s not the right person the first, second, or third time. Keep leading us to people who are willing and skilled to contribute to the work You are doing here on earth.

Lord, we love You and thank You for everything You’ve done for us. Thank You for the past—for what You did thousands of years ago and for what You’ve done in my life over the years, like raising funds for that mission trip. Thank You for what You’re doing now, like connecting me with someone just this week who said yes to having a conversation.

Thank You for everything You’re doing in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thanks for reading today! If you’d like to get a copy of the whole book, 365 Daily Devotions with Eric Elder, you can get a paperback, ebook, audiobook, and even hardcover from inspiringbooks.com.

These devotionals make great gifts for others or for yourself! I hope they’ll encourage you in your faith on a daily basis.

Have a GREAT week!

Eric Elder

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A few thoughts on journaling

I’d like to talk to you today about journaling. You can watch today’s podcast at the link above, including a song on the piano by my son, Bo Elder!

For me, journaling is simply writing down my conversations with God, thinking through with God what I believe He wants me to know and do. Journaling helps give me clarity in my prayers and untangle the thoughts that are sometimes knotted up in my head.

Often, I’ll write out my prayers to God, laying them before Him. Then I wait, I listen, and I write down what I think God might be saying. When I write things down, it helps me look at them more objectively. I don’t assume everything is from God, but writing helps me ask: Could this be God? Does this align with the Bible? What would my Christian friends or counselors say? Sometimes, I’ll run these thoughts by others for input.

I’ve journaled so much that eventually I created my own custom journals! I’ve made three journals filled with blank lines, plus 101 quotes on every other page for added inspiration while I’m writing. One journal has 101 Quotes on Prayer, another 101 Quotes on Love, and the third has 101 Quotes on Faith. A friend of mine and frequent partner in ministry, Greg Potzer, runs a ministry called This Day’s Thought and let me use some of his curated quotes on these topics.

These are beautiful books that I’ve used for myself and offer to others for their own use. They even make great gifts to encourage those you love in their prayer lives with God!

Here’s one of the quotes on prayer by J.C. Penney:

“I have found silence to be a powerful element in prayer. To learn to be alone with God, even in the presence of others, is something we Christians should try to do. There are innumerable times during the day when we can turn our thoughts, even for a moment, from business affairs and center them on God’s goodness, Christ’s love, and our fellow man’s needs.”

These quotes inspire me in unique ways. Some come from famous Christians, while others surprise me—like discovering J.C. Penney’s spiritual reflections. Each journal has space for your own writing alongside these quotes.

Here’s another quote on prayer, by John Ortberg:

“How hard is it for God to get your attention? Do you regularly practice turning aside in your day, taking a moment to listen to God? Because God, through the Holy Spirit, really is speaking. We know every place is filled with the presence of God. There is not an inch of space, not a moment of time, that God does not inhabit.”

One of the greatest blessings of journaling is the ability to look back and remember things I might have forgotten. My mom got me started when I was very young. She said, “Just write anything—like the price of eggs or what’s on TV.”

One of my first journal entries back in grade school says, “I made a wooden puppet today.” Decades later, I’ve produced an entire puppet show that premiered in Italy last Christmas and is now on Amazon Prime Video. It’s called St. Nicholas: An Italian Puppet Opera. That simple journal entry about making puppets as a child turned out to be a seed for something much larger! You can watch the trailer on Youtube at this link:

I’ve also had unexpected connections through journaling. Recently, a friend introduced me to someone who leads a ballet company in Chicago. He and I discovered that we both studied at the same college in Salzburg, Austria, but in different years, and had both seen the same ballet in Vienna featuring Rudolf Nureyev. When I checked my journal to see if that was really who I saw in Vienna, I found an entry confirming the performance. It’s amazing how these connections emerge, even from entries long-ago.

But most often, I use journaling to process my thoughts with God. This morning, I felt God encouraging me to share my own story more boldly. I wrote, “Help me get my stories out there more broadly.” Then I asked, “God, was that You speaking to me, or was that me speaking to You?” Haha! I laugh with Him sometimes as I feel it could be both of us speaking at the same time, but in different context! Journaling helps me get my thoughts more sync with God’s.

Before I wrap up, I’d like to invite you to listen to my son Bo Elder’s new piano album, For Your Glory. On my podcast today, he plays a song he wrote called Abba. His flowing, meditative style is perfect for quiet time with God, even while you’re journaling or praying! You can watch him on today’s podcast or listen to his album on any music streaming service such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more!

Here’s the link again to today’s podcast:

Will you pray with me?

Father, we love You and trust You with our lives. I pray for everyone watching right now, wherever they are, that You would encourage, strengthen, and lift them up. Help them hear Your voice, especially those who want to start journaling or have been journaling for years. For anyone who hasn’t yet trusted in Jesus, I pray they do so today, finding abundant life in You. And for those already walking with You, I pray their faith becomes vibrant and rich again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And don’t forget, you can find all three journals at InspiringBooks.com, and find the links to watch the Saint Nicholas puppet opera on Prime Video at ItalianPuppets.com.

Have a great week!

Eric Elder

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Did you know Santa Claus was a real man…?

Did you know that Santa Claus was a real man who lived back in the third and fourth centuries? His name was Nicholas, and he was a great believer in Jesus Christ.You might think there’s some competition between Santa and Jesus, but actually, Saint Nicholas loved Jesus with all his heart. The word saint simply means believer, so he was “The Believer Nicholas” or “Saint Nicholas.”The Dutch took on that name and called him Sinterklaas. When they came to America, it was anglicized to Santa Claus. So, Santa Claus comes from Sinterklaas, which comes from Saint Nicholas, which meant the believer Nicholas—a real man who lived back in the third and fourth centuries!

In fact, people still celebrate a day called Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th, which is the day he passed through the veil from this earth into heaven—on December 6, 343 AD. So, when you think of Santa Claus, you don’t have to think of some mythological character! You can think of a real man who would have not cared if you remembered his name, but that you remembered name of the one he worshiped: Jesus Christ.

This was such a compelling storyline that my late wife, Lana, thought we ought to make a Hollywood movie about the real-life story of Saint Nicholas. We began to research and found fascinating things about the real man Nicholas, whom you can read about from the Council of Nicaea all those years ago. You can know that this was a man who lived and who died for Jesus Christ.

We wrote a book about it just before Lana passed away called St. Nicholas the Believer: A New Story for Christmas Based on the Old Story of St. Nicholas. It’s been translated into Spanish and Italian. We’ve also turned it into a ballet called One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet, which you can watch on YouTube. It’s a beautiful telling of his story, with some wonderful music, including a couple of songs I wrote and others from contemporary Christian artists. You can watch it at this link: https://youtu.be/R2DNi2hgx6Y

We’ve also turned the story into a musical, and that’s what I want to read from for you today (below). It’s called His Name Was Nicholas. This is a musical you can perform sometime in your community or church, maybe next year! You can get the full script and score at inspiringbooks.com.

And most recently, we’ve turned the story into an Italian puppet opera! For the first time this Christmas, you can watch it on Prime Video on Amazon. Here’s the link to watch here in the US: http://amazon.com/dp/B0DMKPRS4G or search for “Saint Nicholas” or “Eric Elder” or “puppet opera,” and you should be able to pull up this beautiful telling of the story by four wonderful storytellers and 17 incredible hand-carved puppets. The show is under an hour and brings to life this real man who became a legend.

Now, I’d love to share with you a passage from His Name Was Nicholas.

This is a scene where Nicholas is traveling with three young children who are taking him on a tour of the Holy Land, where he has just arrived. The first place he wants to go to is Bethlehem. We pick up the story here.

All three of the children running ahead to their destination. It’s a narrow but well-worn route to the cave, having had thousands of pilgrims traversing it over the years. After a short time on the path, Nicholas stops and lets out a laugh. The children stop to look at him.

Nicholas says, “I was just thinking of the wise men who came up to Bethlehem to see Jesus. They may have come up this very same path. How regal they must have looked, riding their camels and bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Sammy says, “I’ve ridden a camel.”

Nicholas says, “Well, for a moment there, I pictured myself riding a camel too, just like one of those kings. But then I stepped in some sheep dung. The smell reminded me I’m not riding a camel, and I’m certainly not royalty!”

Then little Ruthie, thinking, says, “But smelling like sheep dung might make you more like the shepherds who saw Jesus that night he was born. And they got there first.”

Nicholas says, “You’re absolutely right, Ruthie.”

Ruthie smiles at her insight, but then her face becomes thoughtful again. She says, “Maybe we should bring a gift with us too, like the wise men did.”

The thought overtakes her, as if she’s truly concerned that she has nothing to give to honor Jesus. She looks around, then spots some golden flowers on the hillside. Ruthie points and says, “Look!” She leaves the path, picks four small flowers, then returns and hands one to each of them.

Ruthie continues, “They look like gold to me.” She smiles from ear to ear, and Nicholas can’t help but smile with her.

Nicholas says, “They certainly do, Ruthie. There’s always something you can give, isn’t there? Whether gold from a mine or golden flowers from a hillside, everything we have comes from God anyway, doesn’t it?”

They continue walking as Nicholas looks at his flower and begins to sing the song, There’s Always Something You Can Give:

There’s always something you can give,
Look around and you will see,
Whether gold or golden flowers
That live on the hills beneath your feet.

Even though, we know all things
Come from above,
Still, there’s no greater show of our heart,
Than to give in love.

I’d love to pray for you as we enter into this holiday season—that your heart would be filled with love, not only for Jesus but for those around you as well.

We’ve just come through Thanksgiving, and there is a wonderful quote I read that says, “A real Thanksgiving is celebrated in real thanksgiving.” If we can celebrate with real thanksgiving—real gratitude in our hearts to Jesus—that’s the best expression of love we can give to Him, and it’s the best expression of love we can give to others too.

Love covers a multitude of sins, and I know I’ve been forgiven so much that I want to express that love to others too, so they can know my love for them and God’s love for them.

Let’s pray:

Lord, we come to you with open, grateful, and tender hearts. In any place where we’ve built up calluses or walls, Lord, help us to tear those down. Help us to be tender, loving, kind, and compassionate again this Christmas.

Help us to be tender and openhearted to You and to others. Show us what we can give. If we feel called to give a gift, help us know what to give—whether it’s gold from a store or gold from a flower on a hillside.

I pray that we’d give from a heart of love. Lord, awaken us with ideas for expressing our love, whether it’s through a prayer, a call, a card, or something simple we already have. Help us treat others as your children and give with true love, respect, and thanksgiving in our hearts.

We love you and thank you for all you’ve done. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Again, if you want a copy of the book (or five or ten to give as gifts!), it’s a wonderful present for others. It’s called St. Nicholas the Believer: A New Story for Christmas Based on the Old Story of St. Nicholas by Eric and Lana Elder. You can find it on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1931760403/ or at InspiringBooks.com.

I’ve included all the links I mentioned below. Have a great holiday season!

Watch today’s podcast here:
https://youtu.be/-lAtjKXGdTo

Watch the 1-minute trailer for the Puppet Opera here:
https://youtu.be/emRB8Yid0xM

Watch the full length Italian Puppet Opera in the US here:
http://amazon.com/dp/B0DMKPRS4G


Watch the 90-second trailer for the One Life ballet here:
https://youtu.be/vm1fUA0_nNQ

Watch the full One Life ballet here:
https://youtu.be/R2DNi2hgx6Y

And get the books on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1931760403

and here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1931760780

or at InspiringBooks.com!

Saint Nicholas: The Believer His Name Was Nicholas by Eric and Lana Elder
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My new movie is on Prime Video!

Wow! I just found out that Prime Video is going to carry our new movie “Saint Nicholas: An Italian Puppet Opera” that we filmed last year in Italy! It’s available worldwide STARTING TODAY! Hallelujah!

If you’re looking for a spirit-filled movie to watch over the holidays, I hope you’ll watch and give it a 5-star review afterward to “prime” the pump so others find it! Just search for “Eric Elder” or “Saint Nicholas” or “puppet opera” on PRIME VIDEO! Send me a screen shot if you find it!

Here’s the direct link to watch on Amazon here in the US:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMKSNXJB/

Why is this SO exciting? Because Amazon Prime Video is the 2nd largest streaming platform in the world with over 200 million subscribers, and they normally accept movies only if they have been released in theaters or been on network TV or won an award at a major film festival. So for them to accept ours is HUGE!

I’m SO thankful that more people can find the HOPE OF CHRIST through this film, as everything in the show points to Jesus.

Here’s the 1-minute trailer…
https://youtu.be/emRB8Yid0xM

Then go check it out on Prime Video!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMKSNXJB/

With gratefulness to God, the cast and crew and my friends and supporters. I feel incredibly blessed. Happy Thanksgiving!

Eric Elder
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A Song, A Grocery Store, and God’s Voice

Have you ever felt God speak to you in a way so personal that it couldn’t be a coincidence? It happened to me this week in the most unexpected place: a grocery store late at night. I was tired, running on empty after a long day, and just trying to finish my shopping. As I walked through the aisles, God showed me small glimpses of His presence—speaking in little ways that encouraged me that He was with me.

As if that wasn’t enough, I desired more affirmation of His presence. Within a minute, I heard the song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” playing over the store’s radio. It wasn’t just a random tune—it was a song that God has used to powerfully speak to me in the past, reminding me of His joy and love. Hearing it again at that moment felt like a gentle, divine confirmation: “I’m here. I see you. I rejoice over you.”

In this week’s YouTube podcast, I share more about this faith-building experience, including a chapter from my book My Stories of Faith, where I first encountered God speaking to me through this very song. If you’ve ever wondered if God speaks in personal ways, I believe this story will encourage you to look for His voice in your own life.

But that’s not all. This week, I’m also thrilled to introduce my son, Bo Elder, and his upcoming album For Your Glory. Bo’s music is filled with heartfelt, meditative piano pieces that flow with peace and inspiration. During the podcast, he performs “Precious Is Your Name,” a beautiful track from the album. It’s the kind of music that soothes the soul and draws you closer to God.

Bo’s album will be available starting Tuesday on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTube. I hope you’ll take time to listen, let the melodies wash over you, and experience God’s presence through his art.

I also invite you to watch TODAY’S PODCAST on YouTube! Along with the story and Bo’s music, I share a prayer for God to reveal Himself to you in personal, unmistakable ways. Whether you’re having a great day, a tough day, or an ordinary day, God is walking with you, rejoicing over you with singing.

Click the link below to watch the podcast, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for Tuesday when Bo’s album releases. I pray these stories and songs will bless you, lift your faith, and remind you that God is always near.

Watch today’s podcast!

Get the book!

With faith and joy,

Eric Elder

My Stories of Faith by Eric Elder
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Let’s Get Technical!

I’m excited to share with you about my latest book on writing called Let’s Get Technical!

Front cover of "Let's Get Technical!" by Eric Elder from inspiringbooks.com

If you’ve ever had a message on your heart and wondered how to get it out into the world, this resource was made for you. Maybe you’ve already decided to share your story, but you’re stuck on the “how” part. You’re not alone! So many people ask me questions about writing, publishing, and building an online presence, and I’ve packed my answers into this easy-to-follow guide.

Over the years, I’ve created hundreds of websites, built mailing lists that reach tens of thousands, and launched podcasts, YouTube channels, and audiobooks. It’s been a journey of trial and error, and now I want to make the process simpler for you. In Let’s Get Technical, you’ll find practical steps for creating a website, growing a social media presence, setting up a podcast, and even using AI to enhance your work.

Here are the topics I cover:

  • How to build a website (using Web.com/GoDaddy/WordPress)
  • How to build a mailing list (using Campaign Monitor/aWeber)
  • How to build a social media presence (using Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn)
  • How to create a podcast (using Spotify/Apple Podcasts/YouTube)
  • How to create a YouTube channel (using YouTube)
  • How to create an audiobook (using Spotify/Audible)
  • How to edit audio (using Audacity/GarageBand)
  • How to edit video (using iMovie/Davinci Resolve)
  • How to create business cards, bookmarks or postcards (using VistaPrint)
  • How to setup a live online class (using Zoom)
  • How to setup a payment system (using PayPal/Venmo/Square)
  • How to setup a coaching calendar (using Calendly)
  • BONUS. How to create an AI audiobook (using Google Play Books/ElevenLabs)

But this book isn’t just about the technical side of things—it’s about the heart behind it all. I share personal stories of how God has used these tools to help me reach people with a message of hope and encouragement.

One of my favorite chapters dives into building a social media presence—not just for marketing, but for creating real, meaningful connections. For me, social media has been a lifeline during some of life’s most challenging moments. After my wife Lana passed away, I found comfort in the community of friends who rallied around me through simple comments and heartfelt messages. Social media isn’t just about algorithms or likes; it’s about relationships and living life together, even in the digital space.

I share more about this idea of loving others online in today’s podcast.

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book, starting a podcast, or creating a YouTube channel but felt overwhelmed by the technical details, this book is here to help. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve already published a project, this book will give you the tools and encouragement you need to keep moving forward. It’s a step of faith to put your story out there, and I want to help you take that step.

You can get a copy of Let’s Get Technical today at inspiringbooks.com. It’s affordable, straightforward, and packed with insights I’ve gathered from over two decades of sharing my message online. Let’s work together to share the gifts, lessons, and encouragement God has placed in your life with the world around you.

Watch today’s podcast!

Get the book!

Eric reads from his book "Let's Get Technical!" available from inspiringbooks.com

Endorsements for Let’s Get Technical

Here are a few words from my writing friends…

  • “Eric Elder is my ‘go-to-person’ for all things technical. Eric has the ‘know-how.’” Tim Wilkins
  • “Thanks for helping me with my writing. You give me the confidence to do the hard things.” Crystal Balas
  • “Eric has been a blessing to our ministry in so many ways…his technical expertise and assistance have meant everything!” Greg Potzer
  • “Eric has played a crucial role in getting my novel published. He has been the all-important bridge between my unpublished manuscript and my published dream-come-true.” Cammie Quinn
  • “I learned so much from this course, and I look forward to implementing these new skills (with help from my own notes from the course, and the accompanying book) in the future.” Donna Brooks-Mason
  • “Eric’s a great communicator… he makes hard things easy to understand. I deeply trust Eric’s expertise.”Kirk Billiter

You can get a copy of ALL 3 of my books on writing from inspiringbooks.com.
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Jesus: Lessons in Love

In today’s podcast, I share some thoughts on the Golden Rule from my book Jesus: Lessons in Love. The Golden Rule is Jesus’ words from the Bible as recorded in the book of Matthew:

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).

This sounds simple enough, but one of the twists is that we don’t all give and receive love in the same way. Jesus loved people in many ways, sometimes offering forgiveness, sometimes healing, sometimes speaking someone’s name.

There’s a lot we can learn from "the greatest lover in the world." In this book, I take a look at the various ways that Jesus loved people so we can love people better, too.

I also play a very cathartic song written by Tchaikovsky that may be helpful if you’re going through a loss or grief or need some quiet time with God.

You can watch the 11-minute podcast at the link below, or read the text from my book below the video.

Watch today’s podcast!

Get the book!

Eric reads from his book "Jesus: Lessons in Love" available from inspiringbooks.com

"Golden Love"
Chapter 7 from Jesus: Lessons in Love
by Eric Elder

One year ago this weekend, I was headed to the African country of Swaziland (now known as Etswani). Eighty of us from the U.S. were on a missions trip to work side-by-side with the people of Swaziland to plant thousands of vegetable gardens near their homes.

On the trip, I met a man who helped me see what it takes to live a life of sacrificial love. He was a pastor who had worked with this organization for over a year, helping to plant gardens throughout the country with dozens of teams that had come over to help.

One day, I was looking at a map of Swaziland with him. The map showed which areas of the country had already been planted, and which areas still needed to be planted. We were planting in one of the last areas remaining in the country, but I noticed there was still one more area yet to be planted. I asked him about it, and he said that the one remaining area was the village where he lived.

I couldn’t believe it. I turned and looked at him and said, “You’ve been bringing teams over here, helping people plant all over the country, but you haven’t brought a team to help you plant in your own village yet?”

He replied, “We have a saying here in Swaziland:

‘We would rather starve than let our guests go hungry.’

He went on to explain: he wanted to make sure that all of the other areas were served first, then he would bring a team to his own area. I about burst into tears on the spot. It still makes my eyes water just thinking about it.

There’s a verse of scripture in the middle of Matthew chapter 7 that people refer to as “The Golden Rule.” (And it’s not, “He who has the gold makes the rules”!) Jesus included these words in his sermon on the mount, saying that they sum up the teachings that God had given up to that point:

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

Do to others what you would have them do to you. It seems like such a simple thing…and sometimes it is. If a storeowner gives you too much change at the store, you can hand back the extra change, because that’s what you would want a customer to do if they came into your store. Or if you notice someone who needs money for a worthy project, you might give it to them because you know that if you needed money for a worthy project, you’d want them to help you.

But sometimes it’s a much harder thing to do. Sometimes, as in the case of this pastor from Swaziland, allowing others to go ahead of you can literally mean death for someone you love.

How can anyone live that kind of life? How can anyone have that much love for others, that they would let someone in their own family perish so that someone else might live?

How? God gave us the ultimate example of just such a love when He allowed His own Son, Jesus, to die in our place. When Jesus called us to “do to others what you would have them do to you,” He was calling us to do something that He Himself would soon be doing to the fullest extent, giving of His own life so that we could live.

Last time I mentioned that God wants us to be willing to live for others. This time, the call is to be willing to die for them, too. Jesus calls us to be willing to do both. When our hearts are at that point of willingness, we’ll know that we have achieved the greatest love possible.

We’ll have a love like that of Christ Himself who said, and then later exemplified for us, these words:

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Prayer: Father, help me to do for others as I would have them do for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You can get a copy of this book in paperback, audiobook, or downloadable PDF from inspiring books.com

Front cover of "Jesus: Lessons in Love" by Eric Elder from inspiringbooks.com
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Dealing with temptation

In today’s podcast episode, I dive into the topic of temptation and share insights from my first book, What God Says About Sx*. It took me seven years to write this book, not because it’s long, but because I wanted to get it right. I wanted to explain, simply and clearly, what God says about sx*, and how these teachings can help protect us from unnecessary pain.

In the episode, I also talk about finding a “way of escape” when you’re tempted. Just like a video game where every level has a hidden exit, God has provided a way out of every temptation we face. He knows what we’re going through—Jesus himself was tempted in every way, just like we are, and yet He didn’t sin. That’s why He can guide us through our challenges.

Remember:

And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

I also share a powerful real-life story about a friend who prayed for a way out of temptation and saw God answer in an unexpected way. It’s a reminder that no matter how hard it feels, there’s always an escape route if we look for it.

If you or someone you know could use some encouragement in this area, I’d love for you to check out this episode. (I’ve also included the text from this chapter of the book below the podcast.) Plus, you’ll hear a song I wrote called Blessed Are You from my piano album Clear My Mind.

Watch today’s podcast here!

Get the book or piano book here!

Eric reads from his book "What God Says About Sx*" available at inspiringbooks.com

"Dealing With Temptation"
From What God Says About Sx*
by Eric Elder

I used to love to play a computer game called Dark Castle. The purpose was to try to escape from a castle in which you were trapped. Each room in the castle had a different challenge. Sometimes you had to throw rocks at bats, jump across moving stones, or duck out of the way of flying objects.

In each room there was something special to help you through it: a bag of rocks to throw, a special keystroke to help you jump higher, or a jet pack to help you fly. I would look around each room until I found the way of escape. When I found it, I would take it and move on to the next room. Eventually, I made it to the end. I defeated the enemy, escaped from the castle and was finally free.

God has promised that whenever we face a temptation, He has provided a way of escape. We may not always see it right away, or even want to see it, but it’s always there. The Bible says:

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

A friend of mine was traveling in another country when he was tempted to go into an area of a town that was known for all kinds of illicit activity. He said he just wanted to see what it was like. As he got onto the subway, he said a short prayer, asking God to provide a way out if God didn’t want him to do this.

When the train stopped at his destination, he stepped onto the platform and was soon surrounded by a group of people who asked him to come with them. Although he had trouble understanding their language, he could tell they must be Christians and that they were inviting him to their church. Remembering his prayer, he decided to go with them instead of going to where he had originally planned. Amazingly, when he got to their church, they baptized him. They gave him a cup of hot tea and another subway ticket to get back home—which he promptly used for that purpose!

Of course, it would have been easier if my friend had simply not gotten on the train when he first thought about heading into sin. But the fact that God still answered his prayer and provided him yet another way out, is a demonstration of the lengths to which God will go to lead us out of temptation.

Jesus knew how real and significant our temptations would be. He knew that it was so important that He included it in His model prayer that He taught to His disciples to pray, which we now call the Lord’s Prayer. It says, in part:

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13).

The Apostle Paul felt that resisting temptation was so important that he wrote to the people living in Corinth:

“Flee from sx*ual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18a).

Joseph felt that fleeing from temptation was so important that when temptation came to him, he ran the other way! Take a look at what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him:

“She caught him by his cloak and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.” (Genesis 39:12).

Joseph got thrown into jail for running away, but jail was nothing compared to the price he would have paid if he had stayed! In the end, God honored Joseph’s obedience and made him second in command over all of Egypt.

When we’re tempted, God always provides a way of escape—even if it’s just to turn and run—and He wants us to take it every time.

*This excerpt is from my book What God Says About Sx*. (I’ve written the word like this in this email so it will make it through filters into your inbox!) You can get a copy of this book or my piano book from inspiringbooks.com.

Front cover of "What God Says About Sx*" by Eric Elder
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Love changes everything

Today, I’m sharing my favorite book of all the books I’ve written, called Fifty Shades of Grace: Love Changes Everything. It’s my favorite because it tells the story of how I fell in love with my late wife, Lana, how I fell in love with God, and how God helped change my desires and attractions through each of those love stories.

I wrote this book under the pen name Nicholas Deere, as the stories I share in it are so personal, so intimate, I wasn’t sure I would ever publish it at all. But as I shared the first few chapters with a couple of friends, they felt it would be helpful for many. In the end, this book has become my favorite among all the books I’ve written.

If you need hope that God can change something in your life that may seem unchangeable, I hope you’ll check it out. Please know, though, that it is a love story. Some readers may find it more sensual than they are used to reading, as the goal is to show how our passions and desires can and do change.

Jesus is, after all, in the life-changing business. He can do anything, absolutely anything. Remember:

"And that is what some of you WERE. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11).

I’ve included the introduction from the book below, plus a link to today’s podcast, where I read from the book and share a song and a prayer. The song is a love song I wrote for my late wife, Lana, called My Lana from my piano album Clear My Mind.

Watch today’s podcast here!

Get the book here!

Eric reads from his book "Fifty Shades of Grace" available at inspiringbooks.com

"Unspoken Memories"
Introduction to Fifty Shades of Grace
by Nicholas J. Deere

Some memories are too precious to be spoken out loud; doing so might shatter the special place they hold in our hearts. But some memories are too precious not to be spoken out loud, when doing so might bring hope and healing to the hearts of those who hear them.

Memories are powerful things. They can stick with you for life, like this one shared by a character named Mr. Bernstein in the movie Citizen Kane. A reporter had asked Mr. Bernstein how Charles Kane could have possibly remembered a fleeting moment with a girl from so many years earlier. Mr. Bernstein replied:

“You’re pretty young, Mr. Thompson. A fellow will remember a lot of things you wouldn’t think he’d remember. You take me. One day, back in 1896, I was crossing over to Jersey on the ferry, and as we pulled out, there was another ferry pulling in, and on it there was a girl waiting to get off. A white dress she had on. She was carrying a white parasol. I only saw her for one second. She didn’t see me at all, but I’ll bet a month hasn’t gone by since that I haven’t thought of that girl.”

You probably have memories like these. I know I do. This book is full of them.

I’ve never shared most of these memories with anyone, and I’m hesitant to share them with you now. It’s not because I don’t want you to know about them (well, there’s a little bit of that), but it’s because they are so personal to me, so intimate, that I’m afraid by sharing them they might somehow shatter.

I’m afraid to share them because I would hate to have someone take them lightly or laugh at them (although some of them are light and laughable). I’m afraid to share them because of what someone might think of me. I wonder if they would still love me the same if they really knew some of my innermost thoughts. I’m afraid to share them because some of them are truly embarrassing—I can’t believe I thought and did some of the things I share in this book.

At the same time, I believe that some of these memories could be very helpful (extremely helpful, in fact), especially for anyone who has pondered any of the thoughts and feelings that I share here. I remember walking through “the stacks” in the graduate library at the University of Illinois when I was a freshman. As an underclassman, I had to get special permission to go into those rows upon rows of books housed in room after room of that massive library. But I had a mission. I wanted (I needed) to find out what other people thought about some of the things I was grappling with in my mind.

There was no Internet back then; nowhere to quickly look up the topics that were burning on my heart. I was excited to find that at least a few books were listed in the card catalog on these subjects. But after getting permission to enter the stacks, I was disappointed to find that the books on these topics took up a mere five or six inches of shelf space out of the hundreds of shelves that filled that one room. I thumbed through each of those books, but found them to be clinical and dry, doing little to help me with my practical questions.

I wish I had held this book in my hands back then. I think I would have been amazed to find that someone else had the same thoughts and experiences I was having. I would have loved to learn from them as much as I could, whether I agreed with their conclusions or not. I just wished someone would have shared their thoughts and memories with me.

So after all these years of gathering and storing these precious memories in my mind, I’d like to pull them out and share them with you. My hope is that you’ll be able to benefit from them in a special way.

Before you dive into this book, however, I want to give you a fair warning. This is a love story. If you’re not interested in reading about passion and romance, heartbreak and sex (or staying up late to find out what’s next), then this isn’t the book for you.

If, on the other hand, you’d like to explore and experience a life lived in love, with all of its glorious, unpredictable and multi-faceted dimensions, then read on. It’s for you that I’ve shared these “unspoken memories.”

Nicholas J. Deere

P.S. The memories I share in this book are all true;
Just the names have been changed (including mine, too).
When choosing a pen name I even mulled over
Names like Laurel or Mary (or Debbie Macomber?),
’Cause who wants to read romance that’s been penned by a guy? But if Shakespeare could do it… (then I guess so can I!).

This excerpt is from my book Fifty Shades of Grace: Love Changes Everything, under my pen name Nicholas Deere. You can get a copy in audio, paperback or downloadable PDF from inspiringbooks.com.

Front cover of "Fifty Shades of Grace" by Nicholas Deere
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Why are we attracted to the people we’re attracted to?

Last week I talked about breaking the power of unhealthy attractions. This week, I want to talk about WHY we’re attracted to the people we’re attracted to. Specifically, I want to talk about some of my own experiences with attractions.

When I was in college, my first sexual experiences were with men. I wondered if I would ever be able to have experiences with women, get married to a woman, and have children through marital intercourse.

I found that it was possible, and I was able to have a wonderful marriage to my wife of 23 years until she passed way about 12 years ago. Together, we had six children. I know my story isn’t everyone’s story, but I also know that God CAN take our attractions and align them with our goals for our lives—and with God’s goals for us.

In 2017, I wrote a book about my attractions and highlighted literally hundreds of one-on-one conversations I’ve had with others over the years about their attractions. The book is called Loving God & Loving Gays: What’s A Christian To Do?.

Even though the title suggests that the book is focused on a specific topic, many readers who have never experienced same-sex attractions have told me that it helped them understand why they’re attracted to the people they’re attracted to—and how to manage those attractions in a healthy way.

Below, I’ve included an excerpt from my book to highlight just a few of these conversations. I hope you find them helpful. If you want to learn more, you can watch this week’s podcast at the link below, where I also share a song and a prayer. You can get the book at inspiringbooks.com

And if you wonder if change is possible—whatever you’re going through—remember that powerful word "were" in this passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:

"And that is what some of you WERE. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Watch today’s podcast here!

Get the book here!

Eric reads from his book "Loving God & Loving Gays: What's A Christian To Do?" available at inspiringbooks.com

Chapter 3: "A Few Words About Attractions"

In which I share about the complexity of attractions, where they come from, what to do with them, and the fact that they can and do change—sometimes quite significantly.

from Loving God & Loving Gays
by Eric Elder

There’s much debate about where attractions come from, whether they’re inborn or not, whether they’re shaped by circumstances or not, whether they’re chosen or not, and whether they’re changeable or not. Thankfully, I’m here to answer all your questions, definitively (he says, wryly).

I think a good starting point is to ask, “Why are we attracted to anyone we’re attracted to?”

Although this story isn’t in the Bible, I’ve heard that Adam was talking to God one day about Eve.

Adam said, “God, why did you make her so beautiful?”

God said, “I made her that way, Adam, so that you would be attracted to her.”

Adam thought for a moment, then said, “But, God, why did you make her so dumb?”

To which God replied, “I made her that way, Adam, so that she would be attracted to you.”

(It’s a joke which offends everyone equally, which my kids tell me is what makes it so funny.)

While that story about attractions isn’t in the Bible, there are plenty of others which are, stories such as Jacob’s attraction to Rachel (healthy, see Genesis 28-30), David’s attraction to Bathsheba (unhealthy, see 2 Samuel 11-12) or Amnon’s attraction to Tamar (very unhealthy, see 2 Samuel 13).

Each of these stories describes different heartfelt attractions, yet each of the stories have dramatically different endings. Why? Because of the choices the people made about what to do with the attractions they were feeling—choices which either fulfilled or destroyed God’s plans for their lives.

I’ve talked to hundreds of people in one-on-one conversations over the course of 30 years, and I’m always amazed at the responses I get when talking about people’s attractions. People have wildly different attractions for wildly different reasons.

Some people like men with beards; others like men without. Some people like women with extensive curves; others like women with daintier forms. Some people think one actor is hot; others think the same actor is not. The reasons why people are attracted to other people vary about as much as the people themselves.

An elderly friend once told me, after first meeting a man whom we both knew, that she thought he was one of the ugliest men she had ever met. Although he wasn’t repulsive by any means, some of the features of his face were out of proportion to what she was used to seeing.

She went on to tell me, however, that after several months of getting to know him, she began to see him in a totally different way. He was a truly winsome man, and he won her over. Within a few months of thinking he was one of the ugliest men she had ever met, she came to see him as one of the most attractive men she had ever met.

I see this happen all the time, whether it’s with boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, or lovers, where a person who has had no particular attraction to someone else, somehow, suddenly finds that other person to be the sole object of their affections. I’ve seen people fall madly in love with other people who have previously not sparked even a flicker of interest in their hearts.

I’ve also seen this happen in reverse, where someone who was at one time wildly attracted to someone else, later—either suddenly or over a period of time—no longer had any attraction to that person whatsoever. The flame that had once burned so brightly had gone out completely. The person had “lost that lovin’ feelin’,” with not even a wisp of smoke left from the fire that once raged so strongly within.

What causes people’s attractions to change so dramatically like this?

Oftentimes, nothing has changed in terms of the appearance or persona of the one being adored or abhorred, but everything has changed within the mind of the person doing the adoring or abhorring.

It’s been said that the single most important sex organ in the body is the mind. After more than 30 years of hearing people’s stories about what attracts them and what doesn’t, I’m convinced that this is true.

I’ve also found something particularly insightful when talking to people with same-sex attractions, that is, attractions toward people who are the same sex as they are. People with same-sex attractions are not usually attracted to everyone of their own sex, but only to a small subset.

In talking with a man who has wrestled with same-sex attractions for many years, I asked if he was attracted to all men or only to some. He replied, “Only to some, and not to many at that.”

While he was struggling with his attractions to certain men, he realized during our conversation that he wasn’t attracted to all men, but, in fact, to only a few.

When I asked what types of men he was attracted to, he listed specific qualities and characteristics which he equated with what he longed for in a close friendship with a man. Even if he was born with an attraction to men, he certainly wasn’t born with an attraction to all men, because he simply didn’t have an attraction to all men, but only to a small subset of men.

Let me underscore this point even more. I was talking with an African-American man one day about his attractions toward men. When we started our conversation, he told me he was absolutely convinced he was born gay. Why else, he wondered, would he have had these feelings all his life?

When I asked him if he was attracted to all men, or only to some, he answered, “Only to some, for sure!”

This man then went on to tell me that there were men of a certain age above his and below his to which he was definitely not attracted. He also told me there were some types of men by which he was absolutely repulsed, because of the way they walked or talked or carried themselves, and with such men he would never consider a romantic relationship, no matter what.

Most telling of all, however, to both him and to me, was when he said that within that smaller subset of men, he was only attracted to white men. He had never, ever, not once, had an attraction to or an encounter with another African-American man.

After a few moments of taking in what he had just said, I asked, as gently as I could, “So what you’re telling me is that when God created you, He created you both gay AND racist?”

The man happened to be the head of diversity at a prestigious university. He burst out with a laugh at the irony of the truth that had just dawned upon him. The head of diversity was happy to be diverse except in the area that was most intimate to him.

Although he may not have known the why’s and wherefore’s behind the attractions he had, he realized it was wrong to attribute his attractions to God or to nature just because he didn’t know from where else they may have come.

In that moment, both this man and I could see that there was something about his attractions that were not due to the way he was wired from birth, but more likely from something else that was at play.

While there may have been something about the way he was designed from conception which played into the attractions he had, the fact that he was not attracted to all men, nor even to most men, but only to a particular subset of men with a particular subset of traits, made us both realize that there was probably more going on in his attractions than simply being “born gay.”

Do I think there are reasons why we’re attracted to certain people, some of which may have to do with the way God has wired us? Yes! Sometimes our reactions and responses to other people, and their reactions and responses to us, are indeed generated by particular features or traits that were given to us by God at birth. (And before this chapter ends, I’ll share with you some of the reasons why my particular wiring made me particularly receptive to the advances of other men.)

But I also believe that there are reasons which go beyond our initial wiring at birth that cause us to be drawn to or repelled by certain people, regardless of their gender.

This excerpt is from my book Loving God & Loving Gays: What’s A Christian To Do? You can get a copy in audio, paperback or downloadable PDF from inspiringbooks.com. Also available in Spanish.

"Loving God & Loving Gays: What's a Christian to do?" by Eric Elder from inspiring books.com

"Cómo amar a Dios y a los gays" by Eric Elder from inspiring books.com
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The Top 20 Passages in the Bible!

Want to read the top 20 passages in the Bible? Whether you’re new to the Bible or have read it many times, sometimes it’s helpful to have someone point out the highlights, the most searched for passages in this precious book.

That’s exactly what I’ve done in my book called The Top 20 Passages in the Bible. And I’ll list all 20 passages for you here so you don’t have to wait to find out!

But what I’d love even more is to have you read through each of these passages, savoring their meaning and letting the words impact you as they’ve impacted generations, making the Bible the most quoted book in the world…and the most meaningful to me personally.

Below I’ve included a chapter from my book which also contains the most popular verse in the whole Bible: John 3:16. I’ve also included a link to today’s podcast in which I read from my book and play one of my favorite original piano songs called "Marilyn’s Theme" from my piano album Soothe My Soul.

And for your reading pleasure, here are the top 20 passages in the Bible, counting from number 20 to number 1!

Watch today’s podcast here!

Get the book here!

Eric reads from "The Top 20 Passages in the Bible" from inspiringbooks.com

Number 17
"The Gospel in a Nutshell"
from The Top 20 Passages in the Bible
by Eric Elder

Scripture Reading: John 3

If you were to look at a list of the top 100 verses in the Bible, you’d find a verse from John chapter 3 at the very top. It’s the most quoted verse in the Bible, and the most quoted verse of Jesus. Speaking of Himself, Jesus said:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

John 3:16 contains the gospel in a nutshell, the good news of Jesus in compact form: that if anyone who wants to be free from the penalty of sin and death, they can do so by putting their faith in Jesus.

Jesus expanded on why this is such good news in the rest of John 3. He did so in the context of a conversation that took place between Himself and Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus one night to learn more from this controversial, but impressive, teacher.

Jesus told Nicodemus: “You must be born again,” to which Nicodemus responded:

“How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4).

Jesus answered him:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Nicodemus must have taken what Jesus said to heart, for after Jesus died on the cross, Nicodemus, along with Joseph of Arimathea, risked his life and position on the Jewish council by asking Pilate for Jesus’ body in order to give Jesus a proper burial (see John 19:38-40). May God give us all that kind of boldness in our faith!

Jesus also mentioned in his conversation with Nicodemus something significant that had happened to the Israelites about 2,500 years earlier. When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, they sinned. As a result, God sent fiery serpents to attack them, and many Israelites died from the bites. Those who were still alive repented of their sins and Moses prayed to God on their behalf. God said to Moses:

“‘Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’ So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live” (Numbers 21:8-9).

God heard their prayers and saw their repentant hearts and provided a way for them to be saved. Referring to this story, Jesus told Nicodemus:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

This story has become such a symbol of healing that today, the symbol of a snake wrapped around a pole is still displayed on many of our medical buildings, ambulances, and doctor’s insignias.

But it’s more than just a symbol of healing. It’s a symbol of forgiveness, a symbol of a loving God who will go to the great lengths to extend forgiveness to His people, if only they would turn from their sins and put their faith in Him.

It is in the context of this ancient story of God’s forgiveness and healing that Jesus said His most famous quote in John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

I bring this up because John 3:16 is not only the gospel in a nutshell, it’s the whole Bible in a nutshell! God has always been wooing His people into a relationship with Him, and offering them forgiveness if they truly desire it, so that they can come back into a relationship with Him. And that’s what God has offered to us, by sending His only Son to die for us so we can live.

God loves you, and He doesn’t want you or anyone else to be destroyed by sin. He’s willing to go to the greatest lengths possible—and He already has—to see that you will be healed, forgiven, and brought back into a new life with Him.

If you’ve already put your faith in Christ, Hallelujah! Let someone know about it who needs to hear this good news! But if you’ve never put your faith in Christ—been “born again,” to use Jesus’ words—there’s no better time than right now!

PRAYER

Father, thank You for loving me so much that You would send Your only Son to die for me so that I could live. I want to live again. I want to be born again spiritually so I can live with You forever. Forgive me for my sins, for the wrong things I’ve done. I am putting my faith in Christ right now. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can live the life You’ve called me to live, both here on earth, and on into heaven forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Get "The Top 20 Passages in the Bible" from inspiring books.com

P.S. You can get The Top 20 Passages in the Bible in audiobook, paperback, or downloadable PDF from inspiringbooks.com. The book also includes a list of the Top 100 Verses in the Bible… great for inspiration and for Scripture memory!
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One of the most important books you’ll ever hear about…

One of the most important books you’ll ever hear about is the one YOU’RE going to write!

If you have a book on your heart that you’d like to get out to the world, I’m glad to help! I’ve written over 30 books and helped others do the same. I’d love to help you.

The Apostle John said:

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written" (John 21:25).

And that’s exactly what I’d like to do: flood the world with stories about Jesus and how He IS STILL TOUCHING LIVES TODAY… including yours.

Watch my podcast or read Chapter 1 from my book below if you need some inspiration that YOU REALLY CAN do this. I believe you can. Why? Because God loves to share His stories through the people he’s touched, whether they’re unschooled fisherman, well-educated tax collectors, or farmers or lawyers or tech geeks like me.

YOU CAN DO THIS! I’ll show you how.

By the way, I’m starting another writing class online to begin October 2nd. I’d love for you to join us! My goal with this 12-week class is to work with each person in the group, as a group, to help you get going on the next steps with writing your book, whether you’re just starting out or somehow stuck along the way. We’ll meet on Zoom every Wednesday from 12-1PM Central Time.

Click here to learn more or sign up for the class!

Then watch today’s podcast or read Chapter 1 below for some encouragement that you REALLY CAN DO THIS!

Click here to watch the podcast!

Write With Me! The Ultimate Guide to Write and Self-Publish that Book on Your Heart

Chapter 1 from Write With Me!
by Elder

For years, I had a book on my heart I wanted to write. I didn’t know how to start. I didn’t know where to start. And I didn’t know how to actually write it.

But then I was challenged to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. Unbelievable! Impossible! Or was it?

I found out it was possible! And I did it. (Well, I only wrote 30,000 words, and it took me 40 days. But at the end of those 40 days, I had finished the first draft of a fully fleshed-out, historical novel.)

And I’ve done it many times since. I’ve written over 30 books (35 if you count foreign translations and three books of piano music).

Now, I’d like to challenge you to write that book on your heart. Why? Because I believe when you share your experiences, your strengths, and your hope, others will be strengthened and find hope, too. And we could all use a little more hope, couldn’t we?

Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, thrillers or sci-fi or mysteries, I believe your writing is worth it. People will read it. And many will be blessed by it.

Do you believe it?!? I hope you do! And throughout this book, I hope to give you more and more encouragement to finally write and publish that book on your heart.

How did I do it?

I’ll tell you!

I set aside one month, just 30 days, to get my thoughts out of my head and onto my computer.

First, I wrote down 30 scenes that came into my mind. I didn’t have 30 scenes initially. But as I thought about all the things I wanted to include in my book, I thought about the day my main character lost his parents. I thought about the day he took a boat alone to the Holy Land. I thought about the night he threw a bag of coins through an open window to save a woman from destitution.

I jotted down each of these topics on one piece of paper. I kept going and going until I had over 30 topics that I might include in my book.

Then, I set aside an hour a day, more or less, to write a few paragraphs of what I knew and could remember of each of these scenes. I didn’t look them up again. I didn’t waste time going through old books and magazines and doing internet searches. I just wrote from what I remembered. This wasn’t the time for editing or making sure every detail was perfect. This was the time to get the stories out of my head and onto my computer and to jot down the key points that were important and memorable to me.

I did this each day for 40 days because I started adding chapters along the way as they came to mind or helped the story flow.

At the end of 40 days, I had a finished the first draft of a book that made me laugh and cry and inspired me all along the way.

Was it good? Or was it not so good? I didn’t know. But what I did know was that it captured the heart—the essence—of the story I wanted to tell.

And that story, birthed during my quiet time for an hour a day in November of 2009, became the basis for what eventually became my bestselling book to date— one that’s been turned into a ballet, a musical, and even an Italian “puppet opera.”

How did that journey go? And what got me writing my next book and my next and my next for 35+ books? That’s what I’ll tell you in the rest of this book.

P.S. You can get a copy of Write With Me! and the Write With Me Notebook at inspiringbooks.com

Write With Me! The Ultimate Guide to Write and Self-Publish that Book on Your Heart

Write With Me NOTEBOOK! A Companion guide to help you Write and Self-Publish that Book on Your Heart
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To the world you may be one person…

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world!

If you need encouragement in your faith, keep reading below or watch this week’s podcast as I share the opening chapter of my novella about the real-life St. Nicholas who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

Nicholas was just one person–like you or like me–doing the best he could to live out his faith in Jesus Christ. And in doing so, he has become one of the most famous worldwide figures now known by many as Santa Claus (from the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas "Sinter Klaus").

Why am I sharing about St. Nicholas in September? Because I’ve just finished editing a new movie about his life that we filmed last Christmas at the gorgeous Maria Caniglia Theater in Sulmona, Italy! It’s an Italian "puppet opera," told beautifully by the wonderful storytellers of Pupi Italici.

I’ll show you a sneak peak in today’s podcast at this link!

EVEN BETTER, if you’d like to watch the full 50-minute film with me, join me THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at 7:30 PM Central Time, either ONLINE OR IN-PERSON! I’ll be hosting a private screening at my home in Central Illinois as well as streaming the film online! I’d love for you to watch along with us, whether ONLINE or IN-PERSON!

It’s a movie SO BIG, it takes up the whole side of my house! :)

30 foot screen for the premiere of "San Nicola: The Extraordinary Journey of His Life" (an Italian puppet opera)

30 foot showing of "San Nicola"

You can get access to watch either online or in-person at this link or scan the QR Code below. Whether you watch online or in-person, you can get access for a suggested donation of $10 per person or $35 for a family of 4 or more, whether you watch online or in-person!

Get tickets for the private screening of the Italian puppet opera about Saint Nicholas

Now back to today’s message! In my podcast today, I’ll be reading from the Prologue of my book on which this movie is based, plus share a song and a prayer to encourage you in your faith.

You can watch the podcast at this link (which includes one of my favorite scenes from the film) or just read the Prologue from the book below.

Like Nicholas, you only have one life to live. But if you live it right, one life is all you need.

Hope you’re able to watch! (Keep reading below for the "Prologue.")

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

Prologue from "St. Nicholas: The Believer"

Prologue from St. Nicholas: The Believer
by Eric & Lana Elder

My name is Dimitri—Dimitri Alexander. But that’s not important. What’s important is that man over there, lying on his bed. He’s—well, I suppose there’s really no better way to describe him except to say—he’s a saint. Not just because of all the good he’s done, but because he was— as a saint always is—a Believer. He believed that there was Someone in life who was greater than he was, Someone who guided him, who helped him through every one of his days.

If you were to look at him closely, lying there on his bed, it might look to you as if he was dead. And in some sense, I guess you would be right. But the truth is, he’s more alive now than he has ever been.

My friends and I have come here today to spend his last day on earth with him. Just a few minutes ago we watched as he passed from this life to the next.

I should be crying, I know. Believe me, I have been—and I will be again. But for now, I can’t help but simply be grateful that he has finally made it to his new home, a home that he has been dreaming about for many years. A home where he can finally talk to God face to face, like I’m talking to you right now.

Oh, he was a saint all right. But to me, and to so many others, he was something even more. He was—how could I put it? An inspiration. A friend. A teacher. A helper. A giver. Oh, he loved to give and give and give some more, until it seemed he had nothing left to give at all. But then he’d reach down deep and find a little more. “There’s always something you can give,” as he would often say.

He always hoped, in some small way, that he could use his life to make a difference in the world. He wanted, above all, to help people. But with so many needs all around, what could he possibly do?

He was like a man on a beach surrounded by starfish that had been washed up onto the shore. He knew that they would die if they didn’t make it back into the water.

Not knowing how to save them all, the man on the beach did what he could. He reached down, picked one up, and tossed it back into the water. Then reached down again, picked up another, and did the same.

Someone once asked the man why he bothered at all—that with so many needs all around, how could he possibly make any difference. He’d just toss another starfish into the water and say, “It made a difference to that one.” Then he’d reach down and pick up another.

You see, to the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.

In many ways, my friend was just like you and me. Each one of us has just one life to live. But if you live it right, one life is all you need. And if you live your life for God, well, you just might touch the whole world.

Did his life make any difference? I already know my answer, because I’m one of those that he reached down and picked up many, many years ago. But how about I tell you his story, and when I get to the end, I’ll let you decide if his life made a difference or not. And then maybe, by the time we’re finished, you’ll see that your life can make a difference, too.

Oh, by the way, I haven’t told you his name yet, this man who was such a great saint, such a great believer in the God who loved him, who created him, who sustained him and with whom he is now living forever.

His name is Nicholas—and this is his story.

Get a copy of "St. Nicholas: The Believer" by Eric & Lana Elder

You can get a copy of St. Nicholas: The Believer in paperback, audiobook, or downloadable PDF at inspiringbooks.com
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Can a few verses from the Bible change your life?

Can a few verses from the book of Romans change your life? It was while reading the book of Romans that Saint Augustine put his faith in Christ back in the 4th century, Martin Luther in the 16th, John Wesley in the 18th century, and me in the 20th!

But you don’t have to take THEIR word for it (or mine!) You can go to the the Word of God yourself and see it change YOUR life! Then you’ll have proof of your own.

In my podcast today, I’m including some highlights from Romans and which verses changed the lives of Augustine, Luther, Wesley and me. I’ll also share the song "Worth of it All" and a prayer to encourage you in your faith. You can watch the podcast at this link or read some of the highlights below.

AND, Starting in October, I’ll be hosting a LIVE, ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUP through the book of Romans. I’ve written a study guide to go with it called Romans: Lessons in Renewing Your Mind which we’ll be using each week for 12-weeks as we read through this life-changing letter to the Romans written almost 2,000 years ago.

You can sign up for the online class at this link (plus some other classes I’ll be teaching this fall on playing the piano, writing a book, and a special book discussion group). Watch the podcast or read some highlights below, then join me for a class next month!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

Lesson 8 from "Romans: Lessons in Renewing Your Mind" by Eric Elder

Lesson 8 from Romans: Lessons in Renewing Your Mind
"Bring Redeemed by Jesus"
Scripture Reading: Romans 3:21-31

While it may sound simple, don’t underestimate what God can do in someone’s life through a few verses from the book of Romans.

It was while reading the book of Romans that a man named Augustine put his faith in Christ, back in 386 A.D. He was sitting in the garden of a friend, weeping as he thought about the wickedness of his life. Some children nearby were singing “Tolle, lege. Tolle, lege.” which means “Take up and read. Take up and read.” A scroll of the book of Romans was laying open next to Augustine, so he “took up and read”. The first few verses he saw, in Romans 13:13-14, described the condition of his life―and what to do about it:

“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:13-14).

Augustine put his faith in Christ that day, and became one of the greatest theologians and leaders in the history of the church.

It was while reading the book of Romans that another man named Martin Luther put his faith in Christ, about 1,000 years after Saint Augustine. Luther was an Augustinian monk who was burdened by the weight of trying to do enough good works to get into heaven. But that burden was finally lifted when he read a verse from the book of Romans. Romans 1:17 showed him that he wouldn’t be declared righteous by his good works, but by his faith in Christ:

“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:17).

Martin Luther put his faith in Christ that day, and went on to lead a reformation that has impacted lives all over the world.

It was while listening to someone reading Luther’s notes on the book of Romans that John Wesley put his faith in Christ, several hundred years later. As Wesley listened to Luther’s introductory comments about Romans, Wesley’s heart was “strangely warmed,” as he described it, and he committed his life entirely to Christ. John Wesley, and his brother Charles, went on to found the Methodist movement, also contributing many of the great hymns of the faith that we still sing today.

And Paul’s words to the Romans are still affecting people today, almost 2,000 years after they were written, as it was while reading the book of Romans that I put my faith in Christ, too. As I was reading Romans 1:18-32, I realized that I was a sinner, too, and needed a Savior. Now here I am today encouraging you from what I’ve learned from the book of Romans so you can share it with others.

These are just a few of the lives that have been touched by reading just a few verses from the book of Romans! So don’t underestimate the power of a few verses from this book to change lives. If you’ve been redeemed by Jesus, tell others about it, using the Roman Road if you want as a way to help them understand the good news of Christ. And if you haven’t yet been redeemed by Jesus, I’d encourage you to keep reading the Bible so you can put your faith in Him today.

If you’re up for a challenge, I’d also encourage you to commit to memory these four simple verses from Romans: 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and 10:9. Memorizing scripture is a great way to renew your mind, and as you keep these particular verses at the forefront of your mind, they’ll also help you as you talk with others about how they can be redeemed by Jesus, too.

Perhaps you’re reading this today and you’re like Augustine, or Luther, or Wesley, or me, and these verses that I’ve been sharing from the book of Romans have somehow sparked your thinking and moved your heart in a way that you, too want to commit your life to Christ. If so, put your faith in Him today for everything in your life. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and invite Him to be your Lord and Savior. Do what Paul encouraged the Romans to do and you’ll be saved, too:

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

Will you pray with me?

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to redeem us from our sins. Help us to share that life-changing message with those around us. Open our eyes today to those who need to hear this message, and open their hearts to be receptive as we share it, so they can put their faith in You as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Get a copy of "Romans: Lessons in Renewing Your Mind" by Eric Elder

You can get a copy of Eric’s book Romans: Lessons in Renewing Your Mind in paperback, audiobook, or downloadable PDF at inspiringbooks.com
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What can you say?

Do you ever find yourself wondering what to say? Or if you should say anything at all? Or, when the words come out, are they going to make sense?

Today I want to talk about how to trust God regarding when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to trust Him when you do speak that the words will be fruitful.

Today’s message is from my book Acts: Lessons in Faith featuring thirty inspiring devotionals based on the very first followers of Christ.

I’ll also play a song called "Nothing Else" as a reminder that Jesus is all we need, for everything we need comes through Him.

You can watch the 14-minute podcast at this link, or read the chapter I’m highlighting from my book below.

Lesson 7 from "Acts: Lessons in Faith" by Eric Elder

If you’d like a copy of the book, which also includes a small group study guide, visit InspiringBooks.com.

I pray your week ahead is FANTASTIC! I love you!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

Lesson 15 from Acts: Lessons in Faith
"Faith Speaks"
Scripture Reading: Acts 7

There are times when God wants you to hold your tongue. For instance, when Jesus healed two blind men, He told them sternly, “See that no one knows about this” (Matthew 9:30). And when Jesus brought Jairus’ daughter back from the dead, Jesus gave strict orders not to let anyone know about it (Mark 5:43).

But there are other times when God wants you to speak. For instance, when Jesus cast the demons out of the man named Legion, Jesus told him, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you” (Luke 8:39a). Or when Jesus healed ten men of leprosy on the road to Jerusalem, He told them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14b).

So there are times when God wants you to hold your tongue, but there are also times when God wants you to speak. And when God calls you to speak, He wants you to be ready. The Bible says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).

I’d like to give you three ideas today to help you speak when God calls you to speak. I’ve pulled these ideas from the story in Acts chapter 7 where God called Stephen to speak. Stephen spoke boldly even though it was dangerous to do so. When Stephen was arrested and had to defend himself, he gave one of the boldest speeches in the Bible. Because of it, he was stoned to death, but his words were not in vain.

Here are the three things that I noticed Stephen did, and we can do, when God says to speak:

1) Don’t be afraid.

2) Pair up your words with Scripture.

3) Trust God to use His Word to transform lives.

First, don’t be afraid. Jesus had already forewarned His followers before He died that they would be arrested and flogged and persecuted. Jesus told them, “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:26-28).

Although Stephen could have been afraid that day, he didn’t let it keep him from speaking.

Second, pair up your words with Scripture. Stephen might also have worried about what he was going to say to his accusers, but Jesus had already told His followers, “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:19-20).

God did give Stephen words to speak. His Word. When Stephen spoke, he paired up his own words with Scripture to support what he was saying. Stephen quoted from Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Amos, and Isaiah. When Stephen spoke, God spoke His Words through Stephen. This is one of the reasons it’s so important to read your Bible, study your Bible and memorize your Bible. When you know God’s Word, it helps you to infuse your words with His.

Third, trust that God will use His Word to transform lives. The Bible says that one of the men who heard Stephen speak that day was Saul, who at the time gave approval to Stephen’s death. But if you keep reading in Acts, you’ll see that Saul became a Christian himself shortly thereafter. Jesus changed Saul’s name to Paul, and Paul went on to write much of the rest of the New Testament, including the letters to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and more.

Even though Stephen died, God used his words that day to reach many lives, including ours over 2,000 years later! As God said, “My Word…will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

When God calls you to speak, speak. Don’t be afraid. Pair up your words with Scripture. And trust that God will use His Word to transform lives.

Prayer: Father, help us to speak when you say, “Speak.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Get a copy of "Acts: Lessons in Faith" by Eric Elder
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Is anybody out there? (Yes, there is!)

When you pray, have you ever wondered if anybody’s out there? If anybody cares? If anybody can give you a little feedback on what you’re praying about?

The answer is Yes! And knowing this can make all the difference in your prayers.

Today’s message is from my book, Nehemiah: Lessons in Rebuilding, featuring fifteen inspiring devotionals based on one of the greatest building projects of all time.

I’ll also play a song I wrote about what to do when you’re trying to rebuild something in your life, and you don’t know the way forward.

Watch the 11-minute podcast at this link, or read the chapter from my book below.

Lesson 2 from "Nehemiah: Lessons in Rebuilding" by Eric Elder

And if you’d like a copy of the book (plus the sheet music for the song I’m playing!), visit InspiringBooks.com.

Love you! Have a great week!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

Lesson 2 from Nehemiah: Lessons in Rebuilding
"Get Up and Pray"
Nehemiah 1:4-11

There’s a scene in the middle of the classic Christmas movie It’s A Wonderful Life that I hardly noticed in all the years that I’ve watched it―until I became a Christian, that is. The message of the movie is so powerful, I missed the fact that the whole chain of events that takes place throughout the movie starts with a prayer.

When George Bailey, the character played by Jimmy Stewart, finds himself at a loss for what to do next, he prays:

“God…God…Dear Father in Heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if You’re up there and You can hear me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way, God.”

And God does.

There’s a time to weep over the losses in your life, but there’s also a time to move forward. And the best way to move forward is to get up and pray. Although you may feel like George Bailey at times, not even sure if God’s there and listening at all, I assure you, He is. God is there and God does care. Knowing that can make all the difference in your prayers.

If you think of prayer as just a time to be alone, or a time to talk to yourself and try to work things out on your own, then you may not have much incentive to pray at all. But if you truly believe that God is there, and that when you talk, He listens―and responds―then turning to prayer takes on a whole new meaning.

When the prophet Nehemiah suffered a great loss in his life, he sat down and wept, but the next thing he did was to get up and pray. Listen to the words of Nehemiah, and his prayer, as recorded in Nehemiah chapter 1:

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:

‘O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love Him and obey His commands, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer Your servant is praying before You day and night for Your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against You. We have acted very wickedly toward You. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws You gave Your servant Moses.

‘Remember the instruction You gave Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’

‘They are Your servants and Your people, whom You redeemed by Your great strength and Your mighty hand. O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of this Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name. Give Your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man’ ” (Nehemiah 1:4-11).

Nehemiah knew that God was there, that God was listening, and that God knew best what to do next. Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed. He confessed his own sins, as well as those of his countrymen. And he reminded himself―and God―of God’s promises, asking for God’s favor as he moved forward.

I don’t know whether you’re more like George Bailey, who didn’t think of himself as a praying man, or more like Nehemiah, who prayed regularly, or somewhere in between. But I do know that whoever you are, you can pray to your Father in heaven and He will hear you―and He will respond. That prayer could very well be the one that starts the whole chain of events of the rest of your life.

Come to God today and pray, even if it’s as simple as saying, “I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way, God.” And He will.

Prayer: Father, I’m at the end of my rope, and I don’t know what to do next. I confess my sins to you. Show me the way, Lord, and help me to know what to do next. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Get a copy of "Nehemiah: Lessons in Rebuilding" by Eric Elder
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Priming the pump

What can you do when you feel stuck? Here’s an idea: PRIME THE PUMP! In today’s message, I’ll share with you some simple and practical ways to get unstuck. I’ll also share a song and a prayer to help you prime your own pump while you watch!

Today’s message is from my book, Psalms: Lessons in Prayer, featuring thirty inspiring devotionals based on the oldest prayer book in the world (the book of Psalms!).

You can watch at this link or read the chapter from the book below that.

Lesson 15 from "Psalms: Lessons in Prayer" by Eric Elder

And if you’d like a copy of the book (plus the music and Scripture Readings that go along with it), visit InspiringBooks.com.

Love you! Blessings on your week!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

Lesson 15 from Psalms: Lessons in Prayer
"Priming Prayers"
Psalm 100

I live on a farm that has an old hand pump on it. We seldom use it anymore, so to get the water to come out the well, you have to “prime the pump”—meaning you pour a cupful of water down inside the pipe, which moisturizes a leather ring on a cylinder, which creates the suction needed to draw out more water. Just a cupful of water can release a fairly unlimited supply of water!

Ball thistles and hand pump

Sometimes we need to do the same thing in our prayer times with God. Sometimes we’re able to come to Him with a song that’s already in our hearts; a song we’re just bursting to sing to Him. At other times we come to Him with barely a cupful of water, and we need Him to pour out a song into our hearts.

Thankfully, He can do that, too! All we need to do is to pour out a cupful of praise, thereby “priming the pump,” which then can release a fairly unlimited supply of praise in return!

Psalm 100 is one of those psalms that always seems to help me prime my pump, bringing me quickly into an atmosphere of praise. It’s a short psalm, just 5 verses long, and it takes just 30-40 seconds to read. Yet for those who take its words to heart, it can release a strong and steady stream of praise.

Listen to the words of Psalm 100, which is subtitled in the Bible as, “A psalm. For giving thanks.”

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.

“Know that the Lord is God.
It is He Who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
(Psalm 100:1-5)

Lana and I put this psalm on the cover of our “Order of Service” for the day we got married, so a copy of this psalm was handed to everyone as they entered the doors of the sanctuary. We felt it was a fitting psalm for a day when we were naturally bursting with praise—and it was! There was no need for priming the pump that day! Our hearts were already overflowing with praise!

But there have been other days that I have pulled up this psalm when my heart wasn’t naturally bursting with praise, and I’ve found there’s at least a cupful of praise in this psalm to get things going again. A few of the reasons why we can praise God, even on rainy days, are contained within the psalm itself. It begins with a shout! In my last message, I talked about shouting to God when you’re angry or upset. But in this message, I’d like to encourage you to shout out a word of praise to God, joining the rest of the earth in its praise of God as well.

Shout out the word “Hallelujah!” for instance, which simply means “Praise God!” in Hebrew (originally “Halal Yah!”). For some reason, I really love saying it in the original Hebrew! And when I do, it becomes more than just a “Woo-Hoo!” to God; it’s a “Halal Yah!” to Him, a praise to the Almighty God Who created me, Who loves me and Who gives me every breath I take. It’s a “breathy” word of praise, with no hard consonants, like p’s or k’s, to interrupt the flow. Just pure praise. Pure breath. Pure worship from my spirit to His. And in return, God has often poured out a good dose of His Spirit back into me—and a fairly unlimited supply at that!

It also helps when I say it with a smile—with gladness, as Psalm 5 says in verse 2. There’s something about saying “Halal Yah!” that just makes me smile naturally, too. It’s a “whoop-de-doo!” kind of a word to me. “Halal Yah!” It’s joyous. It’s victorious. And it brings out the true gladness that I know is down in my heart. All of this is from just the first two verses of this worshipful psalm:

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.”

The next verse gives me a few reasons for praising God. They speak about how He is ours, and we are His:

“Know that the Lord is God.
It is He Who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Now there’s a reason to praise God! He’s our God! He’s the One Who made us, and we are His. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture! He cares for us, because we belong to Him.

The next verse continues, telling us how we can come to Him, with thanksgiving and praise, knowing that He is ours and we are His:

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

Come to Him with a thankful heart. Come to Him with praise. Then, as you enter His courts, give your thanks to Him; give your praise to His name.

Lastly, this psalm reminds me about some of God’s best attributes, as listed in the last verse: His goodness, His enduring love, and His faithfulness which continues through all generations.

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

I’ve been contemplating rainbows lately, and the powerful imagery they convey. They’re more than something for little kids to have on their stickers, or for big movements to have on their flags. They’re signs of God’s promises to the world He loves.

I saw a rainbow on my way home from Trinidad this week, and it came at a perfect time. Because of a delay at the airport, I missed one of my connecting flights…which meant I would miss my bus later in the day, which meant my plans for the rest of the night would change, too. As everything was getting backed up in my mind, I was tempted to get upset with the airlines and the agents and officials at customs.

I decided to praise God instead, trusting Him in the midst of it. I had done everything I could do, and I had to trust Him to do everything He could do. After running to one of my gates and watching the door close as the agent said, “We’re sorry, Mr. Elder, we’ve just filled the last seat on the plane,” I was tempted to be dejected again. Instead, I took a few moments to relax and praise God as I began the long walk to the customer service desk, where I was told I could standby for another flight on the other side of the airport, and I took another deep breath and began another long walk to get there.

When I finally arrived at that next gate, I sat down and saw, out the window in front of me, one of the most beautiful rainbows I’ve ever seen. It was coming down through the clouds and practically touched the plane that was sitting outside the window in front of me. I pointed it out to the others in the waiting area and we all looked at it in wonder.

God’s sign of His perpetual love over the plane I was to board.

About 45 minutes later, the rainbow was STILL there over the plane! I’ve never seen a rainbow last so long! They called my name and told me there was one more seat on the plane… THAT plane, the one that we had been looking at for so long! It was that plane that had one more seat on it; a seat with my name on it; a seat with a rainbow of God’s promise practically touching it.

Sometimes you come to God with a song of praise that’s already on your heart. Other times you need to prime the pump with a cupful of praise to get things going, changing the atmosphere in your own hearts of those all around you. Either way, always know that there’s an unlimited stream of praise ready and waiting for you to tap into at any moment. Just turn to God. Give Him a shout of praise. Give Him your best “Halal Yah!” Then let Him do the rest.

Will you pray with me?

Father, we praise You! We worship You with thanksgiving in our hearts! Halal Yah! Help us to bring forth the fullness of the praise that we know is deep within us—and even more, that we know is deep within You. Help us to pour out a song of praise from our spirit to Yours, then give us a good dose of Your Holy Ghost in return! Help us to praise You from the depths of our beings, knowing that You are good, that Your loves endures forever, and that Your faithfulness continues through all generations. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

To get a copy of Psalms: Lessons in Prayer, plus the music and Scripture Readings that go along with it, visit: InspiringBooks.com!

Get a copy of "Psalms: Lessons in Prayer."
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Why does God sometimes take so long to answer prayer?

Why does God sometimes take so long to answer prayer? The Bible tells us that one reason is that the answer could overwhelm you if you’re not ready for it yet!

Trust Him and His timing. He’s already sent His Son to answer your greatest need. There’s NOTHING He wouldn’t do for you.

I’m sharing today’s message, along with a song and a prayer, to help you do just that. This is from my book, Two Weeks with God, featuring fourteen inspiring devotionals based on my piano album, Clear My Mind.

You can watch at the link below, or read along with the text below that.

Day 1 from "Two Weeks with God" by Eric Elder

And if you’d like a copy of the book (plus the piano book to play the music yourself!), you’ll find them on my new online bookstore at InspiringBooks.com.

Hang in there. God can answer your prayers "in a moment, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye."

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

Day 1 from Two Weeks with God
"Moment by Moment"

I am sometimes overwhelmed by the apparent slowness with which God answers prayer. I wonder how many deep breaths I’ll have to take before the answers come. And yet, time after time the answers have come, even if they come gradually, moment by moment.

One of the reasons God takes time to answer our prayers is recorded in the book of Exodus. God told Moses that he would bring his people into a remarkable land, but that it was currently occupied by their enemies. God said,

“But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land” (Exodus 23:29-30).

Because of God’s great love for us, He sometimes delays the answers to our prayers so they won’t overwhelm us when they come. As the saying goes, “Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it!” Although we might think we could handle the answer, God knows best and we would do well to follow this advice from Proverbs:

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

Don’t be discouraged if God’s answers are slow in coming. God loves you very much. He already sent His Son to die for you. There’s nothing He wouldn’t do for you. Jesus tells us that everyone who asks receives, and then He adds these touching words:

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him” (Matthew 7:7-11)!

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. The Bible says,

“With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8b).

Trust Him moment by moment, and soon you’ll see the answers to your prayers.

Let Me Pray for You

Lord, I pray for those who need to renew their trust in You today. I pray that You would show them, even this week, that You are answering their prayers moment by moment. Let them know in their hearts that there’s nothing You wouldn’t do for them, and that if they can trust You with their eternal life, they can trust You for their needs here on earth as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take Time in His Word

“But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land” (Exodus 23:29-30).

  • Read Romans 8:28. In what things does God work for our good?
  • Read Ephesians 3:20-21. How much is God able to do for us?
  • Read John 3:16 and John 15:13. To what length is God willing to go for us?

Take Time in Prayer

Listen to the song Moment By Moment. Take a few minutes to bring your requests to God. Allow some time for Him to speak to you, too.

After You Pray

By the way, never underestimate what can happen in a moment. The Bible says that a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years touched Jesus’ robe and was healed from that moment (Matthew 9:22). A boy who had been tormented by demons since childhood had them cast out and was healed from that moment (Matthew 17:18). A day will come in the future when a trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised, and we will be transformed into the image of Christ in a moment, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52, KJV and NIV). Keep trusting Him moment by moment, for in one moment you could see the answers to years of prayer!

LORD, I BELIEVE YOU ARE ANSWERING MY PRAYERS EVEN NOW.

To get a copy of Two Weeks With God, plus the music and the piano book that goes along with it, visit: InspiringBooks.com!

Get a copy of "Two Weeks with God."
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What if your greatest weakness is actually your greatest strength?

What if your greatest weakness is actually your greatest strength? If so, you may be overlooking one of the best ways God can use you and your life!

Take a look at my message today where I’ll share how we can easily miss some of our greatest strengths because we feel so beaten down in those areas. Yet that’s often where God has done the best work in us.

Here’s the link to watch my message, as well as a song "How He Loves," and a prayer to encourage you in your faith today. I’ve also included below the text of the chapter I’m reading today from the book Exodus: Lessons in Freedom.

Lesson 1 from "Exodus: Lessons in Freedom"

If you’d like a copy of this book, including the new Downloadable PDF and Audiobook, you’ll find them on my new online bookstore at InspiringBooks.com.

May God give you extra strength today!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

Lesson 1 from Exodus: Lessons in Freedom
"The Fear of Man Leads to Bondage"

Scripture Reading: Exodus 1:1-14

Could it be that your greatest weakness is actually your greatest strength?

A man came up to me after I spoke at a men’s breakfast and said, “Hi, Eric. Do you remember me?” I strained to put a name with his face, but couldn’t do it. When he told me his name, an image from high school immediately flashed across my mind.

We were both freshmen playing flag football in gym class when he got in the way of a senior. This senior knocked my friend to the ground and started pummeling him in the face with his fist. I watched my friend’s head bounce up and down on the ground with each pounding.

Why would someone pummel my friend like that? My friend was a big kid, but a nice kid. Even though he hadn’t done anything wrong, his sheer size made him appear to be a threat. The pummeling had its effect: my friend never got in this senior’s way again, and I made sure I didn’t either!

Unfortunately, my friend walked away feeling weak and beaten down when in reality, it was his sheer strength that drew the fire in the first place. When people are fearful of us, or we’re fearful of them, it often leads to bondage. Something similar happened to the Israelites. Back in the days of Moses, when the nation of Israel started to grow while they were living in Egypt, the king of Egypt saw their strength and got scared:

“Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country” (Exodus 1:9-10).

The Israelites were immediately enslaved. For the next 400 years, they were treated as the lowest of the low in Egypt. I’m sure they felt worthless, worn-out, and weak. But in reality, it was their great strength that caused the fearful king to put them into bondage. Although they may have felt like the weakest nation on earth, do you remember what God said about them? He called them His “chosen” people, His “treasured possession,” and promised that they would become “a great nation.” (Deuteronomy 7:6 and Genesis 12:2). This was their destiny. This was their calling. A destiny and calling that the king foresaw and tried to stop.

I got spiritually pummeled a few years ago after speaking as a guest at a local church. I thought the regular pastor would be thrilled when he came back to hear that half a dozen people had put their faith in Christ that day for the very first time. Instead, I got an extremely harsh letter from him a few weeks later saying that one of those people had started going to another church (she wanted to go to a Bible study and her church didn’t have one). He blamed me for her leaving and made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with me or my ministry ever again.

For the next few days, I felt like I’d gotten the wind knocked out of me. I felt like I never wanted to speak at another church again. This man was not only an influential pastor in the community, but he was also the president of the minister’s association in town. But then God reminded me of my calling, my purpose in life, and what He said about me. I was able to shake off the fear of man and stand tall again in the calling of God. That pastor eventually invited me to speak again at his church, and I eventually became president of the minister’s association! :)

But the fear of man almost derailed me from God’s plan for my life. I began to look at other areas of my life where I felt weak to see if those areas might really be strengths instead.

Do you feel weak, pummeled, or beaten down in certain areas of your life? Could it be that some of those areas might actually be some of your greatest strengths?

Don’t let the fear of man keep you down. Ask God what He says about you, your gifts, and your calling. Listen to what He says, and He will set you free.

To get a copy of Exodus: Lessons in Freedom in audiobook, PDF, paperback, Apple Books, Kindle, or Nook, visit:
InspiringBooks.com!

Get a copy of Exodus: Lessons in Freedom at https://inspiring books.com
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Stop looking down and look up!

I’m continuing my podcast today with a message to help you stop looking down and look up! We all have those seasons that seem to come to an end, but God can take those sad endings and turn them into new beginnings.

If you need a boost in your faith, I hope you’ll watch today’s message, where I’ll share a song, a prayer, and a message from my book "Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land."

Here’s the link to watch, and I’ll include the introduction to the book below.

Introduction from "Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land"

If you’d like a copy of the books, including the new Downloadable PDF and Audiobook, you can find them at my new online bookstore, InspiringBooks.com.

Enjoy your day! Keep looking up!

Introduction from Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land
"Turning Sad Endings Into New Beginnings"

There’s a spot in Jerusalem where you can walk inside a tomb from the time of Christ. As you walk in, you can imagine what it must have been like for those who walked into Jesus’ tomb on that first Easter morning, when the angels greeted them with these words:

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay” (Matthew 28:6).

To take a walk into the tomb with me and see it for yourself, take a look at the short video I’ve posted online at this link. Then read on to see why the story of what happened that first Easter morning is perhaps the most significant event that’s ever taken place in the entire history of Israel.

What I love about the Easter story is that just when it looked like all hope was lost, God showed up and showed the disciples that the death of Jesus wasn’t the end—it was just the beginning of something even better.

In a matter of days, the disciples went from thinking that their hopes and plans and dreams for the future had been dashed forever, to seeing that God had bigger hopes and plans and dreams for them than they could have ever imagined!

You can almost see their faces light up as God opens their eyes to the truth. Watch what happens as Jesus reveals Himself to two of the disciples as they walk along the road:

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” He asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him; but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but Him they did not see” (Luke 24:13-24).

Take a look at the disciples’ faces when Jesus first walks up and starts talking to them. The Bible says, “They stood still, their faces downcast.” I don’t know how exactly Jesus was able to hide His true identity from them, but I do know that it’s hard to see when our faces are downcast. But look at what happens as the story continues.

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if He were going farther. But they urged Him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.

When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread (Luke 24:25 -35).

The disciples went from downcast to delighted, and as they did, their hearts began to burn within them. They were eager to learn everything they possibly could from this Man who was walking with them, so much so that they “urged Him strongly” to stay with them. Then, when Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them, their eyes were opened to the Truth. Even though Jesus disappeared in that moment, their excitement about what they felt didn’t disappear. They got up at once and ran to tell the others the good news: This wasn’t the end at all, but just the beginning of something new!

There are times when you may feel like God, or people, or life itself has pulled the rug out from under you. It may seem like all your hopes and plans and dreams are crashing down around you. You might wonder how you’ll ever be able to get back up again. But I want to encourage you to do what the disciples did as they walked along the road. They stopped looking down and they started looking up. They looked up to the One who held their life in His hands—the same One who holds your life in His hands—the One who gives each one of us “life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25b).

What may look like an ending to something in your life may in fact be just the beginning of something entirely new, something even bigger and better and more remarkable than you ever could have imagined. And if you think that’s just wishful thinking, just remember the Easter story, and remember the God who specializes in turning sad endings into new beginnings!

Let’s pray…

Father, thank You for the reminder that You can take the sad endings in our lives and turn them into new beginnings. Open my eyes that I may see just what you have in store for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Get INSTANT ACCESS to the ISRAEL Audiobook (3 hr 49 min.) + Downloadable PDF (190 pages) with ALL 300 PHOTOS for $10! (ALSO INCLUDES a playlist of 31 VIDEO CLIPS from each location in Israel!)

Also available in Paperback in Color or Black & White

Get the PDF and Audiobook of "Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land"

Get INSTANT ACCESS to the ISRAEL FOR KIDS Audiobook (21 min.) + Downloadable PDF (66 pages) with 90 PHOTOS and FUN GAMES for $10! (ALSO INCLUDES a playlist of 31 VIDEO CLIPS from each location in Israel!)

Also available in Paperback in Color or Black & White

Get the "Israel for Kids Activity Book"
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The Best Inspirational Books on the Planet!

I’m launching a new podcast today called "The BEST INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS on the Planet!" Ok, I just made that up. There are lots of great books out there in the world. But the podcast is real, and the books ARE good! And I’d love to share them with you.

InspiringBooks.com, featuring THE BEST Inspirational Books on the Planet!

You see, I’ve written more than 25 books over the last 25 years, and I’ve just converted them all into Audiobooks! I’m excited to finally have my books in a format that people can listen to while they’re driving, working out or just wanting to relax.

And as I’ve been converting my books to Audiobooks, I’ve been discovering just how powerful God’s Word is. The books have aged well because God’s Word has aged well. It never gets old!

I’m starting the podcast today with a reading from Chapter 9 of my book Water from My Well. The chapter is called "Keeping Your Feet Forward and Your Knees Bent." I wrote this message to remind us all that if we position ourselves right, we can minimize–or even eliminate–the damage from obstacles that we might run into in life.

As Jesus said,"In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

The truth is we WILL have trouble! But if we walk carefully, prayerfully, and keep putting our trust in Him, we can keep going forward in God’s purposes for our lives and keep running towards that joy set before us.

I’m including the text of Chapter 9 below, but you can also watch my reading of the it in my podcast here, along with a song and a prayer to encourage you in your faith!

Chapter 9 from "Water from My Well"

In the coming weeks, I’ll be reading chapters from my other other books as well. You can find all my books, including the new Audiobooks and Downloadable PDFs at InspiringBooks.com.

Love you all! I pray these messages will bless you abundantly in the days and weeks and years ahead.

Chapter 9 from Water from My Well:
"Keeping Your Feet Forward And Your Knees Bent"

A friend recently asked me, “How do you feel when you come across a boulder that’s in your way?”

How do I feel? I didn’t understand the question.

Maybe my friend meant to say, “What do you do when you come across a boulder that’s in your way?” Because I know the answer to that one. I usually try to talk to the boulder (if the boulder is in the form of a person) or to God (if the boulder is related to finances or health or a person to whom I can’t talk for some reason). I usually try to explain why I need to keep going the way I’m going, asking them to help me keep going or to move out of the way so I can get through.

But my friend said, “No, that’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking, ‘How do you feel when you come across a boulder?’”

Again, I didn’t understand the question. “Can I just go around the boulder?” I asked.

“Sure, you can go around it if you want to,” my friend said. “But that’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking, ‘How you feel when you come across one that’s in your way?’”

How do I feel? “Well,” I said, “I usually feel frustrated. Angry. Hurt. Of course, that’s how I feel. Isn’t that obvious? Isn’t that the way everyone feels?”

My friend didn’t answer, but simply said, “I think there’s something God wants to say to you. That’s why I’m asking.”

So over the next few days, I began to pray about the question: “How do I feel when I come across a boulder that’s in my way?” The answer seemed so obvious that I didn’t understand why it would even matter.

But while praying one day, I suddenly remembered something from many years ago—when I was just a kid. I was white-water rafting with my family on a river in Colorado. The guide who rented us the raft and was helping us to navigate the river gave us a helpful tip:

“If you fall out of the raft, float on your back with your feet forward and your knees bent. That way, if you run into a boulder underwater, you’ll hit it with your feet first and be able to step up over it or push off and go around it. But if your feet aren’t forward, you’re likely to run into it with your back or your side or your head and you could get hurt pretty badly. And if your knees aren’t bent, you won’t be able to step up over it or push off and go around it. So be sure to keep your feet forward and your knees bent.”

I’ve rafted and floated on many rivers since then, whether in the mountains of Nepal or on the plains here in Illinois, and I’ve always remembered that guide’s advice. It’s kept me from getting hurt several times.

So when I was praying about the boulder question, I remembered the guide’s advice. And I suddenly realized that God didhave something He wanted to say to me.

There have been times in my life when I’ve come across boulders that were in my way. Boulders that seemed to pop up out of nowhere. Boulders that threatened to derail me from the direction I was wanting to go. And my reaction has almost always been the same. I get frustrated. Angry. Hurt.

I’ve tried talking to the boulders and talking to God. But when the boulders haven’t moved, I’ve just gotten more frustrated. More angry. More hurt. Even when the boulders have moved, I’ve often felt the pain of running into the boulders long after I’ve moved on farther down the river.

My friend’s question made sense to me now. What if, I thought, instead of getting sideswiped by the boulders that I come across in life, I change my posture, knowing that there are probably going to be more boulders ahead, and keep my feet forward and my knees bent so I can step up and over them or push off and go around them? It might not change the fact that I’ll still run across some boulders—and it might still take some effort to get around them. But I might not get so frustrated when I come across them. I might not get so angry. I might not get so hurt.

I began to think through some of the boulders I had run across in the past and how this advice could have helped me during those times: when I asked a boss for a favor, and he said no; when I asked a girl if she wanted to date, and she said no; when I asked God to change a situation, and He said no. In each situation, I remember getting frustrated. Angry. Hurt. I took their answers personally when oftentimes it wasn’t personal at all, at least not at its core. In each situation, the others were just doing what they felt was right in the situation, but somehow it got personal from there.

As I thought about each of those situations from my past, I wondered, What if I had kept my feet forward and my knees bent? How would I have reacted differently? The biggest and most obvious difference was that I wouldn’t have gotten nearly as frustrated, nearly as angry or nearly as hurt. I wouldn’t have taken it all so personally. Instead, I could have stepped up and over the boulders, or pushed off and gone around them, rather than getting sideswiped, hit in the back, or knocked on the head.

I also thought about some of the boulders I’m facing now—those barriers that seem to be in my way and could potentially give me some real knocks, too, if I’m not prepared for them. I can easily see how I don’t have to take it so personally if the boulders don’t move. I can see it better from the boulders’ perspectives. A boulder, after all, isn’t necessarily at fault for being plopped down in the middle of the river. It’s just sitting there innocently, perhaps, but happens to be in my way!

And while I know very well that my guide’s advice can’t prevent me from ever experiencing frustration or anger or hurt, it does give me a way to minimize or eliminate much of the frustration or anger or hurt. The big difference is posture. Preparedness. And not letting every obstacle seem so dang personal.

I finally saw the value in my friend’s question. As boulders are popping up now, I’m trying harder to remember the advice of my Guide:

“Keep your feet forward and your knees bent.”

I can already see that I’m getting less frustrated, less angry, and less hurt when I do run across boulders that are in my way. And, to my amazement, with my feet forward and my knees bent, it’s sometimes as easy as stepping up and over them or pushing off and going around. Praise God!

Get INSTANT ACCESS to the entire book in Audiobook (2 hr 1 min.) + Downloadable PDF (136 pages) for $10!

Also available in Paperback or Kindle

Get the PDF and Audiobook of "Water From My Well"
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It’s Good Friday

It’s Good Friday. Waking up here in Illinois, looking out my bedroom window.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing. Thinking how the gospel is bad news before it’s good news.

I didn’t realize I needed a Savior until I realized I was a sinner. Now I’m aware of both. And that’s the best news of all. Thank you, Lord.

Now I can truly say, “Happy Good Friday.” Love you all!

Good Friday in Illinois - 2024
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Being faithful where you are

Twenty years ago, I sat next to a man (Greg Potzer) for lunch at a conference table in Orlando. We were on a lunch break at the first ever "Internet Evangelism Conference" sponsored by the Billy Graham Training Center.

As we shared about our respective ministries, I learned that Greg had a mailing list of about 1,000 people to whom he sent a daily Christian quote. He had been collecting quotes on index cards for most of his life that had encouraged him in his walk with Christ. Now he was sharing them with others to encourage them!

When he heard that I had an Internet ministry of my own, he asked if I might be able to help him with his mailing list. He was not a techie and wanted it to grow but was getting bogged down by the process.

I said, "Sure," and we began to grow his list, and my own, in the process! We eventually grew his list to 40,000 subscribers from countries all over the world.

On Wednesday, I’ll be teaching a class online with Greg on how to build a mailing list of your own. We’d love to share what we’ve learned to help others reach the world for Christ, too!

Want to join us? You can sign up at this link for a suggested donation of just $35 to my ministry… 100% of which goes right back into helping me reach even more people for Christ.
https://ericelder.com/reach-the-world-with-me/

I’m also including an interview I did with Greg a few months ago about his ministry, plus a link where you can download a free PDF of 2,500 of his favorite quotes from the last 25 years.

Greg Potzer and Eric Elder talk about reaching the world for Christ online

What does this all have to do with my title today: "Being faithful where you are"? Everything!

Greg has built an entire ministry around something he loves to do, and something he can do from anywhere he lives. He’s an avid reader, and whenever he runs across a quote that inspires him, he jots it down.

Greg has collected over 100,000 quotes, and has shared about 10,000 of those in his daily messages over the years. And in his new book (which is free as a PDF or also available at cost in paperback or hard cover), he shares 2,500 of the best of the best.

It’s a simple ministry in concept, even though rather complex at times behind the scenes. But for Greg, it’s a joy each day to wake up and choose a thought, a scripture, and an occasional "smile" to give people a Christian seed of encouragement for their day.

My question today is this: What can you do with what you have, with what you love, wherever you are, that might impact the world for Christ? I encourage you to do it! You never know who might be touched by your act of love.

Here’s a link to the free PDF (and to the paperback and hard cover books at cost):
https://thisdaysthought.org/books-resources/

And here’s a link to sign up for Greg’s daily thoughts, delivered to your email:
https://thisdaysthought.org

And again, here’s a link to sign up for the class I’ll be teaching on Wednesday, March 20th, about how to build a mailing list. The class will be live on zoom from 12-2 PM CDT, and Greg will be joining me to share his thoughts, too!
https://ericelder.com/reach-the-world-with-me/

Have a GREAT week!
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Using the gifts God has given you

I wrote an article for Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine nearly 20 years ago. It was called "Using the Gifts God Has Given You." They sent a photographer to take a picture of me at my computer using technology to reach people for Christ. I’m still doing it today!

And starting tomorrow, I’m teaching some mini-classes on zoom to help others do the same. The classes are on 12 different topics. Tomorrow’s class is "How to build a website." (You can sign up for just one class at a time … you don’t have to take all 12! Each class is a $35 donation to our ministry.)

If you’d like to join me, you can learn more and sign up here!
https://ericelder.com/reach-the-world-with-me/

I’ve also included the full text of the Billy Graham article below.

Link to "Using the gifts" article

Using The Gifts God Has Given You
by Eric Elder
for Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, April 1, 2005

I wish I were a great evangelist. I have dreams about preaching to millions and seeing them come to Christ. But the reality is that people haven’t been knocking on my door asking me to preach in their stadiums.

But my heart, my desires and my prayers are still set in that direction. Why? Because my decision to follow Christ was so life-changing that I wish for every person on the planet to experience the same thing.

So when God tugged on my heart 10 years ago and led me to quit my secular job and go into full-time ministry, I started walking in that direction. I didn’t know exactly what He wanted me to do, but I knew that it probably would have something to do with computers. I had just finished creating a Web site for the company where I worked, so I started with what I knew.

I created my own Web site. I typed out the story of how Christ had changed my life, and I posted it on the Internet. A few days later, I got an e-mail message from a man in Athens, Greece. He read my story and asked if I would pray for him. Messages started coming in from places like Seattle; Memphis, Tennessee; and Cairo, Egypt.

Within a year, the Web site was getting more than 800 visitors a month from 72 countries. I posted more testimonies, added some music and began recording video messages to encourage people in their faith. It’s been nearly 10 years since I first posted my testimony on the Internet. Although I rarely get to preach in front of a live audience, I’ve kept walking in the direction God called me. In January more than 10,000 people from 150 countries visited the Web site.

What’s intriguing to me is that many of the people who have put their faith in Christ via my Web site have done so as a result of other people’s stories, words and videos—not just mine. A Buddhist from Malaysia put her faith in Christ after reading about another Buddhist who had done the same. A woman from Illinois was led to Christ in our chat room by a pastor’s wife who also was visiting the chat room. A man from Latvia gave his life to Christ right there in front of his computer after watching a video I had recorded of a friend sharing the Gospel in my living room.

None of these people knew much about computers, but they had a passion for sharing Christ. It wasn’t my words that won the Buddhist to Christ, or the woman in the chat room or the man from Latvia. But I feel that God has honored my desires and my prayers to reach people for Him. Through the abilities He’s given me to type, run a camcorder and create a Web site, He has allowed me to help others fulfill their passions as well.

I still wish I were a great evangelist, and I want to reach as many people as I can for Christ. Maybe you do, too. If so, look again at the gifts God’s already given you. Then set your heart, your desires and your prayers in that direction. Start walking and keep walking. God only knows how many lives could be touched as a result of your obedience to His tug on your heart.
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Reminder: class starts Wednesday!

Starting Wednesday, March 13th, I’ll be teaching a new class on zoom called "Let’s Get Technical! 12 mini-courses to help you REACH THE WORLD ONLINE with your message!"

Sign up for "Let's Get Technical!"

I’ve been reaching the world online with my message for over 30 years. I’d love to help you!

We’ll meet once a week for 12 weeks on Wednesdays for 2 hours from 12-2 PM Central Time. All classes will be recorded so you can watch anytime if you can’t make it to the live classes.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  1. How to build a website (using Dotster/GoDaddy/WordPress)
  2. How to build a mailing list (using Campaign Monitor/aWeber)
  3. How to build a social media presence (using Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn)
  4. How to create a podcast (using Spotify/Apple Podcasts/YouTube)
  5. How to create a YouTube channel (using YouTube)
  6. How to create an audiobook (using Spotify/Audible)
  7. How to edit audio (using Audacity/GarageBand/Logic)
  8. How to edit video (using iMovie/Davinci Resolve)
  9. How to create business cards, bookmarks or postcards (using Vistaprint)
  10. How to setup a live online class (using Zoom)
  11. How to setup a payment system (using PayPal/Venmo/Square)
  12. How to setup a coaching calendar (using Calendly)

This course is for anyone, but I’m especially eager to help Christians get the message of Christ out to the world, whether through a book, an audiobook, a Bible study, a podcast, a video, a social media post, in print… whatever it takes, I’d love to help you cover the world in Christ!

Here’s what others have said:

"Eric Elder is my ‘go-to-person’ for all things technical. And because I learn best by watching, I gain a mastery of those highly technical issues that will help me promote my books, my resources, and my expertise. Eric has the ‘know-how.’" Tim Wilkins

"Thanks for helping me. You give me the confidence to do the hard things." Crystal Balas

”Eric has been a blessing to our ministry in so many ways…his technical expertise and assistance have meant everything!” Greg Potzer for This Day’s Thought

Space is limited, so sign up today! 100% of the donations we receive for this class will go directly back into our ministry so we can keep reaching more people for Christ! Thank you!

SIGN UP – $97/month for 3 months

SIGN UP – $247 for all 3 months

SIGN UP – $35/class

P.S. As always, you can sign up for a one-on-one zoom with me anytime to walk through any of these topics personally for a donation of $65 per hour to our ministry. Here’s a link to my calendar to schedule a one-on-one zoom!
https://calendly.com/eric-elder/
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A Word With You

Have you ever wanted to read through the entire Bible in a year? You can!

Al Lowry's daily devotional through the Bible: "A Word With You"

Nine years ago, I encouraged my friend Al Lowry to take an impossible challenge: to read through the most important book ever written.

He did it! How? I encouraged him to do three things:

1) I encouraged him to take a "guilt-free" approach to reading the Bible.

By that, I meant to find a reading plan that would give him a few passages of scripture to read each day of the year. If he got behind, not to worry about backing up and catching up, but to just read the next passage that was suggested for that day.

This way, even if he were to miss a few days here and there, he would never "get behind." He could always start fresh with the reading for that day. And by doing so, he found by the end of the year that he had read more of the Bible than he had read at any other time in his life!

2) I encouraged him to take a few friends along with him.

By doing so, he would have others to encourage him along the way. Plus, as they talked about the Scriptures together, they would learn more from each other than from reading alone. So Al created a Facebook group and invited others to join him.

He didn’t post a comment every day. But sometimes others did. He didn’t get feedback every day. But when others did respond, they shared insights he hadn’t considered on his own.

And by reading the Bible together, he renewed old friendships, found new ones, and was encouraged to keep going day by day.

3) I encouraged him to read through the Bible again the next year, and the next, and the next…

Since Al had missed some passages the first time through, he committed to reading through it again a second time. Then he read it a third time, then a fourth, then a fifth!

This year, Al’s going through the Bible again… for the 10th time… and he’d love for you to join him! There are 3 ways to come along.

1) Join his Daily Bible Reading Facebook Group!

Click here to join Al’s Daily Bible Reading Facebook Group You’ll get the passage for the day to read on your own, plus a few words from Al and others about what they’re learning from that passage. (It’s free!)

2) Subscribe to his podcast, "A Word With You"!

Click here to subscribe to Al’s podcast on SpotifyYou’ll hear Al’s thoughts on the daily passage, posted every day. It’s easy to listen and learn on your own while you work out, drive, or lay in bed! Let Al’s words and the soothing background music give you the gentle nudge to read the passage yourself and see what God speaks to you through it! (It’s free, too!)

3) Get Al’s new book, "A Word With You"!

Click here to get Al’s paperback on Amazon!

Al’s book includes a short daily devotional for every passage of Scripture for 365 days. (You can use your own Bible or this version online from YouVersion to read the actual Scripture passages.)

Al has shared these insights with hundreds of people online over the years, and now you can have them all in one place: by your bed, on your desk, on your breakfast table… wherever you want to enjoy it every day!

I’m so proud of Al for taking this challenge nine years ago… and for continuing to read the Bible from cover to cover each year thereafter. I interviewed Al about his experience in the video below.

If you need a nudge to do what you might think is impossible, watch this video! Be encouraged that you CAN do it. And that it will help you in ways you can’t imagine.

Al Lowry & Eric Elder talk about reading through the Bible in a year

LASTLY, click here to download a 2-page Bible reading plan you can use along with Al or on your own! It’s called "The Canonical Bible Reading Plan" and gives you a few chapters to read every day so you can read straight through the entire Bible in 365 days. Download it now… it’s free!

As you head into 2024, I pray you’ll take the challenge I gave to Al nine years ago. I pray God will speak to you very personally as you read His Word. These links may be the most important links you click all year!

You’ll be glad you did!
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A Bomb of Hope

I wanted to update you on how the premiere of our puppet opera went in Italy a few weeks ago. It was fantastic!

Eric and the Jersey Boys

The Cast and Crew of "Saint Nicholas: The Extraordinary Journey of His Life" on stage after the premiere.

After the show, I spoke for a few minutes about why I wrote the book on which this book is based: to give people hope. After each sentence of my talk, the daughter of our musician translated my words into Italian. One man said afterwards that as I was speaking, he felt something happening inside of him. He said he didn’t know what it was, but it felt like "a bomb of hope"going off! He was grateful to the point of tears.

When I heard he felt that, I knew that the Holy Spirit had answered our prayers. I knew HE had shown up. And He had given this man Hope.

I also knew that when the Holy Spirit shows up, we don’t just get a tiny piece of Him, like His little toe. When the Spirit shows up, He shows up FULLY. And that’s what it felt like that night. It felt like God was FULLY PRESENT, manifest in the tears of this man–and in the hearts of many others who came to watch the show.

It was fantastic on so many levels, to see this story come to life in this gorgeous theater in the form of an Italian puppet opera. There were no curtains hiding the puppeteers, so they were just as much a part of the show as the puppets were.

Beyond bringing my story to life, the puppeteers, musician, and narrator made this a show of their own. It was in their own style, for their own people, and in their own language.

One of my favorite moments was when the narrator, who was a full-sized, real-life person, stepped in front of the scenery and sat down next to a puppet of Saint Nicholas in prison. The narrator and the puppet interacted as if they were both very real people. It was beyond magical. There was such a tenderness, such a care, and such a deep conversation between the two, that it couldn’t help but warm my heart.

I’m currently editing the video we captured during rehearsals and the performance. I can’t wait to show you the finished show! It’s a beautiful portrayal of the real life of Saint Nicholas, and the story of how he still inspires people around the world who look to him for hope.

The truth is, Nicholas looked to CHRIST for his hope. And that’s the story I want to share with you and with so many others.

Christ has given me hope beyond measure in the 36 years I’ve known Him, and He continues to give me hope, even in these last few weeks!

I know He can do the same for you. I pray as you read these words that God will drop "a bomb of hope" inside you, and that you will sense the Holy Spirit in your life–not just His little toe, but THE WHOLE OF HIM!

To those who have prayed, encouraged, and donated to bring this show to life, I want to say a hearty, sincere, and voluminous THANK YOU! Your prayers, encouragement, and support really have made a difference. We are already committing to taking the puppet opera to two more cities and big theaters in Italy next year, with a possibility of five new cities in all.

As if seeing the show itself wasn’t enough, I wanted to let you know how God spoke to me through the funding of this show. I received the last $100 donation towards the $12,000 needed–just two weeks before the curtain went up! I had been praying we would raise the full $12,000 before the curtain rose at the premiere. And after 18 months of praying, planning, and fundraising, the last $100 come in just two weeks before the show. When that happened, I knew God was sealing the deal. I knew that He had plans and purposes for this show that go beyond anything I can see. And He still does!

Between the new cities we’re adding and the film version I’m editing, I’m praying that many, many more people will have a bomb of hope go off in their hearts.

Thank you again and Happy New Year to you all! If you’d like to make a donation towards the next two cities we’re adding next year ($2,000 per city) you can make a tax-deductible donation at this link:

https://ericelder.com/donate/

Thank you SO MUCH!
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The High View

I was standing at the top of Grandad Bluff last weekend in La Crosse, Wisconsin. As I looked out over the plain and down to the city below, I realized I was at a point called The High View.

It struck me that I was also at that same point in my personal life: The High View!

The High View

I have been down in the valley, climbing over slippery rocks and slopes to get here. In the midst of all of those ups and downs and twists and turns I have gotten confused. I’ve sometimes wondered if I had taken the wrong turn. It’s been hard to tell which way was was up and which way was down. Sometimes I was facing one way, when I knew I needed to go the other way.

But every step in the last few months I’ve felt that I’ve been led by God. In the midst of taking those steps, however, I’ve questioned and second-guessed, over and over, if I’m even on the right path at all. I’ve wondered if I have been profoundly mistaken or profoundly correct. And except for God‘s reassurance, I’ve almost gotten sidetracked from the journey more times than I’d care to admit.

But this past weekend, standing at the top of the bluff, I had The High View. I could see the twists and turns below me that I had taken, each of which was necessary to get to this point. I could see why I would have questioned myself, and why others might have questioned me! I could see why I thought I might be on the wrong path completely.

But once attaining The High View, it all made sense.

Billy Graham describes The High View like this:

"I try not to worry about life too much because I read the last page of THE book, and it all turns out all right."

There were times along the way when God would show me The High View. It was as if He would elevate me to catch a glimpse of where I was, where I was going, and that I was on the right track.

Like Peter, stepping out of the boat and walking on water towards Jesus, I would sometimes have to call out to Him to save me. And, also like Peter, I felt the hand of Jesus reach down many times to pull me up again.

The moments I felt the most peace were the moments I completely surrendered to Jesus, those moments when I would lay back in His arms and lay my head on his shoulder, like John laid his head on His shoulder at the Passover feast. In those moments, I could trust that, even though I couldn’t see The High View, Jesus could. He’s much taller than me! He can see much further than me. And He simply sees better than me.

I’d like to say I’m going to keep The High View in mind from here on out. But I know myself. I know my doubts and fears. And I know my ability to second-guess myself.

Still, I’m praying today, as I approach the New Year, that I will do better at keeping The High View in mind. I’m praying that I will surrender more quickly, submit more fully, and trust more deeply. Not only for my sake, but for those around me. And I pray the same for you.

As you head into 2024, I pray that you will keep The High View in mind, that you will stay the course upon which God has set you, and that you will trust Him along your path, even if the way seems circuitous.

May you always keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author of your story and the Perfecter of your faith.

I’ve read the end of THE Book, and it all turns out all right. Keep trusting in Jesus, and keep The High View in mind.

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The Red Jacket

God doesn’t always show us the future as a roadmap how to get there, but to confirm that He is IN IT when DO we get there.

Eric and the Jersey Boys

A friend bought me a red jacket recently to wear to some upcoming Christmas events. It was out of my norm, but it made me laugh when I put it on, so I said, "Sure!"

I wore it last weekend to see a musical I’ve never seen before called Jersey Boys. It tells the backstory of the singing group Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

I wasn’t sure if I should wear it. I wasn’t sure if I should go. I wasn’t sure about a lot of things that night.

As soon as I walked in, the person seating me asked, "Are you a singer? An actor?"

I said, "No, but I am a producer."

She said, "Oh, I thought so, with that red jacket! Are you connected with this show?"

I said, "No, I’m just here to enjoy it." She smiled as she went on her way.

I really was looking forward to it. One of the reasons I decided to go was because God has spoken to me several times through one of the group’s songs, "You’re just too good to be true."

He spoke to me through it one night in a copy shop when I had just decided to mail out some flyers for my new ministry. He spoke to me in my car one day when I had just applied for a ministry position that I wasn’t sure I could take on. And He spoke to me when I saw Frankie Valli in person this summer, singing live on stage at the age of 89!

Frankie Valli, live in Peoria, August 11, 2023

When I heard about the Jersey Boys musical, I knew I wanted to go. But I wasn’t sure I’d be able to.

But once the show started, and the singers started belting out song after song, I was so glad I came. I love music! I love musicals! I’ve even written and produced my shows! And this one was sweeping me off my feet.

But I was TOTALLY stunned when, half-way through the show, all four guys appeared on stage WEARING THE EXACT SAME JACKET I was wearing!

No wonder the person seating me asked if I was a singer, an actor, or somehow connected with the show! I looked like I BELONGED in it!

Then the song came on that God has used to speak to me multiple times throughout the years, starting more than 25 years ago. And He spoke to me through it again that night in a brand new way.

In that moment, I knew I was exactly where God wanted me to be. I knew I was wearing exactly what He wanted me to wear. And I knew He was answering some of the deep, deep questions on my heart that night.

You see, God doesn’t always show us the future as a roadmap how to get there, but to confirm that He is IN IT when we DO get there.

I think of the two disciples who were walking and talking for hours with Jesus along the road to Emmaus. They didn’t recognize Him until He broke bread with them and departed. THEN they said, "Weren’t our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road…?"

I think of Peter and John who heard Jesus call out to them while they were fishing in the morning. He said to throw their nets on the right side of the boat, and they did it, even though they didn’t know it was Jesus telling them to do it. But as soon as the fish started pouring into their nets, they ran to Him, saying, "It’s the Lord!"

And I think of my own decision to go to this show, to wear the red jacket, and to step out in faith for the other decisions on my heart that night.

God doesn’t always show us everything up front–or even most things!

But if we keep stepping out in faith, doing THE NEXT RIGHT THING He puts before us, we might just find when we get there that He was waiting for us to arrive all along.

Then we can run to Him, like Peter and John did, saying, "It’s the Lord!"

P.S. If you’d like some Christmas inspiration for yourself or those you love, now’s a good time to get some copies of my Christmas novella, "St. Nicholas: The Believer"! It’s been turned into a ballet, a musical, and in less than two weeks, a puppet opera in Italy!

I think you’ll find it a heartwarming and touching reminder of God’s love for you and of the reason we celebrate Christmas at all. Here’s the link to get your copies.

St. Nicholas: The Believer
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Last call! Writers Retreat starts Wednesday!

If you don’t tell your story, who will? And if you need some help telling it, let me know!I’ve got 3 ways to help you get your story out to the world…

1) Join us at our 2-day Writers Retreat THIS WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY in Central Illinois (November 1 & 2). Here’s our line-up of authors & encouragers! Click here to learn more or sign up!

Writers Retreat starts Wednesday

2) Get a copy of my two books I’ve written to help you! (Book 1 & Book 2) They’re inexpensive and are packed with tips to help you WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart.

3) Get in touch with me personally! Just book a time on my calendar, and I’ll help you go from start to finish or anywhere in between.

And remember, if you want the 2-DAY CRASH COURSE, come to the Writers Retreat THIS WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

P.S. I recently helped Tim Wilkins create a book out of a seminar he had been teaching for years both nationwide and globally. (I’ll be sharing more about his book in the months ahead!) He wrote some kind words of encouragement for me – and for you – this weekend. I thought I’d share them here!

Eric Elder wears more hats than anyone I know, and he wears each one with consummate professionalism. For years he has been a trusted colleague and collaborator.

In 2017, I flew to his home outside Chicago where he videotaped me teaching my 1-day conference – MORE THAN WORDS – which I have taught all across the United States and Hong Kong.

Painstakingly, but with unswerving patience, he videotaped for almost 7 hours of material over several days, then he converted the audio into text. He sent me the transcript which contained no punctuation, no paragraphs. Just a 49,000-word run-on sentence!

An encourager by nature and habit, Eric strongly urged me to “Turn this into book form. People need to read it.”

I took the document and began to create structure; with Eric’s reassurance, I wrote and moved sentences around like pieces on a chess board. Chapter titles emerged. I began to see how the book should flow.

Eric read drafts and offered suggestions along the way. He was a compassionate sounding board.

When my writing was complete, Eric – who has an eye for detail – connected with me via Zoom and formatted the manuscript right before my eyes. Writing content is one thing; making it presentable is another.

I believe Eric knows every word-processing feature and takes full advantage of them to help create a book that demands to be read.

And there’s more! Eric has the know-how to get the book finished and published online. I could not recommend Eric more passionately to any would-be authors.

Thanks, Tim! And remember, if you want a 2-DAY CRASH COURSE to write & self-publish that book on your heart, join us for our Writers Retreat this Wednesday & Thursday here in Central Illinois!
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Those we love never leave…

Today marks the 11th anniversary of my wife Lana’s passing from this life to the next… her "heaven day" as we like to call it.

A new movie, based on the book by Eric & Lana Elder

I woke up this morning thinking about her legacy and how she lives on through us. I wrote:

Those we love never leave
when who we are
is infused with who they were.
(Eric Elder)

Here are 3 ways Lana still lives on through me and those who love her:

1). Today I’m releasing an Italian translation of a book we wrote together about the life and faith of the real St. Nicholas. It’s called San Nicola: Il Credente and was wonderfully translated by Italian native, Cristini Cusi. Lana’s ancestors are from Italy, too, so this is a fitting tribute to her heritage. Here are links to get some copies for yourself or your family or friends for Christmas!

Click to get the book in English or Italian

St. Nicholas: The Believer

"San Nicola: Il Credente"

2). In 3 weeks, we’ll be premiering the PUPPET OPERA based on the book! The book has already been turned into a ballet, a musical, and now… a puppet opera!

Here’s a 1-minute promo for the show:

Promo video for the Italian puppet opera, San Nicola

MY SINCERE THANKS to those who’ve helped us raise 85% of the $12,000 to create this new show!

Kelly Albrecht, Joyce Benton, Beverley Wyman, Jane Cavanaugh, Chris & Deb Clayton, Rich & Gretchen Clemmons, Clint Clouse, Brendan & Billie Dimmig, Troy & Bonnie Dimmig, Bruce & Mary Felkins, Ashley Ferguson, Tom & Joy Foglietta, Kevin Fowler, Joe Gerstung, Elaine Goerne, Bob & Marlene Horton, Clayton & Marilyn Irmeger, Pat Kearney, Janet Kotecki, Mary LeRette, Al Lowry, Joan McGlone, Kevin & Misty Missel, Brent & Michelle Mitchell, Kevin & Joan Moody, Simon Murray, Linda Olivero, John Olivero, Mike & Jessica Pastirik, Kira & Kalycia Pfeffinger, Greg Potzer, Connie Reimer, Rita Reyes, Bob Ritter, Denny & Jane Roeschley, Kent Sanders, Michèle Sandison, Tracy Schultz, Jeanette Smith, Roger Smith, Vicky Snyder, Dan & Sarah Stayskal, Johnathon & Karis Stephens, Jennifer Thul, Dino, Lynn & Alexander Vallero, John Yates, and Rockie & Nancy Zeigler

If you’d like to donate and get your name on our list of credits, there’s still time! My goal is to have the show fully funded before the curtain rises on December 8th.

Donate to the Puppet Opera

3) Starting in 2024, we’ll be working on a major motion picture also based on the book!I’m raising funds and seeking collaborators to turn the story into a movie everyone can watch year after year.

Here’s a 10-minute video where I share more about the movie, my ministry, and Lana’s impact on my life.

About Eric Elder Ministries

Here’s a link if you’d like to help us launch the movie!

Donate to the movie project, His Name Was Nicholas

Lana’s life continues to live in and through those who loved her. As I wrote this morning:

Those we love never leave
when who we are
is infused with who they were.

Love you all!

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Do it for your readers

Have you ever read a book that has touched your heart? A book that has helped you express the feelings inside you, as if the author knew exactly what you were going through? If so… "Write With Me!" Writers Retreat

Have you ever thought that YOU could write such a book for OTHERS? That when you share the stories on your heart that they could give HOPE to others in the very same way?

The truth is: YOU CAN!

That’s why I love encouraging people to write their stories. Not for fame or fortune, although that’s fine. I encourage them to write their stories FOR THEIR READERS, to give them hope, to help them live their lives in a fuller way, and to give them a reason for living… even one more day.

If you have a book on your heart, I want to encourage you to write it! Do it for your readers!

Here are three ways to help you get started.

1) Join Crystal Balas and me at our WRITERS RETREAT November 1st & 2nd here in Central Illinois! Click below to learn more and sign up. Click here to learn more or sign up!

2) Get a copy of two books I’ve written specifically for this purpose! Write With Me! is the ultimate guide to WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart. And Write With Me! NOTEBOOK!!! is a companion guide to help you write your specific book.

3) Get it touch with me personally, and I’ll help you go from the starting blocks to the finish line! Book a time on my calendar and we can chat!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

"Write With Me!" Book and NOTEBOOK!!!
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Is it time to start?

Do you have a project you’ve been putting off? Maybe it’s time to start! As my new friend Ronn Baker says, "If you fail to start, you start to fail."

Ronn Baker and Eric Elder at Ronn's book launch in Streator, Illinois

I met Ronn 3 MONTHS AGO at a book launch for another friend. Ronn asked if I could help him publish 2 books he had been working on for the last 10 years. I said, "Sure!" and we began the final steps to launch his books into the world.

On Friday, we were back in the very same library for HIS OWN book launch! After 10 years of writing, Ronn had just a few more steps to take to see his longtime dream come true.

Click here to watch my 10-minute interview with Ronn about what motivated him to start and his most "toast-worthy" moment.

What about you? What projects are on your heart that you’ve been putting off? What projects might be just around the corner from being launched into the world?

If it’s a book you’ve been wanting to write or finish writing, let me know! I love helping Christian writers get their stories out to the world.

Here are 3 ways I’d love to help:

1) Join us at our WRITERS RETREAT November 1st & 2nd here in Central Illinois. My writing friend Crystal Balas and I will be walking you through the steps to WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart.
Sign up for the WRITERS RETREAT!

2) Get it touch with me like Ronn did, and I’ll give you one-on-one help to take you from the starting blocks to the finish line. Just book a time on my calendar and we can chat on zoom.
Book an hour on my calendar

3) Get a copy of my books! These two books will walk you through the book writing and publishing process, step-by-step:
Write With Me! The ultimate guide to WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart.
Write With Me! NOTEBOOK!!! A companion guide to help you WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart.

Ready to start?!? Let me encourage you to do like Ronn did and get started! Then reach out like he did and get the help you need to finish!

Here’s the link again to watch our 10-minute interview.

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

P.S. If you like sci-fi/adventure, take a look at Ronn first two books in his series, The Darmon Chronicles: A Search for Eden and Finding Eden.

"A Search for Eden" by Ronn Baker

"Finding Eden" by Ronn Baker
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Early birds, come write with us!

Want to write a book?!? Today’s the last day to sign up for our WRITERS RETREAT at the early bird rate.

Join us at the early bird rate for our writers retreat!

My writing friend Crystal Balas and I would love to have you join us for two days of fun, writing, and fellowship in a beautiful cabin in the woods. The retreat will be held at Starved Rock State Park on November 1st & 2nd here in Central Illinois.

Here’s the link to learn more and sign up!
https://ericelder.com/writers-retreat/

In addition to the writing workshops, we’ll have time for fun and fellowship in the beauty of nature at Starved Rock State Park here in Central Illinois, featuring an optional trolley tour of the area and a guided walk on one of the trails.

Here’s our schedule. Feel free to come or go to any of the sessions… one of our BIGGEST GOALS is to help you create some SACRED SPACE on your calendar to have intimacy with God.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

8:30-9 AM – Welcome & Worship
9-9:45 – “Write With Me!” – a walk-through of the writing and self-publishing process
10-10:45 – Think “Books,” Not “Book” – Choosing your first book, theme, and main stories
11-11:45 – Who Am I To Write A Book? – Gaining confidence to go ahead and write

12-1 PM – LUNCH – An optional ($18.95) box lunch in the room or an à la carte at the lodge restaurant or cafe

1-1:45 – No Scene That Doesn’t Turn – Telling your story in the most compelling way
2-2:45 – Fleshing Out Your Stories – Practical tips for writing the meat of your book
3-5 – Trolley Tour – An optional ($15) trolley tour of the State Park, the Illinois Waterway, and historic Utica

5-6:30 DINNER – À la carte at the lodge restaurant or nearby

7-7:30 Worship & Words of Encouragement
7:30-9 Success Stories – Self-published writers share their journey

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

8:30-9 AM – Worship & Testimonies
9-9:45 – Sharing Your Work – Tips for self-editing, sharing previews, and receiving feedback
10-10:45 – Formatting Your Book – The nuts and bolts of creating & uploading your book to sell worldwide
11-11:45 – Next Steps – Taking your writing further with communities & coaching

12-1 PM – LUNCH – À la carte at the lodge restaurant or cafe
1-1:45 – Seven Touches – Seven ways to encourage readers to buy and read your book
2-2:45 – Start Writing Your NEXT book! (The key to finishing your FIRST book!)
3-5 – Guided Hike – An optional ($10) guided hike through nature

5-6:30 DINNER – À la carte at the lodge restaurant or nearby

7-9 Worship & Wit – An entertaining evening with your fantastic writing friends, old & new!

Here’s the link again to learn more and sign up! Hope you can join us! (The price goes up after TODAY.)

https://ericelder.com/writers-retreat/

Join us at our writers retreat!

Join us at our writers retreat!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

P.S. Even if you CAN’T attend the retreat, you can STILL GET my new books that I’ll be using at the retreat to help you write that book on YOUR heart. Here are the links to get both!

Write With Me! book and notebook
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Come write with us!

My friend Crystal Balas and I are hosting a 2-day Writers Retreat at Starved Rock State Park on November 1 & 2, 2023! Come join us!

Eric & Crystal's Writers Retreat!

If you have a book on your heart, but don’t know how to start or don’t know how to finish, we’ll show you how!

We’ve booked "a little cabin in the woods" at Starved Rock on November 1 & 2 where we’re going to write, pray, worship, and be inspired so we can all WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH those books on our hearts!

You’ll hear from other writers who have done this many times before (and some whose books are “hot off the press”!)

Eric writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!

Eric Elder has written & self-published over 35 books and helped dozens of others do the same.

Crystal Balas, author, speaker & life coach

Crystal Balas is a writer, speaker, and life coach. Both have a heart for the Lord and a heart for helping others make their dreams come true!

In addition to the writing workshops, we’ll also have time for fun and fellowship in the beauty of nature at Starved Rock State Park, featuring an optional trolley tour of the area and a guided walk on one of the trails.

November is a great time to write a book, so this event will help kick off a month of writing!

Here’s our schedule:

Starved Rock Lodge

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

8:30-9 AM – Welcome & Worship

9-9:45 – “Write With Me!” – a walk-through of the writing and self-publishing process
10-10:45 – Think “Books,” Not “Book” – Choosing your first book, theme, and main stories
11-11:45 – Who Am I To Write A Book? – Gaining confidence to go ahead and write

12-1 PM – LUNCH – An optional ($18.95) box lunch in the room or an à la carte at the lodge restaurant or cafe

1-1:45 – No Scene That Doesn’t Turn – Telling your story in the most compelling way
2-2:45 – Fleshing Out Your Stories – Practical tips for writing the meat of your book
3-5 – Trolley Tour – An optional ($15) trolley tour of the State Park, the Illinois Waterway, and historic Utica

5-6:30 DINNER – À la carte at the lodge restaurant or nearby

7-7:30 Worship & Words of Encouragement
7:30-9 Success Stories – Self-published writers share their journey

Starved Rock State Park

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

8:30-9 AM – Worship & Testimonies

9-9:45 – Sharing Your Work – Tips for self-editing, sharing previews, and receiving feedback
10-10:45 – Formatting Your Book – The nuts and bolts of creating & uploading your book to sell worldwide
11-11:45 – Next Steps – Taking your writing further with communities & coaching

12-1 PM – LUNCH – À la carte at the lodge restaurant or cafe

1-1:45 – Seven Touches – Seven ways to encourage readers to buy and read your book
2-2:45 – Start Writing Your NEXT book! (The key to finishing your FIRST book!)
3-5 – Guided Hike – An optional ($10) guided hike through nature

5-6:30 DINNER – À la carte at the lodge restaurant or nearby

7-9 Worship & Wit – An entertaining evening with your fantastic writing friends, old & new!

The retreat will be based on Eric’s new books:

(Both are available now on Amazon at the links above!)

Write With Me! books on Amazon.com

Cost

The cost of the retreat for BOTH DAYS is a suggested donation of $247 if paid by October 4th (or $297 after October 4th. You can also sign up for 1 DAY for $197).

Your donation to Eric Elder Ministries will help pay for the venue, the teaching, the rich fellowship with like-minded friends, and the course materials: Eric’s Write With Me! book and his Write With Me! NOTEBOOK!!!

(Meals, activities, transportation, and housing are not included so you can adjust those costs to your budget! Starved Rock Lodge has beautiful guest rooms and cabins available for booking at starvedrocklodge.com or you can find housing nearby on your favorite travel app!)

For more info, contact Eric at: eric

SPACE IS LIMITED! SIGN UP NOW!

SIGN UP HERE!
(before Oct 4th!)

BOTH DAYS! $247 (BEST DEAL)
Early Bird Pricing!

– Includes BOTH DAYS!
– 2 full days of teaching, worship & success stories
– Beautiful retreat setting
– Fantastic, like-minded friends
– Eric’s “Write With Me!” Book
– Eric’s “Write With Me! ” NOTEBOOK!!!

SIGN UP HERE!
(after Oct 4th!)

BOTH DAYS! $297

– Includes BOTH DAYS and EVERYTHING listed under “BEST DEAL”
(Sign up before October 4th using the “BEST DEAL” link and you’ll save $50! But you can still sign up after October 4th using this link. Either way, we’ll be glad to have you join us!)

SIGN UP HERE!
(for just 1 day!)

1 DAY! $197

– Choose EITHER DAY!
– 1 full day of teaching, worship & success stories
– Beautiful retreat setting
– Fantastic, like-minded friends
– Eric’s “Write With Me!” Book
– Eric’s “Write With Me! ” NOTEBOOK!!!

HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US!
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My book launch… to help YOU launch YOUR book!

One of my personal goals is to help 100 Christians tell their stories. I’m up to 31! Want to tell yours?!?

Eric & Heidi at Fannie Mae

I had a book launch two weeks ago for my new book, Write With Me! The ultimate guide to WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart.Fifty people came to the launch party at my farmhouse, including several who I’ve helped to tell THEIR stories.

It was WONDERFUL to hear THEIR JOY as they shared about the books on their heart that would have never come out had they not been nudged by others along the way. I was so thankful to be one of those others!

We live-streamed the event to hundreds online that night, and I’ve uploaded the video so you can watch, too. Here’s the link! (There were a lot of cicadas in attendance, too, but hopefully you can hear most of it!)

Eric's Book Launch

I LOVE helping people tell their stories. Why? Because I want everyone on the planet to know about the GREAT GOD we serve and how HE IS STILL ACTIVE & WORKING in people’s lives today!

Would YOU like to tell YOUR story? Are there people who could benefit from hearing what YOU’VE gone through, and how GOD has BROUGHT YOU THROUGH?

If so, I pray you’ll start writing, keep writing, and finish writing your story so others can be blessed by the words on your heart.

And if you need some help, let me know! I’ve written my best tips in my new book Write With Me! to help you do just that.

  • Number 1, I want to encourage you that YOU CAN DO THIS!
  • Number 2, I want to give you a practical plan to PULL IT OFF. And
  • Number 3, I want to show you, in detail, how to write & self-publish your book SO OTHERS CAN READ IT.

My goal is not just to help you write a book. My goal is to impact YOUR READERS with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ so THEIR lives can be changed FOR THE BETTER, too. For me, it’s all part of the Great Commission that Jesus gave His disciples: to make disciples who make disciples who make disciples!

If I can help YOU get YOUR STORY out to the world, I can help OTHERS grow in THEIR faith and THEY can get THEIR STORY out to the world!

SO… grab a copy of Write With Me! and you’ll learn, step by step, how to go from start to finished AND PUBLISHED! Also grab a copy of the Write With Me! NOTEBOOK!!! with MORE HELPFUL TIPS and SPACE TO WRITE your own story.

Once you’ve completed the book and notebook, you’ll have a strong first draft of your ENTIRE BOOK from start to finish!

ALSO! I’ve just announced my fall Writers Retreat here in Illinois on November 1 & 2 at Starved Rock State Park.

Here’s a link for more info… I’d love to have you join us for an inspirational, practical, and FUN Writers Retreat. We’ll be using my new books to help you write YOUR story.

https://ericelder.com/writers-retreat/

Writers Retreat

And here are the links to get my new books in paperback, Kindle, or audiobook!

"Write With Me!" book and notebook!

Have a good week! Keep sharing YOUR STORY!

Eric Elder writes for page, stage, and screen to glorify God's name so Christ may be seen!
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Just a reminder… PARTY THIS FRIDAY!

I’m throwing a party at my farmhouse here in Central Illinois THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, and I’d love for you to come!
PLEASE RSVP to this email by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT and I’ll send you the address and more info!

Eric's books "Write With Me!" and the "Write With Me! NOTEBOOK!!!"

I’m launching my new book on September 1st called Write With Me! which I’ve written to help others WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH those books on their hearts.

I’ve written & self-published over 35 books myself and helped others write & self-publish over 30 more! Now, it’s time to celebrate!

Join me for a night of worship and encouragement, led by me and a few of my friends. Also included is a delicious meal and holiday decor, graciously provided by Jim & Dee Allen.

There’s no cost to come… just come!

Here’s our schedule:

– 5-6 PM Gather & Games
– 6-7 PM Food & Fellowship
– 7-8 PM Worship & Words
– 8-10 PM Bonfire & Stars (weather permitting; otherwise we’ll be inside by the piano!)

Who is this for? Anyone who wants to enjoy a night of praise and encouragement! I’ve thrown several launch parties for others over the years, but this is the first I’m throwing for myself. In addition to sharing about the book, I’ll be sharing an update on my ministry, including our upcoming "puppet opera" in Italy and my plans for a new movie.

Come! Be encouraged! And kick off Labor Day Weekend with a great cookout in the country!

If you’re interested in coming, even remotely, please reply to this note by Tuesday, August 29th. This will help us plan. The meal and the entire evening is on us!

When you reply, I’ll send you specific directions. Even if your plans change and you decide to come at the last minute, please come! I’d love to see you here.

This’ll be fun! Please reply for directions!

P.S. We’re officially launching the book on September 1st, but you can get an advance copy at this link! Write With Me!
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My book launch & bonfire – September 1st!

I’m throwing a party at my farmhouse here in Central Illinois, and I’d love for you to come!

Eric's books "Write With Me!" and the "Write With Me! NOTEBOOK!!!"

I’m launching my new book on September 1st called Write With Me! which I’ve written to help others WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH those books on their hearts.

I’ve written & self-published over 35 books myself and helped others write & self-publish over 30 more! Now, it’s time to celebrate!

Join me for a night of worship and encouragement, led by me and a few of my friends. Also included is a delicious meal and holiday decor, graciously provided by Jim & Dee Allen.

There’s no cost to come… just come!

Here’s our schedule:

– 5-6 PM Gather & Games
– 6-7 PM Food & Fellowship
– 7-8 PM Worship & Words
– 8-10 PM Bonfire & Stars (weather permitting; otherwise we’ll be inside by the piano!)

Who is this for? Anyone who wants to enjoy a night of praise and encouragement! I’ve thrown several launch parties for others over the years, but this is the first I’m throwing for myself. In addition to sharing about the book, I’ll be sharing an update on my ministry, including our upcoming "puppet opera" in Italy and my plans for a new movie.

Come! Be encouraged! And kick off Labor Day Weekend with a great cookout in the country!

If you’re interested in coming, even remotely, please reply to this note by Tuesday, August 29th. This will help us plan. The meal and the entire evening is on us!

When you reply, I’ll send you specific directions. Even if your plans change and you decide to come at the last minute, please come! I’d love to see you here.

This’ll be fun! Please reply for directions!

P.S. We’re officially launching the book on September 1st, but you can get an advance copy at this link! Write With Me!
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Invitation to Italy… let me know by September 1st!

Here’s a reminder that I’m taking a group to Italy for 10 days in December to see the premiere of my new puppet opera "San Nicola."

If you’d like to join me and a few of my family & friends, I’d love to have you come! Details below… let me know by September 1st!

(There’s one date change from my previous announcement about the trip. The premiere is now Friday, December 8th at 6:30 pm, instead of Saturday, December 9th.)

Eric Elder & Friends at the Colosseum in Rome

Want to marvel at the Colosseum? Stare at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Throw a coin in Trevi fountain?

How about a hike to an ancient monastery? Or a traditional Italian feast at a working sheep farm?

If so, I’d love for you to come with me to Italy! I’m taking a group of from December 3-12 to see the premiere of our new Italian puppet opera: "San Nicola: lo straordinario viaggio della sua vita" (Saint Nicholas: the extraordinary journey of his life!)

The show premieres on Friday, December 8 at 6:30 pm in the historic Teatro Maria Caniglia.

If you can’t join us in person, we hope to livestream it and record it for later viewing from anywhere in the world! But I’ve love for you to come in person… here’s what we’ll be doing!

DAY 1 – Fly to Rome

Sunday, December 3 – Before you say, “I can’t afford it!” get this: round-trip tickets from Chicago to Rome for this particular week are only $570 right now! (in summertime, flights alone are $2,500!) If there’s ever a time to see Italy, this is it!

DAY 2 – Arrive in Rome

Monday, December 4 – We’ll arrive in Rome and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, stroll by Trevi Fountain, and share a meal at a sidewalk cafe. Relax, you’re in Rome!

Trevi Fountain in Rome

The Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel

DAY 3 – The Sistine Chapel

Tuesday, December 5 – In the morning, we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

& the Colosseum!

That same afternoon, we’ll tour the Roman Colossuem, including a walk through the newly-opened underground passages.

The Colosseum in Rome

Pupi Italici - the Italian puppet workshop

DAY 4 – To Sulmona

Wednesday, December 6 – We’ll spend the rest of our trip in the city of Sulmona, about 2-1/2 hours southeast of Rome, nestled in Italy’s snow-capped mountains. We’ll visit the puppet workshop where the show is being created.

DAY 5 – Hike to Celestine’s Cave

Thursday, December 7 – We’ll take a short ride and then a beautiful hike up a nature trail to the Cave of Celestine V, who stayed in this hermitage in the 1200’s after stepping down suddenly from his role as pope. We’ll also have a picnic lunch in nature and see the remains of the Temple of Hercules, who also hails from this region.

Hike to Celestine's Cave

DAY 6 – The Premiere!

Friday, December 8, 6:30 pm – Tonight’s the night! We’ll be premiering our new Italian puppet opera in the beautiful Teatro Maria Caniglia, a 4-tiered, regal opera house built in the 1930’s. The show is called San Nicola: lo straordinario viaggio della sua vita (Saint Nicholas: the extraordinary journey of his life!)

Eric & Girolamo his family at the Teatro Maria Caniglia

DAY 7 – Enjoy Sulmona!

December 9 – Sleep in, enjoy some coffee and a croissant, or go window shopping. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour of the city and a tour of the costume museum above the puppet workshop. Save room for a gelato! (Italian ice cream)

Plaza in Sulmona, Ialy

Confetti (sugar-coated almonds) in a Sulmona shop window

Eric & Girolamo enjoying a gelato

Pupi Italici Grand Opening

DAY 8 – Worship & Celebrations!

Sunday, December 10 – We’ll worship locally in the morning and enjoy a time of celebration with the cast & crew & friends later in the day.

DAY 9 – Anversa & Castrovalva

Monday, December 11 – We’ll take a short drive to Anversa where we’ll have lunch at a working sheep farm–with a traditional multi-course Italian meal–truly from farm to table! Then we’ll take an easy hike from Anversa to Castrovalva, two cities made famous, in part, by drawings by M. C. Escher.

Anversa & Castrovalva

Castrovalvo

DAY 10 – Return!

Tuesday, December 12 – We’ll take an early bus back to the airport in Rome for our departure. If you’re flying back to the States, you’ll likely be home that same night… with memories to last a lifetime.

The Details

This trip is á la carte… meaning you will choose and book your own flights, meals, hotels, and activities according to your wishes. I am happy to help you in your planning, but your choices are up to you.

The price is estimated to be $2,500-$2,900 per person from Chicago. Your price could vary depending on your city of departure and your choices above, but this is a good starting point. I’ll send you my itinerary and details of my plans so you can make your plans accordingly.

The estimate includes a suggested donation of $500-1,000 to our puppet opera to help offset the costs of the show and for organizing this special trip!

Flights are at their lowest prices RIGHT NOW, so please let me know as soon as possible (and definitely before September 1) if you’d like to come along! The suggested donation will secure your spot.

Reply to this note if you’re interested… even remotely! I’d love to have you come along!

(Click here to see the web page for this trip)

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Invitation to Italy… let me know by September 1st!

Here’s a reminder that I’m taking a group to Italy for 10 days in December to see the premiere of my new puppet opera "San Nicola."

If you’d like to join me and a few of my family & friends, I’d love to have you come! Details below… let me know by September 1st!

(There’s one date change from my previous announcement about the trip. The premiere is now Friday, December 8th at 6:30 pm, instead of Saturday, December 9th.)

Eric Elder & Friends at the Colosseum in Rome

Want to marvel at the Colosseum? Stare at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Throw a coin in Trevi fountain?

How about a hike to an ancient monastery? Or a traditional Italian feast at a working sheep farm?

If so, I’d love for you to come with me to Italy! I’m taking a group of from December 3-12 to see the premiere of our new Italian puppet opera: "San Nicola: lo straordinario viaggio della sua vita" (Saint Nicholas: the extraordinary journey of his life!)

The show premieres on Friday, December 8 at 6:30 pm in the historic Teatro Maria Caniglia.

If you can’t join us in person, we hope to livestream it and record it for later viewing from anywhere in the world! But I’ve love for you to come in person… here’s what we’ll be doing!

DAY 1 – Fly to Rome

Sunday, December 3 – Before you say, “I can’t afford it!” get this: round-trip tickets from Chicago to Rome for this particular week are only $570 right now! (in summertime, flights alone are $2,500!) If there’s ever a time to see Italy, this is it!

DAY 2 – Arrive in Rome

Monday, December 4 – We’ll arrive in Rome and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, stroll by Trevi Fountain, and share a meal at a sidewalk cafe. Relax, you’re in Rome!

Trevi Fountain in Rome

The Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel

DAY 3 – The Sistine Chapel

Tuesday, December 5 – In the morning, we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

& the Colosseum!

That same afternoon, we’ll tour the Roman Colossuem, including a walk through the newly-opened underground passages.

The Colosseum in Rome

Pupi Italici - the Italian puppet workshop

DAY 4 – To Sulmona

Wednesday, December 6 – We’ll spend the rest of our trip in the city of Sulmona, about 2-1/2 hours southeast of Rome, nestled in Italy’s snow-capped mountains. We’ll visit the puppet workshop where the show is being created.

DAY 5 – Hike to Celestine’s Cave

Thursday, December 7 – We’ll take a short ride and then a beautiful hike up a nature trail to the Cave of Celestine V, who stayed in this hermitage in the 1200’s after stepping down suddenly from his role as pope. We’ll also have a picnic lunch in nature and see the remains of the Temple of Hercules, who also hails from this region.

Hike to Celestine's Cave

DAY 6 – The Premiere!

Friday, December 8, 6:30 pm – Tonight’s the night! We’ll be premiering our new Italian puppet opera in the beautiful Teatro Maria Caniglia, a 4-tiered, regal opera house built in the 1930’s. The show is called San Nicola: lo straordinario viaggio della sua vita (Saint Nicholas: the extraordinary journey of his life!)

Eric & Girolamo his family at the Teatro Maria Caniglia

DAY 7 – Enjoy Sulmona!

December 9 – Sleep in, enjoy some coffee and a croissant, or go window shopping. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour of the city and a tour of the costume museum above the puppet workshop. Save room for a gelato! (Italian ice cream)

Plaza in Sulmona, Ialy

Confetti (sugar-coated almonds) in a Sulmona shop window

Eric & Girolamo enjoying a gelato

Pupi Italici Grand Opening

DAY 8 – Worship & Celebrations!

Sunday, December 10 – We’ll worship locally in the morning and enjoy a time of celebration with the cast & crew & friends later in the day.

DAY 9 – Anversa & Castrovalva

Monday, December 11 – We’ll take a short drive to Anversa where we’ll have lunch at a working sheep farm–with a traditional multi-course Italian meal–truly from farm to table! Then we’ll take an easy hike from Anversa to Castrovalva, two cities made famous, in part, by drawings by M. C. Escher.

Anversa & Castrovalva

Castrovalvo

DAY 10 – Return!

Tuesday, December 12 – We’ll take an early bus back to the airport in Rome for our departure. If you’re flying back to the States, you’ll likely be home that same night… with memories to last a lifetime.

The Details

This trip is á la carte… meaning you will choose and book your own flights, meals, hotels, and activities according to your wishes. I am happy to help you in your planning, but your choices are up to you.

The price is estimated to be $2,500-$2,900 per person from Chicago. Your price could vary depending on your city of departure and your choices above, but this is a good starting point. I’ll send you my itinerary and details of my plans so you can make your plans accordingly.

The estimate includes a suggested donation of $500-1,000 to our puppet opera to help offset the costs of the show and for organizing this special trip!

Flights are at their lowest prices RIGHT NOW, so please let me know as soon as possible (and definitely before September 1) if you’d like to come along! The suggested donation will secure your spot.

Reply to this note if you’re interested… even remotely! I’d love to have you come along!

(Click here to see the web page for this trip)
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I led worship last week

I led worship last week… just one song. But it moved my heart. I pray it moves yours.

Eric leading "How Great Thou Art" for Cammie Quinn's book launch

My friend Cammie Quinn’s asked if I would play the piano and lead the singing for one song during her book launch party for her new civil war novel Follow the Wind Home. The song was "How Great Thou Art."

It might surprise you to hear this, but I don’t normally play in public. I love playing the piano. And I love singing to God. But playing and singing—and leading others in singing in a live setting? For me, that’s rare.

But it was Cammie asking. And it was her book launch for a novel she’s been dreaming about writing and publishing since 6th grade. I had been helping her to get it published since last fall when she reached out to ask me for help getting it out of her computer and out to the world. So when she asked me to play the piano and lead one song, how could I say no?

It turned out to be one of the high points of her party, and one of the high points of the year for me personally. There’s just something about the song, about having her family and friends singing it, and about the way the Holy Spirit came into the room for those special moments. Cammie told me this morning she’s watched that song over and over this week, still amazed at what God was and is still doing.

Would you like to listen in? I’ll include the link below to our worship time, along with links to her book, her talk, and to another conversation we had in our back yard just a few weeks ago.

Take a few minutes to worship with us! He so worthy of our praise.

P.S. I read Cammie’s book on my trip to Italy this spring on some cold and rainy days when it was too dreary to go outside. I loved sitting by the fireplace in my room and letting her novel warm my heart. The book is dedicated "to those who love to much," which includes me!

I was hooked from Chapter 1 and was thankful to have a few more "cold and rainy days" to keep reading to the end! It gave me strength to move on. The book is written in the style of Willa Cather and John Steinbeck. So if you love those, you’ll love this!

Cammie's novel by my fireplace, with a link get your own!

Here’s the link to Cammie’s book launch party, starting with a few remarks from me and another friend, followed by her talk at about 12-1/2 minutes into the video, and ending with the hymn, "How Great Thou Art" at around the 50 minute mark.

Cammie Quinn's book launch, with hymn at the end

And here’s a short clip we recorded in my backyard a few weeks ago on the day her book was published–exactly 20 years from when she lost her eye to cancer. Thank God He can redeem our days!

Cammie & Kevin Quinn talk with Eric about her new book, "Follow The Wind Home"
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“Write With Me!” Part 1: Journals

I’ve just finished writing my 50th journal. I started when I was 10 and I’ve never stopped!

Eric's first and most recent journals. Get your own blank ones here!

My mom gave me a "5-year diary" when I was 10 and told me to write down some of the interesting things that happened during my days. She said I’d look back some day and be surprised at how things have changed (and how they’ve stayed the same!)

She said I didn’t have to write much. Just a few words each day. So I did.

My first entry was on February 5th, 1973, my sister’s birthday. I wrote: "Marilyn’s birthday. Had cake." Apparently, I took my mom’s advice about brevity!

This morning, I wrote the final entry in my current journal. "Lord, Jesus, thanks for loving me. In Your name, Amen."

It’s always an exciting day for me when I finish a journal and start another. There’s the joy of finishing one book and the freshness of starting a new one. It always feels like New Year’s Day, with a clean slate in front of me.

Have you ever thought about writing a journal? Recording your thoughts, your fears, your laughter, your tears?

I write my journals for an audience of one: me! (Well, God and me.) I don’t expect anyone else to ever read them. But I do love looking back on them from time to time, seeing what thrilled my heart, what stilled my heart, and how God has brought me through the ups and downs and "everydays" of life. Looking back gives me encouragement as I look to my future.

If you’ve never kept a journal, I encourage you to try! Just a few words a day! "Marilyn’s birthday. Had cake." It can be that simple!

Or it can be incredibly profound. For instance, my second entry in that same journal was on February 8th, 1973. I wrote: "Bob Hope special. NBC Follies. I started making my first puppet."

Today, fifty years later, I’m working on an Italian "puppet opera" that will premiere this December at a gorgeous opera house in Italy (and you can come with me to see it!) It blows my mind. Maybe yours, too?

Who knows what you might write today that will blow your mind some day in the future! If you’ve never started, why not now?

If you’ve already been journaling, how about getting a fresh start with one or two or three of the journals I’ve created for myself and for others? Each journal is filled with blank lines for you to write whatever’s on your heart, plus 101 inspirational quotes at the bottom of every other page keep you encouraged as you write.

Here are the links to each journal:

(I love the quotes in these journals, collected over the years by my friend Greg Potzer at This Day’s Thought. In fact, I’m helping Greg put together a new book coming out later this year filled entirely with some of the best quotes he’s ever collected from the past 25 years… over 2,500!)

A Personal Journal with 101 Quotes on Prayer

A Personal Journal with 101 Quotes on Prayer

A Personal Journal with 101 Quotes on Love

So… why not? Write with me!

I’d love to have you come along. Who knows what God might do along the way. :)
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How can I help?

One of my goals this year is to make myself more available to others… including you!

Eric's "office hours"

I’ve always been available and have helped others, but for various reasons, people are sometimes hesitant to ask for help. They think I’m too busy, too unreachable, or wouldn’t be interested in talking to them.

The truth is, one of things I love doing most is helping others! I love helping people achieve their dreams, work through their situations, and move forward with their projects and lives.

Maybe I can help you? If so, I’m glad to help!

Here are six areas where people usually ask me for help:

1) I love helping people write & publish their books. I’ve written & published 36 of my own books and have helped dozens of other people do the same. I’d love to help you!

2) I love helping people build & grow their online presence. Whether that’s building a website, a mailing list, a social media presence, or making better use of their everyday technology, I’d love to help!

3) I love helping people get their music out to the world. I’ve recorded and published my own music on many streaming platforms and have helped dozens of others record and publish their music. I’d love to help you with yours!

4) I love helping people grow in their faith. Whether it’s practical help with spiritual disciplines such as reading the Bible, fasting, praying, or stepping out in faith, I love sharing what I’ve learned in my own faith walk and encouraging others in theirs.

5) I love helping people turn unhealthy attractions into healthy actions, helping them find valid ways to meet their valid needs rather than pursuing longings and desires they know are unhealthy for them. I’ve been set free for 36 years from acting out on my own unhealthy attractions, and I’ve helped hundreds of others find freedom, too.

6) I love helping people play beautiful piano music. In particular, I love creating my own music that gives expression to the songs on my heart, and I love playing worship music for an audience of One. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years and want to become more expressive, I’d love to help!

How does this work? It’s easy!

I’ve set up an online calendar that shows my available "office hours," so you can simply look through my calendar and find a day and time that works for you. Then click "confirm" and you’ll get a zoom link where we can chat online for an hour!

I keep my calendar up to date, so you don’t have to check with me beforehand. Just click confirm and you’re booked!

I ask for a $65 suggested donation to our ministry for an hour-long one-on-one chat. I’ve found that by asking for a donation, it helps others feel more comfortable asking for help, and the donations truly help advance our work of reaching as many people as possible for Christ. It’s a win-win all around!

Here’s a comment from just one of many I’ve helped…

"Eric has assisted us so many times over the years with our various publications…his encouragement and help have made all the difference with our efforts & success!" Greg Potzer, This Day’s Thought

So, if you’d like to chat about something that’s on your heart, whether it’s:

  • writing & publishing a book,
  • building & growing your online presence,
  • getting your music out to the world,
  • learning more about growing in your faith,
  • turning unhealthy attractions into healthy actions,
  • or playing beautiful piano for an audience of One,

I’d love to help! Here’s the link to my online calendar.

Eric’s "Office Hours"

Give it a try! I’d love to walk with you through whatever God is putting on your heart.
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Come with me to Italy!

Come with me to Italy!

Want to come with me to Italy? Want to see the premiere of our new Italian puppet opera?

Eric Elder & Friends at the Colosseum in Rome

Want to marvel at the Colosseum? Stare at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Throw a coin in Trevi fountain?

How about a hike to an ancient monastery? Or a traditional Italian feast at a working sheep farm?

If so, I’d love for you to come with me to Italy! I’m taking a group of from December 3-12 to see the premiere of our new Italian puppet opera: "San Nicola: lo straordinario viaggio della sua vita" (Saint Nicholas: the extraordinary journey of his life!)

The show premieres on Saturday, December 9 at 6:30 pm in the historic Teatro Maria Caniglia.

If you can’t join us in person, we hope to livestream it and record it for later viewing from anywhere in the world! But I’ve love for you to come in person… here’s what we’ll be doing!

DAY 1 – Fly to Rome

Sunday, December 3 – Before you say, “I can’t afford it!” get this: round-trip tickets from Chicago to Rome for this particular week are only $570 right now! (in summertime, flights alone are $2,500!) If there’s ever a time to see Italy, this is it!

DAY 2 – Arrive in Rome

Monday, December 4 – We’ll arrive in Rome and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, stroll by Trevi Fountain, and share a meal at a sidewalk cafe. Relax, you’re in Rome!

Trevi Fountain in Rome

The Vatican Museums, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel

DAY 3 – The Sistine Chapel

Tuesday, December 5 – In the morning, we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

& the Colosseum!

That same afternoon, we’ll tour the Roman Colossuem, including a walk through the newly-opened underground passages.

The Colosseum in Rome

Pupi Italici - the Italian puppet workshop

DAY 4 – To Sulmona

Wednesday, December 6 – We’ll spend the rest of our trip in the city of Sulmona, about 2-1/2 hours southeast of Rome, nestled in Italy’s snow-capped mountains. We’ll visit the puppet workshop where the show is being created.

DAY 5 – Hike to Celestine’s Cave

Thursday, December 7 – We’ll take a short ride and then a beautiful hike up a nature trail to the Cave of Celestine V, who stayed in this hermitage in the 1200’s after stepping down suddenly from his role as pope. We’ll also have a picnic lunch in nature and see the remains of the Temple of Hercules, who also hails from this region.

Hike to Celestine's Cave

DAY 6 – Enjoy Sulmona!

December 8 – We’ll be preparing for the show while you sleep in, enjoy some coffee and a croissant, or go window shopping. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour of the city and a tour of the costume museum above the puppet workshop. Save room for a gelato! (Italian ice cream)

Plaza in Sulmona, Ialy

Confetti (sugar-coated almonds) in a Sulmona shop window

Eric & Girolamo enjoying a gelato

DAY 7 – The Premiere!

Saturday, December 9, 6:30 pm – Tonight’s the night! We’ll be premiering our new Italian puppet opera in the beautiful Teatro Maria Caniglia, a 4-tiered, regal opera house built in the 1930’s. The show is called San Nicola: lo straordinario viaggio della sua vita (Saint Nicholas: the extraordinary journey of his life!)

Eric & Girolamo his family at the Teatro Maria Caniglia

Pupi Italici Grand Opening

DAY 8 – Worship & Celebrations!

Sunday, December 10 – We’ll worship locally in the morning and enjoy a time of celebration with the cast & crew & friends later in the day.

DAY 9 – Anversa & Castrovalva

Monday, December 11 – We’ll take a short drive to Anversa where we’ll have lunch at a working sheep farm–with a traditional multi-course Italian meal–truly from farm to table! Then we’ll take an easy hike from Anversa to Castrovalva, two cities made famous, in part, by drawings by M. C. Escher.

Anversa & Castrovalva

Castrovalvo

DAY 10 – Return!

Tuesday, December 12 – We’ll take an early bus back to the airport in Rome for our departure. If you’re flying back to the States, you’ll likely be home that same night… with memories to last a lifetime.

The Details

This trip is á la carte… meaning you will choose and book your own flights, meals, hotels, and activities according to your wishes. I am happy to help you in your planning, but your choices are up to you.

The price is estimated to be $2,500-$2,900 per person from Chicago. Your price could vary depending on your city of departure and your choices above, but this is a good starting point. I’ll send you my itinerary and details of my plans so you can make your plans accordingly.

The estimate includes a suggested donation of $500-1,000 to our puppet opera to help offset the costs of the show and for organizing this special trip!

Flights are at their lowest prices RIGHT NOW, so please let me know as soon as possible (and definitely before September 1) if you’d like to come along! The suggested donation will secure your spot.

Reply to this note if you’re interested… even remotely! I’d love to have you come along!

(Click here to see the web page for this trip)
by

A million dreams

I watched one of Lana’s dreams come true this week. It made me cry, and here’s why!

The Sharpe Family Singers on "America's Got Talent"

I don’t often talk about Lana’s high school boyfriend. But I talked about him at her funeral, and I’d like to talk about him again today. Why?

Because I’m so proud of him, and I know Lana would say the same.

In fact, Lana and I planned to get together with him so she could tell him in person on our last trip to New York. But it didn’t work out, and she passed away before she got a chance.

So after her funeral, I reached out to share her message with him. She wanted to tell him how proud she was of him, that this is what she had dreamed for him all those years ago: to marry the woman he married and to live the life she knew he was called to live.

Even though they dated in high school and were Prom King and Queen, Lana could see where his heart was taking him… to New York, to Broadway, and to the world of singing and acting and performing on stage.

She said she felt like she wasn’t the right person to accompany him on that journey. She said she felt he needed someone who could sing and act and perform alongside him. She knew in her heart it was the right thing to do.

He went on to perform on Broadway and shared a kiss on stage with the woman who became his wife. They continued singing and acting and performing in thousands of shows, and they still perform to this day.

This week, I watched with millions of others as they performed with their four kids on one of the biggest stages in the watching world, "America’s Got Talent."

The four judges gave them four yes’s. I couldn’t help but cry. I was so proud of him, as I knew Lana would be. And I was so proud of her for that hard decision she made all those years ago.

There’s something special about seeing your dreams come true, even when those dreams are for others. Even when those dreams might mean giving up some dreams of your own.

I sent him a note after the show to tell him how great their performance was… for so many reasons. He graciously wrote back to say thanks.

If you live long enough, you realize that some dreams must die so other dreams can live.

What about you, what dreams have died in your life? What other dreams might come to life because of it?

I want to encourage you today to trust God with your dreams. Trust Him to work all things for good in the end.

That’s one of His specialties.

Sending my congrats and best wishes to Ron & Barbra Sharpe and their talented kids, Samantha, Logan, Aidan & Conner. May all your dreams come true.

You can watch their performance on AGT and the judges’ responses here:

The Sharpe Family Singers on "America's Got Talent"

And you can watch their performance of "A Millions Dreams" from a few years back here:

"A Millions Dreams" by the Sharpe Family Singers
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Put it on and wear it!

God spoke to my heart a few weeks ago when I was pulling a shirt over my head. Perhaps it will speak to you, too!

"Azaria" by Pamela Hopper Haug

I met with a friend and her husband a few weeks ago to celebrate the launch of her new book, Azaria. I had helped her get started with it last fall, and she called me a month later to say she had finished it.

"What?!?" I said. "I can’t believe you wrote the whole thing!"

She said she had followed the tips I had given her to write it, and she was calling now to ask what to do next!

I couldn’t believe she had followed what I said and had finished writing her whole book, a 387-page memoir of her dramatic life. I was gripped by her story from cover to cover, from growing up on a farm to modeling in New York, from meeting Bill Blass to fighting bulimia, from being abused and abandoned to being found by Jesus and a man who loves to this day still.

I gladly jumped in and helped her for another 4-5 months editing, formatting, and uploading the book to Amazon. Her daughter-in-law helped design her cover. Her friends helped her proofread.

And last month she started selling her first copies… from "an idea in her head" to "published on Amazon" in just under six months!

When it was all done, we got together to celebrate with lunch and a toast. Her husband surprised me with a little birthday cake of my own, a party, and a special shirt he had made just for the occasion.

The shirt had my name stitched on it, along with the words, "Author – Advisor."

When I walked into the bathroom to put on the shirt, God spoke to my heart as I was looking in the mirror and pulling it over my head.

"Put it on and wear it," God said.

It made me cry. Why? Because I knew God was talking about more than just the shirt. He was talking about my gifting, my calling–not only to write and tell my own stories–but to help others write and tell their stories, too.

I’ve helped dozens of people do this over the years, but I’ve always seen it as something I’ve done "on the side." I’ve done it because I love doing it! I’ve done it because I love hearing other people’s stories! And I’ve done it to help even more people hear stories about what God is doing in people’s lives today.

But on that day, at that celebration of Pam’s book launch and my little birthday party, I felt God affirming that this was part of my calling, too: to make disciples who make disciples who make disciples–to use the gifts that God has given to me and to multiply those gifts so others can benefit from them, too.

"Put it on and wear it," God said. So I did. And I still am!

What about you? What is God calling you to do and saying, "Put it on and wear it"?

What is He putting on your heart that He wants you to take out into the world, to "go forth," and to do His will here on earth?

I’m amazed how God spoke to my heart! And I’m amazed that His calling is something I love do to. It’s not just His will. It’s my will, too. And whenever God’s will and our will line up… that’s a match made in heaven!

"Put it on and wear it!" I am praying this for you right now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. If you’d like to join Pam and her husband Dennis and me for a public launch of her new book, we’ll be at the Streator Public Library in Streator, Illinois, on Wednesday, July 5th, from 11am-12noon, Central Time!

Pam will have copies of her new book, Azaria, and I’ll have copies of MY NEW BOOK–complete with all the tips I told her–calledWrite With Me! The ultimate guide to WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart!

You can also find both books on Amazon at these links:

"Azaria" by Pamela Hopper Haug

"Write With Me! The ultimate guide to WRITE & SELF-PUBLISH that book on your heart!" by Eric Elder & Friends

Enjoy your day! Love you all!
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3 Coins

I’d like to share with you about 3 coins I’ve gotten recently, and how God has spoken to me through each.

3 coins

I shared it with a group on zoom yesterday, and I’d love to share it with you today.

It’s about how God pulled me out of some very unhealthy attractions 36 years ago, and how He’s still setting me free in powerful ways today.

If you need a boost in your faith that God can do ANYTHING, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING, I believe this message is for you.

And if you’re struggling with any unhealthy attractions in your life RIGHT NOW, I pray God will speak to you through this message.

God is FOR you. He LOVES you. And He wants the ABSOLUTE BEST for you. Share it with a friend!

Here’s the link to listen…

Listen to "3 Coins" by Eric Elder
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I have a date!

Not with a person, but with a theater… in Italy! Want to join me?

Help us put on a show! Donate now to our new puppet opera, "San Nicola."

When I went to Italy at Easter, I finally felt like my faith had become sight.

You know those times when you believe in your heart that something is right, but you’re only acting on faith until one day, something happens, and you realize what you believed was coming true?

Praise God! That’s what happened to me at Easter! I felt God’s presence so clearly when I got to meet with our passionate puppet masters Girolamo Botta and Alessandra Guadagna (pictured on the left) and see their workshop and their excitement for their craft.

Then I got to meet our gifted musician, Luca Giardino (pictured on the right) and his precious wife and daughter. I didn’t get to meet, but got to hear more about, our acclaimed actor, Cristian Zulli (pictured second from the right) who will narrate the show.

I also got to walk through the cobblestone streets and ancient architecture, drink coffee at sidewalk cafes and eat at fantastic restaurants. I hiked to a monastery on the side of a mountain and toured a costume shop where they create hundreds of outfits for a city-wide festival.

When I saw thousands of people turn out on the square for Good Friday and Easter Sunday celebrations, the deal was sealed in my heart! This was the right place, the right time, and the right people to host and premiere this unique show.

My faith became sight. There’s not a better feeling in the world.

We still hadn’t gotten confirmation to use the historic 1930’s opera house, with its red velvet seating and 4 tiers of box seats all around. That confirmation came only this week, and we have a date!

The date is:

DECEMBER 9th, 2023 at 6:30 PM!

Want to join me? I’m serious!

Right now, flights to Rome for that week are some of the cheapest of the year… about $550-600 round trip from Chicago. (During peak season, they’re in the thousands!) Then it’s a 2-1/2 hour drive or bus ride to the snow-capped mountains surrounding Sulmona.

I’m thinking of putting together a little bit of local sightseeing that week for anyone who wants to come. Maybe that’s you?

If you’re interested in coming, even if it seems remote, send me a note! I’d love to talk with you about it. I also plan to stream the show online, so even if you can’t make it, you can still enjoy this tremendous experience.

Last but not least, I could still use your help as I produce this show! I’m trying to raise the full amount needed to create the show before the curtain rises. So far, we’ve raised about 20% of the funds.

If you’d like to help bring THE HOPE OF CHRIST to thousands this Christmas, click the link below.

Click here to help us create this Christmas spectacular!

I’m so thankful to have a date. :)

May your faith become sight this week in a special way, too.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Is there a significant decision on your heart?

Three of my biggest decisions were made with the same backdrop. I think this is why.

Eric Elder's comments at the memorial service for Rowland and Martha Elder

Last week I spoke at a memorial service for my dear aunt and uncle who passed away on separate occasions.

If you have a significant decision on your heart, I pray these words will serve as a backdrop to help YOU think clearly and hear from God deeply about what He might be saying to you, too.

Here’s the link to watch (or you can read the text below):

Watch "Three Decisions"
(4-1/2 minutes)

Hi, my name is Eric Elder. Rowland and Martha were my uncle and aunt. When I think of them, three pictures come to my mind.

I was the out-of-towner. I came from Illinois for my first job after college, moved to Houston, and they and the family took me in and cared for me. The three pictures I see are all three significant decisions—three of the most significant I’ve ever made my life.

The first one I made was to put my faith in Christ.

I remember holding hands with Rowland and Martha and the missionary speaker, who I had heard that night and who happened to be staying at their home. We knelt around their coffee table as I prayed to seal that decision in my heart, and I’ve never looked back. That was February 9th, 1987.

The second significant decision I made was to marry my wife, Lana.

She was living in Michigan. I was living in Texas, and we were trying to figure out if we were ever going to commit to each other.

Rowland and Martha knew my dilemma. They offered for her to stay at their house while we pursued that path together and asked God if He wanted us together. So for six or eight months she stayed with Rowland and Martha until our wedding day, April 29th, 1989, right in this spot here.

The third significant decision was when I decided to go into full-time ministry and quit my secular job.

I was living in Illinois at the time. I flew down to Houston where my corporate office was. I was praying for a woman who was dying of cancer, asking God for a miracle in the last days of her life. I prayed till midnight. Nothing had changed, and I felt God say, “I want you to quit your job tomorrow and go into full-time ministry.”

I stayed at Rowland and Martha’s house that night. I remember being in the bed and thinking, “God, if I saw her healed—if I saw those lumps of cancer jump off her body—I’d do it in a heartbeat. But I didn’t see that, God, and I don’t know what to do.”

But God spoke to me, and two days later I quit. I’ve been doing full-time ministry since February 14th, 1995, and I’ve never looked back.

I say this to say that Rowland and Martha were a backdrop for three of my most significant decisions. I think it’s because of their calming environment, their welcoming home, their care and their prayer that allowed me to think clearly and hear from God deeply.

I think today they are providing a backdrop for each one of you here, me included.

If there’s a significant decision that’s on your heart—whether it’s to put your faith in Christ for the first time, whether it’s about your marriage, whether it’s about your kids or your job or your future, your finances, your health—I think we could do nothing better to honor them and honor God than by making a commitment today, making a decision today, to follow the God of Rowland and Martha, the God of Joan and Ted and Glen and their descendants.

If you want to make any kind of commitment in your heart, just say it with me.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Rowland and Martha, their example, their love and care and prayer. Help us to follow You the same way they did, Lord. Let our legacy extend way beyond us, Lord, and touch the nations for You, that we could all join You at the most marvelous feast that they’re enjoying right now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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Parkinson’s & Recreation

Parkinson’s is rough. But as my friend Dennis Jernigan says, "I have Parkinson’s. It doesn’t have me."

Dennis Jernigan and Eric Elder talking about "Parkinson's & Recreation"

I talked with Dennis on Friday and thought you might like to hear our conversation. So I pressed "record" and posted it on YouTube. You can listen here:

Watch Dennis Jernigan and Eric Elder on YouTube

I hope you’ll take some time to listen to his encouraging words, whatever you’re facing.

Dennis has written some of my favorite worship songs, like "You Are My All in All," "I Belong to Jesus," and "Thank You."

He’s also faced some of the same struggles I’ve faced, like dealing with unhealthy attractions, which we also talk about in our conversation.

Here are some highlights:

"When I made the first public announcement of my diagnosis, I had droves of people giving me cures and all kinds of stuff. I was at a huge church and someone came up to me afterwards and said to me, ‘We just experienced this with our parents, and what you’re about to go through is absolutely horrible.’ What do you say in that moment? ‘Thank you for scaring the cr*p out of me!’

"But it was in that moment I decided nobody gets to dictate to me how I feel. Every feeling I have is attached to a thought I think. So I put off stinking thinking and put on right thinking, even about Parkinson’s. Until God heals me one way or the other, I’m going to keep my eyes fixed on Him.

"My personal rule is: Dennis Jernigan does not get to call himself something other than what his father God calls him, so that protects my mind and heart as much as anything these days. My father defines me, not Parkinson’s, not another person."

Dennis applies this rule to things that have tempted him, too, saying his temptations don’t define him. God does. When I asked about some of his best tips for dealing with unhealthy attractions, he said:

"I set myself up for success, not for failure, so I surround myself with people who are not going to be Yes-men or Yes-women. They’re going to tell me the truth.

"Melinda (his wife) is the main truth speaker in my life. When I’m going to be with anyone, she knows exactly who I’m going to be with, where I’m going to be, and what we’re going to be doing. It’s a safety net. It’s not that she’s the guardian of my mind, but she is, in a sense, part of the team, the biggest part of the team, aside from the Lord.

"So I set myself up to succeed, and I don’t put myself in positions to be confronted even with the temptation. Temptation doesn’t define anyone, so that helps me as much as anything, realizing Jesus was tempted in every manner, just as we are, yet was without sin.

"Temptation is a a clue from the Holy Spirit saying, basically, ‘Why is the enemy after you in this area? God must have something for you.’ So rather than turning to the temptation, I turn to Father and say, ‘Father, what is it You’re trying to say to me?’ And it protects my heart and my mind."

Dennis also says his family created a "Truth Jar" for him, a jar with slips of paper on which his family has written various truths he can pull out and read whenever he needs them. He said:

"My kids all wrote out verses of Scripture for me or jokes that brought joy or a memory of some kind that spoke truth to my mind. And anytime I feel attacked by the enemy, I go to the truth jar. I pull out a slip, and it’s always just like the perfect thing I needed to hear. I put that on (the truth) in place of whatever fear or whatever lie I was being told."

If you need some encouragement today or know someone who does, I hope you’ll watch and share our conversation.

I love Dennis, and I love all the things I’ve learned from him and received from him. I’m glad to share some of those things with you!

Again, here’s the link to watch our conversation:

Watch Dennis Jernigan and Eric Elder on YouTube

And here are the links to some of the things we talk about: his new book, Parkinson’s & Recreation, his new album, Might As Well Be Happy, and a beautiful documentary of how God pulled him out of despair, Sing Over Me.
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A Cloth Napkin

Sometimes God shows up in the little things. And when He does… it changes everything.

A cloth napkin at Ristorante Gino's in Sulmona, Italy

I was in Italy last week for Easter. God showed up several times, but in a special way on the last day.

I was in Italy on my annual "anniversary trip," a trip I’ve taken every year to a different location since my wife passed away 10 years ago. I don’t like the idea of sitting at home on our wedding anniversary as if it’s just another "normal" day. So taking this trip helps transform a painful time into a very special time.

This year, I decided on Italy so I could spend some time with a puppet carver and his family who are creating a "puppet opera" for me of a book about St. Nicholas my wife and I had written. The trip was really special and a great encouragement to me as we were able to hang out, talk about the show, and visit some of the places that were special to them. I loved everything about it!

On the last day, since my hosts were busy that afternoon, I asked if they might suggest a restaurant I should try. They called a place around the corner from my B&B, made a reservation, and I was set.

What I wasn’t set for was how posh the place was going to be!

The maître d’ (yes, I had to look up how to spell that) showed me to my table reserved in a corner alcove. Other than feeling terribly underdressed (in my tennis shoes, jeans, and a bright blue hoodie), I had to pinch myself at the beauty of the moment.

Of particular significance, after sitting down, I saw a cloth napkin neatly folded between two knives and two forks. I rarely eat at a restaurant that has cloth napkins, and when I do, I know it’s special. And in that moment, I knew this was a special "anniversary" meal God had prepared just for me, too.

Lunch is served! And thank God for a language translation app to be able to read the menu. :)

What I wasn’t prepared for was how God was about to show up!

As I was sitting there being served course after course of elegant Italian cuisine, I got a message on my phone. It was from one of my subscribers who had just watched one of my podcasts from last year. He commented how much he liked the video, so I pulled it up to see which one it was.

Not only was I wearing the same blue hoodie in the podcast that I was wearing at the moment (somewhat uncomfortably because of the beautiful setting), but also I was talking about my anniversary trip I had taken to New York 5 years ago.

As I watched myself talk about that trip, it felt like God was right there with me on this trip. That He wasn’t surprised I was wearing a bright blue hoodie, that He knew right where I was, and He knew exactly what I was feeling, right down to my thankfulness for the cloth napkin and the discomfort about what I was wearing.

And that changed everything. Knowing that God was there… right there… made all the difference in the world. I was no longer alone. I was no longer hidden away in a far corner of a distant country. I was no longer someone sitting awkwardly alone at a posh restaurant in Italy. I was known and seen… and loved.

I sat up a little straighter in my chair, and much straighter in my heart. I finished the meal with a flourish, indulging in a special Easter cake and espresso they served at the end.

The meal was special, no doubt. But what made it even more special was that God was with me, on the far side of the sea, just like He is with each one of us… anywhere… if we’ll open our hearts and eyes to see.
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Running to Jesus

I cried today, watching a portrayal of running to Jesus. I hope you’ll watch and run to Him, too!

Running to Jesus - La Scappa che Madonna in Piaza
I’m in Sulmona, Italy, this week, spending some time with the puppet carver and his family who are creating a puppet opera of our St Nicholas story to premiere here this Christmas!

But today is Easter, and I was able to celebrate with them, watching a portrayal of Jesus’s mother running to Jesus after learning He had risen from the dead.

She starts at one end of the plaza dressed in black, but when she sees Jesus, she begins to run to Him. Her black cloak of mourning comes off and a green dress of new life is revealed. Doves fly, and the crowd cheers!

It was extravagant enough to make me cry.

But what made me cry even more was what it means to me…

  • Because He lives, I will live, too.
  • Because He lives, those I love will live, too.
  • Because He lives, He has a purpose for my life here, too.

How do I know? Thirty-six years ago, when I put my faith in Christ, He gave me a gift of faith. Faith to believe that everything He said was true. Faith to believe that He could do anything, absolutely anything. And faith to share with others so they can have new life, too.

So that’s what I want to share with you today! A little bit of my faith.

Because I know that life can be hard. Relationships can be messy. Doubt and discouragement can turn into despair and hopelessness.

But I also know that God can do the impossible. He can make a way where there is no way. And He can breathe new life into things that are dead or dying.

I believe He can breathe new life into you.

If you’ve never put your faith in Him, I hope you’ll do it today. It’s as easy as ABC (He’s already done the hard work for you!)

  • Accept that He died for your sins so you don’t have to.
  • Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.
  • Confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord."

When you do, you will be saved!

And if you’ve already put your faith in Him, let me remind you of what God reminded me:

  • Because He lives, you will live, too.
  • Because He lives, those you love will live, too.
  • Because He lives, He has a purpose for your life here, too.

And if you’d like to watch the videos of my week in Sulmona, I’ve included a few below, starting with the portrayal of "Running to Jesus."

Keep running to Him!

Running to Jesus

At the Sulmona opera house

At the Puppet Workshop

Description of Running to Jesus
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My Missing Checkbook

I don’t always know what to do. But sometimes, just doing "the next right thing" is exactly what I need to do.

Picture of my missing checkbook

I lost my checkbook last week. That may not seem like a big loss, as I hardly write checks anymore.

But what IS important to me is the record book it contains of my income and expenses. I use it almost daily to keep track of funds that flow in and out of my life.

Where could I have left it? I checked my bank balance online to see the last place I might have used it. Since most transactions were online, that didn’t help.

Then Friday morning, I had to pay some bills. Not knowing what else to do, I did "the next right thing" I knew to do. I reached into the very back of my bill drawer to find another pad of blank checks, a cover, and a new blank record book to start over.

Pulling out a few old covers, I flipped through them to find one I could use. And there it was! My missing checkbook!

Now I remembered! I had been looking for a routing number the week before for an account I rarely use. After finding the number, I must have swept up my current checkbook and put it at the back of the drawer with those old ones.

Here I had finally given up on all my efforts to find my lost checkbook. I had looked in my car, my daughter’s car, and all the places around the house I might have lost it, but to no avail.

It was only Friday morning when I didn’t know what else to do and finally did the next right thing I knew to do, that I found it!

My checks were safe. My record book was restored. And my heart felt a rush of peace.

I wondered…

How many times have I not known what to do and then stopped moving forward or stopped taking ANY steps of faith because of something I had lost, something I had never found, or something I had given up on?

And how many times might I have found EXACTLY what I was looking for if I would have simply surrendered and done the next right thing God was presenting to me to do… to move on, to move forward or to take that next step of faith?

I’m thankful I found my checkbook. And I’m thankful I have more peace.

But I’m also wondering if there’s still much more peace ahead if I apply this to other areas of my life: trusting God for tomorrow, and doing the next right thing He presents to me today.

Maybe that same peace lies ahead of you, too?

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Harry Potter

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Do you long for stronger friendships? Then I’ve got a podcast for you!

New Podcast! "Harry Potter: Lessons In Friendship"

I’m launching a podcast on May 2nd called, "Harry Potter: Lessons in Friendship," your unofficial guide to building better friendships, based on the bestselling books!

I’ll be hosting the show along with my daughter, Makari, who’s an actor in LA, and my friend, Ezry, who starred in the premiere of our musical, His Name Was Nicholas. In each episode, we’ll be talking about the friendships found in the books, what makes them, what breaks them, and what can make our own friendships better.

We’ll be reading through all 7 books in about a year, talking about a few chapters per episode. Makari’s 28, Ezry’s 13, and I’m 59 and three-quarters! (If you’ve read the books, you know the importance of the three-quarters!)

TO JOIN US, you’ll need to subscribe to our podcast at:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-elder-harry-potter/subscribe

When you subscribe, be sure to check the box that says "Opt in to receive emails from the creator."

Why? Because when you do, I’ll send you a golden card I’ve personally designed and 3D-printed, just for you! It says, "I’m reading Harry Potter… It’s like having friends :)"

"I'm reading Harry Potter... It's like having friends :)"

You can carry this card with you, show it to your friends, or use it as a bookmark!

AND IF YOU STICK WITH US TILL THE END… I’ll send you an a gorgeous, 3D-printed, golden snitch! Even though it might take us a year to get through all 7 books, I’ve already started printing these beautiful golden snitches so they’ll be ready when you finish!

A 3D-printed Golden Snitch... for you!

We’ll officially launch on May 2nd, but you can watch the trailer now. Then be sure to subscribe to get every episode as they release throughout the year.

Here’s the trailer! Take a look, subscribe, then grab a copy of the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (aka Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone). We’ll start May 2nd!

Watch the Trailer on Spotify
Watch the Trailer on YouTube

Link to Trailer for "Harry Potter: Lessons In Friendship"

P.S. Do you know someone else who might be interested in this podcast? Send them this message! I’d love for them to join us!
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The Missing Psalm

We can’t go back again… or can we? Sometimes, the answer lies ahead of us.

Psalm 20, read by Lana Elder, with piano by Eric Elder

A few months before my sweet Lana passed away, she recorded 31 Psalms for a project we were working on. We were writing a devotional about prayer to highlight 31 of the 150 Psalms in the Bible.

I asked Lana if I could record her reading them. Then my sister and my kids and I would record some piano music to go along with each.

It wasn’t until after she passed away that I realized I had forgotten to ask her to record one of the Psalms that was most precious to me: Psalm 20. That was the Psalm I was reading when I was talking to God about marrying her. I especially loved verse 4:

"May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."

I prayed that prayer over and over, that God would give me the desire of my heart… to marry Lana.

It was a long-shot prayer. In fact, I had read this Psalm just moments after Lana told me she was happy with her single life, wasn’t ready to commit to anyone or anything, and walked away from the spot on the floor where we had been sitting and talking about our future.

That was 35 years ago.

But God eventually answered those prayers! Lana said, "Yes," and 23 years of marriage and 6 kids later, I still shake my head at how God encouraged me through that Psalm so many years ago.

How could I have forgotten to ask her to record that Psalm while she was still alive?

From time to time, I’ve looked back, wishing for a do-over. Maybe you’ve felt the same about something in your life.

Well, this week, I got one!

A friend posted a recording he had made using a new AI voice tool. He fed a sample of his own voice into the system, then asked it to read back to him something new he just had written.

In all my years of studying new technologies, including voice technologies like this one, I’ve never heard anything so lifelike. It sounded just like my friend… and it was! It was just brilliantly edited and rearranged so he could say something new.

Then I thought of my wish for a do-over.

I quickly signed up for an account (for $1!) and uploaded 5 minutes of Lana reading another Psalm (Psalm 119… also one of my favorites). Then I typed in the text of Psalm 20.

I clicked the button, and within 30 seconds, I began hearing Lana’s sweet voice again, reading to me from Psalm 20… the missing Psalm that had meant so much to me 35 years ago.

I was in tears.

Yesterday, I decided to record some piano music to go along with it: the love theme from Titanic called, "My Heart Will Go On."

Today, I’d like to share it with you.

No, we can’t go back again. But sometimes, the answer lies ahead of us, in this case, in the form of a new technology that has brought back some very precious memories.

Keep pressing on. Keep moving forward. Keep trusting in God, who can always make a way… even when there seems to be no way at all.

Listen to Psalm 20, read by Lana Elder, with piano by Eric Elde

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3 Huts

I heard a joke about a man who lived alone on an island for years.

Three huts on an island

His rescuer asked why he had built 3 huts on the island.

"That one’s my home," he said. "And that one’s my church."

"And the third one?" the rescuer asked.

"That’s the church I used to go to."

Maybe that’s you. Maybe you’ve been hurt by the church or by people in the church.

The good news is, the man didn’t leave God. He still found a way to keep worshipping Him, even in the midst of his disappointment.

I pray the same for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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4 Hours at Asbury

I went to Asbury last week. I’d like to share what happened… in me.

My son and me at Asbury.

I heard God was doing something special at Asbury University, a Christian college in central Kentucky.

A friend confirmed it and thought I should go.

I wrote someone I knew who is on staff at Asbury to see what they thought. They said:

"Eric, If you want to come, then you should come. We don’t know how long this will last… The Lord’s presence is here in a way that is not dramatic or emotionalistic, but personal and corporate, intimate and lifted up. Everyone’s experience is personal to how the Lord is working in their life. This is just a moment (or over a week now) where this has become a thin place to experience the Lord’s presence."

I asked my son if he’d like to come. He said, "Yes," so we jumped in the car for the 6-hour drive to Kentucky.

When we got there at 10 PM on Saturday night, the line into the main building was so long I didn’t think we’d get in. But I saw they were live-streaming the service into the chapel across the street… a chapel where God had spoken to me in a powerful way 30 years ago.

I asked my son if we could duck into the chapel for a bit. While waiting in a much shorter line there, I told him what God had spoken to me in that place 30 years earlier.

I was there for a conference to deal with unhealthy attractions. Christ had broken the power of those in my life 5 years earlier, but I went to the conference to support a friend and asked God for wisdom to keep me faithful to my marriage and the commitment I had made to Him 5 years earlier.

I wanted to learn all I could so I could stay on track.

During one of the worship sessions, I sat down in my pew, and a man on my left put his hand on my shoulder, saying he had a word from God for me. He said:

"You will never go back to what you once were…. you will never, never, never, never, never go back."

He added:

"Satan doesn’t need to get you to sin in order to keep you from doing God’s will. He just has to get you doing something other than God’s will for you. People will give you many opportunities. Don’t take them. Take only the ones God gives you."

I was dumbstruck. That was THE answer to THE question on my heart. It’s been 30 years since that moment at Asbury, and I’ve never gone back to what I once was.

I shared that story with my son just before we ducked into the chapel.

When we got inside, we sat down in the crowded balcony and began to worship. It was sweet and simple.

After a few songs, a man on my left put his hand on my shoulder and said he had a word from God for me. "May I share it?" he asked.

I looked at my son, then looked back at him, and said, "Yes!"

He shared with me a beautiful word about how God hears the songs on my heart and wants me to share them with others. That, now, is the main thing on my heart these days, trying to get my new musical about St. Nicholas out to the nations of the world.

When I looked over again, the man was gone.

I teared up, hardly believing that God had spoken to me in such an intimate, meaningful, and personal way, just as he had done 30 years earlier in that same spot.

About midnight, my son and I walked across the street and were able to get into the main auditorium. We worshipped for another 2 hours, until 2 AM. At that time, they asked that only students 16-25 stay in the chapel until the next day when they would open the doors again to the public.

Afterward, I asked my son, "When was the last time we worshiped for 4 hours straight?" Not in a long time. "When have we seen people standing in line for 6-7 hours to get into church?" Never!

We came home the next day, as the crowds had grown even bigger. And I’ve been worshipping in my heart, and out loud, ever since.

On Thursday night, I watched the closing chapel service online from my home back in Illinois. One of the speakers shared how he was touched by the Asbury revival 50 years ago, in 1970, when God had visited in a special way, too. He said:

“I have to tell you something that’s about to happen. You will never, ever, ever be the same. You will never think the same. You will never be satisfied again with anything less than Jesus. You’ll never again be able to live a merely selfish life, because you encountered Christ.

I’m still taking it all in, letting God speak to me, intimately and personally.

And I am convinced God is ready and willing to speak to you, intimately and personally, about the things on your heart… wherever you are.

Let Him renew you. Let Him refresh you. Let Him begin a new work in you!

Speak to God, and let Him speak to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Watching a Movie with God

I saw a movie on Valentine’s Day this week. What I loved most about it was my date… God!

Seat E14 at the IMAX

I saw that Titanic was going to be in theaters this week for its 25th anniversary. I wanted to go see it, but with who?

I asked a few friends, but no one could go. I still wanted to see it, so I decided to go alone.

It was "Movie Tuesday" at our local theater, so tickets were only $5. I opened the theater app that morning to reserve a seat and saw that tickets for this show were $10, probably because it was in 3D (and it was directed by James Cameron).

I don’t usually prefer 3D movies because of having to wear the red and blue glasses and hold my head at a certain angle the whole time.

So I didn’t book a ticket.

That’s okay, I thought. I’ll make it through Valentine’s Day without doing something that I’d really like to do.

But as the day went on, I still wanted to go. The clock was ticking and I hadn’t made a decision. At twenty till seven, I had to make a decision or I wouldn’t make it in time.

I lay down on my bed and prayed.

"E14." The thought just came to my mind.

E14? I thought.

"E14." It came again.

"E14," I said to myself. "Okay, I’ll check." I opened the theater app. The seats were filling up. I looked for row E. It was right near the front. The little boxes for the seats weren’t labeled, just the row numbers. "E" was closer than I would normally sit for a movie, let alone an IMAX movie, and especially a 3D movie! The screen would be HUGE!

I lifted my finger and dropped it in the center of row E.

Up popped the seat number: E14!

What?!? I thought? I had no idea that seat would be in that spot.

But in my heart, I knew. I knew I should go. And I knew God wanted to go with me. He chose the seat, and it was time to leave.

I clicked "buy" and up popped another screen. It was a discount for $5 off! Now the seat was $5, just as I had hoped!

I put on my shoes and coat, got in my car, and drove to the theater.

I grabbed a free, small bag of popcorn they were offering and found my seat. Front and center!

I sat down, put on my 3D glasses, and the show began.

I have never watched a more incredible show in 3D! For the next 3 hours and 15 minutes I was swept away into one of the most epic love stories on film.

I was enthralled. I laughed, I cried, I was mesmerized.

I kept thinking, "God, You’re the best date ever!" I love these seats! I love this theater! I love these snacks! And I love spending the night with you.

Even the romantic scenes brought me closer to Him, as I experienced what He experiences when two people fall in love and explore all the richness of romance He created for them.

I went home feeling more filled up and joyful than before, knowing that God was with me, and that He enjoyed the experience as much as I did.

Sometimes it’s easy to think you’re all alone. It’s easy to get down and discouraged when there’s not someone nearby "with skin on."

But the truth is, God is closer than you think. And He promises He will never leave you alone… and He won’t. You may not always feel it. You may not always sense it. But He’s right there, I assure you.

Sometimes He shows up in a special way, like He’s doing this week at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. People are just walking into the building and sensing the presence of God in a tangible way.

And sometimes He shows up in the smallest of things, like whispering "E14" in our ears and calling us into an epic love story with Him.

What about you? How has God shown up to you this week? You may not have realized it at the time, but it’s not because He hasn’t shown up. Sometimes we just don’t connect the dots.

Ask God this week to help you connect the dots. Let Him show you that He really is closer than you think.

Then grab some popcorn, take a seat, and enjoy the show.

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Celebrating Little Wins

I had a little win a few weeks ago. I’d like to celebrate it with you and share what God did in my heart that day.

A Little Win

What happened? I tested my blood sugar and it was 102!

That might be normal for some people or a little high for others or it may not mean anything to you! But for me, it was a turning point in my health and gave me a new outlook on the rest of my life.

I’ve had diabetes for several years. I didn’t even know I had it until a blood test showed I did.

But over the years, it’s gotten worse. I’ve made brief progress from time to time with diet or exercise or meds, but not in ways that seemed sustainable to me.

And I still didn’t notice anything different in my body, so I wasn’t sure it was even worth the time and effort.

But last Christmas things had changed, and I noticed it in a dramatic way.

I was in production mode for three months leading up to my new musical, His Name Was Nicolas. As rehearsals went on, I realized I was having to step out and use the bathroom more and more, a sign that my blood sugar might be out of control.

By the time we reached our final rehearsals, I realized I wouldn’t be able to sit at the piano on stage and direct the show for three hours straight. There were limited bathrooms and lots of people. Breaks for me would be nonexistent.

I panicked.

For the first time in my life, I bought some Depends (adult diapers). I’d never worn them before, so I wasn’t sure how they’d work, but at least I had a backup plan in case I had an emergency.

And I did. Partway through the first show, and in front of a live audience, I couldn’t hold back any longer.

(It reminded me of a joke where an elderly man asked an elderly woman: "If I took you out for a full night of wining, dining, and dancing, what would you wear?” She replied: “Depends.”)

Well, that night, I was thankful for mine. There’s nothing quite like playing and singing a song in front of a live audience, then having to stand up and dance across the stage for the big ending, not knowing if I could depend on my Depends or not.

Praise God, I could! I finished the song and the crowd cheered.

Humbling? You bet. A wake up call? Absolutely.

After the last curtain call, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor for after the holidays.

A week later, I got Covid and was knocked down for three months fighting Covid fatigue, and it was another nine months before I even got half my energy back.

My blood sugars were out of control, sometimes peaking above 200, which for me was an all-time high.

So what changed recently? What turned it around?

In November, I happened to meet a diabetes consultant in my writers group. One day after class, I asked if we could talk.

I told him about my situation, the things I had tried, and how I had practically lost hope. I was afraid my health was in a downward spiral and might never recover.

He talked me off that ledge and gave me some simple help. He spent several hours with me, explaining what was happening in my body and what I could do to address it.

His explanation opened my eyes. I was finally able to see a path forward. (It came down to diet and exercise, something I’d heard before, but now I understood why I was doing it!)

After just a few days, my numbers started coming down. After a few weeks, they were coming down still more! And two weeks ago, I tested my blood sugar again. I was shocked to see the number that popped up on the screen: 102!

I hadn’t seen that low of a number in years. (And no, this is not a commercial for any program or pill or person.)

What I really want to share is what God did that day in my heart.

For the first time in years, I had HOPE in regards to my health. I had nearly resigned myself to continually declining health for the rest of my life, feeling like my tent posts were being removed from my body one by one until it would finally collapse.

Seeing 102 pop up gave me hope again for my physical health, and that sparked hope again for my spiritual health. I suddenly had a renewed excitement for the projects in front of me.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves spiritually is to get better physically.

What about you? What might be taking a toll on your life spiritually because something is taking a toll on your life physically? What resolutions have you made and broken, then made and broken again, leaving you with little or no hope?

What do you need from God that could help you take your next step… a step that could lead to better health, more strength, stronger faith… a step that is doable, sustainable, and actually exciting to you?

I want to encourage you to keep taking those steps, keep asking God for help, and keep trusting that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

I know there’s still a road ahead of me. But the view today is much better than it was a month ago, a year ago, or even a decade ago.

I believe I can do this. I believe I can make it. And with God’s help, I believe I will live out the fullness of days God has ordained for me.

It’s a little win that gave me GREAT hope.

And that’s worth celebrating.

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New Writing Group!

I’m starting a new writing group this month and wondered if you’d like to join me?

Want to join my new writing group?

We’re going to meet weekly on Zoom from 1-2 PM (CST) on Tuesdays and on the third Tuesday of the month from 7-9 PM (CST).

Would you be interested? My plan is to meet like this for 6 months to help people really make progress on writing and publishing their books. It’s a suggested donation of $95 a month or $495 for 6 months.

Here’s a link to sign up!

And here’s a link to learn more about me if you’re new to my ministry.

We start tomorrow if you can make it! I’d love to have you!

(I’m also available for one-on-one coaching if that works better for you. Here’s my calendar if you’d like to pick a day and time to chat on Zoom for 30 minutes or an hour!)

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It’s the Little Things

I’d like to tell you about this little snail… and the hope it gave me this week.

Our little snail, clinging to the wall by the bubble maker

I’ve been taking care of this little snail for my daughter while she’s out of town. It doesn’t require much work… a little tablet of food every other day.

The snail is usually pretty active, moving around in the water of its aquarium several times a day, climbing over rocks and plants, and clinging to the walls.

But about two weeks ago, it stopped moving. It just lay there on the rocks. I talked to my daughter. She said to move it with a spoon or something to a different location. So I did.

A few days passed and still no movement.

She suggested cleaning the tank and replacing the water. I did.

A few more days. Still no movement.

After a week of this, I talked to my daughter again. I told her it hadn’t moved in a week. "I’m sorry," I said. "I could wait a few more days." But in my heart, I was ready to pull the bubble maker.

"I don’t know," she said. "It probably is dead. But I’ve thought that many times."

So we gave it a few more days.

Two days later, I looked in the tank. It was in a different position about 2 inches away from where it had been!

The next day, it was in another position! I hadn’t seen it move, but it was in a new spot on the rocks.

Then Thursday night I watched an episode of "The Chosen." It was about the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter.

As I watched Jesus do these miracles, I was in tears. I had to push pause while I took it all in. Watching Jesus step into our world and do the things He did… I was overcome.

The Bible stories we read now weren’t stories in a book to the people Jesus came to. Their experiences were real, lived out in real-time, and like nothing they had ever seen before.

They had no hope.

Then Jesus showed up.

And their worlds changed.

So did mine. I was reminded that everything I’ve read in the Bible is true. It’s happened in my life. It’s happened in others’ lives. And it still happens now.

I finished the show and went to say goodnight to the snail. I decided to pray… to plead… to believe… that God would somehow raise it up again, and specifically, that the snail would start moving again and cling to the walls like it had done before.

I didn’t have much faith. It had been 10 days. But I had seen some movement. And I had just seen Jesus do miracles.

The next morning, I looked in the tank and couldn’t see the snail. It wasn’t on the rocks. It wasn’t on the plants. Where had it gone?

Then I saw it, right next to the bubble maker, clinging to the wall as fresh bubbles flowed all over its shell!

It was alive! I couldn’t believe it! And it was clinging to the wall, just as I had prayed it would do the night before.

It’s a little thing. But sometimes the little things can give us the greatest hope.

Was it a miracle? Was it a resurrection? Was it a healing? Was it just resting for 10 days and just now deciding to move again?

I don’t know. I don’t know enough about snails to know what’s normal. But what I do know is it hadn’t moved for a week, and I was ready to pull the plug.

What about you? What plug are you ready to pull? What have you given up on as having no chance at life?

What dreams have been dormant in your life? What hasn’t come to pass that you thought surely would by now?

If Jesus can raise a snail, how much more can He raise whatever’s wrong in your life? He’s done it before. He’ll do it again.

I believe. And THAT gives me much more hope for the future than anything else ever possibly could.
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What’s New at The Ranch – The Last Day of the Year

What's New at The Ranch

The Last Day of the Year

Would you consider making a year-end donation to our ministry to help us finish strong?

Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution

Make a Donation

Thanks to your support this year, we’ve been able to:

  • send out 240,000 encouraging emails
  • publish 22 podcasts to encourage people in their faith (485 hours)
  • equip 24 writers to write their Christian books (30 hours training)
  • produce 1 album of inspirational Christmas music (14 songs)
  • preach in person at 5 community events
  • edit and premiere the film of our stage musical "His Name Was Nicholas"
  • pitch our St Nicholas musical to 10 producers around the country
  • commission a new "puppet opera" to premiere next year in Italy

Thanks for your help, and Happy New Year!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New at The Ranch – A Childhood Dream

What's New at The Ranch
Click to donate to the puppet opera!

A Childhood Dream

One of my favorite childhood memories at Christmas was finding a marionette under our tree on Christmas morning. Sometimes I would find one in the tree itself.

I loved these marionettes and would get every year for several years. They were specially made by a company in England called "Pelham Puppets," and I only ever saw them at Marshall Field’s on State Street in Chicago (about a 2-hour drive from our farm in Central Illinois).

I recently unboxed all of my childhood puppets and took the picture above.

More than 50 years later, I’m still getting the same thrill I got as a kid, but now it’s coming every week or two in the form of pictures from my new puppeteer friends in Italy who are hand carving not just one or two marionettes, but SIXTEEN for our new "puppet opera" premiering in Italy for Christmas 2023.

Here are a few pix I’ve received.

This is Nicholas…

Hand-carved St. Nicholas

This is Anna Maria…

Hand-carved Anna Maria

And this will be Young Dimitri!

Hand-carved Dimitri!

I can’t wait to see them all—and the show—when they’re done next year!

Would you like to help me bring this show to life? By donating $25, $100, or even $1,000 by the end of the year, we can put together the entire show, from the puppets and costumes to the sets and scenery.

In appreciation of your gift, I’d love to send you a "token" of appreciation that you can carry in your pocket or purse as a reminder to pray for our show, that MANY would see, MANY would hear, and MANY would put their faith in the Lord.

"Token" of appreciation

Here’s the link to make a donation ONLINE:

Donate to our "St. Nicholas Puppet Opera

(If your donation is over $250, you might rather send a check to Eric Elder Ministries, 25615 E 3000 North Rd, Chenoa, IL 61726 and save the higher processing fees. But either way is great! Thank you!)

P.S. If you’d like to watch the FREE ballet version of our St. Nicholas story that we filmed in South Carolina, you can watch it online at the link below! It’s a beautiful hour and ten minutes of Christmas inspiration, filled with music, dancing, and a heartwarming story that points clearly to Jesus.

Watch "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet"

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement, and Merry Christmas!

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What’s New at The Ranch – Watch “His Name Was Nicholas” ONLINE!

What's New at The Ranch
Watch in person or online.

Want to see an INSPIRING Christmas story?

You can now watch the World Premiere of our Christmas musical ONLINE! (Recorded and edited from the stage version in 2021.)

The show is called His Name Was Nicholas and tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of the real-life St Nicholas who lived in the 3rd Century AD. (Today is actually St. Nicholas Day! The day the real-life St Nicholas passed from this life to the next in 363 AD.)

My wife Lana and I wrote the story to bring HOPE to readers and audiences worldwide. So if you need some hope TODAY, check out our new recording of the musical we staged last Christmas in Streator, Illinois. It features over 100 friends, old and new, who put together this show with 25 original songs and a story that will make you laugh, cry, and move closer to Christ this Christmas.

If you live in or near Illinois, we’ll also be showing the video recording IN-PERSON at the Eagle 6 Theater in Streator, Illinois for two showings only at 10:45 AM and 12:30 PM. I’ll be at both showings, and I’d love to see you there! The run time is 2-1/2 hours. Doors open at 10 AM for the 10:45 show and 11:45 for the 12:30 show.

Watch in person or online.
And if you don’t live nearby, you can still watch the recording online, anytime during the month of December! It’s a gorgeous production full of lights, costumes, snow, and a message of hope.

Watch in person or online.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards our NEXT production: a puppet opera we’re creating from the same story to premiere in Italy for Christmas, 2023! Know that your donations are going to help many more people around the world find THE HOPE OF CHRIST through this story.

Here’s the link to buy tickets to watch the recording either IN-PERSON or ONLINE.

https://ericelderministries.thundertix.com

Enjoy!

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What’s New at The Ranch – Puppets Underway!

What's New at The Ranch
St Nicholas in progress...

Puppets Underway!

Could you help us bring the show to life?

We’re making a puppet show of our St. Nicholas story to premiere in Italy for Christmas, 2023!

My counterparts in Italy are already carving wood, sewing costumes, and writing the script for the show.

Here’s a shot of one of our planning meetings…

Planning in progress...
Our goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of December to cover the startup costs for the show… puppets, sets, theater rental, marketing, etc. The premiere is set for December 26, 2023 in Sulmona, Italy, with plans to record and stream the show online.

Once the show is created, it will become part of the repertoire of this traveling group who will then be able to share it with audiences all over Italy (and hopefully here in the US!) in the months and years to come.

On this Giving Tuesday, would you consider making a donation of $25-$1,000 to help us bring the show to life? We have a good start but still have a good ways to go.

Goal
As a "thank you" for your gift of any size, I’d love to send you a small "token" of our appreciation to carry with you as a reminder to pray for our show and the people who will see it. We’re praying MANY will see, MANY will hear, and MANY will put their faith in the Lord

"Token" of appreciation

It’s a great way to point people to Jesus, using a figure from history who loved Jesus with all his heart.

Here’s the link to donate. Be sure to include your mailing address with your gift to receive our "token" of appreciation… and a reminder to pray.

https://event.fundeasy.com/24048

Thank you!
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What’s New at The Ranch – “A Cozy Christmas” – Pure Piano



Marilyn Byrnes "A Cozy Christmas" Pure Piano

"A Cozy Christmas" Pure Piano

You can now listen to my sister’s new Christmas album! (including a song from me!)

I am always blown away when I hear my sister play. And apparently I’m not alone, as her music is streamed nearly 1 MILLION TIMES EVERY WEEK on popular streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Marilyn has just released her new Christmas album of pure piano, and once again it’s pure delight. I hope you’ll take a listen then add it to your playlist and let her music wash over you again and again this holiday season.

There’s something about music that can bring us peace and calm in a way that nothing else does. That’s why my ministry has helped Marilyn and others create incredible music for the last 25 years… to offer peace and calm to millions who crave it.

In the case of this album, Marilyn recorded and edited it, I produced it, a friend Gil Stober mixed and mastered it, and my daughter Makari painted the album cover. We then released it through CD Baby, who distributed it to dozens of streaming platforms.

And now, YOU can listen to it on your favorite platform. Here are a few:

And here are the songs on the album:

  1. “White Christmas (from “Holiday Inn”)”
  2. “The Holly And The Ivy”
  3. “While By My Sheep, I Watch At Night”
  4. “Christmas Time Is Here”
  5. “O Tannenbaum”
  6. “What Child Is This?”
  7. “Merry Christmas, Darling”
  8. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
  9. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
  10. “When I Survey The Cross”
  11. “Silent Night”
  12. “There’s Always Something You Can Give (Instrumental)”

You might notice the last song is ONE I WROTE! It’s an instrumental version of a song from my Christmas musical, His Name Was Nicholas. Marilyn played the piano, my friend Matt Ludwig created the orchestration, and another friend Olivia Bolles recorded the violin.

I LOVE how it all came together to produce a beautiful Christmas sensation.

I’m telling you all this background to encourage you to listen to the music, both for yourself AND FOR OTHERS. Why? Because every click and "like" and thumbs up says to the streaming service "we like this." Then the streaming service promotes the music to even more people.

So just by listening and liking and sharing our music, you can help bring peace and calm to many, many more people! It’s a WIN-WIN for everyone.

Here are the links again to listen…and "like" and share!

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What’s New at The Ranch – Reminder: Write with Me!

Kent Sanders' new book (and 10 steps away... mine!)

Reminder: Write with Me!

Join me this November to write a book! You never know who it might touch!

One of my best friends, Kent Sanders, just wrote a book with Elvis Presley’s brother. It’s called The Faith of Elvis and is now in bookstores everywhere.

I went to Barnes & Noble two weeks ago to see his book on the shelf for myself. (We’ve been talking about and doing writing for years, and I wanted to see the fruit of his labors at a real bookstore.)

After looking at his book for a few minutes on the shelf (among SO many other inspirational authors) I turned to my left and was surprised to see ONE OF MY OWN BOOKS, just 10 steps away!

I took the video above of both his book and mine, thankful for all the years we’ve spent writing books and believing they will bless people, but having no idea where they might end up.

Maybe you have a book burning inside YOU waiting to get out? If so, I’d love to come alongside you this November to help write it. Who knows who YOURS might touch!

Here’s a link where you can learn more about writing with me this November:

Write With Eric!

Sign up before November 1st! And pass this along the link to anyone you know who should write THEIR book. I’d love to flood the marketplace with books by Christians to impact the world for Christ.

By the way, here’s Kent’s kind endorsement of my writing class:

“Eric has been a friend, inspiration, and writing mentor in my life for over twenty years. Through his example and his incredible creative output, he’s motivated me to keep writing and growing. As a pastor and later as a college professor doing writing on the side, I valued Eric’s wisdom as we talked often about our mutual projects. And now as a full-time ghostwriter, podcaster, and writing coach, I value his input and wisdom even more. Anyone who’s tried to write a book knows it takes time and energy. Eric’s done it many, many times! I can’t think of anyone better equipped to help guide writers on the path to making their dreams come true.”
Kent Sanders
The Faith of Elvis

Click here to learn more or sign up!

Write With Eric!
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What’s New at The Ranch – Writing is Therapy

Listen to the "Fifty Shades of Grace" audiobook

Writing is Therapy

Someone asked me which of my books is MY FAVORITE. Hands-down, it’s a book I ALMOST never published.

I wanted to write about how Christ had changed my life, but the details were so personal, so intimate, that I didn’t know if I could ever share them with others.

But I decided to try. I began writing down the stories, using a pen name for myself and for others in the book. Somehow that freed me to truly write from my heart, without reservation.

When I finished the book, I hesitantly sent the book, chapter by chapter, to some friends. Their responses floored me! Not only did they LOVE the book, they thought I SHOULD PUBLISH IT for many to see.

Still hesitant, I sent it to nearly 100 friends, asking for their honest feedback before I actually put it out for a wider audience. Again, I was floored by their responses. (I’ve included some of their comments at the end of this email).

So I went ahead and published the book, under the pen name, just as I had written it.

I’ve recently published it as an AUDIOBOOK on Spotify, Audible, Google Play, and other audio platforms. I was listening to the book last week to test it out and it made me laugh, cry, and thankful all over again for my faith in Christ and the changes He has brought about in my life.

I’m praying that many more will read and now listen to the book and hear how God can change a life… from the inside out.

I tell you this for 2 reasons.

1) I’d love for you to read or listen to the book. It’s my favorite of the 35 books I’ve written because it’s my love story with Christ, and my love story with my late wife, Lana. (Links to read or listen are at the end of this email).

2) I’d like to encourage you to write down YOUR STORY. You may think your story is too personal to tell. But I believe God can make a way for you to share it in a way that is meaningful for others and helpful for you.

I have found that WRITING IS THERAPY for me. As I wrote Fifty Shades of Grace, I was able to capture memories that I was afraid I might otherwise forget. I was also able to work through some of the pain and grief of losing Lana by remembering her and how God used her in my healing and restoration to Him.

I’ll be writing another book this November, and I’d love for you to join me. Whether you publish it or not, I believe writing what God has done in your life can have deep impact on your life. The process alone is worth the work, and if you publish at the end, even more people can benefit!

Don’t waste your pain. Use it for good… for yourself and for others!

A friend once told me:

"Everyone has a million-dollar book inside them. They just need to tell their own story… but they have to be brutally honest."

That’s what I did with Fifty Shades of Grace. It’s my own story, under a pen name, but its brutal honesty is what gives it wings.

If you’d like to write along with me in November, I’m offering some zoom coaching to anyone who wants to come along and write their story, too. Here’s a link to learn more and sign up (before November 1st!)

SIGN UP to "Write with Eric" this November!

And if you’d like to read or listen to MY favorite book, here are the links:

And here are some reader reviews:

  • “A gripping story—a page turner for sure!” R.E.
  • “Truthful and compelling. I wanted to cry and hold him and tell him everything would be all right (and sometimes box his little ears!)” J.T.
  • “It hooks you immediately.” K.S.
  • “Engaging, interesting—and significant.” G.P.
  • “Excellent! Not overly graphic, but very personal. ” D.M.
  • “A fascinating story—I think more than one wife will nudge her husband and say, ‘Here. Read this.’” B.B.
  • “I don’t think I could be so open and honest. That’s probably why it is so riveting.” J.L.
  • “A story that all of us can relate to.” A.L.

(Please note: some readers may find this book explicit. While the stories are tastefully told, they are intended for mature readers.)

Again, here’s the link to sign up to write with me in November!

SIGN UP to "Write with Eric" this November!

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What’s New at The Ranch – How to FINALLY Write that Book on Your Heart

Write with Eric!

How to FINALLY write
that book on your heart

For years, I had a book on my heart I wanted to write. I didn’t know how to start. I didn’t know how to organize it. I didn’t know how to actually write it.

But then I was challenged to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. That sounded unbelievable! Impossible! Or was it?

I found out it WAS possible! And I did it. (Well, I was only able to write 30,000 words, and it took me 40 days. But at the end of those 40 days, I had finished a first draft of a fully fleshed out novel.)

And I’ve done it many times since. I’ve written over 30 books (35 if you count a couple of Spanish translations and three books of sheet music).

Now, I’d like to challenge YOU to write that book on YOUR heart.

How did I do it?

I’ll tell you!

This November, I’ll be writing another book in 30 days (at least a rough draft). And I’d like to invite you to join me.

Here’s how it works…

Set aside an hour a day (or more or less) for every day in November to write a few paragraphs… just one story each day that you’d like to include in your book.

You can write the stories in order or as they come to your mind. But just write them down. Summarize. Don’t edit. Don’t look up dates or details. Not yet. Just write down each story you want to tell. 30 days. 30 stories.

You can edit, rearrange, and add details later. But for this first pass, just get the stories out of your head and onto some paper, or onto your computer, or onto your phone as voice memos. The idea is to get your story out… to think of the stories you want to tell. then to share with others what God has shared with you.

Would you like to join me?

I’ll be holding some zoom meetings during November to cheer you on, give you ideas, and answer your questions. I’ll also show you how to upload your book to Amazon when you’re done so others can read it.

YOU CAN DO THIS! And I’d love to help.

Here’s what I’m offering:

  • 4 group teachings on zoom during November from 7-9PM CST (November 2, 9, 16 & 30)
  • 20 "office hours" on zoom every weekday in November (with a few off for Thanksgiving) from Noon-1PM CST to talk to anyone who wants to talk (with as many as show up), ask questions, or just write for the hour
  • To come alongside you for 30 days in November to help you write your story. At the end of November, you’ll have a good first start on your book that you can late edit, rearrange, and add details on your own (I’ll share some contacts if you need help beyond November).

Here’s what it costs:

  • $150 donation to our ministry. Your donations help me continue creating opportunities like these, so thank you! (And believe me, this is a bargain… I just saw a class offering the same type of coaching for $10,000! I just want to help Christians write their stories and flood the marketplace with God-honoring books. I’d love for you to join me.)

Click this link to sign up! (before November 1st!)

SIGN UP to "Write with Eric" this November!

By the way, here are some comments from others I’ve helped to FINALLY write their books. Listen to their joy! (and click the links to see their books on Amazon!)

“Eric has assisted us so many times over the years with our various publications… his encouragement and help have made all the difference in our efforts & success!”
Greg Potzer, Our Favorite Christian Quotations

“Eric was instrumental in motivating me to write Testimonies of Grace, and his practical knowledge of the editing and publishing process were equally valuable. He was with me every step of the way, a journey I will never forget!”
Brent Knapton, Testimonies of Grace

“Eric, made it possible for me to compile two books. I contributed thoughts and ideas…..a message to be shared. Eric provided his warm fellowship, ongoing encouragement, and expertise from writing many books himself. He has an inborn, God-given desire to help people. The experience turned out to be delightful.”
Clayt Irmeger, Life: Not to be Lived Single-Handedly

“Eric was more than an encourager as I started the process of writing a children’s book. He guided me through virtually every step of the way. His expertise in his own writings proved to be just what was needed to see my book become a reality. He is now currently helping me complete my 2nd children’s book. Thank you, Eric!”
Karen Neal, So You Know

“Eric has the uncanny ability to motivate people to write. A writer himself, Eric helped me take scattered thoughts, organize them into a suitable structure to form a book, and he did it with consummate professionalism. When I needed a nudge, he nudged. When I needed a push, he pushed. But these were always done with the goal in mind – getting my story into a book that will inspire others.”
Tim Wilkins, (book underway)

“When I decided I wanted to self-publish my book, Eric gave helpful advice for how to do so in an easy, economical way. His help was much appreciated.”
Dr. Larry Booze, Say it to Stick

“Eric’s passion for writing is contagious. Add in his creative ingenuity and generous heart and you have an artisan who knows how to steer the hopeful writer in the right direction.”
Mary Felkins, This I Promise You

“I met Eric at church and upon learning that I had an interest in writing, he immediately offered to help me. I was early in the process of writing a novel, and I am thankful that Eric sat with me several times and let me talk about my book — which at that time, was mostly fragmented ideas. That validation was what I needed. From a place of genuine interest, he also offered practical guidance, which I very much appreciate.”
Aaron Chan, (book underway)

“Eric Elder’s writing class is the one place where I’ve found practical, detailed instruction on how to self-publish a book through Amazon. For me, this is the bridge I needed to fulfill my dream of publishing a novel.”
Cammie Quinn, (book underway)

“A while back, Eric encouraged me to read through the Bible in a year and keep a journal. He even invited his own readers to follow along with me. Seven years later, over 1,600 have joined my Bible reading Facebook page. Now, he’s helping me make this effort into a book. I’ve personally witnessed him help many publish and am now using his methods to do the same. Thank you for your ever encouraging heart, Eric.”
Al Lowry, 2022 Daily Bible Reading

“Eric Elder has been a wonderful mentor during the process of writing and self-publishing my first book. He has a wealth of knowledge and graciously shared it with me as he literally walked with me through the formatting and publishing processes. I am very proud of my book, and I am very thankful for Eric’s support and encouragement to complete this project. Without him, I know that I would not have completed it. Thank you, Eric!!!”
Sandy Egle, Ministering to the Least of These

“Eric has been a friend, inspiration, and writing mentor in my life for over twenty years. Through his example and his incredible creative output, he’s motivated me to keep writing and growing. I can’t think of anyone better equipped to help guide writers on the path to making their dreams come true.”
Kent Sanders, The Faith of Elvis

“Eric Elder was instrumental in guiding me in the self-publishing of my first children’s book. He was knowledgeable, available when I had questions, and very encouraging through the whole process! The encouragement was incredible! He helped me believe in myself and never doubted I would bring my idea to completion. Thank you, Eric!”
Laurie Bliese, Will the Lights Go Out?

“Eric believed my writing mattered to others before I was sure myself. He knew it could and should be shared, and he invited me into conversation about how. I’m grateful for his guidance and for the encouragement he offered after reading my first, self-published book. He walked with me the whole way.”
Caleb Dossett, They Call Me Mr

“I was so impressed with how Eric took so much time out of his busy schedule to help me finally finish my 10 year work-in-progress auto-biography. He gave me words of encouragement, practical advice, his editing skills, and prayer, that were all I needed to bring my book to completion, with which I was 100% pleased.”
Jeanette Smith, (book underway)

“If you are writing and find yourself stuck, call Eric! He repeatedly helped me get unstuck when I was writing my memoir. He not only helped me with the paperback version, he really held my hand when it came to the e-book (that was a monster to me!). I truly cannot recommend Eric enough for a calm voice, a clear head, and being totally competent when it comes to the whole book writing and publishing process.”
MelanEE Lisa Davidson, Loved. I. Am!

“Eric was one of the first people to read a rough draft of my debut novel. His support gave me the confidence and inspiration to finally complete and publish a story I had almost given up on. We all have a story, no matter how insignificant we think it may be. As Christians we need to share our faith and experiences with others, and Eric will help you accomplish that. Let your story shine for all to see.”
Steven Lomske, On the Bank of the Chippewa

Again, I really hope you’ll join me in November! Click this link to sign up!

SIGN UP to "Write with Eric" this November!
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What’s New at The Ranch – We’re Making a Puppet Show!

The historic Teatro Maria Caniglia in Sulmona, Italy

We’re Making a Puppet Show!

But not just any puppet show… an Italian "Puppet Opera!"

Last fall, I came across a fantastic "puppet opera" in Italy while I was scouting locations for a movie version of our St. Nicholas story.

I thought "Wouldn’t it be great to see a puppet opera of our story?" So a few months ago, I reached out to the founder of the company, Girolamo Botta, and asked if he would be interested.

He read the story and said, "This is a dream come true!" (Girolamo is from Palermo, Italy, where puppetry and storytelling are legendary.)

Since then, we’ve been talking, texting, and zooming to plan the show. Yesterday, he placed the first order for materials to get started!

It will take 6 months to hand-carve all the puppets, hand-tailor all the costumes, hand-paint all the scenes, and create from scratch all the music to be played on traditional instruments.

We’re targeting December 26th, 2023, for our premiere show in the historic Teatro Maria Caniglia (pictured above) in Sulmona, Italy. We’re also planning to film the show to make it available to audiences worldwide.

I love that this company uses as "open" theater where audiences see the action on stage as well as the puppeteers controlling them! This provides a rich storytelling extravaganza, immersing the audience in a powerful theatrical experience.

Here’s a sample of their work…

Creating an Italian "Puppet Opera"

I’d like to invite you to join us in creating this spectacular show to give audiences HOPE for years to come.

  1. Would you pray this show would give audiences the HOPE OF CHRIST for years to come?
  2. Would you consider making a donation to help bring this show to life? We’re praying for 100 people to support this show with gifts ranging from $25-1,000. Your name will be listed on both the theater program and the film credits.

Click here to learn more or make a donation.

Thanks so much for sharing my excitement!

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What’s New at The Ranch – New Podcast on Spotify!

Move over Joe Rogan… There’s a new face on Spotify! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

"Eric Elder & Friends" on Spotify

Move Over Joe Rogan…

There’s a new face on Spotify! I started a new podcast a few weeks ago. You can watch it on Facebook, YouTube, …and now Spotify!

In each episode, I share a song, a prayer, and a word of encouragement that God can work wonders in your life.

I broadcast LIVE on Sunday mornings at 10 AM Central Time on both my Facebook and YouTube channels.Or you can watch it LATER on ALL 3 of my channels.

Here are the links to watch:
https://www.facebook.com/eric.elder.73
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricElder
https://open.spotify.com/show/0TQ3LPrLG5gTaFfQgS4w3Z?si=5177251f65174826

(The new Spotify option makes it easy for people who already love listening to podcasts on that platform, and it contains the highest quality version of my podcast. WHEREVER you watch it, I hope you’ll be encouraged that God is alive and can work wonders in your life.)

Also joining me from time to time on the podcast is Judy Wray, a dear friend and woman of prayer. Judy has spoken significant words from God to me over the past 3 DECADES, and I’d love for you to hear from her, too.


Each week, we’re sharing from a new book I’ve written called Living Life with a Capital "L." The book includes the complete book of John from the Bible, plus a few words about how God has spoken to me through these stories in John. My hope is to inspire YOU to read through the book of John and hear what God has to say to YOU through these words from one of Jesus’s best friends.

You can get a pocket-sized version of my book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Life/dp/1931760888/

Cover of Living Life with a Capital "L"
Join me today OR ANYTIME for my new podcast to put a new fire in your heart for life.

Here are the links again to watch:
https://www.facebook.com/eric.elder.73
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricElder
https://open.spotify.com/show/0TQ3LPrLG5gTaFfQgS4w3Z?si=5177251f65174826

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What’s New at The Ranch – Living Life with a Capital “L”

Living Life with a Capital "L" by Eric Elder

Need more LIFE in your life?

If so, let me encourage you to do 3 things:

1) Read the book of John! John was one of Jesus’s closest friends. John wrote a book about their time together which is recorded in the Bible under his name, "John." The reason I want you to read John’s book is because he uses the word "LIFE" dozens of times, often quoting Jesus directly, including this: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). Jesus wants you to have an abundant life, and He’s glad to tell you how!

2) Read my new book on John! If you need some additional inspiration while you’re reading, you can get a copy of my book on Amazon called Living Life with a Capital "L." This pocket-sized book (4"x6") is easy to carry along and read anytime. In it, I’ve included all 21 chapters of the book of John, plus a few brief thoughts of my own at the end of each chapter. The idea is to share how John has spoken to me and know that God can use it to speak to you!

3) Follow my weekly podcast! Starting this Sunday at 10 AM Central Time, I’ll be streaming a live podcast on Facebook and YouTube where I’ll share a chapter each week from the book of John and from my book. I’ll also share a song on my piano and pray for anyone who wants prayer, joined by my dear friend and amazing woman of prayer, Judy Wray. If you’d like prayer, tune into the live podcast on either Facebook or YouTube and post your prayers in the comments.

To join me live, go to my Facebook or YouTube channel at 10 AM Central Time on Sundays. If you miss it live, you can watch it later on either channel.
https://www.facebook.com/eric.elder.73
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricElder

And if you’d like a paperback of my new book, click here to order from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Capital-encouragement-between/dp/1931760888/

See you Sunday!?!
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What’s New at The Ranch – Jane’s Wish

Jane’s Wish

I met Jane Roe in April 2006. What she told me was so shocking, I asked if she would write it down. She did.

("Jane Roe" was famous for winning the U.S. Supreme Court case Roe versus Wade in 1973 which legalized abortion in all 50 states. Her real name was Norma McCorvey, which was revealed after the trial.)

She was speaking a few miles from my hometown, and I wanted to hear what she had to say. I was surprised to learn she didn’t actually have an abortion, because the case wasn’t decided until after her baby was born.

But I was totally shocked to hear that, in hindsight, she regretted her role in the court case she had won. She even went back to the court to ask if they would overturn their decision, but they said too much time had passed.

I talked to her after she spoke to ask more about her thoughts. I asked if I had heard correctly, that she really did want the court to overturn her case.

“Yes,” she said.

I asked if she would write it down for me.

“Of course!” she said.

She took a slip of paper from the table and wrote, “I wish R v W was overturned." Then she signed it, "Ms Norma McCorvey.”

I couldn’t believe it. Jane Roe wished Roe versus Wade was overturned.

She died about five years ago. But on Friday, her wish came true.

I just thought you’d like to know.

Living Life with a Capital "L" by Eric Elder

Eric Elder

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What’s New at The Ranch – Summer Follow-Up

What's New at The Ranch

How Was The Show?

It was TERRIFIC, thanks! Believe it or not, it’s been six months since we performed the World Premiere of His Name Was Nicholas, the real-life story of St. Nicholas who lived back in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

It was tons of fun and we were able to encourage nearly 1,500 people in their faith who watched the show live online and in person. I’m still processing all that happened! (Unfortunately, I got COVID over Christmas, and it really knocked the wind out of my sails! My "batteries" still seem to drain faster than before, but I’m doing better and better each month, praise God! It’s been a hard few years for all of us, hasn’t it?)

I wanted to give you a mid-year update and ask 3 things.

1) If you saw the show, I’ve posted a follow-up survey that I’d love for you to answer. It will really help us going forward to know what you enjoyed and what we could do better. We’re hoping to replicate the show in as many places as possible, and your feedback will help us replicate the right things and fix the wrong things! Here’s a link to the survey:
https://forms.gle/XpMwfPLippHMPNiQA

2) If you missed the show, you can still watch it online! I’ve created a "Director’s Cut" from all three live performances. You can watch it online now for just $5 using the link below. We also have a few remaining "World Premiere" sweatshirts, T-shirts, ornaments, and books you can buy for HALF-OFF! We only have a few left, so when they’re gone, they’re gone! Here’s a link to watch the show online or get a souvenir:
https://ericelderministries.square.site/

3) If you know someone who might be interested in staging the show THIS CHRISTMAS, please forward this email to them! The show is a great way to USE THE TALENTS IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY to share THE HOPE OF CHRIST WITH YOUR COMMUNITY. It’s a fun and fresh way to tell the story of Jesus through the real-life story of St. Nicholas. NOW’S THE TIME when many groups start planning their Christmas productions, so please pass along this email SOON! Thank you! Here’s a link to learn more about the show:
https://hisnamewasnicholas.com

World Premiere Souvenirs

Praying you have a blessed week!

www.theranch.org

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What’s New at The Ranch – Tonight’s the Night!

The Streator Times Cover Story on "His Name Was Nicholas"

Tonight’s the Night!

Tonight’s the opening night of my new Christmas musical, His Name Was Nicholas! As the headline of the paper says, "It’s all about hope." If you need some hope this Christmas season, I pray you’ll come see the show in person or buy a ticket to watch it online from anywhere in the world.

It’s a gorgeous production with lights, costumes, sounds, sets, and a message that is clearly about one thing: HOPE. I’ve included some links below to take you behind-the-scenes of this production that’s been in the making for over 25 years.

Take a look at these links, then get to your tickets at the link below that to see it for yourself THIS WEEKEND!

INTERVIEW WITH NICK’S STAGE FAMILY! My interview on Sunday with the cast who plays Nick’s stage family.

STREATOR TIMES COVER STORY: Derek Barichello’s interview of me on Monday with pictures from our dress rehearsal.

STUNNING REHEARSAL PHOTOS Pictures taken last week of our stage rehearsal by our official photographer and cast member, Megan Decker.

1430 WCMY RADIO INTERVIEW Maggie Frost’s Morning Mix interview with me yesterday about the inspiration behind the story.

Get your tickets here!
https://hisnamewasnicholas.com
Or by calling +1 (815) 992-0955

Tickets are $10, $15, or $20 to come in person depending on where you sit, and tickets to watch online are just $10 for as many people as you want to gather around one device!

When you buy a ticket to watch online, you’ll get YouTube links to all 3 shows to watch live or watch later for the next 2 weeks until Jan 1, 2022. If you can watch a YouTube video, you can watch the livestream of the show!

We’re excited to perform it for you and hope you thoroughly enjoy the story!

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What’s New at The Ranch – My first-ever piano concerto!

The piano on which I'll be performing!

My first-ever piano concerto!

I’ve often thought about performing my own songs in public, but have been afraid to do so. You see, I’ve played the piano since I was very young and love doing it, but for some reason, I freeze when I do it, so I rarely do it.

Thankfully, I can record my music when no one’s around, and I’ve had over 2 million streams of my music on Pandora alone!

But a few months ago, God prompted me to play in public for a new Christmas musical I’ve just finished called, "His Name Was Nicholas." I wasn’t planning on playing, but God lined things up to where I could hardly say no!

So, I said yes and next weekend, I’ll be playing for 3 shows only at the newly renovated Streator High School auditorium, along with a small band of great musicians, while another 100+ cast and crew act and sing the heart-touching story of the real-life-St. Nicholas.

You can watch in-person or online for just $10, $15 or $20 in-person, or $10 to watch online (with as many people as you want to gather around one device!) Invite your family and friends!

Tickets are available at:
hisnamewasnicholas.com

To hear the backstory of why I said yes, and how God used a timid prayer of faith many years ago for something I thought I could never have, listen to this message below! Then I hope you’ll come and see the show, either in-person or online! God has a reason He wants me to play, and it involves you!

Asking God

Here’s the message in a nutshell:

In this message, I encourage you to come to God with faith like a child and ask Him for what you really want.

“Heaven is full of answers to prayers for which no one ever bothered to ask.” (Billy Graham)

Sometimes we hold back from asking because we’re afraid we’re not worthy or that we’ll be disappointed or that God may not really do it. But Jesus says we can ask, and He’s already given up His life for us, so life a child coming to their father, I encourage you to come to Yours and ask.

I share three stories related to a piano that a friend encouraged me to ask God for… and how God did more than all I could have asked or imagined through that prayer.

Each story reminds me of what the Bible says about asking…

1) Ask whatever you want

“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).

2) Believe God will work all things for good

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

3) Consider others in your asking

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability.” (Matthew 25:14-15)

“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)

Have a great week, and I hope you’ll watch my first-ever piano concerto! Again, you can get tickets from:
hisnamewasnicholas.com

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What’s New At The Ranch – One Month from Today!

"His Name Was Nicholas" A New Christmas Musical for the Whole Family

There’s so much I want to say!

#1) I’ll be playing the piano for 3 shows only at the newly renovated Streator High School auditorium! Get your tickets now at https://hisnamewasnicholas.com (You can also get tickets to watch any or all 3 shows online from anywhere in the world for just $10!)

#2) My late wife Lana’s "Heaven Day" was Monday. The kids and I went out for dinner and a night of remembering her life and passing through the veil 9 years ago. So thankful for all she meant to me and did for us.

#3) Please pray with me and for me and our cast and crew as we get ready for the show and for those who come… that many would see, many would hear, and many would put their faith in the Lord.

To learn more about the show, listen to song samples, or get tickets, please visit:
https://hisnamewasnicholas.com

Lastly, if you need hope RIGHT NOW or know someone who does, here’s a message called "THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE!" that I gave recently at a church in Paris, Illinois. In it, I share 3 things that you can share with your friends and family who may be struggling to find hope or joy or meaning in life.

"THERE'S ALWAYS HOPE!" by Eric Elder

Have a great week, and be filled with HOPE!

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What’s New at The Ranch – Finding Hope in a Pandemic

A message for you

I spoke yesterday at the beautiful Plumb Pavilion in Streator, Illinois, about "Finding Hope in a Pandemic."

Click here to listen:
https://youtu.be/KyDMUR4X0NE

Eric Elder speaking at the Plumb Pavilion in Streator, Illinois.

And here’s the message in a nutshell:

1) Jesus can do anything, absolutely anything.
2) God has you here for a reason.
3) The best is yet to come.

Those aren’t just platitudes. They’re real and true words for you, right now. They’re also straight from the Bible.

1) When two blind men came to Jesus, He said: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they answered. Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you” (Matthew 9:28-29).

2) When Paul talked about God’s love for us, he said: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

3) After Paul described the hardships he faced in his own life, he said: "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied above all men" (1 Corinthians 15:19).

If you need hope for something you’re facing right now, remember:

1) Jesus can do anything, absolutely anything.
2) God has you here for a reason.
3) The best is yet to come.

Again, here’s the link to listen:
https://youtu.be/KyDMUR4X0NE
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What’s New at The Ranch – Eric Plays Debussy

One of My Favorites from Debussy’s "Deux Arabesques"

I recently discovered a cassette tape from 1988 on which I had recorded some of my favorite piano pieces at the time.Included was a piece I still love called "Arabesque No. 1" from Debussy’s "Deux Arabesques."

The piece was so beautiful, I decided to record it again and upload it to streaming services everywhere. I also recorded a simple video as I played the piece for anyone who enjoys watching as well as listening to their piano music.

Arabesque means "meandering," and that’s exactly what this song does, weaving notes in an out through the melody. Written by Debussy over 130 years ago, this song still brings me peace and comfort today. I pray it does the same for you!

https://youtu.be/41IZ69y5Ofk

Eric Plays Debussy

You can also add this song to your playlists to listen over and over on these streaming platforms:

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/track/2aJgIfOCtnjsVTTZWaCJ4G?si=a7a0f7f12b9e4757

YouTube
https://youtu.be/41IZ69y5Ofk

Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/us/album/deux-arabesques-l-66-i-andantino-con-moto/1579457006?i=1579457007

Amazon Music
https://www.amazon.com/Deux-Arabesques-L-66-Andantino/dp/B09BQ6QTXQ/

Pandora
https://pandora.app.link/IrElVdsa7ib
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What’s New at The Ranch – The Emotional Impact of My Open Heart Surgery

The Emotional Impact of My Open Heart Surgery

I talked to my friend Steve Barnhart recently about the emotional impact of my open heart surgery two years ago. Here’s the link if you’d like to listen in on our conversation.

(Be prepared. It’s a bit emotional! But I hope it’s helpful, especially for anyone who’s ever felt depressed, been heartbroken or struggled to find meaning in life.)

https://youtu.be/5hghd0BPOJ8

Secondary Impact with Steve Barnhart

Here’s the beginning of our conversation…

ERIC: I’m here with my friend Steve Barnhart and we are going to talk about secondary impacts of health crises in our life. He’s been through some heart issues. I’ve been through some heart issues, and so we’re just going to chat a little bit about what has transpired in our lives.

I also encourage you to check out Steve’s podcast at https://secondaryimpact.com and his daily Bible reading at https://www.dailyrhythm.org.

STEVE: Eric, how did this all start for you?

ERIC: Thanks, Steve. I had a heart attack two years ago. It came out of the blue. I wasn’t really expecting it. I didn’t have any physical symptoms leading up to it. I had done a test maybe six or eight months earlier, a heart calcification test, because my family does have a history of this. So I did it and they said, "You’re actually at a at a level that you could have a heart attack." So they did a stress test and nothing came back from that. It was all clear and seemed fine.

Six months later I got up and showered when all of a sudden I started feeling sick to my stomach and like an elephant was standing on my chest… (Click here to listen to the full interview):
https://youtu.be/5hghd0BPOJ8
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What’s New at The Ranch – Counting Your Yes’s

Counting Your Yes’s

I spoke last week at Ax Church in La Salle, Illinois, on the topic of Counting Your Yes’s. If you need a new outlook on life, a new way of looking at your situation, I hope you’ll watch this message. In it, I share some very personal stories of thanking God for His "No’s," and the incredible value of Counting Your "Yes’s." You can read my notes below, or watch the whole message online at this link:
https://youtu.be/xD-NXn3XYjU

Eric Elder's message: Counting Your Yes's

Here are my notes…

THANKING GOD FOR HIS NO’S

I was at a church service for Christmas one morning when Christmas fell on a Sunday, and we were asked to write on a slip of paper something for which we were thankful. An elderly friend of mine was sitting next to me, and I was amazed when she shared what she had written on her paper. She had written: “I’m thankful, God, for your No’s.”

She was in her 80’s, was living alone, and had never married. As I talked to her more, I learned that someone had proposed to her when she was young, but when she asked God about it, she felt God said, No. It would have brought her wealth. Companionship. Maybe children.

He’s still alive. She still knows where he is. She still thinks about him. But she is able to say, on Christmas Day, “I’m thankful for Your No’s.”

Jesus prayed to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before He died:

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me.”

He didn’t want to drink of it if He didn’t have to. But then He added:

“Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.” (Matthew 26:39)

And because He died, I can live.

“I’m thankful, God, for Your No’s.”

JOB AND PAUL’S STORY

It makes me think of Job who, after losing his oxen and donkeys and sheep and camels and servants and finally his sons and daughters, then he fell to the ground in worship saying,

“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!” (Job 1:21)

I think of Paul who said,

“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:12-13)

What was their secret? How did Paul do it? How did Job do it? How did Jesus do it? How did my 80 year old friend do it?

The answer’s just prior to Pauls words about the secret, in Philippians 4:4-9:

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

STARTING WITH THANKS

One practical way I do this is in my daily journal. For years, I’ve started with these words, “Father, thank You…” then I continue with something for which I’m truly thankful. I tell Him my needs, too, as this verse says to do. But somehow by starting with “Thank you, it helps me stop and think about something for which I’m truly thankful. And it changes me. It slows me down. It helps me reflect on what’s most important.

MONEY CREEK

There’s a creek on a road where I often drive called Money Creek. Any idea why it’s called Money Creek? Because there’s a bank on each side. Whenever I drive over it, I hold my hands up and open, (while still holding the steering wheel), and I say, “Thank You for the money you’ve given me to get this far. I pray for more to keep going." It’s a bit like, "Thank You, Lord, for this daily bread," and trusting Him to provide the next day’s, too.

LIST OF HEALINGS

I once wondered why I didn’t see more miraculous healings in my life when I prayed for people. I had seen some, but not as many as I wanted to see. A friend said, “Believe me, the more you pray for healings, the more you’ll see them.” So I prayed more. And I started to keep a list.

I continued praying, as I often did, but now I wrote down those healing prayers, along with God’s answers. I prayed for my child’s cold to go away, and it did. A cough to stop, so they could sleep, and it did. Aches and pains to be gone, and they were. Bones to be repaired, surgeries to heal, the list went on and on in just a few weeks’ time! I realized just how many times God healed, and all of them miraculous, all of them helpful, all of them answers to prayer.

If you cut a piece of cloth, it doesn’t repair itself. But God has wired us for healing. And our prayers and care help facilitate that. Keep praying for healing, and you’ll see it more and more.

Paul goes on to say:

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:4-9).

So… how else do you do this practically? I think there are a lot of ways. Here’s another one that’s helped me recently. Instead of fixating on my No’s, I’ve start counting my Yes’s.

STARTING A MEN’S GROUP

I’ve wanted to start a men’s group, jotting down names of men I’d like to invite. I’ve been jotting down names for a few years, but I’ve never started.

I wanted about a dozen guys, maybe two dozen. My list had grown to about 70 men. But I was afraid to ask.

To give you some context, several years ago I started a group at the church where I attend for people dealing with certain struggles in their lives. I was a bit afraid to announce the group because I felt the group would be swamped with people (we have over 5,000 in our church). But I did announce it, and the first week when I showed up, you know how many people were there? Zero. Not even 1.

The second week, 0. The third, 0. The 4th, 5th, 6, and 7th, none. For 10 weeks I sat there in the room alone. Praise God, the 11th week, 2 showed up, then 3. We never got more than 4 or 5, and met for a full year with those God sent.

As John the Baptist said:

"A person can receive only what is given them from heaven" (John 3:27).

Also for context, a year later I was in a men’s group of about a dozen guys. It was rich, vibrant, and fun. I loved it. And so did the other guys.

The time came for the group to end, but none of us wanted it to end. I offered to continue it, and many said Yes. The next week, I sat in the room at the appointed time. Alone. I sat there for an hour and a half alone. And we never met again.

A year later, the same thing happened. I announced a group, set a date, and not one person came.

So that’s the context. I was afraid to ask about this new men’s group. What if no one showed up?

But I decided to ask anyway, praying for a dozen to say Yes. If so, then I’d start. Two dozen would be wonderful, if possible. I bought 25 booklets for the group, I kept praying for 25 people to say Yes.

I began to ask, and here’s what I did. I determined in my heart to count my Yes’s and not worry about the No’s or non-responses.

I started getting Yes’s from several men. 1, 2, 3, 4. Soon I was up to a dozen. I had some No’s, too, and some non-responses, but I didn’t count those. I only counted the Yes’s, trusting that God would bring who He wanted to bring.

As the day approached for the first group, I had 21, 22, 23. 24. I said, “Lord, my extravagant ask was for 25. Bring 25 if You want 25. Fifteen minutes before the study started, a man texted and said, “If it’s not too late, I’d like to come.”

I said, “It’s not too late, you’re right on time!” I told him later he was number 25 of the 25 I prayed for.

How do you rejoice always? Be content in all circumstances? Stop counting your No’s. And start counting your Yes’s. Psalm 103:2-5 says this:

“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” (Psalm 103:2-5)

THE MIDAS TOUCH

Just in case you think its good fortune that has turned things around for me, I assure you that’s not the case! Just last week on Wednesday night I showed up to a group I started for Christian musicians to teach them how to put their music online, to bless others and receive blessings back themselves.

All year I’ve been offering this class, for free, once a month, for anyone who wants to learn how to do it. But last week, when 7 PM came, I sat in my zoom room for the class, alone. I recorded my message anyway and posted it online for anyone who might come along later. Even though I sat there and wondered why more people didn’t come, I also knew enough to just keep going. I was content to talk to my camera alone. If no one ever watches it, that’s OK. I’m just making it available if people want it. (It’s on my YouTube channel in case you’re interested, at ericelder.com under the playlist "Online Christian Music Group.)

No one showed up, but I just keep moving on. I’m counting my Yes’s, not my No’s.

A friend of mine seems to have the Midas touch, meaning that it seems everything he touches turns to gold. But another friend who also knows him well told me one day, “It isn’t that everything he touches turns to gold. It’s just that he touches a lot of things.”

MY NEW MUSICAL

I recently announced I’ll be staging a new musical in Streator, Illinois, this Christmas. (Here’s the 1-minute announcement: https://youtu.be/nL77UtJ4bV0) It sounds great and wonderful. But what I didn’t share was all the No’s that preceded getting to this point.

I had asked churches and theater companies in Normal, Peoria, Henry, Indiana, Texas. All said No. They all had their reasons. But it didn’t make it any easier.

I finally decided at the end of last year that I would do it at my house. I’ve got a big barn out in the country that I thought I could fix up, make a stage, and invite people to sit in my yard on lawn chairs. I would do "Christmas in July" and hold it outdoors. If no one else wanted to do it, I wanted to do it! And one way or another, I was going to do it.

In the midst of cleaning up my barn, I heard back from several churches in Streator. They said Yes, they wanted to do it! I was stunned. Someone said Yes. So I said Yes. And we’re going forward.

And God did something special with that Yes just last week. I asked the manager of the auditorium if they had a piano there, because if they did, I thought that maybe I’d play the piano along with the other musicians during the show, since I wrote all the songs. If they didn’t have a piano there, I wouldn’t.

I have to tell you, I can really only play my piano at home. I freeze up anywhere else on any other instrument. It’s hard for me to play a digital keyboard. And while I can play other pianos, they don’t feel the same to me, they don’t sound the same, and it throws me off. Years ago, God gifted me with a beautifully restored 1910 Steinway Model B grand piano. It’s unique and very special to me.

So I asked the manager if they had a piano and if it was an upright or a grand. They did, she said, and it was a grand. I asked if I could come see it. So last Wednesday I went to the auditorium to see it. Even though I had been to the auditorium just a few weeks earlier, I hadn’t seen a piano anywhere. It turns out that’s because they keep it in a temperature and humidity controlled room backstage. It’s on wheels so they can wheel it out anytime.

When the manager unlocked the door, I saw that the piano was not only a grand, it was a Steinway grand. A Model B, as far as I could tell. I sat down to play it. And it was gorgeous. It was as close to mine at home as any I had ever seen before. I asked if I could examine it to find the serial number because you can tell the date by the number.

When I got to my car, I looked it up. It was a 1908 Steinway, just two years older than mine. They could be sisters. I wanted to cry. I don’t know anyone else who owns a Steinway piano. I’ve never seen another here in Illinois except in a piano showroom. But there, backstage at the Streator auditorium—the ONLY place that said Yes—was sitting a 1908 Steinway grand piano.

“I thank You, God, for your No’s. There’s only one Yes that matters. And that’s the Yes that You want me to have."

GOLD STARS AND LITTLE WINS

I’ll share one more story.

I was in the hospital about 2 years ago for 10 days. I had just had open heart surgery. After the surgery, every day was a battle. A battle to breathe, to eat, to stand, to go to the bathroom. As is often the case, in order to go home, I had to be able to do 2 things: to walk around the nurses station by myself. And to go #2. I couldn’t do either.

Every day, I’d try, multiple times, but couldn’t do either.

When I finally did both, I was elated. I told my kids, “I need a sticker book! Gold stars. Anything to keep me going.”

That night, in the middle of the night, my friend and colleague at our church, Nicki Green, showed up with this a journal. Inside, it said in big letters: “Eric’s Gold Stars and Little Wins.”

Nicki wrote on the inside: “Dear Eric, So this may be a little over the top, but when I’m asked to provide a journal with gold starts for little wins – this is what you get! :) I will continue to pray for God to do a miraculous work in your heart as He brings complete healing.” She wrote a little more, then closed with this: “I look forward to hearing you share with me the answered prayers and “little wins” through your healing journey! Get well my friend! Praying with you, Nicki.”

I started filling it up with stars, having my kids write in it for me because I could hardly do anything for myself.

  • “Discharged.” 1 big star.
  • “Took off all the tape.” 1 big star and 4 little ones.
  • “Arrived home.” A huge blue ribbon.
  • “Made it to the 2nd floor! 16 steps!” 16 stars.
  • “First shower in 10 days! 1 hour, 2 boys helping.” 9 stars.
  • “Made it through 1 week at home.” A whole page full of stars.
  • “Took bandaids off.” 10 stars. (That hurt.)

This one I really felt I earned: “Survived a visit to the ENT.” The Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor had to put a scope up my nose to look down my throat. I felt it was going right through my brain on the way up my nose before it curved back down into my throat. I grabbed the doctor’s arm and held on tight until my son, Bo, came up and I grabbed his arm so the doctor could do his work!

On my way out of the office, I saw they had some Finding Nemo stickers on the desk. I asked if I could have one. It says, “I was a brave patient.” I love that sticker. :)

When I was telling my daughter, Makari, about my journal, she said, “I need a sticker book, too!” And she got one.

This past Christmas, at the end of 2020, Makari gave me a Christmas present. It was a whole journal with a pack of gold stars in the back that I could add to it.

Inside the front cover, she wrote, “We made it,” and put a gold star.

“We made it?” I asked.

“Through 2020," she said.

Sometimes we need a whole pack of stickers.

Maybe it seems childish. But wasn’t it Jesus who said,

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, NIV)

Maybe we could all use a little more "faith like a child."

COUNTING YOUR YES’S

I’m counting my Yes’s. I hope you will, too.

Then, like Jesus, you’ll say:

“Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.”

Like Job, you’ll say:

“The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!”

Like Paul, you’ll say:

“I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little," and “Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”

Like David, you’ll say:

“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” (Psalm 103:1-2)

And like Makari, you’ll say:

“We made it.”

Keep counting your Yes’s.

And maybe get yourself a pack of gold stars. :)

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What’s New at The Ranch – When Faith Becomes Sight

When Faith Becomes Sight

If you need encouragement to keep going, this message is for you! In it, I share several moments recently when my faith became sight, when I could finally see that what I believed could happen, REALLY COULD happen!

Keep going. It’s worth it! For as 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" (Galatian 6:9).

Here’s the link to watch:
https://youtu.be/N-oFxUIyG34

Also, I’ve just released a new song called "Fairytale," by Ludovico Einaudi.

It’s a beautiful and moving piano/cello duet that you can listen to over and over! (That’s what I do!) I recorded it for a friend’s wedding, along with a superb cellist from the UK, Clea Friend.

You can listen now at these links:

Also, note the beautiful artwork by my daughter, Makari!

Listen to "Fairytale," a beautiful and moving piano/cello duet.

Have a great week!
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What’s New at The Ranch – Recording Your Music

Recording Your Music

Maybe you’re like me several years ago: you have some music you’ve created or want to create, but you don’t know how to record or share it with others.

Join our Online Christian Music Group to learn how to record and post your music online.

Now, 20+ years into it, I can say that recording my music has turned into one of the best and most surprising blessings of my life… both to me and to those who have been touched by it.

I’d love to share with you how I do it, giving you the practical nuts and bolts of how I record, how I edit, and how I post my music so it can go beyond my living room and out to the world.

I’ll be showing a free, live demo tonight at 7 PM Central Time on zoom. Here’s the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87565202475?pwd=UmtRUWlFN1FYRkZGN1prS1pjbzBHdz09

My goal and my heart is to help Christian musicians use their gifts to the fullest. I have no other agenda than that! Nothing to sell, nothing in it for me… except the joy of seeing others walk more fully in their calling.

Please join me tonight at 7 PM Central Time if you’re interested or pass this along to others who might be!

I’ve also posted an interview I did last month with Cooper Smith, an up and coming Christian musician who shares some of his secrets for reaching hundreds of thousands of people with his songs.

It’s a great interview with lots of tips, whether you’re just getting started or have been at this for years. Here’s the link to my interview with Cooper. I think you’ll love hearing his heart for why he does what he does, and his encouragement that you can do it, too.
https://youtu.be/BRlakoAayHw

Interview with Cooper Smith: "Growing Your Audience"

Maybe I’ll see you tonight?

Have a great week.
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What’s New at The Ranch – Cooper Smith Interview Tonight!

Cooper Smith Interview Tonight!

Tonight I’ll be chatting live with Cooper Smith, an uber-talented singer, songwriter, and worship leader, about how to reach more people online with your music.

Whether you’re a singer, songwriter or musician or not, you’re welcome to join us for this special chat on Zoom. Tonight’s interview is part of my monthly group for Christian musicians to help them get their music out to more people, as I’d love to flood the world with more music from a Christian worldview.

As C.S. Lewis said about writing, “The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.” The same applies to music. Cooper’s music fits the bill as he writes from his heart about life and love and the feelings we all share.

Here’s a link to listen to one of Cooper’s latest singles: "Someone You Loved."

Listen to Cooper Smith, "Someone You Loved," on Spotify

And here’s the link to our zoom chat tonight, Wednesday, May 19, from 7-9 PM CST.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87565202475?pwd=UmtRUWlFN1FYRkZGN1prS1pjbzBHdz09

If you miss tonight’s session, you can still join our group and watch the recordings later. It’s free, and you can sign up for reminders here and links to previous meetings here. We meet Zoom on the third Wednesday of each month starting at 7 PM Central Time.

  • Wednesday, May 19, 2021
  • Wednesday, Jun 16, 2021
  • Wednesday, Jul 21, 2021
  • Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021
  • Wednesday, Sep 21, 2021
  • Wednesday, Oct 19, 2021
  • Wednesday, Nov 16, 2021
  • Wednesday, Dec 21, 2021

Be encouraged. God is very close to you today!

www.theranch.org

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What’s New at The Ranch – What’s Your Gig? An Interview with Al Lowry

What’s Your Gig?

I recently interviewed my good friend Al Lowry to ask about his gig, a music ministry he started at his church over 30 years ago.

Interview with Al Lowry: "Starting Your Gig"

Little did Al know when he woke up one Sunday morning and decided to go to church for the first time in 18 years that he was about to embark on the greatest adventure of his life. Driving through the streets, he saw a poster for a new startup church called Saddleback.

Rick Warren was preaching and his wife Kay was playing the piano for a couple hundred people who had gathered that day.

Al responded to Rick’s message, giving his life fully to Christ and soon after playing on the church’s first worship team. As the church grew, they hired their first worship pastor, Rick Muchow, who baptized Al and became a lifelong friend.

Along the way, Al realized there were more talented musicians coming to the church than could possibly play on the main stage, so he started a volunteer ministry called "Guitarists Into God" or "GIG." The group gathered weekly to worship, write songs, develop their skills, then go out into the community to use their gifts. They played for nursing homes, small groups, homeless shelters, and eventually other startup churches and mission trips around the world.

Al would pitch the idea to new members coming to the church, saying,

If your guitar is gathering dust under the bed, pull it out and use it… or give it away so others can put it to use!

This new group also helped take stress off the main stage worship team, as they were being asked to play more and more. And for the musicians and singers who weren’t able to be on the main stage for whatever reason, they were able to use their gifts more fully right where they were, rather than going to another church or letting their gifts go unused.

Just last week, after more than 30 years of doing this kind of ministry, Al was asked by one of the group’s original members if he would come lead worship at a nearby campground. Al said:

Robin felt inspired to start a weekly church service in a campground she lived in off a rural road near San Juan Capistrano, Ca. It was an old trail now popular with motorcyclists that drives past a tavern called Hell’s Kitchen.

Robin asked if I could play worship songs for the residents at the camp and her husband would preach. This request typifies what our guitar ministry is all about.

Through the years our church grew large in size, but we continued as a heart behind the scenes. Our outreach demonstrates how a guitar, a prayer, and a little imagination can serve God far beyond how we are accustomed to hearing it on church main stages.

A week ago my music pastor and mentor, Rick Muchow passed away. I wish he were around to hear this interview as he was so instrumental in allowing it to thrive. He’s greatly missed, as his spirit of true worship and encouragement was exactly what is required to make a ministry like Guitarists Into God thrive.

I wanted to share Al’s story with you to inspire you to consider "What’s Your Gig?" Maybe you have a gift or talent gathering dust that God might want you to put into use for Him? Maybe there’s a way you can use that gift to mobilize others and help THEM put THEIR GIFTS into action, too?

I hope you’ll watch Al’s story. As you do, I pray God might inspire you to start YOUR gig, too.

Here’s the link to watch:
https://youtu.be/YCPuhrLP4GY

Have a great week!

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What’s New at The Ranch – Relaxing Music Videos

"Snowscapes" with Marilyn Byrnes - Make Believe! - 100% Pure Disney Piano

Relaxing Music Videos

Today I’m launching a new series of relaxing music videos to help you relax, unwind, and get closer to the One who created you… and everything you see around you!

I’ve filmed these relaxing scenes around my home in Illinois and on a recent trip to Colorado, then set them to beautiful piano music by my AMAZINGLY talented sister, Marilyn Byrnes! I think you’ll find the videos beautiful and mesmerizing, perfect for relaxing, praying, thinking or calming an anxious heart.

I’m including the links below to all four videos, plus a playlist of all four videos in one link. You can listen to one at a time or click the playlist and listen for HOURS!

I’m also including some info below on a class I’ll be teaching TOMORROW NIGHT on zoom to help people get their music onto streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, YouTube and more.

It’s easier than you might think! And I’m glad to show you how! I’d love to help you get your music and message out to the world. The class is free, and I’ll be teaching it live tomorrow night, so check out the links below to learn more. Please forward this note to anyone else who might be interested!

Here are the links to the new music videos…

The first features 100% pure piano set to the mesmerizing motion of windmills in the heart of the Great Midwest.

"Windscapes" from Marilyn Byrnes - Simply Relaxing - 100% Pure Piano

The second also features the windmills around our house, but at a different time of year. I love the way the sky changes as nighttime approaches.

"Windscapes" from Marilyn Byrnes - Playing Love - 100% Pure Piano

The third features a romp through the snow-covered mountains of the Colorado Rockies set to lively Disney piano music. I love the scenery and the way my sons weave effortlessly in and out of the trees along the trail.

"Snowscapes" from Marilyn Byrnes - Make Believe! - 100% Pure Disney Piano

The fourth features a snow-covered day in my front yard this past winter when a neighbor came with his tractor (thankfully!) to clear several feet of snow from our lane. I love the peace and quiet of this early morning video after one of the heaviest snowfalls we’ve seen in years.

"Snowscapes" from Marilyn Byrnes - Winter Wonderland - 100% Pure Piano

Here’s a link to play all four videos in one playlist. You can bookmark it for playing whenever you want to recapture some peace and joy!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVorWkyNdRhwHk0ij6isOqLinrYomZvcR

New Music Class Tomorrow!

Lastly, if you’re a singer, songwriter, musician or composer, I’d love for you to join me tomorrow night for a special session of a new "Online Christmas Music Group" I started last month.

Tomorrow night, I’ll be teaching a free class on zoom to show how to upload music to EVERY streaming platform in one shot! I’ll be walking through a live demo of uploading one of my new singles, a beautiful piano and cello version of "Fairytale" from the movie Dr. Zhivago, to CDBaby.com. CDBaby will then send the song within days to dozens of music streaming music services like Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more. (I’ll share the link where you can listen to this beautiful song in a few weeks!)

If you’d like to learn how to do this with your own music, I’d love to show you how! I love helping people get their music out to the world… especially music that can touch people’s hearts for God.

The class is free and we’ll meet on zoom tomorrow night, Wednesday, April 21, from 7-9 PM Central Time at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87565202475?pwd=UmtRUWlFN1FYRkZGN1prS1pjbzBHdz09

Please forward this email to anyone else who might be interested in uploading their music, too.

www.theranch.org
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What’s New at The Ranch – Reaching People with Your Message

Watch "One Life: A Ballet Documentary" on ericelder.com

Reaching People with Your Message

Do you have a message you want to get out to the world? You can! I hope you’ll be inspired by watching my recent interviews with some friends on my YouTube channel who are using their gifts in creative ways.

You can start by watching my interview with Merphy Napier. She has taken her love of books and turned it into a thriving YouTube channel reaching hundreds of thousands of people every day. It’s quite amazing. I hope you’ll check it out.
https://youtu.be/aNXyUdOYYiw

Merphy Napier - "Reaching People Daily with Your Message"

You can also watch my interview with my cousin, Joan Moody, who uses her love of painting to share that joy with others. Her motto for her studio is to "Show Up and Dive In." She has had a huge spiritual influence on my life, propelling me forward in my faith in Christ in amazing ways. She has also helped me explore my own interest in art, helping me tap into some of my own creative gifts. You can watch here:
https://youtu.be/EixbQNw9ePc

Joan Moody - "Showing Up and Diving In"

Lastly, here’s an interview with one of the most evangelistic and enthusiastic people I personally know, Nicki Green. Nicki has a knack for helping people see and step out in God’s calling in their lives, even when they might not be able to see it themselves. She calls this "Seeing Your Mountain on a Cloudy Day." Nicki has also had a huge influence on my life by calling forth some of the gifts God has given me. I hope you’ll check it out, too!
https://youtu.be/8H0ZiylBmtQ

Nicki Green - "Seeing Your Mountain on a Cloudy Day"

P.S. For those who are following my filmmaking journey, I heard this week that the ballet movie I produced, called "One Life," took top honors at another film festival… this time in Istanbul! The real-life Nicholas hails from Turkey himself, so I thought they might be interested in an inspirational movie about one of the their own. And they were… it won Best Christian Feature Film for March! The movie will now be entered into their annual awards event in May.

If you haven’t watched "One Life" yet, here’s a link to the documentary version of the movie, which I think you’ll find fascinating and get to enjoy scenes from the ballet, as well.
https://youtu.be/14Dq8WKbYRw

Link to Istanbul Film Awards website

Remember, Jesus can do ANYTHING! (John 11:23-26).

www.theranch.org
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What’s New at The Ranch – You Have Everything You Need

Watch "One Life: A Ballet Documentary" on ericelder.com

You Have Everything You Need

In the opening scene of my new ballet documentary, I answer a question from the audience about how to find courage to step out in faith. I said:

"I’ve been encouraged over the years that you have everything you need to do everything God wants you to do… Of course, He provides for the birds of the air, but He doesn’t throw the food into the nest. They still have to get up early in the morning and go find it."

What do you need today? I pray that as you read these words today, God will give you a clear picture that you really do haveeverything you need to do all that He has put on your heart to do, and that He will show you how to gather it up and step out in faith, too.

To encourage you in this regard, I’d like to share a very recent answer to prayer about how God has provided everything I’ve needed for the filming of this new movie.

I heard from a banker friend years ago that the happiest people he knows are those who have "just enough." Too much and they worry about losing it, too little and they worry about how to get more. But those who have just enough, he said, seem to be the happiest people of all! I have to say I fully agree!

Sixteen months ago, I began praying and asking that God would provide everything we needed to make this movie. During that time, 100 people donated $18,091 towards our budget of $25,000. We released the movie just in time for Christmas on December 18, 2020, and it’s already had over 1,900 views. But there was still more God wanted to do.

Ten days ago, I released a "documentary" version of the ballet, something we had planned to do from the beginning, but we weren’t able to finish until now. It features scenes from the ballet interspersed with engaging interviews with the dancers and creators. I posted it on YouTube on March 20th, and I am thrilled that it has already been seen by many as well.

Then came the kicker: a friend asked me last week if I had received everything I needed for the movie yet, so I went to my GoFundMe page to see exactly how much was left to reach our goal. I launched my calculator and found I still needed $6,909.

I thought… that number sounds familiar. I remembered I had something like that in my ministry’s bank account when I balanced it just a few days earlier. I looked at my account and saw that I had exactly $6,909.88! It was everything I needed, with 88 cents left over to apply to a future project! :)

I felt God say to me, "Eric, you have just enough." And I remembered what my banker friend said, once again, that the happiest people he knew were those who have just enough. I agree! And even better, I agree that God really does provide everything we need to do everything He puts on our hearts to do.

Here’s a screen shot of my calculations when I discovered I had reached my goal. In looking at my records, the amount I needed "happened" to come in just two days before I launched the documentary online… the final piece of the project.

By faith, we kept going forward. And by God’s faithfulness, He brought in everything we needed. Hallelujah!

The final amount needed for the "One Life" GoFundMe

And that’s just the miracle on MY side of things. The bigger miracle is that God can now use these projects to reach many, many people for Christ, all around the world, with His life-changing message.

If you need a boost in your faith this Easter, I hope you’ll watch this show. It’s fun, it’s free, and it clearly points you to Jesus every step of the way, that He really does have everything you need, because everything you need comes from Him.

As Jesus said:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them…

"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (from Matthew 6:25-33)

Here’s the link where you can watch One Life: A Ballet Documentary.

Watch "One Life: A Ballet Documentary" on ericelder.com

P.S. For those who were praying for me this past weekend at the Faith & Family Chicago Film Festival, I wanted to let you know that our projects took home three awards!!!

Watch "One Life: A Ballet Documentary" on ericelder.com

Praise God! Join me in praying that God uses these projects to take His message far and wide! Thank you!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New at The Ranch – Need some “Easter Inspiration”?

Watch "One Life: A Ballet Documentary" on ericelder.com

Need Some "Easter Inspiration"?

When I first talked to Reidland Tucker about directing our "One Life" ballet movie, he suggested I watch a documentary he thought could be a good model for our movie. And it was a good idea: to intersperse scenes from the ballet with interviews of the cast and creators of the show.

When we released the ballet last Christmas, we were only able to include the scenes from the ballet itself. But I’ve recently finished the "documentary" version of the film that we had talked about at the beginning.

And it’s beautiful! I love the ballet movie, but I also love the human interest aspect of the documentary as you get to hear insights from the hearts and minds of the dancers and creators. I think you’ll find it a rich and inspiring backstory to the main story we’re trying to tell: how one life … INCLUDING YOURS! … can touch the world for good.

I’d love for you to watch the documentary and let me know what you think! It premieres TONIGHT AT 7 PM (Central Time) at the link below. But if you miss it tonight, you can watch it anytime thereafter by clicking this same link:

Watch "One Life: A Ballet Documentary" on ericelder.com
In this engaging documentary, you’ll hear from:

  • Reidland Tucker, the film’s director and interviewer
  • Cynthia Dewar, the ballet’s artistic director
  • Erin-Elizabeth Morton, the ballet’s assistant director
  • Aubrey Addy, who dances as the Holy Spirit
  • Anna Klausli, who dances as Mary and Nick’s Mother
  • Leah Atten, who dances as Ruthie
  • Owen Ragland, who dances as Nicholas
  • Jack Ragland, who dances as Joseph and Nick’s Father
  • Kayla Medlin, who dances as the Ship’s Captain
  • Davis Stafford, who dances as the Magistrate
  • Matt Ludwig, the orchestrator of several songs in the film
  • Emilyn Young, who dances in the company
  • Hannah Norris, who dances as the Widowed Mother and Gabriel
  • and me! (Eric Elder), the author and producer

Plus, you’ll see the entire ballet interspersed with the interviews. So if you missed it at Christmas, or just want to watch it again with all the backstory included, I hope you’ll watch this new documentary edition. It’s not just for Christmas! It’s for anytime you need a boost in your faith and a reminder that God really does have a unique purpose for your life.

If you need some inspiration this Easter, I hope you’ll watch the whole documentary during this Holy time. But if you want just a sneak peak, here’s one scene from the middle of the movie called, "The Walk of Jesus." It tells the Easter story beautifully and energetically in just 5-6 minutes. Feel free to pass it along!

"The Walk of Jesus" from "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet"
ALSO, would you pray with me that God will take the ballet movie and documentary far and wide?

I’ve submitted both versions of the movie to several film festivals in the hopes of giving the project even more exposure worldwide. And BOTH FILMS were recently accepted to be shown next weekend in Chicago at the "Chicago Faith & Family Film Festival"! The ballet movie will be shown on Friday night at 9, and the documentary will be shown on Sunday morning 9:25. I’ll be at the festival to introduce both films!

I’m waiting to hear back from several other film festivals that will take place later in the year in places like New York, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, and as far away as Denmark (who gave us the name of Santa Claus from his Danish name, "Sinterklaas") and Turkey (the birthplace of St. Nicholas)!!!

Please pray for these festivals, that they will help many to see, many to hear, and many to put their faith in the Lord.

Thanks for your prayers, and I hope you enjoy watching the films!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New at The Ranch – Possible Online Christian Musicians Group

Listen to relaxing piano music on The Ranch website

Click to listen to some relaxing piano music my friends and I have recorded!
Click to listen to some relaxing piano music that my friends and I have recorded and put on The Ranch website!

Possible Online Christian Musicians Group

Would you be interested in joining a group for Christian musicians to help you get your music released online?

I’m thinking of starting such a group to help you reach more people with your music. The group would be free, and we’d meet once a month on Zoom. I’ve been putting my piano music online, and helping others do the same, for over 20 years. I’ve learned enough to fill a small library!

I’d love to share what I’ve learned to help you reach listeners on places like Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora and more. It’s easier than you might think! I know you can do it… with a little encouragement along the way.

If there’s enough interest in this group, we’ll be meeting once a month for the next 10 months to take you from start to finish, showing you what’s possible online, how and where to upload your music, how to handle licensing and copyrights, getting paid, building your audience, and building playlists.

I’ll be holding an informational meeting tonight on Zoom at 7 PM Central Time. If you can’t make the meeting tonight, but you’re still interested in future meetings, please email me at eric.If we have enough interest, we’ll keep going! I’ll be online 10-15 minutes before 7 PM Central for anyone who wants to join early and test their connection.

Here’s the link to the meeting tonight. Please drop by! And feel free to pass this note along to your friends.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87565202475?pwd=UmtRUWlFN1FYRkZGN1prS1pjbzBHdz09

P.S. Here’s a link to some relaxing piano music that my friends and I have recorded and put on The Ranch for you to listen to anytime! Enjoy!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New at The Ranch – Happy New Year

One Life Review

Behind-the-scenes Prep for "One Life"

Behind-the-scenes Prep for "One Life"

Here’s a one-minute clip of our behind-the-scenes prep on the set of "One Life," our new Christmas story ballet based on the book Lana and I wrote about the real-life St. Nicholas.

Behind-the-scenes Prep for "One Life"
I can’t wait for you to see the whole show, but we have a lot of detailed editing before it’s ready.

I usually do a month-long fund raiser in November for our ministry, but this year I’ve chosen to focus solely on the "One Life" movie project.

If you could help us, this is our most pressing need right now. Since we’re a non-profit ministry, all gifts to this project are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Today’s the LAST DAY for a GREAT WAY to get a tax break for 2019! Just make your gift by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT! Click here to learn more or make a donation:

https://charity.gofundme.com/one-life-the-movie

Thanks so much and Happy New Year!

Producer of "One Life: The Movie"

About Eric Elder: https://theranch.org/about-eric-elder/

About the South Carolina Christian Dance Theater: http://scchristiandance.com/

To read the book online: https://theranch.org/st-nicholas

To order the paperback from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1llznmj

Get "St Nicholas: The Believer" in paperback

www.theranch.org
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Watch the new trailer for “One Life: The Movie”

Watch the new trailer for "One Life: The Movie"

Watch the new trailer for "One Life: The Movie"
Watch the new trailer for "One Life: The Movie"

Watch the new trailer for "One Life: The Movie"

Dear friends and supporters of "One Life,"

We had a tremendous launch two weeks ago, thanks to ALL of you! I so appreciate it.

We’ve had over 1,500 views so far, with still one more holiday weekend ahead of us (this weekend!).

If you haven’t watched it yet, I hope you’ll watch it soon, then share it with your family and friends! You can forward this email just as it is and let them know they can watch this incredible production right now, wherever they are!

I’ve created a new trailer you can share which incorporates some wonderful comments from viewers. I hope you’ll take just 90 seconds to watch it!

Then forward this on to anyone you think might be interested in seeing this "meltingly beautiful" production, as Ann Shakespeare in the UK called it in her wonderful review (thanks, Ann!).

Here’s the new trailer…

Watch the new trailer for "One Life: The Movie"

I’ve also put together several related videos you might be interested in, with behind-the-scenes interviews of the dancers and creators, audience reactions, reviews from professional dancers, plus playlists and readings and interviews about my new musical, "His Name Was Nicholas," also based on our book, "St. Nicholas: The Believer."

I hope you enjoy all these "extras," too!

I can’t thank you enough for helping me bring this movie to life. It’s truly been a 25-year dream come true. I’m so grateful for your support, encouragement, and "cheering me on" through this journey.

It makes me cry, and it’s a wonderful way to close out this year that’s brought so many tears for so many reasons… but some of them, like this one, are truly tears of joy! So thank you!

With love,

Eric Elder

Here are the links to the trailer, the movie, plus all the "extras" I spoke about above… some of which I’m making public for the very first time today! Enjoy!

The new trailer…

The new trailer for "One Life: The Movie"

The movie…

Watch "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet"

Interview with the dancers…

"One Life" Dancers Interview

Interview with the creators…

"One Life" Creators Talk

Audience reactions…

"One Life" Audience Reactions

Interview with the ballet directors…

Eric Elder interviews the directors of the SC Christian Dance Theater, Cynthia Dewar and Erin-Elizabeth Morton

Overcoming obstacles…

Overcoming Obstacles to creating "One Life: The Movie"

Review of the movie by two professional dancers…

Eric Elder interviews professional dancers, Clint Clouse and Sandra Organ Solis, about their take on "One Life: The Movie"

Six songs from my new musical, fully orchestrated and vocalized by Matt Ludwig & friends…

"His Name Was Nicholas" EP, the first 6 songs from the musical, fully orchestrated vocalized by Matt Ludwig & Friends.

A read-through, play-through, and sing-through of my new musical…

Eric Elder reads, plays, and sings through the full script and score for the musical "His Name Was Nicholas"

Interview with Kent Sanders about turning a book into a movie…

Kent Sanders interviews Eric Elder about the process of turning a book into a musical.

Interview with Joy Foglietta about life, ministry, and the ballet and musical…

Joy Foglietta interviews Eric Elder about his life, ministry, and new ballet and musical!

Finding courage to step out in faith…

Eric Elder answers a question about finding courage to step out in faith to create the movie version of "One Life"

And if like to make a year-end donation, today’s the day! Here’s the link…
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/one-life-the-movie

Watch the new trailer for "One Life: The Movie"
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What’s New at The Ranch – Start A New Holiday Tradition

Listen to audience reactions!

Listen to audience reactions!
Listen to some audience reactions after seeing the live shows we filmed!

Start a New Holiday Tradition

…with a beautiful story, beautiful music, beautiful dancing, and a beautiful message. If you haven’t watched it yet, watch our new Christmas movie,"One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet." It’s a touching retelling of the story of St. Nicholas, his faith in Christ, and the difference one life can make in the world.

Click here to listen to some audience reactions after seeing the live shows we filmed.

Audience reactions to "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet"

Then click here to watch the story yourself. Some shows leave you entertained, but unchanged. But "One Life" will leave you entertained AND changed, knowing that your "One Life" can really make a difference, too. Watch now, and start a new holiday tradition!

Watch "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet"

With love,

Eric Elder

P.S. And if you’d like to support this movie, we could still use your help! Your donations of any size help us make this movie freely available all around the world! There’s a free gift for all who donate!
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/one-life-the-movie

www.theranch.org

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What’s New at The Ranch – Watch “One Life: The Movie,” Now on YouTube!

What's New at The Ranch

Watch "One Life: The Movie" on YouTube!
Angels on pointe, from one of the spectacular scenes in "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet"

Watch "One Life: The Movie" Now on YouTube!

Looking for a beautiful and inspiring Christmas activity for yourself, your family or friends? Watch "One Life: The Movie," our spectacular new Christmas movie we launched last night on YouTube!

The comments have been over-the-top, and I’m so grateful! I was especially touched by this one…

"Beautiful work. Love the music! I hope you can take it far and wide!"
Brian Bird, writer and producer of CBS’s long-running series, "Touched By An Angel," and more recently, creator and producer of Hallmark Channel’s #1 original series, "When Calls the Heart."

It’s one thing for me to love the movie, but quite another to hear from the producer of two shows that I’ve loved watching myself over the years! I hope you like it, too.

"One Life" is heartwarming, inspirational, and most of all points people to Christ, the true centerpiece of Christmas. The movie is free to watch, over and over again. Please watch, enjoy, and share it far and wide!

Here’s a link to watch the movie and all the behind-the-scenes interviews with the dancers and creators.

Enjoy! And Merry Christmas!

Click to watch "One Life: The Movie," now on YouTube!

Eric Elder

P.S. Thanks to everyone who has made a donation to this movie. We’ve raised 2/3rds of our production costs so far, and have just 1/3rd to go!

We could still use your help! For a donation of ANY size, I’d love to send you a copy of "St. Nicholas: The Believer," the book on which this ballet is based.

Get "St Nicholas: The Believer" in paperback

And for a donation of $500 or more by the end of the year, I’d love to send you the book PLUS a soft-leather purse to put it in…a $200 value! These custom-made, 10-in-1 bags have been graciously donated for this purpose by some friends of our ministry at designabag.com. (Thank you, Cary and Kimberly!)

Get a custom 10-in-1 bag for donations of $500 or more.
Although we can’t provide a Christmas delivery, we’ll get these out to you as soon as possible so you can enjoy them in the New Year. Thanks for helping us reach our goal!

To make a donation of any size, click here!
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/one-life-the-movie

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – 5 Days Till “One Life”

What's New At The Ranch

Angels from "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet" coming December 18th to YouTube.

5 Days Till "One Life"!

If you’re ready for a new holiday tradition, I hope you’ll watch "One Life: The Movie," premiering FRIDAY NIGHT on YouTube!

"It’s the new Nutcracker!" says my friend Al Lowry, and he’s not far off. In fact, the original Nutcracker ballet premiered on the same date – December 18th – way back in 1892.

Since so many theaters around the world aren’t able to perform the Nutcracker this year, I think it’s a perfect time to start a new holiday tradition. I hope you’ll gather your family and watch "One Life" together.

It’s the rarely-told story of the real-life St. Nicholas, the forerunner of our modern-day Santa Claus, set to beautiful music, colorful staging, and wonderful dancing.

If you love Jesus, love Christmas, and love a good story, you’ll find all three in this new Christmas story ballet. It’s our gift to you this Christmas – from all 173 of us who put it together! – and it’s all free for you on YouTube!

Here’s a sneak peak from one of the spectacular numbers in the middle of the show, when Nicholas imagines the angels announcing the birth of Jesus, complete with music from the Hallelujah Chorus.

Angels from "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet"
And if you’d like to help me present this gift to the world, I could still use your help!

GoFundMe sent me a note yesterday saying that I’m HALF-WAY toward my goal to cover the production costs for the movie. They said I "just need 78 people people to donate $153" AND THE SHOW WOULD BE COMPLETELY FUNDED! I would love this.

Who knows, maybe 128 years from now people will still be talking about "One Life" the way we talk about the Nutcracker today. (Lord, let it be, for there are still so many people who need to put their faith in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.)

Here’s the link to donate if you’d like to be one of those 78 giving $153, or any amount! Thank you!
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/one-life-the-movie

(Here’s my note from GoFundMe…)

Half-way there!

P.S. And in case you missed my behind-the-scenes answer to a question about finding faith to step out in faith, here’s my 5-minute video. I pray it encourages you that God can use YOUR steps of faith for Him, too!

Eric answers a question about faith during the filming of "One Life."

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – I could use your help

What's New At The Ranch

Behind the scenes interview with the creators of "One Life"

Dear friends,

I could use your help. Why? Please watch my answer to this question that was asked during the filming of our "One Life" Christmas ballet (about the real life St. Nicholas who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD).

We’re releasing the movie on December 18th, and I can’t wait for the world to see it! But I COULD REALLY use your help to finish the project well. Here’s the link to see my answer and why I need your help…

Eric answers a question about faith during the filming of "One Life."

And here’s the link to learn more and help. Please know that your gift will help us reach many people for Christ this Christmas and beyond!
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/one-life-the-movie

P.S. For a donation of any size by THIS TUESDAY (#GivingTuesday),I’ll include your name in the credits of the movie as my way of saying thanks for cheering me on. I appreciate it so much!

Thank you!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – Christmas in July!

"His Name Was Nicholas" Full Script and Score by Eric & Lana Elder

Ready for some Christmas in July?

I’ve just finished writing the full script & score for a new Christmas musical called His Name Was Nicholas! I can’t wait to share it with you!

So, starting tonight and for the next 25 nights, I’ll be reading through the script and playing all 25 songs so you can have a little Christmas cheer here in the middle of the year. We could all use a little lift right now, I think!

You can watch the podcast live at 10 pm Central every night (or anytime that’s convenient thereafter) on my YouTube channel at ericelder.com. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s for EVERYONE… adults and kids, too!

To introduce the story to you, I’ve recorded a special "story behind the story" podcast with my good friend, Kent Sanders. You can watch the interview at the link below, then tune in tonight at to watch at ericelder.com and see how the story unfolds over the next 25 days!

"The Story Behind The Story" podcast
You can also get a paperback copy of the full script and score from Amazon or my website if you’d like to follow along while I read it aloud.

ALSO! I’ve just finished 2 other books you might be interested in (trying to make the most of this pandemic time at home)!

"My Stories of Faith" by Eric Elder
The first is called My Stories of Faith, which I read on my nightly "Bedtime Stories of Faith" podcast during April and May. You can now get the book with all the stories in it as a way to encourage yourself or those you love. I’m praying many people will step out in faith as a result of reading the book to see what God will do. Click here to learn more or order a copy!

"365 Daily Devotions with Eric" by Eric Elder
The second book is called "365 Daily Devotions with Eric," and it includes 365 devotions I’ve written over the years on topics like how to pray, how to get free, how to be more loving, how to be more gracious, and how to rebuild something that may be broken in your life.

I did a special edition of my podcast last night to announce all three of these books. I also included at the end of the podcast a few words about the "cancel culture" we’re currently living in and how we as Christians can best navigate it for ourselves. Here’s a link if you’d like to watch the special episode…

"Special Edition! Special Announcement!"
Merry Christmas! (in July!)

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – How to Self-Publish on Amazon

What's New At The Ranch

Online Christian Writers Group

How to Self-Publish on Amazon

Do you have a book in mind you’d like to share with the world? This coming Wednesday, May 20 at 7 pm Central Time, I’ll be sharing on Zoom how to self-publish your book on Amazon. The class is free and publishing on Amazon is free!

My goal is to help you share your love for Christ with others around the world. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, mysteries or thrillers, poetry or romance, you can impact people for Christ by offering them a Christian worldview to the issues they are facing today.

I’ve been meeting once a month this year with other writers who want to publish their books. I’ve posted each of these meetings online so you can watch along, too. Here’s what we’ve covered so far (click any link to watch).

These are in-depth discussions meant to help you think through your book from start to finish, and get it out to the world! (There’s nothing in it for me except the joy of seeing more Christians share their stories with the world and seeing more lives impacted by those stories. I’ve published dozens of books this way for myself and for others and glad to share what I’ve learned with you!)

Your story matters! It’s unique, and God can use it to reach people in a way that other people may not be able to do. I hope you’ll consider writing it down and sharing it. Who knows what God might do?!?

Here’s a video of our most recent session session, "Creating Your Interior," in which Sandy Egle, Kent Sanders, and I share tips on creating the interior of your book, with a step-by-step demonstration using Microsoft Word at the end.

Episode 4 - Creating Your Interior
In our next meeting, I’ll be sharing about "Uploading to Amazon," covering how to setup and upload your book to Amazon to make it available to the world.

Here’s the Zoom link where you can join us live this coming Wednesday, May 20th, at 7 pm Central Time. Feel free to connect 10-15 minutes early to test out your connection, as I’ll be in the chat room starting at quarter till.
https://zoom.us/j/631002158

Join us if you can!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – “Counting Sheep Online”

What's New At The Ranch

Counting Sheep Online: Getting Comfortable with the Numbers for Your Online Church or Ministry

Counting Sheep Online

I’ve just posted a video on my new YouTube channel called, "Counting Sheep Online." With so many churches and ministries streaming their services right now, I thought it might be helpful for people to see a behind-the-scenes look at what the numbers mean when counting online viewers.

Here’s a link to the video, and a description that follows below:
https://youtu.be/WUod0deAsRs

http://ericelder.com

Video Description

Twenty-five years of online ministry has giving me a bit of experience with online statistics. And how better to share my experience with you than through an action-packed, jaw-dropping video of nonstop numbers and analytics. (Don’t worry, it’s not as boring as it sounds… and how could it be when I’ve spiced it up with 10 of the best "Bad Dad Jokes" on counting?!)

In this video, I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at our church’s online statistics from Easter Sunday, 2020—a record-breaking Sunday worldwide for online church attendance. We’ll take a look at our stats from Facebook, YouTube, and Haivision (for streaming to our Church Online Platform, Roku, and AppleTV).

Here are "10 Views on Counting Online Views" that I’ll be sharing:

1. BIBLICAL VIEW: Why motivation for counting matters
2. INCREDIBLE VIEW: Why online numbers can seem unbelievable
3. PERSONAL VIEW: Why online numbers matter
4. PHILOSOPHICAL VIEW: Why what you count counts
5. EDUCATIONAL VIEW: How to increase your impact by looking at online numbers
6. TRADITIONAL VIEW: How in-person counting compares to online counting
7. PERPETUAL VIEW: Why online counting often means undercounting
8. PRACTICAL VIEW: Why involving viewers in counting helps your count
9. THEORETICAL VIEW: How to test and confirm your counting theories
10. SUPERNATURAL VIEW: Why you can trust God with the numbers in the end

"Bedtime Stories of Faith"

Speaking of counting sheep, I’m still streaming a live message every night at 10 pm Central Time to help people relax, unwind, and keep God at the forefront of their minds.

I call these "Bedtime Stories of Faith," and you can watch them nightly, either live or later, on my YouTube channel at ericelder.com. In each episode, I share a story, a song, and a prayer to give you a boost in your faith.

"Bedtime Stories of Faith" on ericelder.com
I hope you’ll join me!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – “Writing Romance”

What's New At The Ranch

Eric Elder Interviews Mary Felkins on a new podcast.

Writing Romance

When my friend, Mary Felkins, asked God how she could help with their family finances, she was as surprised as anyone that God prompted her to write a book. And an inspirational romance novel at that.

This was nothing that Mary had ever thought about or wanted to do before, but she couldn’t deny what God was calling her to do. So she set out to learn the craft, wrote a draft, and has now published her first novel, Call to Love.

How did she do it? That’s the topic of my new podcast interview with her called "Writing Romance." I hope you’ll watch, for there are lessons shared that you can apply to your life no matter what God may be calling you to do.

My hope with these podcasts is to encourage you to step out in faith and use the gifts God has given you, even gifts you may not realize you have.

Did you know that God has prepared in advance things that He wants you to do? The Bible says: "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

If you don’t feel like you’re hitting on all cylinders, I hope you’ll listen to this podcast.I believe you’ll discover new ways God can use you, especially in these important days.

Click here to watch!
https://youtu.be/QpCiJHQDgSU

http://ericelder.com

Join our new writers group!

For those writers or would-be writers among you, I’ve started a new writers group that meets online once a month to help you learn more about the process. Mary was a guest at a recent meeting, which you can watch here:
https://youtu.be/TVLMQqjqqU4

To learn more about our writers group or sign up to join us at our next meeting online, click here:
https://theranch.org/online-christian-writers-group/

LASTLY! A Special Request

Today is #GivingTuesday, a special day set aside to help non-profits like ours raise funds during these unique times. If you’d like to support a project dear to my heart, here’s a link where you can donate to help us finish well with the creation of our Christmas movie called "One Life," still on target to be released for Christmas this year!
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/one-life-the-movie

Thanks in advance for your help!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New at The Ranch – “Dancing with the Spirit”

One Life Review

Eric Elder shows a "first look" at the upcoming Christmas movie about the life of St. Nicholas

Dancing with the Spirit

I’d like to show you a "first look" at one of the scenes from our upcoming movie about the life of St. Nicholas. In this scene, our teenage Nicholas is looking for guidance, wanting to know the next step God wants him to take in his life.

In this intimate dance between Nicholas and the Holy Spirit (danced by Owen Ragland and Aubrey Addie of the South Carolina Christian Dance Theater), Nicholas prays and the Spirit guides him to go to the Holy Land. You can see the Holy Spirit leading Nicholas—even though Nicholas can’t see the Holy Spirit.

The same is often true in my life. Even though I can’t see the Spirit of God with my physical eyes, I can feel the Spirit’s guidance and presence many times.

I hope you’ll watch this video, in which I not only share a "first look "from the movie, but I also share the "story behind the story," including some of the highest highs and lowest lows of trying to bring this movie to life.

Eric Elder shows a "first look" at the upcoming Christmas movie about the life of St. Nicholas

We’re still on target for a release date of Christmas 2020, but we could use your help to get there. We’ve setup a GoFundMe page to offset some of the costs of the production, and we’re just over $5,000 towards our $25,000 goal by Christmas.

Because of the impact of the Corona virus on so many non-profits like ours, GoFundMe has announced they’ll match any donations made towards this project between now and May 10, up to $1,000 total. If you can give $100, GoFundMe will give $100, too! Gifts of any size are truly appreciated and will help us to bring this production to life.

Here’s the link to donate online:

https://charity.gofundme.com/one-life-the-movie

Thanks for sharing the joy with me of seeing this story come to life!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – “Easter @ Home”

"Bedtime Stories of Faith" Playlist

Easter @ Home

Join me for "Easter @ Home" at 9 or 11 a.m. Central Time, with playback throughout the day at eastview.church/online.I’ll be in the chat room during both services if you’d like to chat or pray.

It’s a great day to celebrate the most miraculous day in history! Jesus still alive today and working in my life and the lives of hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.

Whether you’ve put your faith in Him before or not, I pray you’d put your faith in Him today for EVERYTHING in your life. He really is there, and He really does care!

"Bedtime Stories of Faith" on http://ericelder.com

My New Nightly Message

And if you need a boost throughout the week, I’ve been sharing a personal message online every night for the last 10 days.

Each night, I share a story, a song, and a prayer to help you relax, unwind and get a boost in your faith. We could all use more faith, especially during these special days, so I hope you’ll watch and be encouraged.

Click here to see all 10 episodes, each of which lasts about 10-15 minutes. As you watch, be sure to hit "subscribe" on my YouTube Channel to be notified whenever a new episode is posted.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVorWkyNdRhyikaaD5IXIeDbLOXL7rN5m

Here’s last night’s episode:

http://ericelder.com
Love you all! Happy Easter!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – Bedtime Stories of Faith

"Bedtime Stories of Faith" Playlist

Need a Boost in Your Faith?

For quite some time, I’ve wanted to start a nightly podcast to help keep God at the forefront of our minds. There’s so much bad news it’s hard to stay focused on what God is doing in and through our lives.

So starting tonight at 10 pm Central Time, I’m going to begin sharing some stories of how God has worked in and through my life as a way to encourage you that God will work in and through your life, too.

I’ll also be sharing a prayer and a song to lift your spirits and send you off to sleep with God’s peace.

I’m calling these nightly readings "Bedtime Stories of Faith," and whether you listen live or later, I pray they’ll give you peace and encouragement to face whatever you might be facing.

I’ll be sharing some of God’s most amazing miracles and breakthroughs I’ve seen with my own eyes, plusencouragement from the Word of God as a reminder that He’s been doing the same for a very long time.

You’ll be able to watch these episodes on YouTube or Facebook, and feel free to play them over and over again or play the whole playlist back to back. Even if you fall asleep while you listen, I’ll consider that a success!

My goal is to help you keep God at the forefront of your mind. He’s always there and always cares about every single thing going on in your life. I hope you’ll listen, not only to the stories, but also to God’s voice as He speaks to you, too.

Here’s a link to the first chapter, streaming tonight at 10 p.m., called "The Gift of Faith."

https://youtu.be/uVz66S79phI

http://ericelder.com
And here’s a link to the entire playlist, which will have all the chapters as I share them, starting with tonight’s episode. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get notifications whenever there’s a new episode!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVorWkyNdRhyikaaD5IXIeDbLOXL7rN5m

With true affection,

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – Seeing Your Mountain on a Cloudy Day

Eric Elder Interviews Nicki Green on a new podcast.

Seeing Your Mountain on a Cloudy Day

Need a boost in your faith? I’m launching a new podcast to give you just that!

In Episode 1, you’ll hear how God can use not only your gifts and your talents for Him, but also your brokenness. My special guest, Nicki Green, has the most uncanny ability to see someone’s mountain on a cloudy day… including mine!

She’ll share with you why it’s so important, how she does it, and how you can, too. You can watch right now on YouTube!

And if you like it, be sure to leave a comment and hit subscribe on YouTube so you won’t miss any episodes in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVorWkyNdRhzpqlZe5Obt_ij94r27AYUN

http://ericelder.com

Talk to Nicki!

ALSO! Nicki Green will be in our Sunday morning Zoom video chat after each service!Our services start ONLINE at 9 and 11 a.m. Central Time at: eastview.church/online

Nicki’s chat room will be open at the end of each service around 10 a.m. and 12 noon Central Time. Just click the link below to join us for a video chat! (Or join by audio or just listen in! No pressure. Just come!) Here’s the link to join Nicki’s After-Service Chat:
https://zoom.us/j/995236339

I know many of you are going through some very hard things right now. Know that I’m praying for you today!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – An Hour You Won’t Regret!

Best Seat In The House

An Hour You Won’t Regret!

If you’re not able to attend a church locally this week, join me online for an hour you won’t regret! In addition to running my own ministry, I also help out at our church as their Online Campus Pastor.

Last week we had over 12,000 watch with us online! We’ve put together another service for you this morning that you can watch anytime, anywhere. Share it with your friends!

Here’s a 15-second welcome message from our Senior Pastor…

http://eastview.church/online
I’ll be online in the chat room this morning with some of our other volunteers during both the 9 and 11 a.m. services (Central Daylight Time). We can watch the service together!

We’d also be glad to talk and pray with you in the chat room (at live.eastview.church),so please join us online during the live stream if you’d like.

If you don’t see this message till later, you can always watch any of our services online, anytime throughout the the week at: eastview.church/online

I’m praying for you today, trusting that the God who created you will sustain you through whatever’s ahead of you. He is faithful, consistent and worthy of all praise, always.

Let’s praise Him together today!

www.theranch.org
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What’s New At The Ranch – “How to Zoom!

"How to Zoom!" Training Video with Eric Elder and Friends

"How to Zoom!"

Social distancing does not mean isolation! Here’s one way to stay connected when you can’t get together in person.

I’ve just recorded this training video on "How to Zoom!" for the small groups at our church. I thought you might find it helpful, too.

The video covers how to:

  • create an account on Zoom
  • invite others to chat
  • set the settings
  • use a side chat
  • share your screen
  • share a video
  • and use breakout rooms.

Here’s a link to the video on YouTube. Share if it’s helpful!

https://youtu.be/MOz3pvXpvL8

"How to Zoom!" with Eric Elder and Friends
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What’s New At The Ranch – Join Us for Church Online!

Join Us for Church Online!
Online Planning Meetings

Join Us for Church Online!

I’ve been in planning meetings all weekend to help take our church fully online this weekend! (I don’t preach there, but I help out with their Online Campus, so this weekend has been extra busy.)

If you’re feeling bored, lonely, scared, stir crazy or all of the above, join us for church online! We’re streaming live at 9 and 11 a.m. Central Time with playback throughout the week at: http://eastview.church/online.

If you don’t have a local church to attend, please join us and invite your friends! It’s a great way to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Forward this email to invite others!
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What’s New At The Ranch – Are You A Writer?

Online Christian Writers Group

Are You A Writer?

Last month, I met with a group of writers to talk about writing and see if there was any interest in starting an online Christian writers group. There was!

So starting this Wednesday, and every 3rd Wednesday of each month for the rest of the year, we’ll be meeting online with anyone who wants to talk about writing, specifically about turning your thoughts into books.

I’ve written and self-published dozens of books over the years and would be glad to talk about how you can, too! All for free, for the world to see! I’d love for you to join us!

I’ve posted a video of our January meeting on YouTube so you can watch and get a feel for the group and what we’ll be talking about for the year. Our January meeting was on the topic of "Why Write?" and how God can use your unique words to touch hearts everywhere.
https://youtu.be/7yGn1Q0e9iE

Online Christian Writers Group - EPISODE 1: WHY WRITE? (Recorded Live on January 15, 2020)

Zoom Link for February

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 19, from 7-9 pm Central Time.You can join us live at this link:
https://zoom.us/j/631002158

If you’ve never used Zoom before, it’s a free video chat software that will let you see and hear everyone in the group in real time. This link will work on your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop.

Feel free to connect 10-15 minutes before 7 pm to test out your connection, as I’ll be in the chat room starting at quarter till. Please join the video chat using both audio and video as it will help us even more to encourage one another. We’ll start promptly at 7.

Our topic for February’s meeting is "Getting Started." We’ll talk about choosing your topic, what to include, and how to get started writing those first words and chapters. You’ll walk away with a game plan for writing your entire book from beginning to "The End."

Facebook Group

I’ve also created a Facebook group so you can keep in touch with others in the group between meetings. You can find and join this group on Facebook at this link.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnlineChristianWritersGroup

Meeting Dates

Here are the meeting dates for the rest of the year (all dates are on the 3rd Wednesday of each month):

  • Wednesday, Feb 19, 2020
  • Wednesday, Mar 18, 2020
  • Wednesday, Apr 15, 2020
  • Wednesday, May 20, 2020
  • Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020
  • Wednesday, Jul 15, 2020
  • Wednesday, Aug 19, 2020
  • Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020
  • Wednesday, Oct 21, 2020
  • Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020
  • Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020

Upcoming topics include: getting started, dealing with fear, writing and rewriting, getting feedback, formatting text, designing a cover, self-publishing (on Amazon, for free!), traditional publishing, marketing your book, launching your book, and writing a book in a month!

You can automatically add these dates to your calendar using this link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/u5csd-mqrz4iQ7QZ4cwS1ZH7ZzztYdbizQ/ics?icsToken=98tyKu-rrzsqGNWQuFyCUbUtW4H8bOG1i0AZm5kJnwjWUhp7NTnsLPZ7NrB2CumB

Invite Your Friends!

Forward this message to your friends who might be interested in joining this group! They can sign up to get these monthly updates for themselves at this link:
https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/734C9A8C76F80949

Looking forward to what God will do!
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What’s New at The Ranch – “I Loved Every Second Of It”

One Life Review

"I Loved Every Second Of It!"

"I Loved Every Second Of It!"

I’d like you to hear from one of hundreds of people who saw "One Life" in person, the Christmas Story ballet we’re turning into a movie.

I love hearing people’s reactions to the show. It’s one thing to hear from a salesman about their product, but another to hear from a "satisfied customer."

Here’s a one-minute clip from just one "satisfied customer" who tells us what he loved about the show and why.

I can’t wait for you to see it, too!

"I Loved Every Second Of It!"

Would you like to help us get this movie out to the world? You can help us greatly by making a donation on our GoFundMe page:

https://charity.gofundme.com/one-life-the-movie

For your donation of any size, I’ll be glad to send you a sneak peak of the movie before we unveil it to the general public. Just be sure to include your email address with your donation so I can send you the link!

Thanks so much and Merry Christmas!

Eric Elder

Producer of "One Life: The Movie"

About Eric Elder: https://theranch.org/about-eric-elder/

About the South Carolina Christian Dance Theater: http://scchristiandance.com/

To read the book online: https://theranch.org/st-nicholas

To order the paperback from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1llznmj

Get "St Nicholas: The Believer" in paperback

www.theranch.org

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What’s New at The Ranch – Relaxing Christmas Music

Relaxing Christmas Piano Music for the Holidays

Looking for some relaxing Christmas music?

My sister (Marilyn Byrnes) and I have put together a playlist of 5 hours of Christmas piano music, including 84 songs from 29 albums and 20 artists–including my sister and me!

The playlist is called "Relaxing Christmas Piano Music for the Holidays" and features instrumental piano music great for relaxing, studying, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, decorating, and dinner parties!

It’s available now on Pandora, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music. It’s free if you have access to any of these services. Just click a link to start streaming!

Enjoy!

Eric Elder

P.S. You can also still support our movie project about the life of St. Nicholas! All gifts are fully tax deductible and help so much. Thank you!

One Life: The Movie

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Movie Update!

“More feet, more feet!”

When I was looking through the footage of our first day of filming this story of the life of St. Nicholas, I was astounded at the number of gorgeous shots we had of the dancers, their emotions, and their colorful costumes. There was only one thing missing… their feet! This was a ballet, and I wanted to showcase their incredible dancing. 

So the next day, I said to our director and cameramen: “More feet, more feet!” From that point on, the quest began to capture as many feet as possible, dancing their way through the story in ways that are truly remarkable! 

I can’t wait to share this film with you when it’s done, even if you’ve never seen a ballet before, as I believe you’ll be moved by it like those who have seen it in person. It’s an all-out display of passionate faith, moving many to tears as they hear God speaking to them through the sights, sounds, movements, and storyline.

We have much to do to bring this film to life, and we could use your help! I’ve brought in some of the most talented people I know to help out with the production to make it the highest quality possible. I want people to be able to enjoy the film, over and over, for years to come. 

If you’d like to help with a donation of any size, I’d be glad to send you a special sneak peak of movie when it’s done before we unveil it to the general public. Just be sure to include your email address with your donation so I can send you the link!

You can make a donation on our GoFundMe page at this link:

https://charity.gofundme.com/one-life-the-movie

P.S. Here’s another scene from last year’s production of “One Life,” called “There’s Always Something You Can Give.” It’s a song I wrote, sung by Cooper Smith and orchestrated by Matt Ludwig, as a reminder that God can use each of us, even in the smallest of ways to make the biggest of differences. I can’t wait to show you the scene from this year’s production, filmed up close and personal with full cinematic cameras!

With love and thanks,

Eric Elder

Producer of “One Life: The Movie”

About Eric Elder: https://theranch.org/about-eric-elder/

About the South Carolina Christian Dance Theater: http://scchristiandance.com/

To read the book online: https://theranch.org/st-nicholas

To order the paperback from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1llznmj

Get "St Nicholas: The Believer" in paperback
www.theranch.org
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What’s New at The Ranch – Movie Update

What's New at The Ranch

Forte in the snow

"More feet, more feet!"

When I was looking through the footage of our first day of filming this story of the life of St. Nicholas, I was astounded at the number of gorgeous shots we had of the dancers, their emotions, and their colorful costumes. There was only one thing missing… their feet! This was a ballet, and I wanted to showcase their incredible dancing.

So the next day, I said to our director and cameramen: "More feet, more feet!" From that point on, the quest began to capture as many feet as possible, dancing their way through the story in ways that are truly remarkable!

I can’t wait to share this film with you when it’s done, even if you’ve never seen a ballet before, as I believe you’ll be moved by it like those who have seen it in person. It’s an all-out display of passionate faith, moving many to tears as they hear God speaking to them through the sights, sounds, movements, and storyline.

We have much to do to bring this film to life, and we could use your help! I’ve brought in some of the most talented people I know to help out with the production to make it the highest quality possible. I want people to be able to enjoy the film, over and over, for years to come.

If you’d like to help with a donation of any size, I’d be glad to send you a special sneak peak of movie when it’s done before we unveil it to the general public. Just be sure to include your email address with your donation so I can send you the link!

You can make a donation on our GoFundMe page at this link:

https://charity.gofundme.com/one-life-the-movie

P.S. Here’s another scene from last year’s production of "One Life," called "There’s Always Something You Can Give." It’s a song I wrote, sung by Cooper Smith and orchestrated by Matt Ludwig, as a reminder that God can use each of us, even in the smallest of ways to make the biggest of differences. I can’t wait to show you the scene from this year’s production, filmed up close and personal with full cinematic cameras!

https://youtu.be/ow6LYu2Luio

"There's Always Something You Can Give" from "One Life"

With love and thanks,

Eric Elder

Producer of "One Life: The Movie"

About Eric Elder: https://theranch.org/about-eric-elder/

About the South Carolina Christian Dance Theater: http://scchristiandance.com/

To read the book online: https://theranch.org/st-nicholas

To order the paperback from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1llznmj

Get "St Nicholas: The Believer" in paperback

www.theranch.org

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What’s New at The Ranch – We’re Making a Movie!

One Life: The Movie!

We’re making a movie!
Would you like to help?

25 years ago, my wife Lana and I had the idea to make a movie about the life of St. Nicholas, the real one who lived back in the 4th century AD. His story is fascinating, but not many people have ever heard about it.

7 years ago, we finished writing a book about the life of St. Nicholas called "St. Nicholas: The Believer." Many have read it and been blessed year after year as they hear this heartwarming new story for Christmas based on the old story of St. Nicholas.

1 year ago, a Christian dance company in South Carolina was looking for a new Christmas story to stage for their dancers. When the director, Cynthia Dewar, searched online for "a new Christmas story" she pulled up our book, thought it sounded interesting, and ordered it.

She says she fell in love with the story immediately and passed it along to her co-director, Erin-Elizabeth Morton. Together, they carefully composed a note to me asking for permission to stage the story for their Christmas performance with over 200 dancers from their studio!

I was thrilled that they wanted to stage the story and that their hearts for the Lord and commitment to excellence were fully in line with mine.

A few months later, when I saw the show they put together, I said, "We’ve got to film this! This has to go out to the whole world!" I believed it would give boundless HOPE to millions.

SO THIS YEAR, we’re making a movie of the production in order to get it out to as many people as possible all around the world!

Would you like to help? We’ve hired a film crew of some of the best filmmakers I know, rented some of the highest caliber cinematic cameras , and are working to create an awesome experience that families will want to watch over and over and over again for years to come.

I’ve committed to doing this project personally, no matter what it takes, because I’m THAT BIG of a FAN of their show! But many of you have asked how you can be involved too, and to be honest, I would LOVE your help! "Many hands make light work," and your hands holding mine, will help to lighten my load as we finish crafting this beautiful new movie.

This is FUN! I love everything about this project. And I would love for you to be a part of it.

For your donation of any size, I’ll be glad to send you a special sneak peak of movie before we unveil it to the general public. Just be sure to include your email address with your donation so I can send you the link!

You can make a donation on our GoFundMe page at this link:

https://charity.gofundme.com/one-life-the-movie

Thanks so much for your support!

P.S. Here’s a scene from last year’s production of "One Life" called "Holy Night." Imagine how it will look as a full-length film with cinematic cameras!

https://youtu.be/2cbfuwFrLR8

"Holy Night" from "One Life"

With much love and appreciation,

Eric Elder

Producer of "One Life: The Movie"

About Eric Elder: https://theranch.org/about-eric-elder/

About the South Carolina Christian Dance Theater: http://scchristiandance.com/

To read the book online: https://theranch.org/st-nicholas

To order the paperback from Amazon: http://amzn.to/1llznmj

Get "St Nicholas: The Believer" in paperback

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What’s New at The Ranch – New Message, New Devotions and New Piano Music!

The Importance of Showing Up

The Importance of Showing Up!

Dear friends, it’s been six months today since my unexpected trip to the hospital after experiencing a heart attack, which led to open heart surgery and a quadruple bypass.

I’d like to share a special message about what I learned, not only from that experience, but also from a series of God-moments in my life. The message is called "The Importance of Showing Up," and I hope it will encourage you to keep showing up, even when you feel the most like giving up .

Through this, I felt God say to me:

"Eric, 9/10ths of the Christian walk is just showing up, not even what you say or do or don’t say or don’t do. When you show up… at church, at work, at the food pantry, at small groups… that is 9/10ths of the work, and allows you to be used and blessed in hundreds of ways. Keep showing up! And I will bless you and bless many others through you."

I hope you’ll listen to this special message… and keep showing up!

Click here to listen to "The Importance of Showing Up"

Eric Elder

4 New Devotionals Online

4 New Devotions Online!

I’ve added 4 new devotional series to The Ranch website that you can sign up to receive each day by email.You can sign up now with the click of a button… just use the highlighted links in the paragraphs below.

For those interested in rebuilding something in your lives, you might like Nehemiah: Lessons In Rebuilding, based on one of the most ambitious rebuilding projects of all time. You’ll learn how to rebuild whatever’s broken in your life: whether it’s a house, a church, a ministry, a business, a marriage or a relationship. Let God speak to you through these words of Nehemiah. (15 devotions)

If you’re interested in reading through some of the most popular passages in the Bible, check out The Top 20 Passages In
The Bible, featuring 20 of the most cherished passages in the best-selling book of all time. Each of these passages contain some of the most inspiring, convicting, encouraging, and faith-building passages I’ve ever encountered. (20 devotions)

If you’d like to take a tour of the land where Jesus walked, sign up for Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land, featuring devotions based on 30 special locations throughout the Holy Land. Each devotion includes an inspiring message, plus a link to a short (1-2 minute) video clip shot on location. (30 devotions)

And if you’re ready for a new perspective on life, sign up for Romans: Lessons In Renewing Your Mind. You’ll learn how to think clearer, live better, and enjoy life more fully. No book of the Bible has changed my life more drastically than Romans, and this daily devotional tells why. (45 devotions)

You can sign up for any or all of these daily devotions by just clicking the highlighted links in the paragraphs above, or click here to see all the daily devotions now available on The Ranch website.

(Note: If you’re already receiving "365 Daily Devotions with Eric," you don’t need to sign up for these devotions separately. You’ll get them as part of your daily messages throughout the year. You can still sign up here for "365 Daily Devotions with Eric" and start receiving them today.)

Piano Music for Relaxing, Studying & Chilling Out!

Piano, piano, piano!

If you like piano music, or even if you’ve never listened to it much before, my sister and I have just finished creating a playlist of some of THE BEST PIANO MUSIC on the PLANET! That might sound a little grand, but it’s true! I love all these songs, and I hope you will, too.

The playlist includes 5 hours of continuous piano music, featuring over 90 songs from 20 albums and 15 different artists (including my sister, Marilyn Byrnes, and me!)

Here are the links. I hope you’ll listen, either on The Ranch website or on one of your favorite streaming platforms. Each playlist offers a slightly different listening experience, depending on if you have a paid or free account on these services, so try them all and see which one you like the best!

Perfect for relaxing, studying or chilling out! Click to listen now on:

Enjoy!

Eric Elder
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Piano Music for Relaxing, Studying & Chilling Out!

5 hours of beautiful piano music for your enjoyment. Featuring over 90 tracks from 20 albums and 15 artists. Enjoy!

Listen Here!

Or click to listen on:

Credits

Featuring the music of Marilyn Byrnes, Eric Elder, Philip Aaberg, Andre Previn, David Lanz, Michael Gettel, Yiruma, Laurie Z., David Benoit, Stephen Sondheim, Jeremy Lubbock, Emile Pandolfi, Jennifer Thomas, Kevin Kern, and Alice Perrey.

by

What’s New at The Ranch – Heart Update, New Devotionals & Watch a Service!

Eric's Sticker Book

Heart Update!

I can’t thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers, cards and meals, and true care and concern for me during my recovery from open heart surgery 3 months ago. This picture is of a sticker book a friend gave me to earn gold stars for all my "little wins" along the way… like making it through a difficult procedure or climbing to the top of a flight of stairs. It really helped!

Thankfully, I’m back to 80% health now. Praise God! When I wrote my last health update, 2 months ago, I was not doing well at all… my shortness of breath and fatigue were affecting everything I did. I was afraid it would take a year or more to get back to where I am now.

But about 1 month ago it was like a "fever broke" and I was suddenly on the fast-track to healing. I could breathe again! I could go for 3-4 hours at a time before I had to rest again! And, quite honestly, I had hope for my future again for the first time in months.

Someone asked me "What was the most surprising thing about this process?" and I have to say it was just how dark and depressing my recovery would be. One of my friends told me that when her dad had open heart surgery, the nurse at the hospital sent them home with a bottle of anti-depressants. My friend said, "But he’s not depressed." The nurse said: "Oh, he will be!"

I wouldn’t have expected my heart surgery to take that type of toll on me, but it did. I felt broken, like damaged goods that no one would ever want again. How could I be useful or helpful to anyone, when I couldn’t even pull up my own pants? I was totally broken.

But God has been reminding me about the incredible value of brokenness. Jesus said, "This is My body, broken for you," (1 Corinthians 11:24, KJV), just before suffering a horrifying death. But how many billions of people have since looked upon His suffering and poured out their thanks to God for it? There is a resurrection on the other side of brokenness.

If you’re feeling broken today, let me remind you what God has been reminding me: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). He cares about your heart. He cares about your life. He is still "for" you, just as He is still "for" me.

Brokenness can often be a precursor to blessings. I’m encouraged by this thought by the Benham brothers in their new book Bold & Broken: "A horse that’s broken can pull the chariot for its master, but a horse that’s unbroken is put out to pasture." Brokenness has incredible value, depending on how we respond to it.

I can see it now, this side of recovery! But going through it, everything looked pretty dark and dismal. I still have a ways to go to get back to 100% (and I’m praying for 150%, now that I’ve gotten this "upgrade" to my heart!) So I would appreciate your continued prayers to help me get there. I can see it now: there really is a resurrection on the other side of brokenness.

Thanks so much for your prayers. They really do make a difference!

Eric Elder

Acts & Ephesians Devotionals

New Devotionals Online: Acts & Ephesians!

I’ve put 2 more daily devotionals online recently, a 30-day devotional called "Acts: Lessons In Faith," and a 20-day devotional called "Ephesians: Lessons In Grace."

If you need a boost in your faith, I hope you’ll sign up for "Acts: Lessons In Faith." I truly believe that God can do whatever He says He can do, whether it’s healing, forgiving, restoring, reconciling, you-name-it… He can do it! The book of Acts is filled with such stories, and I’d love for you to read them along with me.

You’ll get the Acts devotional automatically (or may have already gotten it!) if you’ve signed up for "365 Daily Devotions with Eric." But you can also sign up for this 30-day devotional on its own at this link:

Click here to start receiving "Acts: Lessons In Faith" today!

And if you’d like to learn more about grace, I hope you’ll sign up for "Ephesians: Lessons In Grace."

If you’ve never read the book of Ephesians, I think you’ll find it filled with both grand thoughts about God and practical suggestions for your life. For those who have read it before, you’ll be amazed at how many of the most famous Bible verses are found in this very short book. You can sign up to start receiving it today at the link below (and again, if you’re already receiving "365 Daily Devotions with Eric," You don’t need to sign up for the Ephesians devotional separately).

Click here to start receiving "Ephesians: Lessons In Grace"today!

And for those who aren’t getting my "365 Daily Devotions with Eric," you can still sign up for them anytime and get every one of my daily devotions from the beginning. You’ll get both "Acts: Lessons In Faith" and "Ephesians: Lessons In Grace" along the way. They’re all free and they’ll help you grow stronger in your faith every day.

Click to sign up for "365 Daily Devotions With Eric"

Eastview Christian Church

Watch A Live Church Service!

Some of you may have heard that I’ve taken on a new, part-time role at my church as their Online Campus Pastor. That means that when you click to watch our live services, you’ll see my face pop up to welcome you to our church and invite you to be involved with us as much as you want to be, regardless of where you might live in the world!

We really take out online guests seriously, with volunteers in the chat room during every online service, chatting and praying with anyone who wants to talk or has a prayer request.

You can join us live, online, at either 9 or 11 a.m. CST on Sunday mornings at live.eastview.church. We start streaming from our worship center about 15 minutes before the service begins for anyone who wants to join the chat early and say hello beforehand.

If you miss the live service, no problem! You can always watch it later, anytime during the week, at the same link: live.eastview.church. Just go to the link and click "play."

I love our church! I hope you’ll take a chance and check it out! You can learn more about it at eastview.church.

by

Heart Update, New Devotionals & Watch a Service!

What's New at The Ranch
Eric's Sticker Book

Heart Update!

I can’t thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers, cards and meals, and true care and concern for me during my recovery from open heart surgery 3 months ago. This picture is of a sticker book a friend gave me to earn gold stars for all my “little wins” along the way… like making it through a difficult procedure or climbing to the top of a flight of stairs. It really helped!

Thankfully, I’m back to 80% health now. Praise God! When I wrote my last health update, 2 months ago, I was not doing well at all… my shortness of breath and fatigue were affecting everything I did. I was afraid it would take a year or more to get back to where I am now. 

But about 1 month ago it was like a “fever broke” and I was suddenly on the fast-track to healing. I could breathe again! I could go for 3-4 hours at a time before I had to rest again! And, quite honestly, I had hope for my future again for the first time in months.

Someone asked me “What was the most surprising thing about this process?” and I have to say it was just how dark and depressing my recovery would be. One of my friends told me that when her dad had open heart surgery, the nurse at the hospital sent them home with a bottle of anti-depressants. My friend said, “But he’s not depressed.” The nurse said: “Oh, he will be!”

I wouldn’t have expected my heart surgery to take that type of toll on me, but it did. I felt broken, like damaged goods that no one would ever want again. How could I be useful or helpful to anyone, when I couldn’t even pull up my own pants? I was totally broken.

But God has been reminding me about the incredible value of brokenness. Jesus said, “This is My body, broken for you,” (1 Corinthians 11:24, KJV), just before suffering a horrifying death. But how many billions of people have since looked upon His suffering and poured out their thanks to God for it? There is a resurrection on the other side of brokenness.

If you’re feeling broken today, let me remind you what God has been reminding me: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). He cares about your heart. He cares about your life. He is still “for” you, just as He is still “for” me.

Brokenness can often be a precursor to  blessings. I’m encouraged by this thought by the Benham brothers in their new book Bold & Broken: “A horse that’s broken can pull the chariot for its master, but a horse that’s unbroken is put out to pasture.” Brokenness has incredible value, depending on how we respond to it.

I can see it now, this side of recovery!  But going through it, everything looked pretty dark and dismal. I still have a ways to go to get back to 100% (and I’m praying for 150%, now that I’ve gotten this “upgrade” to my heart!) So I would appreciate your continued prayers to help me get there. I can see it now: there really is a resurrection on the other side of brokenness.

Thanks so much for your prayers. They really do make a difference!

Eric Elder

Acts & Ephesians Devotionals

New Devotionals Online: Acts & Ephesians!

I’ve put 2 more daily devotionals online recently, a 30-day devotional called “Acts: Lessons In Faith,” and a 20-day devotional called “Ephesians: Lessons In Grace.”

If you need a boost in your faith, I hope you’ll sign up for “Acts: Lessons In Faith.” I truly believe that God can do whatever He says He can do, whether it’s healing, forgiving, restoring, reconciling, you-name-it… He can do it! The book of Acts is filled with such stories, and I’d love for you to read them along with me.

You’ll get the Acts devotional automatically (or may have already gotten it!) if you’ve signed up for “365 Daily Devotions with Eric.” But you can also sign up for this 30-day devotional on its own at this link:

Click here to start receiving “Acts: Lessons In Faith” today!

And if you’d like to learn more about grace, I hope you’ll sign up for “Ephesians: Lessons In Grace.”

If you’ve never read the book of Ephesians, I think you’ll find it filled with both grand thoughts about God and practical suggestions for your life.  For those who have read it before, you’ll be amazed at how many of the most famous Bible verses are found in this very short book. You can sign up to start receiving it today at the link below (and again, if you’re already receiving “365 Daily Devotions with Eric,” You don’t need to sign up for the Ephesians devotional separately).

Click here to start receiving “Ephesians: Lessons In Grace”today!

And for those who aren’t getting my “365 Daily Devotions with Eric,” you can still sign up for them anytime and get every one of my daily devotions from the beginning. You’ll get both “Acts: Lessons In Faith” and “Ephesians: Lessons In Grace” along the way. They’re all free and they’ll help you grow stronger in your faith every day.

Click to sign up for “365 Daily Devotions With Eric”

Eastview Christian Church

 

Watch A Live Church Service!

Some of you may have heard that I’ve taken on a new, part-time role at my church as their Online Campus Pastor. That means that when you click to watch our live services, you’ll see my face pop up to welcome you to our church and invite you to be involved with us as much as you want to be, regardless of where you might live in the world!

We really take out online guests seriously, with volunteers in the chat room during every online service, chatting and praying with anyone who wants to talk or has a prayer request.

You can join us live, online, at either 9 or 11 a.m. CST on Sunday mornings at live.eastview.church. We start streaming from our worship center about 15 minutes before the service begins for anyone who wants to join the chat early and say hello beforehand.

If you miss the live service, no problem! You can always watch it later, anytime during the week, at the same link: live.eastview.church. Just go to the link and click “play.”

I love our church! I hope you’ll take a chance and check it out! You can learn more about it at eastview.church.

Eric Elder

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What’s New at The Ranch – Health Update, New Podcast, New Devotional

Heart Pillow

Dear Friends, This heart pillow is a souvenir from my unexpected stay last month at BroMenn Hospital. I had gone to the Emergency Room on March 3rd with some strong chest pains and three days later was having open heart surgery and a quadruple bypass! My surgeon signed my pillow with a Sharpie and drew on it the four bypasses he had put in my heart.

I’m at home now recovering, doing well in many ways but still needing your prayers in others, mainly, that the doctors would be able to diagnosis and treat some shortness of breath I’ve been having ever since the surgery. It’s affecting my ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, eat, sleep… just about every aspect of my life!

I’m very thankful I had a "warning shot," as my surgeon calls my heart attack, as I had no other symptoms to indicate that my heart needed this major repair. I know not everyone gets such a warning, so I’m thankful for it and for those who have been able to help me get through this—including you, if you could keep me in your prayers.

I have 2 more updates for you below that I hope you’ll find encouraging, so please read on!

Eric Elder

Born to Create Podcast with Kent Sanders

Podcast Interview

I was recently interviewed by my good friend Kent Sanders for his innovative podcast called "Born to Create." We talked about "Taking Control of Your Destiny" and how to fulfill God’s call on your life in whatever situation you find yourself.

I was able to share some deeply personal stories of how God has walked with me, talked with me, and encouraged me to fulfill the calling He has had on my life. The podcast was just released about 10 days ago, but has already started touching people in profound ways, for which I’m thankful.

I hope you’ll listen, too. Here are a few comments from others who have heard it:

"I listened to your podcast this morning titled “Taking Control of Your Destiny” and loved it! I honestly have to say that this podcast is now one of my all-time favorite podcasts of any podcast I have listened to! It spoke to me in so many ways, being as I’m also in full-time ministry and also an entrepreneur. I will for sure come back and listen to this one over again." Keith

"Loved your conversations with Eric Elder. Great combination of practicality and passion. Tugged at the heart strings. Thanks for the posts." Jim

Here’s the link where you can listen:
Taking Control of Your Destiny

"Jesus: Lessons In Love"
Devotional Now Online!

I’ve also just put another of my 30-day devotionals online, this one based on the book of Matthew and called "Jesus: Lessons In Love."

I love Matthew’s stories about Jesus for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that I put my faith in Christ over 30 years ago while reading about Him in the stories Matthew recorded for us.

If you’d like to learn how to love God, love others and love yourself more, I think you’ll really really benefit from this devotional. Jesus is, after all, the greatest "lover" of all time, and Matthew gives us example after example of how we can be better lovers as well.

You’ll get this devotional automatically if you’re already signed up for "365 Daily Devotions with Eric" (after the Exodus series). But if you’re not signed up for that, you can sign up separately to get this new devotional delivered by email every day for the next 30 days at this link:

Click here to start receiving "Jesus: Lessons In Love" today!

(And if you haven’t signed up for my "365 Daily Devotions with Eric," and would like to start receiving them from the beginning, you can do that instead by clicking here! You’ll get "Jesus: Lessons In Love" along the way. The daily devotions are free and a great way to grow stronger in your faith every day.)

Thanks for everything, especially your prayers as I continue to recover in the upcoming weeks!

by

Health Update, New Podcast, New Devotional

What's New at The Ranch

Dear Friends, This heart pillow is a souvenir from my unexpected stay last month at BroMenn Hospital. I had gone to the Emergency Room on March 3rd with some strong chest pains and three days later was having open heart surgery and a quadruple bypass! My surgeon signed my pillow with a Sharpie and drew on it the four bypasses he had put in my heart.

I’m at home now recovering, doing well in many ways but still needing your prayers in others, mainly, that the doctors would be able to diagnosis and treat some shortness of breath I’ve been having ever since the surgery. It’s affecting my ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, eat, sleep… just about every aspect of my life!

I’m very thankful I had a “warning shot,” as my surgeon calls my heart attack, as I had no other symptoms to indicate that my heart needed this major repair. I know not everyone gets such a warning, so I’m thankful for it and for those who have been able to help me get through this—including you, if you could keep me in your prayers.

I have 2 more updates for you below that I hope you’ll find encouraging, so please read on! 

Eric Elder
Born to Create Podcast with Kent Sanders

Podcast Interview

I was recently interviewed by my good friend Kent Sanders for his innovative podcast called “Born to Create.” We talked about “Taking Control of Your Destiny” and how to fulfill God’s call on your life in whatever situation you find yourself.

I was able to share some deeply personal stories of how God has walked with me, talked with me, and encouraged me to fulfill the calling He has had on my life. The podcast was just released about 10 days ago, but has already started touching people in profound ways, for which I’m thankful. 

I hope you’ll listen, too. Here are a few comments from others who have heard it:

“I listened to your podcast this morning titled “Taking Control of Your Destiny” and loved it! I honestly have to say that this podcast is now one of my all-time favorite podcasts of any podcast I have listened to! It spoke to me in so many ways, being as I’m also in full-time ministry and also an entrepreneur. I will for sure come back and listen to this one over again.” Keith

“Loved your conversations with Eric Elder. Great combination of practicality and passion. Tugged at the heart strings. Thanks for the posts.” Jim

Here’s the link where you can listen:
Taking Control of Your Destiny

"Jesus: Lessons In Love" Devotional

“Jesus: Lessons In Love”
Devotional Now Online!

I’ve also just put another of my 30-day devotionals online, this one based on the book of Matthew and called “Jesus: Lessons In Love.”

I love Matthew’s stories about Jesus for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that I put my faith in Christ over 30 years ago while reading about Him in the stories Matthew recorded for us.

If you’d like to learn how to love God, love others and love yourself more, I think you’ll really really benefit from this devotional. Jesus is, after all, the greatest “lover” of all time, and Matthew gives us example after example of how we can be better lovers as well.

You’ll get this devotional automatically if you’re already signed up for “365 Daily Devotions with Eric” (after the Exodus series). But if you’re not signed up for that, you can sign up separately to get this new devotional delivered by email every day for the next 30 days at this link:

Click here to start receiving “Jesus: Lessons In Love” today!

(And if you haven’t signed up for my “365 Daily Devotions with Eric,” and would like to start receiving them from the beginning, you can do that instead by clicking here! You’ll get “Jesus: Lessons In Love” along the way. The daily devotions are free and a great way to grow stronger in your faith every day.)

Thanks for everything, especially your prayers as I continue to recover in the upcoming weeks!

Eric Elder

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What’s New at The Ranch – Exodus Devotions Now Online!

Want to dive into one of the most dramatic, yet practical books in the Bible? I’ve just finished putting all 50 of my daily devotions for the book of Exodus online. You can sign up to start receiving them today! They’re free… and a great way to get a boost in your faith EVERY DAY! Read on and sign up!

Eric Elder

Eric Elder

Exodus Devotions Now Online!

Exodus is one of the most dramatic books in the Bible. Feature films have told various stories from the book of Exodus, ranging from Cecil B. Demille’s epic The Ten Commandments, to DreamWorks’ animated The Prince of Egypt, to Stephen Spielberg’s classic Raiders of the Lost Ark.

But what I like most about the book of Exodus is not how dramatic it is, but how practical it is.

I began this study at a time when I wanted to expand my own ministry. I wanted to learn how God used Moses to set hundreds of thousands of people free. I thought I might learn a few lessons for how God might use me to set others free, too.

I was right. But instead of finding one or two lessons, I found fifty!

I began applying these lessons to my own life and ministry and began to see results immediately. These are the lessons that I’ll be sharing with you throughout this book―lessons from stories that are over 3,000 years old and lessons from from my own life today; lessons that include some of my favorite Bible stories and lessons that include some of my favorite personal stories of my own walk with God.

God wants to set you free. He wants to keep you free. And He wants to use you to set others free.May God bless you―and many others―as you read and apply these lessons to your life.

Click here to start receiving the Exodus devotions today!

(NOTE: If you’ve ALREADY signed up for "365 Daily Devotions with Eric," you DON’T need to sign up again for these Exodus devotions. They will be sent to you AUTOMATICALLY after the "Two Weeks With God" devotions. And if you’d LIKE to sign up for all "365 Daily Devotions with Eric," you can do that now by clicking here! You’ll get the Exodus devotions included, starting on week 3.)

Enjoy!
by

Exodus Devotions Now Online!

What's New at The Ranch

Want to dive into one of the most dramatic, yet practical books in the Bible? I’ve just finished putting all 50 of my daily devotions for the book of Exodus online. You can sign up to start receiving them today! They’re free… and a great way to get a boost in your faith EVERY DAY! Read on and sign up!

Eric Elder
Eric Elder

Exodus Devotions Now Online!

Exodus is one of the most dramatic books in the Bible. Feature films have told various stories from the book of Exodus, ranging from Cecil B. Demille’s epic The Ten Commandments, to DreamWorks’ animated The Prince of Egypt, to Stephen Spielberg’s classic Raiders of the Lost Ark.

But what I like most about the book of Exodus is not how dramatic it is, but how practical it is.

I began this study at a time when I wanted to expand my own ministry. I wanted to learn how God used Moses to set hundreds of thousands of people free. I thought I might learn a few lessons for how God might use me to set others free, too.

I was right. But instead of finding one or two lessons, I found fifty!

I began applying these lessons to my own life and ministry and began to see results immediately. These are the lessons that I’ll be sharing with you throughout this book―lessons from stories that are over 3,000 years old and lessons from from my own life today; lessons that include some of my favorite Bible stories and lessons that include some of my favorite personal stories of my own walk with God.

God wants to set you free. He wants to keep you free. And He wants to use you to set others free.May God bless you―and many others―as you read and apply these lessons to your life.

Click here to start receiving the Exodus devotions today!

(NOTE: If you’ve ALREADY signed up for “365 Daily Devotions with Eric,” you DON’T need to sign up again for these Exodus devotions. They will be sent to you AUTOMATICALLY after the “Two Weeks With God” devotions. And if you’d LIKE to sign up for all “365 Daily Devotions with Eric,” you can do that now by clicking here! You’ll get the Exodus devotions included, starting on week 3.)

Enjoy!

Eric Elder
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What’s New at The Ranch – 365 Daily Devotions with Eric!

Do you like daily devotions? If so (or even if you’ve never tried them before), I’m excited to announce that starting today you can sign up to receive "365 Daily Devotions with Eric!" Each day I’ll share some thoughts from the Bible and some thoughts from my heart to give you a boost in your faith. To learn more or to sign up, read on…

Eric Elder

Eric Elder

365 Daily Devotions with Eric!

I love daily devotions. Why? Because I love spending quiet time with God, every day. He centers me. He gives me hope. He gives me His thoughts on what He wants me to do with my day.

And more than anything else, He reminds me that He loves me—even if I don’t get anything else done with my day than to spend that time with Him.

If you’d like a boost in your faith EVERY DAY, I’d love to send you a daily devotional—a short reading with some thoughts from the Bible and some thoughts from my heart—every day for the next 365 days!

You can start right now, today!It’s easy, it’s free, and the daily devotionals will be delivered to your inbox at the same time every day, based on the time of day that you sign up.

The devotions contain a range of topics, from why God waits to answer our prayers and how to deal with loss and grief, to how to get free, stay free and set others free from the bonds that are holding them down.

The featured passages come from a range of books in the Bible, from Old Testament books like Exodus, Psalms and Nehemiah to New Testament books like Matthew, Acts and Romans.

And the stories I share come from my heart, containing real life examples of how God has spoken to me, led me and guided me through the various biblical passages I highlight.

My hope for this series is to give you a boost in your faith every day, trusting and believing that God is there and really cares—for you. Nothing else is more important.

As the Bible says:

"Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

God is there, and He really cares. I can’t wait for you to start this series! I really do believe God will speak to you daily if you’ll listen for His voice.

Click here to start the series, which begins with two weeks’ worth of devotions from my devotional book, Two Weeks With God. At the end of the two weeks, you can sign up for more! They’re all free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

I hope you enjoy your new year, and I hope you enjoy your time with God!

by

365 Daily Devotions with Eric!

What's New at The Ranch

Do you like daily devotions? If so (or even if you’ve never tried them before), I’m excited to announce that starting today you can sign up to receive “365 Daily Devotions with Eric!” Each day I’ll share some thoughts from the Bible and some thoughts from my heart to give you a boost in your faith. To learn more or to sign up, read on…

Eric Elder
Eric Elder

365 Daily Devotions with Eric!

I love daily devotions. Why? Because I love spending quiet time with God, every day. He centers me. He gives me hope. He gives me His thoughts on what He wants me to do with my day. 

And more than anything else, He reminds me that He loves me—even if I don’t get anything else done with my day than to spend that time with Him.

If you’d like a boost in your faith EVERY DAY, I’d love to send you a daily devotional—a short reading with some thoughts from the Bible and some thoughts from my heart—every day for the next 365 days!

You can start right now, today! It’s easy, it’s free, and the daily devotionals will be delivered to your inbox at the same time every day, based on the time of day that you sign up.

The devotions contain a range of topics, from why God waits to answer our prayers and how to deal with loss and grief, to how to get free, stay free and set others free from the bonds that are holding them down.

The featured passages come from a range of books in the Bible, from Old Testament books like Exodus, Psalms and Nehemiah to New Testament books like Matthew, Acts and Romans.

And the stories I share come from my heart, containing real life examples of how God has spoken to me, led me and guided me through the various biblical passages I highlight. 

My hope for this series is to give you a boost in your faith every day, trusting and believing that God is there and really cares—for you. Nothing else is more important.

As the Bible says: 

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

God is there, and He really cares. I can’t wait for you to start this series! I really do believe God will speak to you daily if you’ll listen for His voice.

Click here to start the series, which begins with two weeks’ worth of devotions from my devotional book, Two Weeks With God. At the end of the two weeks, you can sign up for more! They’re all free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

I hope you enjoy your new year, and I hope you enjoy your time with God! 

Sincerely,

Eric Elder
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Join Us For A “Guided Prayer Retreat”!

Hi, this is Eric Elder with a special announcement! In conjunction with a new series on prayer that I’ll be sharing online, I’d also like to invite you to join Greg Potzer and me for a “guided prayer retreat”–a time when we can come together and pray, but not just alone in silence. Greg and I, along with some strong praying friends, will be taking 3 days to share with you some of the ways we’ve found to make our times of prayer as effective as possible. Then we’ll spend some time in together in prayer and worship, sharing meals, and making new friends along the way. I believe it will be a powerful time, a healing time, a learning time, a prayerful time.

You can watch the event live online for free at this link: live.theranch.org

live.theranch.org

We’ll be hosting the event at the Billy Graham Retreat Center called “The Cove” in Asheville, North Carolina. We’ll start with dinner on Wednesday, December 7, then continue all day Thursday, December 8, and finish up by noon on Friday, December 9. The cost to use the center is $325 per person, which includes 2 nights of lodging in a double room ($405 for a single room), 5 meals, and full use of the center and their meeting space. Greg and I are not charging anything extra for the retreat itself…we’re paying our own way to get to The Cove and offer this retreat to you–and we’re so looking forward it as well. Your registration fee goes directly towards the lodging, meals, and use of the center.

Christmastime at The Cove

The Cove at Christmastime.

the-cove-dining-room

The Dining Room.

the-cove-board-room

A Meeting Room.

the-cove-shepherds-inn

A Guest Room.

We have booked this event to take place at the end of the week to make it more economical for those attending and to allow each of you who are involved in ministries at your own churches to attend the retreat and still serve back at your local church on the weekend.

We will be broadcasting this event live online (and saving the videos for viewing later) so anyone, anywhere in the world, can take part in this special event as well. We believe that by having the event both online and in-person, it will enhance the experience for everyone. So whichever way you join us, we believe you’ll be blessed abundantly! Here’s the link again to watch it live online: live.theranch.org

live.theranch.org

To reserve your spot, please use the links below. (Please review The Cove’s “Statement of Faith” and “Our Group’s Agreement with BGEA Guidelines” before registering, especially in regard to age restrictions and honoring The Cove’s Guidelines.)

Click here or click the “Pay Here!” button below to reserve your spot with the full registration amount per person. After you make your payment, we’ll send you a follow-up email to collect the rest of your registration information.

pay-here
OR you can also send your deposit by cash or check to the address below. Please write in the memo line that this is for the “Guided Prayer Retreat at The Cove.” Please make sure we receive your registration and your cash or check by Wednesday, October 26!



The Ranch Fellowship

25615 E 3000 North Road

Chenoa, IL 61726  USA

Complete pricing, location and schedule of events follows…

PRICING

The cost is $325 per person in a shared room (2 queen-size beds), or $405 for a single room. After October 15, please contact us first before registering to check if we have any extra space available. If space is available, your full registration fee will be due when you reserve your spot.

A private shuttle service between the airport in Asheville and The Cove is available for $40 each way. Contact GrandyCo at 828-273-3214 to make a shuttle reservation.

Please note for tax purposes that your registration fee is not tax-deductible as you will be receiving a service in exchange for your gift. Any donations made beyond your registration fee, however, are fully-deductible and will go directly into helping us continue to share the good news of Christ worldwide.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

— ALL TIMES ARE Eastern Standard Time (-5 GMT) —

Wednesday, December 7
3:00-6:00 p.m. – Check-in and registration at The Cove
6:00-7:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:15-10:00 p.m. – Worship, Prayer and Messages

Thursday, December 8
8:00-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast
9:15-12:00 noon – Worship, Prayer and Messages
12:30-1:30 p.m. – Lunch
1:00-6:00 p.m. – Time for personal prayer, fellowship, exploring The Cove, or visiting the recently opened Ruth Graham Prayer Garden.
6:00-7:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:15-10:00 p.m. – Worship, Prayer and Messages

Friday, December 9
8:00-9:00 a.m. – Breakfast
9:15-12:00 noon – Worship, Prayer and Messages

(Room check-out is from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Friday (just drop off the key at the lobby), but our program will go from 9:15 until 12:00 noon.)

ABOUT US!

Here’s a little more information about us…

About Eric Elder and The Ranch

About Greg Potzer and This Day’s Thought

About The Cove (video)

About The Cove (website)

For more information, please use our Contact Form!

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This Day’s Thought From The Ranch- This Week’s Sermon

This Day's Thought from The Ranch

GOD IS THE HERO IN OUR STORIES, ALWAYS
Psalm 145:6-7

by Eric Elder
theranch.org

I spoke to a group this week about God’s goodness. I’ve been through various things in my life, but I’m still utterly amazed at how good God really is. I’d like to share that message with you today. You can listen to the message at this link (10 minutes), or read the text of the message below.

Click to listen to “God is the Hero in Our Stories, Always”

The message today is based on Psalm 145, verses 6 and 7, which says:

“Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of Your greatness. The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; Your righteousness is on everyone’s lips” (Psalm 145:6-7, MSG).

This is a particularly meaningful passage to me right now because I’ve just finished writing a book of my testimony about how God has worked in my life. I’ve been working on this book for a year, and I’ve just finished and launched it last week. I’m really excited about it because I feel it’s going to spread the goodness of God and how great He is.

Fifty Shades of Grace (Cover)

The book is called, “Fifty Shades of Grace,” and I’ve written it under a pseudonym, Nicholas Deere. (If you look for it on Amazon, make sure you type in “Fifty Shades of Grace,” not something else! Or just look for “Nicholas Deere.”) The book talks about my story: my life before Christ, my life after Christ, and how I came to Christ right in the center.

The book focuses on how God has changed and transformed my life in one particular area, and that’s in the area of my sexuality. As one reviewer said, “It’s not your traditional ‘boy meets girl’ kind of story. It’s more like ‘boy meets boy, boy meets girl, boy meets God.'” So it’s a little bit different, and I would caution you, if you’re highly sensitive to sexual things,  then you might not want to take a look at this. But I love the book, because it shows God’s amazing grace in my life, and how He gave me a wife and six kids and worked all things for good in my life. I love spreading God’s goodness.

But as I was writing it, I made a mistake. You know how, if you’ve ever taken a storytelling class, you have the protagonist and the antagonist. The protagonist is sort of the good guy, and the antagonist is trying to stop the good guy.

My mistake was that I saw myself as the good guy in the story and how God was helping me work through obstacles in my life. I wasn’t very far into the book when I realized I was no “good guy.” There’s another protagonist in this story, and that’s God. In fact, He’s the ONLY protagonist in my story. He’s the “good guy.” He’s the ultimate “Good Guy.”

God created me good, but because of sin, and my sinful choices, I was headed on a path that was going to kill me. And God took me, changed me, and put me on another path. I was my own antagonist. I was the one throwing all those obstacles out in front of myself and tripping over them. But God turned me into someone who eventually was good, bringing out all the goodness that God had put in me from the beginning.

And it’s the same in all of our stories. God is the ultimate “Good Guy.”  God is the Hero in our stories, always. He’s the One who came to rescue us, to redeem us, to restore what was lost. He is SO GOOD!

Sometimes we think that the word “good” is not a very exciting word. I had a high school physics teacher who would write on my paper, whenever I would get 100% right, and he would say, “Good.” To me and to some of the other people in the class, we would say, “‘Good’? That’s a little disappointing, isn’t it? It should be something like ‘Outstanding,” ‘Excellent’ or ‘Simply Amazing!'”

And our teacher said, “No, Eric,” and then he told me and the rest of the class–back when it was okay for teachers to say things like this to their students–he said, “God, when He created the world, said it was ‘good.’ When He created light, He said it was ‘good.’ When He created the land, He said it was ‘good.’ When He created plants and animals He said it was ‘good.’ When He created humans, He said it was ‘good.’ And when He sat back and looked at everything He had created, He said it was ‘very good'” (see Genesis chapter 1). And my teacher said, “‘Good’ is a very good word.” And if GOD is good, then ‘good’ is certainly one of the most astounding words we could use.

Now how do you get that goodness into your life, though? That’s what I want to touch on for a little bit here.

My call to you, and the call of God to me for my life, is to invite His goodness into our lives. My wife had written in one of her journals something she had heard one time that said, “If God is bigger than us, and He comes to live inside of us, then shouldn’t some of Him show through us, so others can see Him, too?”

And it’s true. When we invite God’s Holy Spirit to come into our lives, if we say, “God, we invite You, Your Holy Spirit, to come in,” then the Holy Spirit, who is the essence of God Himself, will come into us, and the Holy Spirit is going to show through us. Any good that you see in my life, or any good that you see in other Christians’ lives, is usually the Spirit of God living in us, working and acting and bringing out the best in us. It’s God’s goodness, that has come into us, and is shining through us.

My call to you is the same as my call to myself, and it’s something that we can do over and over again, and that’s to say, “God, I invite Your Holy Spirit to come into every area of my life. Push all of me out, and fill me with all of You. Every area of my life, take it over God. Fill me with all Your goodness, all Your righteousness, because I want to do what’s good. I want to do what’s right. But I know I can’t do it on my own.  I need Your help.”

There’s a great verse in Romans chapter 8 which gives me encouragement about God living within us. In Romans 8, verses 10 and 11, it says:

“But for you who welcome Him, in whom He dwells – even though you still experience all the limitations of sin – you yourself experience life on God’s terms. It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, He’ll do the same thing in you that He did in Jesus, bringing you alive to Himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and He does, as surely as He did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With His Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!” (Romans 8:10-11, MSG).

So if the Holy Spirit came into Christ’s body when He was dead and raised Him back to life, and if that same Holy Spirit lives in us, then He can bring us back to life, too. Anything that’s broken in your life, He can restore it. Anything that’s been damaged, He can redeem it. Anything that’s been lost, He can find it.

I wasn’t planning to share this, but back when I was growing up, I loved to tap dance. I watched my sister do it, and I thought, “I could do that! I’d love to do that!” It sounded so fun to dance. And I went and I danced for several years at a studio here in town. I loved my teacher. I loved dancing. It was so much fun. I would get up and just dance and dance and dance. It just made me smile.

Then, of course, in junior high, a lot of people started making fun of me that I would tap dance. But I pictured Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. These were some great heroes, not sissy guys. But I let some of those comments in, and it made me not want to dance anymore.

A few weeks ago, I was at my daughter’s dance studio. The same teacher who taught me back then is teaching my daughter now. And as she was teaching the class, she said, “Eric, you don’t have to just sit out here, you can come in the class with us!”

And I thought, Oh gosh! Do I want to go back to that in my 50’s? But I also thought, It was really fun. The teacher didn’t have many students for that particular class, so she said, “Just take off your shoes and come dance with us.” And I did. And I smiled the whole time.

It was so fun. It was fun to dance with my teacher and fun to dance with my daughter. And it put a smile on my face. I said, “I think I’ll do this.” So I got some tap shoes and tonight, after this, I’m heading over to “hoof it” a little bit. And I’m going to say, “God, I just want to smile with You for a little while. I need You in my life.”

God can take those things that have been lost–long gone from your life–and He can bring them back. He can help put a smile on your face again.

Let’s pray:

Father, thank You so much for being so good. We love You, God. We worship You. We praise You. And I pray that You would fill each one of us with Your Holy Spirit. Push all of us out, and fill us completely with Jesus Christ. Fill us with all Your goodness, all Your mercy, all Your grace, all Your love. Help us, God, to do the things that put a smile on Your face, because that will then put a smile on our faces. Lord, thank You for redeeming what was lost, restoring what was broken. Lord, I pray that we would go forward today as changed people, a little bit better, a little bit more filled with Your goodness, and that the light of Your glory would spill out to everyone around us, making Your name known across the face of the earth. We thank You, Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. If you’d like a copy of my new book, you can get a copy on Amazon at either of these links:
Fifty Shades of Grace (Paperback)
Fifty Shades of Grace (Kindle edition)

P.P.S. I’ll also be sharing more of my testimony at our 3rd Annual Ranch retreat next month. I’d love for you to come! I’ll be leading worship from the piano for the weekend, and I’ve invited several others to share their testimonies, too, about how God has worked in wonderful ways in their lives. So I hope you’ll join me, along with Greg Potzer of This Day’s Thought from The Ranch and several other special guests, here in Central Illinois on Columbus Day Weekend. (It’s free!)  Here’s a link to learn more:
The 3rd Annual Ranch Retreat

Come join us for our 3rd Annual Ranch Retreat, October 9-11, 2015!

If you need a boost in your faith, join us  in Central Illinois in October for a weekend of inspirational music, messages and time with new friends. It’s free! To learn more, visit The 3rd Annual Ranch Retreat.

Watch Here! | Listen Here! | Ask for Prayer | Contact Us | Visit Our Website | Subscribe | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bookstore

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This Day’s Thought from The Ranch- Fifty Shades of Grace

A Special Message from Eric Elder of “This Day’s Thought from the Ranch”

This Day's Thought from The Ranch

 

Dear Friends and Subscribers of “This Day’s Thought from The Ranch,”

I’ve just finished writing the first book I hope no one ever reads! At the same time, I hope everyone will read it, because it describes how I went into homosexuality and how I came out of it through the power of Christ and with the help of the woman who later became my wife.

Fifty Shades of Grace - Cover

It’s called “Fifty Shades of Grace,” and it’s an epic, yet intimate story, spanning thirty years of my life, from my first sexual encounter with a man to my last intimate moments with my wife just before she died of breast cancer nearly three years ago.

Since many of you prayed for my wife and me during that last year of her life, I think you’ll be especially interested in the last five chapters of the book. Even though those were some of the darkest days of our lives, they were also some of the most precious. For I’ve found that when life gets darker, God’s grace shines brighter.

If you’re a regular reader of my weekly messages on The Ranch and wondered if I had stopped writing, I haven’t! I’ve been writing more in the past year than I’ve ever written in my life. But I just wasn’t sure if I would ever publish what I was writing.

Why? Because I’ve shared so many intimate stories in this book that I’ve never shared with anyone before that I wasn’t sure if I ever should publish it.

But a friend of mine encouraged me one day by telling me what his mother had told him, which she had learned from her English teacher many years ago. Her teacher said:

“Everyone has a million dollar book inside of them. They just have to tell their own story–but they have to be brutally honest when they tell it.”  

When I finished writing the last chapter of the first draft of this book earlier this year, I called my friend and said, “I’ve just written my million dollar book.” It was definitely “brutally honest.”

While my goal isn’t to make a million dollars on the book, I have no doubt, based on the response of those who have read preview copies, that MANY will be touched by it, especially with the national and international discussions about homosexuality at an all-time high. As I’ve prayed about what I can do to help people as they try to navigate through these difficult waters, I felt the best thing I could do is to simply share my own story about how God has worked in my life in this area, offering hope to others who may have homosexual attractions but who feel God has something else in store for their lives.

And yet, at its heart, this book isn’t about sex. It’s about going for what’s best in your life, those deepest longings and desires which God Himself has put in your heart.  If you need faith that God can do anything, absolutely anything, then this could be the book for you.

I’ve written this book to appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike, as the story offers hope to ANYONE who wants to see ANY kind of transformation in their life. That’s why I’d love for EVERYONE to read this book! We could all use a little more hope to get through whatever we’re going through right now.

But after writing the first draft of the book, I still wasn’t sure if I should ever publish it.

As I began writing the final version, I nervously sent the book, chapter by chapter, to two friends who said they would be glad to preview it for me and give me their honest thoughts.  After reading the first few chapters, both friends gave me their whole-hearted “thumbs up,” saying things like this:

“I really do think you have something special on your hands here. The story is compelling, but I think what takes it to an even higher level is your writing, which really draws the reader in, and which is crafted so well.”

“Wow, I read the first five chapters, and you are an excellent writer. Very well done. It’s not a topic I would normally pick up and read, but you had me hooked with the story line.  I don’t think that I could be so honest and open. That’s probably why it is so riveting. All I can say is ‘Wow!'”

I then began asking others to read the story as I completed each chapter, and I began getting similar responses:

“You really are a GREAT story teller. And, oh, what a story to tell! Do you know how many and various ways those chapters affect me?!?!”

“A fascinating story. I’m completely blown away by your life experiences! Your candor and transparency truly elevate the storytelling. I envy how smooth and easy your storytelling is. It is simple to slip into the story and imagine myself right along with you. There is so much damage and hurt right now in this area, and your story is filled with hope and love and caring. You aren’t harsh or condemning or preachy. I cried and cried and cried. All the way through. I’m ready to buy several copies to give to people I know who are hurting.”

But then I heard from a few people who were concerned about the story and the content. They said things like these:

“I had planned to read your book, but my husband warned me that it may not be right for me. When he read a few of the scenes to me, I agreed. You see, I am very sensitive to sexual content.  It just seems to affect me more deeply than it does for others.  Stuff that may cause some people to say, “Wow,” would break my heart.  He also explained to me that the whole book isn’t like that and that there is a ton of really amazing stuff in there about you finding God and your journey to following Him.  I’m sure it is an amazing book, but I know I couldn’t handle all the sexual stuff.” 

“Can’t believe I’ve been reading all day! Gotta tell ya – I had to reach for a glass of ice water a few times (wink). But what I’ve read is a wonderful candid story of struggle, consequences, confusion, searching in all the wrong places – then finding the road to the right place…. in the Hands of God.”

“While several parts were arousing and might cause people to stumble, after reading the book a second time, it’s not so arousing and it gets across the idea very well of what your life was like both before and after. What a beautiful, sweet, intimate portrait of God’s grace in your life.”

Because of my respect for these people, and my concern for readers who might stumble as they read the book, I had to pause and consider once again if I should publish the story at all. But with so many positive comments coming in, I decided to expand my base of test readers to over 100. And as those responses started pouring in, I realized that while this book may not be for everyone, it could bring unprecedented hope and healing to those who do need to hear the details I share.

So far, 86% of those 100+ early readers have given the book their whole-hearted “thumbs up!” While some of them agreed that the book was indeed candid and sensual, they also said they felt this was essential for the telling of this particular story. As one reader said, “Every word felt exactly right.”

So I kept writing until I completed my final manuscript, trying to keep my descriptions as tasteful as possible, and trying to choose my words as carefully as possible. In the end, I hope I’ve captured the essence of the story in a way that is compelling, revealing and fully glorifying to the God who created sex – and who changed my life in regards to it.

Yet I still realize that some readers may be more sensitive to the subject matter than others.

For that reason, I’ve posted the Introduction and Chapter 1 on the book’s website so you can read for yourself and see if this is a book for you, as those chapters set the tone for the rest of the book.  If you like the Introduction and Chapter 1, then this might be a book for you. If you don’t, then this probably isn’t a book for you, as the rest of the book is just like it! No problem! I just want to make sure it gets into the hands of those who could benefit from it the most. (I also created a less sensual version of the book, but readers who had trouble reading the first version also had trouble reading the second, more so it seems because of their sensitivity to the subject matter than to the particular words I chose, so I abandoned that version for the one I felt might touch the most people.)

By the way, while writing the story, I wrote it under a pen name, Nicholas J. Deere. While I don’t mind people knowing that I’m the author of the book (or I wouldn’t be writing this post to you), I found that using a pen name allowed me to be more open and honest while writing the story than I might otherwise have been, worrying as I wrote it about what other people might think of me. Now that it’s time to publish the book, I’ve grown so attached to the pen name that I’d like to keep it, as I’ve changed the names of the other people mentioned in the book, too. For all the talk in the world about sex, and even in this book, sex is still a very private thing. Using pseudonyms for myself and my wife just feels right. As another friend of mine said, “It’s like a blanket of grace covering you both.”

In case you’re still undecided whether to get this book or not, I’d like to close with a comment from Debbie Macomber, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of dozens of romance novels, with over 170 million copies in print. Debbie has become an encouraging friend in recent years, and she asked me to send her a copy of this book when I was finished. I did, and she loved it! In one of her emails to me (which she graciously gave me permission to share), Debbie wrote:

“This is a vital message the church needs to hear. And you tell such a powerful story. One that needs to be heard.”

So while I know this book isn’t for everyone, I DO believe it will bring hope and healing to the hearts of those who DO need it.  Please join me in praying that it reaches those hearts! Without further adieu, I’d like to present to you “Fifty Shades of Grace,” by Nicholas Deere…

Click this link to read the Introduction and Chapter 1:
http://nicholasdeere.com/chapter-1/

Click this link to read more reviews from early readers to see if this is a book for you:
http://nicholasdeere.com/reviews/

And click this link to get a copy of the book from Amazon.com! (Also available on Amazon’s online stores in other countries):
http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-of-Grace/dp/1512385751/

(For those who can’t buy the book on Amazon for some reason, I’ll be glad to send you a copy of the book, anywhere in the world, for a donation of any size. Just click this link to make a donation and place an order.)
https://theranch.org/fifty-shades-of-grace/

Sincerely,
Eric Elder
http://www.theranch.org

P.S. Just like the first weekend for movies, the first week of a book’s sales creates the momentum for the future of the book. If a book reaches enough sales in the first week (in fact, in the first DAY), then Amazon will begin promoting the book themselves in their Top 100 lists for that book’s category, raising the visibility of the book so other readers will be more likely to find it. If you’re considering buying the book, would you consider buying it TODAY or THIS WEEK, and perhaps buying 2-3 (or 10-12!) copies of the book if you think others might like it, too? Every sale of the book TODAY and THIS WEEK could help someone in the future find the book who might otherwise never see it and never receive the blessing they could have received from it. Thanks!

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About Eric Elder And The Ranch

Eric ElderEric Elder is an author, speaker and contemporary pianist with a passion for sharing Christ with others.

Eric is also an ordained pastor and a technology expert, having worked as a technology researcher for a Fortune 10 corporation for nine years prior to going into full-time ministry in 1995. This unique combination of skills led USA Today to call him “a new breed of evangelist,” referring to his groundbreaking work of sharing Christ over the Internet with thousands of people every day in over 160 countries.  (You can read USA Today’s excellent summary here).

Eric has written for numerous publications, including Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, (you can read the Decision Magazine article here) and has spoken internationally at conferences such as the Exodus International Freedom Conference.  He has also produced a wealth of  books and music for his own ministry (you can browse through The Ranch Bookstore here).

Eric was married to Lana (Olivero) Elder for 23 years and has six children.  Lana was an active part of the ministry until she passed away in 2012 after a nine-month battle with cancer.  (You can read more about Lana’s faith and hope through it all at lanaelder.wordpress.com.)

Eric Elder and Family, Christmas 2010

If you’d like to join us in this work, whether helping to support it financially or volunteering your talents in other ways, please use the links below:

– Make a Donation
– Become a Ministry Volunteer
– Learn More about Eric Elder Ministries

Eric Elder Ministries is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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About Greg Potzer And This Day’s Thought

Greg PotzerThis Day’s Thought was started in January of 2000 with its mission being to offer Christian encouragement and inspiration to those in need. The ministry is administered by Greg Potzer & Eric Elder with the significant help from many volunteers.

The seeds for this ministry were planted some 40 years ago, when Greg, as an avid reader, started to save helpful thoughts and quotations on 3×5 cards per his mother’s suggestion.  This collection now serves as the foundation from which that segment of each day’s message prayerfully begins.

This Day’s Thought, This Day’s Verse (from varying Bible versions) and an occasional This Day’s Smile are all contained in one e-mail that we deliver, Monday through Friday.  On Sunday, we send This Week’s Sermon, shared by Eric Elder of The Ranch Fellowship.

In September of 2012, This Day’s Thought merged with The Ranch Fellowship, to become unified in their joint mission of serving the Lord.  Afer working so well together for so many years, Eric Elder and Greg Potzer decided they could function even more effectively joining their ministries and now serve under the umbrella of The Ranch Fellowship (a ministry of Eric Elder Ministries).  Both This Day’s Thought and The Ranch Fellowship are registered  501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and all gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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Lana’s Hope

LanaElder-MothersDay 2012About a month before my wife, Lana, died of breast cancer, she wrote a beautiful blog post called “Lana’s Hope.”  In it she talked about the hope she had in God, regardless of the outcome of her situation.  She wrote:

“Being in a situation like this, where death could happen at any time, I have no worries for myself if that happens. I’ve spent so much time with Jesus already that it’ll be like going home to see my friend.”

Lana believed God could do anything, absolutely anything, and she believed God could heal her at any moment.  But she also trusted Him completely with everything in her life, saying:

“I have great hope that God can heal me, but my hope is in Him completely no matter what. I know I can’t go wrong by putting my hope in Him. As Psalm 25:3 says:  ‘No one whose hope is in You
 will ever be put to shame…’”

Lana’s hope was in God, before cancer, after cancer, and now in heaven with Him forever.  I know if she could say anything to you, she would want you to put your hope in Him for everything in your life, too, knowing that He loves you so very much.

No matter what you’re going through, know that God hasn’t left you.  He hasn’t walked away from you.  He hasn’t forsaken you.  You can’t go wrong putting your hope in Him.  As Lana said in quoting Psalm 25:3, “No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame…”

When Lana died, I wanted to do something to honor her life and the hope that she had, and I know many of you have wanted to do the same.  In that light, I’ve created a fund within our ministry called “Lana’s Hope.”  My hope is that God will use this fund to help finance projects that would help others in practical ways as well as to put their hope in God, just as she had put her hope in Him.

Dan Okall and FamilyThe first project we’d like to help fund is a ministry for breast cancer education in rural Kenya run by our friends Dan and Emily Okall.  It was because of a talk Lana and I attended here in the US where Dan and Emily were talking about their breast cancer education program in Kenya that Lana and I discovered the lump in Lana’s breast later that night.  11 months later, Lana was gone.  Had we not heard that talk, we may not have known until the very end that Lana was even sick, as her health was perfect in every other way up to that point.

Although we all wished Lana’s outcome would have been different, those 11 months became some of the most precious in our lives.  Lana’s cancer was already so advanced that the doctors gave us no hope, but God gave us tremendous hope!  Through Dan and Emily’s ministry, we were able to get a heads-up about this disease that was about to take Lana’s life, and have a chance to say a long good-bye, at least for now.  I can’t wait to see her again fully alive and cancer free in heaven!

But until that time, I’d love to help further the work that has touched us so much.  If you’d like to join me, I’d be glad to send you a special thank-you gift as a reminder that Lana’s Hope can be your hope, too.  About 10 years ago, when Lana and I were raising money to travel to Africa to help with another ministry project there, we offered supporters some simple rubber reminder bands that they could wear on their wrists to pray for our trip.  So in honor of Lana and remembering that first trip to Africa, I’ve ordered 200 reminder bands for this project.  The bands simply say, “Lana’s Hope is My Hope.” It’s a simple way to honor Lana and to say along with her that your hope is in God, too.

Lana's Hope Reminder Bands

To make a tax-deductible donation, just click a link below to choose the color of reminder band you’d like, then enter your donation amount on the next screen.  We’ll pass your gifts along directly to Dan and Emily ‘s ministry, Dala Development, and we’ll send you a reminder-band anywhere in the world as our collective way of saying thanks.  We have a limited number of each color, so order soon! (And to make a monthly donation to this project, just click “make recurring” on the following page.)

Your donation will be processed through Eric Elder Ministries, a fully-recognized, tax-exempt religious organization.

To read more from Lana’s beautiful blog post “Lana’s Hope,” click here.

To learn more about Dala Development, click here.

To watch the video “Lana’s Hope,” which was filmed just two weeks before Lana died, click here.

And to watch a celebration of Lana’s life, given by her family and friends, click here.

Thanks for your love and support through the years, and thanks for your love and support for this project, too!

Love,
Eric Elder

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About Eric Elder And The Ranch

Eric Elder, August 22, 2013Eric Elder is an author, speaker, and contemporary pianist with a passion for sharing Christ with others.

Eric is also an ordained pastor and a technology expert, having worked as a technology researcher for a Fortune 10 corporation for nine years prior to going into full-time ministry in 1995. This unique combination of skills led USA Today to call him “a new breed of evangelist,” referring to his groundbreaking work of sharing Christ over the Internet with thousands each day in over 160 countries.  (You can read USA Today’s excellent summary here).

Eric has written for numerous publications, including Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, (you can read the Decision Magazine article here) and has spoken nationally at conferences such as the Exodus International Freedom Conference, as well as producing books and music for his own ministry (you can browse through The Ranch Bookstore here).

Eric was married to Lana (Olivero) Elder for 23 years, and together they had six children.  Lana was an active part of the ministry until she passed on to be with the Lord in November 2012, after a nine-month battle with breast cancer.  You can read more about Lana’s faith and hope through it all at www.lanaelder.com.

Eric Elder and Family, Christmas 2009

Eric Elder and Family, Christmas 2009. Lana is pictured second from the right and Eric is second from the left.

If you’d like to join us in this work, whether helping to support it financially, or volunteering in other ways, please use the links below:

– Make a Donation
– Become a Ministry Volunteer
– Learn More about Eric Elder Ministries

Eric Elder Ministries is an IRS-recognized, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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About Greg Potzer And This Day’s Thought

Greg PotzerThis Day’s Thought was started in January of 2000 with its mission being to offer Christian encouragement and inspiration to those in need. The ministry is administered by Greg Potzer & Eric Elder with the significant help from many volunteers.

The seeds for this ministry were planted some 40 years ago, when Greg, as an avid reader, started to save helpful thoughts and quotations on 3×5 cards per his mother’s suggestion.  This collection now serves as the foundation from which that segment of each day’s message prayerfully begins.

This Day’s Thought, This Day’s Verse (from varying Bible versions) and an occasional This Day’s Smile are all contained in one e-mail that we deliver, Monday through Friday.  On Sunday, we send This Week’s Sermon, shared by Eric Elder of The Ranch Fellowship.

In September of 2012, This Day’s Thought merged with The Ranch Fellowship, to become unified in their joint mission of serving the Lord.  Afer working so well together for so many years, Eric Elder and Greg Potzer decided they could function even more effectively joining their ministries and now serve under the umbrella of The Ranch Fellowship (a ministry of Eric Elder Ministries).  Both This Day’s Thought and The Ranch Fellowship are registered  501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and all gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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The 2nd Annual Ranch Retreat!

The 2nd Annual Ranch Retreat! October 10-12, 2014 - Come Join Us!!!

If you’d like a boost in your faith, I hope you’ll join us for a weekend of worship and inspiration here in the heart of the Great Midwest on Columbus Day Weekend, October 10-12th, 2014.

We’ll start off with a sumptuous dinner on Friday night, followed by some inspirational worship led by Alan Lowry of Saddleback’s GIG Music Ministry and a faith-boosting message by Greg Potzer of This Day’s Thought and myself, Eric Elder.  (Al’s coming in from Orange County, California and Greg’s coming in from Denver, Colorado, so if you’re coming from out of state or out of the country, you’ll be in good company!)

We’ll continue on Saturday morning with a light and refreshing breakfast, followed by another session of inspirational worship and messages.  We’ll take a break for lunch on your own and some free time in the afternoon to just relax, pray or chat with some new friends.

We’ll have an optional prayer walk on Saturday afternoon at the site of my late wife Lana’s memorial bench at a cemetery nearby where you’ll have time to consider what God wants you to do with the rest of your “dash” here on earth.

Then we’ll gather again on Saturday night for another great meal, more inspirational worship and another faith-boosting message.  (If the weather’s nice, we may even have a bonfire and cookout here at our home, complete with a sky full of stars and some good old s’mores for dessert…you’ll like ’em so much, you’ll want “s’more”!)

If you stay over till Sunday, we’d love to have you join us for worship at our local church in Normal, Illinois (you can tell people you were “close to Normal” for a whole weekend!), followed by lunch at the church café (dutch treat) for some extra time of relaxed fellowship.

If all that sounds good to you (I know it sounds good to me!), I hope you’ll join us here in Illinois on Columbus Day Weekend, October 10-12, 2014.  We’re asking for a donation of $150 per person for the whole weekend of activities, which includes a refreshing breakfast, 2 wonderful dinners and 3 sets of inspirational worship and messages.

Even if we didn’t provide any delicious meals or inspirational worship and messages, just getting out of your usual routine for a few days might be just what you need to hear from God more clearly and give you a boost in your faith.  So I hope save the date and join us in October!  Just click “Register” below to sign up!

(As much as I wish I could host you all in my home, I think you’d find it a little crowded here with my kids at home!  So here’s a link to some hotels near Lexington, Illinois where the activities will be held.)

For more information about housing, locations or any other details, please call Shelly at (214) 597-4872 or send us a note on our Contact Form.

REGISTER HERE!!!

Click here to register for the whole weekend ($150 donation per person.  For multiple registrations, click the link, then increase the number of registrations needed.)

Although we hope you can stay for the whole weekend, we know some of you might only be able to join us for Friday or Saturday.  Use the links below to register for just one day at $75 per day.

Click here to register for Friday only  ($75 donation per person.)
Click here to register for Saturday only ($75 donation per person.)

Please note that for tax purposes only the amount you donate above the suggested donation will be considered tax-deductible.  Your extra donations go directly into the ministry to help us keep sharing Christ with others, so thanks for your extra help, too!

LOCATION

The retreat will be held at the Lexington Community Center, located at 207 West Main Street in Lexington, Illinois.  Lexington is about 2 hours south of Chicago and 25 minutes north of Bloomington/Normal.  The closest airport is in Bloomington, Illinois (BMI), with flights to many major cities daily.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
5:00-6:30 Check-in at the Lexington Community Center in Lexington, Illinois
6:30 Appetizers and Fellowship
7:00 Dinner
7:45 Worship with Al Lowry
8:15 Message by Greg Potzer and Eric Elder
9:15-10:00 Q & A, Prayer and Wrap Up

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
9:00-10:00 Gather and enjoy a casual breakfast at the Lexington Community Center
10:00 Worship with Al Lowry
10:30 Message by Eric Elder
11:30-12:00 Q & A, Prayer and Wrap Up
12:00 Break for lunch on your own at local restaurants

12:00-6:00 Free time for relaxed fellowship and prayer, with an optional prayer walk at Lana Elder’s memorial bench at the Lexington Cemetery

6:00 Gather again at the Lexington Community Center
6:30 Dinner
7:15 Worship with Al Lowry
7:45 Message by Eric Elder
8:45-10:00 Q & A, Prayer and Wrap Up

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12
11:30 Worship together at Eastview Christian Church in Normal, Illinois
1:00-3:00 Lunch (dutch treat) at the church café, with extra time for relaxed fellowship and prayer

 ABOUT US

Here’s a little more about us!

About Eric Elder and The Ranch

About Greg Potzer and This Day’s Thought

About Al Lowry and Saddleback’s GIG Ministry

For more information about the retreat, housing or any other details, please call Shelly at (214) 597-4872 or just send us a note on our Contact Form!

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This Day’s Thought from The Ranch- Special Note

This Day's Thought from The Ranch

Dear Subscribers to This Day’s Thought from The Ranch,

We enter this month of November where we are excited to share our ministry vision and offer an opportunity to help support our ministry efforts.

As in years past, we have chosen this month of thanksgiving to address our needs in operating these ministries, The Ranch and This Day’s Thought, now working in unison to more effectively reach and ministry to our many members from all corners of the world.

Our joint ministry now offers even more in the way of prayer group interaction, printed and audio resources, archived Christian content and materials, variety of receiving methods for each day’s messages and other improvements & enhancements, all of which are dedicated to helping in people’s individual and community walks with the Lord.

In order to maintain these various aspects our ministry work, we require the financial resources to administer and operate as we do. Thus, we would like to share this day and a few additional times this month, the opportunity to assist the ministry with your financial support. If you feel so led, you may visit the link below in order to make a donation.

We always prayerfully strive to remain proper stewards of all resources we are blessed with. Eric and Greg endeavor to work as effectively and wisely as possible in the management of our time and monetary resources, so we march forward in our mission to touch as many people as we can, with our Christian “seeds for the day,” our weekly Sermons, and all our other available materials, but to do so in a way that pleases the Lord and is honoring to you, our supporting membership, in our thriftiness and proper allocation of such donations.

Your giving here allows us to spend more needed time and energy to all this work and also to meet our needs for equipment and such other requirements needed to operate on a daily, monthly and annual basis. One such example is Greg’s need for a new computer to replace the aging one he is currently using. All donations are helpful and so appreciated, particularly those monthly commitments and pledges as they help so much in our overall planning and ministry execution.

Thank you for your time and consideration, including all your past support over these many years together, and we look forward to entering this next new year together, as we celebrate our commitment and worship and joy, in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Most Sincerely, Greg and Eric for This Day’s Thought and The Ranch

To Make a Donation, please visit:
https://theranch.org/make-a-donation/

(And, as a thank-you for your donation of any amount, we’d be glad to send you a gift of your choice from our bookstore, which features dozens of inspirational books, CD’s and DVD’s produced and created right here at The Ranch.)

The Ranch Bookstore

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Night of Worship at The Ranch!

Hi, this is Eric Elder with a special invitation for you to join us for a Night of Worship here at my home in Illinois this coming weekend.  Since I launched The Ranch website for the first time 15 years ago, I’ve wanted to host an annual retreat for anyone who wanted to come join us live, in person, for a time of worship, prayer and inspiration.

As a step in that direction, Greg Potzer and I are going to host a “Night of Worship at The Ranch” here this Saturday night, October 12th.  Greg runs This Day’s Thought and selects our daily thoughts, Bible verses and occasional smiles that keep us all going every day, and he’ll be driving here from his home in Colorado.  My good friend and worship leader, Kent Sanders (www.artistssuitcase.com), will be coming up from Saint Louis to lead us in a time of worship, and Greg and I will be sharing some thoughts from our hearts with you during the night as well.

We’d love to have you join us!  This will be an intimate night of worship and right now it looks like the weather will be perfect for a bonfire outside.  Bring your own lawn chairs with you and, optionally, a snack to share if you’d like (not necessary at all… just come!)

It’s beautiful here in Illinois in the fall, with wide open spaces, and a view of the sky in every direction for miles and miles.  All of the pictures on our new Ranch website were taken right here at our home.

We’ll be gathering here for snacks and light refreshments anytime after 5 pm, with our time of worship starting at 7.  Again, that’s this Saturday, October 12th (Columbus Day Weekend here in the U.S., giving you perhaps a little extra travel time to get here and home again!)

Our address is 25615 E 3000 North Rd, Chenoa, IL 61726, and there’s a Super 8 hotel just 3 miles away in our little town of Chenoa (or there are many other hotels, and things to do for the weekend, about 25 miles away in the much larger twin cities of Bloomington/Normal).

If you’re flying, you can fly into the Bloomington (Illinois) airport (BMI) which is closest to us, or into Chicago O’Hare or Midway airports (ORD or MDW), which are about two hours north of us.

Although I’m sorry that Lana won’t be here in person to meet you, too, her spirit is still alive and well in our home. I know she would be happy for us to meet and share and worship together the God and Savior whom she’s still worshipping every day, in a brand new way.  Join us if you can!

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Special Message from Eric of This Day’s Thought from The Ranch

This Day's Thought from The Ranch Logo

3 Special Announcements!
by Eric Elder

Dear Friends,

Hi, this is Eric Elder, and I have 3 Special Announcements I’d like to share with you today!

#1) I’m back!

It’s been 10 months now since my dear wife Lana passed away on November 15, 2012.  Of course, after 28 years of knowing her and 23 years of marriage, I still miss her and think about her every hour of every day.

But I can honestly say that over the past several weeks, I’ve been able to think about her without the searing pain that accompanied my grief for so many of the past 10 months.

What was heart-wrenching for so long has gradually become heart-warming instead, and I’ve been able to truly savor the memories of our life together, without feeling like my heart is being torn apart, over and over again.  God is truly healing and restoring me in ways I never would have thought possible just a few months ago.

In the weeks ahead I’d like to continue the series I began at the beginning of the year called, “How to Keep Trusting God Even in the Face of Significant Loss.”  We all face losses of all kinds, all the time–whether it’s the loss of a job, the loss of health, the loss of finances, or, as in my case, the loss of a loved one–and there are some practical steps we can take to help ourselves get through those losses without losing our faith.

If you missed the first three parts, you can read them here, here and here.  I’m looking forward to sharing a few more parts with you in the weeks ahead, as they sum up some of the most significant lessons God has taught me over my lifetime of trusting Him.

#2) We have a new website! (And with it, a new way of sending out our daily messages.) 

This is not just a cosmetic change, as we’ve given The Ranch more than just a facelift.  We’ve rebuilt it from the ground up, merging the websites for both This Day’s Thought and The Ranch together, so we can reach out and minister to even more people every day.

You may not know this, but in addition to creating much of the content on The Ranch, I’m also the “webmaster” of the website, having built one of the first corporate websites for a Fortune 10 corporation prior to going into full-time ministry 17 years ago.  So over the years, I’ve always designed and built my own websites for ministry as well.

As Lana was going through her final weeks of cancer, the computers that run our websites began to fail, too, and there was nothing I could do to fix them.  On the day of her funeral, our computers crashed entirely.  For the next week, we were completely offline.

Our silence that week was more than just for mourning, but we were simply unable to get any messages out at all.  In the weeks that followed, I was able to repair the computers enough so Greg Potzer–who selects the daily quotes, Bible verses and smiles that you read each day–could keep sending out the daily messages, and then selecting sermons on the weekends when I was unable to share.

(I’d like to commend Greg on so many fronts!  He has been a tremendous partner in ministry and a terrific support through all of this, keeping the public side of our ministry running every day, 6 days a week, for the past 10 months–which is no small feat as we now reach over 40,000 subscribers from over 160 countries!)

We’ll be sharing more with you about some of the unique features of our new website in the days ahead, but you can take a sneak peak at it now at theranch.org.  You can listen to music, read a message, watch a video, ask for prayer, and all kinds of neat ways to give you a boost in your faith.

We’ll also be asking you to do something we’ve never had to ask you to do before, and that’s to resubscribe to our mailing list so that you can continue receiving these messages.  You don’t have to do it today, as we’ll be still using our old mailing system for a few more weeks.

But I wanted to let you know today, because you can go ahead and sign up today if you want when you visit the new website.  Just click the link on the new website (or click the link right here) that says “Click here to subscribe to This Day’s Thought from The Ranch by e-mail,” then follow the prompts to complete your new subscription.

I’m very excited about the new site, and hope you love it as much as I do!  Let us know what you think!  (And if you notice anything that’s not working, let us know that, too, as we’d like to fix it right away.)

#3) For our third announcement, I’d like to invite you to come join us for a “Night of Worship at The Ranch!”

Since I launched The Ranch website for the first time 15 years ago, I’ve always wanted to host an annual retreat for anyone who wanted to come join us live, in person, for a time of worship, prayer and inspiration.

As a step in that direction, Greg and I are going to host a Night of Worship here in Illinois on the night of Saturday, October 12th (Columbus Day Weekend).  Greg will be driving here from his home in Colorado, and we’d love to have you join us, too.  My good friend and worship leader, Kent Sanders, will be coming up from Saint Louis to lead us in worship, and Greg and I will be sharing some thoughts with you during the night as well.

We’d love to have you join us and, if we haven’t met you yet, to have the chance to meet you in person.  This will be an intimate night of worship here in my own home, and if the weather’s nice, we’ll have a bonfire outside.

It’s beautiful here in Illinois in the fall, with wide open spaces, and a view of the sky in every direction for miles and miles, right in the heart of the great midwest.  All of the pictures on our new Ranch website were taken right here at our home.

We’ll be gathering here on October 12th for snacks and light refreshments anytime after 5 pm, with worship starting at 7.

Our address is 25615 E 3000 North Rd, Chenoa, IL 61726, and there’s a Super 8 hotel just 3 miles away in our little town of Chenoa (or there are many other hotels and things to do about 25 miles away in the much larger twin cities of Bloomington/Normal.)

If you’re flying, you can fly into the Bloomington (Illinois) airport (BMI), or into Chicago O’Hare or Midway airports (ORD or MDW), which are about two hours north of us.

Although I’m sorry that Lana won’t be here in person to meet you, too, her spirit is still alive and well in our home.  I know she would be happy for us to meet and share and worship together the God and Savior whom she’s still worshipping every day, in a brand new way.

Before I close, I’d like to draw your attention to one more thing.

Another good friend and filmmaker, Russell Pond, filmed the memorial service held in Lana’s honor on November 20, 2012.

While I wouldn’t normally think of encouraging someone to watch a funeral service to find inspiration and hope for their lives, I’ve had so many people tell me that’s just what happened for them when they watched it, that I wanted to make it available to anyone who wants to see it.

You can watch it online here, but I know some people can’t watch it online because of the cost or bandwidth constraints of their Internet connection, and I know others who would simply like to have a copy for their own memories of Lana.

So with Russ’s kind permission, I’ve put the entire 90-minute service onto a DVD called, “To Lana, With Love.”  I’d be glad to send it to you for a donation of any size to our ministry (both to help us in our work and to help offset the costs of printing and shipping it to you).  This video also features the short film, “Eric’s Hope,” made by our new friends at Neuvelle Vie (New Life), a project to give hope to others facing loss.  (Click here to request a copy.)

I’ve even heard from one couple who said they were so inspired by watching the service online that they made it required viewing for another couple they were counseling who were having trouble in their marriage, to give them hope for what God can do in our lives and relationships if we let Him.

It’s amazing to me that God can use even our greatest tragedies to bring hope and healing to others.  Thank You, Jesus!

And thank YOU again for your prayers, your notes of encouragement, and your support in so many practical ways.  You have sustained me when I needed it, and I hope to be able to return the favor in the days ahead.

So check out our new website–and come visit us if you can on October 12th!

With Love,
Eric Elder
www.theranch.org

Ask for Prayer | Contact Us | Website | Subscribe | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Bookstore

As a thank-you for your donation of any size to our ministry, we’d be glad to send you our DVD, “To Lana, With Love,” featuring the Celebration of the Life of Lana Elder, who passed away on November 15th, 2012.  Lana was the wife of Eric Elder and co-founder of The Ranch. “To Lana, With Love” also includes the short inspirational video, “Eric’s Hope,” to give hope and encouragement to others facing loss.
Click here to learn more or to make a donation.

To Lana, With Love

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Welcome to The Ranch!

Welcome to The Ranch, a spiritual retreat center, right here on the Internet.

If you’re tired, worn out, or need a boost in your faith, then you’ve come to the right place. This is a place where you can unwind, relax, and spend some time with God.

You can listen to music to clear your mind, read a message to stir your soul, or ask for prayer to touch your life.

And for a daily dose of encouragement, we hope you’ll sign up for “This Day’s Thought.”  Every weekday we’ll send you an inspirational Christian quote, Bible verse, and occasional smile.  Then every weekend, we’ll send you an inspirational message to give you a boost in your faith.

Through it all, we hope to encourage you that God is still here, He’s still alive and He hasn’t forgotten you.

We’re glad you came to The Ranch.  We think you will be, too.

Most sincerely,
Eric Elder, Greg Potzer, and the volunteers here at The Ranch

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Having Faith in the Resurrection, by Eric Elder…

Part 3 of “How To Keep Trusting God, Even In The Face Of Significant Loss”

Happy Easter from our house to yours!  We could all use a dose of faith, and Easter Sunday is a great day to get one.  If you’re struggling with trusting God, even in the face of significant loss, this message is for you.  (If you missed the first two parts, you can read them here and here.)

It’s been almost five months since we took this picture of me and my six kids, not knowing that just two weeks later my wife Lana would pass on to be with the Lord (she was inside resting when this picture was taken, as we were in the middle of a 10-hour filming session for a project to give hope to families facing loss).  Since that day, we’ve had to celebrate seven major holidays without our beloved Lana:  Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, two birthdays, and now Easter.

Each of these “firsts” without her this year could have easily overwhelmed me with grief if it weren’t for my faith in Jesus Christ and the prayers of people like you.

But when Christmas rolled around, God reminded me why we celebrate the holiday at all:  Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the baby who would one day defeat death forever!  While celebrating Christmas was still hard without Lana, God’s reminder of the reason we were celebrating helped me keep a balanced perspective on her life and death…and her new life with Him.

The same holds true for Easter.  While there’s no doubt it’s been hard to go through our Easter traditions this year without Lana, God keeps reminding me of the purpose of this holiday, too.  Easter is the day we remember that Jesus rose from the dead, and because He rose from the dead, we can be assured that all of us who have put our faith in Him will be raised from the dead, too, including my dear wife Lana.  Without Lana here with me this week, it’s already been a different kind of holiday.  I found myself videotaping the kids during an Easter egg hunt so that I could come home and show her the tape, only to remember that she wouldn’t be home when I got there.  But then God reminded me that it’s quite likely that Lana’s not missing a thing.  The Bible says that “we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses,” witnesses who have kept their faith to the end, and remind us to do the same.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

As sad as it is that I’m having to celebrate Easter without Lana here with me in the flesh, the truth is that without Jesus, there would be no holiday to celebrate at all, and there would be no hope of Lana being raised from the dead either.  So in the midst of my heartache, God keeps reminding me of the whole truth:  not just the truth that she’s gone, but the truth that she’s gone to be with Jesus, and has been raised to a new life in spectacular glory.  And having that whole truth in mind brings His peace to my heart.  As the Bible says:

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

We do have hope.  True hope.  Not a desperate clinging to the mere idea that maybe there’s some kind of life after this life, but a firm faith in the reality that there really is a heaven, and that Jesus is really there, with my beloved Lana right alongside Him.

I don’t want to try to prove to you today that Jesus rose from the dead, but I would like to remind you of the fact that He did rise from the dead and that His resurrection was witnessed by many here on earth.  Not only that, but there were others in the Bible who were once dead who were resurrected to new life, as well, and even they have appeared to people here on earth, too!

As for Jesus’ resurrection, and His appearance to people on earth, listen to some of these verses from the Bible:

“When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons” (Mark 16:9).

“Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country” (Mark 16:12).

“Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen” (Mark 16:14).

“Afterward, Jesus appeared again to His disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias” (John 21:1).

“This was now the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead” (John 21:14).

“After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all He appeared to me [Paul]…” (1 Corinthians 15:6-8a).

What’s even more amazing to me, since Lana passed on to be with Jesus, is that I keep reading verses that I’ve read before, but that strike me now in a new light:  that Jesus wasn’t the only one who died and rose again and appeared to people here on earth.  Listen to this!

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit.  At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.  They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people” (Matthew 27:50-53).

Not only had Jesus been raised from the dead, but many others had also been raised as well who appeared to many people in Jerusalem.  Even Peter, James and John saw people raised from the dead while Jesus was still living, when they saw Moses and Elijah standing on the mountaintop, talking with Jesus:

“After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.  Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus” (Matthew 17:1-3).

Moses and Elijah were so real to Peter that Peter asked Jesus if he should build a shelter for each one of them, even though they had been dead for thousands of years!  It was a reminder to them, and to me, that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, as Jesus once told the Saducees, the religious leaders who didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead.  Jesus said:

“Now about the dead rising–have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.  You are badly mistaken!” (Mark 12:26-28).

I share all this as a preface to what I’m about to share next.  As with some of the other stories I’ve shared with you recently, I do so with hesitancy as I don’t want you to think I’ve lost my mind.  I’m also not sure what to think of them myself, for I realize I’m still in the midst of grief, and perhaps the grief is clouding how I think and see spiritual things right now.  Then again, perhaps it’s during our most difficult times, when we’re apt to be the closest to God, that we’re best able to see what’s really true!

On New Year’s Eve, I was praying on my knees during a time of worship at a large Christian conference, celebrating the New Year with over 20,000 other believers.  As I knelt there on the floor, I felt as if Lana were leaning down next to me.  She whispered in my ear, as she had done many times before in life:  “I love you, Eric Elder.”   Her voice was as clear and soft and sweet as any time I’d ever heard her say that to me before.  I could almost feel her breath on the side of my face.

The next night I felt her presence again, this time as I lay in bed.  I wrote in my journal the following morning:

“Father, thank You for Lana’s love for me and mine for her.  I miss her Lord.  But how can I be anything but grateful to You for giving her to me to be my wife for so many years.  This morning I woke up and literally felt her arms around me and heard her voice talking to me.  I couldn’t move for several minutes, it was so real, her touch and her words.  I even thought I saw her when I turned my head.  Thank You, Lord, for her continued presence, even if it is in my dreams, or in that state between dreams and wakefulness.  Thank You, Lord, and thank you, Lana.”

I’ve reached up to heaven many times in the last few months and have taken hold of Lana’s arm, only to find the arm of Jesus taking hold of both of us, as He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us.  He promised us that death would not separate us, for we had put our faith in Him.  He promised us that we would live forever, not just at the end of time, but right now, in abundant life.

As Jesus told Martha in the Bible, after her brother Lazarus died

“Your brother will be raised up.”

To which Martha replied:

“I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time.”

To which Jesus replied:

“You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in Me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in Me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?” (John 11:23-26, MSG).

Martha said she believed it.  Lana said she believed it.  And I can say I believe it, too.

As I shared at the celebration of Lana’s life back in November, a good friend of mine sent me this text that helped me to see the reality of Lana’s new life in heaven:

“It is so hard to be in this place, but it is good to know Lana is seeing our Father and Jesus face to face.  She is touching them and hearing their voices, and talking to them about anything and everything she wants to.  Somehow you, because you are one, are part of that.  It takes my breath away.

When I think about it, really think about it, it takes my breath away, too.

This is the great hope that we have in the resurrection, not only that Jesus was raised from the dead, but that all of us who have put our faith in Him will be raised from the dead as well.

As Jonathan Edwards, the great evangelist, said at the funeral of David Brainerd, the great missionary:

“True saints, when absent from the body, are present with the Lord” (quoting the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:8).

As Jesus Himself said to the thief on the cross who was dying next to Him and who had just put his faith in Jesus:

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Jesus really did rise from the dead.  And those who put their faith in Him really will rise from the dead, too.

If you’ve never put your faith in Christ, let me encourage you, as Lana would encourage you, as Jesus Himself encouraged you:  put your faith in Jesus Christ today.  Believe that He died for your sins.  Believe that He’s forgiven you of your sins.  And believe that He will raise you to begin a new life with Him, starting right now and forever.  As the Bible says:

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

As we close, let me share one more picture with you.  This is one that we took later on the same day as the picture above, when Lana came out to join us again for the filming session.  Although her body was weak, her spirit was as strong as ever.

At Christmastime I had a hard time deciding which picture to send out with our Christmas letters.  I couldn’t imagine sending out a Christmas picture from now on without Lana in it.  But when I looked at the picture of just me and the kids, I couldn’t help but be thankful for all the blessings I have in my life because Lana’s been a part of it.  So I eventually decided to send out both.

I share these two pictures today because they remind me that I have a choice to make every day.  I can either look at what I’ve lost and be sad, or I can look at what I’ve been given because Lana’s been a part of my life, and be glad.  It’s the same choice we all have to make, every day.

It’s not a matter of looking at the glass as half-full or half-empty, but trusting God that He will provide us with just what we need when we need it.  Zig Ziglar says He teaches advanced math when he says:

You + God = Enough

As the Bible says:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, KJV).

The last few weeks of Lana’s life she was still helping me edit a book that we had been working on together on the life of Saint Nicholas.  After Lana died, I looked at the edits she had made in the margins of the book.  I used a quote in the book that others have used before that says:

“Don’t cry because it’s over.  Smile because it was beautiful.”

In the margin of the book, Lana had written:  “Amen!”

It was another reminder to me that we really are surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses,” including Lana, who are cheering us on.

Yes, I still cry.  But I can smile, too.  That’s the great hope we have because of the resurrection.

I pray the Lord will bless you richly this Easter and in the days ahead.  He really has risen!  He has risen indeed!

by

Keeping Your Eyes Open, by Eric Elder…

Part 2 of “How to Keep Trusting God, Even in the Face of Significant Loss”

Last week I shared two stories and a conclusion with you about how God has been helping me to keep the hardest parts of life from overshadowing the best parts about it.  (If you missed the message, you can still read it here, as it may have been, based on the responses I’ve gotten, one of the most significant messages I’ve shared.)

This week, I’d like  to follow up on that message and share a few more stories to help you keep trusting God, even in the face of significant loss.  I know you may not have lost a spouse like I have, but you may be facing something just as challenging in your own life, whether it’s a divorce, a broken relationship, a wayward son or daughter, a job loss, a change in health, or the loss of a dream that meant the world to you.

In any case, I want to encourage you to keep your eyes open to what God is doing all around you.  Even though you may not see God doing what you expect Him to do in one particular area, if you can see God at work in other ways, it can help you to keep putting your trust in Him.

I believe this is what Jesus did for John the Baptist when John was in prison and facing the very real possibility of death.  Up to this point, John had thought that Jesus was the one who was going to save God’s people.  But something about being in prison seemed to have made John wonder if what he had previously thought was true.  John sent his followers to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3)  After all, didn’t Jesus come to “set the captives free” (Luke 4:18)?  And wasn’t John a captive, in need of freedom?

But Jesus sent a message back to John, saying,

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of Me” (Matthew 11:4-6).

It’s as if Jesus was reminding John of all the things that God was doing all around him, and even if God didn’t do what John may have thought He should do, John could still trust Him to do what was right.  When Jesus said, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of Me,” it’s almost as if Jesus was saying, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of what they think I should or should not be doing.”  Sometimes we’re so focused on one area of our lives that we miss what God is doing in other areas.

It turns out that John wasn’t set free the way others in the Bible were, like Daniel when he was rescued from the lions’ den (Daniel 6), or Peter when an angel led him out of jail (Acts 12), or Paul and Silas when an earthquake loosened their chains and caused the prison doors to fly open (Acts 16).  In John’s case, he only lived long enough to hear back from Jesus that God was indeed still on the job and working in the world.

I believe it was just what John needed to hear in order to face what he had to face: his own imminent death.

It may have seemed like John had lost his faith there at the end.  But coming to Jesus with his doubts didn’t mean he lost his faith.  It was an expression of his faith.  It showed that John still looked to Jesus for answers, even in the face of circumstances he couldn’t understand.  If this was a test of John’s faith, I believe he passed with flying colors, as Jesus said of him:

“I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…” (Matthew 11:11a).

I don’t know if the trial that my wife Lana just went through was a test, or simply the result of living in a world that’s been subjected to sin and sickness and decay.  But if it was a test, I believe she passed with flying colors, keeping her faith in Christ to the end.  Now I’m praying that I’ll be able to pass with flying colors, too.

One of the ways I’m trying to do that is by doing what Jesus told John to do:  to keep his eyes open to the work that Jesus was still doing in the world and not to base his conclusions on what he thought Jesus should or should not be doing.

Let me share just a few brief stories of what I’ve seen God doing lately, some of which may seem trivial, but in the face of the loss that I’ve had, even the smallest glimpses of God are worth more than gold to me.

A few weeks ago I was helping my kids do some late-night craft projects:  tie-dying a dress with my daughter and making rubber squishy bugs with my son.  I was already worn out from the day, and going back and forth on these two projects was wearing me down further.  I wanted to help them, but I was definitely missing Lana and the help that she would have been in moments like these.

At one point, I went upstairs to take a break, and as I passed a mirror, I noticed the temporary reading glasses I was wearing, as I had lost my usual ones a few weeks earlier.  As I looked in the mirror I decided it was time to order a new pair, as I hadn’t been able to find my old pair.  On the way back down the stairs to the basement where my daughter was tie-dying her dress, I paused on the steps, reached my hand up to heaven, and said, “Lana, help me!”  (I know it’s God that helps us, but I still find myself talking to Lana in heaven, especially at times like this.)  Then I continued on down the stairs.

As I got down on my hands and knees on the cold cement floor of the basement to help with the tie-dying project, I happened to look to my left and there, hanging on some bottles of soap and shampoo under the basement sink, were my glasses that had been missing for weeks!  Had I not been doing these projects with the kids, down on my hands and knees on the cold cement floor of the basement, I never would have found them!  And had I not remembered the conversation with myself in the mirror upstairs just a few minutes earlier, and my quick call for help from heaven as I walked down the steps again, I wouldn’t have put my prayer and the answer together either.  My whole outlook on helping the kids for the rest of the night changed in that instant.  It was as if a little reward had been dropped out of heaven and was dangling on the bottles of soap in front of me.

That might not seem like a God-moment to you, and it may not have seemed like one to me, either, if this was the first time something like this had happened.  But just a few weeks earlier, when I was recovering from the flu and getting ready to start back into homeschooling our three youngest kids again for the first time since Lana died, I had reached up to heaven as well.  After gathering up literally dozens of books from around the house that the kids use for school, we were still missing two book.  Again, in an act of desperation more than anything else, I looked up to heaven and said, “Lana, help me!”  Within minutes we found the two missing books.  They had appeared practically out of thin air.

But more than that, after we found those two missing books, one of my sons wanted to take a break and do some kind of “outside project.”  Even though the temperature was literally below freezing outside, I said, “OK, let’s fix that broken pole on the trampoline.”  It wasn’t a very practical idea, as it was too cold to actually jump on the trampoline, but it was the first thing that came to mind that would be quick and easy enough to get us back inside before we froze, too.

So we went out into the freezing cold to start working on the trampoline pole and I happened to look up into the net above us.  There, hanging at the top of the net, were my daughter’s prescription glasses that had been missing since Lana’s funeral more than two months earlier!  It was as if they had been dropped down from heaven and got caught in the net for us to find!  How they had survived the cold and the wind and the snow for two months, I didn’t know.  But what I did know was that within minutes of calling out to heaven for help, I had found two missing schoolbooks AND a pair of missing glasses!  All the while trying to help my kids, which was something I needed to do and wanted to do, but was having trouble working up the strength to do.  But the moment I saw those glasses in the net, my whole perspective on the day changed.  I knew God was at work and I was able to find the strength to go on.

And just this past week, as the weather has started to get nicer here in Illinois, I was walking around the yard with a friend who’s spent years in the landscaping business, asking his advice about where and what kind of trees we could plant around the house.  This was a project that Lana and I had been wanting to do for some time.  To be honest, it was hard to even think about planting trees, as sometimes it feels like the dreams and plans I had with Lana died when she died.  But I have to remember that I didn’t die, and that God may still want me to keep some of those shared dreams and plans alive, too.

So there we were, walking around the yard and sharing ideas, when my daughter reached down and found a charm on the ground for a charm bracelet.  Then she found another a few feet away, and then a third a few feet from that.  They still had the tags on them, as we had bought them for her birthday party the month before, but we had lost them somewhere between the store and the house during a snowstorm that night.  Now here they were, out in the middle of the yard, hundreds of feet from the house, as we were trying to plan and continue the dream of planting more trees in the yard!

Again, it may seem trivial to you (and perhaps it makes you wonder why we keep losing so many things!)  But to me, it was as if God was saying, “Yes, this is exactly what I want you to be doing, walking around the yard and planning where to put trees for the future!  Keep moving forward on the dreams that you and Lana shared, and keep going on all that I have called you to do in your life!  You’ll be blessed as you do these things, as will others when you’re done doing them!”

It’s like Jesus keeps telling me, like He seemed to be telling John the Baptist, to keep my eyes open to the things that He’s doing in the world, and to keep on trusting Him, even in the face of all that I’ve lost.

I could share a dozen more stories from the past four months since Lana died where I’ve seen God at work in such small ways that it’s changed my outlook on everything else going on around me, but I’ll let these suffice to encourage you to keep your eyes open to the things God is doing in your life, and the lives of those around you.

Someday I hope to be like the grandfather who was out fishing with his grandson when at one point the grandson asked his grandfather if he had ever seen God.  The grandfather gazed out across the lake where they were sitting and answered, “The older I get, the more I see Him everywhere I look.”

Don’t be discouraged when you don’t see God at work in your life the way you think He should be working.  Don’t give up on Him because things don’t always go your way.  Don’t think for a minute that He doesn’t love you because you’ve lost something precious in your life.  As the Bible says,

“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all–how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

As we head into Passion Week, this week before Easter when Jesus experienced some of the most intense pain and suffering that this world has to offer, remember that you’re not alone.  Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer and die.  He knows what it’s like to lose people who are close to you, like He did when He lost Lazarus and John the Baptist.  In the case of Lazarus, Jesus raised him back to life.  In the case of John the Baptist, Jesus spoke words of encouragement so he could face his death with faith.

And in all things, remember that God really does love you and has a unique calling and purpose for your life.  Keep your eyes open.  The more you do, the more you’ll see Him everywhere you look.

by

Two Stories and a Conclusion, by Eric Elder…

Part 1 of “How to Keep Trusting God, Even in the Face of Significant Loss”

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers and kindnesses since my sweet wife Lana passed away on November 15th.  It’s been four months now and I wanted to share some thoughts with you on Lana, healing, and God’s will.  I apologize in advance for the length of this message, but if you’ve been discouraged or having trouble trusting God, especially in the face of significant loss, I hope you’ll read this message.  This message is really just two stories, with some follow-up comments to help you bring them together and apply them to your lives.

I haven’t shared these stories publicly until this week, as they are so personal and intimate that I’ve just been treasuring them in my own heart.  But I feel they’re important to share as a way of testifying to what God is doing in my life, and hopefully encouraging you at the same time.

The first story started on the day of Lana’s funeral, on November 20th, 2012.  Before she died, Lana had asked me to preach at her funeral if it ever came to that.  She said I didn’t have to do it if I didn’t think I could, but if I could, she wanted me to be the one to do it.  I did get up and preach, but not without seriously considering backing out several times, even a few times during the service just before I was about to speak.  I just wasn’t sure if I could do it.

One of the reasons I felt so unsure, apart from the sadness I felt in my heart from already missing her, was that I felt like I had lost so much in the days leading up to her death.  I had not only lost my best friend, my encourager, my partner in ministry, and apart from Jesus, the greatest source of joy and delight in my life, but we had also depleted all of the money in our bank account during those final months of her battle with cancer.  On the morning of her funeral, we had $26.45 in the bank.  I felt like I had lost everything.  (I hadn’t, but I felt like it.)

The morning of the funeral, I prayed that God would give me the strength to do what I wanted to do and needed to do.  I also prayed, more as a wish than anything else, that God would give the kids some kind of inheritance from Lana from the gifts that came in.  I knew that no amount of money would make up to them for losing their mother, but I wished I had something I could give them as an inheritance from her.  $26.45 wasn’t going to go very far among the six kids.

So I prayed that God would provide enough from the memorial gifts to pay for the funeral and still have some left over for the kids.  From past funerals, I knew that the gifts that come in are sometimes just enough to pay for the funeral and that’s it, so I wasn’t expecting much.  But then in my heart, I prayed, “God, if there’s any way to give the kids $1,000 each as an inheritance, that would be great.”  But then from deeper still in my heart, I thought that what I would really like for them is if I could put $5,000 into each of their bank accounts.  I quickly did the math and $5,000 times 6 kids would be $30,000.  There’s no way, I thought.  With $26.45 in the bank, I knew it was an outlandish request.  But I laid it out before God anyway.  Later that day, I got up to preach at Lana’s funeral.  (If you haven’t watched it yet, I’d encourage you to watch it online on Lana’s blog.  It was like no other service I’ve been to before, and I think you’ll find it inspiring and helpful more than anything else, so please watch it if you can!)

Starting that day and the days that followed, people did begin sending in memorial gifts for our family in honor of Lana.  Some gave $5, some gave $15, and some gave $20 or $100.  A few gave $1,000 and some even gave $5,000.  By December 4th, just two weeks and a day after the funeral, we had received just over $30,000 from over 200 different people, none of whom knew about my private prayer to God!

Now keep that date and that astounding answer to prayer in mind as I tell you the second story.  For it was on December 4th, just one year earlier, that we had first found the lump in Lana’s breast, our first indicator that anything was even wrong at all.

It was on that day that we had heard a missionary talk about their work in Kenya teaching women how to do self-exams for breast cancer.  Later that night we checked and discovered the lump.  We thought it was probably nothing serious, as is often the case.  But over the next few weeks, after a mammogram and then an ultrasound and finally a biopsy, the doctors confirmed that the lump really was cancerous.  At that time, the doctors had no reason to think that the cancer had already spread.  They felt that with treatment, they could remove it and all would be fine.  We were shocked but felt this was beatable.

A few days later, Lana was listening to a podcast on her phone of a sermon that gave her some encouragement, so when she was done listening, she handed me her phone so that I could listen to it, too.  But as she handed it to me, I felt God speak to me as loud and clear as any time I’d ever heard Him speak in my life.  Although He didn’t speak in audible words, the effect of what He was saying was, “This is a good message, Eric.  But it’s not My message for you in this situation.  This time I have something else in mind.”

As I listened to the message, I realized it was all about praying “bold prayers,” that we shouldn’t just pray for a “C” on a test, but for an “A.”  That we shouldn’t just pray that we would survive a difficult marriage, but that it would thrive.  That we shouldn’t just pray for a sickness to go away, but for a long and healthy and abundant life instead.  It was the kind of message I would normally believe and receive and be encouraged to pray with all my heart for every difficult situation I faced.

But if God really had spoken to me, then what was He saying in regards to Lana’s healing?  With a great sadness in my heart, I felt He was saying, “Eric, I know you have the faith to ask for the moon and get it.  But not this time.  This time I have something else in mind.”  God brought to my mind Psalm 23, reminding me that He would be with me, even in the face of death:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…” (Psalm 23:4).

I felt this was a little extreme.  This cancer was beatable.  It didn’t have to end in death.  Then why was God telling me this?  But the next week I found out why.

Just a few days later, Lana went in for a few more tests.  She had started to have some other symptoms, some unexplainable bleeding and intense lower back pain.  The tests showed that it was worse than the doctors initially thought.  The cancer had already spread to her lungs and liver and spine.  In addition, the cancer was in a special category called “triple negative,” which meant that it wouldn’t respond to normal treatments that worked for other breast cancers.  There was no cure, the doctors said.  The best they could do was to treat the symptoms and try to keep her as comfortable as possible for as long as possible, but that the cancer would eventually take her life.  Statistically, the doctors said she had about one 1 to 3 years to live, depending on how she responded to treatment.  The majority of women with Stage 4, triple negative breast cancer don’t make it past 5 years.  And only one in a hundred ever make it to 10 years.

We were devastated.  But having heard God speak to me the week before, even before the doctors told us what was going on, somehow gave me great faith.  Not faith that Lana would be healed, although I believed God could still heal her in an instant, too, but faith that He would be with us through it all.  This was no news to God.  He had already revealed it to me before we, or even the doctors, had an inkling what was coming.

Knowing that God was with us gave me great peace in my heart.  But as comforting as this was, I still didn’t know how to walk forward in a practical way, given what I felt God was saying to me.  If God had told me that Lana was going to be healed, and to walk in faith and stand on the promise of the word He had spoken to my heart, I knew how to walk that out:  read and reread the Scriptures, fast and pray, gather others to fast and pray, and look for answers from any doctor or person of faith who could help us beat this disease.  But if I had really heard right, and God was really saying, “I know you have the faith to ask for the moon and get it, Eric, but not this time,” how could I walk that out?  How could I stand on something that I didn’t want to believe and didn’t want to be true?

Was I supposed to just give up on the possibility of healing?  Not bother praying at all for her?  Not ask others to join us in fasting and prayer?  Not go to doctors to try to get whatever help we could?  I felt that taking any of those paths would be utterly wrong.  Lana wanted to live and I wanted her to live!  And who knows?  Maybe I heard wrong.  Maybe the doctors were wrong.  And even if I had heard right, and the doctors were right, maybe God would still heal her miraculously!  God’s default position on healing is that we should be healed, as evidenced by the many ways He has created our bodies to heal themselves, to automatically seal up cuts, fight off infections, and repair damaged tissue.  God has demonstrated His desire for our healing throughout the Bible, performing miraculous healings from cover to cover.  God loves healing and wants us to be healed!  There’s no doubt that God is a healing God!

So I tried to remember what others did in the Bible when they received a word from God that they didn’t want to believe either.

I thought of Hezekiah, who was sick and dying when God spoke to him through the prophet Isaiah saying that Hezekiah’s sickness would end in death.  Hezekiah wept bitterly and pleaded with God for a different outcome.

“Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in Your eyes” (2 Kings 20:3a).

God heard Hezekiah’s prayers, healed him, and gave him an extra 15 years of life.

I thought of King David, who got a word from God through Nathan the prophet saying that the child born to David and Bathsheba would die.  But David didn’t give up and didn’t give in.  He fasted and prayed and wept before God every night saying:

“Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live,” (2 Samuel 12:22).

In David’s case, however, his child died after seven days, but not without David pleading with God for a different outcome.

Then I thought of Jesus, who, when faced with his own imminent death, knelt down and prayed so earnestly that His sweat fell like drops of blood:

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Jesus knew what His Father was asking of Him, yet still He pleaded for another way, that the cup He was about to drink would somehow be taken from Him.  Yet Jesus yielded to His Father’s will, even over His own.

From these three stories of Hezekiah and David and Jesus, I felt I was in good company that even if I had heard right from God, I could still plead with Him, in fasting and prayer and tears, pouring out my heart to Him for what Lana and I both wanted: that she would be healed completely and gloriously, and continue to live a long, healthy and abundant life.

So we fasted and prayed and called others to join us in fasting and prayer.  We talked to doctors and nurses and researchers and nutritionists, both locally and globally, to see if God had an answer through them.  We called the elders of our church, and several of our former churches, to anoint us with oil and pray for Lana’s healing.  We held prayer meetings in our living room and drove and flew to get prayer from some of the most faith-filled men and women of God we knew.

But as time marched on, the tests continued to come back blacker and bleaker.  Either what God had spoken to me at the beginning was true, or God was preparing the way for one of the most miraculous turnarounds of all time.  Either way, we felt good about the steps we were taking, about doing everything we possibly could to bring about her healing, and about trusting in God completely whatever the outcome.

As much as Lana and I, and many of you, wished that the outcome had been different, I can say that when it came time to say our final goodbyes, we had no regrets.  We had done everything we could think of doing to keep her alive, and God kept His promise to be with us through it all.

Let me tie these two stories together for you by sharing my journal entries from December 4th, 2012, the first written early in the morning as I was remembering the one-year anniversary of finding the lump that took Lana’s life, and the second written at midnight that night, after we received the checks in the mail that put us over $30,000 in memorial gifts in her honor.

“12/4/12 – Father, thank You for revealing to me and Lana the lump in her right breast one year ago today…  Lord, any thoughts about this being the one-year anniversary of the day You revealed this lump?  ‘I’ve given you a great gift, Eric.  A chance to see into the future, and to make your plans accordingly.   I have not hidden what is to happen from My prophets.  I warned Abraham about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah before it happened, just as I told him and Sarah they would have a child in a year, and just as I told you, Eric, that your friends would have a child in a year.  Although I didn’t tell you an exact date [regarding Lana], I did tell you what the outcome would be, both by showing you the lump, and by confirming that while you could pray for healing, this wasn’t My will in this case.  I wanted you to know, Eric, because I wanted you to have time to plan, prepare, and say goodbye properly.  And you have done marvelously.  Your kids, your friends, your family, are all living testaments to that fact.  I also gave you test after test, and doctor after doctor, to confirm this to you, for you wanted the truth, and you knew the truth would set you free.  They were hard truths to hear, and hard to watch you hear, but they were necessary to help you absorb and understand what I was saying.  I’ve given you a gift Eric, both in what I revealed, and in the fact that I do reveal My knowledge to My children.  Lana wanted to live and not die, and she was right to do so, for that’s My will [He wants all of us to live forever!].  But I wanted you to know so you could plan, prepare, and say goodbye properly.  I wanted you to care for her and love her and be with her to the fullest extent possible, so when she passed through the veil, you would have no regrets, nothing left undone, nothing more you could have done, but love her thoroughly.  I did this for you, yes, but also for Me, for I wanted you to be able to care for her on earth as I cared for her from heaven.  You were, and still are, My hands and feet and voice to many on earth.  You will be sad, no doubt, for to lose the one you love, when you have loved so deeply, is sad.  But you will rejoice as well, for you have been given a great and wonderful gift.'”

“12 midnight – Father, thank You for helping us reach the $30,000 mark that I had asked You for, to give $5,000 to each of the kids as an inheritance from Lana.  Lord, we only had $26.45 in our bank account the day of the funeral.  It was an outlandish prayer, and within a few weeks, You’ve brought the full amount I extravagantly asked for.  ‘Open your mouth wide, Eric, and I will fill it.’  Thank You, Lord!  I love You.  By the way, the sunset looked delicious tonight, like rainbow sherbet, and I wanted to lick it.  ‘Thank You.’  Thank You, Lord.”

Yes, life can be extremely hard.  But it also offers sunsets that look like rainbow sherbet!  The trick is to not let the hardest parts of life overshadow the best parts about it.  God is at work in both.  The Bible says:

“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner… So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust Him. He knows what He’s doing, and He’ll keep on doing it” (1 Peter 4:12-13, 19, The Message).

Friends, God loves you and has a unique calling and purpose for your life, just as He had a unique calling and purpose for Lana’s life.  Don’t be discouraged when life doesn’t work out the way you think it should. God is still on the job.  Keep putting your trust in Him.  He knows what He’s doing, and He’ll keep on doing it.

Thanks for reading these two stories, and thanks again for your prayers and kindnesses you’ve shown to me and my family, especially during this past year.  It means so much, and is yet one more reminder of all that’s good in life.  May God bless you and keep you as you keep putting your trust in Him!

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Appendix ~ Message 5: The Difference Three Days Can Make

You're reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

You’re reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

By Lana Elder, Palm Sunday, April 1st, 2012

As we approach Holy Week, I want to talk to you about the difference three days can make.

I heard a story recently of a seminary student who was struggling to keep going. He was tired, exhausted and ready to give up.  He fell asleep in class one day and didn’t wake up until everyone else had gone home—except his teacher.

His teacher gently woke him up and said:

“Go home, eat a good meal, get some sleep and don’t make any important decisions in the next three days.” 

The student followed his advice, regained his strength, and is now leading a worldwide ministry.  He said his teacher’s advice was some of the best he had ever received.

Three days can often mean the difference between victory and defeat.

I think of the story of King David in the book of 1 Samuel.  From almost the moment that David was anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel, King Saul, the current king, wanted David dead. If you read in 1 Samuel 17, you’ll see that shortly after Samuel anoints David to be the next king, David kills the giant Philistine, Goliath.  From then on, King Saul seems to have it in his heart to kill David. Throughout the rest of the chapters in 1 Samuel, Saul pursues David in an attempt to kill him.

Life has got to be difficult when your king wants to kill you.  Can you imagine if the President, or the King, or the Prime Minister of your country wanted you dead?  But every time King Saul tries to kill David, God continues to protect him.

One of the most devastating times in David’s life takes place when David escapes to the land of the Philistines to avoid being destroyed by Saul. While David was gone on one of his fighting expeditions, the Amalekites raided Ziklag, the town where David and his men and their families had settled.  The Bible says:

“David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it, and had taken captive the women and all who were in it, both young and old. They killed none of them, but carried them off as they went on their way.

“When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:1-6).

I try to imagine what it must have been like to be David. God had anointed him to be the next king, but at first, his life was nothing like royalty. King Saul was constantly trying to kill him—and then this happens. Everything David owns is burned and his wives have been captured. David and his men weep until they have no strength left. His own followers were now talking of stoning him. All hope seemed lost.

I think I would have given up. Looking at the situation from my human perspective, I would have said, “That guy Samuel the prophet was wrong. I certainly have not been chosen by God to do anything. Everyone is against me. God is not for me. If He were for me, my life would not look like this. I am just going to go back to tending sheep.”

Thankfully I’m not David. Instead, the Bible says, “David found strength in the Lord his God.” David didn’t lose his faith in God through all of his trials. If he had, we would never have known about one of the greatest kings this world has ever had.

David persevered. He inquired of the Lord and chose to pursue his enemy. Amazingly, they found an abandoned slave of an Amalekite who was left for dead because he was ill. The slave was able to lead David and his men to their families. The Bible says:

“David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled. David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back” (1 Samuel 30:17-19).

Okay, now that’s why this guy is so famous! David was certainly known to be a fighter, and in this instance, he doesn’t disappoint us.

In the very next chapter, just three days after David’s most intense battle to save everything dear to him and to those around him, David gets the news:  King Saul has died.  The Bible says:

“After the death of Saul, David returned from defeating the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag two days. On the third day a man arrived from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and with dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell to the ground to pay him honor.

“Where have you come from?” David asked him.

He answered, “I have escaped from the Israelite camp.”

“What happened?” David asked. “Tell me.”

He said, “The men fled from the battle. Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are dead” (2 Samuel 1:1-4).

In the next chapter, David becomes king of Judah and eventually he becomes king over all of Israel.  What’s significant to me is that his life really changed in a matter of days—three days to be exact. I think of how downcast David must have been up to that point, “greatly distressed” as the Bible says, when his belongings were burned and his people were captured.  Then just three short days later he had it all back again, and not only that, but the king who had been pursuing him was finally dead. Life certainly was looking better for David.

This, of course, reminds me of another story in the Bible when things didn’t look too good, but God turned things around in a miraculous way—in just three days. It’s the story of Jesus.

Jesus was a man who, much like his great ancestor David, was destined to reign as king.

As the angel told Mary in Luke 1:32-3:

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.”

I wonder how His mother felt on that day the angel visited.  And then I wonder what she must have felt on the day she saw him crucified. Here was her beloved son, destined to be king, yet hanging dead on a cross. How could this be? All hope seemed lost.

But for God, time is relative.  Hope is eternal.

Jesus had a lifetime of doing incredible things here on earth.  He healed the sick.  He raised the dead.  He walked on water.  He encouraged people to forgive and to do what is right.

He told stories to encourage people to use their gifts and talents today, not worry about tomorrow, and not to judge others. He talked about what were the most important matters of the law, like justice, mercy and faithfulness.  He criticized hypocrisy.  And yet with all of His miracles and powerful teaching, there were still leaders who wanted Him dead. They pursued Him, much like King Saul pursued David, to try and kill him. And in Jesus’ case, they succeeded—or so it seemed.

But just like David, Jesus never gave up His faith in His heavenly Father. Jesus trusted His Father to do what was best, even as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before He died.  Jesus prayed:

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Just like David, Jesus “found strength in the Lord His God,” even spending His last night on earth in deep and earnest prayer.

And His Father did not disappoint Him.  Even though it may have looked hopeless, hope was never lost.  It never is.  Even after Jesus’ death on the cross, hope was just around the corner.  Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead!

Jesus’ death on the cross turned out to be part of God’s plan.  As Jesus Himself said:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

I wanted to tell you these stories to encourage you that hope is eternal.  Even when things may seem to be at their worst, God can turn them around in a matter of days, hours, or even a moment.

You may be a seminary student and ready to give up.  Don’t!  Go home, eat a good meal, get some sleep and don’t make any important decisions in the next three days!

You may have thought you were destined for great things in your lifetime, but now you’re hiding in caves.  Even the king seems out to get you.

You may think it would be better if you just gave up your dreams and gave in to despair.  Don’t!  Don’t lose hope now, as God’s most important miracle for your life may be just around the corner.

You may be facing an impossible situation, one that seems irreversible, incurable or unchangeable.

You may be ready to give up on God altogether, perhaps even considering turning away from Him for the rest of your life.  Don’t!  I can’t guarantee you what the outcome will be, but I can guarantee you that God will always be there for you, if you’ll keep putting your faith in Him.

Never give up on God.  As David said in the Psalms:

“Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord” (Psalm 27:14, Amplified Bible).

Let’s pray…

Father, I thank you that we can always come to you even when all hope seems lost. You always have a plan and you know what’s best. Help us to trust you in all things.  Whether it’s three seconds, or three days, or three years or more, help us to trust You today and every day until we see what You have in store for us, just around the corner. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Appendix ~ Message 4: Living Like You’re Going To Live

You're reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

You’re reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

By Eric Elder, March 11th, 2012

I’d like to give you one more update on my wife Lana this week, then we’ll return next week to our study of the book of Romans and the topic of “Renewing Your Mind.”

Although I know my messages these past few weeks have touched many hearts and lives as you’ve been watching Lana go through this, she’s never really liked being the center of attention, so she’s ready for me to go back to writing about you instead of her!

But I had one more thought I’d like to share with you before we return to our study of Romans and as I said last week, we’ve never been so aware of the importance of “renewing our minds” and keeping our thoughts focused on God’s thoughts than we have been during this whole experience.  It’s so much better that way!  Given that, here’s Lana’s most recent update, which she posted on her blog at www.lanaelder.com.

I just wanted to follow up with everyone on my visit to my oncologist on Wednesday. She put together a treatment plan that would use chemotherapy to help shrink the tumors and would alleviate any symptoms from the cancer that I might have down the road. She also explained that treating Stage 4 cancer is like treating diabetes. You can manage the symptoms of diabetes with insulin but it is something that you will have the rest of your life. In the same way, the treatments I would have for any symptoms of my cancer would be something I would likely need for the rest of my life. She said I could take a break from the chemo for a couple of months from time to time, but that the tumors will most likely grow back and then I would be back on the chemo to shrink them.

However, currently, I feel very few symptoms and have a lot of hope from the prayers and nutritional changes I’ve been making.  She agreed to let me continue doing what I’ve been doing and check the status of my tumors in two months. I was so thankful and happy that she agreed to this. I could have kissed her! Thursday I met with a nutritional doctor to help me determine the best way to build up my immune system over the coming months. I have also read many books regarding nutritional approaches to treating cancer. I am currently taking more supplements than anyone I know but I feel very good about this approach and I’m so thankful to be able to treat the cancer this way. I’m praying my tumors will continue to shrink and disappear through prayer and nutrition.

On a funnier side note, as we the left nutritionist yesterday, walking out with a bag chock-full of supplements, Eric said he felt like he was in a scene from the movie “The Princess Bride” when two men take their friend Westley to see Miracle Max.  

Even though they thought Westley was dead, it turned out he was only “mostly” dead according to Miracle Max, so he made a special pill to bring him back to life.  As the two friends left with the pill in their hands and their friend Westley over their shoulders, Miracle Max and his wife Valerie are seen standing at the door waving. Valerie then leans into Miracle Max and says, “Think it’ll work?” to which Miracle Max says, “It would take a miracle!” and they just keep waving. (It’s a great movie if you haven’t seen it.) Apparently, that’s how Eric felt leaving the nutritionist yesterday with all these pills, smiling and waving and thinking “It would take a miracle!” Thankfully, he makes me laugh. I credit him for most of the wrinkles on my face! I told Eric I feel like some people think I am like Westley… that I’m “mostly” dead. But I just want you all to know I’m alive and well. I continue to eat very healthy and exercise (either walking, running, weights, or stretching). I also know it probably will take a miracle to cure me from this disease. But thanks to your prayers, I’m chock-full of faith, too!

So thank you for adding your prayers to mine! I do believe they make a difference. A psalm I read last night that encouraged me is Psalm 121.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

(Psalm 121:1-8)

I am very much aware that my help comes from the Lord. But I also know that God works through His people and I have seen Him working through many of you. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a prayer, a card, or a gift, I sense God working through you all to encourage and strengthen me. You are being the hands, feet and body of Christ to me. So thank you again for everything. May God bless you back abundantly!!

As you can tell from Lana’s note, she’s planning on living!  And I, for one, am thrilled with that plan!

One of the gems that has emerged like a diamond for me through all of the high-intensity pressure of the past few weeks was a comment from a friend that captivated me when I first read it and still captivates me today.  At the end of her note she wrote:

“… and for everyone’s sake, LIVE like she’s going to LIVE!”

Wow!  That made me sit up in my chair and think long and hard about how I was going to live in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.  Was I going to live like my wife was dying?  Or was I going to live like she was going to live?  They seemed like two diametrically opposed paths.

But the truth is, we’re all on a path towards death, and have been ever since the day we were born.  And at the same time, we’re all on a path towards life, too.  The only difference in the situation that Lana and I are facing is that we truly believe we’ve been given a great gift:  the gift of seeing both the brevity and fullness of life, simultaneously.

We all have a choice to make each day.  We can either live like we’re dying, or we can live like we’re going to live.  Lana has chosen to live like she’s going to live, and with that attitude, the chances are good that she could outlive us all!  I know I want more of that attitude in my own life, too.  When people live like they’re going to live, it’s contagious.

So many of you have written to say that even though we’ve been asking for prayer for ourselves through all of this, that you’ve been blessed by praying for us through it all as well.  It’s an interesting phenomenon, one that is summed up in this thought by Marianne Williamson:

“And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Lana’s not afraid of dying.  She just wants to live!  And by choosing to do everything she can to stay healthy and alive as long as possible, she’s giving me and many others the inspiration to live our days to the fullest as well.

The truth is, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.  But we can choose how we’re going to live today.  As the apostle James said:

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (James 4:13-17).

God has called us to do as much good as possible in the days He’s given us here on earth.  So while none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, the challenge—and the joy—is to live like we’re going to live, while at the same time being fully conscious that at any moment we could die.

Neither Lana nor I are trying to be heroic nor presumptuous about what God might have in store for either of us in the future.  But what we do want to do is to be faithful with every day that God gives to us here on earth.  Every day really is a gift from God, and as someone has wisely said, that’s why today is called “the present.”

I want to encourage you today:  don’t be afraid of dying, but live like you’re going to live.  As Jesus said,

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).

God has created you to do many good things here on the earth, things which He has prepared in advance for you to do (see Ephesians 2:8-10).

So live like you’re going to live!  That’s what Lana is planning on doing, and that’s what I’m planning on doing, too.  We hope you’ll join us!

Will you pray with me?

Father, thank You for giving us another day of life today.  Thank You for reminding us of the importance of living every day to the fullest and living in such a way that our lives bring glory and honor to You and to those around us. We pray that Your light would shine through us, even in the darkest of times, so that people can see You more clearly, putting their faith and trust in You for everything in their lives.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Appendix ~ Message 3: A Picture Of Healing

You're reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

You’re reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

By Eric Elder, March 4th, 2012

The words “thank you” just don’t seem enough to convey to you how very much we appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers and words of encouragement over these past two weeks since I shared with you that my wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.

How could we not cry and be touched when we got letters like this one from a man we’ve never met, but who is literally rallying the troops to pray for us from a naval ship in Japan…

“Hello Eric and Lana,

I just want to start this email off by thanking you for your “this days thoughts” messages. My Mom has been sending these to me daily and your messages have not only been helping me get closer to GOD but also helping keep in contact with my mom. You see I am currently stationed out in Japan and i can say that i do not get to go to services as much as i would like too but your messages help me out in major ways. It is very stressful out here sometimes but i can honestly say that within these last few week things have gotten a lot better for me and i have no doubt that it is because of your messages. So once again. Thank You.

When i read the message about how Lana has breast cancer i immediately stopped what i was doing and began to pray. I can only imagine how difficult it is to for you two to deal with that. I told your story to some of my fellow sailors and soldiers out here and asked them to also pray for you both. They agreed without thinking twice about it. We plan on sending your ministry some donations as well as a little care package for you two. Many times when we are out to sea or deployed we have had many churches and people send us care packages to help lift out spirits. Believe me when i say that it really does lift out spirits. So we decided that we would get some things together from here in japan to lift your spirits. Also i am currently getting the sizes of some people who want to wear the t-shirts(if any are left) and we are going to get a photo of it and send that to you too also.

You said that prayers came from Kenya, Ghana, Malaysia, the Bahamas, Qatar and Dubai. Well you now have prays from the troops in Japan too. We hope that our efforts encourage you to stay strong. GOD is going to take care of you. I, and the sailors and soldiers, will pray for you everyday just as you all pray for our safety day in and day out.  Once again thank you for your messages you send out daily! Take Care and God Bless You Both.”

Wow! What a perfect picture of the body of Christ in action… people lifting each other up in their time of need.

Here’s another one from a woman from South Wales who was praying for us while waiting for a flight in Hong Kong:

“I am sitting here in Hong Kong airport waiting for a flight to Bangkok and thought I would check your developments – Lana, your courage and faith take my breath away. I said my prayers for you on the plane yesterday and I keep praying although I am not as familiar with the bible as the other folks! When my holiday is over I am faced with some tests but you have helped me already by your strong commitment to God. As we say in the South Wales valleys (UK) ‘fight the good fight with all thy might’. God Bless and keep you safe.”

And here’s a short note from a man in South Africa whose three short lines spoke volumes to me on our day of prayer and fasting for my wife’s healing…

“Your wife will live. He is Jehovha rapha [the God who heals]! greetings from South Africa.”

My faith was so touched by these words that I wrote them down on a piece of paper and took them to bed with me that night.

Right below those lines on my piece of paper, I added these words from Psalm 21, which another friend here in Illinois had sent me later in the day.  She said she had been listening to Psalm 20 on her “Listener’s Bible,” praying through the words of this Psalm for Lana, as I had asked people to do.  She was praying that God would give Lana “the desire of her heart,” which is not just to live, but to live long.  She said she wasn’t paying attention and didn’t stop the Bible reading at the end of the chapter.  When she heard following verses from Psalm 21, the very next chapter, she shouted for joy.  The words record what God did for King David when he first prayed for long life almost 3,000 years ago…

“How great is his joy in the victories You give! You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. 

“He asked You for life, and You gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever” (Psalm 21:1, 2, 4).

Then on Tuesday morning, when our 24 hours of prayer and fasting were just ending, I added one more word to my paper that I took to bed with me that night.  It was Merriam-Webster’s “Word of the Day” for Tuesday February 28th.  I’ve been getting these words of the day in my inbox every day for many years.  The words are fairly random each day, but the word for that morning was anything but random!  The word of the day that day happened to be:

“LIVELONG”

Praise God!  I’m holding onto each of these three thoughts as special reminders to me that my wife can live, that God can give her the desire of her heart, and that she can “live long.”

Some people might worry that I’m holding onto false hope.  But with God, there is no such thing as false hope.  With God, there is infinite hope!  As the Bible says:

“For nothing is impossible with God”
(Luke 1:37).

Believe me, I’m not naive enough to think that this cancer doesn’t have the power to kill my wife.  It does.  The first person I prayed for when I started this ministry seventeen years ago died of cancer three weeks later.  And twenty-two years ago today, on March 4th, 1990, my own mother died of breast cancer.  I know it’s a killer disease.  Believe me when I say that when I first heard the news, I cried for 24 hours straight

But believe me, too, when I say that God gave me a picture of healing last week that renewed my faith and hope in Him that He still could do the impossible in this situation.

When Lana and I first found out the lump in her breast was cancerous, we scheduled an appointment with a surgeon to meet with him and talk about doing surgery.  The appointment was three weeks away, as he was going to be out of town and his schedule was full.  So we prayed during those three weeks that by the time we met with him, the lump would be gone and Lana wouldn’t have to do the surgery at all.  Since the biopsy showed that the cancer was a solid mass in her breast, growing aggressively, the chances of the lump shrinking at all, let alone disappearing completely were little to none.

Every day, Lana could feel the lump in her breast, about the size of a marble.  And every few days, she would anoint it with oil and pray that God would take it away.  But every day, the lump was still there.  Then we got the report that the situation was worse than we thought:  the cancer had already spread from Lana’s breast to her lungs, liver and spine.  The oncologist said she was going to cancel our appointment with the surgeon for it was no longer necessary.  The tumors were now too numerous for surgery on just one lump to make any difference.  The news was devastating.

That’s when I sent out my note asking for prayer to all of you and you began to pray for us.  The next day, we went in for a bone biopsy and had another conversation with the oncologist.  She reconfirmed the diagnosis that she had told us before, reiterating that our appointment with the breast surgeon the next day was no longer necessary.

But later that night, just before going to bed, Lana went to pray for the lump in her breast as she had done all along.  But this time when she went to find the lump, it had shrunk to the size of a BB, smaller than a pea.  When she woke up again at 4 in the morning, she went to feel it again and couldn’t find it at all!  One day it was there, and the next it was gone, just as she had prayed it would be.  That was the day we were to meet with the surgeon, three weeks after she began praying that prayer!

Lana woke me up to check it out, and I couldn’t find it either!  Perhaps the words of the oncologist weren’t as dire as we had thought, but they were prophetic instead:  that our appointment with the breast surgeon really was no longer necessary!

I began to cry and praise God, saying that I wasn’t sure if I could even believe it or not.  I also didn’t know what that meant for the other tumors throughout her body.  But it gave me a picture of healing that matched the picture of healing I get from the Bible where the blind see, the lame walk, and the sickness is gone.  I began to pray for Lana’s whole body, that God would take away every lump from everywhere and that He would complete the incredible work that He was doing.

I also put my hand on my own forehead, where I had had a mild but constant headache for the previous three weeks.  I assumed it must be from the stress of the diagnosis, as I rarely get headaches, and if I do, they last for only a few hours at most.  But this headache had persisted day and night for three straight weeks.  It didn’t cause me severe pain, but it was enough to be noticeable and it always got worse whenever I leaned forward or put on my glasses.

After putting my hand on my head and praying for my headache, I returned to praising God with Lana.  Unsure if we could really believe that this had just happened, or if we might find the lump again in the morning, or what might be going on with all the other tumors in her body, we finally laid down again to try to get some sleep.

But as I laid down, I took out my Bible and put on my glasses to read for awhile.  When I put them on, I expected to feel the pain in my eye again.  But there was no pain.  I leaned forward in the bed, and there was still no pain.  I got out of bed, and leaned my head way down to my toes and there was still no pain.  None whatsoever.  The headache that I had felt for three straight weeks was gone, completely gone!

I began to cry again, not because of what God had done for my headache, but because it gave me yet another picture of healing and what that implied about the tumors in Lana’s body, too.  I finally fell asleep, praising God that no matter what, He had restored my faith that He really could do anything, absolutely anything.  I finally believed once again that with God, nothing is impossible, even the healing of my wife.

When we woke up the next morning, we felt for the lump again, and after some time searching, we thought we might have found it, although much, much smaller than it had been for almost two and a half months straight.  We contacted the doctor to ask if this was normal for the lump to shrink like this.  She said that it may have been due to some swelling that could have subsided from a biopsy done three weeks earlier.  When I heard those words, the pain in my head returned. I prayed:

“God, no matter what’s going on, I thank You for giving me a picture of healing, a picture of what it can be like when you heal someone, suddenly and miraculously.  I believe, Lord, that You can heal Lana in an instant, just as You’ve healed me in an instant of other things in the past and just as I’ve seen You heal others.  Thank You Lord for giving me a picture to hang onto no matter what happens next.”

Over the past week, my headache has come and gone, fading in and out, but no longer as continuous as it had been.  The lump in Lana’s breast has also seemed to come and go, where some days she can find it, although it’s still very small and other days she can’t seem to find it at all.  We’ve scheduled an ultrasound on the lump for tomorrow (Monday, March 5th) with the doctor who originally did the biopsy to see if the technology confirms what we are seeing:  that the tumor has indeed gotten smaller or gone away completely.  I, for one, can’t wait to see the results!

But I can also say that my faith this week has soared to the point where it doesn’t much matter what the doctor’s report says.  What matters most is that God has shown me that He can do anything, absolutely anything.  (Update: The following day, the radiologist said the lump in Lana’s breast was measuring 20% smaller than when he first measured it, measuring only 1.2 cm instead of 1.5 cm the month before, and before the biopsy that could have caused any inflammation, and that this was unusual. He said he had never seen a lump like this go away or shrink without treatment and that he “didn’t have a great explanation for why this is happening.”)

If you’ve been reading my messages for the past several months, you know that we’ve been studying the book of Romans and looking at the topic of “Renewing Your Mind.”  While I hope to return to our study of the book of Romans again soon, I must also say that this whole experience has been one intense crash course on the importance of getting our thinking in line with God’s.  Every time we get a doctor’s report, or read an article on the internet, or hear a story from someone else who’s died of cancer, we have to take our thoughts captive, asking God to replace our thoughts with His… that He is the only one who truly knows how this will turn out in the end.

It’s not like I need God to heal Lana for me to continue to believe in Him.  And it’s not like He has to keep doing miracles for me to continue to believe in Him.  I’m already in.  I’m fully committed.  I’ve signed on the dotted line and given my whole life to Jesus.  It’s not like I’m troubled of what will happen to Lana if she dies.  I know she loves Jesus with all of her heart, soul, mind and strength and that she’ll be with Him forever in heaven—and that I’ll be with her there someday myself.

But what God has done for me these past two weeks, thanks to His help and your prayers, has been to renew my mind and believe in Him again that He can do ALL THINGS—that truly nothing is impossible with God.  I know that God can work all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose and that God really can give Lana the desire of her heart, at any time and through any means, to live a long and full life here on earth and then on into heaven forever.

What do the coming weeks hold for us?  I can’t say for sure.  But I can say this:  I’m looking forward to the weeks ahead more than ever before, because I know I’ll be going through them with a God who loves me, and who loves Lana, and who loves you more than any of us could possibly imagine.

I pray this week that you would know this love of God as well, and if you haven’t put your faith in Christ, that you would do it now, for the forgiveness of your sins so you can live with Him forever, and for everything else in your life, so you can live the abundant life He’s called you to live here on earth.  Like the apostle Paul, I pray for you, that you would know God’s immeasurable love and His remarkable power.  As Paul said:

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:14-21).

I look forward to sharing another update again with you next week, then I hope to return to our study of Romans after that with renewed vigor, knowing  the importance of “renewing our minds.”

Will you pray with me?

Father, thank You for being Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals, and for giving us a picture of healing that we can hang onto.  Lord, we pray that You would continue to heal Lana’s body, completely and gloriously, and through it all, that Your name would be glorified in ways that go beyond all we could ask or imagine.  We pray also that You would use this situation to spark our faith to believe once again that nothing is impossible with You, no matter how dire the circumstances and no matter how bleak the reports.  We trust and believe that Your report is always good, for You truly can work all things for good for those who love you and who are called according to Your purpose.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Appendix ~ Message 2: Hit Your Knees!

You're reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

You’re reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

By Eric Elder, February 26th, 2012

In my message last week, I shared that I could use some encouragement, and thanks to your prayers and God’s help, I got it!  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your prayers and notes and words of encouragement.

In case you missed last week’s message, I shared that my wife Lana and I were surprised a few weeks ago to find out that she has breast cancer, and we were even more surprised to find it was not just one lump in her breast, but had already spread, with multiple tumors showing up on CT scans and MRI’s throughout her lungs, liver and spine.

This news was devastating, as you can imagine.  But within hours of sending out our note asking for your encouragement, prayers started coming in from all over the world—from places like Kenya and Ghana, Malaysia and the Bahamas, Qatar and Dubai and all over the U.S.  The prayers of the saints were spreading faster than any cancer ever could!

I heard from a chaplain of a prison in New Mexico who said that all of the inmates in his prison were going to be praying for my wife.  I heard from another man in Uganda who said:

“I bet you or your husband has never been to Uganda. Yet you have. This Day’s Thought has been the highlight of my inbox since 2007. I feel like I know you, the picture is more complete with the family photo. Am surely praying for you.”

As the week went on, God continued to speak to us, reminding us that Jesus already drank the cup of death for us and that He was holding out a cup of life to us instead!  We feel that Jesus wants us to drink from His cup of life, and drink deeply.  Whereas I wrote my message last week in part to comfort my own soul in the event that this cancer might take my wife’s life, this week I’m writing with full faith and confidence that God could heal her in a moment, completely and gloriously! And I’m thrilled to say that this miracle may have already begun!

The day after we sent our prayer request to you, Lana noticed that the tumor in her breast had shrunk suddenly and significantly.  And by 4 o’clock in the morning, she wasn’t sure if she could even find it at all!  We began to pray hard that this would be just an indicator of what is going on in the rest of her body, that the cancer is being driven out by the power of God and that what was once in the darkness must now flee in the light!

We’ve been praying toward that end for the rest of the week, and with that in mind, I’d like to ask you to consider praying and fasting along with me and hundreds of others who have already told us they’ll be praying with us during a special 24 hour prayer vigil for my wife.  You don’t have to go anywhere special, just pray wherever you are starting on morning Monday morning, February 27th at 7:00 a.m. Central Time (-6 GMT), through Tuesday morning, the 28th, at 7:00 a.m.  We’re going to be praying and fasting that God would spare Lana’s life, confessing that her life and ministry isn’t at the end, but that it’s just at the beginning in a whole new way!

We believe that even one prayer, offered in faith, has tremendous power!  As the Bible says:

“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” (James 5:13-16).

One prayer, offered in faith, can make the sick person well.  One prayer, offered in faith, can bring forgiveness.  One prayer, offered in faith, can close the heavens and open them again.

And one prayer, offered in faith, can lead us to eternal life.  As the apostle Paul said:

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

We’re praying and believing for Lana’s healing, not just because we’re afraid she’ll die, but because we believe that it pleases the heart of God whenever we pray a prayer offered in faith.

Whereas last week I felt like I needed a cheerleader to keep me up in my spirits, this week I’m feeling like being the cheerleader, cheering you all to stand up and clap and shout and make some noise for the Lord.

I remember watching some cheerleaders at a college football game stand in front of one section of a stadium full of people.  The cheerleaders would raise their arms and shout to the people to do the same, calling on them to lift their hands, shout and clap, and stomp their feet for the victory that they were hoping would soon come.  Then the cheerleaders would move to the next section and call on those people to stand up on their feet and do the same.  Then they’d take off running around the stadium, going from section to section, until the people throughout the whole stadium were on their feet, clapping and shouting and stomping!

As this message goes around the world this week, I want to call upon all of you to stand to your feet in prayer and praise, shouting and clapping and making some noise for the Lord!  (You don’t have to do it out loud, but you can if you want!)

While it may seem selfish of me to call on so many of you to pray so intensely for my wife and my family and me, after reading your notes and letters this week, I know for sure that this is not just about saving her life for my sake or the sake of the kids, but for God’s sake and for all that He is wanting to do through this to bring glory to His name.  I pray that this is yet another testimony that will bring hope and healing and salvation to people all over the world.

So with that in mind, I want to encourage you to pray with us, and fast with us, for 24 hours this week, that Lana’s healing would be complete and glorious, and that God’s name would be glorified through it all!

There are times when fasting should be done in secret.  But there are other times in the Bible where fasting was done in the light, in full view of everyone, like when Esther was about to make a special request of the king to save her people, but which could have cost her her life. Esther said:

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

Esther declared her fast, publicly and widely, because she knew that God could use those prayers for the salvation of many, many souls.  Esther was placed in a unique position to call this fast and I believe Lana has been placed in a similar position.  As Esther’s cousin said to her just before she declared her fast:

“And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b).

If you’d like some ideas for how to fast and pray, I’ve included a link below that I’ve found helpful.
http://www.cru.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/7-steps-to-fasting/index.htm

If you’re thinking of joining us, I’d like to encourage you by sharing a note I received this week from a dear friend who had mistakenly, but thankfully, thought that our day of prayer and fasting was last Monday instead of this coming one.  As she set out to fast and pray for 24 hours, she wrote to us and said:

“This morning, I pledge a day of fasting and hourly prayer for Lana’s healing. I pray for her recovery and the Lord granting her 50 more years of ministry at Eric’s side. I pray for the possibility of unbelievers hearing of Lana’s healing and following their curiosity to the Gospel. I pledge to pray each hour for Lana’s healing not only for the benefit of her family and friends, but for the benefit of the Body of Christ. May God hear my pleas.”

Then, when her fast was nearly complete, she wrote:

“Lana and Eric, Soon – as in fifteen minutes – my day of fasting and prayer will be over, so I wanted you to know how much it meant to me carry you both in my heart and mind all day.  During the day and night, I remembered many moments of laughter and friendship, but I thought mostly about how you express your faith. It is inspiring, yes, but also challenging, because your faith makes me – and those who listen to me share about your work – question if we are doing as much, being as faithful. While I know comparison is not the answer, I can’t help but think that the Lord uses those moments to nudge me, and others, along. Lana, you are so dearly loved and I am in your debt for thousands – yes thousands – of little ways you have encouraged my faith. P.S. While praying about whether or not I should commit to doing the fast and prayer day, I went to check the dates so that my prayers could be added to others. I believed I saw 20-21. I was convinced, in fact, so I was shocked to read, this morning, that the prayer vigil is set for next week. So, it is my hope that the Lord directed me to this day for His purposes, but I will add my prayers to the others on the 27th as well. :)”

I am fully convinced that God directed our friend to pray for us that day and I would love for you to join us in prayer, too, whether it’s on the the 27th and 28th, or at any other time when you read this message.  I sure time zones and dates don’t mean nearly as much to an eternal God as they do to us here on earth!

But if you’d like to join us on this special day when hundreds of others will be praying, too, we’re starting at 7:00 a.m. Central Time (-6 GMT) on Monday, February 27th through 7:00 a.m. on the 28th.  You don’t have to go anywhere special to pray.  Just pray wherever you are.  And if you’d like to post your prayers on Lana’s blog, or read the prayers of others, you can do so anytime at www.lanaelder.com.

And at some point during your prayers, can I encourage you to “hit your knees,” by kneeling on the ground?  As one of our friends said who is organizing this special day of fasting and prayer:

“Hit your knees when you pray, because we want Satan to feel the earth tremble as we pray for Lana.”

I know I’ll be hitting my knees several times tomorrow and I’d love for you to do the same.  If you need some words to pray for Lana throughout the day, here’s a Psalm I’ve been praying over her, line by line, for the past few days.  I pray it encourages you in making your own requests to God as well!

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
May He remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.
May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call!
(Psalm 20: 1-9)

Thanks again so much!  Your words and prayers are already glorifying God in ways that go beyond anything we could ask or imagine!

Will you pray with me?

Father, thank You for what you are already doing in this situation with Lana, both in the healing we believe is taking place in her body, and the glorifying of your name that is taking place around the world.  Let this day of prayer and fasting be a testimony to Your power, Your might, and Your victory over darkness, once and for all.  We pray for healing and more, that You would heal Lana’s body, completely and gloriously, and through it all, that Your name would be glorified in ways that go beyond anything we could ask or imagine.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Appendix ~ Message 1: Lana’s Health

You're reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

You’re reading ROMANS: LESSONS IN RENEWING YOUR MIND, by Eric Elder, featuring forty inspiring devotionals based on one of the most life-changing books in the Bible. Also available in paperback and eBook formats in our bookstore for a donation of any size!

By Eric Elder, February 19th, 2012

I normally use this space to write some words of encouragement to you, but this week I could use some encouragement myself.

A few weeks ago my wife and I received the surprising news that she has breast cancer.  Two days ago, we received the even more surprising news that it was not Stage 1 breast cancer with one lump in her breast, but that it is actually Stage 4 breast cancer, with multiple tumors that have already spread to her lungs, liver and spine.

If you know Lana, you know that she’s the picture of health… she’s at her ideal body weight, she eats well, she runs two to three miles every few days, and her bloodwork is perfect in every way.  She feels good and strong and healthy.  Other than the lump in her breast that we discovered in December, and some minor pain in her lower back that started soon after that, we wouldn’t have even thought to have her tested for anything that could possibly be going wrong inside her body.  Even when people do find lumps in their breasts, the majority of the time those lumps turn out to be harmless.  But not this time.

I’ve prayed with many people over the years with many types of cancer.  I’ve seen some people healed naturally, others supernaturally, and still others who haven’t been healed in the way that we had fervently hoped or prayed, including my own mother who died of breast cancer twenty-one years ago.  But even in those instances where God hasn’t healed people in the way that I had hoped, I have seen God use even those situations for good in the end.  As good and miraculous as healing is, I know that there is still more that Christ offers us than just the healing that we desire.  As the apostle Paul said:

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

I believe in healing.  I’ve seen people healed with my own eyes and through my own prayers numerous times.  God wants us to be healed and He has wired our bodies to heal themselves as much as possible, whether it’s the coagulating of blood to heal a scrape on our skin, or the multiplication of white blood cells to fight off a raging infection.

But there’s also an enemy at work whose main goal, according to Jesus, seems to be to steal, kill, and destroy.  As Jesus said:

“The thief comes only to steal kill and destroy; …” (John 10:10a).

But Jesus didn’t leave it there.  He went on to say:

“… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10b).

The healings and miracles of Jesus are so numerous that the pages of the Bible can’t even contain them all.  As the apostle John said:

“Jesus did many other things as well.  If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John 21:25).

And yet as miraculous and amazing and God-ordained as healing is, there are some things that are even more amazing… like forgiveness… and the peace that passes understanding… and eternal life.

When some men in the Bible brought their friend to Jesus to be healed, having pressed through the crowds and cutting through a roof to get their friend to Jesus, Jesus said to the sick man,

“Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2b). 

The religious leaders were shocked that Jesus would make such a bold statement, knowing that only God Himself had the power to forgive sins.  But knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them:

“Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” And the man got up and went home” (Matthew 9:5-7).

To Jesus, the forgiveness of sins seems to be just as miraculous, if not more so, than healing.  And considering what Jesus had to go through in order to forgive us of our sins, it seems like forgiveness was quite possibly the more difficult of the two.

When Jesus Himself was headed for the cross, way too young and way too innocent, rather than fighting His death, He submitted to the will of His Father in heaven, knowing that His Father’s plans were even more glorious than anything anyone could have imagined.  Yet Jesus still prayed that if there was any way possible, that His Father would take the cup of death away from Him so that He wouldn’t have to drink it.  At the same time, He trusted His Father completely, regardless of the outcome, saying:

“… yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42b).

Jesus sought for the peace of His Father above all else, and He encouraged His disciples to do the same:  As Jesus told His disciples,

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

And ultimately, what could compare to the promise of eternal life?  As Lana told a friend this weekend:

“For me, it’s a win-win situation.  Either I go to be with Jesus, or I get to stay here and be with Eric and my family.”

As Paul said,

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:20-24). 

Jesus came to give us life to the full, both here on earth and in heaven forever.  This is the hope that we have in Christ and this is the hope for which He gave up His life.

So with both of these hopes in mind, can I ask for your earnest prayers on our behalf?  We’re praying for healing and more—that God would heal Lana’s body completely and gloriously—and that through it all, God’s name would be glorified in ways that go beyond anything we could ask or imagine.  Thank you so much.

Will you pray with me?

Father, thank You for revealing to us this cancer that is at work within Lana’s body so we can know what to do next.  Lord, we pray for healing and more, that You would heal her body completely and gloriously, and through it all, that Your name would be glorified in ways that go beyond anything we could ask or imagine.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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How to Self-Publish Your Books on Amazon (Including how to create paperbacks and ebooks on Createspace, iBooks, Nook and Kindle)

by Eric Elder
www.theranch.org

Don’t know how to publish that book that’s on your heart (or on your computer)?  This session is for you!  Now you can directly upload text you’ve written, or songs or videos you’ve recorded, to Amazon.com and they’ll publish them for you, handling all of the printing, shipping and billing, with no up-front costs to you.  This is a fast, cost-effective way to get God’s Word out without having to find a big publisher to back your project.  It’s also a great way to raise awareness for your cause and help support your ministry.  Read on, or watch the video below, to find out more.

1) Why would you want to self-publish your work on Amazon?

Just because your project may not attract a big publisher doesn’t mean God can’t use it mightily!  Whether it’s a Bible study in a niche language, a sermon series on a narrow but important topic, or a training session for local believers, you can use new print-on-demand services from companies like Amazon.com to publish it for you. (Other companies offer similar services, such as Lulu.com or Blurb.com, but this workshop focuses on Amazon.com just to keep it simple.)

It’s cost-effective:  There are no up-front fees, and the printing and handling costs are only deducted when a customer pays for an order, resulting in no cash outlay…just net profits.  Example costs:  If you want to order your own book, the cost for a 100 page book is $3.66 per book, and you can order as few as 1 copy.  (And if you sign up for the pro plan for a one-time cost of $39.99, you get each book for only $2.15 each, and you can order as few or as many as you like.)

It’s fast:  As soon as you’re finished writing or recording your work, you can upload it and make it available worldwide.  I write a weekly devotional and send it out by email to my readers.  As soon as I’m done writing a series (after 15, or 20, or 30 weeks), I copy and paste all of the articles into one long document, format and upload it to Amazon, and within a week after I’ve finished writing, I can hold a finished paperback book in my hands!

It’s always available:  There’s no need to stockpile books/CD’s/DVD’s and you never run out.  It used to be that you’d have to print 500 or 1,000 books to get anywhere close to $5 a copy (more like $15-$20 if you printed just one).  Then you have a closet full of books, and if you notice an error, you have a closet full of mistakes, too!

It’s hassle-free:  They take care of all shipping, handling and expediting of orders.  I’ve tried printing my own booklets, photocopying pages, or taking them to a copy shop.  Then each time someone wants one, it would take an hour or two just to find a mailer, get to the post office, and ship it out.  Now it’s all done transparently.

It’s easy to make changes:  If you want to change, add or delete something in your materials, just make the changes and upload a new file.  I used to proof read my books over and over, asking others to proof read it, too, taking months before I finally published it so that it would be just right.  Now I proof it once, upload it and if someone finds a mistake or has a suggestion, I revise it and the next copy that goes out contains the revision.

2) How do you get your materials to Amazon?

You just upload your content from your computer.  For publishing directly on Amazon, you’ll need to create a free account at www.createspace.com (CreateSpace is an Amazon company and handles the self-publishing for them).  Companies like Lulu.com also have arrangements with Amazon, so books and music you upload to Lulu can also be made available on Amazon.  To create a free account on Lulu or Blurb, just go to www.lulu.com or www.blurb.com.

Once logged into your account on CreateSpace, just click “Add New Title” to begin uploading your project, whether it’s a book, CD, or DVD (you can also make them available as downloadable ebooks, or MP3 or video downloads).

You’ll be asked for several pieces of information about the project, a description that will appear on Amazon’s website, the list price you want to set, the category that will help people find the item, etc.

You then be able to upload the content for your project, whether it’s a PDF file of the text within your book, or a JPG image of your cover art.  Some services also offer a cover creator where you can choose from a collection of pre-designed covers, and substitute your title and author information to appear on the front and back.

Once your project is uploaded, you can order a “proof” copy of your book or CD or DVD to make sure it prints exactly as you want it to print.  If you need to make changes, just upload them and order another proof.  When you’re satisfied with the way it looks, just log back in to your account and click the “approve proof” button.  You can now order as many copies of your project as you want, and your item will appear within a few days on Amazon.com so others can find it and order it, too.

3) How do you create your content? 

You can create your book, music or video using any word processor, or music or video editing software, then save it in a standard format, such as PDF for books, MP3 or AIFF for music, or a physical DVD for video.

You’ll need to check if your software can create the right final format.  If you find you don’t have the ability to create a PDF file from your word processor, there’s a free word processor you can download to do it, called OpenOffice, from www.openoffice.org (it’s similar to Microsoft Office with a word processor, graphics program, database, and  spreadsheet all in one, but for free!)

Here are some tips when setting up your pages for books:  format your entire document to be in the final “trim size” you want for your book (options vary from Amazon to Lulu to Blurb, such as 6”x9”, or 5.06”x7.81”, and so on; when setting up margins,  use “mirrored” margins and then set your inner margins a little wider than the outer margins to allow for the fold of the book, such as .75” for the inner margins and .5” for the outer margins;  to make it look like a “real” book, you can add headers and footers that run throughout the book, including the author name, title or chapter names at the top, and page numbers at the bottom.

For a professional look, find other books that look appealing and try to emulate them.  For instance, try a Garamond or Times New Roman font for the text rather than Arial or Helvetica to make it easier to read (the “serif” style fonts, with little feet along the bottoms of most of the letters, draw your eye across the page and make it easier to read…“san serif” fonts, those without little feet, work better for bold headlines, like the title and headings of this outline).

You can also use the advanced features of your software to create a polished look by using “small caps” (large initial letters for words in titles and smaller capital letters for the remainder of each word) for things like chapter headings, or “drop-caps” (a large initial letter) for the first paragraph of each chapter.  Adjust the final layout by checking your hyphenation settings if you find some words are breaking in the wrong places, or to specify how to handle things like widow & orphan lines, those lines that happen to be left all alone at the top or bottom of a page by themselves.  (Here’s a PDF CONVERTER ONLINE from ADOBE – https://www.acrobat.com/createpdf/ )

4) How do you create your cover art?

You can use any graphics program to create your cover artwork, then save it in a standard PDF or JPG format.  If you don’t have graphics software, you can download the OpenOffice software for free, which includes a drawing program.  Then you can import photographs, or draw shapes or create titles or subtitles right there.  Usually you create the entire front and back of artwork in one file.  After you upload the inside content of your book, you’ll be given the exact dimensions for this file, and even a template to help you create it.

When creating cover art, allow a margin around the outer edge for the graphic to “bleed” off the edge, as this will be trimmed off in the final printing and cutting process.  Usually .125”  bleed is suggested.

Some companies offer cover creation software for you so you don’t have to create the artwork yourself.  Just fill in the title and author information, and choose from their collection of graphics and pre-designed themes.

Here are some tips when creating your own artwork:  Focus on one dominant theme for your cover that draws the person’s eye to it, whether it’s a striking graphic, a bold type style, or a pleasing title placement; then choose complimentary colors that go with, or are also used within the graphic.

When choosing fonts, only use a few complimentary fonts, or vary one font style in only a few different ways, such as using italics, larger or smaller fonts, small caps, or expanded text (increasing the spacing between letters).  For the text along the side of the book (the spine), make sure the text is right-side-up by imagining the book laying on a table and still being able to read the spine text.

5) Questions? 

To see an example of how I’ve setup the book and CD ordering process on my website for my ministry, visit “The Bookstore at The Ranch” at http://www.theranch.org or “InspiringBooks.com” at www.inspiringbooks.com.

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.  (The Apostle John, on why he wrote his gospel, John 20:30-31).

Quotes on Writing and Perseverance 

Persistence – Ernest Hemingway often worked for hours to perfect one paragraph.

A poem is never finished, only abandoned. Paul Valery

Of the making of books there is no end.  King Solomon

If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought. Dennis Roch

I have made this letter longer than usual, because I lack the time to make it short.  Blaise Pascal

From my first experience of writing a screenplay, I had learned something about the process of revision. You can always make something better, and if you make it worse, you’ll know it. I had learned to have no fear of rewriting. All writers should be so lucky.  John Irving

You know that I write slowly. This is chiefly because I am never satisfied until I have said as much as possible in a few words, and writing briefly takes far more time than writing at length.  Carl Gauss

The story is told of an accomplished artist who was applying the finishing touches to a bronze sculpture. He kept filing, scraping, and polishing every little surface of his masterpiece. “When will it be done?” asked an observer. “Never,” came the reply. “I just keep working and working until they come and take it away.”

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.  Thomas Edison

If you knew how much work went into it, you wouldn’t call it genius.  Michelangelo

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle.  I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.  Mother Teresa

All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.  Walt Disney

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be.  Now put the foundations under them.  Henry David Thoreau

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.  Dr. Seuss

Quit now, you’ll never make it.  If you disregard this advice, you’ll be halfway there.  David Zucker

There are two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though every thing is a miracle.  Albert Einstein

Most of my friends who are novelists have told me that they never know the end of their novels when they start writing them; they find it peculiar that for my novels I need to know, and I need to know not just the ending, but every significant event in the main characters’ lives. When I finally write the first sentence, I want to know everything that happens, so that I am not inventing the story as I write it; rather, I am remembering a story that has already happened. The invention is over by the time I begin. All I want to be thinking of is the language- the sentence I am writing, and the sentence that follows it. Just the language.  John Irving

Do not write so that you can be understood, write so that you cannot be misunderstood. Epictetus

No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.  Robert Frost

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.  Rudyard Kipling

When you sell a man a book, you don’t sell him 12 ounces of paper and ink and glue- you sell him a whole new life.  Christopher Morley

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Notes of Thanks – 2010

A few thank you notes from The Ranch visitors…

1/2/2010 – Thank you for your lessons on Nehemiah and Clearing Your Mind. Vanessa
1/8/2010 – I am an international student from Nepal just finishend my bible college from Hillsong college. I would love to read the newsletter and I hope it will bless me and I could bless others by its contents. thanks, Gopal – AUSTRALIA
1/14/2010 – Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I’ve tremendously being blessed by your contributions to the body of Christ through the ranch. Please I wish to know how i can make donation to the project at the ranch from Nigeria. Thanks. Oyebade – NIGERIA
1/15/2020 – I thank God that He is using you and your family and this beautiful ministry to minister to a world of hurting people. You are in my prayers! Beth – ILLINOIS
1/15/2010 – Dear Eric, thank you for all of your help it really has given me different views of how things work and for for all of the bible verses this talk has really helped! thank u for praying with me i always feel better after a prayer with someone. Meghan – ILLINOIS
1/21/2010 – We are enjoying your devotional book that you wrote. With Love and May God Bless, Bonnie – ILLINOIS
1/22/2010 – I want to get close to God this year! To know Him fully, to serve Him obediently. Am seeing this site will help me and the ministry of reaching children that am involved will help me further. Thank you. Kenneth – KENYA
1/22/2010 – I enjoy your preachings a lot as I do Bible study on them. Benita – SOUTH AFRICA
1/25/2010 – I just wanted to thank you for the CD you sent me. I really appreciated that you even thought of me and took the time and expense to send it to me. It was a powerful message for me and really touched my heart. Thank you. I’ve also listened to your talk on CD and read your book and they have helped a great deal as well. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate you and Lana and your ministry. … I just wanted to thank you for your kindness and generosity. I will keep your family in my prayers. Sincerely, Jan – ILLINOIS
1/26/2010 – Glory to God for all that He continues to do through your ministry! May He forever bless you, your family and your ministry! Halleluyah!Blessings, Dwan – TENNESSEE
1/26/2010 – I actually thought your website was not real. I thank you for your prayers. I am staying by Him all the way. Just to know that you were praying for me helps me alot. Thank you so much. Lea.
1/26/2010 – I can’t explain how happy I am that I came across this site. I was very near an emotional breakdown about an hour ago, and even simply sitting here and spending time on this site has helped. It’s put some things in check for me. Mainly that God knows what He’s doing, and whatever happens only happens because it’s supposed to, and things are going to turn out exactly how He intends. And even though things are very hard for me right now, I know I can get through it with God’s help, and any help I can find along the way will just make it that much easier. I also apologize for the small novel written above. Lots of pain translated to lots of words. Thank you for taking time out of your day to listen to a broken nineteen-year-old’s rambling. And thank you in advance for any and all prayers that may be said on my behalf. They are greatly appreciated. God bless.
1/27/2010 – Thank you so much for praying for my situation. …You have no idea how big of a part your website was in helping me grow in my faith and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
1/28/2010 – Thanks so much for the emails over the last couple of days. About 10 minutes ago and I was thinking to myself, “I really have the urge to get back into old habits.” Then I saw your short note and was greatly encouraged.
1/29/2010 – First of all, thank you so much. I’m not entirely sure you understand how much the response means to me. Even if you personally respond to all prayers sent to the Ranch, it still means a lot to me. And I appreciate any and all prayers that have been said on my behalf. I’m completely amazed at what you’re willing to do for people. Sometimes just knowing that someone cares that much for anyone and everyone can make a huge difference. Thank you so much, Daniel – OHIO
1/29/2010 – Many, many thanks for your prayers and for your email. I was really touched. Thank you. God bless you, and thank you. Malcolm – SWEDEN
1/29/2010 – Thank you for your prayers,may God bless you make his face shine upon you lift up his countenance upon you and grant you peace.I am really encouraged and strengthened by your prayers and I know that the Lord is drawing me and speaking to me and I FEEL CLOSER TO HIM. THANK YOU GOD BLESS. Kuldip.
1/30/2010 – Hi Eric, I can’t believe you emailed me! I discovered The Ranch awhile back and I LOVE VISITING! Your email has been so encouraging…Thank you for praying for me. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Heather
1/30/2010 – Dear Eric, Thanks for your valuable prayers and your kind emails. I trust in God. He will difinitely will show me the ways to come out. Especially with the prayers of Godly people like you. Thanking you, With Prayers, Abraham – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
2/2/2010 – Eric: Thank you so much. So many times I feel as if no one is praying for me and I suppose that sounds selfish. To know that you took the time to pray for me touches me deeply. Thank you. I pray God blesses you and all at The Ranch. Francine.
2/9/2010 – I came across you website http://www.theranch.org for the first time and loved it. I appreciated your summarized statement of faith and I found very startling your disposition to “provide copies of our current financial statements upon request”. Can you send me one financial statement? Yours, Jobson
2/12/2010 – GOD BLESS IN ALL YOU DO. Janepher – UGANDA
2/16/2010 – Eric, Thank you so much dear friend. :) I began feeling God’s peace come in last night and it is just increasing as friends like you pray. Laura
2/17/2010 – Thank you very much, Eric! Take care and keep up running your great site. Alexander – RUSSIA
3/4/2010 – Greetings in the Name of our Lord, Eric. I have received the Lesson: “Bring your friend to Jesus”, thanks a lot. Please do send me these lesson because they help me teaching the Church of the Lord. God Bless you Eric, Buti – SOUTH AFRICA
3/15/2010 – nica site for our child to play (kidsranch.org), Nice games , nice view ….succes to ranch Taufik – INDONESIA
3/31/2010 – What a wonderful retreat. I have been praying for 2 days because I was so lonely with a loneliness that other people can’t fill~searching for connections. But today I stumbled onto the ranch. Thank you. Veronica – NEW HAMPSHIRE
3/31/2010 – many thanks. El Kafa – MOROCCO
3/31/2010 – God has really blessed my heart through the Ranch and I thank you so much for how you allow Him to use you. Keep it up!!! Beverly – GEORGIA
4/1/2010 – I’m so happy to hear of your move to Clover Ranch and looking forward to reading your devotionals. I am really interested in coming out to the ranch for worship and prayer when its ready. Please keep me posted. Thank you so much for being such and inspiration in my life. God Bless you and your family. Debbie – ILLINOIS
4/1/2010 – Dear Eric… I read your email . I hope you are very well and “The Ranch” is doing well too. As always, forget my English and remember that I am traying my best. I pray for you and I hope you will be doing the same for me and my country. We need it . Really. My best to you, my love and my thanks for writing me …. Mela – ARGENTINA
4/1/2010 – So nice to hear from you. God bless! Mitsuyasu – JAPAN
4/2/2010 – I’d lyk to know more about God n i also thnk u fr the wonderful messages that u offer n may God b with u. Mukundamago – SOUTH AFRICA
4/4/2010 – Great message… thanks for reminding us that new beginnings are there for us. i’m lifting my eyes right now…i lift my eyes to the hills that’s where my help comes from… Al – CALIFORNIA
4/5/2010 – AWESOME…very cool! The YouTube clip was great! I love this because it brings a visual experience to learning instead of just reading it and not really having a full perspective on what the area looked like. Thank you for this experience…Chad, TENNESSEE
4/5/2010 – Thanks Eric. Your prayer brought tears. A wave of them. Lynn
4/6/2010 – I find your site really inspirational and captivating. Bravo! Josephine – KENYA
4/9/2010 – A FRIEND FORWARDED TO ME ONE OF YOUR NEWSLETTER.. I FEEL IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING AND SPIRITUALLY COMFORTING TO READ. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU REACH TO THE MILLIONS… THAT GOD’S RETURN WILL BE HASTEN. JOVITA – MALAYSIA
4/21/2010 – Dear Eric, At the very outset, thank you so much for your prayers – they worked. … Thank you again for your support through some very difficult days. It meant a lot to me. God bless your ministry, Eric. Sincerely, Amar – INDIA
4/23/2010 – CHE BELLO!!!!! Annalisa – ITALIA
4/29/2010 – I received an email from a friend and discover the encouraging messages. I am very interested to be in connect with this ministry. Please make me a member. Thanks. James – INDIA
4/30/2010 – I believe that the Lord led me here to The Ranch. Vicky – OHIO
5/2/2010 – Good and Sound Biblical writing with credible theological view of the teachings of Christ & His Apostles on the Doctrine of Christ and His Gospel. Keep up the godly work to the praise and glory to His Name! Amen. Shalom. Timothy – MALAYSIA
5/11/2010 – I really enjoy your Sunday messages which are inspiring & are an assistance as a lay preacher! Peter – SOUTH AFRICA
5/15/2010 – Thisdaysthought & weekly sermons have together helped to improve my spiritual life. Keep up the good work. Benjamin – UK
5/15/2010 – Thank you so much for a touching and very meaningful sermon. You input is, as always, inspiring. Eddie
5/18/2010 – I am blessed by your ministry. God bless you. Nyaradzo – ZIMBABWE
5/23/2010 – I am very encouraged by your family and the work you are doing for the Lord. I would like to learn more and be encouraged daily by hearing from all of you. God Bless. Kaur – MALAYSIA
5/25/2010 – I was sent your site by accident, and have been reading the stories and the one about Capernaum has me confused even more. The more I read the more questions I have. I’ve never seen Jesus portrayed as this site does. I should tell you that I’m Jewish and I believe in the one true G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I’ve read some the stories on your site and have to wonder how they could be true, but I can’t stop reading them either, something just feels right about them. My heritage has ingrained in me that Jesus isn’t for my people. I can’t explain why, but I find some of the stories making me cry and I’m not one that cries easily. It doesn’t make sense. I don’t even know why I’m writing. I’m just really confused. How can this G-d of yours, be the G-d I’ve grown up with? Would Jesus love someone who hasn’t been faithfully reading the Torah for a long time? I’m sorry, I know this doesn’t make any sense, and I’ve always been told that Jesus doesn’t love Jews. But after reading some of the stories I just don’t know what to believe. Is it possible he might love a Jew?
5/30/2010 – God Bles u. Masabata – SOUTH AFRICA
5/31/2010 – Good day,thanks so much for the inspiration words!! Regards, Masande – SOUTH AFRICA
6/2/2010 – good messages. Edwin – MALAWI
6/4/2010 – Hi Eric, Thanks for your kind email. Do keep up the good work – it provides great inspiration for me and doubtless many others too. God bless, Russell
6/12/2010 – your messages so so soooooooooooooooooooo move me……i pray that Christ will bless you with this ministry of yours. Bishalt
6/20/2010 – Hey, Eric. This was great, as always. I have learned so many things from you. My trust is in the Lord. Love, Sue – ILLINOIS
6/28/2010 – Eric, This was a great article – very inspiring and motivating! Just what I needed also. Kent – MISSOURI
6/28/2010 – Bless you Eric and thank you. I have tears in my eyes from praying those beautiful words you have written which I will keep. God is and will continue to bless your work. Thank you again and please stay in touch. Philip – UK
6/29/2010 – hello , im very impressed. thank you very much .God bless you.and i will also teach what i learnt. i am from ethiopia,now there is strong revival here.please pray for us. Yonatan – ETHIOPIA
7/7/2010 – Eric: I have so enjoyed reading the weekly sermons and all about the trip to Israel. Your weekly sermons are very meaningful. You have wonderful insight and your love for God is a blessing to all who receive “the ranch” material. You have enriched my life very much and I look forward to spending more time with God through your devotional. I ordered 2 because – I am going to send one to my niece. I am very proud of her walk with Christ and I think she will also enjoy spending more devotional time with God. Peace to you my friend: Carol
7/7/2010 – Looking forward to reading the book and as always your Sunday devotionals are amazing! I thank the Lord for bringing you and Lana and The Ranch into my life. Debbie
8/17/2010 – Your story of how God has helped your situation is very encouraging, I’ve been going through depression also; pray for me. Konti – NORTH CAROLINA
8/21/2010 – Hi Eric. Through this last while I have had an on and off relationship with god, and in the last while come across your website. While I was looking through it, I found a lesson on Nehemiah and rebuilding. I have decided to make this, and hopefully more of your lessons a part of my life, and hopefully a part of others. I would like to thank you for making these free,and I hope that god blesses you and your online ministry. I really can’t tell you in words how thankful I am for this. Nick – CANADA
8/22/2010 – Hi, I really enjoy reading and listening to the Israel series. One day maybe I might make the trip myself. God bless, Sarah
8/23/2010 – Hi Eric! I love the website. Hope I get to meet your family some day! Blessings, Naomi – CALIFORNIA
8/23/2010 – I watched your broadcast tonight and would like to thank you and Lucas for bringing the broadcast to me and everyone else who watches. I really appreciate your service to the Lord and thanks for the song Lucas! You did a great job! I have tried to picture in my mind the Holy Land and your videos bring it all to life and make it so much more real. Harriet – ILLINOIS
9/7/2010 – I really thank God for the good things He is using your team at ‘The Ranch’. May God continue to strengthen you as you spread the gospel all over the earth. God bless, Fagbohun – NIGERIA
9/11/2010 – Its great i got the ranch. Greg – NIGERIA
9/12/2010 – Hi, Eric! Wanted to let you know that a young woman you ministered to awhile back accepted the Lord and was baptized today. Please keep her in prayer, she has a lot to deal with. Nancy – ILLINOIS
9/21/2010 – This is one of my special sites. Betty – GEORGIA
9/29/2010 – I love hearing about Jesus and knowing what he can do and what to do to make him perfect all things. Prince – NIGERIA
10/12/2010 – Hey Eric, Once again your words and timing were just what I needed. I’m continuously amazed how God gives us just what we need when we need it. Thank you for letting Him use you as an instrument. Thank you again for your prayers and words of wisdom. B.
10/15/2010 – Eric, I’ve been meaning to write you and tell you what a blessing this idea of 1 min. utubes and teaching from the different sights from your trip to Israel! This is definitely a God idea!!! Jeri – CALIFORNIA
10/26/2010 – I am the child of God and was so blessed to read your testimony regarding your trip to Jerusalem. Joyce – SOUTH AFRICA
11/10/2010 – GOD BLESS YOU. Rajasekaran – INDIA
11/10/2010 – Dear Elder Eric, Greetings in the sweetest JESUS name!Your present format is easily loaded by poor impoverisshed dial up lines.Thanks your have not discarded the under-privileged.GOD bless you,your family & Ministry.AMEN. John – PAKISTAN
11/14/2010 – Saw your newsletter & was impress by the message & the stories i read. would like to receive your newsletter thru my email. Thank you Mary – SINGAPORE
11/15/2010 – I really find these material inspiring and leading one to God´s Love and surrender one to God´s wonderful ways. May many be inspired. Manoj – GERMANY
11/16/2010 – I just want you to know that I came across your sight this evening while looking for something on prayer closets. and I have found it to be like streams in the desert. I have been so very thirsty for the fellowship of Christ and His words as you teach and explain Him. Your Ranch is so very relaxing. I love your music! I’m coming back every day to read…God Bless You and your family. Susie – TEXAS
11/17/2010 – May God Bless you richly. Engida – ETHIOPIA
11/21/2010 – Thank you and God bless you! Vilma – PHILIPPINES
11/21/2010 – Love to read your devotions and thoughts. Wendy – ILLINOIS
11/23/2010 – I really like to be in your virtual ranch to experience His presence at the point of my needs. Fe – PHILIPPINES
11/25/2010 – El-Shandei-Almight God richly Bless you for the great work you are doing for His Kingdom. Amen. Wamongo – UGANDA
11/25/2010 – I love God,so I want to be connected to your site. Dan – MALAWI
11/27/2010 – I love the way how you people explain in the messages…!!! Tarango – INDIA
12/6/2010 – Thank you very much for the book on Israel. It arrived at a very opportune time. The courier came – just at the beginning of a Bible study I lead. The
others could tell by my reaction that I was very excited to receive it. But I refused to open it until the Bible study was over. You can be sure they reminded me;so I was able to share the book with them over a cup of tea! Helen – AUSTRALIA
12/7/2010 – I’ve been visiting you site for a few days and just love it, very inspirational! Great Job! Jeannie – OKLAHOMA
12/11/2010 – thanks for devoting your time and resource to the things of the lord, i pray that he will reward you richly.amen! Oluwasey – NIGERIA
12/12/2010 – Hi Eric, In just a day or two I will be going to Israel! I have read your stories and messages from Israel and I’m so much more excited now that I know the meaningful things about these places. In particular, Nehemiah’s lessons on rebuilding – I intend to go and see the wall, or at least the site if possible, because the lessons you put up apply to me very deeply. When I go to Jerusalem I will pray for your ministry as a lot of your lessons have really helped me and they have come at crucial points in my life, and it’s so obvious to me that God has given me direction through your lessons. God Bless, Jude – UK
12/16/2010 – really enjoy the web site. very very encouraging. bless this web site in Jesus Name. Mallory
12/16/2010 – May the Lord richly bless you till we meet Him in the air. Jeff – MISSISSIPPI
If you’d like to help support our work that helps make this ministry possible, just click here to make a donation.

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News From The Ranch – March 2010

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Moving to Clover Ranch, a new weekly series starting called “Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land,” and a new name for the ministry, “The Ranch Fellowship.”

Dear Friends,

It’s been a few months since I’ve sent you an update–not because nothing has been happening–but because so much has been happening! Here are three thingsI thought you’d like to know about.

Taking A Break At Clover Ranch

First, we’re moving to Clover Ranch! From the beginning of our ministry, we’ve envisioned having a place in the country where we could invite people for times of worship, prayer and personal ministry. Four years ago, our ministry purchased the farmhouse where I grew up in Central Illinois to use for such a purpose, renovating it as time and money allowed and giving it the name Clover Ranch.

We’ve now fixed it up enough to the point where we can move in and finish up the final pieces while living there! So we’re going to start moving over the next few weeks, and we’re hoping to be completely moved in by May. Here’s a picture of our family piled into one of the bedrooms at Clover Ranch, taking a break after painting walls and plastering ceilings in the other rooms to get them ready.

Israel Devotional

Second, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be starting a new series of weekly devotionals on Easter Sunday called “Israel: Lessons from the Holy Land.” I’ll be sending you these messages each week by email as a way to take you on a “devotional tour” of the land where Jesus walked. I’m praying that these messages will help bring the Bible to life, not only giving you an idea for the land where so many of the famous stories in the Bible took place, but also giving you a boost in your faith wherever you might live in the world today.

Along with this new series, we’re also going to start our live Internet broadcasts again.You’ll be able to join me online for some live worship, an encouraging word, and a personal prayer if you’d like one. The first live broadcast will be this coming Sunday night, Easter Sunday, at 8 p.m. Central Time (5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time). Here’s the link if you’d like to join me for the live broadcast on Sunday night at 8 p.m..

The Ranch Fellowship

Third, as excited as we are about moving to Clover Ranch, we’re also entering into it with a certain amount of uncertainty! There are still a number of projects that need to be completed before, and soon after, we move in, and both time and money are short. But I take comfort from the words that David wrote in Psalm 86, that the God who provided for David will provide for us, too, just as I trust He will provide for you. Here’s what David said at the beginning of his prayer:

“Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and distressed, needy and desiring. Preserve my life, for I am godly and dedicated; O my God, save Your servant, for I trust in You, leaning and believing on You, committing all and confidently looking to You, without fear or doubt” (Psalm 86:1-2, Amplified Bible).

Although David was going through some uncertain times, he trusted in God. He continued to come to God with his needs and desires, committing everything to the One who gave him life. David even used the phrase, “O My God!” which many today translate as “OMG!” (While it may seem like a new phrase, it’s been around for over 3,000 years!) May we all be like David, saying “OMG!” and calling out to God when we’re feeling poor and distressed, needy and desiring. And in the end may we see a sign from Him of His goodwill and favor, His help, and His comfort.

One more thing…it’s small, but important. As we enter into this new season of ministry, we’ve also adopted a new name for our ministry, calling it “The Ranch Fellowship.” We’ll still use the name “Eric Elder Ministries” from time to time for some of our ministry activities, but know that both “Eric Elder Ministries” and “The Ranch Fellowship” still refer to the same “non-profit, 501(c)(3) religious organization.” (All donations given in either name are still fully tax-deductible. If you’d like to make a donation towards our move or to the continuing renovation of Clover Ranch, please use the links at the end of this email.) The thing I love most about the new name is that it reflects the very real fellowship aspect of this ministry that involves so many of you from all around the world. Just this month, new subscribers have signed up to be a part of our ministry from places likeKentucky, Ohio, Texas and Florida to as far away as Indonesia, Myanmar, Ghana, and Papua New Guinea.

So welcome to all of you to The Ranch Fellowship! As always, we appreciate so much your notes, your prayers and your financial contributions to our ministry. They really keep us going! We pray also for you that God will meet your needs in a way that you’ll know He is real, alive and active in your lives.

Sincerely,
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – January 2010

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

2009 Year-End Update, Letters from Readers, Clover Ranch progress, Trip to Israel, Speaking and a Christmas Novel

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!!! As we head into 2010, I thought you might be interested to see how God was working through your gifts and prayers during 2009 to reach people around the world with the message of Christ.

Our newsletter list continues to grow, reaching people in over 100 countries every week to encourage them in their faith in Christ. Let me quote just two of the hundreds of comments that people have sent in.

Here’s a letter from a subscriber in Thessalonika, Greece:

Letter from Thessalonika, Greece

“I really do not remember how I chose to view your website. What I do remember, though, is that I was searching for “prayer and faith” in the Internet. It was a really hard time for me then, and I needed to know if there was actually Anybody up there, listening. Some months later, now, I can say that I have grown in faith so that I can fight to direct my own life towards its primitive purpose: to resemble our Lord in our lives, by loving others. In this letter I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart, because your online ministry was a real blessing for my life. I have read almost all of your lessons’ series and I can say they are overwhelming. I enclose a part of my first salary, hoping it could help your work.”

And here’s a note from a 19-year-old college student who just found our website a few days ago:

“I can’t explain how happy I am that I came across this site. I was very near an emotional breakdown about an hour ago, and even simply sitting here and spending time on this site has helped. It’s put some things in check for me. Mainly that God knows what He’s doing, and whatever happens only happens because it’s supposed to, and things are going to turn out exactly how He intends. And even though things are very hard for me right now, I know I can get through it with God’s help, and any help I can find along the way will just make it that much easier. I also apologize for the small novel written above [in his prayer request]. Lots of pain translated to lots of words. Thank you for taking time out of your day to listen to a broken nineteen-year-old’s rambling. And thank you in advance for any and all prayers that may be said on my behalf. They are greatly appreciated. God bless.”

Article in Estonian

The weekly messages have been reprinted in newspapers, blogs, and in the case pictured here, translated for a magazine in Estonia (the headline reads: “According to your faith will it be done to you.”)

Our renovation of Clover Ranch continues, turning the farm where I grew up into a spiritual retreat for people wanting to get closer to God. This year’s repairs focused on upgrading the water-well system, removing and planting trees, and continued renovation of the interior rooms.

A number of volunteers have helped again this year with their time and efforts, and even with all the work going on, it still serves as a retreat for those who come to help. One man wrote:

“Thanks very much for letting us work with you, for sharing your stories, for your insights, and for praying for us! We are taking one day at a time and trying to follow His lead. When you come to the farm again let us know…the time and experience was worth it, and we would do it again:-)!”

crb

In October, Lana and I led a group of fifteen on an inspirational tour of the Holy Land. Even though Lana and I had been to some of the sites before, we found that the Bible really came to life again before our eyes, as it seemed to do for the whole group.

One of the women wrote afterwards:

Israel Study Tour

“Thank you for taking me on the most life changing journey of my life this far…I see my Bible in color and have a new found love for HIS word. I can’t wait to get lost in HIS word and it seems as if every time I hear a sermon I go “Lord, thank you for allowing me the privilege of seeing this place.” I can’t tell you the new thing HE is beginning to do in my life as if I did not think it could be better, HE is taking me to the next level.”

My plan is to start writing a series of devotionals in 2010 based on our trip to Israel as a way to help bring the Bible to life for those who aren’t able to travel there in person. I’ll be sharing more of those stories, pictures and short videos in the weeks ahead.

Throughout the year I was able to speak at several churches and conferences, including the Exodus International Freedom Conference held at Wheaton College where I talked about my book What God Says About Sex. It seems that the attendees of this conference are some of the most open I’ve ever seen to hearing about the life-changing power of Christ.

My final project of 2009 was writing a first draft of a new Christmas novelthat Lana and I hope will inspire many to put their faith in Christ. I’ll share more about the project as we get further into it, but I love the way it’s shaping up already! I look forward to working on it more during 2010.

Thanks again for all your gifts and prayers. They’re really making a difference in the world. I pray your New Year is more blessed than any year you’ve ever had before!

Sincerely,
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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Notes of Thanks – November 2008

A few thank you notes from The Ranch visitors…

11/1/08 – I just feel the presence of God as I read through your website. I could not hold back my tears saying: “God, thank you for The Ranch..I did not imagine there is such a ministry in the web such as this. I have been a Christian for 28 years…serving the Lord for many years in different capacities…yet there are times when I feel I need some encouragements. Thank you for your ministry. God bless you! M.S. / Bulacan, Philippines
11/2/08 – Amen & Amen!!! This was used of God this morning to strongly confirm some preceding proddings by the Holy Spirit to pray about our current circumstances. You’re a blessing brother! Keep up the good work. In Jesus precious name, L.C. / Canada
11/2/08 – Eric, Just now read this lesson – what an encouragement. Just 30 min. ago I was sitting here feeling uncertain about my leadership in some college-related things. Your words are really timely. K.S. / St. Louis, MO
11/2/08 – My daughter (13 years old) donated $2.55. My son (15 years old) donated $10. My wife donated $10. And I was able to gather $28.03. For a total of $50.58. I wish it could be more. We will make another effort next month. Hang in there brother! God bless you. S.E. / CA
11/3/08 – I don’t know why or how I received your email, Lessons in Rebuilding, but what a blessing. I’ve been needing to get back on the path that Christ has chosen for me, but it seems impossible to be free again. With the help of Nehemiah and God I am sure that I can win the battle. Thank you for this blessing and new chance to walk with my FATHER again. B.H. / Silver Creek, GA
11/3/08 – Very inspiring message that builds and encourages me as I walk in obedience to the scripture. R.A. / Uganda
11/5/08 – Keep it up Theranch! GOD BLESS. O.O. / Ondo, Nigeria
11/7/08 – God is calling me to minister to those who are hurt and damaged within. I would like to have fellowship with you to equip myself for the special calling i have. J.C. / Tamilnadu, South India
11/7/08 – Thank you for this wonderful ministry. S.S. / Charlotte, NC
11/9/08 – Thank you so much for this time for prayer and also for your wonderful sermons. I hang on to these in my busy life where I don’t seem to be getting to church as much as I would like. Thank you for helping me “learn to pray and how to pray”. Thank you for the beautiful music and your creativity with God’s Word and using your talents to change the world one person at a time! J.G.
11/10/08 – Thank you very much. J.
11/10/08 – I like your your work because it builds my spiritual life. S.W. / Kenya
11/12/08 – Eric, I put your Nehemiah Lesson 3 on our web page as people will regularly go to that. L.A. / UK
11/15/08 – Thank you so very much. I think I am finally finding a little peace due to your e-mail. It’s funny how we complain about technology but look how it can help. God Bless You. D.A.
11/18/08 – Dear Eric, Thank you for the website and the teachings. I have been profoundly blessed. Warmest regards A.N. / Cape Town, South Africa
11/21/08 – You and your family are in my prayers often. God bless you and your family. M.D. / Robesonia, PA
11/23/08 – Thank you very much for your very encouraging sermon. Have a good week. P.G / Nassau, Bahamas
11/23/08 – new to this, just 2 weeks ago, i asked God to come in to my life and need all the encouragement i can get!! C.M. / Ireland
11/24/08 – Love your weekly thoughts! Thanks. G.J. / Polokwane, South Africa
11/29/08 – I read one of your newsletters thru an email from a friend and it truly blessed me. M.P. / Benguet, Philippines
11/30/08 – A WONDERFUL MESSAGE. READ and REJOICE…GOD ALWAYS CARES ABOUT EACH OF US. AMEN. F.G.
11/30/08 – inspiring indeed. J.T. / Nairobi, Kenya
11/30/08 – Dear Eric, You dont know how much your sermon has helped me today. I had a difficult week and I’ve been praying to Jesus to show me the right thing to do. I wasn’t finding any answer until I read your sermon. Thank you, you have been an instrument of God, (do you use the word ‘instrument’ in English?). As we say in the school where I work: ‘May Jesus live in your heart, forever’ S. / Argentina

If you’d like to help support our work that helps make this ministry possible, just click here to make a donation.

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News From The Ranch – August 2008

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

New prayer request page, update on the Dominican Republic missions trip, painting at Clover Ranch, and donation update.

This Day's Thought Logo
Dear Friends,

I’d like to take a break today from the book of Acts to give you a personal update on our lives and ministry.

Many of you know that we moved to Peru, Illinois last December. The move has gone great in many ways. But if you’re like me, it seems like it’s often after we’ve taken a step of faith into unknown territory that the doubts and second-guesses really kick in. Over the past few weeks, I feel like a skier who has taken off from the end of the high jump ramp and is now sailing through the air. I haven’t landed yet, and I’m not sure exactly how the landing’s going to go, but I also know that I can’t go back!

When I was asking God about this unsettling sensation this week, I wondered how to get that “settled” feeling back, even though it may be some time before we’re actually settled. I then listened to a podcast from Mosaic Church on the topic of “Courage” (you can listen to it yourself from http://www.mosaic.org). The speaker talked about how to overcome our doubts and fears when God has called you into unknown territory. The speaker suggested we heed the most frequent command found in Scripture: “Fear Not!”

But how can we “fear not” when there’s so much to be afraid of? By trusting in God every step of the way, by that He is with us every step of the way. As God says in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you…” (NKJV).

God wouldn’t have told us to “fear not” if it weren’t possible. I decided to put my trust in God again that morning, and God has given me His peace again knowing that He’s with us. He reminded me of why we made the move in the first place and helped me to get my focus back on Him purposes instead of my fears. What a way to get that “settled” feeling back again!

If you’ve stepped out in faith and into some unknown territory, I want to encourage you with the words God spoke to Joshua when God called Joshua into his own unknown territory. Even though the land was full of giants and other obstacles, God said: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers for us as we continue to get “settled” here in our new town. Here are a number of other updates I thought you’d like to hear about…

Need Prayer?

If you need prayer–or if you’d like to pray for others–I’d like to invite you to visit the new Prayer Request page I designed for an online ministry called “This Day’s Thought.” I’ve been working together with “This Day’s Thought” for several years now, and the new prayer request system is the latest addition.

This Day's Thought Logo

Since launching this new system earlier this month, the prayer page is getting about 10 prayer requests a day from people all over the world. If you ever need prayer, you can post your request on this page and it will be seen by a team of people who will immediately pray for your request. If you’d like to join the team to pray for others, you can sign up on the same prayer page where people post their request. You will be notified by email with each new request, then you can pray for–and even personally respond–to those requests that particularly touch you.

The Internet is such a great way to get requests out to people who are willing and able to pray, so I’m glad this new system can harness the power of the Internet for good, for God, and for you! Remember, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16, NLT).

To post a request or to pray for others who have posted theirs, visit: This Day’s Thought Prayer Page

Back From The Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic and Elder Family

Lana and our three oldest kids are now back from their missions trip to the Dominican Republic. They went for a week in July to help a new congregation there build a church and parsonage.

It was hot, sweaty and hard work, but they enjoyed being able to encourage the members of this new church, as well as the new local pastor and his family (pictured here with Lana and our older kids).

The missionaries who helped to establish this church and hosted our team on the trip said that they simply couldn’t have been able to get so much done without the team’s help. For those of you who prayed for and supported our family on this trip, you’re part of that team! So thanks to you as well!

Work Days At Clover Ranch!

Gallon of Paint

The next few months we’ll be having several work days at Clover Ranch here in Illinois. We’re continuing to transform the property into a personal retreat center.

If you’d like to help out in person, we’ve love to have you join us. We’ll be doing all kinds of projects: scraping, painting, dry walling, mudding, sanding, staining, varnishing, installing garage doors, weeding and planting trees and grass. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll be sure to let you know which days we’ll be working there.

Even if you can’t come, you can still help out! We need to buy several dozen gallons of paint over the next few weeks, and each gallon costs about $30. If you’d like to donate a gallon or two (or more!), just click the link below and you can donate online or get mailing instructions for sending a check. Thanks!

Make A Donation

Financial Update

While our trust is always in the Lord for the funds to do this work, we also know that He often provides for His work through His people. So from time to time, I know it’s important to let you know our needs so you can help out if you can.

While our donations have remained steady this year at about $3,000 a month, our expenses have continued to increase. Between our move to Peru and the various projects we have going on with our ministry, we could really use an infusion of cash right now! Everything we do is funded entirely by donations from people like you, not by any one church or organization. From this amount we pay all the costs of running our ministry including our salary and housing expenses, our computer and Internet expenses, our publication expenses, and our Clover Ranch expenses of mortgage payments, gas, electricity and renovation. As you can see, we do a lot with what we get!

If you could make a one-time donation to our ministry right now, that would really help us as we head into the fall. Whether it’s $10, $100, or $1,000 or more, know that we’ll put it to good use for the kingdom. As a registered non-profit organization, all of our work is overseen by a board of directors and all of our financial reports are publicly available. This means you donations are also fully tax-deductible!

We could also use some additional monthly donors. If every person reading this note gave a monthly gift of just $10, we’d be able to meet–and even exceed–our budget for the entire year. I know that not everyone reading this note is able to give to support this work, but if you do, know that your gifts will not only be a blessing to us, they will be a blessing to those we are able to minister to each week. Our monthly donors currently give anywhere from $10 a month to $400 a month. Would you be able to join them with a monthly gift of any amount?

Hymns, by Marilyn Byrnes

Another way you can help us on the financial front is by ordering any of the inspiring books and CD’s our ministry has produced over the years. I know many of you like to get a jump on the Christmas shopping season, and some of these books and CD’s will make great gifts to encourage your friends and family in their faith.

The piano CD’s are especially great for introducing people to God in a non-threatening way. The titles set the tone for each CD, with titles like “Clear My Mind,” “Simply Relaxing,” “Hymns,” “Eden,” “Still Waters,” and “Christmas.” Our devotional books are also great ways to get people into the Word of God, written in a simple, easy to read style with lots of personal stories that apply to everyday life. Titles include, “Two Weeks With God,” “Jesus: Lessons In Love,” “Exodus: Lessons In Freedom,” and “What God Says About Sex.” Know that when you order any of these resources, you’re also helping us reach even more people with the message of Christ.

So if you’d like to make a one-time donation, or to sign up to make a monthly donation, just click the link below for instructions.

Make A Donation

To order books or CD’s, visit The Ranch Giftshop at this link:

The Ranch Giftshop

Reader’s Comments

Before I close, I’d like to share just a few comments from readers of my weekly devotionals. I especially love to hear from those who tell me they’re putting these biblical principles into practice in their lives. Here are a few comments I received after writing a message on fasting:

From Illinois: “I did a 3-day fast last week–I had never done one that long before. It was a great experience, and your lesson came at just the right moment and encouraged me to do it.”

From Texas: “Thanks, Eric, as always for an apt word. I am praying fervently (and fasting)…Perhaps you can pray with me for God’s will to become apparent and/or his storehouses to open on our behalf.”

From Arkansas: “Your note followed up on my prayers and makes me believe that the Lord is calling me to take hold of fasting alongside my prayer life in a meaningful way.”

Look for more devotions from the book of Acts as we finish up in the book in the weeks ahead. If you’ve missed any of the series or would like to reread them, you can read them online at this link:

Acts: Lessons In Faith

Please Pray With Us

Father,

  • Thank You for helping us get the Prayer Request system up and running for This Day’s Thought,
  • Thank You for the work You did in the Dominican Republic,
  • And thank You for the opportunity to reach many people through The Ranch website and the upcoming Clover Ranch.

Father,

  • We now pray that You would provide the funding to continue with each of these projects,
  • That You would provide safety for those who are working to restore Clover Ranch,
  • And for more people find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love,
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – May 2008

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Our move to Peru, IL, Missions Trip to the Dominican Republic, Clover Ranch update, and emails from the series in Acts.

Makari, Lucas, Lana and Karis will be heading to the Dominican Republic in July to help a new congregation build a church where they can meet and grow.

Makari, Lucas, Lana and Karis will be heading to the Dominican Republic in July to help a new congregation build a church where they can meet and grow.

Dear Friends,

I’d like to take a short break from our look at the book of Acts to give you an update of news from The Ranch. It’s a chance for me to share with you some of the cool things God is doing in our personal lives and ministry, and also let you know how you can be involved in what we’re doing. Starting with a personal story…

We’ve Moved!

(Picture: Moving boxes at our new house still waiting to be unpacked.)

(Picture: Moving boxes at our new house still waiting to be unpacked.)

Just before Christmas last year, we moved back to Lana’s hometown of Peru, Illinois. When her parents moved out of their big house (they had nine kids) into a smaller house a few minutes away, her family asked if we’d want to move into their bigger house. It would give us more room for our growing family (we have six kids) and would get us closer to her family to spend more time with them and help take care of her parents.

After much prayer, we felt we should move and I felt strongly that God wanted us to move “by the end of the year.” As the year went on, I didn’t see how we could undertake such a big move with so little time left till the end, so I asked God for some kind of confirming word from the Bible if He really wanted us to move that quickly. I racked my brain trying to think of any verses that talked about doing something by the end of the year, but none came to mind.

So I went to read another verse in the Bible I had been thinking about that week from 2nd Timothy 3:15. It says, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way” (from The Message). I was thinking about how powerful the Word of God is, and how God can breath life into any of the words whenever He wants to speak to us, if we’re willing to listen.

I kept on reading through 2nd Timothy when all of the sudden the words seemed to jump off the page. I read: “Try hard to come to me before winter.” Winter here in the U.S. was on December 22nd, less than ten days from the end of the year! I felt like God was speaking directly to me calling to me from Peru and saying, “I mean it! Try hard to come to Me before winter!” So we began to pack and clean in earnest, and by December 21st had finally gotten our beds moved over. We’re still not fully unpacked, but it’s been great to be here and we’ve already felt God’s hand in our move in so many ways. The Word of God really is “God-breathed”!

Missions Trip To The Dominican Republic

Lana and our three oldest kids are heading to the Dominican Republic in July to help to build a church for a new congregation there, giving them a place to meet and grow. They’re excited about this opportunity to help and have been praying, planning and working towards this for the past 6 months.

They’ve worked and raised over half of the money they need to go on this trip ($1,000 each including supplies to build the church). But with just a couple of months left to go, a donation of any size would really help them reach their goal. Know that your gifts will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. I’m thrilled that they’ll be able to serve together as a family in this way, and will be glad for your prayers for me as I’m home with the three younger kids! Just click here to send a donation by mail or online by PayPal or credit card. Please mention that your gift is for the “DR Mission Trip”.

Clover Ranch Update

(Picture: A pair of 4-leaf clovers I found this week while working at Clover Ranch)

(Picture: A pair of 4-leaf clovers I found this week while working at Clover Ranch)

We made tremendous progress last year on getting our Clover Ranch retreat property ready for guests, but still have a ways to go. If you’d like to help us this summer, we’ll be doing a number of jobs, from finishing the rewiring of the house, to drywalling, painting and landscaping.

We’re still in need of donations for each of these projects, and in particular could use a good, reliable riding lawn mower to cut the almost 2 acres of grass. If you know of someone who has a good mower, or could donate towards the $3,500 cost of a new one, please let us know. Even while the house is under renovation we’ve been able to make use of it for prayer and ministry, so thanks for all your help and prayers to get it this far.

Back To Acts

Back at The Ranch website, I’m in the midst of writing a weekly devotional series called “Acts: Lessons In Faith.” The weekly messages go out to 1,200 subscribers to The Ranch newsletter, and another 18,000 subscribers of a partner ministry called This Day’s Thought.

I’ve enjoyed writing it, and even got to preach the first six messages at our church during February and March while we search for a new senior pastor.

I thought you might like to read a few comments from readers from around the world.

Betty from the UK writes: “Praise be to Jesus, the message u sent me strengthened my faith.”

Chris from the UK writes: “Thanks as ever – time and time again your thoughts for the day hit home. God speed, Chris”

Phil from Colorado writes: “I got your article called “Faith Waits.” It was exceptional and I am asking permission to reprint it and use it, with your permission and showing that it is yours, in our ministry.”

Ley from the UK writes: “What I have had from The Ranch has been a tremendous inspiration from God Himself. Many thanks for all your hard work in this ministry.”

David from Oregon writes: “Your “Acts: Lessons In Faith” message was fantastic. Of course, I loved the quote from The Incredibles. The next time I watch it with our two youngest kids, I’ll still be thinking about what you wrote.”

Many others have written in to express their appreciation for this series. If you’ve missed part of it, or want to reread any of the short devotionals or full length versions, just click here.

Our Personal Needs

Many of you know that this is our full-time ministry and we rely fully on gifts from people like you for all we do, including our personal expenditures like moving to a new home. We need so little to reach so many, but we need that little so much! As the summer approaches and income to many ministries including ours, takes a dip, we could really use some extra financial support. We certainly understand if you are unable to give. For those that can contribute a little extra this month or substantially, please know that we would certainly appreciate your generosity. So if you’ve been blessed by what we’re doing, or if you’d like to help us keep it going and expand it so others can be blessed by it, please click the link below to send us a one-time or monthly donation of any size.

If you’d like a gift in appreciation of your donation (which we’d be glad to send you), you can click the second link to request any of our several books and CD’s that we’ve produced though this ministry and you’ll be able to choose a donation amount and we’ll send you a gift as a thank you for your donation.

To make donations to Clover Ranch, the Dominican Republic Missions Trip, or just our personal support, click here.

Please Pray With Us

Father,

  • Thank You for the move to Peru going well,
  • Thank You for so many being encouraged in their faith through the weekly messages,
  • And thank You for the opportunity to reach many others through missions trips and projects like Clover Ranch.

Father,

  • We now pray that You would use each of these projects to draw people closer to You,
  • That You would provide funding for this ministry to keep going forward and expanding,
  • And for more people find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love,
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

by

News From The Ranch – December 2007

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Missions Trip Update, “Jesus: Lessons In Love” now in paperback, New Hymns CD, and a move!

Jean Barling (left) and Lana Elder at Clover Ranch. Jean is a former interior designer who came from England this fall to help us redesign Clover Ranch, a new retreat center we're renovating in Central Illinois.

Jean Barling (left) and Lana Elder at Clover Ranch. Jean is a former interior designer who came from England this fall to help us redesign Clover Ranch, a new retreat center we’re renovating in Central Illinois.

Dear Friends,

It’s been awhile since I’ve sent any news from The Ranch — not because there hasn’t been any, but because there’s been so much! Here’s a brief look at what’s been going on this year.

Missions Trip

We had a great missions trip to England in February, a country where surprisingly only about 8% of the population attends church regularly. Thanks to your prayers and gifts, our team of eight was able to spend a week with a church in Tunbridge Wells, giving their building a face lift, and giving us all a “faith lift.” We continue to pray that their church will be a light in their community, reaching the many who still need to put their full trust and faith in Christ.

Clover Ranch Renovation

Besides getting the repairs done at the church in England, we were blessed in return in August when one of their members came to live here in the States for two months at Clover Ranch, a retreat Center we’re renovating. Jean Barling (pictured above on the left with Lana) is a former interior designer and helped us completely remodel the kitchen and bathroom, as well as get us started on many other projects around the house. With the help of dozens of volunteers and a few hired hands, we’ve been able to clean out the whole house, put on a new roof, replace all the windows, redo the plumbing, and start replacing some old wiring. We’re not done yet, but we’re well on our way to towards getting it open for guests to come and grow in their relationship with Christ. Thanks to all who came and helped!

New Devotional!

Jesus: Lessons In Love Front CoverBack at The Ranch website, I’ve finished a new book this year called Jesus: Lessons In Love. It’s a compilation of thirty devotionals I’ve written, based on the book of Matthew, and designed to help people read their Bibles and apply what they’re reading to their everyday lives.

These devotionals were sent out each week to over 17,000 people, some who signed up for the devotionals after visiting The Ranch website, and others who subscribed from another Internet ministry that I help run called This Day’s Thought (www.thisdaysthought.org). It was great to hear back from people each week from various parts of the world about how these messages touched their lives, like these…

“I just had to let you know your article ‘Love is Prepared’ is absolutely beautiful. I found my eyes welling with tears. May I share this with our readers in an upcoming edition of the paper?” Susan in Virginia

“What a wonderful message I really needed to read this morning.” Carol in New Mexico

“This is truly a blessing. I really need to know more about giving my all to God and serving him honestly and completely!” Suzan in South Africa

“Thank you. Very encouraging” Muleba

“…Thank you Eric. All day today I’ve been trying to figure out how I could manage things better so that I can get just the basic things done. But now that I’ve read this I know what the problem is. I’ve been trying to manage things, I need to spend more time with God and let him worry about how I get things done. I knew this before but for some reason I wasn’t doing it. God bless you and your family!” Misty in Illinois

“Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Your have quoted some of my favorite Bible verses that share my beliefs about what Christians should be more like.” Leng in Texas

“Hey Eric, Always a blessing to receive your messages brother! Keep up the good work.” Len in Canada

“Thank you so much for the message of forgiveness.” Simeon

“Hi Eric, Thank you for your reminder of some of the ways we can bring our friends to Jesus . . . blessings in your ministry.” Judi

“Eric, This is an EXCELLENT summary of the Book of Matthew and a vital guide at living our lives. I’m printing this out and keeping it in my Bible as reference point for checking my motives. Thank you so much for your anointed wisdom throughout this series.” Al in California

If you missed reading the devotionals, or want to re-read them or give them to a friend, you can order copies of this book in paperback for less than $10 each, or as a downloadable book to read on your computer for just $2.50. It makes a great devotional to help you — or your friends — get started with reading the Bible again in the New Year. To request a copy of the book, or any of our other devotionals, just visit:
http://inspiringbooks.com

New Hymns CD!

Hymns Front CoverI’ve also just finished uploading a new CD to The Ranch website. It’s a collection of classic hymns that I helped produce and record for my sister, Marilyn Byrnes. The Hymns CD includes beautiful versions of your favorite hymns like “The Lord’s Prayer,” “What a Friend We Have In Jesus,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Immortal, Invisible” (my favorite song on the CD). You can listen to it anytime day or night on The Ranch website at this link.

And if you’d like to get the music on CD for yourself or your friends, you can still order copies in time for Christmas up until December 12th. The CD’s are only $10.50 each, and can be ordered from the link below. (And if you need more gift ideas, you’ll find about 15 gift ideas from The Ranch at this link, too, all in the form of an inspirational book or CD…and all for less than $15 each!):
http://nspiringbooks.com

We’re Moving!

Lastly, we’ve been praying for some time now about possibly moving back to Lana’s hometown of Peru, Illinois (about 40 minutes northwest of where we live now). Lana’s parents have moved into a smaller house, so we would be able to move into their larger house. This move would give us more room as well as get us closer to them so we could help take care of them both. We’ve been working on the house and getting it ready for the move, which we hope to make by the end of the year. We’d appreciate your prayers during this transition.

Thanks again for all your prayers, encouragement and support for our ministry this year, not only on behalf of Lana and myself, but also on behalf of the visitors who are touched daily by it…like this one who wrote:

“I just ran across your web site about ‘how to know you’re going to heaven’ (a video message recorded for us by Bill Allison). I said your prayer and truthfully meant it with all my heart. My prayers have been answered. Thank you for that prayer to God. Now I know I will go to heaven. Thank you.” Mark

We truly appreciate all of you whose hearts are joined with us in this work. If you’d like to make a year-end donation, you can use this link:

PLEASE PRAY WITH US

Father,

  • Thank You for allowing us to work on building Your kingdom through missions trips and projects like Clover Ranch,
  • Thank You for teaching us so much in the Word of God that is helpful to us and others,
  • And thank You for the blessing of music that helps bring us peace in our frequently chaotic world.

Father,

  • We now pray that You would use each of these projects to draw people closer to You,
  • That You would smooth over all the things that need to happen before and during our move to Peru
  • And we pray that still more people find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Merry Christmas!
Love,
Eric Elder

To request copies of the Hymns CD, or the devotional Jesus: Lessons In Love,please visit:
http://inspiringbooks.com
To make a one-time or monthly donation, visit:
Make a Donation
To read about our ministry, visit:
About Eric Elder Ministries

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

by

News From The Ranch – February 2007

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

A missions trip to the UK, “What God Says About Sex” now in paperback, more worship possibly coming to The Ranch website.

The Elder family dressed up for our church's annual Christmas production, "Bethlehem Walk," in December 2006. The back four, from left to right are: Karis, Lucas, Lana, Eric. The front row includes: Kaleo, Bo, Makari and Josiah. Click the picture if you'd like to print it to use as a prayer reminder for us. Thanks!

The Elder family dressed up for our church’s annual Christmas production, “Bethlehem Walk,” in December 2006. The back four, from left to right are: Karis, Lucas, Lana, Eric. The front row includes: Kaleo, Bo, Makari and Josiah. Click the picture if you’d like to print it to use as a prayer reminder for us. Thanks!

Dear Friends,

February 9th marks my 20th anniversary of when I put my faith in Christ. I knew on that day that this was going to be a significant decision, probably the most important decision I would ever make in my life. How true that has turned out to be!

I’ve thought several times over the years of what a difference it has made in my life to put my faith in Christ. Not just in giving me assurance that I knew I would be with God in heaven when I died, but also in giving me direction for my life here on earth. Although I woke up and went to work in much the same way the day after I put my faith in Christ as the day before, on the inside, everything had been rearranged. I felt like I was on a whole new course for my life. My goals were different, my worldview was different, and my heart was set in a new direction.

Over time, those changes in my goals, my worldview, and my heart played out in my external life as well as my internal life. I’ve since gotten married, had six kids, and gone into full-time ministry. Those things didn’t all happen in a day, but the stage was set for those things to happen from the first day I put my faith in Christ.

I’ve come to love the Christian life, and Christianity itself, so much that even if only for the practical advantages of this kind of life, let alone the spiritual ones, I would encourage others to follow the way of Christ. But I am also convinced that it is our faith, our complete trust in God in all things, that breathes life into Christianity. It is our faith in God that pleases Him more than anything. In fact, the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God:

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

I know that faith isn’t easy to come by some days. I know that life gets in the way of our faith sometimes. I know that it’s hard to trust Him completely when so much is riding on the outcome of our daily decisions. But it is our faith that will see us through. It is our faith that will carry us along. It is our faith that will bring a smile to the face of God, a faith that believes that He exists, a faith that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

If you’ve never put your faith in Christ, I want to encourage you to put your faith in Him today. If you’ve already put your faith in Christ, I want to encourage you to put your faith in Him again today for everything in your life…everything. He is trustworthy. He loves you. He cares for you. And He is so pleased, so totally pleased, when you put your faith in Him.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

I also have a number of updates I’d like to share with you, including offering you a new paperback version of my book on sex, asking for your prayers for a missions trip to England, and an update on on our funding requests from last time.

Now In Paperback!

What God Says About Sex CoverIf you’ve wondered what God has to say about sex, or if you know someone who could use a godly perspective on sex, I hope you’ll get a copy (or two or three or ten!) of my new book: “What God Says About Sex.” While I’m still working on finding a publisher for the book, I’ve had a number of requests for it in paperback, so I’ve gone ahead and printed up 200 copies of the book for those who would like copies of the book now.

Jill Savage, Founder and Executive Director of an organization for moms called “Hearts at Home,” is one of the people who read a preview copy of the book and has asked if she could carry it on her personal book table as she goes around the country speaking to moms and other groups. She’ll be speaking at a purity conference this month, and I’m praying that many will pick up a copy at the conference and that it will make a real and lifelong difference in the way they look at, and engage in, sex.

Jill has also agreed to personally endorse the book! In her endorsement, she writes:

“Eric Elder has the ability to take a complicated subject and simplify it for the everyday reader. He talks about truth in such a way that the reader can’t help but to be drawn in.”

I’d love to get a copy of the book to you, too. You can order it from the Giftshop at The Ranch in a variety of affordable formats and gift-packs:

  • – an electronic version, emailed to you ($5 suggested donation)
  • – a paperback version ($10 suggested donation, shipping included)
  • – a set of 3 paperbacks to share ($25 suggested donation, shipping included)
  • – a set of 5 paperbacks to share ($40 suggested donation, shipping included)
  • – a set of 10 paperbacks to share ($75 suggested donation, shipping included)
  • – a signed copy of the book ($100 suggested donation…well, OK, I’ll sign it for free, but the $100 would really help us to print more books for others in the future!)

To order, just click this link to visit The Ranch Giftshop.

Headed to England!

UK TeamLast year on our missions trip to Africa, we stopped in England and visited a church that our church here in Illinois has helped to support over the years. As we toured the church, Lana noticed a number of repair projects that needed to be done that she thought of several people back home who would be great at doing them. So when we returned from Africa, we began to make plans for a return trip to England some day. That day has come!

We’ll be heading out to Tunbridge Wells, England, with a team of 8 people from our church, including Lana, Karis, and me, on Friday, February 9th, for 11 days. Our team will be doing a variety of projects, from plumbing and painting, to cleaning and laying carpet. We’re excited about being able to help out in this way, as attendance at churches in England has become quite low over the years, with only about 8% of the population attending regularly. We’re proud of the work this church in Tunbridge Wells is doing for their community, and we’re glad to come alongside and lend a hand.

We’d appreciate your prayers for this trip, that our efforts would be fruitful in many ways, for our team, for this church, and for the work God is doing in England.

UPDATE MARCH 3, 2007: We had a great trip to England, accomplishing all we set out to do and more. It was a face-lift for the church, and faith-lift for all of us involved. 

FUNDING UPDATE

Thermometer 51In my last newsletter, I laid out our funding goals for the new year and wanted to give you an update. We’ve had 15 families and individuals either increase their monthly donations or join us for the first time making monthly donations, for a total increase of $480 per month.

This has already helped us as we begin the new year, taking us from 44% of the way towards our monthly goal, to 51%. Our goal is to raise $6,310 in monthly commitments by the end of the year, so we’re just over half way there. We also had another 7 families and individuals contribute a total of $3,000 in one-time gifts. So thank you for all who have contributed so far. This is our most pressing need, so if you would like to partner with us in this ministry with a monthly gift, you can sign up easily online by clicking this link.

Click here to watch a short 5-minute video about our ministry and how you can get involved.

Thanks to all of you who have given and prayed for our ministry. I get comments regularly from people who are touched and thankful for the Word of God that they’ve read or heard or seen on The Ranch website, like this one from Kevin in California:

“My first visit here was an emotional and heartfelt experience. The peace, tranquility and serenity of this site is overwhelming. Thank you and I pray for you a Blessed New Year.”

And this one from Esther in Kenya:

“I wish to start my day by reading inspiring messages and sermons from you. God has bless you with wisdom and its good you are an inspiration to others. When we get to heaven God will ask each and every one us what did you do with the talents I gave you. Continue and know that your crown will be more beautiful for the good work you do. God do you good.”

CLOSING PRAYER

Your prayers really do help us to touch people. I’d appreciate if you’d pray with us again right now…

Father,

  • Thank You for giving us the chance to keep putting our faith in Jesus for everything in our lives,
  • Thank You for helping us put together a team of people to go to England to help those who are bringing the gospel to their community,
  • And thank You for the monthly and one-time donations that have come in to help us reach more people around the world with the message of Christ.

Father,

  • We now pray that You would use this trip to England as a blessing to many, both now and in the future,
  • We pray that You would use this book on sex to help many people make commitments to following Your ways regarding their sexual lives,
  • And we pray that still more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for your prayers!

Sincerely,
Eric Elder

Click here to order “What God Says About Sex”

Click here to sign up for monthly donations to The Ranch website

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

by

News From The Ranch – December 2006

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Our three most pressing needs; Major Accomplishments from 2006; and Notes of Thanks

Eric at Clover Ranch

One of the highlights of our year: our purchase of Clover Ranch as a spiritual retreat center for individuals, families and small groups who want to get closer to God.

Dear Friends,

It’s been a great year here at The Ranch! We’ve been able to accomplish a lot this year, thanks to your gifts, prayers and notes of encouragement.

But we also need your help to go forward. I had a dream last weekend that Lana and I were talking with a rich couple who had decided to give away everything that they had…and they had a lot! Then they looked at us and said, “Now you guys are rich, too, right? You don’t need anything, do you?”

I woke up from my dream in a stupor — I couldn’t believe they had just given away everything they had, and that they didn’t realize how much we could have really used their help! Back to reality, the very next day Lana was talking to one of our friends who said, “I had no idea you guys needed more monthly support.” I realized then that I needed to put this appeal at the top of my newsletter, not at the end!

Three Ways You Can Help

Here are three ways you can help…

First, our most pressing need is for ongoing, monthly support.

Our donations during 2006 have averaged $2,765 per month, from which we pay all of our ministry expenses, travel expenses, Internet costs, computer costs, office supplies and our salary. These monthly donations help us continue to devote our full time efforts to ministering to the 5,000 – 10,000 visitors who come to the website each month. While our ministry has expanded dramatically over the past 10 years, our monthly donations haven’t kept pace. Our goal is to raise our monthly commitments to $6,310 by the end of 2007.

Would you consider making a monthly donation to our ministry to help us reach our monthly goal? Our current monthly donors give anywhere from $10 a month to $350 a month. We’d love for you to join us with whatever monthly amount you would be willing and able to give.

We could also use some immediate, one-time donations as our summer giving dipped below $2,500 several months, and even under $2,000 one month. While this is normal for many ministries in the summertime, it has made things especially tight as we head into the fall and winter.

Second, we need to put a new roof on Clover Ranch.

We’ve purchased this property earlier this year to serve as a real, physical “Ranch” where we can invite guests to spend time getting closer to God in a personal or family retreat setting. We’re in the process of renovating the property at a cost of nearly $20,000 during the coming year. This renovation includes a number of projects, but our first priority is to put on a new roof at a cost of approximately $7,000 so we can then begin the interior renovations.

I know that people sometimes like to give special one-time gifts to capital campaigns such as this, so I wanted to ask: Would you consider a capital gift of $100, $500, or $1,000…or maybe $2,500, $5,000, or $7,000 towards this project? This will help us to begin the needed renovations as soon as possible so we can start inviting people to Clover Ranch, helping them get closer to God.

I’ve created two 5-minute video clips that describe a little more about our Current Monthly Needs and our project at Clover Ranch. You can watch these clips online at these links:
Invest in The Ranch Website
Invest in Clover Ranch

(My thanks to Russell Pond of Top Pup Media for helping with these videos. Look for his new movie coming out next summer, called Fissure!)

Also, if you haven’t yet seen our 5-minute video from our trip to Swaziland earlier this year, you can still watch it at this link:
Planting Hope In Swaziland

I’ve put all three of these videos on a DVD, and would be glad to send you a copy at no cost to you, just in case you can’t see them online, or in case you want to share them with others, which brings me to the third way you can help…

Third, do you know of others who might be interested in hearing about, and possibly supporting, our ministry?

If so, would you be willing to recommend our ministry to them, letting them know how you’ve been involved with it, or touched by it, and asking if they would consider supporting it, too? In addition to individuals and families, our Internet outreach might also be of interest to your church Missions Committee, a Sunday School class, or a small group in which you participate. Feel free to forward this email to them, or request a DVD and info packet, and we can mail you one to give to them personally. Any of these contacts would really help us tremendously!

And if you know of some rich couples who are thinking of giving away everything they’ve got, please let them know about us before it’s all gone! :)

Major Accomplishments in 2006!

Planting Hope in SwazilandIn addition to our daily work on the website, which is now reaching between 5,000 and 10,000 people each month, from 150 countries, here are a few of the other things we’ve been able to accomplish so far this year, thanks to your help…

– Lana, Karis, Lucas and I traveled to Swaziland, South Africa with a team of 80 people from around the U.S. to plant and distribute over 8,000 backyard vegetable gardens for the beautiful Swazi people.

What God Says About Sex Cover– I finished writing a new, inspirational book called “What God Says About Sex,” to help people discover and put into practice what God says about sex. I just got a note last week from an 18 year old guy who started reading the book and wrote:

“Eric! I’m so glad I started reading your book today! I rarely get very emotional over much of anything but while reading your book, at various points, I found myself filled with intrigue, sadness, regret, but especially joy! Thank you so much for listening to God and writing this book, it’s wonderful! While reading the sections about your proposal story and how you followed the Lord in that, and also the part about God healing you of whatever physical ailments you might have had from your sins, I felt so happy and very inspired! That’s the first time in a long time I have cried about anything. =) now I am laughing again! With joy that is. I’ve read only half of your book and I am feeling all of this! Wow! Thanks again Eric. I really needed to read this book. Well, I am going to get back to reading, I just really felt I should e-mail you.”

– If you’d like to order a copy of this downloadable e-book, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.

Eric, Lucas, & Karis, with James Dobson– I presented a workshop on this book in June at the Annual Conference for Exodus International, the largest network of ministries for helping people overcome homosexuality.

– Karis, Lucas and I were able to briefly meet James Dobson (Focus on the Family – pictured here), Don Wildmon (American Family Association), and Tony Perkins (Family Research Council) at a conference in Washington, DC in September.

Eric at Clover Ranch– We finalized the purchase of Clover Ranch, a house on 2.5 acres here in Central Illinois that we are starting to renovate and convert into a spiritual retreat center for individuals, families and small groups.

– I spoke at the National Missionary Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in November to encourage people to look for creative ways to use their natural and God-given gifts to share Christ with others.

Exodus Cover– And just a few weeks ago, I finished writing a second book called “Exodus: Lessons in Freedom,” based on the 50-week video series we’ve been filming and uploading to The Ranch website for the past year. This new, faith-building book contains some of my favorite personal stories of how God has spoken into my life. If you’re looking for a devotional book for the new year, for yourself or for a friend, this has great, short entries to read each day, and will take you through one of the most powerful and dramatic books of the Bible, the book of Exodus. This book is available as a downloadable e-book from The Ranch Giftshop.

My sincere thanks for all you’ve helped us to accomplish so far this year!

Notes of Thanks

I thought I would end this letter with some thank you notes from people who have visited The Ranch website in the past few months. Everytime I get notes like these, I want to pass them on to you as a thank you to you for all you’ve done to help with our ministry, in your prayers, gifts and thoughts.

“Found your site a month ago…you are a great source of encouragement which I can access anytime. May God continue to bless your work.” – Peter, CHEMSFORD, UK

“Wow — I found your website after reading your weekly sermon on “This Day’s Thought.” What a true message that touched my heart! God Bless You!!” – Barbara, IOWA CITY, IOWA, USA

“I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE, It is AWESOME!!!” – Joey, DEER PARK, NY, USA

“This is a really helpful website. A friend introduced me and I have been uplifted spiritually and would like to keep in touch with you. God bless you so much.” – Nyaradzo, HARARE, ZIMBABWE

“I just found your website. It’s inspiring and a real sanctuary to go to…Thank you” – Kelly, Issaquah, WA, USA

“God Bless you. I know God has led me to your site.” – Yvonne, SMYRNA, DE, USA

“Wow, I’m so glad I found you! I feel like I’ve really been to “the ranch.” God bless your ministry!” Rebecca, HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO, USA

“I loved paging through the website…it was very interesting. Would love to hear from you soon.” – Monique, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

“God is good, for having this kind of website which gives us encouragement in our daily life.” – Lory, LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES

“I like your website so much that I made it my homepage!” Johnny, CHARLES TOWN, WV, USA

“Your Lesson 44 – “Our Role and God’s Role” was meant exactly for me, and most timely. Thank you, Praise God” – Jerry, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

“I love this website thanks so much for helping me. It’s so awesome.” Jen, FLUSHING, MI, USA

“First and foremost I think The Ranch is an excellent site and that you guys are doing an excellent job. I have been going through the Exodus series and am growing through it.” – Noel, UK

“Thank you so much for the message that you sent me from The Ranch. I am so grateful to God for that. It makes me feel happy and blessed when brethren like you are able to share with others about Christ.” Asiimwe, UGANDA

And I don’t have space to list all the prayers that people post on The Ranch for us to agree in prayer with them, but thought you might like to read this one…

“Dear GOD, forgive me for all the sins I’ve committed. Ever since my friend Susan told me about you, I’ve been putting my faith on you. I’ve started praying, too. God, you know I’m not a Christian. My parents follow Hinduism and are strong believer of Sai Baba. I, too, used to pray to SaiBaba. But now hearing all your stories, going to church, reading bible….I can feel my faith towards you. Deep within me there’s some kind of strong belief on you. GOD!!! I want to be your child, PLEASE show me the right path…” – S.

(S.’s prayer continued on for several more paragraphs, then she concluded by checking the box on the prayer page that says this: “I am putting my faith in Christ for the first time to forgive me of my sins and to be my Lord.” Praise God and thank you for helping her find Christ!)

I really appreciate you taking the time to read this update, and especially for helping us so much up to this point as we work together to share Christ with others. Thanks for considering these special requests, too.

Sincerely,
Eric Elder
http://www.theranch.org

P.S. Again, our most pressing need is for ongoing, monthly support. To sign up to make a monthly donation, or to make a one-time donation to our ministry or to Clover Ranch, please visit:
Make A Donation

To order the new e-books What God Says About Sex or Exodus: Lessons in Freedom, please visit:
The Ranch Giftshop

To watch any of our three 5-minute videos, please click these links:
Invest in The Ranch Website
Invest in Clover Ranch
Planting Hope In Swaziland

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

by

News From The Ranch – September 2006

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

New E-Book: “What God Says About Sex”; New Website: http://www.InspiringBooks.com

What God Says About Sex

A new e-book by Eric Elder! To order, visit http://www.InspiringBooks.com

Dear Friends,

I’m thrilled to let you know that you can now order my new e-book online called “What God Says About Sex.”

The book contains a number of true and inspirational stories to help you discover and put into practice what God says about sex.

I’d like to share with you a little bit about why I wrote this book, and who I wrote it for, as I mentioned in the preface of my book…

FROM THE PREFACE

I began this book as a way to summarize hundreds of letters I’ve written and conversations I’ve had regarding what God says about sex. But before I wrote the first word, I asked God who the readers of this book might be. I wanted to be able to picture them in my mind as I wrote these words.

Without hesitation, God spoke to my heart: “Write it for your children.”

My children?!? I thought. That’s not who I had in mind at all!

When I realized that God was serious, my passion and diligence for this project increased a hundredfold. I realized that the readers of this book would not just be people on the far side of the globe who could take or leave these words as they wished. The readers would be my own precious children, the ones I most wanted to see enjoy the fullness of sex without experiencing the pain that has fallen upon so many.

Then God nudged my heart again.

I realized that this would be the same audience He wanted to reach through this book: You, His own precious child, the one He most wants to see enjoy the fullness of sex without experiencing the pain that has fallen upon so many.

With that in mind, I invite you to read these words that I’ve written from the depths of my heart. For they’re not only my impassioned words to my beloved children, they’re also God’s impassioned words to you — His beloved child.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

I’d also like to share with you some of the things others have been saying about the book. One of my goals in writing the book was to limit it to 100 pages, a tough task for such a broad topic, but something I felt was important so people to be able to start AND finish it!

When one friend saw it, he said, “That’s a perfect size…short enough for my attention span, but long enough to have some good content!”

After a 16-year old guy read a copy I had with me at camp this summer, he later told me that it was probably only the second book he’d ever read in his life from cover to cover. Although that may not be saying much for his reading habits, it helped me to know that I had accomplished at least one of my goals! I then asked him what he thought about the book itself, wondering what a 16-year old might think. He said, “I totally agree with what you said in the book! You just spoke the truth. It felt as if you were talking right to me.” About a dozen other teens picked it up and passed it around that week, all with similar comments.

But it’s not just a book for teens. Here are a few more comments from people recommending the book for a variety of backgrounds and ages…

– John Smid, Executive Director of Love In Action in Memphis, Tennessee, (the oldest and largest ministry in the Exodus network dealing exclusively with sexual brokenness) writes:

“‘What God Says About Sex’ is heart warming, honest, insightful, simple, and quite provocative! It is a great book for study purposes as the principles are deep, rich, and incredibly challenging to think about much less to discuss in a committed group. Eric’s honesty lets the reader know that he is not preaching from ‘on high’ rather, from the point of understanding God’s grace for his own life.”

– Dan Mountney, Campus Pastor for Kensington Community Church in Troy, Michigan and a former television journalist for NBC News in Detroit writes:

“Finally, a book that explains a godly perspective on the topic of sex, in a way that any child — or adult — can understand! ‘What God Says About Sex’ is every parent’s new best friend.”

– Al Lowry, leader of GIG, a music ministry at Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California writes:

“I always appreciate Eric’s writings, and although this new work may be short, it speaks volumes. The subject is treated firmly, yet lovingly; not an easy task in handling the ‘untouchables’ suggested in the title. I won’t reveal the surprise ending, but guarantee it will rock your boat. I look forward to the next in the ‘What God Says’ series.”

– Tim Wilkins, Executive Director of Cross Ministry in Wake Forest, North Carolina and a frequent speaker at conferences and colleges on the topic of sexuality writes:

“Eric Elder’s approach is as refreshing as is his testimony. The mass of reports and research purporting to be ‘authoritative’ on human sexuality pale into oblivion when you read ‘What God Says About Sex.'”

– Bridgette Booth, homeschooling mother and author of ‘Layla’s Faith,’ in Tyler, Texas writes:

“For me, sex is an awkward subject to discuss with my children. After only a few pages, I knew I could trust this book in the hands of my daughters because Eric combined the sweetness of setting high standards during courtship and marriage with candid, matter-of-fact explanations of sexual intercourse. This book is perfect for parents like me!”

– Russell Pond, homeschooling father and author of the ‘Season of Peace Devotional,’ in Dallas, Texas writes:

“This powerful, much-needed message on the topic of sex was artfully and delicately communicated through Biblical truths and anecdotes. It’s the kind of book I could read to my son and not be ashamed.”

– and Sue Bohlin, Associate Speaker for Probe Ministries, in Richardson, Texas writes:

“I wish we’d had Eric’s little gem of a book when it was time to tell our sons about God’s magnificent invention of sex! His direct but not prurient explanation of the technical aspects of sex is illuminated by his grace-filled sense of wonder and awe at God’s brilliance and goodness. That alone is worth the price of the book!”

From what I’m hearing, adults seem to appreciate the helpful insights and practical wisdom of this book, parents appreciate the tasteful approach to a delicate subject, and teens and pre-teens appreciate the openness, honesty, and humor which are woven throughout the pages of the book.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

One of my favorite things people tell me about the book is that it has touched them in ways that aren’t even directly related to sex, helping them to think through their relationships with God, their relationships with others, and their own view of themselves.

One friend commented that he wanted to give it to his friends because, “it’s more than just a sex manual, it’s an evangelistic tool.” I share in the book ways that God has used the issue of sex to bring people closer to Him, from the biblical story of the woman caught in adultery, to my own story of how God turned my life around when I put my faith in Christ.

If you’re like me, you probably know a number of people who could use a book like this: people who are struggling with some aspect or another of sexuality, people who want to do the right thing but may not know what the right thing is, or people who know what the right thing is, but need some practical help to just do it. I hope you’ll pass the announcement of this book on to your friends as well. Just forward this newsletter to them or point them to the website below.

INSPIRINGBOOKS.COM

To order a copy of this new e-book for yourself or your friends, you can go to a new website I’ve set up for this purpose called:

www.InspiringBooks.com

SUMMER GIVING

Lastly, like many ministries at the end of the summer months, any reserves we may have had during the year are typically used up by now. Although we always operate on a tight budget, right now it’s quite tight! Our total donations during June, July and August averaged $2,500 per month, from which we run all aspects of this full-time ministry.

If our ministry has been helpful to you, would you prayerfully consider making a donation sometime within the next two weeks? It would give us a tremendous boost personally as well financially! Thanks! Here’s the link for ways to make your donation:

Make A Donation

PLEASE PRAY WITH US

Thanks for your prayers already over the last few months and years for this book and for our ministry. We really appreciate it!

I’d love if you would pray with me again today…

Father, thank You…

  • for teaching us in Your Word how to have the best sex life possible,
  • for helping me to complete this book and make it available to others,
  • and for promising us that Your word will not return to You empty, but will accomplish what You desire and achieve the purpose for which You sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

Now, Lord, we ask…

  • that You would take this word around the world
  • put it in the hands of those who need to hear it
  • and draw more people to The Ranch so they can draw closer to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks and have a good week!

Sincerely,
Eric Elder
www.theranch.org

Here’s the link again to order the book:
www.InspiringBooks.com

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – July 2006

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Persevering to finish God’s work, summer speaking, Clover Ranch update

The result of perseverance: Thomas Edison's 1880 light bulb that finally succeeded after thousands of failed attempts.

The result of perseverance: Thomas Edison’s 1880 light bulb that finally succeeded after thousands of failed attempts.

Dear Friends,

If you’ve been waiting for answers to your prayers, you’re not alone! I want to encourage you today to persevere…God will honor your persistent prayers.

I’ve been working on and off for the past seven years writing a little book called“What God Says about Sex.” It’s only about 100 pages long, but I’ve found, like many others, that condensing a book into as few words as possible is often harder than writing everything we could possibly write on a topic.

Every time I’ve felt like I was getting close to completing it, I just didn’t feel like it conveyed what I was trying to convey. Many times I’ve felt like giving up, but I knew that I needed to press on. When working on other projects, I usually finally reach a point where I think, “That’s it! That’s just what I wanted it to look like!”

But after seven years, I just couldn’t get to that point, and I wondered if this time I might not get there. I didn’t know if it was still years away from finishing it, or if the end was just around the corner. A few months ago, I was at that point of questioning again if I’d ever be able to finish it when I was encouraged by a quote by Thomas Edison.

Edison had worked non-stop for several years trying to perfect the light bulb, experimenting with literally thousands of ideas for a filament that would burn bright enough to give off light, but last long enough to be practical in a common home.After testing more than 6,000 ideas for filaments, from bamboo to cedar to hickory, he finally landed on something that burned bright enough and long enough to work: carbonized cotton.

He finally patented his idea on January 27, 1880. The picture above is of one of his bulbs from 1880, and shows that it is almost identical to the bulbs used in millions of homes today, every day. Edison’s perseverance paid off, not only for him, but for all of us who have benefited from his perseverance (otherwise I’d have to type this email by candlelight!)

Edison’s quote that kept me going was this:

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

I wondered if I was closer to being finished than I thought, so I pressed on. Within a few weeks, I finally finished the book, and I’m thrilled with the way it’s turned out.

I’ll share more with you about the book in the future, as I’m still praying about the best way to publish it. But for today, I just wanted to share my story and Edison’s story with you to encourage you to persevere in whatever God has called you to do.

Maybe you’re needing to persevere in praying for a family member, or co-worker, or friend to turn their life over to Christ. Maybe you’re needing to persevere in your in ministry or in your business. Maybe you’re needing to persevere in a relationship that God has ordained but that is currently struggling. Or maybe you’re needing to persevere in breaking off a relationship that God hasn’t ordained but that you’re struggling to give up.

Whatever God has put on your heart to do, do it! It’s the most loving thing you can do for yourself, for God and for others. Love and perseverance go together, as the Bible tells us in one of the most famous passages about love:

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Take heart from Thomas Edison! Take heart from my story! Take heart from the words of God in the Bible! You may be closer to success than you think!

Eric Elder

Summer Speaking

I was able to finish my book on “What God Says about Sex” in time to give a workshop on the topic at the national conference for Exodus International in June. The conference is specifically for those struggling with various sexual issues in their lives, including homosexuality and lesbianism, and for those who minister to others regarding their sexuality. Although the conference is over, you can still get a copy of my talk on CD for yourself, or for someone you know who might benefit from it. The CD’s are available from the company that taped the conference at this link (mine is the first workshop listed on the page):
http://www.catapes.com

Lana and I also got to speak several times in the past few months. Lana led the devotionals one morning for the youth from our church at a youth conference she attended in Tennessee with Karis and Lucas. Then Lana and I led several of the morning devotionals for a group of about 85 of us from Streator who spent 9 days camping together at the Cornerstone Music Festival. And Karis and Lucas joined us for speaking at two churches about our missions trip to Africa last March. It’s been a busy couple of months, but has been a great way to combine ministry time and family time!

Back at The Ranch

Clover Ranch LevelingBack at The Ranch website, we’re continuing with the final 15 lessons of a 50 lesson study through the book of Exodus. You can watch these half-hour videos which I upload each week to the website, or you can read a condensed text version which I send out to over 12,000 people weekly as part of the ministry of This Day’s Thought (www.thisdaysthought.org). If you’re not yet receiving these weekly devotionals but would like to, you can sign up for them.

Back at the “real” ranch, our newly purchased Clover Ranch in central Illinois, we’re continuing to work on the house and the grounds. We’ll have a list in the future of special needs that you might want to help out with, and/or opportunities for you to come and visit yourself! But for now, we’d appreciate your prayers that God will give us His wisdom and vision for how best to develop the property into a place where people can seek God…and find Him.

Please Pray With Us

Father, thank You

  • for encouraging each of us to persevere and finish what You’ve put on our hearts,
  • for the chances we all have to speak about you to our friends, family, and those seeking Your answers to life’s questions,
  • And for helping the ministry of The Ranch reach out to people in person and over the Internet.

Father, we pray

  • for the perseverance to finish all that You’ve put on each of our hearts to do, including getting this book published to reach as many people as possible,
  • for wisdom as we convert Clover Ranch into a place that can draw people to You,
  • And that You would continue to help people find their way to The Ranch on the Internet so they can find their way to You.

We pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for your prayers!
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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Planting Hope In Swaziland

A five-minute summary of our garden-planting trip to Swaziland in March, 2006. As told by Eric & Lana Elder, Karis and Lucas Elder, and Felicia Lamb. This trip was organized by Heart for Africa, also known as Dream for Africa, which was founded by Bruce Wilkinson, author of the Prayer of Jabez.

Read The Video Transcript

(Lana) After planning and praying for more than a year, the day finally came when we were packed and ready to go on our missions trip to Africa. We were headed to the Kingdom of Swaziland, a small country nestled in the mountains of South Africa. Our goal was to plant hundreds of backyard vegetable gardens for the beautiful Swazi people. It was an experience we’ll never forget.

(Lucas) After landing in South Africa, we still had a five hour bus ride to get to our hotel in Swaziland. But it was fun because we got to meet some of the other people who came on the trip. There were a total of 80 of us, including a small group of kids. It turned out that we would spend a lot of our time in Swaziland driving…and driving…and driving…

(Eric) We were told that the region we’d be planting in was one of the hardest to reach in the country, and I’m sure it was. You wouldn’t have found any of these roads on MapQuest! We had split up into 13 smaller teams and each day our team would drive about two hours through the mountains on winding dirt roads to reach our area. The first day, our task was to meet with the chiefs of the chiefdoms where we would be planting. Since our chief had recently died, we met with some other leaders of the area in their community building. After our host pastor explained the planting process and we all exchanged greetings (Sanibonani, yeabo), we were ready to plant our first gardens.

(Felicia) The gardens we were planting were small, backyard gardens with tomatoes, onions, cabbage and spinach. The Swazi’s already grow a lot of corn, and that’s typically what they eat throughout the year…corn meal, corn bread, roasted corn, corn everything! But because the Swazi’s have the highest rate of HIV infections in the world — 42% — they need more nutrition in their diet to help them fight off diseases. So by planting other kinds of vegetables right near their homes, they’ll have a better chance of living a longer life.

(Karis) When we were done with one garden, we’d get back into the van, or we’d take a long walk to the next home. Because we were trying to reach as many homes as possible, the people were told to go and prepare a small piece of land near their home, digging up the ground and putting up a fence to keep animals out. Depending on the number of people in the household, we would give them a different number of these small gardens, each about the size of a door. Even though we weren’t there long, we were glad that we got to spend a our lot of time in Swaziland planting…and planting…and planting.

(Lana) We also spent a lot of time praying. We would pray for every garden when we were finished, and we would pray for anyone who was sick or in need in their homes, like the family whose father and mother and two children who were all HIV positive, or the woman who had been struck by lighting, or the family where a seventeen year old boy had recently died. When we were rained out from planting one day, we went on a prayer-walk in the city of Manzini, sharing about Jesus with people on the street and praying for the sick at a medical clinic.

(Karis) One of the highlights of the trip was getting to spend some time with the orphans and other kids at the El Shaddai orphanage and the Moneni Care Point. We got to worship with the kids at the orphanage, and planted a large garden at the care point. We had so much fun making balloon animals for the kids and giving out gifts. We were able to give them dolls and blankets and hats that some friends had donated for our trip.

(Lucas) The people at El Shaddai made a big lunch for everyone. I even tried the chicken heads. They tasted like, uh, chicken. The kids sang a lot of songs for us … and then we sang some songs for them.

(Lana) To everyone who helped out with this trip, through your gifts and prayers, please know that each one of you really did make a difference. The people were so thankful that we had come. They were thankful for the prayers, for the seedlings and most of all for the hope that God still cares for them.

By the end of the trip, it felt like what we were doing for the people of Swaziland was just a drop in the bucket for what they needed. But all of our drops added up.Because of your help, eighty of us were able to plant and distribute over 8,000 gardens; we were able to pray and spend time with hundreds of people along the way; and we were able to be the hands of Christ to people who truly needed a hand.

From all of us, to all of you, thank you.

(Thank You in Siswati) Translation: What she is saying now is thank you very much for giving her seedlings, because she knows that those seedlings belong to her, and now they are coming up alright, she’s going to eat and have a very good meal.

Note: To find out more about future missions trips to Africa, visit Heart for Africa at www.heartforafrica.org.

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News From The Ranch – March 2006

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Heading to Africa, New Music, and plans for a new place for spiritual renewal: Clover Ranch.

Eric Elder Family 2004

If you’d like a simple prayer reminder while we’re gone, you can click the picture of our family above and print it out. Tuck it in a book or your Bible or put it up on your fridge and please pray for us especially between March 17th – April 5th.

SPECIAL AFRICAN UPDATE (April 24th)

We’re just back from Africa and have put together a video and slideshow…you can take a look at this link:  Planting Hope In Swaziland

Dear Friends,

We’re just a week away from leaving on our missions trip to Africa!

Thanks to your prayers and support, we’ve reached our fundraising goal so that my wife Lana and I — along with our two oldest children, Karis and Lucas — are all able to go on this trip together.

We’ll be leaving on Friday, March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day here in the U.S.) and will meet over 100 others from around the U.S. in Johannesburg, South Africa. We’ll then travel by bus to Swaziland to plant hundreds of individual vegetable gardens along with the local families in Swaziland.

Thermometer at 100%Over 250 people have donated to our trip to make this possible, and we truly appreciate your help, through your prayers and gifts. They remind me of the Bible verse:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

I appreciate that so many of you are sending your hearts along with us to Africa. We’ll be there for almost 3 weeks, returning on April 5th.

We’d appreciate your continued prayers for the PEOPLE we will be ministering to:

  • that the gardens we plant would give them long life
  • and that the words we speak would give them eternal life.

You can find out more about our trip at the Heart for Africa website (recently renamed from Dream for Africa as the dream is becoming a reality).

I’ve also included some important announcements below about some great new music on The Ranch website, as well as our recent purchase of a farmhouse to convert into a “real” ranch as a place for spiritual renewal. Thanks again for your prayers and support!

“Sweet Dreams” and “Life”

Sweet Dreams, by Marilyn ByrnesI’ve added several collections of new music to The Ranch over the past few months. They range from the soft and luxurious sounds of 100% pure piano performed by Marilyn Byrnes on her new Sweet Dreams CD, to the driving rhythms of a CD called Life from a band in Texas with a heart for missions called Mission TenForty.

Through special arrangement with these artists, you can listen to their entire CD’s anytime for free streamed from The Ranch website. You’ll also find links to their own websites if you’d like to find out more about them or their music.

Sweet Dreams is the perfect music to give you just that: sweet dreams! Songs include classics like “Brahms’ Lullaby” and “Moonlight Sonata, to contemporary versions of movie themes like “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella, “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas and the theme song from Somewhere in Time.

Life features the full-on sound of the Mission TenForty band and the heart-felt lyrics of Aaron Williams in ten new worship songs. The sound of their music alone was enough to catch my interest, but the words drew me in even further. I’ve added these songs to The Ranch website in hopes that they will inspire you in your own personal worship time and also encourage you to reach out to the world with the message of Christ.

Exodus Study Continues

Join us for our new online Bible study, Exodus: Lessons In Freedom, which focuses on how to get free, stay free and set others free.

You can continue to watch as we study through the book of Exodus. We’re currently half-way through this year-long study, having just finished Lesson 25 out of 50.

I also write a short devotional version of this study for those who aren’t able to watch the full half-hour webcast. To receive these weekly devotoinals, make sure you’re signed up for our Webcast Reminders.

To watch the half-hour videos each week, just visit the Exodus study home page.

Clover Ranch

Clover RanchIn answer to many years of praying for a “real” ranch, our ministry has just completed the purchase of the farmhouse where I grew up here in Central Illinois.

Having grown up in the country, I’ve always appreciated the way wide-open spaces can create a sense of rest and renewal. I’d love to share that experience with others.

It’s going to take some time and effort to develop this project, but I wanted to let you know how your prayers are being answered! We’re calling it “Clover Ranch,” because of the abundance of clovers on the property — in particular the number of 4-leaf clovers I’ve sought and found there over the years. My prayer is that others who visit will do some seeking and finding on their own, not of clovers, but of God!

I’ll be sharing more in the coming months about this project and some of the ways you can be involved with it. In the mean time, we’re hoping to have a Prayer/Dedication service on the property on Saturday, May 13th. If you’d like to join us in Chenoa, Illinois for this special time of prayer, let me know and I’ll send you details when they’re ready.

Please Pray With Us

Father,

  • Thank You for providing all the funds needed for our trip to Africa — and for those whose hearts are going with us through their prayers and gifts,
  • Thank You for the talented musicians who have created music to lift our souls and encourage us in our faith,
  • And thank You for working out the details so we could purchase Clover Ranch as a place for spiritual renewal.

Father,

  • We now pray that You would keep our family safe, both at home and on our trip as we travel to Swaziland, and for the people that we will be ministering to, that the gardens we plant would give them a long life and that the words we speak would give them eternal life.
  • We pray that You would help us to convert Clover Ranch into a place that can bring spiritual renewal to those who visit there in the future.
  • And we pray that You would continue to help people find their way to The Ranch website so they can find their way to You.

We pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks!

Eric Elder

P.S. You can also request a copy of the “Sweet Dreams” piano CD for a donation of any size to our ministry ($15 suggested). Just visit The Ranch Giftshop.

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – December 2005

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

New Christmas Stories, Africa update, and prayers for a new book about sex.

For a boost in your faith this Christmas, take a look at three of the Christmas Stories I've written for our church's annual "Bethlehem Walk."

For a boost in your faith this Christmas, take a look at three of the Christmas Stories I’ve written for our church’s annual “Bethlehem Walk.”

Dear Friends,

This weekend, Lana and I are going to be two of the storytellers in our church’s “Bethlehem Walk.” For the last few years, I’ve written the story for this event to encourage people in their faith. Since most of you reading this newsletter live too far away to come see it in person, I’ve posted these short Christmas stories on the Internet to encourage you in your faith, too.

This year’s story is called “Always Trust The Storyteller.” You can read it at the link below, along with the stories from previous years. You might even like to tell these stories to your own family or friends sometime during this Christmas season.
Click here to read the Christmas Stories!

Get a wristband!I also wanted to thank you for your prayers and gifts towards our upcoming missions trip to Africa that Lana, Karis, Lucas and I are planning to take next year. (Update: as of Feb 1st, 2006, we’ve had 175 people make donations to the trip totaling just over $14,000, which is 100% towards our goal for this trip! Thanks so much for all who’ve given. Please be in prayer for the people we will be working with in Swaziland. Our trip dates are March 17-April 5, 2006.)

I know that many of you have given sacrificially for us to go.We even had one donor, totally unknown to us, who just “happened” to come across our website on the Internet and wrote us a check for $5,000 towards the trip from an inheritance he had received! Only the hand of God could be directing people to give like they are…in ways that we KNOW He is answering all of our prayers.

Lana gave an excellent talk about our trip to our church’s “Young at Heart” group, sharing her thoughts about the trip and answering some of the questions that she herself has had about it, like, “Why don’t we just send the $14,000 directly to Africa instead of going ourselves?” Her answers are helpful for understanding why God does things the way He does. I thought you’d be interested to read Lana’s thoughts, so I’ve posted the notes from her talk on the website at the link below.
Click here to read Lana’s notes on Africa!

(Although we’ve raised all the funds we need, we still have a few wristbands left if you’d like to order one to remind you to pray for our trip. Any donations given for wristbands will help fund other projects we are undertaking.) For a donation of any size, we’d be glad to send you a reminder wristband that says “God is Here” on it, to remind you that God is always with you, and also to remind you to pray for our trip.
Make a Donation – Get a wristband!

Lastly, I’ve just finished writing a book that I’ve been working on for several years to encourage people to learn and apply to their lives what God says about sex. I’ve just sent it off to a publisher who is considering publishing it. I believe this book will be helpful to many, many people who need encouragement to “do the right thing” in this area. Would you pray with me this month that God would put the manuscript in the right hands so that it could be published and distributed to as many people as possible? I have been praying about this project for many years, and would ask that you please pray with me about it, too. I’ll let you know more about it as it gets closer to publication.

Thanks so much! We really appreciate all of your prayers, gifts, and words of encouragement!

I’d love it if you could pray with me right now.

Father,

  • Thank You for this Christmas time to remember all that You’ve done for us and to be able to give gifts in Your name to those who have touched our lives. Let those who receive our gifts receive Your love along with them.
  • Thank You for moving on people’s hearts to give towards our trip to Africa. It shows Your heart for the people who live there.
  • And thank You for helping me to finish the manuscript for this book project in order to bring Your Word to many more people.

Father,

  • We now pray that You would help us to raise the final funds for our missions trip.
  • That You would put the manuscript for this book into the hands of the people who can take it to the ends of the earth.
  • And that You would help still more people find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Merry Christmas!
Eric Elder

P.S. Remember, if you can make a donation of any size to our ministry, we’ll be glad to send you a reminder wristband! You can make a donation and get a wristband from this link

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – October 2005

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

How can we know when God is speaking to us? Sometimes it’s a matter of connecting the prayers on our heart with the answers when they come.

Dream For Africa

Dear Friends,

I had a dream back in January that’s still on my mind 10 months later. I’m somewhat hesitant to share the dream with you, because I don’t want to look like a fool, and I don’t know how some of you might feel about God speaking through dreams. But as I’ve continued to pray through and see God’s hand at work since this dream, I feel it might be helpful to share as background for why Lana and I, and our two oldest kids, are planning to take a missions trip to Africa next March.

In the dream, someone was there in my bedroom and we were talking. He was standing by the corner of one end of the dresser and I was standing at the other. I was asking him question after question and he was answering me. I didn’t remember meeting him before, but he had a distinct face and build. He was polite and helpful. He was in ministry and answering as if a ministry consultant.

I can’t remember any of the questions I asked except the last two. I asked him, “What do you do when you’ve pursued all the avenues you can think of and still don’t have much money for ministry?” I told him, “Our assets outweigh our liabilities and we’re still in the black after 10 years. But I don’t know what to do next. Do you know anything about that?”

He said, “Yes, I do. Actually, we’re doing OK in that.” Then he looked down and said, “No, we’re not.” He added, “There’s something called ‘charitable giving.’ I have (something) in my garden.” I couldn’t make out what the “something” was, but I saw him walk over to it in his garden. It looked like a footlong thermometer with something green marking the temperature line, like green mercury. He thought for another few seconds and said, “Let me pray about it. I want to ask ‘How can I serve you?’ ”

I started to wake up from the dream and wanted to ask one more question, but kept waking up. So as if reaching back into the dream I shouted back, “What is your name?” I was fully awake now and his face changed to someone I recognized. He said, “My name is Bruce Wilkinson and I’m about to expand your borders.”

That last line made me sit up in bed and I wrote down everything I could remember about the dream, which I’ve just related to you.

I’ve never met Bruce Wilkinson, but he wrote a popular book a few years ago called “The Prayer of Jabez.” Like many others, I read that book and started praying for God to expand my borders, and before I even finished the book I saw a fairly miraculous answer! (You may remember that’s when USA Today contacted me to ask if they could write a feature story about our Internet ministry in their paper) My cousin happened to meet Bruce Wilkinson one day after he spoke at her church and she shared my story with him. Bruce told her to have me post it on his website for others to see, which I did.

Later, Bruce used a brief version of my story in a study guide he wrote called “The Prayer of Jabez Bible Study.” Then in October 2004, I got a letter from his publisher asking for permission to possibly print a longer version of the story in Bruce’s sequel to “The Prayer of Jabez.” They weren’t sure yet if they were going to use it, but said they wanted to send me a complimentary copy of the book when it came out either way when the book came out in February, 2005.

Back to my dream in January, 2005…

Beyond JabezWhen I woke up, I wondered if the upcoming book might be related to how Bruce was going to “expand my borders” (as the dream version of Bruce had told me!) I was excited to think that God might publish my story, and maybe include a mention of The Ranch website in his sequel, called “Beyond Jabez.” That would certainly be one way to quickly expand my borders!

Over the next few weeks, I kept checking the mail for a copy of the book and checking the bookstores in case it came there first, which it did. When I saw it in the bookstore, I quickly skimmed through the pages, looking to see if my story or my website address appeared anywhere. I was bummed for a minute when I got to the end and it wasn’t in there.

The reason I was only bummed for a minute was because even though the address of my website wasn’t there, I saw on the back pages the address of another website. It was the website for Bruce’s new project in Africa:www.dreamforafrica.com. Lana and I had just been talking — the very night before — about wanting to go to Africa to try to help with the overwhelming problems facing that continent, something Lana has wanted to do for several years…but we didn’t know where to start!

When I got home from the bookstore, I looked up the website and found that Bruce was calling for 10,000 volunteers to come to Africa in the next year to — guess what? — plant gardens! “Never Ending Gardens,” Bruce called them, gardens that would become a lasting source of food for hundreds of thousands of people in the years to come. Then I remembered my dream, in which the dream version of Bruce wanted to show me something — in his garden! As I began to read the book more closely, Bruce used one phrase over and over in the book, asking people: “How can I serve you?” — the very same question the dream version of Bruce said he wanted to pray about asking me as well!

Up to that point, Lana had been wondering what she could possibly do to help in Africa. When I told her that Bruce’s trip involved planting gardens for 10 days she said, “I can do that!” Bruce really was about to expand our borders — not by mentioning my website in his book, but by mentioning his!

So Lana and I and the kids have spent the last several months praying about if and when and who should go. The problems in Africa are so immense that we’d like to take as many as we can. Since you have to be 13 or older to go on the trip, that meant we could only take our oldest two kids with us, Karis (14) and Lucas (13), so we decided we could be at least 4 of those 10,000 volunteers.

So last month we finally booked our trip, making the deposit with gifts from several of you who have sent us funds for that purpose. We’re planning to go to Swaziland, a country nestled within South Africa, from March 23 through April 1, 2006.

During our 10 day trip, we’ll be planting small individual gardens alongside local Africans — each of us will be planting an average of 100+ gardens while we’re there. The plants are high in immune-building nutrients to help with the rampant problem of AIDS/HIV that has attacked the immune system of so many there. (I was stunned to find out that the average life expectancy for a man in Swaziland is only 37, and for a woman it’s only 34).

So that’s how God can move people from vivid dreams to practical action! It reminded me of the action-stirring dream the apostle Paul had one night,which Luke describes in the book of Acts:

“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:9-10)

I’ve still never met Bruce Wilkinson and don’t know if I ever will, but I’ve seen the need and heard the call, so I feel I need to respond.

Would you like to get involved, too?

We’re now in the process of raising the rest of the funds for the trip. It costs $3,395 for each of us to go, which includes everything — the starter plants themselves, gardening necessities, food, lodging and travel.

So far we’ve raised $9,054 from 82 people, which is enough for at least 2 of us to go on the trip and about 65% of the goal we need to raise by February 1st, 2006.If you could make a donation of any size to the trip, we’ll be glad to send you a reminder wristband that says “GOD IS HERE” on the front and “theranch.org” on the back — as a way to remind you to pray for our trip, and also as a reminder that God is always with you wherever you go.

You can make a donation to our trip to Africa and order a wristband here:
Make A Donation

You can find out more about Dream For Africa here:
www.heartforafrica.com

P.S. Would you believe I didn’t even catch the connection that it was a “dream” I had about Bruce Wilkinson and gardens in Africa and his organization’s name is called “Dream for Africa” until just this minute when I added their logo graphic to this page? That’s not just odd! That’s GOD!!!

Guy Grimstead’s Piano Music

MeditationThe music at The Ranch continues to be the most popular “draw” that brings people to the website. A woman wrote a few weeks ago:

“I have been here before and didn’t forget the peace that I found…..the music was what drew me and the peace is what brought me back…thanks and God Bless”

I’d like to point out one of the new CD’s added to The Ranch this year. Guy Grimstead’s beautifully rich piano music that has a quality that can make you “melt.” If you haven’t heard it yet, I hope you will soon. When I heard a few 30-second clips on his website, I played them over and over and couldn’t wait to hear the rest. I was thrilled that Guy not only sent me the CD, but allowed me to stream it to you from here at The Ranch.

As you listen, you’ll be able to hear his training in music shine through, but you’ll also hear his unique ability to spontaneously compose a song as he goes along.Would you believe that he created and recorded all of the songs on the CD on the spot? He hadn’t previously written or played any of them before! What a gift! I’m glad he shared it with us and I’m glad we’re able to share it with you. It’s perfect music for meditating, reading, working, or just relaxing and you can listen at The Ranch for free!

Click this link to listen to Guy Grimstead’s CD, “Meditation”:
Listen to the “Meditation” CD

Exodus Devotional

Join us for our new online Bible study, Exodus: Lessons In Freedom, which focuses on how to get free, stay free and set others free.

You can still join us every week for our new online Bible study of the book of Exodus. Watch or read the study at your convenience, then join us for a discussion and prayer time either on the discussion board or in the chat room at The Ranch. There’s no charge to watch or participate in this study.

Here’s a comment from a woman who has been going through the study with us, and even took communion with us in a special service over the Internet:

“I’ve just finished listening to the last Bible study with Eric and shared in the Lord’s Supper with them. I want you all to know that your starting this study was an answer to a plea to God for a Bible study….ou can only go so long without meat. And I was malnourished!!”

And this came just yesterday from a man in Singapore:

“The Ranch is like heaven to me already. I found comfort and solace with Eric’s Bible study on Exodus and others as well. Tears of joy and tears of understanding always comforted me every time I fellowship with You [God] and Eric and the guys in the Bible study room. Many a time I wish I was there with you guys. Guys, God’s presence is with you there, I can feel with my heart rained with joyful tears and comfort beyond words, though I am 1,000’s of miles away here in Singapore.”

You can join us anytime, too, at this link:
Exodus: Lessons In Freedom

CHRISTIANPODDER.COM

Christian PodderEver heard of podcasting? If not, you might take a look at christianpodder.com, which is launching a new website the week of October 24th to feature the teachings, music and inspiration of some of the best known names in Christianity today (and some of the least known, like me!)

It’s a project of LifeWay Christian Resources, a major Christian Publisher of books like Henry Blackaby’s “Experiencing God” and Beth Moore’s online video Bible study, to name just a few.

I’m thrilled to take part in their launch and have uploaded some of my piano music already which is featured on their home page (at least for a few days anyway!) . I plan to upload a special condensed, audio version of the Exodus Bible Study (a less-than 5 minute audio program each week). You can sign up to receive these weekly studies automatically on your computer desktop in MP3 format (an audio file that you can listen to on your computer or put on your iPod music device…hence the name “podcasting.)

Check it out at: christianpodder.com

You can also sign up to get a text version of these short weekly devotionals via email from The Ranch website if you sign up for our Webcast Reminders at this link.

Closing Prayer

I’d love it if you could pray with me right now…and even drop me a note that you did!

Father,

  • Thank You for speaking to us and directing our steps, even through dreams! Thank You that You care about us and about others around the world enough to prompt us to get involved in what You’re doing.
  • Thank You for the talents of people like Guy Grimstead to bring joy and healing through their music.
  • And thank You for Your Word, which is so rich and helpful as we study it.

Father,

  • We now pray that You would equip us all to do Your work, whether it be in Africa or at any other spot on the planet. Raise up the people and the funds to truly make a difference.
  • That You would use these new technologies like “podcasting” to reach even more people with Your Word.
  • And that You would draw people from all parts of the world to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks!
Eric Elder

P.S. Remember, if you can make a donation of any size to our trip to Africa, we’ll be glad to send you a reminder wristband! You can make a donation and request one from here:
Make A Donation

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – August 2005

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Finding God is like finding four-leaf clovers, once you recognize the telltale signs of their presence, it’s easier to see them everywhere you look.

4-Leaf Clovers

Maybe you’ve never found a four-leaf clover, but God promises that if you seek Him with all your heart, you WILL find HIM (Jeremiah 29:13).

Dear Friends,

A few months ago, I was thinking about those “reminder bands” that people wear on their wrists. You know, the rubberized “LiveStrong” type wristbands that people wear that say things like, “Pray For Our Troops,” “Fight Cancer,” or “WWJD”? I was thinking about what I would want to remind you of, if I could remind you of just one thing.

A phrase immediately came to mind:

“GOD IS HERE”

I’d want you to remember that no matter where you are, what you’re going through, who you’re interracting with, whatever your situation, that God is there, at this very moment, right there with you. Knowing this one Truth can make all the difference in a situation. And this is a Truth with a capital “T”. GOD IS HERE. The Bible says in Acts 17:27 that He’s not far from each one of us:

“God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”

God is so close to each one of us that He wants us to simply reach out for Him and find Him. I know that when I remember that He’s really right here with me, every moment of every day, it relieves much of the pressure, the struggle and the doubt that I’m facing. I can think more clearly, I breathe more easily, I can know with more certainty that when I ask Him for wisdom, He’ll answer me.

The Truth is that GOD IS HERE. Jesus said,

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

But even when we’re by ourselves, God is right there with us, too. Jesus said He would send His Spirit to live within each one of us who have put our faith in Him:

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-18).

And then He promised that He would never leave us alone. Here are His parting words to the disciples after His resurrection:

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”(Matthew 28:20).

5-Leaf CloversGod is still here with us. I was trying to get this idea across to a group that had gathered for devotions one day at the Cornerstone music festival here in Illinois. When I got to the festival, I had found a four-leaf clover in the grass where we were camping, so I held it up to the group. (For those who may not know, most clover have only three leaves, but it’s a rare find, and some say “lucky,” to find a four-leaf clover.)

As I held up the clover that I’d found earlier that day, I explained that some people might think I was lucky to have found it, and maybe I was. But that’s not the whole truth.The whole truth is that I’ve found more than a hundred four-leaf clovers in my lifetime. When I was a kid, I was so thrilled when I discovered my first one that I began looking for four-leaf clovers everywhere. I would look through the grass when I mowed it on our farm. I would look in the grass when I played outfield in Little League baseball.

And I began to find four-leaf clovers everywhere I looked. Pretty soon, my eye was trained to easily recognize the disctintive four-leaf pattern. I would run across four-leaf clovers even when I wasn’t looking. I would just be walking along with some friends and then, out of the corner of my eye, notice the pattern on the ground, reach down and pick up another four-leaf clover. My friends would be amazed, and even I thought I was pretty lucky. But the truth is that over time, and with practice, I had simply learned how to recognize four-leaf clovers when I encountered them. Even though they were all around us, not everyone could “see” them.

I’ve found the same is true in my relationship with God: over time, and with practice, I’ve been able to recognize God in the midst of my daily life. I see God’s hand at work in the plans I make. I hear His voice telling me whether to go to the right or the left. I often recognize His prompting when He wants me to say or do something.

I remember reading a story in the devotional, “Our Daily Bread” about a boy who was fishing with his Grandfather. The boy asked, “Grandpa, have you ever seen God?” The Granpda took a look at the scene around him and said, “Sonny, the older I get, the more I see Him everywhere I look.”

The good news is that you don’t have to be unusually “lucky” or “special” to have this kind of relationship with God. God makes Himself available to each one of us, and as Paul says in Acts 17, He’s actually very close to each one of us. And He promises us this:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13).

I know it’s easy for people to question this, but I also know that those who press on seeking God eventually do find Him. Just last week I got an email from a woman who finally found Him, even though she was about to give up her search just a few months ago. In April she wrote me this note:

Hi, My name is Renee and I was sitting at my computer feeling disturbed and having doubt about God and my level of belief. I typed in “having trouble believing in God” and your site was top of the list. … I understand the message of Jesus on an intellectual level but can’t quite make the connection with my heart and soul. It seems every time I make a little progress, doubt comes flooding back in and pushes any hope of connection away. I am at the point that walking away from any further attempts seems the best way for me right now. I guess this is my way of making one last attempt at some kind of connection. I guess what I am trying to relate here is that God doesn’t seem real to me. Just a bunch of stories. It all seems so far fetched…

We wrote back and forth a few times, and she picked up a book I recommended called “The Case For Christ” by Lee Strobel and it began to break down some barriers to her faith. Then she wrote last week to say that she had started attending a small church and the pastor’s wife and a friend prayed for her:

…Saturday morning I woke up and started to have one memory after another of years ago. Situations that were bad, but could have gone horribly bad, except something happened to change the outcome. More and more I realized that God did have a hand in my life. Times I should have been dead but was saved by the smallest of interruptions. I realized it was God’s hand, fell to my knees, wept like a baby, asked God for forgiveness, and promised to give the rest of my life to Him. That was July 2, 2005… I was baptized on July 7th. … You have a great ministry. You helped me to pursue my questions, and pray for a change in heart…. I thank God for your site…. I have to wonder if I hadn’t fallen upon it, would I have given up? Blessings, Renee

I’m thrilled for Renee that God kept His promise. I knew He would, because He is always faithful to His Word. This promise isn’t just for “unbelievers” who need to be reminded of the Truth that GOD IS HERE. It’s also for believers who need to be reminded that GOD IS HERE, very close to each one of us, regardless of the situation or place we find ourselves.

God IS here, and He’s very close to you, too, even right this minute. He’s so close, and He wants you to reach out to Him, to find Him, and to know that He’s with you in your current situation, too. As Paul says, He’s “not far from each one of us.”

I’d like to pray for you that this reality will sink deep into your soul right now.

Father, there are so many times when we feel like You are so far away. We wonder if You hear us, if You care about us, if You realize that we’re sinking. Lord, I pray that You would instill in each of our hearts right now, every person that is reading these words, that You are indeed right here with us. That You do care about what happens to us, what choices we make, what decisions we have before us. That You will reward those who earnestly seek You, who sincerely desire to follow You and honor You. And that You will never, never, never, never, never, never leave us alone. Lord, speak into our hearts right now, send Your Holy Spirit to comfort us, guide us, and speak Your words to us. Lord, we’re listening, and we will keep listening, keep seeking, keep praying, keep calling out to You, until we find You. Thank You for Your promises. We’re holding onto them and we know that You’re holding onto us. We know that You will never let us go. Thank You Lord, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By the way, I was telling this story about the four-leaf clovers again a few weeks later at a Junior High Camp at Rock River. As if God was confirming the message again, one morning I happened to find 5 more four-leaf clovers and a couple five-leaf clovers, an even more rare find! In the past few weeks I’ve found more than a dozen more! Keep seeking God and you will find Him. Remember Jeremiah 29:13:

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

P.S. I also went ahead and ordered some of those reminder bands for those of you who might want one and had them imprinted with the words “GOD IS HERE.” Check out the “Update On African Missions Trip” update below if you’d like to get one.

Update On African Missions Trip

Reminder BandsWhen I thought of putting the phrase “GOD IS HERE” on a reminder band for people to remember that God was with them, I didn’t have anything in particular in mind to do with them except to encourage people that God is always right here with us. But now I do!

Lana and I, along with our two oldest kids, Karis and Lucas, are in the process of raising money to go to Africa next spring. The purpose is to help plant thousands of individual gardens for families and orphans in South Africa as part of Bruce Wilkinson’s “Never Ending Gardens” project. Bruce (author of “The Prayer of Jabez) describes this project in his most recent book “Beyond Jabez” and is looking for 10,000 volunteers to help in this effort over the next year.

For any donation to our trip to Africa, we’d be glad to send you a “GOD IS HERE” reminder band. We hope it will remind you to pray for our trip, and alsoremind you that God is always right there with you, too. While we’d be grateful for donations of any amount, could I suggest you consider a gift of $25, $50, $75, or $100 or more? Each of us need to raise $3,500 for this trip (which is up sightly from what I mentioned in our last newsletter because of some airfare changes). So to reach our total goal for all 4 of us, it would take a combination of 40 people giving $100 each, 60 people giving $75, 60 people giving $50, and 100 people giving $25. Again, any gift is great, but if you can, would you consider sending one of the larger amounts?

Maybe you know someone else who needs to be reminded that God is with them, too? A daughter, son, friend, co-worker, hair dresser, in-laws, out-laws? :) You might want to order a few reminder bands for them, too.

Maybe you’d even like to come with us? It’s open to anyone age 13 or older. There are several 10 day trips planned for March and April of 2006. You can find out more at the Dream For Africa website (now Heart For Africa) at:
www.heartforafrica.com

(As an update from the last newsletter, we’ve received $200 in cash and pledges for the deposits for 2 of us to reserve a spot on the trip. We still need another $200 for the deposits for the remaining two of us to reserve a spot.)

New Discussion Groups Start In September

Exodus StudyStarting the week of September 11th, we’ll be starting three new discussion groups each week in the Chat Room of The Ranch.

We’ll have a discussion group for men on Sunday nights (6:30-8:00 pm Central), for men and women on Wednesday mornings (7:00-8:30 am Central), and for women on Saturday mornings (9:00-10:30 am Central).

This is a “re-launch” of our new, weekly, half-hour, online video Bible study of the book of Exodus that we began a few months ago. We had a great start for a few weeks, then discovered a technical problem on our web server that needed to be fixed before going any further. I’ve finished reinstalling everything now on an updated system, and we’re ready to kick off again. We’re going to start the discussions again at Lesson 1, so now’s a great time to join this study.

The first dozen or so videos are online already, and future studies will be posted every Friday. For those who can’t make it to a discussion group, you can still interact with others day or night by posting messages on the Discussion Board at The Ranch.

Like everything else on The Ranch website, there’s no charge to watch or to participate in this study. Take a look at the overview, the first several lessons, and the dates and times of the discussion groups at this link.

Closing Prayer

Thanks for everyone who expressed an interest in coming to a Ranch Retreat if we held one. We’re still hoping to put one together soon, but it won’t be this fall yet. We’ll let you know as our plans come together.

I’d love if you could take a minute right now to pray with us.

Father,

  • Thank You for being near each one of us, and for promising that if we seek You we will find You,
  • Thank You for helping us with our plans to go to Africa,
  • And thank You for helping us to recover the website and to “re-launch” the Exodus video study.

Father,

  • We ask that You would help us gather the funds we need to get all 4 of us to Africa next spring,
  • That You would would draw many to take part in our new online study of the book of Exodus, that they would be able to get free, stay free, and set others free,
  • And that You would help even more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Live strong in your faith!
Eric Elder

Don’t forget to order a reminder band if you want one! They come in lots of cool colors, including glow-in-the-dark!

Reminder Band Colors

To order and make a donation, click here.

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – May 2005

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Using the Voice of Truth to overcome fear, anxiety and doubt; a new online Bible study of the book of Exodus; a possible ranch retreat, and a missions trip to Africa.

Join us for our new online Bible study, Exodus: Lessons In Freedom, which focuses on how to get free, stay free and set others free.

Join us for our new online Bible study, Exodus: Lessons In Freedom, which focuses on how to get free, stay free and set others free.

Dear Friends,

I got an email last week from a woman struggling with fear, anxiety and doubt. She is normally a strong Christian, someone who regularly encourages others to put their faith in Christ for all things. But a few weeks ago, a situation came up that triggered a huge storm in her heart and mind that has taken more than a week to even begin to calm.

She couldn’t understand why such a little thing, or so it seemed to her, would bother her so much. The sudden rush of fear, anxiety and doubt that came upon her was so strong that she couldn’t shake it off. She was bothered almost as much by the fact that she couldn’t figure out how to shake it off as she was by the triggering event itself. She felt it was silly to be so worked up about it; she knew what she would tell others to do, but she couldn’t seem to hear it when she told herself. For several days she couldn’t sleep or eat. The restlessness was tearing her apart from the inside out.

When she told me and a few others close to her about the intensity of her struggle, she finally started to see some peace return to her. She wrote:

One thing I want to mention while I’m thinking of it is WHEN I get through this (like that positive affirmation?), something that I have come more to know through this is that I AM NOT ALONE, even though Satan tries to make you think you are and your life is unraveling. But it’s something people don’t talk about and are very guarded about. But God put several people directly in my path and with different circumstances but so much similarity to the fear, anxiety, stress, feeling of lots of stuff, and especially the feeling like you can’t possibly share or tell anyone what is happening. Thankfully, I am plugged in to the ministry God designed for you, that even though I felt reluctant at first, probably because of my pride or something, yet I was comfortable enough reaching out to you. That’s why your ministry is so important and vital to a hurting world. I could go on, but you might get the gist of what I’m saying. I’M SUPPOSED TO TELL YOU THAT YOUR MINISTRY IS VITAL VITAL VITAL!

I appreciate her kind words about our ministry, but the bigger point I wanted to draw out of this is that pride often keeps us from getting the help we desperately need. We think we’re all alone in our struggles; we’re afraid to tell anyone, especially anyone who might possibly think less of us because of the struggle. We’re trying to hold it all together, but when we can’t, we’re afraid to tell anyone and risk feeling like even more of a failure. But the quickest way to get back on our feet is often to first get down on our knees. James 4:1 says:

“Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.”

Chuck Swindoll writes about this in his book, “Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication”:

“Do you know who it is who keeps erecting all those unrealistic standards in your life? Do you know who keeps raising the bar beyond all hope of clearing it? It’s you. You do. And so do I. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t. The psalmist tells us, He knows our frame. He remembers that we are dust. We think we’re finished because of our failures, but God says, ‘No you’re just getting started. Press on!’ Our problem isn’t that we’ve failed. Our problem is that we haven’t failed enough. We haven’t been brought low enough to learn what God wants us to learn. We’re still trying to redeem Egypt single-handledly.”

The truth is that we still need God, even when we think we’re a strong Christian. We still can’t do anything without Him. And thankfully, He’s still there to help us. We may have to swallow our pride, but it’s OK, because the truth is, God is very much for us; not because He knows how good we are, but because He knows how much we need Him.

We need to stop listening to the lies of Satan and keep filling ourselves up with the “Voice of Truth.” Do you know that song sung by Casting Crowns? My friend Russell Pond, who ministers regularly to people struggling with fear, anxiety and doubt at his website season.org, told me about the background of that song. He said that this was the first song ever written by Mark Hall. It’s original name was “Fear.” Mark is dyslexic and didn’t see how or why God would use him to write or sing music. After Casting Crowns started to become known to the world, Steven Curtis Chapman helped Mark Hall finish the song and changed the name to what it is now, “Voice of Truth.”

I think it’s awesome that a song that started out with the title “Fear” was transformed into the the chart-topper called “Voice of Truth,” once again disproving Satan’s lies, in this case, that Mark would never be able to sing or write music, and once again giving faith to all of us who hear so that we can trust God to do the same in us, too.

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I’m in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He’s holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I’ve tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. “Boy, you’ll never win!”
“You’ll never win!”

CHORUS:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, “Do not be afraid!”
The voice of truth says, “This is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

(from “The Voice of Truth,” by Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman)

Don’t give in to the lies of Satan, keep filling yourself with the Voice of Truth!

If you’d like some encouragement on a regular basis to keep listening to God’s “Voice of Truth,” I hope you’ll check out our new online Bible study at The Ranch, which I describe below, along with some other cool new things we’re planning down the road.

New Online Bible Study

Exodus StudyI’d like to invite you to join me for a free, video-based Bible study here on The Ranch website. It’s called Exodus: Lessons In Freedom and the purpose is to help you to get free, stay free and set others free.

The beauty of this study is that you can be involved in this study as much or as little as you’d like. Every Friday morning, I’ll be posting a new, half-hour video on The Ranch website that you can watch anytime on your own, or just read the transcript if you don’t have the time or capability to watch the video. Then, if you’d like to go deeper and interact with me or others around the world who are also doing the study, you can join us on the Discussion Board at The Ranch, or join us for one of our live chats during the week. I’m leading a live discussion group for men on Sunday nights from 7-8:30 pm Central Time, Greg Potzer (creator of “This Day’s Thought” at thisdaysthought.org) will be leading a co-ed discussion group on Wednesday mornings from 7-8:30 am Central Time, and Dwan Avent (a ministry volunteer for The Ranch) will be leading a women’s discussion group on Saturday mornings from 9-10:30 am Central Time.

The study itself grew out of my own personal quiet time with the Lord during the 40-day fast I undertook to pray about the next steps for my own ministry. During this extended time of prayer and fasting, I was reading the book of Exodus, trying to learn from God’s interaction with Moses how He was able to free hundreds of thousands of people. Every day, God put a lesson on my heart that I could apply to my own situation. As I’ve put those lessons into practice over the past year, I’ve found that they worked for me just like they worked for Moses almost 3,000 years ago! God seems to have all the best ideas!

I’d love to share with you what I’ve learned, as I believe these truths apply to anyone who wants to learn how to get free, stay free and set others free. Each half-hour video contains a practical lesson from God’s Word, a time of worship, and a time of intimate discussions with others. I think you’ll find it a fun time of study, fellowship and worship.

Like everything else on The Ranch website, there is no charge to you to watch the lessons or take part in the discussions. Each lesson stands on its own, so you don’t have to watch every lesson to get something out of it (although I’d love for you to join us for the entire series).

You can watch the first lesson this week, which tells how we get into bondage in the first place, then hopefully you’ll join us for the rest! The live discussion groups start the week of May 15th, but feel free to drop in anytime. You can take a look at the first lesson here.

Hope you’ll join us for this cool new study!

A Ranch Retreat?

TrailsWould you be interested in coming to a Ranch Retreat this fall? We’re checking on the details of this possibility now, and it would be great to have your input before we get too far along. Mainly, we’d like to know if you, or maybe your family would like to come for a weekend getaway here in Illinois this coming September/October 2005. The fall leaves should be beautiful that time of year, and the weather should be great for hiking during the day and bonfires at night.

We’re thinking of reserving several rooms or cabins at a retreat setting for a Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday morning event. There would be time to hear encouraging messages from myself and other speakers, time for worshipping together with some inspiring worship leaders, and plenty of free time to take a walk, hear from God or interact with others.

I’d love to make this happen, but first I need to know if anyone would actually come! If you’re interested, would you mind sending me an email to let me know? Thanks!

Missions Trip to Africa

Map of AfricaLastly, I’d like to ask you if you could help us out.I’ve been praying for several years that God would raise up a missions opportunity for my family and our ministry to practically help others around the world, and Lana has had a lifelong dream of doing something to help with orphans in Africa.

I believe our opportunity has come. Lana and I, along with our two oldest children, Karis and Lucas, are planning to take a short-term missions trip to Africa sometime within the next year. We’re planning to go with a new organization called Dream For Africa, headed by Bruce Wilkinson (author of “The Prayer of Jabez,” among other things). Our trip would involve going with a team of people to help plant individual gardens for families and orphans throughout South Africa. They are trying to recruit 10,000 volunteers to help plant hundreds of thousands of these “Never Ending Gardens” in various African countries.

We would like to be at least 4 of those 10,000 volunteers. I’ll be talking more about this in the future (maybe it’s a trip you’d even consider taking with us?), but for now, we’d like to begin raising our funds to go. Would you consider making a special donation towards this trip for us? Initially, we need to make a $100 deposit for each of us in order to get the ball rolling. Would you like to help us make that first deposit for one, two, three or all four of us? Eventually we’ll need to raise $3,000 each for this trip. In some ways, that is a huge amount of money, but in other ways, I feel it is just the beginning of what God wants to do, and is doing, to mobilize people to help with this epidemic. The sooner we raise the money, the sooner we’ll be able to go, but our current target is to raise the funds in time for a trip scheduled for March of 2006.

If you’d like to help us with our initial deposit of $100 each, or give towards our total goal, you can see how to make a donation on our website.

Please specify that your donation is for us to go on our Africa trip. For more information about Dream for Africa (now Heart for Africa) and their trips, visit:

http://heartforafrica.org

Closing Prayer

I’d love if you could take a minute to pray with us right now.

Father,

  • Thank You for being for us, and for speaking into our lives with Your Voice of Truth,
  • Thank You for those who have helped us to create the new Exodus study to encourage people in their faith on a weekly basis,
  • And thank You for opportunities to serve You and make a difference in the world.

Father,

  • We ask that You would draw many to take part in our new online study of the book of Exodus, to help them join the study so they can get free, stay free and set others free.
  • That You would guide us as we plan for a possible fall retreat and a missions trip to Africa,
  • And that You would help even more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for your prayers!

Sincerely,
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – April 2005

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Thoughts on the passing of Pope John Paul II and Terri Schiavo, a new film to encourage you to keep your eye on the goal called “Footsteps In The Snow,” and Eric’s article in “Decision” magazine.

Footsteps in the Snow

“Footsteps In The Snow”, by Russell Pond, is one of the new films we’ve just added to The Ranch.

Dear Friends,

I remember when Mother Teresa and Princess Diana died within days of each other almost seven years ago. Their lives became permanently linked together, not so much for what they had done with their lives, but by the close timing of their deaths. Mother Teresa was 87, and Princess Diana was 36.

This past week, as we watched the final days for two more people here on earth, again their lives have become etched together in many minds, not so much for what they had done with their lives, but by the close timing of their deaths. Pope John Paul II was 84, and Terri Schiavo was 41.

For all the differences in the way they may have lived and died, I was struck by one similarity they have in common with each other, and with all of us. I was reading a passage this week in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 where the Apostle Paul wrote these words about his own life almost 2,000 years ago:

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

We all have physical bodies that will eventually deteriorate. But we also all have spiritual souls that will live forever. Because we live in our bodies every day, we often focus on them. But the truth is that we are designed to live eternally.

To paraphrase the French philosopher Teilhard de Chardin:

“We are not just human beings having a temporary spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings have a temporary human experience.”

One of the secrets of living well is dying well, and the way to die well is to know for sure what will happen to us after we die. Jesus tells us we can know for sure what will happen to us after we die, if we are willing to put our faith in Him:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

The Apostle John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, put it this way:

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

If we’ve put our faith in Christ, we know that we will live with Him forever. By keeping our eyes on this eternal truth, it can make anything we face on this earth all the more bearable, and not only bearable, but we can live with confidence, certainty, and peace, for we know that there is more to life than what we see with our eyes.

Billy Graham, commenting on the death of Pope John Paul II, said:

“May his death remind each of us that some day we too must die and enter into God’s presence – and may we each commit ourselves afresh to Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for our salvation.”

That is a commitment I want to make afresh today, and I pray you will make it with me as well, even right now. Would you pray with me?

Father, I commit myself to You again today. I put my full faith and trust in Jesus Christ, knowing that He died and rose again for my salvation. Thank You Lord for taking away my sin on the cross. Thank You Lord for giving me hope and showing me how to live well by showing me how to die well. Lord, help me live for You today. Help me focus on You in a way that my troubles will seem “light and momentary,” too, just as they did for the Apostle Paul. From this moment on, I commit myself again to living my life fully for You, fixing my eyes squarely on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith. It’s in His strong and powerful name that I pray, Amen.

Footsteps In The Snow

If you need help keeping your perspective, I’d like you to watch a short film that I’ve added to The Ranch this week called “Footsteps In The Snow”. It’s only 2 minutes and 45 seconds long, but it contains a powerful message that will help you keep your eyes on the goal.

This film was created by my good friend, Russell Pond, who sent it to me a few weeks ago to ask for my thoughts on it. I happened to be in the middle of an intense writing project and was getting bogged down in the details. As I watched this film, it cleared my mind and helped me to keep before me the goal to which Christ had called me. I’ve watched it several times over the last few weeks, and each time, I’ve been strengthened in my resolve to keep my eyes on the goaland not get sidetracked by the never-ending details of life. I hope it will do the same for you!

You can watch it here in several formats, or read the transcript if for some reason you can’t see the video.

My thanks to Russ for allowing me to stream it over the Internet at no cost to you! If you like the film and would like to order a copy on DVD for use in sermons, at youth groups, on retreats, or at other venues where it may help to inspire others, just visit Russ’s website at:
http://toppup.com

“Decision” Magazine Article

Using The Gifts God Has Given You, by Eric Elder

Using The Gifts God Has Given You, by Eric Elder, for Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, April 2005.

I’d also like to draw your attention to an article I wrote for this month’s “Decision” magazine, the monthly magazine of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Because April 24th has been designated by a number of organizations as “Internet Evangelism Day,” the editor at Billy Graham’s magazine called me to ask if I would write about how I share my faith with others over the Internet.

I was thrilled for the opportunity to write to their 800,000 subscribers (!), not just about how I share my faith on the Internet, but how God has gifted each of us to be able to share our faith in unique ways. It’s called “Using The Gifts God Has Given You.”

You can read the article online at Billy Graham’s website at the link below, or look for it on page 30 of the print edition of April’s “Decision” magazine:
http://www.billygraham.org/DMag_article.asp?ArticleID=544

I’d also encourage you to read the entire issue of this month’s “Decision,” which features some other articles on Internet Evangelism, as well as articles on Prayer and Hearing From God written by people like Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows, Henry Blackaby, Greg Laurie, Franklin Graham and Anne Graham Lotz.

To learn more about Internet Evangelism Day on April 24th, visit this link:
http://www.internetevangelismday.com

Visitor Comments

Back at The Ranch, I thought you might like to hear the comments from a few of the visitors to the website last month:

A woman from Massachussets writes: Your website is beautiful…on the outside and the inside. Thank you very much. I will refer others to it for faith and encouragement.

A man from Canada writes: It’s my first time here, and I think I’ve been waiting for you! I pray a special blessing upon you.

A woman struggling with a lack of faith writes: Hi, thank you so much for responding to my prayer request… It was really helpful to get someone else’s view on this and to be able to be completely honest with God (and myself). … It’s not easy… I’m struggling so hard with this at the moment, wanting to surrender to him, but at the same time doubting even the Bible, let alone his love for me… I’m really torn, but i can’t expect anyone to make this decision for me… Thank you so much again for your kindness…

And a woman from Indiana writes: I just “found” this website when searching for some scripture online. I am astonished…although not sure why…I had prayed this morning for God to lead me to Him and away from my own self-centeredness, and here pops up your site with wonderful content to lead me closer to Him. How incredible to be in this Body of Christ. I’m looking forward to having some time to explore further…. Thank you for this, and thank our Heavenly Father who shows us how to use our gifts to his glory.

Closing Prayer

I’d love for you to pray with me.

Father,

  • Thank You for giving us hope that there’s more to this life than what we can see,
  • Thank You for the lives of Terri Schiavo and Pope John Paul II and for the reminder their deaths give us to keep putting our faith in You,
  • And thank You for people like Billy Graham who can inspire us to do more to reach out to others around the world.

Father,

  • We ask that You help us keep our eyes on the goal, and not get bogged down in the details of life,
  • That You would speak to many people through the article in “Decision” magazine, to encourage them to use their gifts to share Christ with others,
  • And that You would help still more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for your prayers! Have a blessed day! Remember, there’s more to life than what you can see!

Sincerely,
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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Using The Gifts God Has Given You

Note from Eric:  I was asked to write an article for Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine about our Internet outreach at theranch.org for the April 2005 issue.  Here’s the text of the article, with links to the print and online versions.

Decision Magazine Cover, April, 2005, featuring Eric Elder and The Ranch inside

Cover of Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine , April, 2005, featuring an article about Eric Elder and The Ranch inside.

Using The Gifts God Has Given You, by Eric Elder

Using The Gifts God Has Given You, by Eric Elder, for Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, April 2005.

Using The Gifts God Has Given You

by Eric Elder
for Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, April 1, 2005

I wish I were a great evangelist. I have dreams about preaching to millions and seeing them come to Christ. But the reality is that people haven’t been knocking on my door asking me to preach in their stadiums.

But my heart, my desires and my prayers are still set in that direction. Why? Because my decision to follow Christ was so life-changing that I wish for every person on the planet to experience the same thing.

So when God tugged on my heart 10 years ago and led me to quit my secular job and go into full-time ministry, I started walking in that direction. I didn’t know exactly what He wanted me to do, but I knew that it probably would have something to do with computers. I had just finished creating a Web site for the company where I worked, so I started with what I knew.

I created my own Web site. I typed out the story of how Christ had changed my life, and I posted it on the Internet. A few days later, I got an e-mail message from a man in Athens, Greece. He read my story and asked if I would pray for him. Messages started coming in from places like Seattle; Memphis, Tennessee; and Cairo, Egypt.

Within a year, the Web site was getting more than 800 visitors a month from 72 countries. I posted more testimonies, added some music and began recording video messages to encourage people in their faith. It’s been nearly 10 years since I first posted my testimony on the Internet. Although I rarely get to preach in front of a live audience, I’ve kept walking in the direction God called me. In January more than 10,000 people from 150 countries visited the Web site.

What’s intriguing to me is that many of the people who have put their faith in Christ via my Web site have done so as a result of other people’s stories, words and videos—not just mine. A Buddhist from Malaysia put her faith in Christ after reading about another Buddhist who had done the same. A woman from Illinois was led to Christ in our chat room by a pastor’s wife who also was visiting the chat room. A man from Latvia gave his life to Christ right there in front of his computer after watching a video I had recorded of a friend sharing the Gospel in my living room.

None of these people knew much about computers, but they had a passion for sharing Christ. It wasn’t my words that won the Buddhist to Christ, or the woman in the chat room or the man from Latvia. But I feel that God has honored my desires and my prayers to reach people for Him. Through the abilities He’s given me to type, run a camcorder and create a Web site, He has allowed me to help others fulfill their passions as well.

I still wish I were a great evangelist, and I want to reach as many people as I can for Christ. Maybe you do, too. If so, look again at the gifts God’s already given you. Then set your heart, your desires and your prayers in that direction. Start walking and keep walking. God only knows how many lives could be touched as a result of your obedience to His tug on your heart.

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News From The Ranch – March 2005

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Encouragement that God answers prayer and the Online Prayer/Dedication Service

Online Prayer/Dedication Service

Join us for an online prayer/dedication service.

Dear Friends,

I’d like to encourage you that God does answer prayer by sharing some excerpts from some people who recently came to The Ranch asking for prayer.

A visitor who was struggling with depression wrote:

“I was beginning to think this prayer request thing was not going to help…This is so new for me, I am not used to expressing my feelings or asking for help. …I am overwhelmed by your prayer, and that somebody whom I don’t know or have never seen, has taken time out to pray for me….Even if deliverence does not come tonight as I read your prayer for me, it has brought me a comfort that I need right now. I thank you again for sacrificing your time and praying for me, and for having no doubt that God would bring me out, for giving me hope. Thank you. And may God continue to bless and keep you, and use you to bless others even as you have been used to help me.”

A visitor who was struggling with doubt wrote:

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your most compassionate, insightful response to my prayer request. I can’t tell you how much you lifted my spirits…Since your email, I have moved closer to God. I think I felt enormous guilt for having doubts, but now I realize that all people go through times of loneliness and doubt….Bless you for responding to me in such a nonjudgmental way. I think if you had given me the standard Christian platitudes — “pray more, read your Bible more,” etc. — I would have felt completely misunderstood and even more lonely. Bless you for reading between the lines and understanding that I have a tender heart toward God. The last few days in particular I have sensed God’s presence, His comfort. I attribute that to your prayers. You stood in the gap for me when I couldn’t pick myself up and reach out to God myself. Thank you for that. We are all fellow strugglers as we walk on our respective paths. You acted as the Good Samaritan; you ran into me on the path when I was exhausted and you helped me on my way.”

I wish I could say I’ve grasped the depths of all God wants us to know regarding prayer, but I know I haven’t even come close. But I am thankful for His words of encouragement to pray as recorded in 1 John 5:14-15:

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.”

I hope this gives you confidence to approach God with your prayers, too.

If you’d like a quiet place to pray, just stop by “A Place to Pray” at the Ranch.

I’ve also heard a number of positive comments from people who have visited the “new” Ranch website that we announced last month.

A visitor from Australia wrote: “What a wonderful website. Lovely design. Crisp, clean. Great layout!”

And a visitor from here in Illinois wrote this glowing review: “I’d like to thank everyone at The Ranch; it is the most worthwhile site I’ve found on the web.” Of course, I’ve seen a lot of worthwhile sites on the web, but I appreciate his sentiment and I’m glad to hear that The Ranch is touching people’s lives.

If you haven’t visited the “new” Ranch website yet, I hope you’ll take a look at theranch.org. I’ve highlighted one of the new video testimonies we’ve added to the website below, as well as details about our Online Prayer/Dedication Service on Friday, March 4th.

Online Prayer/Dedication Service

For those of you who would like to join me in praying for the “new” Ranch website, and to honor those who have helped to create it, please come to our Online Prayer/Dedication Service for the website on Friday, March 4th, 2005 at 1:00 pm Central Time. I know that may be in the middle of the work day for some of you, but I tried to pick a time when people would be by their computers and could also accomodate those involved in our site from various parts of the world.

To come to the service, just meet us in the Chat Room at The Ranch at 1 pm on March 4th. There’s no special registration and you can just “watch” if you want to and pray along we go.

Click this link to visit The Chat Room at The Ranch

Closing Prayer

Whether or not you’ll be able to make it to the Online Prayer/Dedication Service, I’d love it if you would join me in prayer right now.

Father,

  • Thank You for answering our prayers, and for the encouragement that it gives us to continue to pray more,
  • Thank You for the gifts and talents of those who have worked on this new website,
  • And thank You for those who have supported this ministry prayerfully and financially to make this new website possible.

Father,

  • We now ask that You would continue to give us wisdom to share the message of Jesus Christ in the most effective ways possible,
  • That You would protect us from anything that would hinder our work,
  • And that You would help still more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for your prayers!

Sincerely,

Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – December 2004

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Listen to some new Christmas music, and my thankfulness for Christ’s birth.

Eric Elder Family 2004

Eric and Lana Elder with Karis, Lucas, Makari, Josiah, Bo, and Kaleo

Dear Friends,

Much has happened this past year, which I’ll be talking about more in the coming months, but I wanted to send you a brief note today to just let you know how much God loves you and cares about your life. When I think about what my life would be like if Jesus hadn’t been born, it makes me appreciate His birth all the more.

When I put my full faith in Him almost 18 years ago, it completely rearranged my life – not so much in terms of what happened the next day or month or year, but in terms of setting a new path for the rest of my life, one that has since affected almost everything in my daily life since then. The choices I made over the following years, by letting God call the shots, have affected my marriage, my kids, their schooling, my work – literally every aspect of my life from sunrise to sundown, and even after the sun goes down! Had Christ not come into the world and into my life, the choices I would have made over the last 18 years would have been radically different, and my life today would be radically different, too.

I’m so thankful for His birth, and just wanted to remind you of the blessings of putting your faith in Christ. If you’ve already put your faith in Christ, I hope you’ll be able to take time over the next few days, even right now if you want, to just thank Him for coming into our world and into our lives. If you’ve never really put your faith in Christ, I encourage you to do it today. Trust Him completely for everything in your life and let Him call the shots from now on. Take Him at His Word and follow Him with your whole heart. It will make all the difference in the world, both here on earth and in the life to come.

The Perfect Gift

As you get ready for Christmas, I thought you might like to listen to some original Christmas songs that I’ve just uploaded to “The Ranch” website. My friend Al Lowry and some of his friends from Saddleback Church in California recently recorded these songs and have graciously allowed us to stream them over the Internet to you.

If you only have time for one song, try out the title song from this CD, #15, called “The Perfect Gift” by Michael J. Pelzman. It’s only a minute and a half long, but will help get you into the spirit of Christmas! Or if you have time, enjoy listening to the whole CD. We’re streaming all the songs over the Internet FREE as a gift to you!

Click here to listen to “The Perfect Gift”

2004 Elder Family Pictures

And for those of you who might be interested in our family life, we’ve just posted some updated pictures from 2004 that you can see at 2004 Elder Family Pictures.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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Letters From Readers Of “This Day’s Thought”

Four hundred emails poured in from around the world in response to Kirk Albrecht’s death from those who never knew him, but who were, nonetheless, touched by his life through his technical support of the ministry “This Day’s Thought.” I’ve posted those letters here as a tribute to Kirk. (With the exception of Greg’s letter of introduction to Kirk’s wife, Kelly, I’ve replaced each writer’s name with only their initials and have removed other contact information from their notes.)

***

Kelly, this is Greg of This Day’s Thought. We are the Christian Internet ministry that Kirk had been helping for some time.

I am so sorry for your loss of Kirk.

I wanted to share what Kirk did for this ministry, and for so many…

About a year ago, when Eric’s servers were “acting up” Kirk quickly allowed us to use his server(s) and for us to piggy back onto the software he placed on one server so as to allow us to continue to function as a ministry. Over the last year or so, Kirk was always willing to help as needed as problems arose with our e-mailing of daily messages (Thought, Verse, Devotional, Prayer). And he did so not once asking for compensation, but allowing us to send a small amount of monthly money only as we were able.

Kelly, we send out @ 15,000 Christian messages a day to over 10,000 people. When Eric was being challenged back then, if Kirk had not come to our rescue, we probably would have not been able to continue helping so many people as we did. Kirk came to our aid in the most extraordinary way.

I wanted you to know how much of a blessing Kirk was to the ministry of This Day’s Thought, both with his technical help to Eric (which in turn helped us) and then most recently. Kirk allowed us to continue our ministry of encouragement and support to over 10,000 people on a daily basis. For that I am so very grateful.

There is so much that I don’t understand in this world which the Lord has blessed us with…I understand in some ways, and in other ways- I don’t)…I just wanted you to know how much of a blessing your husband was to so many…and certainly how much of a blessing he was to me.

If I may be of any help to you, I will be standing by.

Sincerely,
Greg for This Day’s Thought

***

Dear Kelly,
I am a recipient of “This Day’s Thought” and each day, I take a little spiritual break when it comes. I am so saddened today to hear of the loss of your husband, Kirk. As one of the many silent recipients of these daily messages, I would like to say thank you to you and your family. I appreciate the time and talents Kirk gave to provide us with daily inspirations. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
W.P.
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Kelly,
My heart aches for you. My family and I will be praying for you and yours. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
K.S.
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Kelly,
I’m so sorry for the death of Kirk, and no words can comfort you at this moment, but I do know if you stand firm and trust in the Lord, He will help you through this terrible storm.
G.L.
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Kelly,
I wanted to let you know that you and your family will be in my prayers. I’m also 37 and have lost several people that are special to me, but always remember “Those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed” Isaiah 40:31a. Kirk has blessed my life so many times by being a part of this devotion that I receive daily and I thank God for the words of encouragement over the years that I have received due to help from your husband.
God bless and you are in my prayers
S.P. – Lexington, KY
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To the family of Kirk,
My heart and my prayers go out to your family during this incredibly difficult time. I’m sure you are numb with grief, but please know that there are many that are lifting you all before the throne of Grace. May you feel His amazing presence during this time. One of my dearest friends died suddenly three weeks ago at the age of 43, leaving 5 children. I recently found this quote and passed it on to his wife. Perhaps it will encourage you as well… “Faith is….remembering in the midst of my heartache that nothing can change my greatest blessing, His presence with me.” May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family,
M.P.
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Please let Kelly & family know that they are in my thoughts & prayers … I know it’s a difficult time they are facing! God is a merciful Savior & I pray they will feel His love during this awful time of tragedy!
In His Love – C.
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Dear Kelly,
I extend heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this time of bereavement. Although death is most definitely a part of life, we are never prepared when it comes, especially to someone as young as Kirk. Know that earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Thank GOD that Kirk was in Christ and Christ was in him. He is in the Lord’s hands, now, the best place to be! Celebrate Kirk’s life!
D.M. – Washington, DC
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Dear Kelly:
I so very much enjoy the “This days thoughts” and how I have learned from various messages. I am so sorry to learn of the death of your husband, Kirk. I pray for you comfort and understanding at this time in your life, for you and your children, friends and family. I will remember you in prayer. I would like to be more helpful than these few words of encouragement so if you ever need a friend to talk to, please do not hesitate to call me anytime………….I could be a good listener and pray with you and give you words of encouragement. So please call if you ever need to. I suffered with breast cancer, chemo, radiation, diagnosed in early 2000 and treatment for 3 years and sometimes I just needed someone to talk to, vent to or to pray with me and hear words of encouragement. Without the Lord, I would have not handled it as well. I live in Weeki Wachee, FL, 61 year old Christian lady who would be willing to talk and anytime day or night. God bless you and your family for comfort.
I.K. – Weeki Wachee, FL
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This just broke my heart when I saw it. Through the ministry of “This Day’s Thought” I have been touched by the message of God when I needed to hear it most. It is with great sadness that I learn of the loss of one of the fine staff of “This Day’s Thought”. My heart and heartfelt prayers go out to Kirk’s family and friends.
D.
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Dear Kelly,
Please know that Kirk had a significant life. What he did help unknown numbers of us make it through another day. God’s word is certain to speak to our heart if we will just read it. It does not matter much what medium of reading we use. Try to remember the good times with Kirk. May our Lord give you peace that is beyond our understanding and show you and yours His way for your days ahead.
In His Service,
B.G.
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Kelly, et al.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find solace in memories of Kirk, which will last forever.
The work Kirk did for This Day’s Thought touched so many people all over the world. We have all been blessed by his work. Thank you for allowing him to share this type of service with us. You will never know just how many lives he changed.
Love and prayers,
L.M. – Woodstock, GA
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Dear Kelly, my prayers are with you. I pray God’s comfort and peace over you and your family. Kirk was a part of such an awesome ministry!!! I understand he was a major part of keeping this ministry going. I look forward every day to the next “This Days Thought”, Verse, Devotional, Sermon, and Prayer. It just lifts me up everyday and reminds me just how AWESOME our Lord is. Kirk definitely has helped make this possible for a lot of people! He is in God’s arms now!!!! He will be greatly rewarded!! God bless you!!
Love In Christ,
F.G.
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Kelly and family,
My deepest sympathies are with all of you at the moment.
May God be with you all.
Love always,
J.
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We will keep Kelly and the family as well as all of Kirk’s friends in our prayers. This ministry has been a real blessing to me and to those family and friends that I have forwarded it too.
Some people make such an impact in a very short time. It seems as though he has done that.
We will continue to pray for God’s healing hand for all of you.
K.R.
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I LOOK FORWARD, EACH MORNING, TO FIND MY INSPIRATION FOR THE DAY. YOU CAN EXPRESS OUR SINCERE REGRET TO KELLY ON THE LOSS OF HER YOUNG PARTNER. GOD WILL BLESS HER, SURELY.
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You have my heartfelt sympathy, and prayers at this time. Heaven claimed him and God will take you through this build your intimate time with God and let him walk you every step of the way. God Bless and Keep you.
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I KNOW YOUR FEELINGS TODAY WITH THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND AND FATHER OF YOUR CHILDREN. I WENT THROUGH ALL THIS WITH 3 CHILDREN ONE A 9 MTH OLD BABY,YOU HAVE GOD TO DIRECT AND HELP YOU ALWAYS RELY AND DEPEND ON GOD HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU. I HAVE A DEATH MY DAUGHTER IN LAW DIED THE 13 FROM AML LEUKEMIA, WE ARE GOING TO HER WAKE NOW.I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU,GOD BE WITH YOU SHOWERING YOU WITH LOVE AND MERCY
Our God is the God of creative miracles! He does great and marvelous things for those who love and trust Him. The heavens cannot even contain the God we serve!
You may be struggling with an impossible situation today. But be encouraged! There is no limit to what God can do! Even the heavens cannot contain Him!
GOD’S BLESSINGS AND LOVE, S.
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I just subscribed yesterday, but this note brought me to tears. I’m so so sorry for your loss.
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Dear Kelly,
I was very moved by Greg’s tribute to your husband, Kirk. I didn’t know him and you don’t know me, but we are “sisters-in-loss”. I too lost my husband to a sudden and unexpected heart attack. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain at this very moment except that the Lord will hold you and your children close to Him during this difficult time.
Please be sure to SAVE THIS E-MAIL because there will come a time when you may want to chat on line and connect with someone who truly knows what you are experiencing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Regards, G.T.
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Kelly, Sorry to here about your lost, but it is God’s gain. Just keep in mind that Kirk is smiling down on you right now. No matter what happens just know that God is only a prayer/small talk away.
Prayer is the Key….Faith unlocks the Door
L.G.
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Lifting prayer for Kirk’s family in Georgia!
May Kirk rest in peace and rise in Glory!
In Christ –
J.S.- St. James/Macon, GA
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Kelly, you and your children are in my prayers. May God be with you and
your family.
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Please pass along my sincere sympathies to Kelly. I can relate to her loss. My husband passed away due to a brain tumor in January of this year. He was 36 and we have two children 10 and 5. I would be happy to visit with her if she needs someone to talk to who understands what she may be feeling. A friend of mine at church told me the other day to think of it as a temporary separation and he is just living in a nicer house.
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Dear Kelly,
As an expectant and eager reader of “This Days Thought” it is not often that the “Thought’s” human component manifests itself. Today, it has in a profound way. I feel confident that many thousands of readers join me in expressing their sadness at your great loss. Thank you for sharing your husband who was clearly a very special person from the “thought” below, with us.
We look forward to the day when the excruciating pain that comes our way in this life from time to time, turns into eternal, unbounded joy at being reunited in the magnificent presence of the Almighty Creator of the Universe and His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blessing on you and your family,
Semper Fidelis,
R.P. Colonel, USMC (Ret)
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It is always sad when someone passes away,it is even sadder when so young and special. I have benefitted from Kirk’s work,I appreciate it very much. He made a wonderful differeence in my life even though I have never met him. Convey to his loved ones my sincere deep sadness. May peace comes to all.
In deep sadness,
M.
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May God be with you in your time of sorrow and grief.
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Kelly & Children,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have asked that God help you manage in the next weeks. We know that God loves us but it is so hard to trust Him when we are feeling the loss of anyone close to us. He will be there for you when you go to him. I pray that He will provide for you and give you friends to help you along. I know you know that Kirk is with the Lord. Please don’t expect yourself to be a super person: You will have your own time to adjust and grieve in your own way. Just be yourself and know that you are loved. Hug your children. I will pray for you and for them.
D.R. – Juneau, Alaska
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Kelly,
I just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. I pray for God to give you strength and comfort during this time. God did say he would never leave you nor forsake you. I believe that and I hope you do to. God rest the soul of Brother Kirk, and let us be mindful that we shall see him again in Glory. God bless you and your family.
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I am so sorry to hear about Kirk. I know he rests in the arms of the Lord. There are so many of us who sit at our desks everyday and look forward to the message of the day. He has done a great deal of good.
Change is very difficult for us to accept and it is so much a part of our daily life, of our human existence. I pray for his family to accept God’s will.
Kirk is now their personal angel who has walked in human relationships and understands their needs.
God has already blessed us all with having known Kirk.
A.G.
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My thoughts and prayers go out to Kelly and the family. It is a hard time but remember that FAITH…..FAMILY AND FRIENDS (in that order) will help you go on.
God bless
S.S. – Aurora Hills
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I am so sorry for your loss and would like you to know that as soon as I read the message said a prayer asking the Lord to minister peace to you and your children. Being 34, myself that hits close to home and being the father to 11 children I can understand what a loss your children will feel as well as you his wife.
I pray that you will find the peace that will be more than enough to sustain you through this terrible time in your life. Never forget however, that God’s grace is more than enough to keep you.
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Hi Kelly.
As a bit of a techie, I always appreciate the work the back room boys do. This Day’s Thought has been encouraging, though-provoking and often challenging. Without Kirk’s contribution this would not have been possible.
I pray God will comfort and strengthen you and your family.
S.T. – Harlow, UK
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Dear Kelly:
My wife of 34 years was widowed at 24 years old and left with two small children. So, I know something of what you’re experiencing right now. As I read the information about your husband’s death I stopped to pray for you and your children. I promise to do that several more times of the next few days.
May you know God’s grace and peace during these days.
J.S.
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My heart goes out to Kirk’s wife and children. Please extend my sympathies. We never know about tomorrow, only God knows. May He wrap his loving arms around Kelly and the children and comfort them.
Thank you for all you do in “This Days Thought”. I enjoy it.
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Dearest Kelly: I don’t know you, but I was so saddened to hear the news of the loss of your husband yesterday. I cannot begin to imagine the sadness and grief you feel right now. I will pray that the Lord will hold you close, comforting you, blessing you and reassuring you. He promises to be the husband to the widow, and I know He will provide for you and your children! May you feel His loving presence during this very difficult time.
Blessings — J.B.
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We can’t even begin to understand why something like this would happen, but He knows. Very very sad for Kelly and the family but, for Kirk, he is safe in the arms of Jesus.
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Kelly,
I’m very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Receiving these messages has truly changed my life for the better, as I did not have a good spiritual foundation growing up, and it encouraged me to learn and grow in the Lord. I thank you, and Jesus for Kirk’s part in this. May God be with you and your family and bless you always!
With Deepest Sympathy,
L.L.
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God is our Sustainer, The Holy Spirit our Comforter, & Jesus our all in all. I met a young woman who shared that her father died about 3 weeks before & what helped her most was reading the Psalms. She cried many tears & the hurt always eased as God ministered to her. God be with you all. G.
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Dear Kelly,
I thank you for your husband who has allowed me to continue to get the Days Thought messages. This Days Thought Messages continue to touch so many, many Christians lives each and everyday. It has brought deliverance to many. Souls were saved just by reading one days message. This was made possible because of Kirk. God chooses whom he wants to do his will and isn’t it an honor to be one of his chosen ones. I can only believe that by Kirk being a Godly man you are certainly a Godly women by his side. May God Bless you and your Family and I will continue to keep you in my prayers during this time.
P.S. I’m sure Kirk is in heaven now smiling with God and God saying to him “Job well done my son”
L.S. – Upper Marlboro, MD
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Hi Kelly
There is very little one can say to comfort you and your family in this tragedy of life. Just know that someone from far away New Zealand cares for you as well, of course, as our God.
Blessings
D.T. – New Zealand
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We r very thank ful for all the efforts that kirk has put in & i do pray for his soul. I still remember the time when this days thought was off air .Forwarding these messages was my first work at my office everyday ,those days wen these mails were removed i used to feel that a most essential part of my job was missing,thanx to Kirk the issue was solved…..
May god bless his family …….
M.U. – India
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To Kelly and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Knowing that Kirk was someone hugely responsible for the daily uplifting message – and hearing also of his passing – compels me to hold you all in my prayers every day.
Draw your strength from God and allow Him to use others for you to lean upon in the days and weeks ahead.
God bless you all.
P.L.
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I am so sorry to hear about your husbands sudden passing. You are in my prayers Kelly and your family. So sad he was so young…my heart aches for you. May the good Lord protect and comfort you as you carry this very heavy cross.God Be with You.
M.S. – Massachusetts
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Dear Kelly and family,
You will stay in our prayers. I’m so very sorry for your loss. This ministry has blessed me and so many others for quite a while. I know that Kirk’s love will live on through you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
S.B. – Nashville, TN
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Kelly and Children,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. I pray that God will give you strength and surround you with His Love and Peace as you go thru the days ahead.
Sincerely,
L.F.
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I read the thought everyday and help with my everyday problem…I didn’t know your husband but in the spirit world are related……You and family will be in my prays..May God be with you in time of grief….Be strong and contiune to pray…..I Love as sister in christ.
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Kelly, I am greatly saddened by your loss. So young… gone so suddenly. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Only in Eternity will Kirk’s service, sacrifice and devotion to the Lord Jesus be shown for huge impact it had — the many people reached and encouraged, lifted, and even saved.
I know that our Lord Jesus will comfort you and give you the peace that endures and provide ALL your needs.
God bless you and your family and all who loved Kirk.
He helped to deliver encouragement to my life, and I thank God for that and for him.
D.D.
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Dear Kelly and Family
Please accept my sincere condolences over your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and sadness you must be going through right now. I only recently started receiving “This Days Daily Thought but it has been a real blessing. Thanks for sharing your husband with the rest of us in this very real way. Please accept my continued prayers for you and your family.
B.
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Kelly,
I am sooo deeply saddened at hearing of the loss of Kirk. What a wonderful man and ministry he had for so many of us! I want you to know that I am praying for you and your family during this time.
Sincerely,
N.B.
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My prayers are with this family! Each week I place a thought from these emails in our churches bulletin. These thoughts have blessed many, including myself. I am grateful for all the work that goes into this ministry! I have 2 children ages 3 and 10 months, and I know how hard being a parent can be! You have my deepest sympathy in the lose of your husband. Just always remember to trust in the Lord – he will be your strength! God bless you and your family!
N.W. – Spring Creek
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So very sorry to hear of the loss of Kirk. Loss shouldn’t actually be the word to use because he really is not lost, we know where he is, it’s just that he is not here in the way that he was before. Praying for the Lord to strengthen all of you, until you meet again
P.C. – Indianapolis, IN
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Dear Kelly,
I don’t know you nor did I know your husband but I wanted to write to you anyhow!
Every day I am blessed receiving my “This Day’s Verse” and so I am so thankful that God placed Kirk here on earth and in such prominent place of work. It is a comfort to know that Kirk is with the Lord in his AWESOME LOVING PRESENCE!!! I know it is probably hard but take peace in that and hide in God’s love and peace at this time. My prayers are with you and your family!
God bless you abundantly!
H.M.
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Please tell Kelly I will remember her and her family in prayer. Only Heaven will tell us why God allows these things. But we can pray that as Kirk’s life was not lived in vain, but in service to the Lord, his death will not be in vain and pray that for the many many who receive your daily reminder’s of God’s Word, that we may all take to heart, “We have only one life, it will soon be passed, and only what’s done for Christ will last.” In Christian Love, D.G.
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Dear Kelly,
There is no way to put into words the feelings we have at receiving the message from This Day’s Thought concerning your husband’s recent death. Your grief must seem unbearable. The gift of technical assistance that Kirk gave in the ministry has enabled ‘This Day’s Thought’ to be a daily encouragement and inspiration to me and to many others. My prayer is that the Lord will give you the strength you need to endure the sorrow and to take one moment at a time. May Kirk’s contribution be multiplied in others through the inspiration he has been. And may the Comforter enfold you and yours in His arms in a special way during this time.
In Christian Love,
L.O., pastor’s wife
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Dear Kelly,
May God’s loving hand be with you now in this your time of sorrow. Thank God for the beauty that he gave us in Kirk.
F.M.
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My name is L.A. my father also past way due to a hart attack. Sometime it is hard to understand what the Lord has for us. But in the darkest time just remember he has a plan. I pray that the Lord prepares you for this episode in your life. I know that you will find comfort you and your children will find comfort in the Lord. My deepest condolences. God bless you and your family.
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Dear Kelly,
I was very sad to hear about Kirk, especially because of his age, and the loss for you and your children. I could only think of the words, that “the Lord never makes an error” and it was His decision to permit your husband to be taken into eternity. Based on what Greg said in his E-mail about Kirk being a fine Christian person for whom you all can give thanks, I’m sure he will be in a wonderful place where he will even see and be together with other loved ones who have preceded him into the beyond. May I add my sincerest condolences to the many you will receive from your family and friends. Be assured of our prayers at this difficult time for you and your children, that you can remain strong and that the Lord will send the Holy Spirit as the Comforter to you.
With love and compassion in Christ,
C.G. – Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Hi I am writing from Gold Coast Australia to express my great appreciation for the encouragement that your ministry is to me and friends within my Church.
I thank you all for your faithfulness and particularly at this time for Kirk and what the Lord has used him to do through you.
Please pass on my appreciation to Kelly and assurance of my prayers to the family for a job “Well Done”. We never know the Lord’s time for us but He calls us only to be faithful. Kirk was such a one and we are thankful for the impact of his life upon so many.
Blessings,
N.G. – Gold Coast Australia
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To Kelly,
I pray that you are blessed with many happy memories of a lovely, giving man and husband. I pray that those memories will give you the strength that you need for yourself as well as your young children.
Much love and warmth,
B.
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Kelly and family,
Just wanted to let you know, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love in Him,
K.M.
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Hello Kelly,
My heart goes out to you at this hard, hard time. Please know that God continues to be in control and He loves you and your family. How marvelous that you had a shared life with such a talented wonderful man. Kirk will continue to be with you in your heart as you celebrate his life.
God bless you and keep you.
C.
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MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU WITH YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD GRANT YOU KELLY, AND YOUR CHILDREN STRENGTH AND COURAGE IN THIS TERRIBLE SHOCK AND GRIEF. I HAVE A SON WHO IS 38 WITH YOUNG FAMILY AND HE JUST STARTED PREACHING THE GOSPEL FULL TIME LAST YEAR AND IT MUST BE BEYOND UNDERSTANDING WHY ONE WOULD BE TAKEN SO YOUNG BUT GOD KNOWS MORE THAN WE DO AND I DAILY HAVE TO PUT MY TRUST IN HIM TO TAKE CARE OF THINGS OVER WHICH I HAVE NO CONTROL. YOU WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. GOD BLESS.
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Hi Kelly,
My name is T. I’m very sorry to hear of Kirk home going. I know you will miss him, but God loved him more. I pray God continue to strengthen you and your family. I thank God that Kirk came into this ministry when he did. I myself was going through a terrible time and I truly needed to hear a word from God. That is when I learned of this ministry and a few days later is when the ministry went off the net. I thank God for Kirk’s help. Know this, with all the prayers coming from us to God for you, God will send his angels to comfort you and your family.
God loves you and so do I. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love you
T.
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Psalm 91 (NIV)
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [1]
2 I will say [2] of the LORD , “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Father, we ask today for your wing, the shadow of your spirit, your presence with Kelly and the children this day. We pray that you would hear their cries, receive their grief and loneliness, answer their prayers and comfort them today and always. Be with them Father at this time and in their place and need right now.
In Jesus’ Name
amen
T.C.
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Our prayers go out the Kirk and his family. Please pass on that we will be praying for God’s comfort in this time of insurmountable grief. I have been blessed by your ministry…thank you and may our great God give you peace and comfort in this difficult time.
In Christ Always!
D.V.
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My deepest sympathies go out to Kelly and her family. It is always hard to deal with a loss such as this. Thankfully he has left behind a legacy of spreading the word and Christian love. Thank you for allowing him to assist with this program and for all he did. This truly makes my day so many times.
Sincerely:
K.&D.W.
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear of this news. Through God’s provision, everything will work out. Keep your eyes on Him.
Kirk is with Jesus now, the best place to be…and a place I look forward to go to when my time here is over.
Have faith, Sweet Sister….Take care…
In Christ’s Tender Care,
K.
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My deepest sympathies.
You can rest assured that you and the entire family, together with Kirk will be in my prayers.
M.R.
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Kelly,
I am very sad for the loss of your husband, Kirk.
Although we can question why at such a young age, we can rest assured that he is in the hands of Our Heavenly Father.
I said a prayer for you and your children, and pray GOD`s peace will be with you and your family.
Here is a favorite passage of scripture of mine that I hope you`ll like:
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
May GOD indeed bless you and your family.
R.M. – Oil City, Pennsylvania
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Dear Kelly,
My name is E. and I knew of your husband Kirk only through This Day’s Thought. However, I would like to tell you that I give you my deepest sympathies and prayers. I once heard that only very special people are brought home early in their life by God because of a heart attack. Most people take 80-some years to give away all of the love in their hearts that He gives us. Kirk must have loved completely selflessly, purely, and wonderfully to have done so in 37 years.
With you in my prayers and thoughts,
E.
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Kelly, my sypathies are with you and your children because of your loss. I know you must feel really sad at this time. Also there is so much to rearrange in your lives now. God will see you through these things and ease your way. Trust in him. In Ecclesastes 12: verse 6-7 you can be assured that your loved one is with God now. God knows all the reasons, in time, perhaps we shall learn those reasons. Keep in the faith !
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Dear Kelly and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your unexpected loss! May God’s presence bless you and guide you and meet every need.of your family!
Sincerely, G.O.
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Kelly,
I’ve been getting This Day’s Thought and This Day’s Verse for a while now and there have been so many times it blessed me or helped me with a lesson for youth group. I’m sure it’s been the same with MANY other people as well. I am so sorry about your loss. Your husband, by being involved in This Day’s Thought has touched many lives and will be rewarded for all his hard work for Jesus. Jesus is with you now.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
A.B.
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To the family of Kirk,
My sincere condolences to Kirk’s family.
I am praying for your whole family, that the Great Comforter may greatly help you in these saddest moments.
These prayers for you and much more I will pray to the Creator who takes care of everything.
God bless you.
R.
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, Kirk. I have not lost my husband, but this past October I lost my 19-yr-old son in an accident, so perhaps I have a glimpse of what your loss is like. I am praying for you.
L.
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Kelly,
You are in our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time. The This Day’s Thought ministry has been a blessing in my life and my husband’s. We look forward to it each day. We are so thankful that Kirk had an important part in this ministry.
The Lord keep you and bless you. The Lord make His eyes to shine upon you. May He comfort your and keep you in His hand. You are loved by Him and by those of us who share this loss with you.
In Christ,
L.R. & D.R. – Howe, Texas
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Kelly,
My prayers are with you and your family. I know it has to be hard so I will not say that it isn’t. But as you are going through just know that the Lord has you in the palm of his hand.
I felt lead to respond to this email because there has been so many days that this site has help me out. You know we do not have to know each other but to know that we are all living for the Master is enough. Take care and again my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely your sister in Christ.
B.
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Dear Kelly,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and to your family as you seek God’s mercy and comfort during this great loss. We give thanks for Kirk’s life and the way God used his gifts and talents to touch so many that he never met. Thank you for sharing him with this wonderful ministry and know that his efforts will have eternal ramifications and may God’s peace be your portion today and always.
God’s grace to you and your family,
Rev. J.B. – Tempe, Arizona
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Dear Kelly,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. This Day’s Thought, which I know Kirk was instrumental with, has certainly made a difference in my life. God bless you and your family.
J. – Waynesville, North Carolina
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Dear Kelly and family,
I am sorry to hear of Kirk’s sudden passing. His work made a difference to me as this day’s thought/verse have become an important part of my work day. Thank you for the things you have done, and sacrifices you made to support him in his work with this ministry.
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I got chills all over my body when I read this. My deepest sympathy to you Kelly. May God comfort you and may he reveal his ultimate plan for you and yours so you can have the peace that passes all of our understanding. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless you today.
M.
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Kelly, my name is B. I’m fixing to be a college student at Texas Tech in Lubbock, TX. i want to thank you for sharing your husband with this ministry. i know this ministry has continually given me a smile on my face at the beginning of each day when i check my email. it has had an impact on me and the people around me. it’s amazing how huge God’s picture is. the ripple-effect of his plan is amazing. my prayers are with you and your family. i’m thankful for the man i never knew. God bless
B.M.
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May the Lord be always with you and your family Kelly. I know these words will seem insignificant but they are sent with feeling and I will hold you in my prayers.
J. – Middlesbrough
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Dear Family,
I would like to offer my deepest sympathy. I do not know you or your family, but you are my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that you will find peace, comfort, and above love in the arms of your Loving Savior. He will guide you throught this time and my prayer is that you will rely on Him as well as those around you. I want to thank you and your family for sharing the husband and father of your family, Kirk, with those around him. I have only been receiving “This Day’s”… for two weeks now and I just signed my husband up with them as well. This ministry has been an amazing blessing to my family and I want to thank you for Kirk’s sharing in this wonderful ministry. May God bless you and be with you now in your time of need.
In Christ’s Love,
B.&N.G – Atlanta, GA
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Kelly,
I cease the moment to express my deepest sentiments on this sad and trying event. I am 40 year old and I feel this death very close…not enough as you and the children would! There is this one thing we know for sure: Jesus has him with Him now, and He is with you as He always has. Take heart and good courage.
Sincerely,
J.A. – Togo YFC
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Dear Kelly,
My condolences to you and your family on losing your husband and father of your children. I have a son who is 37 with young children and I pray they never go through the anguish you must be feeling to lose such a young partner. My heart goes out to you and I will pray for you and your children and your families on both sides. God bless you.
Sincerely,
J.M.
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Kelly Bless you in this time of your loss. This web site has been of great value to the Body of Christ. I read it every day and send it to friends on my list of about 30. We will be praying for you during this time. I have a son who just turned 40 and I don’t know what I would do if this happened to him. Like you I would surely turn my face to the Lord and ask for His help and grace during this time. Bless you S.
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Hi, Dear Kelly
Thank you for letting Kirk be part of our daily life through this day’s thought. We don’t know what to say and how to say it but be sure you and your family will be on our prayers. blessings and peace
love
E.&W. – Toronto, Canada
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Dear Family of Kirk,
I have only been a recipient of this letter for a few months but it has blessed me, my friends and loved ones over and over. Like the penny doubled everyday (it becomes over 5 million dollars in a month!) the encouragement and inspiration from this venture Kirk was involved in has changed the attitude of a day, lifted up sad friends, convicted in just the right places and in just the right ways (causing God pleasing changes) and was spread to many others that are not even known to those who assemble the address book it’s sent to. I pray you are comforted and encouraged to an equal degree that Kirk’s efforts were to hundred’s of others in need. I assure you, God knows what He’s doing even though it sure might not seem sensible to you at this time.
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Kelly,
Although this may be the darkest hour of your life, losing your husband and the father of your children. You will ask God over and over – Why? I can tell you that there is only one way to get through your loss, pray to the Lord each and every day. Cast the tremendous burdon on His shoulders. “Footsteps” is true. He will carry you and your family through no matter how hard it is for you.
How do I know? My son, D., was 16 when he died in a tragic car wreck, on April 15, 2003. He was a passenger in a car with 3 other boys. The four were heading to the golf course to play in a school match. My wife, A., and my two other boys, C. (15) and N. (10), get through each day through the power of answered prayer. It’s been 15 months today, and only through God’s Grace and Mercy, is the pain a bit easier to bear. But, I guarantee you, you can do it if you believe in answered prayer. God will respond. You will feel the uplift. Things will happen and you will know He helped you through the hour, or the day. Things will happen which cannot be explained in any other way except as a miracle from God.
Isaiah 57: 1-3 may help you. It helped me. Sometimes God chooses the brightest and the best for his work in heaven. He has a plan for them greater than we can see and understand. He spares them from all evil and suffering in the earthly life and welcomes them to paradise as his special ones. They are ready and only God knows this. I know my son fits this plan. We know we will join them again one day.
I hope you get some comfort from this. I have.
Reply if you wish and I will respond again.
God Bless you and your family. I will pray for you.
Thanks,
D.H.
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Dear Friends In Christ:
It is with much saddness that we have learned of the sudden passing of Kirk, a brother we never had the chance to meet, yet feel connected, due to his servant heart thru this ministry. I pray that you may be able to let God carry you through this time and into the future, in praise and thanks giving, knowing that your husband, father, son and brother is with his Lord.
I buried my mother this past February, after a short but quickly dibilitating onset with ALS and lung disease. The comfort we felt then, and still do today is that we know that she is with her Lord and Saviour. We miss her, and at the same time look forward to seeing her again, when we get to join her.
Comfort to all of You.
D.
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I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Kelly and family in the lose of her beloved husband, Kirk. He is with the Angels and our Awesome and Wonderful Lord and Savior. We are striving to get there too. We lost our only Son, D., two years ago, but we know where he is – in Paradise. In Christ we pray for you, B. P.S.Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy This day’s thought. I share a lot with my church.
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I am so sorry. My name is A. (A’ie. to my friends) and by providence, I happened to get this site. It has been a tremendous blessing! I had a couple of quirky problems after being attacked by a virus and worm. I let you guys know, and next thing, POOF, no more problems. It had to be your husband.
If you need someone to talk to, need extra prayers, etc., here’s my e-dress. — You may feel alone, but I promise you, you are not.
A lot of love and prayers,
= ) A’ie
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We are truly sorry for your loss, please accept our best wishes.
B.&J.H. – Lakewood Colorado
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Kirk. While we know he has gone on to be with Christ our Lord and will finally be able to look into His awesome eyes, the loss you feel here on earth will still be tremendous and heartbreaking. I pray that you and your family will find peace in the knowledge that you will see him again some day and that he and our Lord are strong in your hearts and by your sides.
R.M.
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Our thoughts are with you Kelly and your family at this sad moment. May the strength of the Lord be with you all.
Kind regards,
R.T. – Townsville Queensland Australia
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To Kelly,
Your husband, Kirk allowed God to use his gifts and talents to be a real blessing to many, many people all over the world. You should know that God has promised a resting to all of His saints. Although I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Kirk, I do believe that he has received the promise of God and is at complete peace and rest. My prayer for you is that you will be comforted by the presence of God and that you too will be at peace knowing that your husband has found a resting place with God the Father. May our God forever bless and keep you and your family in His Care, You should Thank God for allowing you to share in the life of one of His angels!
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Dear Kelly,
So sorry. Trust the Lord will bless you beyond measure … in this time of “beyond sorrow.”
Suffering comes in many forms … sometimes the deepest is the lonely ache of sadness. However, God is in it all … and …
Suffering is not wasted
by God;
When pain’s depths are tasted
by man.
Discipline does not come
from God;
Out of caprice, or glum
for man.
If the Lord takes the plough
to man;
A crop is purposed, now,
for God.
R.D., July 5, 2004
May the Lord comfort and sustain,
R.
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Hi Kelly
It definately came as a shock to me, but when i heard i felt like it was someone so close to me and only didn’t shed a tear because i fought it. This tells me how important it was to me to have his ministry work in my like and how much it affected me.
I just want to remind you our earthly status if feable but God has a plan for each of us beond this world. May the good Lord bless you with His Comfort and rememember he is always by your side.
I’ll definatly miss him, and i will be praying for you and your family every time i do.
” Joh 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. ”
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Dear Kelly, Kirk’s death is a beginning for him, but is a heartbreaker for all who have benefited from his work at This Day’s Thought. The number of times I have forwarded the messages to my Sunday School class and other friends are uncountable. May the Holy Spirit lift up you and your children and help you find peace. J.S. and New Beginnings SS Class
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Kelly & her family are in my prays.
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Kelly-
I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your husband. Although I didn’t know him from what I gather he was a generous man. Dedicated to the cause of Christ. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I do know that God is faithful. He has not forgotten you. He is the God of ALL grace…he will himself strengthen and protect you…
1 Peter 5:10…. Remember “don’t doubt in the darkness what you knew in the light”…God is on your side. So are so many others. Your husband has ministered to me through this ministry,… thanks for doing your part as well.
In my prayers,
B.M. – Cedar Lake, Indiana
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Ms. Kelly and children:
I am so very sorry you have lost your dear husband and daddy – I will keep y’all in my prayers – May God’s peace surround and comfort you as we know only His peace can.
Love, a devoted reader of This Days Thought
N.
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To Kelley and family-
We are so sorry for your loss-We wil have you in our prayers- We miss the ones the Lord calls home, but one day soon, we too will be in His presents–and also get to see our loved again-
Lord’s Blessings for you-
D.K.
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Kelly,
Although I do not know you, I do extend condolences to you and your family. I love to start my day off with message@thisdaysthought.org.
It sounds like Kirk was a wonderful man. I will pray for God to give you His Peace and comfort to you and your family during this very difficult time.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God loves us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to die for us and our sins? One day we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven! I can’t wait to be held in the arms of Jesus. Your husband already has. Heaven is real.
God loves you and so do I.
D.
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Kelly and family,
So sorry to hear of your husbands passing. I will put you on my prayer list. I am a widow of 4 _ yrs, so I feel your pain, ……
God Bless you all,
G.K.
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Kelly, I didn’t know your husband nor do I know you or your children but God knows you and will continue to supply you with strength, love, guidance, a big shoulder to shed many tears. Everyday I look forward to these messages to make my day brighter, to make me think more, a nice hello from God through many voices. He was a true missionary for God and now he rests in the hands of God. May His Spirit give you comfort at night, love for your children. What a reunion it will be in Heaven when all the saints come marching home.
C.B. – Bonfield, Illinois
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Kelly,
May God bless you with abundant grace as you face the days ahead. I am so sorry for your loss.
In Christ’s Love,
S.S.
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Kelly,
I’m so sorry about your loss. The work your husband did has really blessed me and many others, I am sure. You and your family are in my prayers.
My deepest sympathies,
K.
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Please accept my condolences for your loss of Kirk. I know that he is in a better place and please know that the 37 years he gave were more than some others 50-100 years. He will truly be missed and will be the number one angel that gives out true devotion. J.
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Greg said he was such a vital part of this ministry and I have got to tell you how wonderful this ministry has been to me in particular. I am mostly secluded taking care of my own family and now my grandbabies so my daughter can finish her teaching degree. So that doesn’t leave me alot of interaction with the outside world. With my brothers and sisters in Christ. And there are times I am in desperate need of some fellowship between Lord’s Day and small group. And then God directed my to this site.
Kelly, I was going through “issues” and I am not kidding, God used all of these ministries:This Days Thought, Verse, Devotional…and He spoke to me on exactly what I needed to hear at the time. And he still does! These are all God’s messages to me! Or sometimes they are for me to encourage someone else with and I pass them on.
What I am saying is that because your husband was a big part of this, he has blessed my life and I just wanted you to know that. God worked through him to help me. And I appreciate it so much!! I know that our God will be close by you and will be your comforter. I pray peace for you and your children and just to see God working in your lives to confirm His love for you all.
God bless you richly,
V.S.
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What a shame. His work has been a blessing to me for several weeks now. As a dabbler in computers, I know what skill it takes to keep a network going. And as a physician I’ve run into the shock and heartache of losing loved ones at such an early age. Of course your family is in my prayers.
J.S.PhD. – Denver
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Dear Greg,
Good morning from Yunnan, China Our prayers are with Kelly and family. Don’t know what to say but will pray that God will send angels and servants to stand with them
L.Y. – Yunnan, China
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You are on my heart and in my prayers during this difficult time in your life. Just KNOW that no matter what comes your way, God’s gotcha and will never let you go–He promised!
In His Grip,
L.N.
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Kelly:
God is now using Kirk to help Him as Kirk has fulfilled his earthly duties for the Lord. Please know you are being lifted up in prayer and that God is good…all the time. Thank Him and praise Him for Kirk being a christian, for now you and your loved ones will once again see Kirk in God’s time. I know he is saving his family a place in heaven. God bless you during this trial and please accept my deepest sympathy.
S.
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May God be with you and your family every step of the way. Many prayers go up for you from the B. family.
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Kelly~ Please know that you are a child of GOd and he will comfort you in these days ahead. I will be praying for you and your loss, and also for peace in your soul, and the knowing that you two will be together again someday. May the Lord bless you and comfort you. I thank you for sharing your husband with us, and allowing him to bless our lives. We love you!!
In Him~
L.R.
When someone you loves becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure!! My soul cries out for you!!
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Dear Kelly
My love and prayers are with you. The ministry your husband enabled has
touched me greatly over this last year. Thank God for him. We will meet in
glory.
With love in Christ
J.
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My thoughts and prayers will be with Kelly and her family in this difficult time. I know that This Day’s Thought has helped me through some very difficult times the past year and I appreciate everyone’s efforts that get it out to us. what a tragedy and what an important time to trust in God’s will.
God Bless
E.
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Kelly,
I will pray for you and your family. B.B.
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Kelly…
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
<>><
L.
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Dear Kelly,
What a shock. I have enjoyed the Daily Thought feature so much, and never thought before about who put it together. Now he is gone. No words are possible except for a prayer that you and your family will find the strength to walk with God through this awful time. L.G.
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My earnest, heartfelt prayers goes out to you and your family Kelly. During my time of tribulation, I looked forward to and still look forward to reading The Day’s Thought. The ministry that your husband was a part of enabled me to stay in the race. They were always on time! Just when thought I could go no further, This Day’s Thought would encourage me. Let me encourage you by say: You can make it, you can make it. These trials you’re going through, God’s gonna show you just what to do. You can make it! You can make it. I don’t know all that’s going on, but God won’t let it last too long; you’re not in this thing alone, you can make it! Father God in the precious name of your Son Jesus. I am asking that you comfort this family during their time of bereavement. Let them know that you are there; send them strength Lord and supply their need according to your riches in glory. Fill the empty void they may fill with your presence. Don’t let their hearts be troubled Lord, but give them peace in the midst of this time. Let your Spirit rest, rule and abide with each one of them. In Jesus’ name I pray … Amen!!!
K.W.
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Dear Kelly,
I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear about your precious Kirk. I am a sucriber of This Day’s Thought. I know my life has been blessed and changed by his wonderful gift and ministry.
I pray that the Lord of all comfort, the great High Priest who has felt every hurt and every pain we have ever had comfort you in your days, months and years ahead. I pray you will find the grace to tap into the peace that passes all understanding, and come to walk in a supernatural strength Jesus has to give to you.
If there is something I can do in anyway please don’t hesitate to click on reply. We are all part of the body of Christ, we are family. Again I send my deepest regrets to you Kelly and your entire family.
S.A.
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Dear Kelly,
I am certainly praying with you regarding your and this world’s loss. I am a new subscriber to these devotions and definitely appreciate the enhancement to our walk with God.
You and your family have my deepest sympathy and my fervent prayer.
God Bless you in your time of need.
Sincerely,
D.
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My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time!
Sincerely,
B.E. – Charlotte, NC
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear about Kirk. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always. I will pray that you feel God’s presence and His loving arms around you for strenth and courage to get you through Kirk’s loss. I will put you and your family on our prayer list. May God bless you and keep you. P.G.
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Dear Kelly and family,
I am deeply sorrowful for your loss but I am happy for his gain. I know that your family has experienced a great tragedy but my prayer is that the purpose for this happening will be revealed and that you all will receive some answers to the questions that are sure to be going through all of your minds. I thank God for the ministry that was placed in your husband’s heart and I am extremely grateful for this days thought that is sent through e-mail. I have been blessed through each and every one. May God continue to keep your family and I will keep you all in my prayers.
God Bless You All
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Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this much difficult time. Please remember that God is with you and will never leave you. It is important to remember also that the memories of your loved one will be with you in your heart forever. Peace be with you and your family. Sincerely,
T.B.
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Dear Kelly and family
Our hearts go out to you in your grief. Kirk was much too young to leave all of you…and us! I want to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed his messages for the past year. It is simply wonderful to begin my day with thoughts that lead my heart to God ….and for the rest of the day! May our loving Lord wrap His arms of comfort and peace around you and your family. My prayers are with you.
G.T. – Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
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May God in His Grace give you the strength to know that your husband is Home with the Lord. This ministry is a fundamental part of my day. it’s like breakfast for the soul. May God bless you, Kelly, and know that God takes the best ones first! Kirk must have been a best one!
Thanks,
B.R.
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Kelly,
Words cannot describe how your husband, Kirk, has touched so many lives with his computer knowledge, expertise and personal equipment. The thoughts, verses, and devotionals from Bonnie and whom ever else involved, are more than blessings to me and my families and friends. They have been “life-changing”, “eye-opening”, “heart-transformation” words from the Lord at just the right time. They have never failed! Just like our precious Lord Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit.
May “He grant you out of the rich treasure of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit, Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality. And God’s peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:16: Philippians 4:7 AMP)
One step ahead is all I now can see, But He who notes the sparrow’s fall, He leadeth me. Not only by the waters still my feet may tread, but with my hand in His, I know that I am led.
E.D.
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Prayers are with you,
M.C. – Texas
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Greg- please let Kelly know how much Kirk’s contribution has meant to me personally. I look forward to the inspirational email I receive, and have forwarded it to many of my family and friends. My only theory must be that someone like Kirk is with God, who probably needed him back, since he was only on loan here anyway. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, her children, and your staff.
L.G.
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Dear Kelly:
I am truly saddened by the news of Kirk’s death. I am relatively new to This Days Thought – have just been receiving the message for about a month now – but I want you to know what a positive difference it has made to my life. I read it every morning before I do anything else – it is like putting on my armour for the day – Thanks to you and Kirk for making this all possible. My God be with you in this most difficult time – I am praying for you and your young family.
D.W.
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Kelly, I’m so sorry to hear you lost your husband so suddenly and so young! These next few months might be very difficult for you, I know it was a long time after my husband died that I felt able to move on. You are in my heart and in my prayers, and your children, I wish you all God’s blessings and His peace. J.
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Kelly,
I just want to thank and praise the LORD for Kirk and for the work he has done.
It would be impossible now to measure the value of his short life but I can tell you that God has been glorified. We commit you and your family into the Master’s hands. He will carry you the rest of the way.
Sincerely,
C.R.
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Dear Family in Christ Jesus,Heaven has gained a saint. My love and prayers are with you. One day soon I will get to shake his hand and thank him for all the wonderful inspiration he shared about our Father and His SON Jesus. What ahome come for us all. Agape love, V.P.
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Dear Kelly,
Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers- Although we don’t know you personally, as our sister in Christ we do care about you and your dear family. We have been subscribers to “This Day’s Thought” for some time, and our Ministry has truly been blessed through this. May God Bless you and yours, comfort and support you at this time.
E.G. – Tasmania, Australia
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I SEND MY SINCERE CONCOLENCES TO KELLY AND HER FAMILY.I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE LOSS. I LIFT THE ENTIRE FAMILY UP IN PRAYER. WHAT CAN ONE SAY TO SOMEONE WHO HAS SUCH A LOSS? MAY THE LORD SUSTAIN…………………
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Dear Kelly,
You don’t know me, as is true with many subscribers to This Day’s Thought I’m sure, but I want you to know that I prayed today for you and your children in the loss of your husband. That must be incredibly hard.
I hope this is encouraging, at least one day when you can process it: I met the editor of This Day’s Thought a few years ago at an online evangelism conference and got subscribed.
I can’t read these snippets and quotes every day since I’m so busy doing online ministry myself (plus I have 8-year-old triplets, which is one reason my heart goes out to you so much), but they have been a vital blessing at key times in my life. I also forward them at times to minister to friends, disciples, my wife and others.
Knowing what I do about Web ministry and what it takes to make it happen, I would like to say how much I appreciate your husband’s part in making this inspirational ministry a success. It takes sacrifice, which it sounds like Kirk made gladly. I know that represents sacrifice on your part, as well. And I trust that you enhanced your husband’s ministry and work in many ways.
The role of encouraging and inspiring me as I help reach skeptics and equip believers the world over in my own ministry is only a small portion of the fruit borne by your late husband, and by extension, by you. May eternity show great glory going to Jesus Christ because of it. And may Christ hold you up and show you His husbandly love beyond measure from now on.
Yours in Christ’s matchless Name,
B.B. – Addison, Texas
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Dear Kelly
I know there is not much I can say to help u at this time as I am sure it has all been said.. but just wanted you to know I am praying for you and the children.. I lost my husband 9 years ago this summer and know the sorrow..Your husband was young but God has plans for him I am sure.. You be strong hon and God will help u thru this.. If you ever need to talk I am here for you ..
J.
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Kelly and Family…
Our prayers go out to you and your family at this most difficult time for your family. It’s another time we all want to ask of God “Why?” Yet this is a question we cannot get an answer to. As one of my former ministers often would say, “Man cannot put a question mark to something God has put a period to.” Please know that God’s love for your husband and daddy is go great…just as His love is for you and your family. May you find strength today, tomorrow, and in the weeks, months and years ahead knowing that God loves you more than words can describe. In this time of family mourning…may you feel God’s love.
D.A. and family – Yakima, Washington
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Greetings Kelly,
I just want you to know, how much your husband did by sending those daily thoughts. He was a very caring, and giving person . I know it looks like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but look real hard and you will see a little flicker, and each day the light will get brighter. Also remember that our LORD will not leave nor forsake us. I will pray for your family, and for you. GOD BLESS YOU and your family. Our prayers go out to you.
R.M. – Hepworth, Ontario, Canada
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Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you in this extremely difficult time. May our God of comfort carry you through your grief and hold you close. M.
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This site has been a strength to me. Likewise God will be a strength to the family. God gives Beauty for Ashes, Strength for Fear, Gladness for Mourning and Peace for Despair.
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Dear Kelly,
I know you don’t know me, but I have been following the prayers and thoughts and thints for awhile now. I am really sorry to hear about your husband’s death. You and your family are in our prayers and our thoughts.
R.W. – Kannapolis, North Carolina
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Dear Kelly,
Our prayers and thoughts all the way from Australia in appreciation of Kirk’s life and for your strength and comfort, from our Comforter in your time of need. Sincere prayers for your precious children and your extended family to gather in and close the circle. Remember we are told in Psalms sometime righteous men are taken to be kept from future sadness. He is certainly at home now with our Lord and Saviour, be assured of that. It is but a momentary seperation. Be strong and of good courage, the Lord is your tower of strength, for He is compassionate and well understands great sorrow. Go to Him with your sorrow and anger, your tears and anxiety, and cast your cares upon Him. For He is LOVE perfected.
Christian love and prayers,
T.&B.W. – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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To Kelly..
I read the articles.. devotions on this days thought daily.. I love you reading them.. All my love.. thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.. May the Lord give you all the peace and love you need.. He’s home with your Father right know.. pain free.. rejoicing.. Rejoice that He’s home with the Lord.. and you will see your husband again. My love and prayers are with you…
Blessings…
T.H.
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Dear Kelly,
I am very sorry to hear about the untimely passing of your beloved husband, Kirk. Please accept my deepest condolences. May the ever-loving God console, comfort, and uplift you and your family and bless you all with everything you need at this time. You can stand tall for through Kirk’s unselfish giving, a great number of people are encouraged, comforted and uplifted daily by the Word of God. Surely eternal rewards await Kirk.
Be comforted, Kelly, for Christians do not die; they merely fall asleep, waiting for God’s trumpet call to arise at our glorious Easter. So I do not say goodbye to Kirk; I’d say, “See ya later, brother!”
J.S. – Singapore
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Kelly~~~
You and your family are in my prayers.
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Kelly,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I lost a young son unexpectedly, and the sorrow is deeper due to the shock. Please know that God was with Kirk, throughout his life, and when He called him home. Through Kirk’s assistance with this ministry, he has helped countless people to feel better and to feel closer to the Lord. I will keep you and your children in my prayers, that soon the thought of Kirk will bring joy to your hearts in place of sorrow.
Blessings,
J.
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Dear Kelly,
What a shock for you. I was a widow at 39 so I have an idea of what you are going through now. It does get better but, of course, your life has changed. Keep your faith, it will help you to get through this time of extreme sorrow. Set aside daily time with the Lord and for yourself. A bubble bath can do wonders. As they tell you on the plane: Put your own mask on first and then assist those around you. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Love,
B.
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Dear Greg,
Pls. relay to Kelly, Kirk’s wife, my hearthfelt thanks and condolences. I’m one of those blessed for years now by what her husband, through This Days Thought, has done. I’m on the other side of the globe – Philippines. The nuggets of truth that has been relayed to me daily has helped me in many ways in my personal walk with God and in my preaching.
I’m a bit sad because Kirk and I are of the same age and I feel that he’s too young to die. But I also understand that it’s not really how long a person lives that matters. It’s how many lives you’ve touched one way or the other. It’s quality that results to quantity…
Thanks and may God bless us all,
D.F.
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Dear Kelly, my heart and prayers go out to you as Kirk’s wife and to your children. God bless you and keep you all. My sons, “my boys” are soon to be 39 and 41, and to me that is sooooooooo young, and I have lost my youngest son, age 24.
I am so sorry, may God give you comfort, that Kirk is home now, and may God hold you in his palm, through your time of sorrow and grief, there are really no words of consolation, Hugs to all.
I love these messages, and enjoy them so, and now one person is missing, take care all.
B.A.
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So Very Sorry!
God Has His Hand On All Of Us!
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Hi kelly,
My subscription with this daily thoughts, devotional has been a great blessing to me. It sad to know that your husband has left not only you but all of us subscribers here on earth. At the same time it’s also nice to know that he has already fulfilled the duties that God has given to him. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
God bless you and your family always!
R.P. – Philippines
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My dearest Kelly:
I know this time must be very difficult for you, bless you and I know the Lord will take care of you. Please know that you are in our prayers each day and will continue for comfort and guidance.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
Prov. 3:6
Fondly,
N.W.
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Dear Kelly,
Words cannot express the grief I feel for your family during this most difficult time. Even though I did not know Kirk personally, the thoughts I receive in my inbox every morning are a great source of inspiration to me, and many times I have thanked God for the hands that make this ministry possible.
I know there is little I can say to ease your pain, but please know you and your children are in my prayers. I wish I were there to give you a huge hug, but know that God’s arms are wrapped around you always.
Yours in Christ,
R.G. – Clarksville, Tennessee
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Dear Kelley,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I did not know your husband, but I lost my fiance last year and life has been difficult for me every since. Some how I cant seem to find any joy in life anymore. But I pray that God will be with you and your family in the days and years to come. As a matter of fact, I know he will, so I will just thank him. Be blessed sister, in the name of Jeus.
*
Your family are in my prayers. May God comfort you.
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Kelly,
Hello. My name is A. and I just heard the news about your husband. I’m so very sorry and just know that you are all in my prayers. Kirk is being taken care of by God now, and I’m sure is very happy in heaven. You will be with him again one day, but until then, just know that things will get easier. If you ever need to talk feel free to email me anytime. My email is —
All my sympathy,
A.
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TO Kelly,
I now you are in a very difficult stage in your life. You might think that it seems everything was went wrong and seems that GOD is so unfair for HIM to get the person he’s been using in the ministry effectively at This Day Thought.org.
KIRK has help so many persons in his ministry and GOD will surely reward him for his faithfulness. I’m just one amongs millions of people who was blessed at Kirk and this day thought ministry.
But rest assured, GOD has very good reasons why He let these things happened. You might not understand it at the moment, but surely GOD will reveal the reasons behind in His perfect time. I felt the same way as you do right now. My firstborn SON died without even seeing her mother and father. Without even enjoying the gift of life that GOD gave him.
Even her mother, my wife, who gave birth to him did not even saw his face and was not able to come at his funeral due to severe operations after giving birth. At first, we felt that GOD is so unfair, and even questioned why He is allowing this to happened to us.
We are so very expectant of our first baby, but that expectations was suddenly turn into tragedy. Tragedy that seems we can’t really bear. But, even at times we don’t know if GOD really cares, HE was THERE! He gave us comfort even we don’t recognize it.
He helps us bear whatever we can’t seem to bear. GOD was there embrassing us in his unfailing love, even at times we resists Him and thinks He don’t love us.
GOD was there, wiping our tears at times when we remember how tragic our situation was. His care, His love, His faithfullness, had helped us to continue on with our life.
And we are here, continuing to praise GOD with his unfailing love and faithfulness.
We believe, everything that GOD allows to come our way is with a purpose. He uses even the greatest error and the deepest hurt to mold us into a person of worth and value.
Sometimes, we must be hurt in order to grow.
We must fail in order to know.
We must lose in order to gain.
Some lessons are learned best only through pain.
I would like to share some lyrics of the gospel song which gave us
strength to face the difficult times that came our way. It says…
“GOD is too wise to be mistaken.
GOD is too good to be unkind.
When you don’t understand.
When you don’t see HIS plan.
TRUST HIS HEART.”
I may not understand at the moment why GOD has allowed those things to
happen. But, one thing is really sure… GOD has a better plan for us… we may
not see it now, but He sure has a better plan.
“He Himself has said,
I will not in any way fail you
nor give you up
nor leave you without support.”
Hebrews 13:5
“For I know the plans I have for you
Plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and future.” Jeremiah 29:11
We are with you in prayers.
R.M. and family.
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and friend… and the father of your children. He was so young. I cannot sit here and say I understand how you feel, because I don’t. I can experience the feeling of loss as I lost my mom when she was 42 from cancer. But I still cannot understand how you feel. Please know that my prayers are with you, and your children that the Lord would put the healing balm of Gilead on your lives each day to help you bear with the loss. HE is able.
Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble and HE knoweth them that trust in HIM.
Sincerely,
W.Y. – Missionary to Mongolia
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Hello, My name is H.L., I am a 40 year old Christian African American woman. I am the wife of S.L., the mother of 6 (4 boys and 2 girls) and a grandmother of a 1 month old baby girl. I have been receiving the day’s thought and day’s verse for approximately 3 months now. It has encouraged me in my darkest moments. My husband and I run a mortgage business out of our home. I left my 9-5 job of 10 years to join my husband a little over a year ago. It took tremendous faith. Kirk’s involvement in this ministry has touched my life at so many times when I was feeling down about business being slow and when I doubted my decision to stand alongside my husband in his business endeavor. I’d never experienced a loss in the family until last August when my Grandmother (who was the backbone of our family) went on to glory. It felt like someone was choking me when they said “Momma’s gone”. I had never felt that type of anguish in my entire life. My heart and my love go out to you Kelly. I will keep you in my prayers and remember that you and Kirk will meet again and sometimes when you hear a small voice in your mind it’ll be Kirk talking to you.
Peace and Agape Love,
H.L.
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Dearest Kelly
I’m sad to hear that Kirk was called back to be with the Lord. I really hope that things are fine over at your side and that you would stay strong during this time.
My prayer for you:
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for Kelly who has lost her husband, Kirk. Be very close to her during this time of grief and mourning. Lord, assure her that those who mourn will be comforted. Your Holy Spirit is the Comforter and He has the power to turn her mourning into dancing. Lord, give her this kind of assurance and the peace that passeth all understanding.
Father Lord, impart hope to Kelly during her time of sorrows. Let her mourning into joy as she realizes all that you have provided for her and her loved ones, to the end that her glory will sing praise to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I give you thanks forever for all that you are doing in her life.
Lord Jesus, help Kelly to see your power and to experience your love. Give her everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. May these blessings enable her to comfort her own heart and may they establish her in every good word and work.
In Jesus Christ most precious and almighty name I pray, AMEN.
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Dear Kelly,
I will keep your family in prayer, dealing with the loss of a husband at such a young age is a very sorrowful event. But God has a plan for you and His Will is Always for your best. I also, dealt with loss in my family, friends and close associates, it’s never an easy situation. you do however have my deepest sympathy.
The Lord Be With You,E.A.
G-d Bless and may His Peace Follow you always!
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My sincerest condolences. Kirk was a wonderful man with a good heart and a mission to fulfill. He did that. I will pray for you all.
J.
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Dear Kelly,
I am sorry to hear about your lost. I pray for God’s continuous presence and
His comfort to be upon you and your family.
I am one of the blessed ones who receive ‘This Day’s Thought’ daily, I thank God for Kirk for his faithfulness in serving and his dedication that has blessed so many people around the world…
S.K. – Malaysi
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Greg and Kelly,
Much of what comes into my email box is just junk, but I always read and remember the insightful thoughts provided by This days thought. Many of them are on my refrigerator right now. I’m so sorry about your loss. God has used this ministry to speak to my heart and challenge me to be a better christian. I’m not sure how many lives this ministry has impacted, but I know I have been so appreciative for it. I will rember you in my prayers. Kirk touched my life though his skill ! Thank you!
M.H. – Hartselle, Alabama
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I want to send my sympathy to you Kirk’s wife and families. He will walk in Gods Garden. My prayers goes out to his families. God Bless all.
From J.!
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Dear Kelly and family,
I didn’t know Kirk and he didn’t know me. But I just wanted to let you know that he touch my life. Life is busy and there doesn’t seem to be enough time to accomplish all the things that we want though out the day. Because of Kirk’s work in this ministry my days usually start with This Days Thought and for this I will ever be grateful to a man who made a difference in my life.
All my prayers and thoughts go out to you. I weep as I know you will have to endure much without him. (Both of my sisters have lost their husbands in their 40). God will be with you and your family.
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Dear Kelly,
I’m G. from Singapore.
I’m really really really sorry for your hurting. And at the same time, although I don’t know Kirk personally, I’m assured that God loved Kirk more than anyone does and took him home to be with Him earlier than we all expect.
My friends and I have benefited greatly from Kirk’s input into This Day’s Thought. And it is with a great many thanks that through Kirk’s effort we have been nourished spiritually. I know it’s kind of a roundabout way of ministering but it IS. And all my Christian friends have gasped often when something reaches out to them through the emails.
Please don’t give up on God and I’ll be saying a small prayer from this little island for you.
best regards,
G.
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Please be sure to let Kirk’s family know that they are in my prayers. The Lord promised not to put more on you than you can bear and blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints.
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Dear Kelley and family,
Please accept my sympathy, on the loss of your husband. I am sure you are stunned at his passing at such a young age. His work was a blessing to me. I enjoy
“This Day’s Thought” very much. I was unaware of his name, but I will think of him and you, from now on, when I receive “This Day’s Thought”. I am praying for you and for your family.
Most sincerely,
S.U.
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Kelly, you have my deepest sympathy. Know that this is only our temporary home and you meet Kirk again in our eternal home. You will be in my prayers.
In Christ Jesus,
J. †
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Dear Kelly: So sorry to hear of Kirk’s passing. I’m sure he was an inspiration to all. May God be with you and your family always.
Sincerely,
N.
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sad to learn of the untimely death of your husband. I am grateful to “This Day’s Thought” and I hope that you will find comfort in knowing that God has used Kirk to reach many souls you and he have never met. We cannot understand everything and most certainly losing our soulmate is especially hard. Use the tears the good Lord provides and accept the hugs, prayers and words of comfort that will come your way. Know that just as God sent Kirk into all of our lives to minister in “cyberspace” – you have been sent into our lives to pray for.
May God bless you and your family and may you feel his hand of mercy at this difficult time.
In His Love,
K.C.
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Please tell Kelly our love and prayers are with her in this time. It is not for us to question why, Kirk through his work showed his love for Jesus and now he sit with our Lord. Again, please let Kelly and the family know they are in our prayers.
R.C.
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Kelly and family,
My prayers are with you during this time of testing through loss. I cannot express my gratitude for those (Kirk and many nameless others) who have so generously kept this days thought site operational. To open a day’s mail and have such wonderful inspirational messages sets the tone for my attitude, gratitude and continued attempts to live the word of God. It is through the love and generosity of people like Kirk who have touched and bettered the lives of so many. Thank you for sharing him with us.
M.
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Dear Kelly,
My condolences. I will pray for you and your family. May you find comfort in
the Lord.
Sincerely, E.C.
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Kelly
May God be with you and your family, and may he give you peace and comfort and may he also give you the strength to move on to the next day. I haven’t been with your husbands ministry for very long at all, and already your husbands work has helped me. Obviously I did not know your husband, niether do I know you, but reguardless I have been blessed by your husbands work, and I know that you must have been extremely blessed to have known and loved him. I will pray for you and your family, and I hope that you and your family will be loved and taken care of during this awful time. Know that your husband is now face to face with the God that he served so willingly. Most of all know that that same God is right there beside you comforting you and he is always ready for you to come to him and share with him your deepest hurts. Take hold of the family God has blessed you with, and lean on Him when you just cant seem to go on. Realize that life will move on, and that in the future when you look back you will be able to see all the wonderful times that you shared with your husband. With much love and sympathy…
– J. –
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Hi, Kelly. You don’t know me, nor I you, but I had to write to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. I’m so sorry for the overwhelming loss you have suffered. I pray that, in time, God will heal the pain so that the memories of your life with Kirk can bring you comfort. God can and will get you through this difficult time, Kelly. Of this, I know from personal experience. May God keep and bless you until you are reunited once again with your loving husband.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength and comfort in the prayers of those around you.
L.
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Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Kirk has helped many people receive the word of God through his kindness and generosity of time and expertise. I pray for you and your family, and believe that your faith will help you to get through this devastating time in your life. He is with God, and with you in your heart and spirit.
God Bless You and Your Family! I pray the Lord sends his healing angels to help heal your heart!
Love,
L.S.
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Dear Kelly. I know it will be hard to recieve lots of words at this time so I will just say what a blessing this site has been to me. Thankyou for releasing Kirk into ministry. May God hold you and the children and bring comfort. Shalom.
L.B. – Darwin, Northern Territory Australia
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Dear Kelly,
May God be with you in this time of trial, no words can ease the pain, just know alot of people are praying for you,
S.P.
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Dear Reader, please forward this to Sister Kelly for me please.
Kelly,
I want you to know that God is your only source. He will be our comfort and guide during times of death in our lives.Trust Him and He will take control.God always know why He lets things happen to us,even in the lost of our loved others. I’m so glad that Kirk played an important role in the Internet Ministry, reaching many people around the world…and most important He had Jesus!…….I hope that you are encouraged and that the body of Christ stands with you in this time of grief..(James 1:27 to visit widows..). And I am so glad that Greg informed me…..Take Care…..God Bless.
C.,18 years, Trinidad and Tobago – Caribbean
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Dear Kelly,
Just want you to know that right at this moment, thousand of miles away some one feels your pain and is praying for you. God is wonderful in the courage he bestows on people when we need it most.
R.
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Oh Kelly…I don’t have any words to say that would help at this time..I am so sorry for what has happened to you and your sweet family. I have experienced the death of a dear friend by a heart attack in his front yard..it was so sudden and he was only 56…it brings back to my heart the feelings of shock and pain and the “please don’t let this be happening God”. I can only imagine what you must be going through and will go through in the days and months to come. I can think of no greater tragedy then what you are experiencing…and what your little ones must be trying to understand. It’s such a shock and incredible loss..that’s so hard to accept..he was so young.
I will be praying for you..that you will be able to feel God’s arms around you and your children, hugging you tightly…holding you close to His heart. He is carrying you now and will be with you through it all. These things are sooooooo hard to understand..why does God take the beautiful, giving people, like your Kirk, home so early in life.
I don’t know you but if I was there, I would give you a hug…my heart goes out to you and up to the Father to be very close to you right now. I pray you will be surrounded by love..you are being held up in prayer. My love to you and your family and may all the precious memories of your beautiful loving Kirk carry you through this very hard time.
In Christs Love, D. (a daily reader of This Day’s Thought)
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Dear Kelly
My heart certainly reach out to you and your children even though I do not know you personally.I need to let you know that every morning when I open my edumail, I’ll deliberately sort out the thoughts and verse of the day first and without fail, they’ve been my source of inspiration and motivation for the day. I’m indeed bless by this simple ministry of Kirk and someday when I meet him in heaven, I’ll certainly let him know that.
May the Lord’s peace, strength and comfort be even more real to you and your children.
Your sister in Christ
S.Y.
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Hello Kelly,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I am so so sorry, You and your family are in my prayers and just remember that Kirk’s spirit is alive and will be with you always. I lost my husband Dr. B.E. 5 years ago from an unexpected heart attack and yes he was also young. I have continued to feel his spirit many times and I believe that Jesus allows our loved ones that have gone on to be our guardian angels. The soul of man never dies.
God bless you,
L.E.
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Dear Kelly,
I pray you will be comforted in your sorrow.
C.W.
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Kelly
Words can never say what’s on the heart – I didn’t know the young man but my feelings of sympathy go out to his family…
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 1 Corinthians 1:6
Praying that the Lord will comfort you with His peace, surround you with His love and encourage you with His presence…
Blessings and Peace
S.R.
A “Today’s Thought” daily reader
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The Lord must have desired a wonderful technician at his right hand.
God Bless Kelly and Family and may the warmth of all surround them at this time
K.&T.R. and Family, Vernon BC Canada
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Dear Kelly,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your husband’s wonderful ministry has helped me and so many others that I forward it on to as well. Something this sudden is always a terrible loss and I want you to know that I will lift you and your family up in prayer. May the God of our Fathers comfort you and give you strength to continue on for the sake of your children and that we may continue spreading the Good News to the lost in this world of sin.
God bless and keep you
With His love and our Prayers
R.A. – Dixon, California
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Dear Kelly ~
I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your husband to you and your family. Surely you ache and long for his presence even while he rejoices being in the presence of our Lord and Savior. This ministry has blessed my life and that of my sister (who has been bed-bound with M. S. for the last 10 years) and I am grateful for your husband’s role regarding the technical aspects of making this program operational. I pray that God blesses and uplifts you and yours during this most difficult time.
Your sister in Christ ~ C.J.
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Hi,
I am so sorry to hear about what happened with Kirk. I trust and believe he is in a way better place. I pray that God comforts you as you go through this valley. God is faithful and loves us more than we can ever know. Someone told me today to repeat to myself the words, “My Father loves Me” everyday and outloud. I have a situation with my 19 year old son who is in prison. I get very upset about it and when I read your story , My heart just broke for you. I will be praying for you to be strong for the rest of your family. God bless you and many prayers.
M.S. – St Rose, Louisianna
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Dear Kelly, I wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you and
your family. I am very sorry to hear about Kirk, and your loss here on this
earth. I lost my sister the same way 5 months ago. I know this is not easy
for you to go through but know that God is right there with you, right now.
I will continue to pray for you all. Remember, never forget in the dark
what God told you in the light. And also, in the months ahead, if you can
find nothing to be thankful for, be thankful that Jesus came to die for you
and for Kirk, and for us to have eternal life. One day, you will see Kirk
again, when you see Jesus. I’ll be praying. Love and prayers to you,
G.B.
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I am sooo sorry to hear this..Will pray for his loved ones..What a shock to a family at so young an age..My 40 yr old daughter was having troulbles yesterday and thought it may be her heart.. what a shocker this must be!! Will pray for all! in Christ, R.
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I know that your heart and the heart of your family is breaking at this extremely difficult time. When one part of the “Body” hurts, the rest of the “Body” hurts with you. You may feel alone right now, but I pray that you know in your heart and Spirit, that you have people who have never met you, sharing your grief, praying for you, and lifting you, your children and all of your family members and loved ones up to the Father. May the peace of God which surpasses all of our understanding, rest upon you.
In His Love M.&F.D., and family
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Dear Kelly ,
Sorry to hear about Kirk, it must be very difficult moments for you and the children. My prayers are always with u that god gives you the courage to bear such a great loss. Trust Jesus he loves us all.
I.
*
Sorry,
Blessing go out to Kirt and his family.Look at it like this The Lords server has ceased and he needs the best of us for assistance.
God Bless
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Dear Kelly,
Your husband was part of a ministry that has seen me through health crisis, downsizing (my job), a new position (of the Lord’s provision), and now the purchase of a home. There have been times when my life has literally hung on the words Kirk’s expertise allowed to be sent to many.
May the Lord Bless and Comfort You and may your heart be filled with the gratitude of many that were impacted by this ministry, and Kirk’s contribution to it.
God Bless You!
J.R.
“The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.” ~Mother Theresa
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I thank you for allowing your husband to give so much of his talent and time toward the feeding of the Lord’s word to so many of us! He enabled the ability of so many to find comfort, ease, guidance, forgiveness, and love by strengthening the connection of “This Day’s Thought” so it reached those searching and in need.
I thank the Lord for allowing him to be a member of the forum that has touched so many lives…I pray for you and your children that you find comfort in the many friends your husband has that he didn’t even know. You have those friends now too.
The Lord keep you and yours in His tender care and protection. This too shall pass…through the Lord you will find comfort and strength to carry on.
How proud you must be of your husband!
Yours in friendship and in the Love of the Lord,
L.
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Dear Kelly, I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. God had and will continue using your husband in many ways. I know you and your family must miss him dearly, however, what a better place for him to be. In the presence of our Heavenly Father. I know you’ve never met me…but if you need anything, please let me know, and I will do my best to help out in any way. Keep looking to God for comfort and strength each and every day. Your in my heart and prayers Your sister in Christ, A.
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WOW I praise God for Men and Women who can praise him in times of trial! Thank you for being strong and you are in my families prayers.
God Bless you!
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Dear Kelly,
May God help you in a real way in this time of need
— in the absence of Kirk.
II Corinthians 1: 3,4
God bless you,
With prayers,
D.S.
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Dear Kelly and Family
My thoughts are with you.
J.
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I’ve been receiving this days thought for about 8 or 9 months now. I would just like to say that this ministry has helped me through some very rough times these past few months. It seems every time I was down the daily thought would know exactly what to say to bring me back to God. I would like to say that Kirk is with the Lord now and the angels are singing praises to the Lord because of him coming home. God Bless you Kelly for sharing your husband to us and giving us hope when things seem hopeless. I praise God for Kirk and this ministry. Your friend in Christ, T.
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To Kelly,
Be comforted to know that Kirk has touched so many lives in his lifetime.
Not a lot of us can say that.As one who has received the peace of God in
time of tremendous emotional upheaval, I say to you, just reach for His hand
for He has His had stretched out to you.
You and your family are in my prayer. Thank you for sharing Kirk to all the
subscribers of This Day’s Thought
N. from Los Angeles
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Dear Kelly
You and your family are in my prayers. God picked one of his finest roses
for his boquet. May God fill your heart with strengh through this tough
times.
Blessings from Laurika Badenhorst, Pretoria, South Africa
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Dear Kelly,
God did not promise days without pain,
Laughter without sorrow,
Sun without rain,
But He did promise strength for the day,
Comfort for the tears and
Light for the way.
Everything for the Best!!!
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Dear Kelly,
I have only been receiving ‘This Days Thought’ for a week now and it is such a blessing to me. My mother in-law passed away 3 weeks ago and the encouragement this site has brought me has helped me through this sad time. I trust God will give you the strength to deal with your heartache. Remember death has no victory if we are children of God.
Best wishes
C.V. – South Africa
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Its with great sadness and sorrow that I pass my condolenses to the wife and family of Kirk Im sure if there is anything we could do like if tears and memories could bring him back home we would all do that. Please dont be so sad Lean on God and his everlasting peace which tranceeds all understanding. John 14 he asks us not let our hearts be troubled we should believe in Jesus as well as God , he has told us In his Fathers house are many mansions and if it we not so Jesus would have told us. Take courage My sister, my brother God is in control over our lives and no matter what happens its all about him . Please rememeber that God is here he knows exactly how you feel and he will see you through.
All my condolences to your family and friends God is here and see he is doing a new thing.
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To Mrs. Kelly!
Thank you so very much for being a wife that shared her husband with others in times of need. When Mr. Kirk, offering equipment and expertise to (thisdaysthought.org) the web-site continued.
The (thisdaysthought.org) have been a joy, and comfort for me each day. I cut on my computer just to read the messages from (thisdaysthought.org). I look forward on my break at work or at home to read God’ s Word from this web-page. (Thisdaysthought.org) helps motivate me to read and share the Bible consistently.
Mrs. Kelly, it is okay to mourn the home going of Mr. Kirk. Yes! The human side of us hurts because the Lord called a faithful man, name Kirk home (your husband). Remember that Kirk’s job was complete here on earth, he had run his race, and his course on earth was completed. It was time for him to go home to live with Jesus.
Even though, he leaves to cherish a beautiful wife and young children. The Lord will provide (Jehovah- Jireh) for Kirk’s earthy family. Mrs. Kelly just keep trusting and believing.
Mrs. Kelly, you will see Kirk again in heaven. God’s promises (The Word; The Bible) are true! Thank! The Lord Jesus Christ for salvation!
Finally, Mrs. Kelly you can praise the Lord for your years with your husband. Remember! Mr. Kirk was another great soldier that helped share Jesus Christ with many. Truly, his rewards were ready for him in heaven from Jesus.
He had many crown ready for him but I know the first thing he wanted to do was to see Jesus Christ, the Savior!
I will continue to pray for you & your family
Love In Christ!
J.
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Dearest Kelly, – I am sure that at this time you find it difficult to come to understand what really has happened in your life, and even more difficult to understand why this has happened. It is even more difficult to get the right words across to you, to say I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I think the only person who may really understand is anyone who has lost her husband or her child.
My thoughts, and prayers are fo you this day, – may Our Blessed Father in heaven give you strength and carry you through this difficult and traumatic time.
I remain sincerely yours in Jesus Christ
D.
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Dear Kelly,
I am sending you my deepest sympathy during these difficult times because I am one of the may people blessed by the daily thoughts and messages made possible by your dear husband Kirk who is with the Lord right now. everyday since I have signed up to the daily inspirationals, I have looked forward to it because more often than not it has helped me through a stressful day.
I pray that the almighty lord will be your strength and sustenance and will empower you with all the grace you will need as well as your family to cope through the days ahead. remain strong in the lord and be assured of his provision for you.
we thank God for the live of Kirk and that he has granted him rest in his bosom.
God Richly Bless You
Yours in Christ
A.B. (UK)
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Dear Kelly, please read this, – and I hope that you will find some solace in these words.
Sincere regards and thoughtful wishes once again
D.
Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
– Grace is the favour and love of God towards us.
– His grace is enough to help us cope.
– We all feel weak from time to time.
– Our weakness is an opportunity for God’s strength.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray that I will discover that Your grace is all I need. Thank you that in my weakness I can trust YOU and as a result Your strength and power can shine through me. Amen.
Have a great weekend!
Regards,
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Hello Kelly
You husband has been a Blessing to many people and his messages has toughed and changed many lives.
May the Lord give you the strength you need in this difficult time.
God Bless
N.V.
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Dear Kelly & Family
I am writing from South Africa. My thoughts are with you during this time. I do not let a day go by without reading my “Thought for the Day”. May God bless you and may you have peace.
Warm regards,
J.B.
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Dear Kelly
My sincere condolences.
I am very sorry for the death of your husband. But hay, everything happends for a purpose.
One day you and all of us who have been inspired by what your husband was doing will meet him, Just hold unto the Lord Almighty the one who gives and takes away.
I know it may be hard for you and your family but just look to Jesus who conquered death. He is the comfort to those who mourns.
I will keep on praying for you and your family.
God bless you.
P.
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Dear Kelly
My sincere condolences.
I am very sorry for the death of your husband. But, everything happends for a purpose.
One day you and all of us who have been inspired by what your husband was doing will meet him, Just hold unto the Lord Almighty the one who gives and takes away.
I know it may be hard for you and your family but just look to Jesus who conquered death. He is the comfort to those who mourns.
I will keep on praying for you and your family.
God bless you.
P.
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Kelly,
Thanks for sharing your wonderful husband with us. The daily Bible verses , devotional, and prayers mean so much to me. God will sustain and comfort and guide you and your family as you continue to serve Him.
Love and prayers,
M.
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Kelly
Many times I came to the office feeling down because of life’s circumstances but when I read some of the daily thoughts, devotionals and verses it always brought a sense of peace in the midst of the storm.
KIRK WILL CERTAINLY RECEIVE A GREAT REWARD IN HEAVEN FOR WHAT HE DID TO SPREAD THE WORD!!!
My prayers and thoughts are with you, and I am sure Kirk’s love will always be with you – it’s like the wind, you cannot see it but it’s there!!!
I believe if you can touch only one person and mean something to somebody then life is worth it all Kelly.
Your husband touched many people’s lives through what he did and sacrificed for God, he was a mighty channel, MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER DREAM OF!!!
May today there be peace within you. May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you…. May you be content knowing you are a child of God…. Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love again. It is there for you and your children!!!!
BLESSED ARE THE BROKEN HEARTED FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED!!!!
C.C. – South Africa
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I am a subscriber of This Day’s Thought since more than a year. Usually I start my day after going through your mail which I get every day and often I save your messages in a folder. Although I am a Muslim I agree with most of your thoughts. I am really sorry to hear of Kirks death May he rest in peace. Please pass my condolences to his wife Kelly and family.
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Dear Kelly,
I have been receiving this messages since last year when I subscribed and they have been inspiring and strengthening. I am deeply saddened by the passing on your husband and would like to tell you that you are in our prayers and may God give you strength and consolation especially this time of sadness but we believe that he will guide you and the children as he is our Father and he has good plans for each one of us.
G.K. – Nairobi Kenya
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Kelly,
Thank God for allowing you to know Kirk, loving him and being with him. Thank him for the life he lived, where he touched so many lives through the technical support he rendered and thank him for Loving you and the blessings he has showered you with. Till you meet with Kirk on that day when Jesus comes, thank God all the time. May the Good Lord comfort and make you strong as you morn your late husband.
M.S. – Lusaka, Zambia
Take care and God bless you.
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Dear Kelly
It’s never easy to loose a loved one and sometimes one runs out of words to comfort the ones left behind, but remember this He’ll never leave nor forsake you. May God heal the wound in your heart.
Hold on, by E.J.
Some times life treats you bad, Everything goes oh so wrong And, Sometimes you feel so all alone Family and Friends are nowhere to be found Troubles come and Troubles go
When will it ever stop, I don’t know So many times you’ve cried: Dear Lord, Why has Thou forsaken me Hold on! Be Strong! Stand up, Hold Tight Fight the Fight Hold on! Be Strong! Joy cometh in the morning. So don’t you dare give up. And don’t you dare give in. He’ll never leave nor forsake you, NO! Jesus, He knows how much you can bear Troubles come and Troubles go When will it ever stop, I don’t know So many times you’ve cried: Dear Lord, Why has Thou forsaken me
E.J. – Cape Town, South Africa
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Dear Kelly,
I am very sorry to read this message today, and I offer you my deepest condolences. I thank God for the work brother Kirk has done to enable so many people like myself to receive the Word of the Lord at the start of each day. At a sad time like this, no words will be good enough, except His Word. I hope these verses will comfort you and sustain you:
“Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2
God Bless,
S.T. – Singapore
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Dear Kelly,
It was with great sadness that I heard of your tragic loss. I am ashamed to admit that as a regular receiver of items from ‘This Day’s Thought’ I receive these messages with very little thought of all that goes behind them, just receiving the blessings and challenges – please forgive me for this.
I know that our wonderful, caring, loving Heavenly Father will sustain you and your family at this time, wrapping His tender arms of love around you.
With much love in Jesus,
A. – (from England)
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Dear Kelly,
I hope this note finds you happy and healthy. I felt led to write you a a note, to let you know that your life and the life of your family members are truly in my prayers. I pray that your heart dwells in the love of Christ, and in hope of seeing your husband again, and soon. I am only 17, and have honestly never experienced something so heart gripping in my life, like the death of a love … but I know, that with the power of prayer, and the power of trust in the Lord.. your heart will be in peace and comfort (and hopefully already is) knowing that the Lord will never put more in your life that you could handle. He is a very gracious, loving, giving Father, and knows that he has a perfect plan for you, and for your beautiful family. I thank the Lord for your Husband’s life and his inspiration in my life. With his contribution to the small e-mail i get every day in my e-mail box, i find myself that much more moved, and that much more in love with my one and only God. I thank the Lord for you, and your heart… I say one thing out of true sisterly love (and kindness :) ) : Stay on fire for the Lord… Never give up on Him or yourself, because he will NEVER give up on you.
Your sister in Christ,
J.H.
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Dear Kelly,
Times like this we probably will ask the Lord why?
Sometimes it seems that He has neglected us or foresaken us, but He has said “He will never leave us nor forsake us”, He has said that “He taketh away the righteous man that He may not see evil, sometimes He takes us away our candle stick that we may forever be with Him. The Word od GOD says that “Precious in the eye of the Lord is the death of His saint”.
Kirk has been a blessing {” You shall be a blessing to men”}, his light shone may continents from his. His light shines still. In his passing to Glory, He is victorious with Jesus. He has blazed a trail in your life with his words and deed, that you may follow who he follows, Jesus.
Jesus, himself once died, leaving behind His loving mother, friends and family. But He died that we all may live eternally.a portion that Kirk now fulfils. He lives still, now no longer in this frail body of clay but in a glorious body that cannot be sick nor weary nor destroyed.
Let this joy fill you that he is Home with Jesus and They (Jesus & Kirk ) and the multitude of witnesses are urging you and your family to fight on this good fight of faith.
We love you, we love kirk and above all Love Jesus.
Stay Blessed
S. – Lagos, Nigeria
Habakkuk 3:17
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Habakkuk 3:18
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:19
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. }
(KJV)
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Dear sister,
Honestly I don’t know how to console you. And I know whatever I say at this moment will do no good to you. Only thing I’d like to say is we’ll remember you and your family in our prayers and ask Jesus Christ to give you the strength and hope to face the future and find peace in Him.
With love,
A sister in Christ.
S.
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Dear Kelly,
What can I say to comfort you? I’m so sorry to hear of Kirk’s death – my heart goes out to you and the children and also the extended family. I just want to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and I want to thank you and Kirk for your ministry to so many people.
May the God of all comfort be with you and give you peace in the midst of your sorrow.
with love
G.E. (LIverpool)
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Dearest Kelly,
Hi! I’m A.L., this days thought has always been a blessing to me and so Kirk as he is behind & helps this ministry.
I would like to extend my sincerest condolence to you and your family. It’s nice to know Christian out there through the internet messages, I may not know all the person’s behind this ministry but I’m thankful that they had inspired me and my Christian walk.
Knowing Kirk’s labor of love is not in vain in the Lord and that he finds way home to the Father is the greatest comfort to us.
Kelly, I may not be in your situation but I know someone you can cling on as He said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
God bless you and your family!
In Christ,
A.L.
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Please tell his wife Kelly that I will pray both for him, her and the young family that he left behind.
God wanted Kirk to go and abide with him at a fairly young age, the reason for this is unknown to us mortals but I am certain that He had a specific reason for plucking him up and taking him away to enjoy His presence.
It is true that separation is painful and more painful when it happens at such an age and without notice but as Christians we believe that this life is only a pilgrimage and our home is with our Creator.
In my country (Malta) we have a saying that God picks the most beautiful of flowers in their full bloom before they whither
May God console Kelly, help provide for her and her family’s needs and ask her please not to question God’s actions because we will never be able to understand them.
A.
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Dear Kelly,
Sorry on your loss.I know how it feels when u lose somebody whom u really love and care about but the Lord above has his own plan and maybe now you may seem hurt about everything but i am sure your husband is watching over you and praying for you.be strong and remember our Lord doesnt take away people from our lives so that he can make us feel lonely but for us to actually realise that we loved them that much ….once again i say God has his own plans.
take care and may God bless you and your family
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My heart joins yours in sadness at the news of the sudden loss of your beloved Kirk. Although I never knew him, nor even knew of him until this morning, God has seen fit that I know of him now…How thankful I am to God for the piece of his life that he shared with the internet ministry. He helped to provide folks he would never know on earth with a morsel of
wisdom from God. I praise God for his good work and pray that God will lift you and your family up with bountiful comfort through this time. I will look forward to meeting Kirk in heaven. May God bless you always – and all ways, Your sister because of Jesus The Christ,
J. in Connecticut
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Our deepest condolences to Kirk’s family, we really appreciate from the bottom of our heart the good work that Kirk has done for motivating million number of soul’s with the free service on <http://www.thisdaysthought.org&gt;, may the good Lord bless Kirk’s family and give them the courage and strength to bare all the odds that come through in their lives specially this one.
God Bless,
Best regards,
J. & all here from India
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May the Comforter, abide in and hover over this wife and family in such a way that all who see them will truly be, astonished and amazed. May every loving memory of this Godly man, Godly father, and Godly husband, flood their mind, to give them, the precious memories of only the most wonderful things. May God bless this family, and hold them up with HIS righteous right arm during their time of loss.
Amen
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Kelly & Family:
We are so fortunate to have experienced the results of Kirk’s handiwork via the ThisDay’sThought. Thank you for sharing him with so many. We send our deepest sympathy and will keep you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
A.R. – Dayton, Ohio
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Dear Kelly,
You don’t know me, but I read my day’s thought for today. I heart and prayers go out to you and your children. God has a purpose for everything under heaven, even though we don’t know WHY sometimes! I’m saddened to ready about your lose, and tried to put myself in your place. I’m just 37 years old and have a wonderful christian husband who is 43, and three lovely children. God has blessed me. I will prayer for you that God will see you through this, give you peace that only he can give you, and show you his love every single day!
Please write back when you can and keep in touch…share with me your prayer request, etc.
In Jesus’ Love,
B.
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Dear Kelly,
I put Kirk and you and your family on our prayer list.
P.T.
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kelly i am so sorry to hear about your husben. please know you and your children are in my prayers . kirk was a good man and he did the lords will, jesus will tell him good job faithful servant. may god bless you and your family R.
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PLEASE GIVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO KIRK’S FAMILY. THANK YOU ALSO FOR THE SERMONS ON HOW TO LIVE BY FAITH.
D.
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To Kelly and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I klnow the road ahead will be a very hard road to go on, as I too have ben thru the same. Just stay with God and he will lead you thru the rough waters.
God Bless
S.
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Kelly,
God is with you and he knows how you feeling now. He is not going to leave you and your family alone.
I am with you in prayers and the ALMIGHTY will be your Shepherd and he will be your comforter during this time.
God Bless you.
J.
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Dear Kelly
I am a Subscriber to Thoughts and Devotional Daily. My name is D.B., I live in Liberia and my life has change greatly and also blessed by the daily devotional thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your husband; who has been of great help to the daily messages. I know it is not easy for you; but God knows why and we cant question him. He has a plan for each and every one of us. Its hard for you but I urge you to take courage and hold on to his unchanging hands; because God will not give you a burden you cant bear. We know you love Kirk but God loves him best.
Take care and I will always remember you in prayer.
Take care and God Bless You.
D.B.
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My heart goes out to Kelly and her family. Each day I struggle with the ways of life and the days thought helped me to keep perspective on what is really important. I believe Kirk is with our Lord and is truly the lucky one :) Peace
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Dear Kelly,
I want you to know how much I appreciate your husband’s work. I have been encouraged every morning, first thing, by my Thought for the day. I give you Psalm 27:4 “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.” Your dear husband is beholding the Beauty.
In the service of Jesus,
E.
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Kelly,
What a shock! My prayers are with you and your family during this tragic time. God is faithful to you as He was to Kirk.
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Dear Kelly, My heart aches for you and your family. May God bless you and keep you in his care. Sincerely, J.L.
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DEAR KELLY AND FAMILY,
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I AM 33 AND MY HUSBAND IS 35 WITH TWO SMALL KIDS. I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO IMAGINE THE PAIN YOU ARE ALL FEELING. JUST KNOW YOU ALL ARE IN MY PRAYERS, AND THAT GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU ALL.
C.
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Kelly,
My prayers go out to you and your family. We will never know why God has schedule Kirk to leave at this time, but do know that he will care for you and your family. My his peace and grace be with you and yours from this day forth.
God Bless You,
M.A.
email reader
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Dear Kelly;
I would like to express my condolences for the passing of you husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends.
May God continue to bless you with his will.
Sincerely
J.M.
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Dear Kelly,
I know at this moment you are deep in grief and probably wondering why this has happened to someone so young and faithful as your husband Kirk. I do not have any answers to those why’s, but I do know that God will sustain you and your family at this time. You are in my prayers, because these Daily Thoughts have enhanced my ministry among God’s people. They have been encouraging and supportive in my daily walk with our Lord.
Again let me express my heartfelt sympathies to you and my prayer is that God through His Holy Spirit will be your strength and comfort in this time.
R.
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Dear Kelly,
I’m so sorry to learn about your loss and pray for God to bring His peace and protection to you and your family, J.
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I’m sorry to hear of Kirk’s sudden passing but please extend to his family my sympathy and appreciation for his dedication to your work.
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Dear Kelly, I’m so sorry to hear about you loss. I didn”t know Kirk but he blessed me every day with his part in This Day’s Thought and Verse. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
B.F.
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How sad. But praise God he is with his Lord.
J.M.
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My mother always told me that every good act gives you a coin to collect for the day you were to go before God. He went with his hands full of them. It is not how many years you live, but how you live them, and that has to confort you. God Bless.
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My prayers for God’s comfort is with you. I never knew who, how or why I really started getting these daily devotionals & thoughts….but it has been such a blessing to me. I have shared so many of them with my children’s committee, the women’s group @ church and even with some of co-workers and email buddies. To have an encouraging word waiting for me each morning……praise God…..there has never been a time in my life when I have needed it more, than over the past year. I’m sorry, I could never express in words how much of a blessing your husbands work was in my life. And I can’t even imagine the depth of your sorrow for the lost of such a young wonderful servant, husband, father. My heart aches for you.
Be mindful that God is in your midst to comfort you. My prayers are with you. GOD BLESS
L. – Savannah, GA
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I am so sorry, my heart goes out to you and the family. Your messages have meant a lot to me. First my sister was forwarding them, now I’m subscribed. Although it doesn’t ease the loss, I know that Kirk is with God now and in personal face-to-face fellowship with Him, which is a joyous thing..
S.
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Dear Kelly,
While I never knew your husband, or even knew about him, I now find out that I have benefited greatly from his ministry. May God wrap you in his love and peace. I count it a privilege to pray for you and your family.
H.P. – Crystal Springs, Mississippi
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May God strengthen you Kelly. I am deeply sorry.
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To Kelly & Family, and Kirk’s friends at TDT:
Please accept our most sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband, father and friend. The Lord’s Plans for us are sometimes difficult to understand, but stay strong in your faith and He will reveal His plans to you in His time. We are and will continue praying for all of you. Remember that there are hundreds (thousands?) of email subscribers who love the same Lord that you do, and are praying for your during this very difficult time. May you feel the love and support of all these folks. Wishing you comfort and peace, especially the Blessed Peace that passes all understanding…
A friend in Christ,
M.
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I am sorry to learn to what happened to your dear husband, father,collegue, friend and more so your brother in christ. One thing iam sure that if your endeavour to do your Father’s will you shall surely see him again. I pray that God will grant His mercies, consolation and companionship during this and later times. He does what He thinks is good.
S. – Kenya
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I’m so sorry for your lost. You are in our prayers and or thoughts. May God be with you all as your strength and comforter and guide you through this difficult time.
God Bless,
L.K.
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You and your family are in my prayers…May God comfort you in your sorrows.
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Dear Kelly:
I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. I just wanted to tell you that your husband’s contribution to This Day’s Thought was very much appreciated. I look forward to the daily messages (along with This Day’s Verse) and have many of them clipped out and posted on my bulletin board at work. Your husband’s generosity had an impact on many people, he probably had no idea of how many, because I am sure there are many like me that appreciate this ministry that he was a part of. My prayers are with you and your family as you find your next direction
while in the shelter of God’s loving hands.
J.
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Dear Kelly
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your children at this time. 12 Years ago, when my husband and I were 28 and our children (twins) 8 years old, he died suddenly with no prior illness, of a heart attack. At that time, I thought that would surely die or at the very least go mad. All I knew was that my life was never going to be the same again. I was right, my life never was the same again. I went through physical pain everytime I had to confront the fact that my husband was gone and not coming back. My son was hurt and angry at the same time. What my daughter was going through I could not tell at the time. She carried on as if nothing had changed and from that day for the next several years avoided any mention of her father. My son became insecure in that if I was just 5 minutes late from work he’d panic. My daughter became surly and aggressive. However, with counselling, love, support, prayers and above all, faith, we slowlly and eventually started healing. The healing process is time consuming and ongoing. For us who believe, it is made easier (once we have come to acceptance), knowing that our husband and father will live on in Christ and that one day we will all be reunited in Christ again. We also know that our Father is with us in each and every moment of our grief and if we just let him, he will comfort us with his unconditional love.
A burning question at this time is almost always WHY. Even though we may never know why our partner had to die, our faith will remind us that God does not allow anything to happen that we cannot deal with or handle – especially if we look to Him for guidance.
Kelly, I pray that you and your children find comfort and solace in God’s love, remembering that God has a special place in his heart for Widows and the fatherless and that He will always provide for your needs.
God Bless you my dear!
B.
(ps: You do not need to be strong … this is a terrible thing that has happened, vent your grief/anger/pain!)
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Kelly,
Please accept our symathies. My wife’s father had a heart attact early in life, so I know what this means to a family.
I have received “This Day’s Thought” for quite a while, and it is one of the first messages that I open. The thoughts act as a devotional for me. Thank you for supporting Kirk in this important part of my devotional life.
You are in our prayers.
C.W., pastor, Bethel, Missouri
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Dear Kelly, I pray that you will find courage to go forth in Grace by God’s Word, just I as I have by your husbands daily gift more times than I can count….. S.
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Kelly, you and your family have my sympathy and I will keep you in my prayers.
I just want you to know how much Kirk has helped so many people. I use This Days Thought for our Hope and Healing Depression/Anxiety Support Group here in Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota. You can’t believe how these words help us who are hurting from a mental illness. So always know how much Kirk has done for many others too.
Love from a sister in Christ, D.C.
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Kelly and Family,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss.
G.B. and Family
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Even though I am a fairly new subscriber to this days thought, I have enjoyed and been blessed by the many messages. It breaks my heart to hear about Kirk. What an awesome servant he was!!! Please give my deepest sympathies to his family. Isn’t it great to know that his going away will only be temporary because we will all meet together again!! PRAISE GOD!!
God Bless.
D.B.
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My thoughts are so torn here. The loss of a husband and father is one that will take such a great deal of time to heal. At the end of the healing time his wife and children will have a completly different relationship with the Lord than they did before. It will be a priceless change! But at such a cost of pain. Here they will truly suffer with Christ.
Than again. When is a bad day for a christian to go home….today this faithful servant of God is wrapped in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and being welcomed home with a resonding, “Well done good and faithful servant.” How awesome it will be to hear those words.
My prayers go out to his family with true knowledge that Christ has them wrapped right now in his loving arms as well.
T.
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Dear Kelly,
We are so sorry to hear of the sudden homegoing of your husband. May God comfort your family and give you strength for the days ahead. You are in our prayers.
He cares for you – 1 Peter 5:7
P.&D.S.
May it be a comfort to you that his service blessed and inspired so many people. God bless you.
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Hi Kelly – please accept my deepest sympathies and my prayers for you and your family at this very difficult time. Kirk’s work brought this days thought and verse to me each day and it has been incredible it has given me an answer to prayer. I am a director of Youth For Christ in Eastern Europe (although I live in Northern Ireland) and many times God spoke to me to encourage me through these little messages.
I hope that you will know that Kelly made a big contribution to the lives of a great many people. I pray that the arms of Jesus will comfort you.
God bless
J.H.
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Dearest Kelly: I can hardly imagine your grief and shock. I recently lost my mother, who was much older than your dear husband, and found it one of the hardest losses I’ve ever endured. Please know that there are hundreds …. even thousands of people, like myself, who have been blessed by this ministry, given so freely by your husband and Greg. I am sure the Lord is welcoming him home with open arms saying…… “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
Keeping you in prayer…. B. in Oregon
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Dear Kelly and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May you find comfort in the knowledge that Kirk is with his Lord and savior and may you feel the presence of
your God as He surrounds you with His comfort, peace and Love.
In Him,
P.D.
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Dear Kelly:
I am earnestly praying for you and your family. Know that there is no sorrow that heaven can’t heal. I pray that God will comfort your hearts in this trying time.
Be blessed in Jesus name,
S.R.
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Dear Kelly and family,
Please know of my prayers for you and your family in the sudden passing of your husband and dad. May the “Well, done, good and faithful servant” that you can be assured were Kirk’s homecoming words as His Father was waiting with open arms, give you peace and comfort. Hang on to promises of scripture – He will never leave you or forsake you. His grace is sufficient.
With sincere Sympathy,
A sister in Christ – L. from Renville, Minnesota
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Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Kirk. I have attached
a copy of one of my favorite poems and hoping that it may bring you some
comfort. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
In Christ,
D.C.
The Plan of the Master Weaver
Our lives are but fine weavings that God and we prepare, Each life becomes a fabric planned and fashioned in His care. We may not always see just how the weavings intertwine, But we must trust the Master’s hand and follow His design, For He can view the pattern upon the upper side, While we must look from underneath and trust His hand to guide. Sometimes a strand of sorrow is added to His plan, And though it’s difficult for us, we still must understand That it’s He who fills the shuttle, it’s He who knows what’s best, So we must weave in patience and leave to Him the rest. Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver’s skillful hand As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned. With Deep Sympathy,
D.C.
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Dear Kelly, I send my condolences to you and your family.
L.B.
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My prayers are with you Kelly and your family. I really have appreciated the verses everday. Sometimes they are all I need to get me back on track with the Lord.
Your Sister in Christ,
-E.
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Dear Kelly:
I am so sorry to hear about Kirk, he was truly a blessing to this ministry. I will continue to pray for you and your family and may God continue to bless you. Sincerely, I.
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Dear Kelly,
While I sympathize with you and your loved ones on the death of your husband but remember the verse in scripture that says sweet is the death of the saints to God. Kirk has left his foot print in the sand of time, he has been a blessing to a lot of people beyond your imagination. I am one of such and am writing from Nigeria. May God console you, uphold you, and keep you till his appearing.
Shalom
J. – Nigeria
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Dear Kelly
I don’t know you, nor your husband, but just felt I wanted to write to identify with you in our common humanity. I cannot imagine what you must be going through at the moment. Is God faithful? Is he loving? Sometimes all we can do is scream our pain and confusion to God, and trust that something of his infinite wisdom and compassion overflows into our lives.
S.C.
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For some reason, yesterday, I thought I would discontinue “This Day’s Thought.” I don’t know why I had that thought, but it caused me to think about something that I never really think about. I just go to my inbox, click, read, think for a second and move on to my busy day.
I had this thought that, “people are putting in a nice effort, day in and day out, to insure this word gets out.” I get spoiled with the Word because I have so much good material I read and I’m in seminary so I’m in devotional/study mode all the time. But my time considering this ministry, yesterday, made me realize what a blessing it is to me and others that receive it.
When I heard the news later about Kirk, it was heart-breaking. Kelly, obviously, I didn’t know Kirk, but he helped insure the Scriptures were delivered everyday. I read them every morning at my computer. His ministry was a blessing for many people. I pray the light and love that he was responsible for sharing with so many shines on you and your family at this difficult time. May God be with you during this time of grief and sorrow at an enormous loss.
J.
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Miss Kelly: May God bring you strength and love to get you through this very difficult time. Please know our love and our prayers are with you always. Trust in God and know that He has Kirk with Him.
God bless you always.
L.D.
A devoted subscriber
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So very sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you in my prayers. I know God will take care of you.
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Dear Kelly,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Kirk was part of a very important ministry that has undoubtly touched thousands of lives. He will be missed.
L. in Fresno, California
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Dear Kelly and Family,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your husband and my brother in Christ.
I know that he is in the hand of God and that ALL is well with him.
I trust and pray that our Lord will give you comfort and peace.
He loves you and cares for you.
Kirk was a blessing to all of us who received and read This Day’s Thoughts, Verses, etc.
We thank the Lord for him and the work that he so faithfully did.
Sincerely,
G.S. – Somerset, Massachussetts
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Kelly:
We have put you and your family on our prayer list.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
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Dear Kelly,
I am saddened to hear of your beloved husbands passing. Rest assured that Kirk is in the loving hands of our Lord and Savior now and he has a plan. Due to Kirk’s determination to keep the ministry going, many of us around the world have been comforted as well as enlightened by the preaching of this ministry and the good books versus. I will pray for you and your family during your time of sorrow. God Bless you and your family.
K.S. – Tampa, Florida
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear about Kirk’s passing my prayers are with you and your family.
Even though I did not know your husband he must have had a huge heart and great deal of love to give. Even though he is not with you his love will always be.
My prayers and thoughts are with you,
K.
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Hi Kelly
I am so sorry to hear of Kirk’s sudden death and pray that the messages you will receive from all over the world will be like soothing waters for this very deep painful wound.
I pray that God will just flood your home and family with His love and grace. For God knows what you need before you ask Him. I am sure you know Matthew 5 well, and that thos who mourn shall be comforted.
Finally, Kirk is a fellow heir with Christ and you will see him again in Heaven with God our father and be bound to Him in God in a more complete way than you can ever imagine. God never lets anything happen unless it is for the good of those who love him. Therefore though it is painful, I am sure God in His sovereign will has allowed this tragic loss to happen to enable you to draw closer to Him and depend on Him more completely as one of His children, that you might love and comfort others as Jesus has loved and comfroted you.
God bless you and your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
J.G., Brother in Christ.
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Oh, how terribly sad. Know that we are upholding his family in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
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Dear Kelly,
I just wanted to extend my sympathy and condolences to you and your bereaved family. God knows, God sees and God cares about all of your sorrows and will comfort you at this time of loss.
May God give you strength thru His unspeakable joy now and always!
Respectfully,
C.C.
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To Kelly and family,
My heart goes out to you in your time of need. Please find comfort in the fact that Kirk’s work has left an imprint on my life and the lives of many. God, who is the husband of the widows and the father of the orphans, will meet your needs and Kirk’s work will be rewarded by our Heavenly Father, Who is faithful.
In Christ,
R.H.
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You are in our thoughts and prayers.
E.T.
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Dear Kelly,
I am a subscriber to This Day’s Thought and I wish to express my sorrow to you and your family on your husband’s homegoing. Although you will miss his earthly presence, I pray you find comfort in knowing that though he is “absent from the body, he is present with the Lord.
My prayer is that God will comfort and bless you with the peace that passes all human understanding. I also pray that God will allow you to have a sense of the rejoicing of the angels in heaven of another saint welcomed to his eternal home.
God bless you and your family.
Love,
V.W.
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Dear Kelly and Family:
I’ve been a subscriber to This Day’s Thought for over three years now and I just wanted to extend my sincere condolences to you and your family. I cannot imagine such a loss but please know that I was pained and touched to hear the sad news of Kirk’s passing.
I have never met your or Kirk but his participation in the success of This Day’s Thought has made a huge impression on me. I have endured many hardships at work and in my personal life and the daily enlightenment of This Day’s Thought has assisted me with remaining strong, mindful, and faithful to God and His plan for my life.
Kirk’s soul, you, and your family are in my prayers. Thank you!
D.R.
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My heartfelt sympathy to Kirk’s family.
May God Bless You All,
K.M.
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Dear Kelly,
I am very sorry to hear about your husband. I pray that the Holy Spirit would be your comforter during this time. You are in my prayers.
Sincerly,
M.F.
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Dear Kelly and family,
Your walk is never alone. As a recent subscriber, I have printed “This Day’s Thought” to read to my husband as we share the commute home from work daily. Please know that Kirk’s hand in providing This Day’s Thought has been part of God’s plan in ALL of our lives and it is through the devotion of his talents towards ministry in this way, that we have all been touched by Kirk’s life… even on someone’s commute home, his work for God touched someone, somewhere.
Kelly, as part of your spiritual family, please know that we are saddened by your loss. We will pray over you that God will tend to your needs, abate your fears and bring you strength and comfort.
A sister in love and faith,
B.
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Dear Kelly,
My prayers are with you and your family. Kirk has provided a wonderful service to so many of us. I will think of you now each time I open my Thought For the Day, and I will say a little prayer, just for you. May you find comfort in the Lord at this time and gain joy in knowing that Kirk is with Him. Sincerely,
J.C.
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All that I can say is to be blessed. Your family will be in my prayers.
This ministry keeps me going.
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Dear Kelly,
I am very sad to know that you have lost your precious husband at such a young age!! May our Lord be very close to you and
your children at this time and try to draw strength from the fact that Kirk is present with the Lord. We thank God for Kirk’s life
and for how he touched the lives of others. My prayers will be with you as you go through these dark days of grieving but let
me assure you – you will laugh again, you will notice the beauty around you, you will hear the birds singing – I know because
I lost my husband 5 years ago. The Lord God be with you all.
E.R. – Cape Town, South Africa
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Dear Kelly,
if there is anything I can do do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
M.K.
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my condolences
God Bless
D.J. Isle of Wight, England
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Yes, I would like to send my condolences to Kirk’s wife.
M.
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Kelly,
Your family is our prayers. I cannot say that I have taken the time to thank the Lord for the people who are “behind the scenes” of these daily thoughts that I receive, but I can say they have touched my heart. I thank God for those people now. Your husband is with the Lord and someday all of us who never had the chance to thank him will be able to. Take comfort in knowing you will see him again.
Your sister in Christ,
S.R.
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Life does not accommodate you, it shatters you. It is meant to, and couldn’t do it better. Every seed destroys its container or there would be no fruition.
— F.S.-M.
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What an awful shock Kirk’s death must have been for his family and friends. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of Christ, rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon Him. Our comfort is that we are not like those without hope and that nothing can separate us from the love of God. . . neither life, nor death. . . and to remember that we are all on loan to one another. We give thanks that such a man was here on this earth, if for only a short time. It is a great gift from God to be able to share such a one for even a brief moment.
Love in Christ,
L.
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i am sad that someone so loved has passed. but more shall be disclosed. Jesus our father God is with us and kirk is resting in a much better place. we get attached in this world of things but it is our father who we need to lean on always not just in time of need.
i love you all
peace
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry for you. Please know that my prayers are with you. Let God be your comforter and guide you through this time of sorrow.
My Prayers,
R.
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Lord Jesus, send comfort for Kelly and her family. Just fill her with your peace of mind, joy unspeakable and confidence that You are in control. We love you Lord and are trusting you completely. We pray in Your Son’s precious name, Jesus, Amen
T.
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To Kelly and family:
Thank you for sharing your husband with all of us that have gained so very much from all the work he did for Jesus. May God bless all of you and keep you in His care, now and always, as you trust in Him to carry you through this difficult time.
C.D.
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A prayer for Kirk’s family~
Dear Lord and Father, we are saddened by the death of Kirk at such a young age. But, YOU, Lord, know all about him and his family. We ask that YOU provide for Kirk’s family in a very special way. Give them YOUR strength and uplifing. Help them to feel YOUR love and wisdom in the days ahead. Thank YOU Lord, for loving them all in such a special way. We look to YOU, Lord, for all furture plans. Thank YOU, Jesus. Amen and amen.
E.W. – Transfer, Pa.
Thank you folks for your daily thoughts. They mean so much to so many of us.
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Dear Kelly –
I am so sorry to hear of Kirk’s sudden death. May you be surrounded with family and friends who will support and comfort you in this grief. I know the Lord Jesus will carry you and your children through. What a lovely testimony he has left behind and he will share in all the rewards that will be reaped because of his important part in This Day’s Thoughts ministry. God bless you and your children.
In Christian love and sympathy,
E.M.
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you & your family in my prayers. Cling tight to Jesus. He knows the way. A friend in Christ
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Dear Mrs Kelly,
Perhaps you are asking you why? Kirk was still young, but one thing I know that through his help he has been a blessing to me .The messages i get through message@thisdaysthought.org helps me to ponder on the reflexion of the experience of other christian and to adjust my life.His ministry is a new adptation of Rom 10:14.I thank & praise the Lord for his ministry, for I am very far away on an island named Republic of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean near Malagasy.
Take care and I know you are in HIS CARE AS YOUR FATHER HE SAID I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU
IN HIS LOVE
D.
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God bless you and your family during this time of bereavement. Hold onto the unchanging hand of God. May he comfort you and your children.
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Dear Greg,
So sad to die so young. I’m sure that Kirk will be enjoying the peace of heaven right now – may he be truley blessed for the self sacrifices he has made. I pray that God will bless his wife and young family with peace also, a peace that only God can give – to have the full assurity that all will be well.
A.
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Dearest Sister Kelly
My deepest condolences to you on your loss. May the Lord be your comfort
this moment forth, because God is ever faithful to His Word… The Lord is
my shepherd, I shall not be in want (Psalm 23). I trust our Lord to watch
over you and your little ones, as you keep your heart ever so close to Him.
God’s love continues to flow …
Jesus Reigns forever…
J. – Singapore
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Very sorry to hear that. It was such a wonderful service and it was so nice of him to have helped us all who were getting benefitted by his service.
I’m from India.
I’m sure, the Lord Himself will now fill Kirk’s place in your family for the yomen service he had been doing to spread the Kingdom of God…
My sincere prayers and deep condolences.
J.P. C.
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Dear Greg,
I haven’t read my message for few days. I am sorry about the passing away of Kirk. I am thankful to God for his ministry through your program and would love to extend my sympathy to the family. May God comfort the family and continue to guide and bless them.
I would like to praise and thank God for the entire team for such a wonderful ministry. May God continue to richly bless your ministry.
Thanks and love in Christ
H.
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Dear Kelly,
I am so saddened by your loss – and the loss of a good man, husband & father from all I hear. I know it will be difficult to even think of raising your children alone. I’m taking your name down and will be praying for you through the vast adjustments in your life. When you are able to finally count all your blessings after the shock of this terrible news, be thankful that your children have had a father that surely was teaching them about God’s ways. So many fathers are here in body only. There will be wonderful memories of your sweet Kirk – eventually you will remember each one – write them down for your children. They will want to know EVERYTHING. May God be with you now & may you always feel His presence. We are “family” – and I love you and am SO sorry for your great loss.
In Christian love,
M.V. – Katy, TX
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Dear Kelly,
Please know that This Day’s Thoughts in prayer are for you and the family.
I know what it is like to lose a loved one suddenly, and so may our wonderful Lord and Saviour hold you up with His everlasting arms!
P.R.A. – Denton, Kansas
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It’s quite disturbing to loose such a dear one as Kirk. My prayer is that God will grant the family
left behind the fortitude to bear this loss. Thank God that it is a human loss. So long as we have not lost hope in Christ we are guarranteed of safety, pleasure, salvation, love, protection and security from the world’s insecurities. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace with the
Lord our saviour.
S.O.
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Kelly, the times now may have you asking why. Would you also ask What next? with hope?? My prayers are for you and your family.
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Oh Kelly I am so very sorry. This is such a loss to us all, but none as great as your loss. May God hold you and your family tenderly to His heart. May He bless you and keep you.
He will always be remembered. Every morning as I go go to This Day’s Thought you will be in my prayers.
Love
P.
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Dear Kelly,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It sounds that your husband was a true humble servant of Christ. I know it does not replace his presence here but you can rest in the thought that he is today in Glory with Jesus. May God comfort and bless your family.
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Kelly,
So sorry to hear about the sudden death of your husband Kirk. May his soul rest in peace.
You will be remembered in my prayers. Just continue to have faith in God and he will help you through it all.
He will always be there for you, when you need him.
A Friend,
E.
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In the five years I’ve been in pastoral ministry, I have been so
blessed by the work you do! It has been an asset to say the least. I have enjoyed the “Thought for the Day” for myself, but especially to use as a bulletin insert. I am deeply saddened to hear of this loss of Kirk. Please express to his wife my sympathy and my commitment to keep her and her family lifted in prayer during this most trying time. At 37 years old there is nothing we can say that can help to make sense of his death. While I know this, and believe this I am led to this scripture; not so much for comfort as for reinforcing our trust and faith in God as our creator AND sustainer. Romans 8:28 simply states that, “We know that ALL things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” May God truly sustain you, Kelly, and give you strength and peace both to you and your children. I believe if you lean on Him he will indeed support you.
In God’s Grace,
C.B.
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Kelly and family,
You are in my prayers and I’m am deeply sorry for your sudden loss. Kirk played a very important part in this ministry and spreading the Good News of God’s Word to many people around the world. Take strength and comfort from Our Father, and know that Kirk is in His Glorious Kingdom.
K.T. – Blythe, CA
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Dear Kelly,
My prayers are for you, with you, and of with your family. There are no words…just heartfelt love for you.
Your sister in Christ…
B.W.
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My sincere condolences to Kirk’s family. I will keep Kirk and his family in my prayers. I appreciate the thoughts of This Days Thought. I have not been able to support you financially because I am unemployed right now and can barely make ends meet. Please keep me in your prayers as I will also keep you in mine.
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Dear Kelly, we are very sorry for your loss, may our Lord cradle you in the palm of His hand as the days and years go by.
May He help you find comfort and peace for your loss. Become a “Creative Survivor”. Take steps to relieve your loneliness by
listening to gospel music, and reading books on grief. Children and pets help with this also. Allow others to help you
carry some of the heavy pain which you are feeling.
Most important, rely on your faith; walking with our Lord through your grief will deepen your faith. Remember that you
are an internal part of God’s plan and you are precious to Him beyond measure.
Our prayers are with you.
N. and J.Q.
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Kelly,
You and your family are in our prayers, you have our deepest sympathy in the loss of you husband and the wonderful father of your children.
I look forward to reading every day this day’s thought. They are wonderful and so comforting.
Again our sympathy to you and your family.
J. and J.O. – Palmer, Ne
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kelly im praying for you the lord had a better place for kirk take care love
k.
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Dear Greg:
I wish to express my deep appreciation for daily devotions,
they have been most thought provoking. So sorry to hear
of Kirk’s sudden death. Please convey our deepest
sympathies to the family.
May God abundantly bless as you continue this valued ministry.
Sincere regards
R.
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Kelly,
Your precious husband is with the Lord now. I know you wanted him here longer, but we don’t know why these things happen, but God knows. My prayers are with you and your family, may you rest in the Lord. Find peace to know that Kirk is at peace with the Lord.
God Bless,
T.
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So sorry to hear of Kirk’s death. I lost my husband at age 38. My prayers are with the family at this time.
D
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Kelley,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your famil. May GOD’s stength be with you over these next few months.
N. and A.
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Dear Kelly and your family
This ministry has touched me in Johannesburg, South Africa through the amazing advent of technology.
Your husband was so instrumental in getting the message to the nations and for this we are so very grateful.
In your time of extreme sadness, Kelly, know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and, more than anything else, Our Lord is close to the broken hearted and is taking that pain upon Himself. He is faithful, Kelly and will not allow you to suffer more than you are able. Cast your cares on Him and He will sustain you.
We continue to hold you up in prayer and pray that you and yours will be upheld by the Everlasting Wings.
My love
M.P.
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Kelly,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. Remember, God is near…He loves you and will provide for you and your needs.
In His grip,
L.S. – LaGrange, GA
And the peace of God…..Philipians 4:7
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Dear Kelly and Family,
There are no words that can address the great sorrow in your hearts. Knowing Kirk has ascended to heaven is but some consolation and I pray that God’s love and peace will fill your hearts and your home in the days ahead, that you will find His comfort and strength through all the pain.
God Bless you all and I give thanks for Kirk,
Love in Christ,
N.M.
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my dear kelly,
my heart and prayers go out to you and your precious family! i’m crying as i write this, because i understand and know the shock and pain of loss too. we have had to go through a hard time, losing a son, 26 yrs old, a few yrs ago. you do get used to it, and i want to tell you that you will STILL experience the love of your dear husband in so many ways, now and always. he is NOT dead, only absent in body. his spirit is now eternal, with the Lord, and still very much alive ~ but also even more present with you than when he was on earth. the love you shared with him will never be gone, for as promised by our Lord, LOVE never ends! it will keep you!!!
we also have a daughter who is 37, named k. we’ll never understand some things, but i am asking the Lord to tenderly and securely hold you closely in His arms and give you peace. He will take care of you and keep you, and i pray your hearts will mend quickly and be made strong. i just wanted to tell you what a blessing ‘this day’s thought’ has been to me, and it’s the first thing i look for in my email. your husband was truly used by the Lord to so many…i will continue praying for you…
love, because of Jesus…..
d.r.
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DEAR KELLY,
So sorry for your loss. Your husband was doing God’s work and will be enjoying His glory now. I hope you and your children only the best.
S.L.
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Dear Kelly
So sorry to hear of Kirk’s passing away. Please accept my condolences to you and your young family. I pray for God’s peace for all of you.
Regards in Christ
M.
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Thank God for a man like your husband. I find comfort in reading ‘This Day’s Thought’ while at work. May your spirits be lifted in this time of celebration. For we all know that there is a better place waiting for us if we trust and live in His word.
My deepest sympathy,
M.Y.
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Please give our condolences to Kirk’s family. What a ministry he has had to us all.
J. and S.S.
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My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family….I love you because you are one of God’s children….He will provide and never give you mroe than you can handle…I am so certain that your husband’s life was a testimony of Christ and even in death, he will continue to touch hearts and brighten lives…..
K. (c: ><Jesus>
1Chronicles 28:9
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Kelly,
I am very sorry for your loss. I have said a prayer for you and your family.
“May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the POWER of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
In Him,
C.
“This Day’s Thought” Subscriber
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Dear Kelly and family
I deepest and sincere condolences to you and your family during this time of bereavement. I pray to God that He will strengthen you and be with you.Remember, His strength is perfect when ours are gone and that He is a strong tower.
Be asssured that your husband has been a blessing to Todays thought and he has contributed in enriching our lives as well.
From your sister in Christ
S.
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Mrs. Kelly, my deepest sympathy..
I am one of the thousands subscriber of this inspiring internet ministry…I don’t know of your husband personally not until “This Day’s Thought” mention about him today…but I am really saddened by the news….I realize that God used your husband as one of the instruments for Him to reach out for lost souls and spread the Good News of salvation..I know that this is a great loss not only for the ministry but as well as to you and your family..But the good news is that your husband has victoriously come home to where he really belong, his Father’s and our Fathers’ kingdom in heaven..And sooner or later, we will all be seeing and joining your husband in praises to God in our home in heaven..
God Bless us All.
B.J.
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Kelly,
I am one of the subscriber’s for this day’s thought/verse. I want you to know that my prayers are with you. We serve a wonderful God.
Isaiah 12:2 ‘Surely God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.’
My family and I will continue to be praying for you in this most difficult time.
DJ.H.
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Kelly,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband Kirk, and I’m keeping you and your family in prayer. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and you can rest assured that Kirk is rejoicing in the victory of being present with our Lord. May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.
He is…my tower of safety, my deliverer. He stands before me as a shield, and I take refuge in Him. He subdues the nations under me. Psalm 144:2
Jesus is your tower of strength and safety.
With Love,
T.M. – Hyattsville, MD
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Dear Kelly,
I am so sorry to hear about Kirk leaving this world and going on to heaven. His ministry was such an encouragement and I know God will encourage and strengthen you like kirk’s ministry has encouraged me.
May God be especially close to you,
B.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
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Dear Kelly:
I would like to take this time to send you all prayers that there are available to give! We are truly sorry for the loss of Kirk. He was truly a blessing to this internet ministry that keeps giving and giving each day. This ministry that Kirk has been a part of has allowed God’s word to be spread throughout the world. For those who receive it on the internet such as I, I pass it on to many people so that they too can know and see the goodness of God!
I am praying for you and your family. May God keep you in His loving arms. May he provide you with all the comfort and strength that you need and desire during this time!
God Bless You!
S.G.
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Hi Greg,
I am so sorry to hear about Kirk’s passing and have prayed for his family. May the Lord comfort them with His presence and the reassurance that He will never leave them or forsake them. My own father died at the young age of 42. As I look back now, I can see His faithfulness through the years and trust the same for this young family.
God bless you,
M.A.
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Kelly,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
God bless you!
P.N.
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Dear Kelly,
I just heard of your loss. How sad your heart must be. Of course I did not know your husband personally but I am one of many that has been touched by his generosity and his love for our Lord and Savior. Kelly I lost my husband when I was 25 (1985) years old – We had a young son of 7. At that time I was not walking with our Lord – I was lost in my grief and struggled day by day. I’m comforted to know that you are obviously a child of His. In His word, he promises to keep us and hold us when we go through troubled times. Take comfort in know that our Lord is with you and he will hold you close to him during your time of grief.
It’s hard to imagine, at this point, but time truly does lesson our sorrow and God directs or path to strength in him.
God Bless you Kelly.
Your sister in Christ –
T.M.
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Dear Kelly,
I am deeply sorry about your loss. Even though I did not know your husband I am sure he was a great man because his work on this awesome ministry says it all. I will keep you and your family lifted up and I pray that God will send his abundance of comfort and peace into you and your family’s spirit.
D.G.
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Dear Kelly:
I thank God for the life of Kirk, be sure he is resting with Jesús at this moment and for the eternity.
I live in Mexico and I have been blessed with the service of This Days Tought, and Kirk was a blessing for me in this distant Country.
May God give you strength and faith in these difficult moments.
Sincerely,
S.D. – Coatzacoalcos, Ver. México
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Dear Kelly,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I pray that God will be with you and the family.
Have hope, and remember the Bible says in Revelations, Blessed are those who die in Christ, they will be remembered for their good works.
I have learned and been encouraged from this Daysthought ever since.
God Be with You.
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Dear Kelly,
You do not know me, however, I could not let this day go by without expressing my sympathy. I will pray for you today…that God’s strong arms will hold you tight and you will feel His strength and His presence throughout these most difficult days.
“This Day’s Thought” has been used by God so many times in my own personal life! I sure do appreciate every moment of work that Kirk put in to keep these thoughts coming to us…to me! I have posted them on my office door and others have read and hopefully been blessed or spoken to by God as they read them. Thanks for sharing Kirk so that he could be a blessing to others…by allowing God to use his talents!
May God bless you in a special way TODAY!
Sincerely with Christian love,
J.P – The Salvation Army
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Please let Kelly know how much we appreciate Kirks contributions towards this web page. Because of his help he has helped me. Thank you Kirk. My thoughts are with the family.
D.E.
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Kelly,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your husband, Kirk. As a subscriber to “This Day’s Thought, Verse, Devotion..” I have been richly blessed by receiving these each day. The work that your husband did, will continue to reap a bountiful harvest for God. May God bless, comfort and give you peace during this time. My prayers are with you.
Blessings,
H.D. – (subscriber)
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Hello Kelly,
I am a Director of Early Childhood Ministry; my responsibility is with infants through kindergarten. Since the note says you have a young family, this resource might be helpful to your children at some point: So Much to Think About: When Someone You Care About Has Died. It is available through Family Communications, 412.687.2990. It was developed by Mr. Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. I have titles of books that I could suggest that may be helpful to your children, too.
The loss of anyone so young seems misplaced in the scheme and order we expect in life. No words can comfort really. I speak from experience. Our son, 24 years old, was killed in a car accident March 18, 2004. My faith and my friends have helped me to this point, 4 months later. I pray that both are there for you as well. You have my sincere sympathy and prayers. I am sorry that this burden of grief is now one that you must carry. I also extend my sympathy to your husband’s parents.
Sincerely, D.
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Please extend my deepest condolences to Kelly and their family. Thank you.
Sincerely,
M.S.
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Dear Kelly and family,
How sad it is for you to have lost your husband so early, in your, his and your children’s lives. I am a firm believer in the fact that “God has a plan for each one of us”. I believe He is now telling you that he has another plan for you. I am certain that you will be strong enough to rise to the occasion when the time is right.
I will pray that you find the courage to go on until your new reason for being is clear to you. I was really touched when I read the page from “This Days Thought”. I was unable to respond Immediately and I can’t imagine how you must have reacted. I sincerely wish you a very good life. That new direction God has for you will help you continue to grow as a human being and a great mother. May your children be blessed with the LOVE of a great MOM. It takes time to start over, but it is possible to enjoy the wait.
Amen.
Sincerely wishing you a beautiful life.
D.M. – Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada
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To Kelly, I pray that in addition to all the other things you must be feeling now, you are able to feel the closeness of God and his loving touch. I pray that in time he will reveal all the answers, and if He chooses not too, that He will make you OK with His Will. Thank you for sharing your husband and his gifts with This Days Thought.org.
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I just wanted the family to know that they are in my prayers. I will tell everyone I know to pray for them also. God Bless…
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May God rest Kirks soul’s in eternal peace.
My heart goes to his Family at this tiime of bereavement.
G.W.
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Hello,
It’s so sad that we lost one of us so soon, i felt so bad and held my head shed some tears after reading the sorrowful mail. May God grant his family the ability to bear the loss of a wonderful guy, who was using his ability to make sure the light of the ministry keeps burning, may God forgive his sins.
I also symphatise with everybody who were close to him. May we always remember his good work. And emulate his fine example.
God Bless Each and Every One.
*
Dear Kelly and Family,
May the Lord bless you and hold you in his holy arms! amen. My name is L.W., I am a faithful reader of The Thought of the Day. Wanted to let you know how much I as well as my co-workers and friends have been blessed by your husband’s ministry. We are truly sorry for what had happen, but rejoycing in our hearts for Kirk is with our Father!!! Alelujha. I bet our Lord told him….”Job well done, son”. Kelly and Family, we’ll keep you in our prayers, that our merciful Father will bring peace and comfort to your hearts in such times as this. We love you and thank you for the support you gave your husband through his ministry. May blessings come your way and your friendship with Jesus our Saviour, grow closer. amen.
Love you in Christ,
L. and Co-workers
(University of Arizona)
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Kelly:
My heart aches for you at this time for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine how you must be feeling. Your greatest comfort right now must knowing that he is in the arm of our Lord at this time. He is wearing a crown with many jewels, one for each of the thousands he has reached through his ministry. The Lord only give us what we can bear and he must have some awesome plans for you now at this time. Continue to gain strength in Him and know there are thousands of people around the world who are out there praying for you and your family. God Bless you all.
In Christ
M.A. – Bemus Point, NY
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I am so sorry and extend condolences to his family, he sounds like he was a wonderful kind man. I enjoy This Days Thought very much as it contains only a few, yet very powerful, words. I can read it quickly and go on with my days work. Thank you.
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Dear Kelly,
I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers and with you and your family. This Days Thought has been a blessing to me and keeps me going when times are tough. God Bless.
L.
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Kelly and family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We can never know why things like this happen as they do but over the years I have developed some thoughts which have helped me when I have lost someone. Now that I am in my fifties some of my friends and family are beginning to take that long journey home. However, the ones that I remember the most fondly and closest to my heart are the ones who departed at such an young age. Maybe it is because of the suddenness of their departure and all of the “what ifs” that go along with an early death…..but the young and younger people are the ones I remember most fondly. I hope there will be times when you will feel Kirk’s loving arms surrounding you and in your family in the days and years ahead. My dad has been gone for twenty years and there are times when I am sure his presence is around me. I believe that love knows no bounds if we continue to hold our loved ones in our hearts.
M.W.
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hi kelly,
calvary greetings in Jesus name.
a time like this is when your faith in God is tested.
lean on Him and He’ll give you the grace to scale thru.
He’s our Father and He won’t leave you to go thru this alone.
and remember that the Lord gives and He takes away.
in all things we shd give Him thanks ,it not easy but His grace is sufficient for you.
God will see you thru in Jesus name.Amen.
best regards,
a.
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Dear Kelly,
My name is B.G. and I have been a subscriber to This Days Thought and This Days Verse for about a year now. I cannot tell you how many mornings I have come into work feeling down or anxious about what the day would hold only to read that days verse and have it give me total comfort. My office is filled with Thougts or Verses that have touched me which I print out and leave around my desk for encouragement. This ministry has been an amazing blessing to me and I have Kirk to thank for that. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. I hope that you know how your husband helped share God’s word with others. I am confident in the Lord that he will cover you with his grace and bless your family as Kirk has been a blessing to so many. May God bless you and give you peace.
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Dear Kelly,
My heart goes out to you. This Day’s Thought is one of the first e-mails I look at each day and it has truly been a blessing to me. I have printed out many of them to keep and have also forwarded some to friends.
I know God will keep you in His care.
Love,
S.H.
*
Dear Kelly and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and in this time of trial keep your faith with the Lord who is everloving.
With love,
The S. Family, Stanwick, Northamptonshire, England.
*
Kelly–
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely–
The members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Roselle, IL
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Dear Kelly, Although we have not met nor will probably get the chance I felt that I wanted to write and say I’m very sorry for your loss. I can only hope that the power of the prayers that surround you are protecting your heart and mind. I came to “ This day’s thought” by chance and from the day I began to read it, it left a mark on my heart and life. The power of the simple, yet incredibly powerful messages has touched my heart and life and given me the power and strength to lead my life. I am relatively renewed in my faith and the efforts of Kirk have made a real difference and I thank you and him.
I realize I can’t say much else but thank you and I hope and pray that your children will be able to see the good that Kirk brought to the world and that he made a difference in the lives that he touched. I hope you are safe in God’s care and that your life will slowly begin to take a new shape that will allow you to carry on Kirks efforts and make an additional mark in the world.
Many thanks and my thoughts will remain with you,
C.S.
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To Whom It May Concern,
I would like to send this to the wife of the person you had described in your last e-mail. I want you to know how much I appreciate the ministry that your husband was a part of and that I’m sorry about your families recent misfortune. I know that the this days thoughts has truly blessed me. Many times the little readings have spoke to my heart or the situation I needed some wisdom or insight given to. Thanks to your husband part in this he could enable Gods life to be brought forth. I trust God will strengthen and comfort you in this season of your life.
G.F.
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Dear Kelly,
I felt such pain for you when I read this… I had to write. My first thought was “Why?” Why would our gracious Lord allow this to happen? Only He understands His greater plans for our world, and only He can use such a hard blow to you and your family for good in this world. Perhaps He needed Kirk to further His glorious plans in Heaven. In any case, please hold on to these thoughts… First of all, I know you know that this life is just a quick blink in all Eternity. Before you know it, Kirk will be there welcoming you to spend all Eternity with him and our Lord someday. I pray that you feel our Lord’s comforting arms around you and your children right now… that you realize that He knows your sacrifice and feels your pain. He is the Father of the fatherless… and He loves you all the more as you suffer the pain of loss. May God hold you tight and surround you with the support of family and friends. Don’t lose faith… He does care.
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Dear Kelly,
I have been out of town and just got this message today. Please know that my prayers and those of my family are with you and yours. The ministry of This Days Thought has been very powerful in my life, and thanks to your husband, has reached many, many people. His life has touched lives far and wide, and will continue to do so. As you can see, I use the “thoughts” as signatures to my emails, and I know others use them in many ways. This is in large part due to the love your husband had for the Lord. You know he has gone straight from this life to his next one, where he waits for you — where you will worship your King together forever. I grieve with you in your loss in this life.
In His Service,
M. C. – Linden, NC
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Sin has four characteristics: self-sufficiency instead of faith, self-will instead of submission, self-seeking instead of benevolence, self-righteousness instead of humility.
E.P.H.
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please express my sympathies for their loss and tell them that they will be in my prayers
Shannon
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You know,
I cannot claim that I know you or that I even knew Kirk, but for some reason, I feel heart broken with you right now.
I have seen enough tragedies and unexplained events happen that I will not even try to give any expanation or try to make you feel better by something I say. No one but the man of sorrows; the one experienced with greif can hold your heart together. He is the one who can look you straight in the eye and say ” I know exactly how you feel” and you will know, he absolutely means it. In him alone you can find the consolation in the time that you need it.
G.A.
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Dear Kelly,
A friend of mine has been forwarding This Day s Thoughts since June 29 of this year along with some devotionals. I mentioned to him that of all the mails he forwards to me, I enjoy receiving This Day s Thoughts the most. There is one specific thought of the day that really grabbed my attention and which motivated me to compile these thoughts as inspirational quotes. Do not shelter the mirror which reflects your soul’s lack of beauty; rather welcome the truth, and believe that next to the knowledge of God nothing is so precious as the knowledge of self . Jean Grou. I understand that your husband offered the use of his technical equipment, which was been very significant in the success of this cyber ministry (and I do consider it a ministry for the simple fact that these thoughts have ministered to my heart and have often prompted me to consider the important things in life which are encompassed in our lord and Savior Jesus Christ). Through his contribution to this ministry, his life has been a blessing to me because I ve been encouraged, motivated, and one time when I was going astray in my heart, I received right direction for my thought pattern through the favorite thought I mentioned above.
I am very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing and your loss. To be quite honest, I ve never really considered the people behind the ministry until I got the message of Kirk s sudden passing. Now I realize the importance of their work, and I feel a sense of loss too. Your husband has been a blessing to a stranger far away.
I am a twenty five year old young woman from Belize City in Belize, Central America. I am a believer and my life is wrapped up in Jesus Christ. He has brought new meaning to my life and I just want to continue living in and through Him.
May God continue to bless you and keep you in this time of bereavement. And I encourage you to trust Him when He says to you, all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. He loves you, and I appreciate you and your husband.
Thanks, G.S.
A grateful recipient of This Day s Thoughts
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Dear Kelly:
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Though I didn’t know him personally, his ministry has been a blessing to me many times via the internet. May God surround you and your family and be especially close to you during this time of loss and transition.
In Christ, T.S. – Pastor, New Community Fellowship
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Dear Kelly,
Words can’t express my heartfelt sorrow for you and your family’s loss. About the only non-personal mail I get that I don’t immediately delete is this days thought. So even though you and your family has never met me and probably will never lay eyes on me I have been richly blessed through your husband’s help with this ministry. PS. I have fairly severe clinical depression and it has really helped me keep a perspective when I’m having a hard time with it. God bless you and keep you and may he especially cause his face to shine down upon you and your family now and always.
P.
*
I am so sorry to hear about Kirk….Kelly, my prayers are with you. I cannot imagine what you’re going through, but God will take you through it.
D.
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I have only just opened this email, and with much pain I bear for Kathy and her family.
My heart goes out to Kathy and her family right now. May our Father in Heaven wrap his arms around you Kathy and the children, reassuring you that Kirk has come home where he will wait for you until such time our Father brings you and the family home. John 14:18 “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you”.
Revelation 21:4 ” God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
I am praying for you and your family.
A.
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I really look forward to reading this day’s Thought and Verse. Its sad to hear of Kirk’s death.
To Kelly: God only gives unto us what we can manage and in our weaker days and most sorrowful moments he carries us. He is a strong tower, so lean on Him. I am sure Saint Kirk will always be with you. I’ll remember you in my prayers.
J. from Jamaica
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Kelly,
The Holy Spirit will comfort you and yours. Jesus Christ is on the throne forever and cares for you more that you can ever imagine. The Lord will never leave nor forsake you. Hold on to Jesus Christ and surely the victory is users.
regards,
E.
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Dear Kelly,
I would like to start by offering my deepest condolences. I cannot fathom what you may be going through right now. All I can offer you is to remind you to find your strength in Him. I wanted to thank you for your husband’s work. His technical assistance that allowed the Thought / Verse of the Day to continue has been such a blessing to me. Kirk has helped me by continually allowing me to be challenged to think about what is around me and to be observant to my world. It has also been an accessory to my ministry, as certain thoughts or verses remind me of friends and their struggles, lives and personalities. I can’t tell you how appreciative people are to get a personalized message, even is it is just simply forwarded to them, knowing that is was with them in mind. I will pray for you, and thank you for Kirk’s influence.
-M.

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A Tribute To Kirk N. Albrecht

Kirk Albrecht was a good friend, computer guru, and partner in ministry. Sadly, Kirk died of a heart attack at age 36 on July 14th, 2004.  Below is a letter I wrote to his family and friends a few days later. This website is dedicated to him. 

Kirk Albrecht and Eric Elder

Kirk Albrecht (top) and Eric Elder in 1998 installing the first computer to run The Ranch website

July 20, 2004

To the family and friends of Kirk Albrecht,

I couldn’t believe it when Kelly called to say that Kirk had died. He’s been such a permanent fixture in our lives over the years, I couldn’t imagine him being gone. Like you, I’ve spent the past few days crying, praying and reflecting on what his life has meant to me and to many others. In losing Kirk, I’ve lost my good friend, my best technical support, and my partner in ministry.

I’ve created dozens of websites over the years and many people look to me as their webmaster. But when I’ve needed technical help, I’ve always looked to Kirk. He was a webmaster’s webmaster.

The things he taught me helped me to create an Internet ministry that reaches thousands of people a month from all over the world with the message of Christ. Many times I was ready to “throw in the towel” on hosting my own websites, but Kirk would come and give me a hand and give me a smile and tell me to keep going. He was confident we would get things going again, and he was always right.

Kirk came to my rescue many times, driving from Morton to wherever my equipment was located and spending hours and hours solving a problem. One particular scene stands out in my mind.

We were in the basement of an office building in Macomb. It was about 4 in the morning after we’d worked all day trying to recover from a computer virus that struck my server. When we had finally gotten over the bulk of the problem, Kirk showed me what to do next and laid down on the concrete floor to take a break. He only got about 15 minutes of a catnap before we had to do more, but as I worked away and watched him finally getting some rest, I couldn’t help but be thankful for a man that would spend an all-nighter with me working on a computer, with no thought of compensation, with no expectation of anything in return, but simply to help out a friend. As much as I miss him now, I like to think that he’s finally getting some real rest and finally getting all of the rewards that he piled up in heaven while he was here on earth.

One of the ministries that benefitted from those all-nighters and everything else Kirk did is called This Day’s Thought. When I told my friend Greg who runs “This Day’s Thought” what had happened to Kirk, he asked if it would be OK to send out a note to his 10,000 subscribers about Kirk’s passing so that his subscribers could say thanks and pray for Kirk’s family.

Within minutes of sending out the announcement, notes began pouring in from around the world. I’ve collected them here as a tribute to a man who worked behind-the-scenes to make a difference in the lives of so many – including mine.

With much love,
Eric Elder

Click Here To Read The Letters

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News From The Ranch – November 2003

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Watch Videos from the “Week of Hope” Online

Week of Hope Banner

You can watch videos of the Week of Hope online at weekofhope.com.

Watch “Week Of Hope” Videos Online

Thank you to everyone who prayed for and was involved with our “Week of Hope” here in Streator, Illinois (USA).  Your prayers and efforts made it a tremendous success.

You can now watch the videos of all the testimonies, dramas, videos, music and messages on the Internet anytime!  Just go to www.weekofhope.com and click “Watch Videos.”

(It’s all great, but if you wanted to just watch a portion, I’d suggest watching the last 20-30 minutes of the Sunday night program.  Start with “I Can Only Imagine,” then watch my message, followed by Rick Jepsen’s testimony and the final invitation.)

I also wanted to share just a few of the results with you.  We had an average attendance of 340 people each night, with a total of 1,350 in attendance over the course of the four nights.

Since our goal for the event was to encourage people to put their faith in Christ for everything in their life, I was really excited to see that:

  • 323 people indicated on their comment cards that even though they were already believers in Christ, they were putting their faith in Him for a particular situation in their life.
  • 6 people indicated they were believing in Christ for the very first time.
  • 9 people indicated that they hadn’t yet made a decision, but were seriously considering putting their faith in Christ.
  • We had a total of 336 people who indicated that their level of faith in Christ had increased or at least stayed the same as a result of the event.

I truly believe that when we can increase people’s willingness to put their faith in Christ, all kinds of things can happen.  Jesus said,

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20b, NIV)

Thanks again for your prayers and I hope you enjoy watching the event as well.  I just heard from someone in California who was watching it at midnight and wrote:

“I’ve been watching the ‘Week of Hope.’  I feel like I’m there. Great job. God is smiling.”

Again, to watch any of the event, just go to www.weekofhope.com and click “Watch Videos.”

Please Pray With Us

Father, we thank You for increasing the faith of the people in Streator through the “Week of Hope.”

We pray that You would continue this work now via the Internet to increase the faith of people all over the world.

And finally we pray that more people will find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks again!
Eric Elder

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation

by

News From The Ranch – October 2003

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Time for a Week of Hope, new board members, and more new music with the “Sweet Dreams” CD.

Streator Water Tower

Please pray for the city of Streator, where we are just days away from launching the Week of Hope, a city-wide outreach to be held at 7 pm nightly on October 9, 10,11 and 12th at the Streator High School Auditorium.

Week Of Hope

I just heard a woman say,

“I can’t wait for the Week of Hope. I just get excited every time I think about it. I can’t wait to see what God’s going to do.”

I can’t wait either! I’ve been planning this event for more than a year along with more than a dozen churches and a hundred people working behind the scenes.

The focal point for the Week of Hope is 4 nights of special services to be held at the Streator High School Auditorium over Columbus Day Weekend. Each night we’re featuring powerful stories of people right here in Streator, Illinois whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ. We’ll also have music, drama and videos to make the night both entertaining and life-changing. I’ll be speaking each night, giving an invitation for others to put their hope in Christ as well.

We’re praying that God would use the Week of Hope to let His Spirit flow throughout Streator like water from a water tower.

In fact, there’s a water tower near my house and it’s HUGE. Water flows through it into underground pipes all over the city. Whenever someone wants to take a drink, or water their lawn, or clean their clothes, they just turn on the faucet and the water flows.

We pray that the Week of Hope will do the same thing for those who are spiritually thirsty, who want to grow, or who want to clean up their lives. The Bible says we really can be “washed” by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul lists a variety of sins in his letter to the Corinthians. But then he adds:

“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthian 6:11, NIV).

Better Than Reality TV

One of the benefits of planning this event is that I get to taste the fruit even before the harvest begins. I met this week with ten of the people who will be sharing their testimonies during the Week of Hope. It was a moving time, even though we were “just rehearsing.” Tears flowed as person after person told about what Christ had done in their lives.

One woman showed the scars on her wrists where she tried to commit suicide several years ago. It brought tears to my eyes to think about the spiritual impact she’s had on our community since that time…when she could have just as easily been dead. What a loss had she not put her hope in Christ.

Another couple told how their lives were shattered when one of their sons was born severely mentally retarded. Their first response was to shake their fists at God. But then a pastor helped them understand that God cried along with them. As a result, they put their hope in Christ, went into ministry, and now several of their other children are also in full-time ministry. Who knows how many multiple lives have been touched as a result of their putting their hope in Christ.

This is better than reality TV. These are real lives…with real change. You can read these stories of hope for yourself at the Week of Hope website: www.weekofhope.com.

Body-Lifting Music

I was also able to sit in on a few of the music rehearsals for the Week of Hope a few nights ago. As I listened, I could hardly keep my hands down! It felt like there was an invisible force pushing my hands up in praise to God. I was taking some pictures to put in the newspaper and finally just stopped and let my hands go up!

My friend Kent Sanders has organized four different worship teams to lead worship each night, made up of the many talented musicians in town. It’s hard to be surrounded by the sounds of drums and congas, flutes and cellos, guitars, pianos, keyboards, violins (not to mention the soothing breath of the human voice) and not be lifted up. It lifts my body as well as my soul.

As you can tell, I’m fairly immersed in the Week of Hope and the Spirit’s already beginning to flow. I’m telling you all of this for three reasons:

1) Please pray for the Week of Hope, that God will use it to send His Spirit throughout Streator and, through the videos we hope to put on the Internet afterward, throughout the world.

2) Please come to the Week of Hope! For some of you, that might be a short drive. For others of you, I know it’s half-way around the world! But if you’re able to come, I hope you’ll make it for at least one night if not all four.

3) Please visit the Week of Hope website if you need a boost in your own faith. You can read the testimonies there already, and if you’ll visit it again later in October, we plan to have the video online of the event itself.

(For those who want to stay for the weekend, we have a couple of hotels in town: Super 8 at 815-672-0080 or Town & Country Inn at 815-672-3183. Again, the Week of Hope starts at 7 pm nightly on October 9, 10, 11 and 12.)

New Board Members

I also wanted to let you know that we’ve just added some new board members to our ministry. I believe their input will help us to grow our ministry in many ways and make The Ranch website much more dynamic in the future. Those joining me on the board include:

  • Brent Knapton, Director of an international missions organization in Texas;
  • Steve Knight, Senior Editor in the Internet Department of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in North Carolina;
  • Al Lowry, Founder of Guitarists Into God (GIG), a music ministry at Saddleback Church in California, and
  • Dan Mountney, Video Director at Kensington Community Church in Michigan.

I’m thankful for these men who are making a difference in their own ministries, and are willing to feed into our ministry as well. Please pray that God will use our combined efforts to reach even more people with the message of Christ.

Please Pray With Us

Father, we thank You:

  • for still changing lives every day;
  • for bringing people and churches together in Streator to create the Week of Hope;
  • and for bringing new board members to direct this ministry.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for many to be washed by Your Spirit during the Week of Hope;
  • for new growth in this ministry through the new board members;
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

by

News From The Ranch – June 2003

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

A new “What God Says” CD, invitation to the “Week of Hope” in Streator, and offer to visit you if you live in the US.

If you need an encouraging word from the Lord, you’ll enjoy listening to this collection of “What God Says” about various topics, read by Lana to some beautiful music. You can listen anytime here on The Ranch, or request the CD at The Ranch Giftshop.

If you need an encouraging word from the Lord, you’ll enjoy listening to this collection of “What God Says” about various topics, read by Lana to some beautiful music. You can listen anytime here on The Ranch, or request the CD at The Ranch Giftshop.

What God Says

We’ve recently put all six of Lana’s pocket-sized CD’s onto one full-sized CD so you can listen to over 30 minutes of encouragement from God’s Word anytime. We continue to get comments from people who listen to them on the web and on CD like these:

“I wake up to them and go to sleep by them each night. Your wife’s voice is very soothing and does not obstruct the message.”

Our hope is that by combining all of the individual CD’s into one collection they will be even more convenient and helpful to people who need encouragement. The CD contains some of the most encouraging verses from the Bible about “What God Says” about Prayer, Healing, Missions, Ministry, Temptation and Fear. The scriptures on this full-sized CD are read by Lana Elder and accompanied by original music from Eric Elder, Chuck Giacinto, Brent Mitchell and Kent Sanders.

You can listen to the complete tracks on The Ranch website by clicking on “Listen to Music” You can also request a copy of the full CD for yourself or for a gift atThe Ranch Giftshop.

Keep Praying!

I’ve just been reading one of the most encouraging lines found in scripture.It comes just after Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife. Genesis 25:21 says:

“The Lord answered his prayer…”

I love that God not only hears our prayers, but answers them, too. I think we often get discouraged in praying because we’re not sure if our prayers really make a difference. But throughout the Bible, we read about people who prayed and about God who answered their prayers.

Here’s another great line that follows a prayer said by Manasseh:

“And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.” (2 Chronicles 33:13).

The Lord not only listened to Manasseh’s prayers, but was moved by them. This is even more amazing to me when I read that Manasseh was no saint. He had seriously sinned against God and lead others to do the same. But when he turned from his sins, humbled himself and cried out to God, God was moved and answered his prayers.

Our prayers do make a difference. God does hear them…and is moved by them. Keep praying! And when you see the answers, you will know “that the LORD is God.”

Week of Hope

I mentioned in my last newsletter that I’m leading an event this fall here in Streator called the “Week of Hope.” I was surprised to hear later from people as far away as Africa who wanted to come!

I thought I’d take a minute to specifically invite you to join us, too. October is a beautiful time in Illinois and the fall leaves should be at their peak during the event!

The “Week of Hope” is sponsored by more than a dozen churches in town, so there is no cost to you to attend the event itself. We have two inexpensive hotels in town to make your stay very affordable (Super 8 at 815-672-0080 or Town & County Inn at 815-672-3183).

We’ll be meeting at the Streator High Auditorium at 7pm each night for four nights from October 9-12th (Columbus Day Weekend). You’re welcome to join us for one, two, three or all four nights! I’ll be speaking each night on the topic of the hope we can have in Christ, and we’ll have great music and powerful testimonies each night of how Jesus Christ can change lives.

You can find out more at the “Week of Hope” website, complete with videos and a radio interview that describes the event. Take a look at: www.weekofhope.com.

On the Road

I’m going to be traveling around the US the next several months, giving people an update on our ministry and inviting them to join us as one of our regular financial supporters of our ministry.

I thought this would also be a good time to meet with some of you, many of whom I’ve only met so far over the Internet. If you’d be interested in a personal visit, I’d be glad to meet with you! Aside from raising support for our ministry, I hope it will give me a chance to encourage you in your faith as well. I’d be glad to meet in your home, or share my testimony with your church or small group, or even lead a few worship songs on the piano if you’d like!

Someone has graciously offered to help with my travel expenses for these trips, so there would be no cost to you if I’m already heading your way. I’d just need to know if you’d be interested in having me stop by. I’m still working on my travel schedule, so if you would be interested in a visit, just let me know!

Online Training for Online Evangelists

A few months ago I was able to get a preview of a new online training course for people interested in sharing their faith over the Internet. The course is now complete and I’d highly recommend it to anyone of any age reading this newsletter. The course is designed “to help believers effectively share Jesus with other people who are online. This includes people encountered via e-mail, chat rooms, discussion boards, Instant Messaging, and every web page. …”

It’s self-paced and there’s no cost, except the time you put into it. To go through the course, visit: www.webevangelism.org/otoe

While I’m recommending websites, I’ve been enjoying watching a series of video messages from Bill Hybels called “28 Days of Telling the Truth.” You might enjoy it, too, at: willowcreek.com

Please Pray With Us

In case you missed our email announcement, thank you for your prayers for the birth of our 6th little baby, Kaleo Breese Elder. She’s now 3 months old and doing great. You can still look at her webpage (complete with Brady Bunch music) at ericelder.com/kaleo.

By the way, my 75Mhz laptop is finally on its last legs. If anyone has something with a little more power that they’d be willing to donate, it would be a blessing! We’re also on the lookout for 5 to 10 PC’s that we could use for doing some computer training. If you know of someone or a company who might be able to donate such equipment, please let us know!

Father, we thank You:

  • for the birth of Kaleo Breese;
  • for encouraging us through Your Word;
  • and for hearing our prayers and answering them;

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for hearts to be prepared for the upcoming “Week of Hope;”
  • for Your direction in our travel plans;
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

by

News From The Ranch – February 2003

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Year-end statistics, new music on The Ranch, and an upcoming live event in Illinois.

Eden, by Marilyn Byrnes

We’ve added some new piano music to the website to encourage you in your quiet time with the Lord. It contains a collection of classical and inspirational songs that I helped my sister record, including a song I wrote especially for her to play called “Marilyn’s Theme.”

Dear Friends,

We’re just days away now from the birth of our 6th child (at least we think we’re days away…Lana’s due on Feb. 26th, but she’s always been early so far). We’d appreciate your prayers for Lana and the baby and our whole family this month. (Those may sound like routine prayers, but for anyone who’s been involved in the birth process, you know those prayers are precious!)

We’ve included a picture of our family here that we’d love for you to print out and use as a reminder to pray for us and our ministry (even though it will be quickly outdated!) We appreciate that many of you have written to let us know that you do pray for us. We’d love if you would put this prayer card on your refrigerator or in your office or tuck it in your Bible…anywhere that you might see it regularly and remember to pray. We’ve listed some prayers at the end of this letter that you can cut out and keep near the picture if you’d like some ideas of what we need prayer for.

Eric Elder Family 2003

Eric Elder Family 2003

Knowing that many of you have prayed for us this past year, we also thought you might like to see a glimpse of how your prayers were answered. I’ve posted on our website some excerpts from a number of “thank you” notes we received this past year from people who visited The Ranch. While many of these are addressed to me and Lana, their notes of thanks extend directly to you as well, for without your prayers and support, we wouldn’t be able to reach out the way we do. I hope that as you read through these notes, you’ll be able to read them as personal notes of thanks to you as well for your prayers for this ministry. You’ll find them by clicking Quick Stats and Notes of Thanks.

I especially like to see notes that come from people who visit The Ranch needing a boost in their faith, and leave having gotten it, like this note from Louisiana:

“We’ve been facing some severe financial struggles recently and while our faith is deeper than ever, and we know we are tucked safely under the Lord’s wing, your site – the music – helped release a few of my hidden fears that seem tucked behind the nooks and crannies of my soul. I arrived feeling spent, but leave feeling refreshed.”

Although I can’t print all of the notes here, I hope you’ll read through the excerpts on the website to know that God is still in the life-changing business. I’ve also included along with the notes a few quick stats from last year, like these:

  • Total visitors during 2002: 85,000+
  • Total visitors over 5 years: 200,000+
  • Average number of visitors per day: 250+
  • Number of countries visitors come from: 150+
  • Number of emails requesting prayer and encouragement: 485
  • Longest email received: 5,231 words
  • Shortest email received: 1 word (Help!)

To read more, visit: Quick Stats and Notes of Thanks.

New Music

For those of you who like piano music and would like to spend some quiet time with God, we’ve just added a new full-length CD to the website that I helped my sister record called “Eden.” If you’ve heard her Christmas music on our site, you already know that she’s a gifted pianist and her music is both calming and inspiring. This new CD features a natural combination of classical and relaxing music, such as Für Elise, Clair de Lune, On Eagle’s Wings and Brahm’s Lullaby. It also features a song I wrote especially for her to play called Marilyn’s Theme.

You’re welcome to listen to this music on the website anytime you want, as often as you want, as our gift to you. If you’d like a copy for your home, or car, or for a friend, just visit The Ranch Giftshop. While you can listen to the music on the site free of charge, we do ask for a suggested donation for the CD’s as a way to help our ministry reach out to more people. Click this link to Listen to Eden.

Real Lives, Real Change

We’ve also posted some new testimonies on the website: one from a man named Peter from England who was scarred for life as an infant when his house caught on fire. His life went from bad to worse until Christ reached down and gave him a new life. The other is from a woman named Vicki who suffered from severe abuse and eventually mental illness until she finally “challenged God to prove himself.” He did, and now she’s free of the pain and torment she suffered for years (just like the man that Christ set free in Mark Chapter 5). You can read these true-life stories (and more) by clicking their links above or visiting Stories At The Ranch.

I believe that testimonies like these are so valuable for encouraging people to put their faith in Christ that we’re planning a live event this fall here in Streator, Illinois, to showcase testimonies of people in this area whose lives have also been touched by Jesus. In my role as President of the Streator Ministerial Association, we’re coordinating this multi-day event as a city-wide outreach sponsored by the cooperating churches in town.

I’d appreciate your prayers as we attempt to reach out to thousands of people in the area by showing them that Jesus Christ still changes lives today. I can’t describe what an incredible burden I feel in leading this event, as well as the incredible opportunity I see before us to touch countless people. Please pray for me, for the churches involved in the planning, and for those who will be touched by Christ Himself. If you could stop and pray for a minute even before reading on, I’d really appreciate it (and so will those whose lives will be changed by your prayers. If you want to see it in person, come on over! We’re a couple hours drive southwest of Chicago. The planned dates are October 9-12th.)

Take Heart

As a final encouragement, I want to remind you of a phrase that I find repeatedly in scripture:

“GOD IS WITH YOU.”

These words were spoken to Abraham (Genesis 21:22), Saul (1 Samuel 10:7), David (1 Chronicle 17:2), Solomon (1 Chronicle 28:20), groups of people (Zechariah 8:23), cities (Zephaniah 3:17), and whole countries (Isaiah 45:15). As David said these words to Solomon, I want to say them to you:

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you.”

Call on the name of Jesus and you can be sure that GOD WILL INDEED BE WITH YOU, TOO.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for growing our family;
  • for growing our ministry;
  • and for growing the number of friends we’ve met in Your name.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for Your protection on our family;
  • for Your guidance for our ministry;
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

We ask this all in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

by

Quick Stats And Notes Of Thanks – 2002

A collection of statistics and short excerpts of thanks from emails from 2002.

Monthly Visitors to The Ranch

Quick Stats

Visitor Information:

  • Total visitors during 2002: 85,000+
  • Total visitors over 5 years: 200,000+
  • Average number of visitors per day: 265
  • Average length of time a visitors spends on The Ranch: 13 minutes, 21 seconds
  • Number of countries visitors come from: 150+
  • Number of CD’s mailed out during 2002: 175
  • Emails received requesting prayer or biblical advice: 485 emails from 262 people.
  • Gender breakdown for emails: 40% male; 60% female

Top 10 issues from email correspondents:

  • Relationships with others (marriage, divorce, boyfriends/girlfriends) (48 people – 18% of total)
  • Health (physical, emotional, mental) (33 – 13%)
  • Sexuality (temptation, pornography, homosexuality) (33 – 13%)
  • Ministry (personal, professional) (30 – 11%)
  • Finances (money, job, career) (20 – 8%)
  • Relationship with God (wanting to grow in their love, faith, or knowledge of Him) 18 – 7%)
  • Salvation (for themselves, for others) (13 – 5%)
  • Anger (toward God, church, or others) (13 – 5%)
  • Depression (12 – 4%)
  • Other (schoolwork, court cases, direction, etc.) (42 – 16%)

More Stats:

  • Number of volunteers who help us answer emails: 20 (10 regular; 10 occasional)
  • Percentage of people who wrote back to us a second time: 34%
  • Percentage who wrote back 3-5 times: 6%
  • Percentage who wrote back more than 5 times: 2%
  • Longest email received: 5,231 words!
  • Shortest email received: 1 word (Help!)

Notes Of Thanks

1/1/02 – Thanks for seeing me through all my past…I really appreciate all your encouragement…bye for now, S.P. / CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
1/1/02 – A wonderful site Pastor Elder, I will recommend it to everyone I know. T.M. / GRANVILLE, ILLINOIS
1/1/02 – I also wanted to tell you how great things are going with me and my pastor. We are really developing a great friendship…I overheard him tell his wife the other day that I was his best friend! Can you believe that??? You really discerned that one well. I’m so glad I told him…and I probably would not have done that if you had not prodded me along. Thanks for your advice and thanks for being my friend. A.
1/3/02 – Brother, Truly touched to see what God did in you and now through you. May our heavenly Father continue to bless you, Lana, your children and the ministry He has entrusted to you. Shalom, J.T. / SEAFORD, NEW YORK
1/4/02 – Your testimony is a blessing from God! V.H.
1/5/02 – Praise the Lord! Your site is so wonderful…thanks so much for blessing me and the millions of people who stop by! I love the music and my favorite song is “Clear My Mind.” I would love to add a link to your website on my websites. S.L.
1/6/02 – Dear Mr. Elder: Thank you so much for your website! It has been such a blessing to me. The Lord really touched me while I was listening to your “Clear My Mind” CD. I really appreciate your ministry and pray the Lord will continue to bless it and you. S.S. / SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
1/7/02 – Eric, Thanks for the return email. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your accountability, prayers, and guidance. Thanks again for your support, encouragement, and walking with me through the fire. C.
1/9/02 – Thank you for this unique website. In His love, D.M.
1/11/02 – Thank you and God bless you and your family and the wonderful work you are doing for Him! Your brother in Christ, P.A. / PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA
1/11/02 – Hi Eric, You wrote an AWESOME essay (on human cloning)!! I especially loved the very compassionate close. Way to go! Your follow-up questions were so good I put them on our website because I thought other people would benefit from it. S.B. / PROBE MINISTRIES / DALLAS, TEXAS
1/12/02 – I love your site. God bless you. L.L. / WACO, TEXAS
1/18/02 – I love this website so much! :) It’s great. I enjoyed the music a lot! Most websites don’t provide the complete tracks of the CDs, but you guys provided many options to the listeners. Keep it up! L.L. / STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA
1/19/02 – Thanks very much for taking the time to put together this website!! May God Bless. C.J. / INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI
1/21/02 – Great Site! I have added your site to my Personal Homepage. God Bless. L.R. / TENNESSEE
1/24/02 – Keep up the great work. Have a great and Godly Day! Love and Prayers, C.A. / KELLER, TEXAS
2/2/02 – I thank God for giving you this vision and realising it. The messages have especially uplifted me in my spiritual wilderness. Thanks. I have been greatly ministered by this web-site and will introduce it to my friends! =) T.V. / SINGAPORE
2/5/02 – The first time I saw your site while surfing, I was highly impressed and will like to meet you personally during my forthcoming visit to the U.S. Pls. give me full details of how I can meet you during the period. Looking forward to hearing from you very soon. God bless. A.O. / LAGOS, NIGERIA
2/7/02 – It is very good. M.E. / IRAN
2/7/02 – Dear Eric: I read your testimony on the net. It was very nicely written. Thanks, D.S.
2/11/02 – Eric, I enjoyed your ministry very much. It was exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for a little boost in my faith, and thank God I found it thru you. I would like to give my individual thanks for your fine web pages of encouragement. I can only imagine all the long hard hours of work you put in it. It really shows. Again, Eric, thanks and may God bless you and all your helpers. J.K. / CARMI, ILLINOIS
2/13/02 – Dear Eric and Lana: Thank you for your prayers and interest in B. She is doing so much better. We wish you well in your ministry and believe that it will reach hurting people who would not go to a conventional church. J.B.
2/15/02 – What a blessing from God I have had today from reading some of your question and answer sections, and listening to some music and scripture selections! It is helping me to continue to hear the Lord on a huge Web site project ministry He has embarked me on. I feel as if I am to promote your Web site ministry on my Web sites. I will be in touch with you about this in a couple of month’s time. Blessings to all of you. All praise and glory to Christ Jesus! D.S. / OTTAWA, CANADA
2/17/02 – I really enjoy your web sight. It’s the best one out there so far that I’ve found. Thanks for taking the time for creating this awesome and powerful tool for God. S. / BURLINGTON, IOWA
2/19/02 – Erik, I didn’t expect you to respond again; I’m sure you have a lot of other things to do, but thank you. D.S.
2/19/02 – I just still can’t understand why people believe in god. I don’t and I live a regular but happy life! L.X. / LEUVEN, BELGIUM
2/19/02 – Very peaceful, and spiritually uplifting. Loved the music on the “Clear My Mind.” God Bless You! J.S. / HARTFORD, WI
2/19/02 – Dear Eric Elder, Greetings, Thanks for your kind words for me and my ministry. God bless you and your ministry. With best regards, Yours in Christ, T.I. / PAKISTAN
2/21/02 – Thank You for a wonderful site & newsletters. M.W. / AURORA, COLORADO
2/22/02 – This is the most wonderful web-site the Lord has brought me too! Many many blessings, K.Y. / NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
2/22/02 – A good and well ordered site. Thanks to God for many people who patronizes his mighty name. J.S. / CAM SURE, PHILIPPINES
2/28/02 – Thanks for just being there. Thanks for your prayers. D.L.
3/1/02 – Hello Eric! I’m approaching the first anniversary of my salvation with a still deeper joy and a much stronger faith. Thank you for your prayers and for your practical aid in helping me with those first steps with our Savior! One of the reasons I’m writing this letter is also to share with you how the Lord has helped me – in serving Him. I guess it was last September when I first sent you the URL of the start-up website of our church: http://www.matejs.lv. The good news is that thanks to God’s help the site is now up and running and fully functional for more than 4 months already. No doubt, it was largely my own special story of conversion that motivated me to take up this ministry. I’m praying that God would continue to bless your ministry and that many more would trade their sins for forgiveness and find their way to Christ through your work! What’s most important, by now we know of at least two people who have come to our church and accepted Jesus through the direct help of this web-site. And they will soon both join the church in baptism. (Man, “What a chain reaction!” you must be thinking! :)) Yes, God works in unbelievable ways! Many more have told that the site has been a blessing to them and has served as a refuge from the haste and violence that fills the secular media. A.S. / RIGA, LATVIA
3/11/02 – Dearest brother Eric, Christian greetings. Thank you very much for your great love and blessed prayer for me. I cannot tell you in words how much happy I am. My heart is really full of Joy and love to have such brother who can pray for me and ministry we have here. Prayer is really a powerful tool in ministry. That is prayer who is encouraging us to continue the Great Commission. Your sincere prayer is very valuable asset for me and I hope you will continue to pray for me. God bless you and family and especially the wonderful ministry you have for the glory of God. Your brother, P. / PAKISTAN
3/12/02 – Thank you. M.
3/17/02 – It is a pleasure for me to write this mail to you. May the all mighty GOD bless YOU. E.H. / CAMEROON, AFRICA
3/21/02 – Glad I found this sight. I hope to be emailing you often. But for now I am very happy that the Lord directed me to you. Seems as though I have much to say – don’t know where to begin and afraid to hope. Just glad you and your wife are there for us. C.B. / SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
3/26/02 – The stories in here are so spiritually healing for me. I want to thank you all for this site. L.L. / COALGATE, OKLAHOMA
4/3/02 – Thank you for your music and all your ministry sites – they have been more than a blessing! Thanks again. You’re a great man of God, Eric. HIS Love and gentleness and kindness is sent out in you. Blessings to you and your family, D.S. / SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS
4/5/02 – I have just come across your website while looking for an article on friendship for an assignment. It seems God desired to speak to me through the words of wisdom found on this website. R.R.
4/13/02 – Dear Eric and Lana. Thank you for all the times which you encouraged us through your internet ministry and emails. Although we had sad times, God sustained us by His grace. By God’s faithfulness, we have now a healthy boy who was born on the 21st of March. Praise the Lord! Thank you Eric and Lana. If you ever drop by Singapore, do let us know. In Christ, J. & L. / SINGAPORE
4/18/02 – Thank you for such a quick response!! I will pass this along. Love, K.N. / GRIDLEY, ILLINOIS
4/19/02 – Hello Eric, I am an 18 year old female. I live in Amman – Jordan. I am Christian and I am proud I am. I was going through the web the other day looking for cool songs to download when I found the ranch site. I was deeply touched by this site and especially by your story! I cried, but my tears where tears of happiness for I felt happy for your happy ending! Being a teenager, you know how sometimes life becomes kind of hard for us to live in. Sometimes I forget to pray to my Lord Jesus Christ, and many times I’ve committed a lot of sins, but deep down I knew that I was wrong so I used to go back and pray. But I used to repeat the sins, but today after going through the site and reading stories, and yours especially, I felt different! I felt that this time due to my faith in Jesus I am becoming some one different. I really felt that Jesus has touched my heart by your story. I wanna be a real CHRISTIAN and thanks to this site, your GREAT MUSIC and your story, I am now. I can feel it and U CAN’T IMAGINE HOW HAPPY I AM ! I FEEL COMPLETLY DIFFERENT. I want u to pray for me, to become a better person so I could spread the love of Jesus to everyone I know just like u. :) Thank You Very Much for changing my life for the BEST. :) Z.M. / AMMAN, JORDAN
4/21/02 – Just a quick “Thank you” for sharing your beautiful gifts and I thank God for giving them to you. My daughter and I are enjoying your exquisite music on “Clear My Mind”. B.L. / FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
4/19/02 – Eric, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you, and thank you again! I can’t tell you what a difference you’re making in our lives right now. You are truly a vessel here as well. Thank you so much for being willing to put yourself so completely in the middle of something that isn’t even your fight and to show such love and compassion to two people you really barely know. Thank you to Lana too for her obvious understanding in what you do to help others, and thanks and praise to God for his amazing love and power!!!! Your filling in, words of encouragement, and scriptural reminders. They are like life blood to me right now, almost like I am a new Christian in the midst of all that is happening around me. Even though I’ve never liked the term, in many ways, perhaps I am being “reborn” through this experience, wherever the outcome leads me. My viewpoint and terminology right now is that I’ve had my own personal epiphany. And because I want my heart and mind to continually be in the right place to deal with this, whatever may happen, I’m turning to God more now than I ever have in my life. I will never be able to repay you for what you’ve already done. I’ll keep on saying it: Thank you. L. / WHEATON, ILLINOIS
4/27/02 – Eric, your emails are really encouraging bro. God is really using you to be a light for me in this time of grayness. Please do keep writing. My most fervent prayer for blessings, B.M.
4/29/02 – It’s only GOD Himself that can reward you on your calling that you have taken with passion. Today was my first time of visiting this ministry’s site, I must confess that I’m inspired by your good work. F.A. / LAGOS, NIGERIA
5/1/02 – I had looked at your site a few times before, but this evening, after enduring a VERY long and trying day, I logged on to my computer and went to your site and really received a blessing when I listened to your talk about “rest.” Thanks for all you do to spread God’s word and to encourage others in the faith. You are a blessing. C.B. / STREATOR, ILLINOIS
5/4/02 – Thank you. T.B.
5/7/02 – I really love your wonderful site. I have learned many new things and would like to thank you for giving me that experience. C. / JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
5/10/02 – This Ministry is so challenging, inspired and worth calling me to join it from here in Uganda. Read Philemon 21. Yours, D.L. / KAMPALA, UGANDA
5/12/02 – Thank you for the piano music. Very encouraging and comforting to me. T.N. / SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
5/12/02 – Eric, thanks a lot for your care. I shall never forget that I’ve been saved by your Website when I visited it by chance on that terrible night. It helped me a lot. I’m grateful to you & Lana for such simple, lovely & soothing broadcasts of both of you. I’m also so grateful to you when you e-mailed me with your sound & caring notes. I really needed them so badly at that time when I felt inside me that I’m a rejected woman. I really feel I owe you. I wish I can repay you one day. Be sure I never forget “Good Deeds”. God Bless you & your sweet family. M. / CAIRO EGYPT
5/15/02 – VERY GOOD SITE. A. / AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
5/15/02 – Very inspirational reading material through the anointing of the Holy Ghost. It is highly commendable and I am sure the Lord will bless you abundantly. God bless you C.S. / ATLANTA, GEORGIA
5/18/02 – I very much enjoy your music. Thank you for your generosity. Your Brother in Christ, R.D. / CLARKS SUMMIT, PENNSYLVANIA
5/19/02 – I just “fell” on your site – I do not know how. But your work is an inspiration to me. God is doing a good thing through you. I really appreciate the “relaxing” tone and the focus on His word. We are desperate for God ‘s word and at times hardly know it. Thank you again. L.B. / CANTON, MICHIGAN
5/20/02 – May the Good Lord richly bless your ministry. J.A. / AMMAN, JORDAN
5/22/02 – Very nice website in its simple elegance. Lots to see and do, none of the bothersome intense graphics that slow down page loading (Flash animations, etc) and an obviously dedicated Christian making it all work. Well done! M.M. / COOS BAY, OREGON
5/23/02 – I loved your site y’all.. Absolutely was wonderful and I feel your site had a wonderful message of faith and love for God without being strange or over the edge or pushy. Thank you for touching my heart. C.S. / FORT WORTH, TEXAS
5/25/02 – Your ministry is wonderful!!! M.D. / LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
5/27/02 – God bless you. this is also a child of god who is also in love with him completely and that is a beautiful story and yes I believe that god can do anything. You are a very blessed man don’t you ever for get that. It’s good to know that our brothers and sisters in Christ are doing God’s will over the Internet and people are getting blessed and being saved, hearing the miracles of what our father Jesus Christ is doing. You and your Family have a Blessed Day… A.S. / NEW LONDON
6/2/02 – Dear Eric and Lana, I just got done listening to your broadcast “It’s Never to Late”. It was very encouraging to me. C. / HOUSTON, TEXAS
6/8/02 – Dear Brother Eric, Greetings from Japan in the Name of our Lord; We are so moved and encouraged through your prayer. We are so thankful that you have shown much understanding for our home. We are sure our Lord showed you our hardness. We will pin up your words of prayer on the wall of our home. You are one of our real brothers. God bless you! With much thanks and love, M.F. / MIE-KEN, JAPAN
6/11/02 – Mr. Elder, I am 15 and live in New Mexico. I was looking online for a song called “Sanctuary.” I stumbled upon your song. I listened to the MIDI version that you had, following along on the sheet music…it was amazing. I printed it out, and started playing it that night. Now, after a few weeks I still play it, and play it. It is an amazing song. I am going to play it at my brother’s wedding if that’s cool, and I’m hoping that my friend will learn it on the guitar to sing and play it with me. Thank you for writing such an amazing song. I truly have a new definition of a sanctuary now. God bless, I.M. / ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
6/11/02 – Hello Erick, I greet you in the name of JESUS CHRIST my name is T.A. from a country called kenya in Africa. I actually visited your website and I was so encouraged and helped since am a strong Christian it really assisted me and for your sure I will be visiting the website always. May GOD bless you as you continue seeking HIS word. T.A. / MOBASA, KENYA
6/11/02 – Really enjoyed your site and layout! God Bless! B.F. / SALISBURY, MARYLAND
6/18/02 – Dear Eric: Do you offer the music score for your music? I would love to purchase a copy if this is Available. If it is not available, please consider making it. I’m only mediocre at playing but I love the style God has put into your playing. Thanks for your ministry. In His Service, B.M. / SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
6/19/02 – What I nice site! I was a little in the dumps this a.m. and just typed “someone to talk to” into a search engine, expecting nothing, and found your site. Just wanted to say, thanks. God is using your ministry in a good way. C.C.
6/26/02 – I am child of God and i visit your website and I was very interested. Thank for your idea and may God bless you and help you. C.Y. / DOULA, CAMEROON
7/1/02 – Hello Mr. Eric!!!! I’am a eighteen year old boy from Austria and so I said sorry for spelling mistakes that I made. Please take note :-)). Now my question!!! By random in search of notes for playing keyboard, I found your homepage. I searched that and found your own written songs. I was enthused about your songs and wish that I can learn to play that. “Moment by Moment” was that song which relish me best. Now I want know if it was possibly that you can send me the notes for this or also for other songs. That was a big wish from me!!!! Thanks a lot!!!!! J.F. / AUSTRIA
7/2/02 – Me and my wife and children were lifted up with joy in our hearts that cannot be uttered reading your positive letter response I printed it and show it to them. Thank you for your very nice and encouraging response and praise the lord for the prayers I know that the Prayers of a righteous man availeth, How we are very honored to correspond with you we also wish you to come and share to us the gospel personally for you to see our works here in the Philippines. R.A. / DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES
7/4/02 – Thank you very much for your encouragements. Now my life is getting better. I have come back to church as before. God is Good. At least I know one more new friend like you who encourage me in God’s way. You are a good friend. Thanks. In Him P.K / THAILAND
7/5/02 – Hi, I just finished listening to your talk on God’s Love, it spoke to me deeply. I want him to be in the number one slot, and I pray that I can make that change. If all I knew intellectually could just become true heart knowledge. Thanks for listening, well reading. J.B.
7/6/02 – This is a beautiful idea and website. God bless. A.C. / WINTERHAVEN, FLORIDA
7/6/02 – For the past two days I have not surfed the net for porn or anything destructive. I have however surfed the net for sermons and have had relative peace after listening to them. So my friend, I am trying to change. In the last eight months however, I have cut down on all destructive activities by about 80%! I felt so close to God the other evening that I shouted to myself, “I can do anything!” and I really praised God for his grace. It is tough however to survive at times. Surely you must understand that? My next step is to start to venture out into the real world again and maybe start to go to a church. I shall surf your site and listen to more sermons. Sincerely, T.R. / ENGLAND
7/11/02 – Greetings to you in the awesome name of Jesus. I want to really thank you for the words that God used you to place on your website. I was really going through a tough time and after I read it, I must tell you that the presence of God came in my office at work and it just blessed me so. I am a single mother who is sold out to God but had some shakes with my faith in this last trial. I know they come just to make us strong. But it is a blessing when you can read something on a website and God will step in and reverse your thinking. I pray that whatever your hands touch that God will grant you nothing but favor and increase your ministry. May god bless you and keep you in perfect peace. I thank God for you again. H.S. / DALLAS, TEXAS
7/11/02 – Thanks for your e-mail. I know that you will take me to the high point in spiritual situation. bye-bye, yours in Christ, D.K.
7/12/02 – I just wanted to take a moment and say “Thank You” Thank you for helping me to find the peace and strength I needed. I was looking for lyrics to a song, when somehow I wound up on your site. Somehow, what a funny phrase, I know exactly how I got here. I was led. The peace, and the answers I got from just listening to the music, and reading the literature…was just what I needed. I felt confusion, as to why I had no answers…did God put me on hold? I feel so much better now, I know I am not alone, I know the answers were there, I just was so caught up in the situation I didn’t see… Thank you for opening my eyes, clearing my mind so the word could get through, and putting peace back into my heart. God Bless all of you, and Thank you again, Sincerely, W.D.
7/15/02 – I find it challenging and refreshing to see someone openly admit their relationship to Christ on the internet. D.
7/15/02 – Hi Eric, thanks for the reply. It’s always such an encouragement to get emails from you. W.W. / COTATI, CALIFORNIA
7/15/02 – Dear Eric! Thank you so much for writing back to me…..And the most is your PRAYER. I’m sure God will bless and is pleased with your work for helping your brother like me. May God bless you, your family and your ministry…. Thanks! T.N.
7/15/02 – Can you please send me a brochure about your ranch? G.O. / LITTLETON, COLORADO
7/21/02 – Thanks for your noble service. I am a students’ counselor of this university. Your newsletter will be of a great help to us. Thanking you, M.A. / TAMILNADU, INDIA
7/27/02 – The “What God Says” CD’s are so pretty and I like hearing them. D.D. / LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
7/31/02 – Hello Eric, God bless you. I was listening to “Grasping the Love of God” and it really spoke to me. I will be leading worship at my church this Sunday morning and I found the message useful. I think they need to be reminded of God’s love…especially in this renewal meeting. Thanks, C.Y. / PENANG, MALAYSIA
8/1/02 – Just found site. Read/listened to one message. Love the way it presents the truth of scripture in a manner that makes it very accessible. T.D. / MINEVILLE, NEW YORK
8/7/02 – Dear Eric, I want to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and for your kind and thoughtful reply to my letter. Your words of comfort could not have come at a more appropriate time, because this has been an extremely difficult day for me. I have alternately prayed and cried much of the day. Thank you for your suggestion on the study bible. I was just recently trying to think if I had a bible or not. I don’t think I do. I don’t have much extra time at present but I will get the bible you suggest and read at least page a day. Thank you so very much for your concern and suggestions, Eric, I almost feel like you’re an old friend. When I first contacted you I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, I even briefly, but not too seriously, considered suicide, but as of this minute I’m ok. and I have no doubt that you played a prominent role in my partial recovery. Hopefully, I will have a full recovery in a couple of months, or so. Thanks again and God be with you. F.
8/10/02 – Dear Eric Elder, Greetings to you in the name if our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today I was searching on Internet for “God with Internet.” Fortunately, I saw your site. What a tremendous lovely thing you are doing for Jesus Christ. S. / SINGAPORE
8/10/02 – really nice….thanks. much needed in this time of hurry and worry… K.L. / GREAT FALLS, MONTANA
8/11/02 – I find your site very refreshing and have placed it in my favorites. Visiting this site leaves me with a feeling of renewal. Thanks. C.N. / EASTMAN, GEORGIA
8/15/02 – I am amazed how God can speak to us through so many different ways. He has spoken to me through the Bible. Many times I have heard him speaking to me through books, church services, friends. But now I discovered he can also use these modern means of communication to make us listen to him. This time He reached me he in Brazil, in the huge city of Sao Paulo through the Internet. I am a Language teacher and I like to prepare classes using my PC. I was feeling sad and confused about many things that are happening in my life. I thought maybe music would help me cheer up. But none of my CDs seemed to comfort me. I prayed and then I had the idea of checking on the web for a site with inspirational music that I could listen online. I praise the Lord that I discovered The Ranch. I listened to the music “Clear My Mind” and while I was listening, I felt the presence of God and his peace. Then I started checking all the links and I was tremendously blessed by each one of them. I loved the message by Lana about the “Prayer Closet.” I have tried many times to have a prayer place – it always failed. I am going to try my closet too! It is a great idea! It might work! God bless your ministry. Love in Christ, R.A. / SAN PAULO, BRAZIL
8/19/02 – I was looking up some things tonight on-line about Greenland (out of curiosity) when I stumbled across your web-page. I just love your web-page, it touched my heard deeply – Thank You!! K.S. / CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS
8/19/02- Hi, it’s been awhile since I have written. I was going through some very rough times… I laid out all of my problems to your staff, and to God. During these past 25 years I did not attend church, nor had an interest. I met a wonderful person in the chat room one day [and was led to the Lord that day]. It’s now been just over a year…and I am overjoyed, and crying as I type this. To bring you up to date. I now attend church on a regular basis since November. I attend Church on Sundays, along with Sunday school. I also attend Wednesday night. Just these past 10 week, I have been working with the Vacation Bible School, and enjoying every bit of it. The Pastor of our church now sets time aside for our family one time a week, and does private bible lessons with my daughter who is 12. It great worshiping the Lord. I still cry in church, but it’s a different type of cry now. Its a cry for the answered prayers, and the faith that the Lord has for us. My life, and my older daughter life has change. Changed for the good. All of the Music my daughters and I listen to now is Christian. It’s been so encouraging and uplifting. I would be overjoyed to chat with [the woman in the chat room] again, and Thank her, and her Husband for all that they did for me. M. / BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS
8/20/02 – LUV IT (the music ) D.T. / FARMERSVILLE, CALIFORNIA
8/20/02 – Dear Elder: Thank you for your immediate reply. Your letter is encouraging and I am determined to make an effort to improve my marriage. D. / CHINA
8/31/02 – This was such a blessing for me thank you and please pray for me that God will show me a way out until next time . God Bless. T.L.
9/2/02 – Hi, Eric. Thanks for your personal response and for your prayers. You touched me once again. Your website is really lovely. It’s such quality and such a gentle approach that radiates authenticity. J.I.
9/3/02 – When you spoke at my church a year or so ago I was interested in your web-site but did not have a computer. Well, I now have one and so I checked it out. It is wonderful, but somehow I knew it would be. Keep up the good work. Hope that you can return sometime in the future. God Bless you, your family and your ministry. L.P. / STREATOR, ILLINOIS
9/3/02 – Dear Elder Eric, I am so much blessed by what the Lord is enabling you to do over there thanks for the newsletter, also I am blessed by the kind of prayer you have offered to me. Yes I know more now that the LORD will accomplish the good work He began in me, God bless you so much. P.B. / UGANDA
9/5/02 – Hello Eric, Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my e-mail. There’s not a lot of people I have been able to talk to about this that has not been hurt. So I thank you for taking the time to care and most of all listen as I spill my heart out. I know and I see the light at the end of this tunnel, and thru the power of the Holy spirit working in me will reach the end. Keep up the great work and remember we are all ambassadors of the Lord, and you never know whose life you will touch thru your calling in life, whether thru this web site or thru your music. Until next time, may God richly bless you and your family with divine protection and we will be praying for you also for Lana and baby!!! Thanks again, T.B.
9/6/02 – Hello, I had visited your site after seeing a positive comment about it on someone’s personal web page. I was very impressed! A wondrous ministry! I look forward to coming to your site to get a fill up now and then and do appreciate all your work for the Lord through your Internet ministry. May you be greatly and wondrously blessed with all gifts from God to His children both as individually and as a ministry. More importantly may God encourage you with evidence of your fruits of labor. Love and Hugs in Jesus, T.C.
9/9/02 – I’ve just come across this site and already I feel really blessed. Fantastic. Can I use some of the teaching you present in our church? Regards, A blessed man after coming across the ranch, P.G. / HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND
9/10/02 – Reading this webpage filled my heart. W.H. / ELIZABETH CITY, NORTH CAROLINA
9/15/02 – Fantastic web ministry. Will forward the address to my friends. M.C. / RABUN GAP, GEORGIA
9/20/02 – Dear Eric, I visited your site today and was pleased to be there. Sincere regards, E.O. / DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
9/23/02 – Thank you so much for your comforting words. I appreciate your prayers more than you know. L.G. / SELMER, TENNESSEE
10/13/02 – great site – greetings from Vienna! G. / VIENNA, AUSTRIA
10/18/02 – Hello and God bless! I was just checking out your web page. Praise the Lord. There needs to be more web pages as good as this one. Do you really live on a ranch? Just curious. Would love to hear back from you. M.T.
10/28/02 – Dear Brethren-in-Christ, Isn’t God great? This morning I was asking Him WHY I have not been able to find anywhere “on the net” (is that the right phrase?) of Christian websites where I could find that special God-kind of comfort which I so desperately need. God told me to go to Eric Elder Ministries and He assured me that, following the links, I’d find His answer to my question. Those of us who have been called by God to minister (at home, overseas, wherever) also need to be ministered to from time to time. Many of us become “fragile” – like me this morning. Please give my greetings to Brother Eric Elder. May our gracious & Almighty God bless you all. R.B. / DUBBO, AUSTRALIA.
10/29/02 – Great site. Thank you for honoring God and His Son. Halleluyah! P.M. / OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS
11/5/02 – Hello! This is a very beautiful place you have here on the ranch. How much is it? And what time of the year is this beautiful place available? Will this beautiful ranch be available in January? May the Lord keep you and bless everything that you do. M.P.
11/11/02 – cool site, great and inspired idea. K.G. / ANDOVER, MASSACHUSSETTS
11/19/02 – Hi Eric and Lana, I have recently visited your site, and enjoyed all I had time to read and pray. Thank you so much for your site. In His grip, C.H. / STREATOR, ILLINOIS
11/23/02 – I’ve finally able to wander around your web site and enjoy the music and video. What a blessing! I loved the music and listening to you and Lana. We’ve been facing some severe financial struggles recently and while our faith is deeper than ever, and we know we are tucked safely under the Lord’s wing, your site – the music – helped release a few of my hidden fears that seem tucked behind the nooks and crannies of my soul. I arrived feeling spent, but leave feeling refreshed. I already feel such gratitude for you and Lana from years ago. Thank you again. B.
11/25/02 – I pray that each of you are blessed. I love you all God Bless. L.C. / CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA
11/27/02 – Praise God for what U R doing for HIM! This is how you ‘Give’ to God for us to be filled ‘pressed together, running over…’ God BLESS You & Yours, I pray. D.C. / CHENNAI, INDIA
11/27/02 – WOW!! I wish I had found this music a year ago. We recently pastored in Eastern Kentucky and never had a musician as part of our worship/praise. I have used many CD’s and even did some editing just to get a small piano or strings piece for special prayer or ministry time. That is what I need the CD for, to utilize in our home group now forming a new work in South Okla. City. We have a great keyboard, just can’t play it but we can play CD’s just fine. It is amazing how many people God will put in your path on a daily basis that are hurting and hungry, both physically and spiritually! May God richly bless your ministry and your calling. Till He Comes, R.S. / MOORE, OKLAHOMA
11/30/02 – It’s been a blessing for me to be able to listen/read the Christian messages at your site. I really need the “rest”. Please pray for me. E.K. / SINGAPORE
9/30/02 – Thanks for u creating this web. I am very thankful. I listen to your prayer and temptation scriptures. This given strength and please pray for me and send me nice messages in web then I can know more about Jesus and I will be very thankful. K.S. / MAHABUBNAGAR, INDIA
10/08/02 – I want to say that I love your ministry very much. K.E. / RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
12/02/02 – I enjoyed the topic on spending time with God. C.E. / MAPLEWOOD, NEW JERSEY
12/4/02 – May God bless you and your ministry. You have helped me more than you know. God bless you and your family, S.
12/5/02 – I love the good works in your site, please keep it up. F.G. / UNITED KINGDOM
12/9/02 – What a refreshing and encouraging site. Thank you, B.G. / BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
12/10/02 – It is a very nice site with lots of interesting info and verses, its really useful. Thanks a lot best regards. S.H. / CAIRO, EGYPT
12/18/02 – Good morning Pastor Eric; Wow. Your letter is confirmation to me; refreshment to my soul; direction and necessary healing. Your words come at a time of struggle over whether or not I will ever be completely “free.” And now I understand that where I am and where I am headed is “OK.” My brother Eric, I thank God for your obedience to Him…..to your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit to be open to me. Thank You, Father. M.
12/21/02 – Hello, I would just like to thank you for your inspirational web site. Being brand new to the Internet I was just looking for Christmas music, any soothing music, while I attempted to figure this contraption out. While attempting to do so I stumbled on to your web site. I’ve had the most trying last three years with no end in sight. I was to the point that I didn’t even read my daily prayers and felt like I was starting to give up on faith. I’m not quite there yet, but I tell you since I found The Ranch I felt like God found a way to reach me instead. He certainly has a great sense of humor. He found me in front of this contraption and through the music I love most, piano. So now a new path begins. Thank you! Merry Christmas, V.W.
12/24/02 – I want to thank you, Eric, for your testimony and your Ministry. I have benefited from both. Regards, T.S. / DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FLORIDA
12/25/02 – Sir, your site is wonderful and great to read, thank you. With regards, Y.S.
12/29/02 – Thank you brothers and sisters in Christ. And thank God for your ministry. A.S.
12/29/02 – Read your testimony long time back. Now listening your sermons. Yesterday at the church, I told about your wife’s “Prayer Closet” messages. GOD bless you ,your family, & your ministry. Amen. J.M. / BALUCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

by

News From The Ranch – September 2002

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Update on people who have been touched by The Ranch, a “real” ranch, and a new Piano Book for the music from “Clear My Mind.”

clear-my-mind-piano-music-thumbnail

For those who like to play the piano, you can now request a copy of the full piano score from the CD “Clear My Mind.”

Where Are They Now?

You may remember a woman I wrote about last year who gave her life to the Lord in the chat room at The Ranch while talking to another believer.

I thought you’d be interested to hear what’s happened to her in the past year.She wrote to me this week and said:

“Hi, it’s been awhile since I have written. I was going through some very rough times… I laid out all of my problems to [the woman in the chat room] and to God. During these past 25 years I did not attend church, nor had any interest. It’s now been just over a year and I am overjoyed and crying as I type this.

“To bring you up to date. I now attend church on a regular basis since November. I attend Church on Sundays, along with Sunday school. I also attend Wednesday night. Just these past 10 weeks, I have been working with the Vacation Bible School, and enjoying every bit of it. The Pastor of our church now sets time aside for our family one time a week, and does private bible lessons with my daughter who is 12. It’s great worshiping the Lord. …

“I still cry in church, but it’s a different type of cry now. It’s a cry for the answered prayers, and the faith that the Lord has for us. My life, and my older daughter’s life has changed. Changed for the good. All of the music my daughter and I listen to now is Christian. It’s been so encouraging and uplifting. I would be overjoyed to chat with [the woman in the chat room] again, and thank her, and her husband for all that they did for me.”

You may also remember a Muslim woman from Egypt who wrote to say she learned so much about God’s love and forgiveness after coming to the site. We’ve corresponded frequently since then, and she has been studying the Bible to compare it to the Koran.

Just this week, a good friend of mine met her in Egypt as he was speaking at a nearby church. She wasn’t sure if she should go to the church since they might not accept a Muslim woman. But after an email, prayer and a personal invitation from my friend, she went. She wrote this week and said:

“I concentrated on his words …He talked about John’s book: the lady sinner who met Jesus at the water well. He emphasized how he spent more time with her trying to teach her right things, talking to her decently notwithstanding her bad reputation or that she was an outcast by her society – that woman changed to goodness. The conclusion I’ve reached is that GOD is so forgiving. We shouldn’t give up any chance to approach him no matter how huge our sins are. He’s so caring and loving for us more than anybody on earth.”

Amen! He loves us so much that He’s willing to go to the ends of the earth to have a personal relationship with each one of us. And sometimes that relationship starts with a seed on the Internet!

These are just two examples of people who have been sparked to faith through our “virtual” ranch, but that faith is now having a very real impact on their everyday lives. Please continue to pray that our seeds would fall on good soil as Jesus said:

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop– a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 3:18).

We’re Expecting!

Closer to home, I’m glad to tell you that we’re expecting! Lana’s just past her first trimester and we expect the baby will be born near the end of February. Lana and the baby are doing great, except for some inflammation of the veins in her legs that the doctor is treating. We’d appreciate your prayers for both baby and Mama!

A “Real” Ranch

You may also remember that we have been praying for some time about developing a “real” ranch for people to visit and be encouraged in their faith. Several people have written to us saying they want to come to The Ranch, not realizing that it’s just a website at this point. We know the interest is there and we’re interested in building one!

I’ve written a proposal that outlines what it would take to make this a reality. If you’d like to take a look at the proposal to get a feel for what we’re wanting to do, read The Ranch Building Proposal.

We’d be interested in your feedback and prayers for this project.

Piano Book

Several people have asked if I have sheet music for some of the music they’ve heard on The Ranch. So I’ve recently finished a 62-page book featuring the full piano score from all twelve songs on the CD “Clear My Mind”.

For me, playing music can be just as refreshing as listening to music. If you play the piano, or know someone who does, you might want to get a copy of this book. A high schooler from Albuquerque, New Mexico got a copy a few weeks ago and wrote:

“Clear My Mind is probably my favorite song in the book so far. It just is such a great way to…clear your mind! I’ve memorized it, and I just like to sit there repeating it, with my eyes closed. It is such a great song, and it is so relaxing, and really clears your mind.”

The sheet music is written at an easy/intermediate level and contains the actual versions of the songs used on the CD. You can request a copy of the book from The Ranch Giftshop.

Helpful Websites

For men, you may be interested to know that you can watch some of the Promise Keeper events live over the Internet. I was brought to my knees in prayer one Saturday morning in front of my computer as I watched Bruce Wilkinson speak live from Promise Keepers in Florida. There are three more live broadcasts this year:

  • September 6-7, from St. Paul,
  • September 27-28, from Los Angeles,
  • and October 18-19, from Anaheim (for youth).

To watch the live events, visit: promisekeepers.org.

For women, you may be interested in a new online Bible Study by popular author Beth Moore. This 10-week study, “Believing God,” will be taught on the Internet starting September 26. Register at: believinggod.com.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for helping us plant seeds of faith on the Internet and letting us watch them grow;
  • for the new life growing inside Lana and for keeping her and the baby healthy;
  • and for the vision to reach even more people for You.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for You to pour Your Living Water on the seeds that we’ve planted so they will grow strong;
  • for continued good health for Lana and the baby throughout this pregnancy;
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for your prayers! They WILL make a difference!

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22)

The Ranch Fellowship is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Click here to read more about our ministry.

To give a gift to The Ranch and to yourself, please visit The Ranch Giftshop.
To make a donation without ordering, just click Make A Donation.

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News From The Ranch – May 2002

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Learn how to make your own website; finding peace in the Middle East

Who is God?

Someone asked me this question a few weeks ago and I’d like to answer it here. The question is simple enough, and the answer is actually simple enough. But getting someone to believe it and letting it make a difference in their life is harder. Yet simple truths, when we really believe them, often have the most profound influence on our lives.

Here’s the letter:

“Hi. I stumbled onto your web site. I guess what I’m trying to figure out first is who is God? Who is Jesus? I’ve gone to churches in the past but didn’t seem to find any answers there. Basically Jesus was portrayed as a wimpy white guy. God was either some kind of grandfather figure or a vindictive entity. Can you help answer these questions? I mean really answer them? I want to know the character of these two. I want to know who they really are.”

Who is God? He’s the One who created you.

If you’ve ever created something that you value – maybe a song, or a building project, or a special meal – you know how precious your creation is to you. You’ll do just about anything to protect your creation from harm. Knowing that God created you reveals a great deal about His character.

And the simple truth is that He did create you:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:1, 27

God Himself described His character to Moses when Moses asked to see God. Here’s what God said as recorded in Exodus 34:6-7a:

“And he [God] passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished…’”

God, the One who created you, is compassionate, gracious and slow to anger. He’s abounding in love, faithfulness and forgiveness. He cares so much about you that He doesn’t want to see you destroyed by anything that others might do to you or that you might do to yourself. So He cannot let the guilty go unpunished.

But unfortunately, all of us are guilty. We’ve all sinned by disobeying God at some point in our lives. So how does God punish the guilty (which is all of us) without destroying us in the process? That’s the answer to the second question.

Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus? He’s the One who died for you.

When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the price for the sins that you and I have committed. When we put our faith in Jesus, God saves us from the eternal punishment that should have come on us.

One of the best descriptions of Jesus’ character is in Romans 5:8:

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I guess the fact that Jesus died practically naked at the hands of armed soldiers might give Jesus the appearance of being a “wimpy white guy.” But Jesus wasn’t captured against His will. He submitted His will to God’s will, even though it cost Him His life.

This truth gives Him an entirely different appearance. It takes an incredible amount of strength to let someone drive nails into your hands and feet, thrust a sword in your side, and seal you up in an airless tomb for three days, especially to pay the price for someone else’s crime. But that’s the kind of love that God demonstrated to each of us through Jesus. That’s the kind of love God has for you, His ultimate creation.

God does love you. He did create you. And He did send Jesus to die for you.

Keep asking God, like Moses did, to reveal His character to you. Read the Bible from cover to cover, then read it again and again and again. You’ll find these truths about Him and about Jesus are on every page you read. Let these truths sink deep into your heart.

And when you’re ready to experience first-hand His love, compassion, grace, faithfulness and forgiveness, you can do it in a moment by putting your faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. You can even do it right now, this moment, and let His peace fill your heart today and for the rest of eternity.

Peace in the Middle East

You can experience the peace of God even in the midst of turmoil all around you. Here’s a letter from another woman who visited The Ranch who lives in Jordan, which is bordered by Israel on one side and Iraq on the other.

“Hello Eric, I am an 18 year old female, I live in Amman – Jordan. I am Christian and I am proud I am. I was going through the web the other day looking for cool songs to download…when I found The Ranch site.

“I was deeply touched by this site and especially by your story! I cried, but my tears where tears of happiness for I felt happy for your happy ending! Being a teenager you know how sometimes life becomes kind of hard for us to live in. Sometimes I forget to pray to my Lord Jesus Christ, and many times I’ve committed a lot of sins, but deep down I knew that I was wrong so I used to go back and pray, but I used to repeat the sins.

“But today after going through the site and reading stories and yours especially, I felt different! I felt that this time due to my faith in Jesus, I am becoming someone different. I really felt that Jesus has touched my heart by your story. I wanna be a real Christian and thanks to this site, your great music and your story I am now. I can feel it and you can’t imagine how happy I am! I feel completely different. I want you to pray for me, to become a better person so I could spread the love of Jesus to everyone I know, just like you. Thank you very much for changing my life for the best:)”

Peace really is possible when you put your faith in Jesus Christ.

Please Pray With Us

And thank YOU for praying for us. I know people who come to The Ranch aren’t finding it by accident. They’re finding it because of your prayers.

On another note, we’ve added some new music to the website from Chuck Giacinto’s new worship CD, including long-play versions of Amazing Grace and Breathe. Just click Listen to Music at theranch.org.

Lastly, my friend Russell Pond has just published a devotional book called Season of Peace: 100 Inspirational Messages to Help You Find Peace From Anxiety, Fear and Panic Attacks. If you or someone you know needs encouragement in this area, you’ll find the book both practical and inspiring. You can read more about it and order a copy from his website at www.season.org.

Thank you Lord,

  • for creating us;
  • for loving us enough to send Jesus to die for our sins;
  • and for reaching out to show us your love wherever we live in the world.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • that we would accept your love by faith, trusting Jesus for our salvation;
  • for Your peace to flood the hearts of many in the Middle East and around the world;
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Website Creation Class

How To Create A Website For Your Ministry

How To Create A Website For Your Ministry

For those of you who are interested in creating your own Internet Ministry…

I’ve helped several ministries create websites so they can “preach the gospel to all creation.” If you’d like to create a website for your ministry, I’ve put together a three-hour course on CD called “How to Create a Website for your Ministry.” For more information, visit this link.

If you’ve been touched in some way by our ministry, we’d love to know about it. You may have noticed that all of the stories, music, videos, messages and personal correspondence on our websites is offered completely free to all who come and completely free of advertising. This newsletter is our only method of letting people know of our needs; people like you who have told us that you’re interested in what we’re doing.

To be very specific, our budget for this ministry is $5,000 per month, which covers all of our ministry expenses, Internet expenses, plus our personal salary and living expenses. Our average monthly donations this year, however, have been right around $2,400 per month. While we can continue to stretch dollars that come in, we have many projects we’d like to undertake but simply can’t at this level of funding. If 100 people would commit to donate $25 a month, (or 50 people giving $50 a month, or 25 people giving $100 a month), we would be able to do much more of what God has put on our hearts to do.

As Paul tells us in Romans 10:13-15:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

We’re glad to keep going and telling people the good news, but we need people like you to send us. We’d love for you to join us? You can make a donation by credit card online or by mail by clicking this link.

Eric Elder Ministries is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. (Click here to read more about our ministry.)

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News From The Ranch – March 2002

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Email from Egypt, create your own website, and a good Internet accountability program

Lana's Prayer Closet

Let it Rain

I wonder if I’ll ever get used to the fact that we can now get a message half-way around the world in the blink of an eye…and that people will pay attention to it!

I heard last week from a Muslim woman in Egypt. She wrote to say she enjoyed the website and “I hope all the world can visit ‘The Ranch’ and benefit.”

I wrote back to suggest she watch a video message about prayer that Lana put on the Internet the week before. She replied:

Thank you for sending me Lana’s message. She’s so simple and delicate in her talking and looks. She’s also light-hearted which makes her speech more interesting than those official lectures which one hears but never gets influenced by. I’d like to be reminded of any new live messages.

Thanks again for your precious site which I found by chance 5 days ago. I have been crying deeply out of pain caused by lots of sufferings and tortures in my past life (far and near) when I searched the web for a relieving site. I visited it and remained there for a long visit that took me all night long. Then I went to bed and slept a while. When I woke up, I was in a good state. I missed that inner peace for years. Now I’m getting it back and thanks to you and Lana.

I wrote again to ask if there was anything we could pray for her, and she poured out her heart in a 5,000 word email (about 5 times the length of this newsletter; I’m sure it’s the record for an email we’ve received!) For confidentiality (and brevity!), I can only share the above snippets with you. But I can say it’s a total blessing to see how God works to minister to people half-way around the world.

When I was a kid, I remember one dry summer day when the grass was starting to wither and turn brown. As I turned on the garden hose and began to water the grass, I could see it practically spring back to life as the water fell on it.

God is doing the same thing now, pouring out His life-giving teaching like abundant rain on all who will listen. The Bible says:

“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants” (Deuteronomy 32:2, NIV).

Yes, Lord, let it rain! Please pray with us that she would find the inner peace that she is desperately seeking, the peace with God that has been made possible to all of us through Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1-2).

Starting a Flood

One of my desires is to help flood the Internet with the teachings of God found in the Bible. Thanks to the Internet, our teaching is no longer confined to one room in one building, taught once and never to be shared again.

New visitors are coming to The Ranch every day, watching messages and reading stories, whether they were first shared several years ago or as recently as last week.

But even though we have several thousand visitors a month to the website, it’s just a drop in the bucket of the number of people searching for answers to life’s questions.

I want to invite you to become part of the flood! I’ve recently created a class to train others how to create a website for their ministry (using Microsoft FrontPage®) so we can multiply the effort of sharing God’s Word on the Internet.

A few weeks ago, I taught this three-hour class to a group of people at a Sunday School convention here in Illinois. I’m eager to see the new websites that will be developed as a result.

But I also want to duplicate this teaching to as many people as possible so we can continue to flood the Internet with Christian material. So I’ve put the full text of the class on a CD-ROM so you can go through it at your own pace.

In the class, I provide detailed instructions on how to create web pages, link them together, add text and images, and even add audio and video.

I know it can be intimidating to think about creating your own website, but I’ve spent much of my life trying to make technology easy for people to understand and use, so I hope you’ll carefully (and prayerfully) consider giving it a try.

One of the students at my class sent me this note:

I want to thank you for the class. I have been to a lot of tech classes and you are by far the best communicator of technical information I have seen. I mean that. I worked full time in the field at one time.

I’ve included his comments not just because of his kind words about the class, but to let you know that this is a class that is in language that everyone can understand and apply, not just “computer geeks.” But at the same time, you’ll learn some simple ways to do some very advanced things on the Internet.

As Christians, we’ve been given the most powerful message ever delivered, and the Internet is the most powerful delivery mechanism ever invented. Let’s flood it with the Word of God and bring life to the dying, both here on earth and on into eternity.

Eye Promise

As sold as I am on using the Internet for great good, I’m fully (and sadly) aware that Satan is using it for great evil, especially in the area of Internet pornography.

I’ve looked into many filtering programs and taught classes on Internet safety. But I recently found a program that gets to the heart of the matter. I’d like to recommend it to anyone who struggles with, or knows someone who struggles with, Internet pornography.

It’s called “Covenant Eyes.” It isn’t a filter, but is a software program that tracks every website you visit on the Internet – then sends a report of those sites to an accountability partner you designate. Many of the people I know who struggle with Internet pornography say they would have never started if they knew other people could see what they were doing.

I like that this approach doesn’t draw a legalistic “line in the sand” on what sites you can and can’t visit, but it let’s you be guided by your heart. So instead of pushing the boundaries of some filtering software to see what you can “get away with,” this brings you back to simply “doing what’s right.” You can sign up at www.covenanteyes.com.

Please Pray With Us

A dear friend of ours, Judy Wray, has offered to help coordinate the prayer effort for our ministry. She’d like to send out a brief note via email each week or two about our more intimate and urgent prayer needs. She’ll also add a few thoughts to encourage you in your own prayer life.

Her prayers for us have been extremely influential over the years. I know you’d be blessed to hear from her and you’d be a special blessing to us as you pray. If you’d like to receive these email updates, please let us know. Just send a note on our contact form with the word PRAYER in the subject line.

Thank you Lord,

  • for pouring out Your Word like rain around the world;
  • for helping us to help You;
  • and for Muslims, Christians, and others coming to The Ranch to learn more about Christ;

And Lord, we now ask:

    for You to multiply this work through our training efforts;

  • for more people to get involved through prayer and giving;
  • and for many to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Create Your Own Website

If you’d like to order the three-hour course on CD called “How to Create a Website for Your Ministry,” you can order online by credit card or by check through the mail. (Click here to see exactly what you’ll learn and what you’ll need for the course.)

The CD is available for a suggested donation of $75. All proceeds from the CD are put directly back into our ministry to help spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

You can order the CD online and make a donation by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express, or Paypal) by clicking here (can be viewed for free now from here).

Or you can make a donation by check and mail it along with a note requesting the CD “How to Create a Website for Your Ministry.”

The IRS allows you to deduct the amount of your donation which exceeds the fair market value of any materials we send you (the fair market value of this CD is $75). We will send you a receipt along with your CD.

Eric Elder Ministries is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization whose purpose is to share the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world. (Click here to read more about our ministry.)

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News From The Ranch – January 2002

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

50,000 visitors to The Ranch, Email from guests, and current prayers.

Eric Elder Family 2002

My Friend Was Right

I was looking at the statistics this morning of the number of visitors we’ve had to The Ranch this year.

I couldn’t help but remember a conversation I had with a friend seven years ago as I was leaving my office building for the last time. I had just told him that I was resigning that day because God had called me into the ministry. Even though I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do, I knew I had to go.

Tears began to stream down his face as he said, “If God told you to do it, you’ve got to do it!”

He related to me how he had just given his life to Christ a few months earlier. He urged me to get on the Internet and start telling people about Christ. “There are people out there like me who are on the Internet all hours of the day and night. They’re looking for answers and you know where to find them.”

My friend was right.

This year, we’ve had over 50,000 visitors to The Ranch website. Almost all are looking for answers, needing encouragement, and wanting to know that God is real and cares about them personally.

A woman visited yesterday and wrote to say she had spent some time in prayer after reading a message on the site about children:

“I started to cry as soon as I typed this prayer. I sensed that God was telling me that he heard me and that he was taking care of it. I received this site from a friend who knows the troubles I am having right now so I know I was supposed to read the message on children. I feel like God is letting me know he can handle everything that I can’t.”

Another man wrote a few weeks ago to ask for help resolving a situation with his father. He wrote again:

“Thank you so much for your response. I have ordered [the books you recommended] and look forward to reading the text. I am a bit nervous about rediscovering the pain of the past, but I know God is able to see me through. Thank you as well for the scriptures and I intend to spend some quality time with the Lord in reference to this matter. I now have the beginnings of a plan and that’s what I was looking for – some small steps that I might take towards resolving this conflict. Your efforts are much appreciated.”

I wouldn’t have made it through this year without the aid of about 20 volunteers who stepped up to help me answer the emails. Lana’s been a great blessing, matching the emails that come in with the volunteers that can give personalized help.

A volunteer from Colorado wrote a careful and prayerful response to a man who wanted very much to reconnect with God. Back came this letter:

“Thank you for your detailed reply and for your prayers! Your letter brings back beautiful memories of those times when I was an active and practicing Christian. Also, your words “hit home” and brought tears to my eyes. I carefully perused through your letter, hanging on every word and spiritual thought. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time from your busy schedule to care for me and share with me! With your prayers and God’s help, I plan to attend services this weekend for the first time in about four years.”

Another volunteer from Tennessee prayed with a woman from England. She was struggling against depression and suicide, but mainly wanted help in making a decision for Christ. A few weeks later, she wrote back:

“Thank you very much for your reply. I have some good news. On October 24th I prayed a prayer asking Jesus into my life. I picked up my bible immediately afterwards and read Romans 4:7-8, it just jumped out at me. I will never forget that.” She closed with these words: “God bless! (I can say that now and mean it!)”

Many come because they don’t know where else to turn for help, like these three different writers:

“I am strong in Christ and I know he will give me the strength to endure but as a human, it is hard. Usually I don’t admit my weaknesses but since I don’t have to face you I will. Usually I don’t cry or express sadness but lately I feel nothing much but sadness and the need to cry, but I don’t let others around me know.”

“thank-u for all that you have done for me…it is good to get all this out when there is someone to listen to me…thanks”

“Those who know me best and know the Lord know nothing about this area of my life and, therefore, cannot pray specifically for me in this area…Neither my family or any of my friends know of this secret.”

And plenty come just to feel closer to God, like this woman from North Carolina:

“I know the Lord led me to this site today. I needed encouragement desperately and that’s what I got from this site. It’s really unique and I love the music. I thank the Lord for leading me to this place where I could find a calmness.”

Lana and I have been blessed to get to watch the body of Christ in action around the world, encouraging each other in the Lord.

God’s Ways

When I first started this ministry on the Internet, I felt a bit awkward telling people what I did. But this summer, I was encouraged by the words of David Yonggi Cho, the pastor of the largest church in the world (750,000 members!). He was asked how they could meet the needs of so many people. He said:

“We couldn’t handle the situation without computers. We computerized everything in the church – every facet! We also make use of the Internet. Right now we are offering an Internet church where people participate in services through the Internet. I want to take people to the Internet.

“Korea is very small – not like in America with a lot of space, so we can’t enlarge our church buildings. Besides, every year we have 20,000 new converts in our churches, and we can’t put them all in our church building or even our branch churches. So now we have an Internet church and many of the young generation participate in the services at home. They send in their offerings on the Internet. They can do on-line giving…And they also give us feedback about sermons and services. It is silly to build larger and larger church buildings. It is silly to spend more money on (branch church) buildings! You’ll never have enough. I really believe this, and I have already announced to my people and ministers that the next step is to go into total cyberspace ministry because it is a real waste of money to build larger buildings.”

The interviewer, Rick Warren, (who is also pastor of one of the largest churches in America) replied,

“Just think of that money and how you could be using it for missions!”

(You can read the full interview here.)

I guess I shouldn’t feel awkward about what I do. God’s ways are much higher than ours. By the end of today, another 150 people will have visited The Ranch. My friend really was right. Thanks for helping make this a reality.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for opening doors that no one can shut (Revelation 3:8);
  • for volunteers, prayer partners and supporters who make this work possible;
  • and for bringing people to The Ranch daily.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for continued wisdom to answer people’s questions;
  • for all the resources to help them;
  • and for still more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joining Hearts

Does your heart resonate with the work we’re doing? If so, we’d love for you to join us in prayer or financially. We received an average of $2,800 a month this year from people like you to do this work full-time. We’d love to double that in 2002 and are praying that God would “strongly support” us in this effort through his people. If your heart is with us, we’d love to know.

To make a donation online right now, just click here.

Your gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

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News From The Ranch – October 2001

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

What God Says about Fear, Helping others believe, and special gifts.

What God Says About Fear

What does God say about fear? Let Him encourage you that you can always trust Him – listen to “What God Says about Fear”.

Can You Help Me Believe?

We’ve received several emails here at The Ranch since September 11th expressing this common theme: “Can you help me believe?”

I was especially moved by the honesty expressed in this letter:

“I hate to be so blunt, but how can there be a God? I am 33 and have spent at least 25 years trying to believe there is one. But there isn’t. I wish there were. I was pretty convinced there wasn’t a God after the World Trade Center was attacked. There was a little girl born 2 days after her father was killed there. She will never hear her father say I love you, will never play horsy on his knee. She will never dance for him or make funny faces for him. She will grow up, get married, and have children who will never know their grandfather…There can’t be a loving God.

“A friend said that good comes from evil, and to look at all the people swarming into churches now. If that was why God let such things happen, then I say that was pretty mean.

“You might not believe me, but I do want to believe in God. My daughter goes to a Christian preschool. I read her Christian bedtime stories and always read a bedtime prayer. I want her to believe. Can you help me believe?”

Those last two lines just pierce my heart: “I want her to believe. Can you help me believe?”

I’ve spent much of my life and my ministry helping people to do that very thing. Yet each time I hear the question asked with such honesty, it makes me call out to God again for His answer. It always feels like there’s a huge, invisible wall separating belief and unbelief, faith and doubt. How can we, as Christians, get people over, or past, or through this wall?

The answer I hear most often from God is this: share your faith. Whenever we have something that other people need, God wants us to share it with them. If you’ve got faith, share it.

Often, what people need to see is someone who has found what they’re looking for. When you share your faith with them, it lowers the wall between belief and unbelief. While the wall may still seem high, it at least makes the wall surmountable.

Your testimony will give them what they may need most: hope. Hope that their search is not in vain. Hope that the promises of scripture are true (“You will seek me and find me if you seek me with all your heart” – Jeremiah 29:13, NIV). Hope that God is still alive and cares about them, too.

One of the reasons the song Amazing Grace is so popular is that it gives people hope. The words offer hope for anyone who is seeking God’s transforming work in their life: “I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”

You don’t have to be a theologian to help people believe. You don’t have to be a scientist. You don’t have to have all the answers, or even one-tenth of the answers. You just have to share how Christ has changed your life – how you came to believe in Him.

If you’ve got faith in Christ, now’s the time to share it! If you don’t have it, now’s the time to look for it! When you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him, even though “he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:11b, NIV).

What God Says about Fear

Although it was a surprise to us, I suppose it wasn’t a surprise to God that we finished our latest pocket CD on “What God Says about Fear” the week before the September 11th attacks. I wish we were smart enough to say this was because of our foresight, but we’re not. It does indicate to me, though, that God cares deeply about people’s fears.

My good friend, Russell Pond, runs an Internet ministry that deals exclusively with fear, anxiety and panic attacks (www.season.org). The week after the attacks, he wrote:

“When those terrorists attacked last week, their ultimate goal was not to destroy a building – their goal was to destroy our peace. Their target was the hearts of Americans. That’s why they are called terrorists – they invoke terror; they impart fear. If you are less likely to fly in a plane, go up into a high building or travel to New York because of the terrorist attack, then their attack on our peace was successful.”

“If you are feeling anxious and fearful, let me encourage you to run to God. Seek his peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Seek his hand of protection and guidance through this difficult time. If you are less likely to do things because of these terrible events in New York, pray for courage. Don’t let terrorists run your lives. Don’t let fear take control. Trust God to take care of you and let his peace rule in your life and your mind.

“Jesus said, ‘I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid’ (John 14:27).”

If you need God’s peace right now, I hope you’ll listen to this five-minute CD on our website at WhatGodSays.com or request a copy on the enclosed order form. You might also want to visit Russell’s website at www.season.org.

And if you need someone to talk to or pray with, write us here at The Ranch. We’ll have someone write back to you personally – someone who may have found exactly what you’re looking for.

Ranch Update

We’re still praying about the possibility of developing a “real” ranch where we could invite people to come and could grow in their relationships with God. I’ve submitted a proposal to a man who owns some property near here who has a similar vision. Please pray with us that God would reveal His will to us all.

TBN Interview

I’d also appreciate your prayers for an upcoming television interview on our local TBN station (Trinity Broadcasting Network, WTTO – 35). I’ll be sharing my faith and praying for people who call into the program.

The broadcast will air live in the Chicago/Peoria/Bloomington area on Friday November 2nd from 10:30 am to 12 noon. We’re praying that God would draw those who need to watch and that He would touch their hearts in a deep and lasting way.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for letting us find You when we seek You;
  • for Your Word that gives us peace in the midst of our fears;
  • and for drawing people to The Ranch in answer to our prayers.

And Lord, we now ask:

    for Your help as each of us shares our faith with others;

  • for Your will to be revealed regarding a “real” ranch;
  • and that more people will find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Two Gifts at Once

I’ve heard from many of you that you really appreciate that everything on our website is free. We offer all the stories, video broadcasts, music, and personal prayer freely to over 5,000 visitors a month from over 120 countries.

I’ve also heard from many of you that you would like copies of some of the things you’ve heard here. So we’ve made several items available in CD format so you can share them with your friends or enjoy them when you’re not online.

When you order gifts from The Ranch, you’re actually giving two gifts at the same time: one to your friend (or yourself!) and one to our ministry.

Christmas

100% pure piano performed by Marilyn Byrnes. Features contemporary versions of 11 Holiday classics including Silent Night, The First Noel, The Holly and the Ivy, O Holy Night, and Joy to the World.

Listen Here

Still Waters

100% pure piano performed by Jennifer Ramsey. Features fresh versions of 15 songs of faith including Lord, We Lift Your Name on High, Holy, Holy, Holy, and It Is Well With My Soul.

Listen Here

Clear My Mind

100% pure piano performed by Eric Elder. Features 12 original songs to heal your heart, soothe your soul, and clear your mind. Also includes the 14-Day devotional “Two Weeks With God.”

Listen Here

What God Says

100% pure scripture read to inspiring music. Each of these beautiful pocket CD’s are small enough to fit in a wallet, purse or greeting card, but play on most regular CD players. (They’re designed for CD players in which the disk is set directly on a tray or center spindle, but not for “slot-loading” types in which the CD is inserted like a coin in a slot.) Lana reads approximately 5 minutes of scripture on each CD, set to beautiful music by Chuck Giacinto, Kent Sanders, Brent Mitchell, and myself.

Listen Here

Thanks for helping us share Christ with others!

If you’d like to make a donation without ordering, just click here.

You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

by

News From The Ranch – August 2001

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Baptism in Latvia, the healing power of confession, and prayer for a “real ranch.”

andrisshad

Baptism in Latvia

I received an email a few weeks ago that began with these words:

Dear Eric,

My name is Andris. It was some four months ago (on April 7) that I confessed my sins and gave my life to Jesus. And the decision was in great part thanks to the encouragement I found at The Ranch! In fact, my conversion took place right there at the ‘Lover’s Leap’ [the prayer page on The Ranch website] . . . !

This is a direct result of your prayers that people would find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to God. Andris is from Riga, Latvia (south of Finland, north of Poland) and he had watched a message at The Ranch that featured one of my special guests, Bill Allison.

The message Bill gave that Andris watched was “How to Know For Sure That You’re Going to Heaven,” which you can still watch here. (Bill is a gifted communicator and has his own ministry which you can read about at www.cadreministries.com.)

I asked Andris if I could share a portion of the letters he wrote to Bill that night and again several weeks later when he was baptized. He wrote:

[April 7] “Thank you for the great message you shared with me! Having grown up in a Christian family, but never really having chosen to follow Jesus, I was deeply touched by God’s word tonight!! I prayed to him as good as I could and confessed all the sins I could think about. I wept for about an hour on my knees before God. I asked Jesus to be my Lord, to come and change my life and free me from all my sins.”

A few weeks later he added:

[June 10] … “What’s more, Bill, I was baptized last Sunday!!! That’s truly incredible, after all these long years of darkness. By the way, that man who baptized me was my brother (Peteris)! (Yes, I forgot to mention last time my brother was a pastor.) This was an unforgettable day for him as well!

Hallelujah! Those words are music to my ears to know that the work we’ve put into The Ranch has not been in vain. It’s amazing to think that even while we sleep, God uses a website to proclaim His message to people around the world.

Please continue to pray for Andris that the seeds planted will continue to take solid root and grow strong.

The Healing Power of Confession

Many of you prayed for my talks this month at the Exodus International Annual Conference. The conference gathered together 900 people who minister to others who struggle with homosexuality, as well as many who are themselves working through this struggle.

Thanks for your prayers as God is already using the talks to bring greater freedom to people working through this issue. In one of the talks I encouraged people to share their struggle with someone they trust, rather than just trying to deal with it on their own. The Bible says:

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16a, NIV)

The following Monday I heard from a man who nervously took that advice and set up an appointment to meet with his pastor later that night. Before the meeting, he wrote:

“This afternoon I have decided to meet with my pastor and share my past and present struggles with him. He will be the first and only person I have shared this with locally. I realize that I have come to the point where I just cannot continue to handle this struggle alone without anyone locally to support me.

“… I’m scared, anxious, fearful, worried, and most of all I feel very alone in all this. As I write these words, my stomach churns with the dreaded anticipation of taking off my mask and making myself vulnerable to someone face to face, locally. I feel that I have so much to lose. But on the other hand I have so much to gain. All that I know is something must change. I cannot continue to exist the way I have existed the past 4-6 weeks. Death itself could not be any worse.”

He wrote again the next day, after the meeting:

“Well, I did it! I met with my pastor last night and basically told him everything … start to finish! He was very warm and gracious. Showed no reservations at all, was totally comfortable with what I shared. He told me that he desired to be whatever I needed, a pastor, counselor, friend, etc. I told him what I needed most was a friend with whom I could talk to, meet with, pray with, and be accountable to. He was more than eager to do that with me.

“Well, you were right! God was faithful and I felt so good after sharing all this. … What was I waiting for! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your encouragement and how God used you to move me to the point where I was willing to take this next step. It feels good to be known and still be loved!”

What a great feeling, indeed! Thanks for your prayers that are already bearing fruit.

What God Says

Lana and I, along with the help of several friends, have created four more pocket CD’s in the “What God Says” series. I love listening to Lana read the scriptures on various topics, set to inspiring music by friends like Chuck Giacinto, Kent Sanders, Brent Mitchell, and even my own. The topics finished so far include what God says about Prayer, Healing, Temptation, Missions, and Ministry.

It’s an affordable (and “cool”) way to impress God’s word on your heart. I hope you’ll order some for yourselves and your friends. It makes a great gift to tuck into a card, too! You can read more about them and listen to samples at www.WhatGodSays.com and use the enclosed card to request copies.

A “Real” Ranch

Lana and I have been praying for several years for a “real” ranch where we could invite people to come and grow closer to God.

I recently met with a man who has a similar vision and some property nearby. Please pray with us as we discuss the possibilities that could make this vision a reality. We simply want to know God’s will and ask that His will would be done.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for touching the life of Andris Sprogis and giving him eternal life;
  • for touching people through the Exodus conference to free them from their sexual struggles;
  • and for putting desires on our heart and then helping us to accomplish them.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • that You would protect and nurture the seeds that have been planted in people’s lives so they will bear fruit that will last;
  • that You would “enlarge our territory,” both over the Internet and physically;
  • and that more people will find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

New! Pocket CD’s!

These beautiful CD’s play in most CD players but are small enough to fit in your wallet, pocket or purse. Each CD contains about 5 minutes of encouraging words from God’s Word read to inspiring music. The suggested donation of $8 each (all 5 for $40) includes shipping and handling. Visit www.WhatGodSays.com where you can listen to samples, read the scriptures, and place an order.

If you’d like to make a donation without ordering, just visit the donation page.

You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

by

News From The Ranch – May 2001

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

God wants to use your gifts, the power of prayer, and the new series of wallet-sized CD’s called “What God Says.”

What God Says About Missions

How Does God Do It?

I was talking to a pastor friend about how God can possibly meet all the needs of all the people in the world. I said, “I don’t know how God does it.”

I wasn’t expecting a reply, but my friend turned to me and said, “I know how He does it. He does it through people like you.”

I had to think about that for a minute, but I realized he was right. Not that God does it just through me, but that He does it through ordinary people like me and like you. God has given each of us gifts that He wants us to use to reach out to others, to be His hands, to speak His words, and to demonstrate His love.

You may not think much of your gifts, but God does, and the people God has put around you certainly will as you reach out to them in His name. They desperately need a touch from God, administered by YOU.

The Bible says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).

In my last newsletter, I asked you to pray that God would send people to help me answer the emails that come into this ministry. Thanks for praying! People have volunteered from Peoria (Illinois) to Pretoria (South Africa) and have begun to provide terrific and specific care to those who come with various requests. They range from a 14-year old who writes beautiful letters to an 87-year young retired chaplain.

I want to share with you some of the things God has done through them recently at The Ranch, not only to show you how God is answering your prayers for this ministry, but to encourage you to use your own gifts to reach out to those around you, too.

A Brazilian woman wrote for prayer. She said she had been saved, but had since lost sight of Jesus and wanted to be restored to God. I felt it would be better if someone who spoke her native language responded to her. What is it they speak in Brazil? Portuguese? So I passed her note on to a friend who speaks Portuguese. They corresponded in Portuguese and I later received this note from the Brazilian (in English),

“Since I wrote the e-mail to [the two of you], God has given me so many words of reconciliation. As I began to study these words I began to grow in my knowledge of God’s forgiveness. I am very grateful to [the two of you], who cared enough to take the time to share the gospel with me. And above all I am grateful to God.”

I received another note from a 16-year old girl asking if there was someone she could talk to. I put her in touch with our 14-year old volunteer. The 16-year old asked her,

“I was just wondering if maybe we could be friends, just someone I can talk to since I can’t really talk to my parents [they are going through a divorce]. Usually when I need a friend to talk to there is nobody in sight to listen to me and maybe you could help me with that.” Our volunteer said she would be glad to talk and pray with her and she got this reply back: “Thank you soooo much for replying to my email this means sooo much to me, and also I would like to thank you for praying for me.”

They’ve written, chatted and prayed many times since, bringing hope into an otherwise hopeless situation.

Another note came from a woman whose husband, a pastor, came into the chat room at The Ranch looking for some encouragement for himself. Little did he know how God would encourage him!

Although no one from The Ranch was in the chat room at the time, another woman was there who found the site and liked the music. The wife’s email continued:

“She was not a Christian but was searching for “something.” My husband had to go to bed and I ended up talking with her and we chatted for about three hours. We had so much in common it was amazing. On Saturday night I was typing my husband’s sermon and God called me back to the chat room. She arrived at the same time I did. My husband and I chatted with her for about an hour and before we logged off she had prayed the sinner’s prayer. It was an overwhelming experience. I have chatted with her since and am helping her get into a church that can minister to her and her children. We thought you would be interested knowing how God used your site to save a lost soul.”

Praise God that He works through each one of us as we use our different gifts for Him! I can do some things, but I certainly can’t speak Portuguese, I’m not a teenager, and I can’t chat 24 hours a day! But the Bible says that we are the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27) and He has given each of us different gifts to build up those around us. Christ is the head and we are His hands, His feet, His ears, His mouth.

I want to encourage you to reach out to those around you, at work, at home, at school, at church. God has put you in the midst of people who need a touch from Him, a word from Him, or a demonstration of His love.

If you wonder where to start, just pray a simple prayer like this right now:

“Lord, use me as a blessing in someone’s life today.”

The Power of Prayer

Speaking of prayer, a friend recently asked me: “What do you do to promote your websites? Do you pay for that? By looking at your statistics, you must be doing something else more than I am!”

My answer? No, I don’t pay to promote them, but I do pray to promote them. And I know many of you reading this newsletter pray regularly that God would draw people to The Ranch and the KidsRanch so God can draw people closer to Him.

The KidsRanch, for instance, gets 5,000 to 6,000 visitors a month, even though it’s only been up for less than six months; that’s 5 times as many visitors as another website I developed over 2 years ago for which I’ve never asked anyone to pray.

The prayers have opened up opportunities for these websites to be seen all over the world. Just a few months ago two men from Switzerland, Daniel Hari and Beat Baumann, came to the U.S. to visit some ministries doing outreaches over the Internet. They are creating some websites in Switzerland to reach out as well (www.livenet.ch and www.esoterik.li). After visiting the headquarters of places like Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Crosswalk, and Campus Crusade in Canada, they came to visit me!

When they returned home, they wrote up some articles about their visit. Within a few days a publication called “Friday’s Fax” (or Freitags-Fax as it is known in German) picked up the story about our ministry and sent it out by fax and email to 7 million people! (www.jesus.org.uk/dawn/2001/dawn12.html#USA3)

I got a copy from a friend in Texas who had received it from someone in New Zealand where it had been translated from the original German into English. What a world we live in today. And what a God we have who answers prayer in ways that go “beyond all we could ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).

People from Germany and Switzerland have since written in to ask if I can correspond with them in German. I could try, but guess what? Someone volunteered just a few days ago to help answer emails – in German!

Can I share with you one more astounding answer to your prayers? I asked you in the last newsletter to pray for me as I began to write a book. I’ve since started and still need your prayers. But soon after I asked you to pray, I got an email from a woman who had seen my testimony on the Prayer of Jabez website prayerofjabez.com.

She was just finishing up a book on prayer and wondered if she could publish my story in it, and asked if I had any other stories about answered prayer. I wrote out a few more and sent them to her.

She then told me her publisher had printed 15,000 copies of her previous book about angels (called Angels Everywhere by Lynn Valentine) and Hallmark printed another 35,000 copies of the book for their stores. They plan to print similar runs of this book called The Power of Prayer, possibly as soon as Christmas of this year.

I’m glad to know that even though I have no experience at getting a book published, God does! Please pray that my stories will make it into the book and that they will encourage many to reach out to God in prayer.

Please pray also as I continue to write my own book, that God will give me words to write and an avenue to deliver them to as many people as possible.

What God Says

I hope you’ll indulge me to let me write an extra page or two of this newsletter. In the past few weeks, God has put on my heart a new project to put His Word into the hands of thousands of people at their point of need.

God has given us Words of Life in the Bible, but for many people they are simply idle words because they are kept closed up in a book on a shelf.

A new CD format has sprung up recently in a shape that can fit in your wallet, or in your pocket, or in a greeting card, but can still play in a normal CD player. They hold about 5 minutes worth of music or about 50MB worth of data.

We’ve begun to create a series of these CD’s called “What God Says” to address various topics, such as “What God Says About Prayer,” “What God Says About Love,” “What God Says About Healing,” “What God Says About Missions.” The list of possible topics goes on and on to cover what God says about depression, fear, joy, sex, grief, life, relationships, mothers fathers, children, angels, and so on.

With the help of some talented friends, we are putting these scriptures on CD’s, set to beautiful background music. Lana reads the scriptures with a voice that people describe as “angelic,” “perfect,” “soothing,” and “it moved me to tears,” among other great words (and they’re all true!).

We’ve begun to secure the trademarks, copyrights, and even UPC barcodes to begin to offer them not only over the Internet, but also in stores where people are looking for gifts for others or inspiration for themselves.

I believe that the distinctive packaging, the low-cost, and the compelling message of these CD’s will make this an attractive way to expose people to God’s Word in a way they’ve never experienced before.

The project is constantly on my mind, going back and forth in my brain as I try to work out the details and consider the possible impact. I need your prayers desperately as the urgency and difficulty of making this happen overwhelm me almost daily. It makes me cry even now just thinking about the impact this will have on people’s lives.

I’d like to send you one of our first completed CD’s called “What God Says About Missions.” Just send us the response card in the enclosed envelope and if you could include a donation, that would be great, too.

A missionary friend helped us choose the scriptures, Lana reads them beautifully in various English translations, Chuck Giacinto composed the moving music, and Jim Brown provided the photography for the cover. Even though the CD’s only 4 minutes long, I can listen to it over and over and not get tired of it. I know it will be a great encouragement to others who have a heart for missions, or others whom God wants to have a heart for missions if they were so inspired. This will also give you a feel for the potential of the entire series.

As I’ve said many times, I have to say again: I need your prayers. The planning, budgeting, legalities, copyrights, trademarks, royalties, and so much more are sometimes way beyond what my grapefruit-sized brain can comprehend (it feels like a plum most days!). The learning curves are high, but I can see how God has trained me so much already during my years studying His Word and studying technology. I realize that in many ways He has uniquely called me to make this happen.

I hope you’ll request at least one copy of this first CD, and consider getting several copies to hand out to others.

I’ve also created a new website to go with the CD’s called WhatGodSays.com. From there, you can listen to samples and sign up to receive an email whenever new titles are available. I hope to have the first ten titles or so done very soon, and we have another 50 or more waiting in the wings to be created in the future.

The best way you can help me is to pray. But you can also help me in two other ways.

We can produce 500 CD’s of one title for just $1,500. That’s incredibly cheap by recording industry standards. But that’s $1,500 more than we have. If there’s a particular title you would like to see us develop (you can see a list at the WhatGodSays.com), we could begin to work on that title with a $1,500 donation. We’re praying for at least 10 initial donors who would help us fund the development of the first 10 titles.

I wish I could offer you an earthly return on your investment, but I’m positive that the heavenly return God will give you will be worth much more than anything I could give you.

The other way you could help us is to consider committing to send a regular monthly gift to this ministry. James Dobson (head of Focus on the Family) sent out a newsletter last month that accurately describes a dilemma we’ve noticed in our own ministry for the past three years (you can read his letter at family.org/docstudy/newsletters/A0015866.html).

He said that the mainstay of their funding comes through gifts they receive in the mail as people write in to request information or help. But in recent months, many of those people have begun to use the Internet to contact their ministry. They’ve been able to respond to many more people as a result, but the downside is that people are less likely to include a gift when they correspond over the Internet.

We also continue to grow and reach out to more and more people, but our donations have not grown proportionately. We would like at least another 20 families or churches to make a commitment to send in a monthly gift. We continue to trust in God for our provision, but we also know that one of the ways He provides is through people like you.

Thanks for letting me share this. Like James Dobson, I don’t like to make this kind of appeal and I try not to do it very often. But I do feel it’s important to clearly state our needs so those who are interested can respond.

Please Pray with Us

There is power in prayer, and I hope you’ll pray along with us.

Thank you Lord,

  • for the volunteers you’ve provided to help us give individual care to those who come needing a touch from You;
  • for the growing number of people who are being drawn to You because they were drawn to our websites;
  • and for the inspiration and opportunities to continue expanding the territory of this ministry.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • that You would help each one of us to use our gifts to reach out to those around us;
  • that You would bless these writing projects and new CD’s to bring Your Word into the lives of people who desperately need it;
  • and for still more people to find their way to The Ranch and the KidsRanch so they can find their way to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great week! Don’t forget to use the gifts God’s given you to reach out to others!

We Appreciate Your Support!

If you would like to request a copy of “What God Says About Missions,” please visit the WhatGodSays.com website, where you can also make a donation to our ministry.

If you’d like to make a donation without ordering, just use the link here.

You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

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News From The Ranch – March 2001

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Help Wanted at The Ranch, KIDSRANCH update and an upcoming book.

I was blessed recently to help Jennifer Ramsey record this beautiful collection of Christian hymns and choruses to lead people into quiet time with God.

I was blessed recently to help Jennifer Ramsey record this beautiful collection of Christian hymns and choruses to lead people into quiet time with God.

“Help Wanted” at The Ranch

Fourteen years ago God instilled within me a purpose for the rest of my life: to make God’s name known throughout the earth.

I was reminded of that purpose again these past few weeks as people have been signing up for this newsletter from places like Nuuk, Greenland; Tedlam, India; Kingston, Jamaica; and Lagos, Nigeria. (Welcome to everyone who’s new to this newsletter, whether you’re in Johannesburg, South Africa or Peoria, Illinois!)

Even though I have a very small ministry, I’m thrilled that God is able to amplify it throughout the world. In the past two years, over 80,000 people have visited The Ranch website from over 100 countries.

I feel a little bit like Moses may have felt when he stood at the edge of the Red Sea. God told Moses to do a little thing (raise his staff) and God did the BIG THING (parted the sea). And I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Moses to do his “little” thing, but it’s clear that it was God who did the BIG THING.

God has used November’s USA Today article to open even more doors for me to make God’s name known. These include:

  • a half-page story in the LaSalle-Peru (Illinois) NewsTribune,
  • an article in World Affairs Weekly, one of the major national magazines in Japan,
  • a radio interview on WPEO (Peoria, Illinois),
  • a law paper at the Hamline University School of Law (Minnesota),
  • an article in the University of British Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism Review (Canada),
  • and an Internet research project at Lincoln Christian College (Illinois).

These have come in large part because of your prayers that God would “bless us indeed and enlarge our territory.” But now I’m at a crossroads: I need you to either stop praying for God to bless us, or pray that God will raise others up to help!

What I need are some people who would help me correspond with and pray for those who come to The Ranch for encouragement. I answer as many e-mails as I can each day, but I still have about 300-400 e-mails waiting in my inbox, some of which have gone unanswered for months. Most of these are believers who need encouragement in their faith, a listening ear, and a prayer of hope.

The Bible says:

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV).

If you’d like to help out by responding to 2-3 emails a month, or spending an hour or two a week in the chat room at The Ranch, I’d love to hear from you.

As I thought again this morning about raising up a network of volunteers for this purpose, I sensed God saying: “Eric, you raise your staff and I’ll part the sea and we’ll see many safely delivered to the other side.” Care to join me?

KidsRanch Takes Off

Thanks, too, for your prayers for the initial launch of the KidsRanch (kidsranch.org). In the first three months we’ve had over 9,000 visitors from 40 countries! The site has also become an instant hit with others doing Internet ministry. Here are a few of their reviews:

Tony Whittaker, who lives in the U.K. and writes the Web Evangelism Bulletin (web-evangelism.com) says:

“KidsRanch is a brilliant new evangelistic site for children. There is an excellent range of fun games, jokes, and stories. Especially commendable is the fact that it does not look like a Sunday School lesson, full of ‘churchy’ graphics; nor does it assume that readers know anything about the Bible or Christianity. Unlike the majority of Christian children’s pages, it is therefore very accessible to children with no Christian background. It also avoids preachiness, talking down to kids, or generally having a high ‘cringe’ factor. As so often in online evangelism, less is more.”

Tony recommends that churches who don’t have a kids section on their own website can link to the KidsRanch. If you’d like to link to it, I’ve set up a page to make it easy at kidsranch.org/.

Andrew Careaga, who lives in Missouri and literally wrote the books on E-vangelism (e-vangelism.com) and E-Ministry (eministryonline.com) says:

“We ring in the New Year with an excellent new evangelistic site for children, KidsRanch. … KidsRanch features plenty of games, jokes, stories (in text and video) and other interactivities (cursor-chasing ants and a virtual piano, to name a few) to keep kids — and adults — entertained for hours.”

And from Karl Bastian, Children’s Pastor in Barrington, Illinois and founder of Kidology University for children’s workers (kidology.org), comes my favorite review:

“Hey, Kids! This is the best site I’ve ever found for kids! You will find LOTS of really cool stuff to do!”

So if you haven’t visited the KidsRanch yet, it’s worth a peek at kidsranch.org.

Upcoming Book

One of the most common struggles that people write to me about is in the area of sexuality. I’m hoping to summarize some of the hundreds of letters I’ve written on this topic in a new book. This is a huge undertaking for me and I need God’s help to carve out the time to work on this project. Since I know prayer works, I’d love your prayers that God will help me write this book.

My hope is to have it finished in time for the annual Exodus International conference in August where I’ve been asked to speak on this topic.

Still Waters

A friend of ours, Jennifer Ramsey, is a beautiful pianist and often plays during communion at our church to help lead people into their own quiet times with God. I was blessed recently to help her record some of this music so people can use it in their own quiet times at home. You can listen to all of the songs at The Ranch at Still Waters.

If you’d like to order a copy of the whole CD, just fill out the Response Form. I believe the music will really bless you…and your gifts in return will help us to reach out to others with the love of Christ.

Please Pray with Us

On the home front, I’d appreciate your prayers for my Dad as he recovers from bypass surgery on his heart. The extended time I’ve spent with him the past month has been a great reminder of the gift of life and breath God’s given freely every day to each of us…and to those we love.

Thank you, Lord,

  • for the gift of life and breath,
  • for drawing thousands to the KidsRanch to learn about You,
  • and for creating each of us with a purpose and faithfully fulfilling it in our lives.

And Lord, we now ask

  • for You to speak to the hearts of those You want to join us in this work,
  • for the time and wisdom to write this book for those who struggle with sexuality,
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We Appreciate Your Support!

This ministry is funded entirely by people like you.  In appreciation of your support, we’d be glad to send you a copy of Jennifer Ramsey’s CD “Still Waters.”  Just visit The Ranch Giftshop.  You can listen to the songs on this CD here.

You can also donate online or by mail by clicking here. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

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News From The Ranch – December 2000

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

The Ranch Prayer Card, opening of the KIDSRANCH and the response from the USA Today story.

The KidsRanch is now open at www.kidsranch.org

The KidsRanch is now open at http://www.kidsranch.org

Every Prayer Counts

Even though the recent U.S. election has left some people wondering if every vote counts, I feel stronger than ever that every vote really does count.

But regardless of what I feel about that, there’s something of which I am totally certain: every prayer counts.

There are times when I’ve felt that God doesn’t need my prayers, that there are plenty of other people praying, that there’s no need to add mine. But I’ve realized that one vote in prayer, when added up with countless others, can tip the scales in the outcome of any situation. And unlike punch card ballots where you can vote only once, by praying we really can “vote early and vote often.”

I say this to encourage you in your own prayer life. If you think you’re prayers don’t count, think again.

In the Bible, Paul says that we should “pray continually” (1 Thessalonioans 5:17). Luke says that the disciples joined together “constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14). Jesus told stories to show us that we should “always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1).

God wants us to pray continually. And he gives us this promise: “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16, NLT).

Prayer Card

I also say this to encourage you to pray for us. I am confident of this: every single prayer you say for our family and for this ministry makes a difference. And when added to those of others around the world can tip the scales that mean life or death for someone who needs God.

For this reason, we’ve created a prayer card to remind you to pray for us. Click here (or click the picture below) for a printable version of the prayer card. We hope you’ll print it out and save it to remember to pray for us.

One woman told us a few years ago that she put our picture on her refrigerator and from time to time she’d hold her hand up to our family picture and pray for us. That really touched our hearts and we know it touched our lives: prayer is the foundation for every good thing that comes out of this ministry. Every single prayer really does count!!

KIDSRANCH Now Open!!!

With so many kids on the Internet, I’ve wanted for some time now to create a website just for them that would be both fun and encouraging, and at the same time give them the gospel message.

This summer, about 200 kids at our church’s Vacation Bible School helped me to start creating just such a site. This past week I’ve been able to finish it up and open it for kids from all over the world to visit at http://www.kidsranch.org. I hope you’ll visit the KidsRanch and have some fun exploring it on your own. Even though I created the site specifically for kids 13 and under, there are tons of games and jokes, music and stories that will appeal to young and old alike (you can play “Asteroids” as long as you want – and you don’t have to put a quarter in every 3 minutes!)

Thanks again to everyone who contributed materially or financially to make the KidsRanch possible. Please pray right now that God will use the KidsRanch to draw kids closer to Him.

Tell your friends about the site, and stop by the KidsRanch yourself and let me know what you think! (Please note that the address is “www.kidsranch.org,” NOT “www.kidsranch.com,” which is someone else’s website!)

USA Today Response

Thanks, too, for your prayers for the USA TODAY article. The article itself, plus the incredible response to it, has been nothing but positive. Here’s a direct link to the article in case you missed it, or if you want to pass it on to others to introduce them to The Ranch: www.usatoday.com.

I know your prayers worked because the secular press is not always so favorable to religion in general, nor to evangelists in particular! The response was immediate as I began to get emails from people all over the U.S. who “happened” to find the paper that day. Several other papers and electronic newsletters picked up the story and did similarly favorable follow-up articles.

We’ve averaged about 3,000-4,000 visitors each month this year at The Ranch website, but last month that number shot up to over 8,000 visitors, our highest month ever.

I’ll let you know some of the specific responses in the future, but I’m still trying to make my way through all of the emails myself! If you’re one of those awaiting a response, please bear with me as I wade through this increased blessing!

I’d also ask you to pray again for Leslie Miller at USA Today who did such an excellent job writing the article, that God would continue to bless the use of her words. I’ve since found out that to buy a half-page ad in USA Today the size of this article would cost $45,000!! Sounds like a Jabez-sized answer to prayer to me! (www.prayerofjabez.com, 1 Chronicles 4:10).

Year-End Gifts

One of the things Leslie pointed out in the article is that I am very low-key in my requests for funding for this ministry. Sometimes I’m too low-key and I know some of you want to know how we’re doing.

Quite honestly, we operate at less than 50% of what we’ve budgeted to run the ministry. So far this year, we’ve received an average of $2,300 a month in donations. From this we pay my salary to support my family and all the computer and other costs needed to run the ministry. To say we run a tight ship is an understatement, and we do indeed need your help. Just like every prayer counts, every dollar counts, too.

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we will send you a tax-deductible receipt for your gifts of cash, stocks, vehicles, even land (we’re praying for a physical ranch where we can offer spiritual retreats for people who need encouragement in their faith). Please postmark any year-end gifts by December 31st to be deducted from this year’s taxes.

Please Pray with Us

Thank you, Lord,

  • for the chance to proclaim your name to hundreds of thousands through the USA TODAY and the follow up articles,
  • for the help and support of everyone who contributed to the the KidsRanch,
  • and for providing the funds to continue this ministry this year.

And Lord, we now ask

  • for increasing resources to handle the increasing ministry,
  • that you would draw kids to the KidsRanch who need to learn about You and grow in their faith,
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Time for a Boost!

Dear friends, we do need your help. Thanks so much if you’re already donating to our ministry. If not, we’d love for you to join us. We’re currently operating at less than 50% of our budget and would appreciate any boost you could give us, either as a monthly commitment or a one-time gift. Thanks for considering us in your giving plans.

You can donate directly online by clicking the “donate now” button below.

If you’d like to make a donation of and receive a CD, such as “Marilyn Byrnes: Christmas”, or “Eric Elder : Clear My Mind”, just click Take It With You. You can listen to samples at http://www.1piano.com. Your gifts will help our ministry greatly! Thanks!

You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

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News From The Ranch – December 1999

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Special Christmas Webcast, Stocking up on your faith, we’re expecting!

Watch our live Christmas special, "Stocking Up on Your Faith," on Thursday, December 16th at 9pm Central.

Watch our live Christmas special, “Stocking Up on Your Faith,” on Thursday, December 16th at 9pm Central.

Merry Christmas!

We had a great start to the Christmas season this past weekend. Over 200 people from our church put on an hour-long tour through the city of Bethlehem, complete with live cows, donkeys and Roman soldiers on horses.

Lana and the kids dressed up to work in the marketplace, selling live chickens and sheep. I was one of the tour guides, taking groups through the city, watching out for thieves and beggars, and trying to get past the Roman soldiers. It was quite a production, and gave us a great sense of “being there” at the greatest birth ever recorded.

Back at The Ranch, we’re planning for a special broadcast this Thursday, December 16th. I’ll be sharing some practical ways people can “stock up on their faith” for the New Year.

With Y2K just around the corner, no one knows exactly what will happen. But there’s one thing we can stock up on that will help us through anything: FAITH. If you can get on the Internet and watch, I’d love for you to join us in the chat room afterwards. But for those of you who can’t make it, let me share here some of the ways to stock up on your faith.

Stocking Up on Your Faith

1. Read the Bible Regularly

The Bible is full of stories of ordinary people just like you and me who faced impossible circumstances. Yet, by faith they accomplished extra-ordinary things. (You can read about some of them in Hebrews Chapter 11.)

When we read and reread the stories of how God has worked in lives of others, we increase our faith that He will work in ours, too.

2. Pray regularly and listen for God’s direction

God has many things He wants to tell us. He has a unique purpose for each of our lives. Through prayer, we can not only ask Him questions, but we can also listen for his answers. God can help us know what to do each day, and what to do for the rest of our lives.

Bring your requests to God, and be sure to take time to listen for his answers. Here’s how King David prayed: “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” (Psalm 5:3)

3. Be Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only.

Faith is like a muscle: the more you use it the stronger it gets.

A friend recently said that she loved having a treadmill in her house. Even though she hardly ever used it, it made her feel better just knowing it was there anytime she wanted to exercise.

We sometimes treat the Bible and prayer the same way. We feel better just knowing we have access to them anytime we need them. But if we don’t make a habit of reading, praying and putting our faith into action, we will be in no better shape than if we didn’t have access to those things at all.

The apostle James says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22, KJV).

Just as exercising our body makes us stronger physically, exercising our faith makes us stronger spiritually. Make sure you’ve got a good supply of faith on hand for the New Year. Read your Bible. Pray. Then put your faith into action.

Good News

At home we have some good news! Great news, actually…Lana and I are expecting our 5th baby in June! You may know that we’ve had several miscarriages a few years ago, so I’m glad to report that Lana passed her first trimester with a good report from the doctor. We’ll greatly appreciate your prayers through the rest of the pregnancy.

Other good news has come in the form of some year-end E-Mails. Some of these people were in depressed, even suicidal states at the end of last year because of struggles in their lives. But they are ending this year full of faith that God is alive and active, in part due to our Internet ministry and your prayers.

One says, “I cannot believe that I am ending 1999 so differently as to how I began it.”

Another says, “Thanks so much for all you do in the Lord’s service. It has been some time since I was on the Internet because of struggles, etc. I am now back on and tonight I revisited The Ranch. It was like taking a walk down memory lane. So many feeling flooded my heart as I looked around and remembered what God did through you in my heart.”

And another says, “Just wanted to drop you a line and pray that your ministry is going well! Also, wanted to let you know that the porn junk has not been a part of my life since August! What a wonderful relief…and peace that passeth all understanding! The big test was last night…my wife had to be gone and will also be gone tonight…In the past these were time times that I would indulge myself in illicit chat, cyber porn, or rented movies…But you know, Eric…that was not even a temptation last night…due to people like you and guys on the forum who have held me up in prayer…made myself accountable to my wife…God is good and a faithful deliverer! May God continue to bless you my brother.”

Amsterdam 2000

Billy Graham is holding an invitation-only event next July in Amsterdam. They’ve had over 75,000 applications and will choose 10,000 to attend, 75% of which will come from developing nations. It will be the largest gathering of its type ever known.

I was a bit surprised, but thrilled when I was recently invited to attend. I’d like to accept the invitation, but I’ll need to raise $2,200 between now and then in order to attend.

If someone happens to have enough frequent flyer miles to donate to get me from Chicago to Amsterdam and back, that would further reduce my costs. If you, or your church, or your Sunday School class would be interested in sponsoring me for this special event, please let me know as soon as possible to I can respond to their invitation. You can read more about the event at: http://www.amsterdam2000.org.

Special Needs

Some people have asked if we have any special needs right now, so here are a few of those as well.

  • The sound has gone out on our camcorder for the broadcasts and we need a new or used one to replace it.
  • I’m needing a new or used midi keyboard to digitize my music for use on the Internet.
  • We’re needing a second vehicle for me to use when I’m on the road so Lana can have some transportation while I’m gone.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for all You’ve done for each one of us this year;
  • for giving us faith that no matter what happens in the future, You will still be here for us;
  • and for leading us and guiding us every step of the way.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for an increase in our faith to believe You and to take You at your Word;
  • for the provision to accomplish all You have put before us;
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord bless you and Merry Christmas!

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USA Today Feature Article About Eric Elder And The Ranch

Here’s a feature article USA Today wrote about our ministry for their November 13, 2000 issue, which focused on how the Internet is changing the way people work.

USA Today Feature Article About Eric Elder And The Ranch, November 13, 2000

(Photo caption) Real Deal: Eric Elder operates a full-time ministry on the Internet called TheRanch.org. “I have this message I want to get out, and the Internet was made for delivering messages,” he says.


Web pastor spreads God’s word on the Net
New breed of evangelist goes beyond the church to reach out to thousands of cyber-visitors a month
by Leslie Miller
USA TODAY

High Tech executives may put “Internet Evangelist” on their business cards, but Eric Elder is the real deal.

“Some people would say I’m a Webmaster.   Some people would say I’m a Webcaster.  Some people would say I’m a Web Pastor,” he observes dryly.  “But I like to say I’m doing what God’s called me to do – reach out to others around me.”

Elder, 37, is a new breed of evangelist – a high-tech, low-key minister who runs TheRanch.org, a spiritual retreat center that exists only in Cyberspace.

Thousands of visitors a month stop by to chat, see half-hour videos of Elder preaching, meditate with music and Scripture, or read people’s stories about how God has touched their lives.

“My particular message is that God is real, and he cares deeply about each one of us,” Elder says.  “I have this message that I want to get out, and the Internet was made for delivering messages.”  He says he’s “not trying to transfer the concept of church to the Internet.  I love church.  I belong to a church.  Church is great.  But in a church, my message only goes about a hundred feet.  On the Net if goes to a hundred countries.

“As a Christian, Jesus has called us to reach all the world.  Preach the gospel to all creation.  This is just one more way to do that.”

That’s something a growing number of believers – clergy and others – are beginning to realize.  In a survey by Christianity Today magazine, 56 of 1,400 subscribers to Christian e-mail lists said they shared their faith online regularly, or often, mostly via e-mail.  Women (62%) were more inclined to do so than men (47%).

“This is grass-roots people on the Web who are talking to their friends, says Keith Stonehocker, senior vice president of Christianity Today.

He presented survey findings Nov. 4 at a conference sponsored by the Internet Evangelism Coalition, a group made up of more than 30 Christian organizations, including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Campus Crusade for Christ International.

Almost half of those surveyed (49%) said their church has a web page, and 18% said they personally know someone who has  become a Christian as a result of online evangelism.  For respondents under age 24, it was almost 25%.

“The last couple of years have seen just about every ministry organization recognize that this is a long-term need, to have a presence on the World Wide Web,” says Robbie Richardson, director of Gospel Communications Network, one of the organizers.  “This conference is focused on helping stimulate Christians to begin to realize that this tool can be used not just for resourcing other Christians, but for evangelization.”

Not a hobby

Elder is ahead of the curve.  Unlike some techie pastors or layfolk who create church websites as a hobby, he’s a full-time Net minister, as well as a full-fledged tech professional.

He learned the intricacies of computer networks as a researcher for Texaco’s Advanced Technology Group for nine years where he developed the companies first Web site – and came to recognize the Web’s potential for encouraging people in their faith.

He was ordained in 1995 and served as an associate pastor at a church in Texas for a year, then started his own non-profit ministry to focus full-time on Cyberspace.

Eric Elder Ministries is based out of his home in Streator, a central-Illinois town of 14,000 about an hour from Peoria.  Both he and his wife, Lana, grew up in the area and like being near family.  She’s homeschooling their five kids, who range in age from 9 years to 4 months.

Elder understands that some people are turned off or intimidated by churches: he hopes the image of a laid-back retreat center will attract them and show them there’s another way to deal with the stress and trouble in their lives.

“I believe God’s message, that he loves people, is for everyone,” he says. “The Ranch taps into the idea that people need a place to slow down and take a break.”

He uses the web to draw visitors in, then backs off.  “People searching for God usually want to explore on their own, without people getting in their face,” he says.

The 180-page site feels spacious and easy to navigate.  It’s also technologically cutting edge, with live Webcasts, streaming audio and video, and chat options.  Extensive text is there, too, so those who can’t access multimedia don’t miss out.

Elder attempts to help lonely and depressed people find The Ranch by coding its pages with words they might type into search engines, but he notes that his goal, and the thrust of his site, “is to point people back to God and the Bible and seek him out themselves.”

Still, many visitors end up seeking Elder out to talk because something is weighing on their conscience that “they don’t feel comfortable talking about to a pastor or spouse or friends,” he says.

The Net feels more anonymous, and Elder seems non-judgmental.  He shares intimate details of his own faith journey on the site, and in photos smiling with his family, he looks relaxed and approachable.

“People will open up with me and say, “I have never told anyone this in my life.  But you look like someone I can talk to,” he says.

Elder’s modest demeanor and sophisticated grasp of technology often disarm those who expect Bible-based evangelists to be all fire and brimstone, and his approach seems to appeal to those “who have been turned off by some of the louder people.”

But he recognizes that his style doesn’t work for everybody.  “Some people need a football-coach kind of guy to really kick-em’ in gear, frankly.  We all have different gifts and can reach a different segment of the population.”

He also differs from many church-based preachers in that he avoids discussing denominational affiliations.  He believes it tends to alienate people.  “I try to remove any barriers,” he says.

‘What’s important to us’

Another potential barrier is the blatant pitches for money that people often associate with televangelists.  So Elder steers clear of fundraising on the site.  Instead, he sends out a regular newsletter to those who request it, with updates about the ministry and its needs.

He can do this because the cost of preaching on the Web are much less than for those evangelizing on TV – just “my salary and a nominal amount” for computer costs.  About 85% of his support comes from donations, mostly from friends and family.  Only a small fraction is from website visitors he’s never met.  The other 15% of his income is from his part-time work designing Web sites for other ministries, a project he started last year at 101sites.com.

His family lives in a house owned by his in-laws, and Streator “is not a high-rent district,” Elder notes. It’s a matter of scaling down how we live in order to do what’s important to us.”

Elder is well aware of the limits of technology.  “Even though I do an Internet ministry, I’m not dependent on the Net to get my message out.  God is interested in the hearts of people, and he will use any means possible to reach as many as possible before the end comes.

“If my Web server goes down, it’s frustrating.  But God will still break through to people’s hearts.

“Before there was a World Wide Web, there was a world wide God.  And he still works overtime.”

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News From The Ranch – October 2000

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Feature story about The Ranch in USA Today, The Prayer of Jabez, a special Christmas CD.

Christmas, by Marilyn Byrnes

If you like piano music, I think you’ll love this new CD of relaxing Christmas music now available through our ministry.

USA TODAY Article

If you’ve read my newsletter for any length of time, you know that I always end with a prayer that people will find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to God.

If you’ve prayed that prayer with me, I know you’ll be excited to hear the most recent answer. I got an email a few weeks ago from Leslie Miller at USA Today. She had found The Ranch and asked if she could interview me about our Internet ministry for a special technology section they’re publishing on Monday, November 13th.

(Here’s a direct link: www.usatoday.com.)

So we set up an interview and talked on the phone for a couple of hours. You can bet that Lana and I did a little house cleaning when she said she was sending a photographer! It was all very exciting, but what’s even more exciting is that God can use this article to send His message of love and forgiveness through His Son to more people in one day than I’ve been able to reach in my entire lifetime. USA Today has 2.2 million readers! (with 13.1 million online readers!)

I’m excited because I know that God Himself is trying to reach out to His people, and He’ll use whatever means He can to do it. I want you to pray with me that God will use this to draw thousands of people closer to Him, whether they come to The Ranch, or are simply touched by the article itself.

I’m praying that not one person would skip over this article if God is trying to touch them through it. Even if someone just picks up a copy on a chair at an airport, or they find it under their hotel room door, or they see a copy at a gas station, I pray God would not let them put it down until He’s had a chance to speak to them through the article.

Because next Monday’s deadline is so close, would you pray with me right now before you go any further in this newsletter? Pray that the final wording of the article would say exactly what God wants to say to reach out to His people, and that many would click onto The Ranch so they can draw closer to Him. I hope you’ll pray right now, then keep reading the rest of the newsletter.

The Prayer of Jabez

When I first heard about this USA Today interview, I was reading a little book called The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. Jabez was a man in the Bible who prayed a little prayer and saw great results. He asked God to bless him and enlarge his territory – and God did (1 Chronicles 4:9-10). Bruce Wilkinson suggests that we could pattern our own prayers after Jabez by praying something like this: “O God and King, please expand my opportunities and my impact in such a way that I touch more lives for your glory.”

So I began to pray this prayer and a few days later got the email from USA Today! I hurried up to finish the book to find out what to do next! I’ve heard that God has already used this book in many people’s lives. If you’d like to read more about this little prayer, you can visit: http://www.prayerofjabez.com.

Websites

Speaking of websites, I’m putting the finishing touches on the KidsRanch website at http://www.kidsranch.org. It’s been really fun to put together and I believe it will be fun and encouraging for both kids and adults. Please pray with me that God will speak through me as I write the final pages on the site that will tell kids that God really does exist and He really does care about their lives.

In the mean time, you can take a look at a church website I just finished at http://www.christiscentral.com. You’ll find great sermons, topics for teens, thoughts on worship, plus a whole lot more. I also think this website will help you with many ideas if your own church is going on the web.

Letters

Back at The Ranch, here are a few of the letters people have written.

A woman from Colorado writes:

“As always, I have just enjoyed a brief visit at the ranch :-) I sent your link to a few friends tonight, as I had not done that before for them. I hope to be back soon.”

Another woman found The Ranch when she did a search on the Internet for “someone to talk to” and it brought her to my site. She poured out her heart in an email and ended with this:

“I’m sitting here now debating whether to hit the send button. I feel so much better just for having written out some of the things that have been weighing on me. That makes me think that maybe I can just delete this and carry on. On the other hand, if God set it up, who am I to try and defy it? Send it is. Thank you again.”

A man from North Carolina writes:

“I am listening to your CD [online] and I can barely type. I am crying so hard. The HEALING in your playing is AWESOME!! My heart is so refreshed. I have been in a horrible battle and pit that I couldn’t pull out of and Jesus has climbed down in that pit to get me and start pulling me out as I listen to this CD.”

And it’s not often I get to quote a writer from USA Today, so here’s a quote from Leslie Miller, too:

“I look at a lot of religion-oriented Web sites, and yours really stands out – it’s one of the best I’ve seen, and I’d like to feature it in USA Today if you’re agreeable to that.”

Christmas CD

Many of you know that I love to play the piano, but you may not know that my sister’s really the pianist in the family.

She’s extremely talented and went to college on a music scholarship (so I’m not the only one who thinks she’s good!) So I was glad last month to help her record her second CD, this one of beautiful Christmas music. We’re making it available to you this month through our ministry.

It features traditional Christmas songs like Joy to the World, Silent Night, and What Child is This? all expressed in a fresh and relaxing style, similar to George Winston.

The CD’s are strikingly beautiful, not only in their sound but also in the way they look, so they’ll make great Christmas gifts as well. I already heard from one woman in Chicago who’s getting copies for her friends:

“I got the CD. It’s awesome! I am making my list and checking it twice right now.”

You can use the enclosed response form to order copies and you can listen to samples at http://www.1piano.com. Your donations will go a long way in helping us minister to others over the Internet.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you, Lord,

  • for answering our prayers to draw people to The Ranch so they can draw close to You,
  • for the opportunity to reach out to millions with Your message through this USA Today article,
  • and for using this new technology to spread Your Word throughout the world.

And Lord, we now ask

  • that every person You want to reach through the article will find it and read it,
  • for Your Words and wisdom as I finalize the KidsRanch,
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Donations and Christmas CD

If you’d like to make a donation of $15 or more and receive the “Marilyn Byrnes: Christmas” CD, please fill out the response form. Songs include: Silent Night, The First Noel, The Holly and the Ivy, O Holy Night, Auld Lang Syne, and more. Hear a sample at http://www.1piano.com. Your gifts will help our ministry greatly! Thanks!

If you don’t want the CD but would like to donate to our ministry directly, click the “donate now” button for credit card donations.

You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

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News From The Ranch – August 2000

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

A report from Amsterdam 2000, quotable quotes from Amsterdam speakers, and VBS update.

Franklin Graham at Amsterdam 2000

Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s son, shares tips with us about how he and his father preach evangelistic messages.

Amsterdam 2000

Thanks so much to everyone who prayed for me and contributed to my trip to the Amsterdam 2000 Conference for Evangelists.

There were 10,267 participants from 209 countries around the world. It was said to be the most international gathering of any kind, whether secular or religious.

As I walked through the hallways at the convention center, I felt like I was “walking among giants” with people like: J.I. Packer, John Stott, Luis Palau, Bill Bright, Franklin Graham, Anne Graham Lotz, Chuck Colson, Joni Erickson Tada, Ravi Zacharias, Rick Warren and a host of others. Their names may not be household words to everyone, but they are the names of some of the most distinguished evangelists and Christian leaders in the world.

For nine days we were exposed to their collective wisdom and inspiration. The purpose was to encourage us in our work, equip us for greater effectiveness, and expand our vision for how God might work through us in the world. I know it did each of those things for me.

But what brought me to tears one afternoon was a thought that came to me while a group of us were praying and thanking God for this experience. The thought was this: as remarkable as it was to “sit at the feet” of these godly men and women and learn from them, isn’t it even more remarkable that any one of us can come to God Himself anytime in prayer to get wisdom directly from Him!

What a privilege to be able to sit at the feet of the King of Kings to ask Him for wisdom to help us through anything.

The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, NIV).

I’m grateful for all that I learned from the speakers in Amsterdam, and I’m also grateful that I can come to God anytime through prayer to continue to learn from His wealth of knowledge.

Nuggets of Wisdom

You can still watch the main sessions of the conference at http://www.amsterdam2000.org. For starters, I’d recommend the messages by Billy Kim, Anne Graham Lotz, and Franklin Graham.

But I also want to share a few of the nuggets of wisdom I heard during the conference.

For instance, Billy Kim said that the Coca-Cola company puts Christians to shame. In the company’s vision statement they say that they see six billion consumers in a thirsty world all being refreshed by Coca-Cola. Their vision is for everyone in the world to have a taste of Coca-Cola by the end of the year 2000. Mr. Kim continued, “Yet we do not have a vision or a strategy to let everybody in this world taste the living water of our Lord Jesus Christ, who said: “But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.” (John 4:14)

He then quoted C.H. Spurgeon who was once asked, “Can a man be saved if the gospel is not preached to him?” Spurgeon replied, “The real question is: Are we saved if we do not preach the gospel to him?”

The theologian J.I. Packer said that we can be both deep thinkers and simple presenters of the gospel. Billy Graham once told an interviewer, “I study to be simple.”

Greg Laurie said that whenever we preach the gospel, we must leave the results to God, remembering that “the harvest is not at the end of the service, but at the end of the age.”

Joni Erickson Tada spoke from her wheelchair about how she has to call on God for help from the moment she wakes up in the morning. She then added that she wonders if those with the real handicap are those who think they can get up and go through their entire day without ever calling on God for help.

Gerry Gallimore said that Jesus told a religious leader of his day, “You must be born again” (John 3:7, NIV), reminding us that a person can be religious, yet still unconverted. Mr. Gallimore then boldly, but gracefully said, “Could it be that there are some here who have not yet made Jesus Christ Lord of your life? Brothers and sisters, you and I need to be born again! How are we to introduce anyone to Jesus Christ if we do not ourselves have a personal experience of His saving grace.”

Ajith Fernando of Sri Lanka said that Christians are sometimes charged with arrogance because of Jesus’ claim to be the only way to God when he said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Mr. Fernando said, “The real arrogance is for we humans to reject our Creator.” Then he added, “If we [Christians] don’t share the answer we’ve found, we are selfish.”

And finally, Luis Palau shared that as a teenager he wanted to preach but he was hesitant. His mother asked him what he was waiting for and he said, “I’m waiting for ‘the call.’” His mother said, “The Call?!? The Call?!? The call went out 2,000 years ago!! The Lord is waiting for the answer, not for the call!!”

Going Forward

God spoke to me frequently though the speakers at the conference and also through some of the other participants with whom I shared meals and tram rides to and from our hotels. The call has gone out, and I am committed more than ever to go forward in answer to it. Thanks again to those who made it possible for me to go to this once-in-a-lifetime conference.

Vacation Bible School

Thanks, too, for those of you who prayed about my opportunity to speak at our church’s Vacation Bible School. Because I was in Amsterdam the same week as VBS, I taped my segments about missions which were played to the kids each day.

When I returned, I heard that a record number of kids had attended, and that they were indeed impacted by the missions segments. They even raised over $1,500 for missions to help us in our Internet outreach! They also helped to write jokes and stories to include on our new gospel website for kids. You’ll be able to see it soon at www.kidsranch.org.

Please Pray with Us

Lana and I really appreciate and value your prayers. They do make a difference.

Thank you, Lord,

  • for the prayers and support of those who helped make it possible for me to go to Amsterdam 2000,
  • for the words You spoke to me during the conference,
  • and for moving on the hearts of kids to get involved in missions.

And Lord, we now ask

  • for your continued inspiration as we go forward in ministry,
  • for creativity as I create this new gospel website for kids around the world,
  • and for people to find their way to The Ranch (and The Kid’s Ranch!) so they can find their way to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Donations

Please note that donations can now be made to our ministry online at this link. It takes less than a minute to complete the transaction and would bless us tremendously. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

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Prayer Update December 2011

’m starting a new prayer team this month for our ministry for anyone interested in praying for our ministry here at The Ranch in the days ahead. If you’d like to join our prayer team and receive these updates every month or so in the future, just send me an email and I’d be glad to add you to the list. Your prayers really do make a difference, and know that we deeply appreciate it.

Here are our prayer requests and praises for December…

We’ve been doing some much-needed fund raising the past few months, trying to raise an additional $2,500 in monthly support, and an additional $15,000 in one-time gifts. So far, we’ve raised $1,070 in additional monthly gifts from 12 new supporters and 1 family who has increased their gift. We’ve also raised $9,530 in one-time gifts from another 18 supporters, some of whom are new to supporting our ministry, and some of whom are already monthly donors. So praise God! We’re moving along! But we still have about $1,430 to go in monthly commitments, and $5,470 to go in one-time gifts. So we’d still appreciate your prayers that we’re able to reach 100% of our goal.

Also, if you know of anyone who might be interested in hearing about what we’re doing, and the cool way God is using the Internet to reach out to people around the world, we’d love to share it with them. I’d be glad to visit with individuals or families or groups in person, whether small groups, or a gathering of friends, or a Sunday School class, or a missions committee…whoever might be interested! I’ve also recorded an update on our ministry that I’ve put on YouTube that you can forward to your friends if you’d like to share our ministry with them. Here’s the link to the video:

www.youtube.com/watch

I’m also including a link below where people can make donations, whether monthly or one-time, and whether online, by mail, or Electronic Funds Transfer. (Also, if you’d be interested in making a donation or increasing your monthly donation, you can just let me know by email anytime, and that will help me in our planning for next year.)

theranch.org/Make-A-Donation.359.0.html

I know some of you have already seen this presentation that I’ve posted on YouTube, but it still amazes me to think that we’re now reaching over 35,000 people every week by email with our messages from over 160 countries. If you’ve been following along with us over the years, you’ll know that I often end my prayer letters by saying, “And pray that God will draw people to The Ranch so He can draw people to Himself.” Wow! How God has answered those prayers! And we just keep on praying for more.

Here are a few of the emails that came in last few days from people who are grateful for the ministry. I thought I’d pass along their thanks to you for helping to make this ministry possible…

 

From Malaysia: “It’s a blessing that I am able to read your emails. Your word is so apt in its timing. Sometimes I wonder if God is saying something to me through you. Keep writing, you have a gift and I am so glad that you are using this gift to glorify Him. God Bless You.”

 

From India: “You will not remember me but you have prayed for me in the past and, for that, I thank you again. I am also a fairly regular visitor to your website and I receive your sermons from This Day’s Thought. I have a question for you. I am a Christian and my wife is a Hindu. I want to tell her about Jesus but don’t know how. How do I explain to her the joy in my heart and the courage and confidence that only my faith can provide? We do talk about it but I don’t seem to have the words to explain.”

From the UK: “You are so right about thinking of Jesus as a saviour and sometimes not having Him as Lord of our lives too. Today’s reading made me take stock of what you said, and I recommitted and surrendered my life afresh and asked Jesus to be Lord of my life also as well as being my saviour.”

From North Carolina: “Thanks for this site. It helps me a lot.”

 

Thanks for helping these–and many more–find their hope and answers in Christ!

On the home front, Lucas came home from Hillsong College in Australia last Wednesday night, and we’re glad to have him here for 8 weeks as he’s planning to go back again in January for his second year. We’re praying for him, too, as we’ve helped him as much as we can for his first year of school, and he’s worked as much as he can, too. But he doesn’t qualify for grants or student loans as the school is overseas, so it’s been an extra step of faith to send him over. He’s needing $6,800 in the next 4-5 weeks to pay for next year’s tuition and fees, which need to be paid up front in order to apply for another year of his student visa. He’s able to work over there to make up the rest of the money, but if you could pray for his funding, whether from gifts, grants, friends, or any other means, that would be terrific!

Karis is back home with us this year, taking her third-year college classes at Heartland College and working in Bloomington, so we’re thankful to have a full-house again for the next few weeks anyway. Makari is dancing in a Christmas show this weekend and the next. Josiah and Bo are in scouting and Kaleo is in dance and tumbling–all are working away at their homeschooling and enjoying life here in the country. Lana’s become quite a runner this year, running down the country roads, on the treadmill and even a 5K race to help orphans. (This isn’t meant to be a Christmas letter, but just thought you’d like a little glimpse of what life looks like around our house this month!)

That’s the update from here…thanks for reading and for praying for us. We truly appreciate it, and we know that God hears and answers your prayers on our behalf.

Love,
Eric and Lana Elder and family

P.S. Here are those links again to watch the YouTube video or to make a donation. Thanks for your prayers and forwarding these on if you know of others who might be interested!
www.youtube.com/watch

theranch.org/Make-A-Donation.359.0.html

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Lana’s Africa Talk

Notes from Lana Elder’s talk to the “Young at Heart” group at our church about our upcoming missions trip to Africa (given October 25, 2005).

I was reading this verse the other day and was reminded of our trip to Africa and how God cares for the hungry and wants us to care as well. God desires for us to be His hands and feet to those in need.

Isaiah 58:10

“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.”

I have always had a burden for the poor and for orphans and when I first heard about this trip there was a definite stiring in my spirit by God to go and do something for the poverty that is rampant in Africa. What I really was excited about with this trip is that we get to help the people of Africa learn how to provide for themselves through “Never Ending Gardens.” These gardens are not just a one time thing but can continue to provide the life sustaining food that is essential for their survival. I know there are food programs in place that bring food over to Africa and I think those are great as well. They are definitely desired by the Africans and needed to provide for the hungry. But this program is different in that we will be able to teach the people of Africa so that they can provide for themselves and for their families for future generations through the planting of gardens.

Again, this is something that has been a desire of my heart for sometime….to be able to go and do something for the people of Africa who are without food. I have 6 children of my own and I know how much they eat and eat and eat. They eat breakfast and then about when I’m done cleaning that up they want a snack and then it seems it is lunch time, another afternoon snack and then dinner time. I feel like sometimes we eat all day. I have never known what it is like to be hungry and I hope I never have to know what it is like. I imagine most of you have never had to experience hunger for a very long period of time. Maybe some of you lived through the Great Depression or at least heard stories from your parents about how there were food rations and the cost of food was more than people could afford. For us, that was just for a time in America’s history. But for the people of Swaziland and South Africa, this is something they have to deal with almost daily.

The organization we are going with is called Dream for Africa and I got this description off of their website.

Dream for Africa is a faith-based humanitarian movement that mobilizes volunteers from various nations to achieve enduring solutions in sub-Sahara Africa related to hunger and food security, orphans and vulnerable children, poverty alleviation, and AIDS prevention.

Besides the never-ending gardens program that Dream for Africa runs they also are teaching AIDS prevention classes through abstinance education and are working on building orphanages for the large number of orphans they expect to have in Africa due to the AIDS virus.

One of the first hesitations I had about going came when I considered the amount of money that we would need to raise. I imediately thought, “There is no way. It would have to be God if we raised that much money.” And I still think that. It will have to be God. We can not possibly do this on our own. But he continues to put the burden on our hearts and so we will continue to make people aware of what the Body of Christ is doing in Africa to alleviate the poverty and hunger that faces that nation.

When I considered the cost again I thought, “Why don’t we just raise the $14,000 that we need and then send it over there for the people to buy their own food or buy their own plants.” Then I thought, “Well, why doesn’t God just send the $14,000 to them directly. Why get me involved? And while He’s at it….why doesn’t He just send them the food and water and everything else that they need. Why get me involved? And I have to remind myself that God sometimes wants us to be His hands and feet to the people He wants to reach through us. I don’t believe it’s just the physical food that they need, but they are also in need of spiritual food. I know we will have the opportunity to tell people about God and His son Jesus Christ and how He has changed our lives and can change theirs, too. He can provide for the food that they need and for the money we need to get there to tell them.

In our Wednesday night women’s Bible study we were talking about God’s glory and how God’s glory is something that reflects Him and it’s the way He makes Himself known. When God revealed Himself to Moses in the cleft of the rock, Moses asked to see God’s glory and God passed before him. The Bible says Moses’ face was radiant. He was reflecting God’s glory. It reminded me that God may want to show His glory through us through the work of planting gardens for people to have the life sustaining food that they need. I can only imagine how happy a mother would be to know that the food she needs to feed her family is right out her back door. I pray we will be able to reflect His glory through our actions and through the work we will be doing of planting gardens. I believe God will receive the glory only He deserves for the work of planting the gardens.

I myself have planted many gardens in my backyard. And you would think it’s a very simple process of just sticking a plant down in the ground and waiting for it to grow. But first the ground needs to be tilled, then the plants can go in and then you can’t plant some plants in the same place year after year or the ground will be depleted of certain nutrients. Sometimes the things that look simple are actually harder than you think. And sometimes you have to be shown how to do something before you are able to do it yourself.

I remember when Eric and I went on a missions trip to the Philippines about 10 years ago. We went to share the gospel door to door through street evangelism. Many people came to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior that week. But this was another time when I had that initial question of “Lord, can’t you just send someone from the Philippines to go door to door. I mean, why do I have to go all the way over there from the United States to share the gospel when there are believers in the Philippines who could do the same thing.” Again, God reminded me that it wasn’t all about me but it was about what He wanted to do through me and our team of people in the Philippines. And I will never forget the young lady from the Philippines that I was paired up with to go door to door. She was the translator. I would share the gospel and she would translate into the native language. She said, “This is so simple. I can’t believe how easy it is to do this. Thank you so much for coming over here to show us how to share the gospel like this. We are forever grateful.” Sometimes it takes someone from the outside to come in show someone else how to do something like sharing the gospel. I don’t always stop to think of the impact that trip had on generations of people who came to know Christ. But when I do I have to say “Yes, Lord, it was definitely worth every penny it cost to get there.”

There is a verse in the book of James chapter 2 verses 14 – 18 that says….

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

Now you may not be able physically to DO the things James is talking about…. But I know we are all able to pray and some of you may be able to give financially. And I believe your prayers and gifts are recorded along with those who are able to go and do the physical work God is putting on their hearts to do.

Paul talks to the Philippians from Philippi about the act of giving and he says in Philippians 4:17

“…. you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.”

I believe your account will be credited for the prayers and gifts you are able to give.

Earlier I read a verse from Isaiah that talks about feeding the hungry and I want to finish with a similar verse. These verses encourage me that this is what God desires for us to do…feed the hungry…take care of the poor…give the thirsty something to drink. These are words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 25:31 – 46.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

I believe this is what God desires for us to do…feed the hungry…give a drink to the thirsty …and I believe He is calling us to go to Africa to do this.

If you’d like to make a donation to our trip to Africa, please visit this link: Make a Donation. For a donation of any size to our trip, we’ll send you a reminder wristband than says “God is Here” to remind you that God is always with you as well as to remind you to pray for our trip. Thanks so much!

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News From The Ranch – June 2000

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

A new baby, a new website for kids, Amsterdam2000 update, and letters from visitors.

Lana gives the kids their first look at baby Bo.

Lana gives the kids their first look at baby Bo.

Created by God

We’re glad to announce the birth of our new little baby, Bo Judah Elder.

He was born on June 3rd, at 10:35 p.m., weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 20-3/4 inches long.

Both he and Lana are doing great. You can take a look at some pictures of him atericelder.com/bojudah.

We really appreciate your prayers for the baby and the delivery. Many of you may know that even though this is our fifth child, we’ve had four miscarriages along the way, so we don’t take the gift of life for granted. We also don’t take your prayers for granted. Thank you so much for praying for us and for Bo.

Watching his birth reminded me again of how special each of us are to God. Even though our parents conceived us, the Bible tells us that we were conceived in the mind of God long before that.

God said to Jeremiah:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).

King David said that God ordained all of his days before one of them ever came to be:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:13-16).

If you ever wonder if you’re really special or not, know that you’re very special to God. He created you in your mother’s womb. He ordained all your days before one of them came to be. He really does love you. And he really does have a purpose for your life.

The Kids’ Ranch

Our church has invited me to be the missionary for this year’s Vacation Bible School, which means I’ll be speaking to about 200 kids each day about what a missionary is and does, and how they can get involved in God’s mission, too.

I’m really excited about it for two reasons. First, I believe several of these kids (1st-6th grade) will go into full-time missions in the future as a result of this week. Second, the kids are going to help me create a website just for kids on the Internet called The Kid’s Ranch. You’ll be able to access it in a few months at kidsranch.org.

I’m going to share with the kids at Bible School that over 1/3 of the world’s kids have never even heard the name of Jesus, nor do they know that He can help them in this life and in the life to come. I’ll then give the kids a chance to tell some stories about Jesus in their own words so kids in other parts of the world can read about His incredible life, death and resurrection.

Please pray with me that the hearts of these kids will be deeply moved and that many of them will dive head first into joining God in his mission to “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

Letters

We continue to get several thousand visitors a month at The Ranch. Not everyone that visits writes to me (whew!) but those that do are dealing with some very deep and intense issues. By the time they talk to me, they’re on the verge of total despair.

Please pray that God will give me supernatural wisdom as I talk with them. Although I can’t share the contents of these confidential conversations with you, I hope you’ll pray with me that God will use these conversations to really make a difference in people’s lives. James says:

“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20).

I can share with you some comments from a 60 year old visitor last week:

I want to thank you for your message I heard today on “The Secret of Happiness.” I have served the Lord since I was 13 and now am 60 yrs. old. However, from time to time I would get discouraged and feel that I must pull back. I now believe I often missed the 3rd aspect…..Looking Forward to the return of Christ. I have always believed in His return since my salvation, but I haven’t put great emphasis on this in my thought life. This is the missing “support leg” for me. Thank you for the freshness of God in your ministry…..it is so good to know you are sending out lifelines to older Christians as well as those who are just coming to know Christ. We NEVER get too old to grow! God Bless You Today. I will keep praying for you and this vital ministry!

A visitor who suffers from panic attacks writes:

I feel that there has been a gap created between what I know to be the truth and what I am able to feel in my heart. I am hoping that by experiencing the support of websites like yours and Russell’s [www.season.org] that I will find the peace of the Lord and His hope and promises. Thank you for being there and if you have an extra moment any additional prayers would really be appreciated.

And a visitor from Montana writes:

Love this site and your music – Thank you so much for sharing yourself in such a great way – Blessings to you!

Amsterdam 2000 Update

In just a few weeks (July 24th-August 7th) I’ll be meeting in Amsterdam with 10,000 other evangelists from around the world at the Billy Graham Amsterdam 2000 Conference. (You can read more about it at www.amsterdam2000.org).

I’ve received nearly all the funds needed to attend the conference, so thank you for your prayers and gifts. Please make a note to pray for me and the other evangelists during the conference that it will bear fruit in thousands of lives for years to come. I look forward to giving you an incredible report in the next newsletter.

Please Pray with Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for loving us and creating each one of us for a special purpose,
  • for the safe and healthy birth of Bo Judah,
  • and for the funding and prayers to continue this ministry.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for the kids at Vacation Bible School to give their hearts to Christ and become involved in Your mission,
  • for wisdom to speak life-changing words to those who come to The Ranch for help,
  • for the upcoming Amsterdam 2000 conference to bear much fruit in the years to come,
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Stock Transfers?

Some people have wondered if we’re setup to receive stock transfers into our ministry account. The answer is “Yes!” Your gift can be substantially higher, as well as your tax deduction, if you donate stock directly rather than selling the stock first and then donating the proceeds to the ministry. Just contact us for details on how to increase the value of your gift via stock transfer.

Please note that donations can now be made to our ministry online. It takes less than a minute to complete the transaction and would bless us tremendously.

Donations may also be sent by check to: Eric Elder Ministries, 1305 E. Broadway, Streator, IL 61364. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

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News From The Ranch – April 2000

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

A Taste of Heaven, a New CD called “Be Thou Exalted,” and being 100% sure you’re going to heaven.

Jesus said, "In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)

Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

A Taste of Heaven

I got an e-mail from a man from Bulgaria a few weeks ago. He had read my testimony on the Internet that tells how I went from being 90% sure that I was going to heaven to being 100% sure, and the dramatic difference it made in my life.

He wrote to say that he was in the same situation – that he was probably only “about 90% sure.”

I shared with him some verses from the Bible that give us assurance that heaven is real and the fact that God wants us to know whether we’ll be there or not. After receiving my e-mail he wrote:

“You have no idea how happy I was when I received your e-mail back. It brought me so much joy and encouragement. I’ve been even crying while reading and thinking. God became much more real and doubts that I had just disappeared. For many years, I believed a lie, that I was rejected for what I had done. But now I can say ‘Lord, I’m 100% sure I’m saved and I have eternal life.’”

I know it’s easy for any of us to wonder if heaven really exists at all. The question becomes all the more real whenever we attend a funeral or face the possibility of death ourselves.

Heaven is a very real place. And God really does want us to know if we’ll be there or not.

The apostle John said this: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

God wants us to KNOW that we have eternal life and he tells us how we can have it. Simply put, where we spend eternity depends upon whether or not we believe in Jesus Christ.

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

A prison guard asked the apostle Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31).

In fact, the Bible says that this is the only way we’ll be saved. Without faith in Christ, we don’t have a chance. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

And the apostle Paul says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

If you have doubts about where you’ll spend eternity, read these verses again. Read the whole Bible again, for that matter! Then put your faith in Christ anew and let Him fill you with the peace that passes understanding.

If you’d like to know more about this topic, you can watch one of our recent Internet broadcasts where my special guest, Bill Allison, spoke on: “How to Know for Sure that You’re Going to Heaven.” You can read the notes or watch it here.

New CD!!

Speaking of heaven, I recently wrote the words for a new song called “Bring Us to Heaven.” It’s the opening song on a new worship CD that’s just come out called “Be Thou Exalted.”

The song itself is incredibly orchestrated by Chuck Giacinto with the talents of almost 50 people. Just listening to it gives me a taste of heaven right here on earth.

We’re making the CD’s available through our ministry to help put some great music in your hands that will draw you closer to God. If you’d like to listen to some samples from all of the songs on the CD, go to http://www.ericelder.com/music/heaven.

Amsterdam 2000 Update

Many of you know that I’ve been invited to attend Billy Graham’s Amsterdam 2000 conference in July. The 10-day conference will bring together up to 10,000 evangelists from around the world.

The more I read, hear and see about this conference, the more excited I get about what God will do with such a gathering. As Billy Graham is now in his 80’s, this conference will serve to help pass the torch of evangelism to a new generation.

I’ve received almost $900 so far and a stand-by ticket to get to and from Amsterdam. I still need to raise another $800 between now and July to cover the rest of the conference costs. If you’d like to sponsor me for this event, please indicate your interest on the response form.

You can also watch a moving and meaningful video about the conference called “You Decide” at www.amsterdam2000.org.

Finding The Ranch

Last year an average of 1,500 people visited The Ranch website every month. Over the last few months, that number has grown to over 5,000 visitors during the month of March alone! (You can see detailed statistics here.)

Monthly Visitors to The Ranch

They’ve come from 83 different countries…most recently from Macedonia, Fiji, Iran and Papa New Guinea. I have to check my atlas to see where they’re coming from!

A man from Holland has begun translating my Internet workshops into Dutch for use by Christians in his country, and a man from Slovakia has just finished translating my testimony into Slovak. Praise God that He is using this technology to spread the great news about Christ to all nations.

I also got a great boost in visitors to my site from people like Russell Pond and Andrew Careaga who included information about my site in their own e-mail newsletters. One of the largest Christian newsletters, called Internet for Christians, highlighted my Internet training website (www.ericelder.com/training) in their recent mailout to 27,000 people!

At the end of each of my newsletters I ask you to pray to God for “people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.” It looks like God is answering your prayers!

Please Pray with Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for sending Your Word throughout the world by all means possible,
  • for the promise that we will be with you in heaven for all eternity,
  • for the provision You’ve sent to help us proclaim Your great news to all creation.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for the wisdom and funding to continue this work as fully as possible,
  • for special grace on Lana who will give birth to our new baby in about 4 weeks!
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Please note that donations can now be made to our ministry online. It takes less than a minute to complete the transaction and would bless us tremendously.

Donations may also be sent by check to: Eric Elder Ministries, 1305 E. Broadway, Streator, IL 61364. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Remember, for a donation of $17 or more, we’ll be glad to send you a copy of the new worship CD, Be Thou Exalted!

by

News From The Ranch – February 2000

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Internet Workshops online, a new song “My Sanctuary,” and quotes from people whose burdens have lifted.

Over 200 pastors, teachers and church workers came to our workshops at a recent conference to learn how they could use the Internet to reach out to the lost and hurting.

Over 200 pastors, teachers and church workers came to our workshops at a recent conference to learn how they could use the Internet to reach out to the lost and hurting.

Learning about the Internet

If you’ve wanted to learn more about the Internet, you might be interested in some workshops I’ve recently developed to help Christians grow in their spiritual walks, as well as to give them more tools to reach out to others.

I presented these workshops last weekend at Equip 2000, a conference in central Illinois for pastors, teachers and church workers. I’ve also created an online, interactive version of each workshop to make them available to as many people as possible over the Internet. Here’s a synopsis of the workshops:

Getting the Most out of the Internet

Learn how to find information online to help you prepare Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons, sermons, etc. plus learn how to get better results from Internet “search engines.”

Your Church on the Internet?

This interactive technology demonstration will spark your thinking about how you might use audio, video, email, chat rooms and more to enhance and expand your current ministry.

Using the Internet Safely

Learn some of the dangers of using the Internet and how to protect yourself and your family while using it. This session will discuss filters, “cookies,” history files and more.

You can find these workshops at www.ericelder.com, a new site I’ve created for this type of material. Each workshop takes about an hour if you do all the exercises, but you can skim through the text and get the highlights in about 5-10 minutes. I’d also be glad to present these workshops at your church or other special event. Just let me know!

Worship at a “Real” Ranch

My good friend Brent invited me to attend a retreat last week at a “real” ranch in Texas. I say “real” because some people visit my website The Ranch and then ask if they can come stay for awhile, not realizing it only exists in cyberspace. So it was good to spend a few days in the hill country of Texas!

One of the highlights for me was to lead a time of worship for the 30 or so who had gathered for the retreat. Over half of the group were worship leaders in their own ministries. Luckily, I didn’t know that until it was too late to get “real” nervous about it. But with all those great worshippers, it turned out to be a very moving time for all of us.

I was also glad to share a new song at the retreat that I wrote called “My Sanctuary.” It’s a song that really helps me to quiet my heart before the Lord. You can listen to the piano version at www.ericelder.com/music/sanctuary.

On a related note, I’ve just put my CD of piano music, Clear My Mind, on a secular music website called MP3.com. My hope is that this will expose more people to music that helps them focus on God.

(Just a note: our ministry receives a donation every time someone listens to one of my songs on their website, so if you want to try it out, go to http://www.mp3.com/ericelder. You can also buy the CD from their website, but our ministry only gets 50% of the proceeds, whereas if you order it from theranch.org, we receive 100%!)

Prayer and Confession

A man came to our chat room recently to say he wanted to deal with a sin in his life, but he didn’t know how. He told me he’d never told anyone in his life about this sin.

I told him I was glad he had come to talk and pray about it, for prayer and confession is one of the best ways to break the power of sin. The Bible says,

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

I’ve seen this happen countless times, but it still amazes me each time I watch God use prayer and confession to bring peace back to someone’s life.

After talking at length with this man about his situation, he said,

“I am asking God to really give me the strength to overcome this. When I read your story and your prayer [on the website] I got tears in my eyes. I needed to confess all this, and as I said, Eric, I don’t know you but I have to let it go one day and TODAY IS MY DAY.”

He poured out his heart, confessing things he’d done and thought about over the past several years. When he finished, we prayed together and his whole demeanor began to change. He said,

“I feel great Eric, it is a relief that I could confess this to you. I have been holding this back for so long and I am glad that I could do this today. I don’t know how I could thank you for your time and prayer Eric. Thank you so much. I am really glad that you took your time to listen to me and I hope that the ministry that you have started here may blossom and that many more souls my be saved.”

He’s still got a road ahead of him because there are always consequences for sin, but the burden he’ll be carrying is a lot lighter now!

Another man from overseas wrote about some battles going on in his mind. I sent him a long reply with some biblical wisdom about his situation. A few hours later we caught up with each other online and he wrote,

“I was just about to send you a BIG thank you note. I feel so much better right now. Thank you so much for being here for me!”

Another man who lives nearby came to our house to ask for prayer. As he confessed his sins and asked the Holy Spirit to come in and help him be the man he wanted to be, he said,

“What is happening to me?!? I feel so much lighter. It’s like a burden has lifted from me. I’ve never felt like this before. I have waited for this for years.”

He walked out of the house laughing at the new joy he now felt and said,

“I sure wasn’t laughing when I came in.”

He later told me he went to church three times that next Sunday at three different churches because he was so excited and couldn’t get enough of God. Hallelujah!

Amsterdam 2000 Update

In the last newsletter, I wrote that I had been invited to attend Billy Graham’s conference for evangelists in Amsterdam in July of this year, but that I needed to raise $2,200 between now and July in order to attend. I’m glad to report that I’ve received $800 so far towards the cost of this conference and have begun making plans to attend. Thanks so much to those who have encouraged me by their gifts to attend. If you, your church, or Sunday School class would still like to sponsor me to attend this event, please let me know. And if anyone has enough frequent flyer miles that they could donate a ticket from Chicago to Amsterdam, that would further reduce the cost. For more information about the conference, visit http://www.amsterdam2000.org.

Please Pray With Us

Thanks to all of you who take the time to pray for us. Lana’s doing great in her pregnancy; the best one so far, she says. The June 4th due date is quickly approaching! We also received some generous year-end gifts that have helped us into the new year. We’d still love to have more people join us by giving one-time or monthly gifts to help us reach our support goal.

Please join us in praying:

Thank you Lord,

  • for those who have come to The Ranch and been set free from their sin by the power of Christ,
  • for the opportunities to train others to use the Internet to advance Your kingdom,
  • for the continuing provision to continue this work.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for more opportunities to train others in Internet ministry,
  • for the remaining funds for the Amsterdam 2000 conference,
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Please note that donations can now be made to our ministry online. It takes less than a minute to complete the transaction and would bless us tremendously.

Donations may also be sent by check to: Eric Elder Ministries, 1305 E. Broadway, Streator, IL 61364. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Eric Elder Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

by

News From The Ranch – October 1999

News From The Ranch

Helping other ministries get on the Internet. Also includes the “Only One Move” story.

A few of the people we’ve recently helped get on the Internet: an Indian evangelist (top), a missionary to the 10/40 Window (right), and a man whose passion is to remind us to pray (left).

A few of the people we’ve recently helped get on the Internet: an Indian evangelist (top), a missionary to the 10/40 Window (right), and a man whose passion is to remind us to pray (left).

Helping Others Reach Out

One of the goals of our ministry is to use our knowledge of the Internet to help other ministries reach out over the Internet, too.

Most recently we had the chance to work with an evangelist from India. When he shared his powerful testimony with me, I asked him if we could tape it for broadcast over the Internet. He was not only glad to do it, but felt that this was an answer to prayer.

Although he preaches to thousands of people in villages throughout India, he seldom gets to preach to the higher caste Hindus. But because many of those in the higher castes have computers and access to the Internet, he may now be able to reach into their homes as well! Praise God for these new opportunities to reach people who might have never heard the gospel of Christ otherwise!

We recorded his story in both English and in Tamil, his native language, and put it on The Ranch website (Paul’s Story). He tells of how he had lost both of his parents at a young age, causing his entire family to consider suicide. During that crucial family discussion, a missionary came into their house and told them about the God who would never leave them nor forsake them. He concludes his testimony by saying: “Now, if you go to my village you will find not a single non-Christian in that whole village. All my people are blessed now. God changed the entire life of my whole people. They are enjoying the provisions of God and the blessings of the Almighty God. He still lives.”

Please pray with us, even right now, that God will use his testimony on the Internet to reach his people throughout the world.

WWW.101SITES.COM

As we get more involved in helping other ministries get online, we’ve created a new organization to focus on this aspect of our outreach.

It’s called Internet Media Resources and its primary purpose is to multiply what we do on the Internet a hundredfold by getting more ministries online, (hence the name of our new site, www.101sites.com).

This new outreach is fully supported by those who make use of the service. From time to time I hope to highlight some of these ministries here because I believe they will move you towards a deeper level of faith in Christ and a stronger commitment to action.

One of these websites is called Window of Opportunity (www.1040window.org) and is designed to educate Christians about the 10/40 Window. This area of the world contains the largest concentration of people who have never heard about Christ. Our desire is to motivate Christians to get involved in reaching out to these “unreached” people groups.

Another website is called Remember to Pray (www.101sites.com/prayer) and focuses on the ministry of an 81-year old man whose desire is to help us all do just that: “Remember to Pray.”

I hope you’ll get a chance to look at some of these websites on the Internet and encourage your friends to visit them as well.

E-Mail

Back at The Ranch we continue to receive letters that encourage us that God is at work. Here are some recent letters.

One man writes:

“I again would like to thank you for spending time with me yesterday… Many of your words are still ringing in my ears, and a difference was made. For the first time in several months, I actually got some sleep last night (just a few hours), but far more than I have been getting historically… With much of what you said bouncing around in my brain and proving much louder than everything else going on in there, I pretty much just passed out and for the first time in a very long time slept through the night (all 5 hours of it). That is really nothing short of a miracle…

“Secondly, and more importantly, I woke up with something that I have not known in at least two years and that is a sense of some peace. Can’t explain it really, but it’s somewhere between understanding on some level that I will be ok and actually having some value in life again.”

Another man who watches our broadcasts wrote:

“You have been there for me and you don’t even know me. …Thanks for all you do, not just for me, but for everyone that you encounter. I don’t want to leave Lana out. I have felt your prayers and maybe one day I will see you both in person to tell you how much I appreciate your ministry.”

And another writes:

“Just wanted to let you know that I have not as much as looked at any porn sites or inappropriate chat lines since Aug 24th [after we prayed online about this]…God is Good…God bless you in your ministry.”

I hope these letters encourage you, too, for without your prayers and support they would not be possible.

Only One Move

And here’s a story for those of you who need some encouragement in your own faith.

There was a 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.

The boy learned quickly. But after three months, he had learned only one move. He asked his teacher to teach him more moves. The teacher said, “This is the only move you’ll ever need to know.”

Soon thereafter, the boy entered a tournament where he quickly advanced to the finals. His next opponent was bigger and more experienced. The boy seemed outmatched.

During the long match, and just when the boy was taking a beating, he made his one move. His opponent faltered and the boy pinned him to the ground.

After the match, the boy asked his teacher. “How could I win with only one move?”

“Two reasons,” the teacher replied. “First, you have mastered one of the most difficult moves in all of judo. And second, the only known defense against that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm.”

Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your greatest strength.

If your weaknesses are getting you down, remember these words from the Bible:

“The Lord said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’

“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Please Pray with Us

Thank you Lord:

  • for turning our weaknesses into strengths,
  • for using the Internet to reach out to people around the world with the love of Christ,
  • and for the prayers and support of those who make this ministry possible.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for these new Internet ministries to have long-lasting impact,
  • for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to know how to respond to those who write for help,
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

by

News From The Ranch – August 1999

News From The Ranch

Celebrating one year of Internet broadcasts, plus emails from guests. Also includes the “Keep Your Fork” story.

Pastor John Evans from Wales joins me on "Live From The Ranch," our weekly Internet broadcast.

Pastor John Evans from Wales joins me on “Live From The Ranch,” our weekly Internet broadcast.

One Year of Broadcasts

We had some special guests at our house last weekend who came all the way from Wales!

Pastor John Evans and his wife Jennifer began watching our Internet broadcasts earlier in the year from their home in Wales. We’ve corresponded via the Internet ever since. They happened to be traveling in the U.S. for a few weeks, so they spent the weekend with us here at The Ranch. (I was sure to remind them that The Ranch only exists on the Internet and not to expect their own cabin in the woods when they got here!)

We had a great weekend and they joined me on the live broadcast on Sunday night. It underscored to me that even though our ministry is based on the Internet, it has a very “real life” component with “real life” people. The Internet is often simply the first point of contact.

In just a few weeks we’ll have completed our first full year of broadcasting a live weekly message over the Internet. We’ve had several guests on the broadcast this past year and hope to include more in the future. The topics range from sex to betrayal, from healing to faith. And every week, we also give an opportunity for people to put their faith in Christ.

If you’d like to see any of the messages, just click here.

E-Mails

Each week after the broadcast, we open the chat room at The Ranch to people who want to talk or pray in a one-on-one setting.

This past week a man came by the chat room who had been participating in illicit chat and porn sites on the Internet. We talked and prayed and he wrote back the next day: “I thank God for you and the fact that you took the time to talk and pray for me last night! I slept well last night and know that the Lord is going to deliver me from this abomination that I have participated in.”

Another man, who had been struggling with homosexuality, came to us several months ago for prayer and wisdom. He wrote this week and said, “I feel as though I am living a different life now. I can’t tell you the relief I feel. My burden has been lifted!”

Still another man wrote this week after reading one of the testimonies on our site: “I have felt that I had no one to talk to. I accidentally ran across this site and begin to explore. Tears have welled up in my eyes and I now feel that I have hope. I always tried to think that I wasn’t the only one who was going through this, but now I know I’m not, and I now feel that I have the strength to try even harder. Thank you again.”

Although he thought he found the site “accidentally,” I attribute it to your faithful prayers that God would draw people to The Ranch so they can find their way back to Christ. So thank you so much for I know that this fruit will be credited to your account also! (Philippians 4:17).

We’ve recently added several new testimonies to the site, so if you haven’t visited lately, take a look at the section called Read a Story. You’ll find touching stories from people around the world who have written to tell how Christ has changed their lives. Also, if you have a story you want to share about how Christ has changed your life, just send it to me on the contact form.

Opportunities to Speak

I like preaching on the Internet, but there’s nothing like talking to people face to face! I’ve been receiving more invitations lately to preach at churches and special events here in town and in the surrounding area.

I’m especially thankful for the variety of churches that have asked me to speak, as I feel God has given me a message that applies to people of all backgrounds.

Some of these include:

  • First Baptist Church
  • Primitive Methodist Church
  • Park Presbyterian Church
  • Open Bible Fellowship
  • First United Methodist Men’s Group
  • Community-Wide Good Friday Service
  • First United Family Camp (Gridley, IL)
  • First Presbyterian Church (Chenoa, IL)

If you ever need a guest speaker for a church service, retreat, or other event, let me know! I’d love to come be with you in person to encourage you that God is real, alive, and active in the world today.

The Best is yet to Come

Before I close, I wanted to share with you a story that reminds us all that there’s more to life than just this life.

There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given 3 months to live. As she was getting her things “in order,” she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order. The pastor was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

“There’s one more thing,” she said excitedly.

“What’s that?” came the pastor’s reply.

She said, “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.” The pastor stood looking at the woman, not knowing quite what to say.

The woman explained. “In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes from the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming…like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. So, when people see me in there in that casket with a fork in my hand, and they wonder what it’s for, I want you to tell them, “Keep your fork…the best is yet to come!”

Our faith in Christ can certainly help us here on earth, but ultimately, our faith in Christ is for much more than that. As the apostle Paul said, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

The simple gospel (good news) is that God has given us hope for a future. Jesus died for our sins so that those who believe in him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

If you’ve already put your faith in Christ, remember, “the best is yet to come.” And if you’ve never put your faith in Christ, there’s not a better day to do it than today. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7).

Please Pray with Us

Several of you sent us notes after the last newsletter to say that you would commit to pray for us for 30 days. Thank you for that commitment, and thanks, too, for those who sent in additional gifts to help us out financially. We appreciate you standing with us.

Thank you Lord,

  • for creating a way, via the Internet, to reach out with your love to people around the world;
  • for the opportunities to speak to people face to face;
  • and for raising up more people to pray for and support this ministry.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for more opportunities to speak to as many people as we can;
  • to raise up still more people to support us in this effort;
  • and for still more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

by

News From The Ranch – June 1999

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Read how God is using the Internet to touch people around the world.  Also includes the Starfish story.

The Bigger Picture

I was recently encouraged when I attended the first Internet Evangelism Conference sponsored by the Billy Graham Institute for Evangelism. (I’d recommend you watch Ron Hutchcraft’s speech at http://www.webevangelism.org, under “Post-Conference Info.”)

People from almost two hundred different ministries gathered to share with each other how God is using the Internet to touch people around the world. As I listened to each testimony, the stories of what God was doing sounded remarkably similar to the ones we’ve experienced on our own web site. I caught a glimpse of the bigger picture of how God is using this technology in His overall plan.

When Jesus first said to the disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15), they must have thought it was impossible. And yet what seemed impossible then is now entirely possible.

This year, over 100 million people are connected to the global Internet. With the push of a button, we can send a message to every country in the world within 1 second – all for the price of a local phone call.

The Internet has taken off faster than any other communication technology to date. It took only 6 years for 30% of the households in the U.S. to get connected to the World Wide Web. (It took 39 years for 30% of homes to hook up a telephone; 27 years for that many TV’s; and 16 years for that many computers.)

Email now makes up over 94.5% of all mail messages delivered in the U.S., compared to 5.5% that are delivered by “regular mail.” (According to the U.S. Postal Service, they delivered 198 billion pieces of regular mail last year, compared to 3.4 trillion handled by email.)

With so many people connected to the Internet, it begs the question: For what will it ultimately be used? Is it merely a tool to increase corporate profits, spread pornography, and distribute mass media? Or, is it possible that God is going to use this remarkable tool in an unprecedented way to express the love of Christ to a hurting world? Such thinking may sound idealistic, but God has done it before.

The Gutenberg Bible was the first book printed on the newly invented printing press in 1452. When people speak of the Gutenberg Bible, they link the invention itself with the spread of God’s Word all in the same breath. To this day, the Bible continues to be the most widely published book in the world.

With the Internet still in its formative years, it is not hard to imagine that God will also link this new technology with the spread of His Word. Why would we think that? Two reasons: 1) We have the most powerful delivery system ever known to man, and 2) we have the most powerful message ever delivered. That’s a combination for miracles!

God is on a mission for God. And He will use whatever means He can to reach as many as He can before the end comes. I’m thankful to live in such an age.

The Starfish

Having glimpsed into God’s cosmic plan at this conference, I came back to my computer with renewed vigor to continue to do what God has called me to do. I was getting excited to see that our web site is now visited over 1,500 times a month from people who want to hear more about the works of God. Then I saw another statistic. I saw that the Playboy site gets 5 million hits a day.

It made me feel a bit like a character in the book The Star Thrower by Loren Eisley. It goes like something like this.

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up.

As he got closer he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?”

The young man paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish in the ocean.”

“I guess I should have asked, ‘Why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?’”

“The sun is up, and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die.”

“But, young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach, and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!”

The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.”

We’re Not Alone

I know there are a lot of starfish out there, but thankfully we’re not alone in this task.

God is raising up workers to go into the harvest fields. He is raising up givers to send others into the fields. He is raising up pray-ers to pray for the harvesters (see Luke 10:2).

You may receive many letters asking for funds from worthy Christian organizations. I believe that’s because there is a huge task ahead of us and God wants all of us to be involved to the fullest extent possible.

Let me share about some of the starfish that are out there. A 17-year old man from the West Coast wrote me last week. He said he had recently given his life to the Lord, but now saw that God wanted him to give up his addiction to pornography and homosexuality. He didn’t know how he could do it, so he wrote for help. We talked in our Internet chat room until 1:00 a.m. He left knowing that God is in the life-changing business and He can change this part of his life, too!

A 48-year old man from the East Coast who found my site called yesterday to say he has gone into adultery and can’t find his way out. He’s battling thoughts of suicide and is about to give up on the Lord. We talked and prayed until he had hope that Jesus came to give us an abundant life, and that He forgave us of our sins so that we could be free!

I know there’s not one of you reading this who wouldn’t want to reach out to these people yourselves if they came to your door, to save them from death and destruction and to put them back on the path of life. But to do that, they’ve got to be able to find our door. God has called me to put my door on the Internet, and He is bringing people to it who would have never found it otherwise.

I’m glad to be on the front lines helping these people. But the troops at the front can’t last long without the troops in the back, to cover them from the enemy and to send more supplies. Many of you have helped us greatly to get this far. Let me say plainly: we need your help now more than ever. If you can commit to pray for us for the next 30 days, would you let us know? If you can send us an extra gift, or commit to a monthly gift if you haven’t already, would you do it soon? God is on a mission from God and He’s got a role for every one of us to play.

Please Pray with Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for letting us all take part in your great mission;
  • for bringing the harvest that is so evident before us;
  • and for bringing people right to our door.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for you to raise up more workers, more pray-ers, and more senders;
  • for the full provisions needed to go forward;
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

by

News From The Ranch – April 1999

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

About our new CD and Devotional: Clear My Mind and Two Weeks With God.

A new CD, Clear My Mind

A new CD, Clear My Mind

God’s Gift of Music

One of God’s greatest gifts to us is one that we can’t touch or see, but one that we can definitely feel. It’s the gift of music.

Scientists can explain how music is produced, how sound waves vibrate and travel through the air, allowing the small bones in our ears to pick up the sound.

But only God can explain how music somehow goes straight to our hearts, touching our emotions, causing us to want to dance, or shout, or cry. That’s why I think it’s such a gift from God. And one I often take for granted.

But over the past few years, God has been showing me how He touches people through music.

A powerful example from the Bible comes from the life of King Saul who was tormented by an evil spirit. But whenever a young boy named David took out his harp to play, the evil spirit fled and relief came to the king (First Samuel 16:23).

Music is mentioned throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. It is often used as a way for people to express their hearts to God, and for God to express His heart to people. Music is so central to religious life that right in the middle of the Bible are the Psalms – 150 songs written by people like David and Solomon and Moses, each pouring out their hearts to God through music.

Clearing Your Mind

A few years ago I began to write my own music on the piano, expressing to God what I felt in my heart. As I did, I experienced what David must have felt when he played the harp. The sounds really soothed my soul. They healed my heart. They cleared my mind.

And I found that when I played this music for others, it had a similar effect on them. God has been showing me that He gives us gifts not only for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of others.

So with the encouragement and support of a number of friends, I’ve recently finished a CD of instrumental piano music called Clear My Mind.

I’ve put the songs on our web site for people who need to clear their minds so they can hear from God. I’ve already been encouraged to hear from people who say that God is touching them through the music.

A man struggling with depression said,

“The CD has become a great means of soothing my soul.”

A woman who had just been through a personal trauma said,

“God was speaking to me through the music” (even though it’s only instrumental!)

And one of my good friends, in a touching burst of honesty said,

“Actually, I didn’t think I’d like the music; but I like it so much, if I heard it in a store, I’d buy it!”

A New Devotional

To go with the CD, I’ve written a fourteen-day devotional based on the songs. It’s called Two Weeks with God.

I believe the devotional will encourage people to get closer to God, whether they’ve been Christians for years or whether they’re just starting to explore their faith. And for the non-Christian, I’ve included a very clear explanation of the gospel along with an invitation to put their faith in Christ.

This project has allowed me to use the three main gifts that God has given me for this ministry – to preach, to pray and to play the piano. I’m excited that we are able to package it in a non-threatening way that will make it accessible to many people.

If you’d be interested in getting a copy of the music and devotional for yourself or your friends, just drop us a note on the enclosed reply form. This is also a great way to help us with our ministry so we can share the message of Christ with more people.

Answered Prayers

Thanks, too, for praying for us that our message and ministry could be brought to people who need to hear from God. I’ve had a chance to speak at several events the past few months – most recently at the community-wide Good Friday service here in Streator. At the end of the service, a number of people made decisions for Christ for the first time in their lives. And still more were visibly moved to tears as the Holy Spirit touched them during the service.

I was especially encouraged as I was preaching when I saw in the audience a woman who had put her faith in Christ several months ago at another event where I spoke. And now, not only she, but also her whole family is attending church together for the first time in years. As I saw her I was thankful that God does indeed cause the seeds we plant to grow.

On the Internet, I continue to be amazed at how God uses this technology to reach out to people around the world.

Just last night I prayed for a man from Japan who had struggled privately with a sin for many years. As he confessed it to me and we prayed for God’s forgiveness, he said,

“Thank you Eric for that touching prayer. I really felt God’s power. I really felt His love. Thank you for this historic day. It has really helped me and touched my heart.”

A pastor from the East Coast has written several times about some of his personal struggles. One day I called him on the phone to see how he was doing. Later, he wrote and said,

“Thank you so much for the call. Little did you know that I was in a downward spin and my thoughts were heading for a bottle of sleeping pills. The timing was perfect. If you had not called I do not know what I might have done.”

I’m fully aware of some of the evils of the Internet, but I’m thankful that God has been using it so powerfully to reach out to people who need His touch in their lives.

In fact, later this month, I will be attending a three-day conference called the 1999 Internet Evangelism Conference, sponsored by Wheaton College and the Billy Graham Institute for Evangelism. They expect 400-500 people to attend who either minister or want to minister on the Internet. I look forward to meeting with others who have a similar vision to use this technology to reach people around the world with the message of Christ.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for redeeming all things for Your glory,
  • for changing people’s lives through the power of Your Spirit,
  • and for letting us use our gifts to minister to others.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for this CD and devotional to get into the hands of people who need Your touch,
  • for more opportunities to present Your life-changing, life-saving power to others,
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

by

News From The Ranch – February 1999

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Letters from visitors to The Ranch.

Letters to The Ranch

From My Heart

Every week I receive letters from people who struggle with some aspect of their faith.

We exchange emails about some very personal subjects, often about things that they have never shared with anyone else.

As I pray for them and share God’s promises from the Bible, I get to watch their thoughts and hearts transform before my eyes.

Because of your prayers and support for our ministry, I wanted to give you a small sampling of the 150 or so letters I’ve received in the past six months. Because of the confidential nature of the letters, I have taken care not to include too many details that might reveal the writer’s identity, but enough to show the transforming power of God. I hope these touch your heart like they’ve touched mine.

Letters

A man from Canada wrote and asked for urgent prayer because of a difficult time he was going through in his life. I called him on the phone and we talked and prayed for about an hour. He was so filled with the peace of God by the end of our conversation that he was quite overcome by the unusual sensation. He wrote a week later to say,

“Thank you again for calling me the other day. It has been best week of my life in over two years since my separation. I have never felt such a peace of mind. Also I have been sober from adultery. What a wonderful feeling of God’s Holy Spirit. Thanks.”

A man from South Africa wrote after watching one of my Internet broadcasts called, “Having Trouble Believing?” He said,

“I would like to thank you for being obedient to our Lord and Saviour in having such a powerful message on such a versatile and accessible medium as the Internet. Your message has come at such a crucial time for me. I now know that God will reveal all He has planned for me in His Time. I feel that I need to study my Bible more and pray much more than I currently do. God bless you and the important role you play in encouraging others to either get to know God or to renew and strengthen their walk with God.

“Your site has an appeal that I think transcends many barriers people associate with some traditional Christian sites. The appeal of your site for me is that you speak to the whole person and at the same time place God in perspective in a non-threatening way. I’ll be sharing your web address with fellow Christians every opportunity I get.”

A woman from here in the States wrote to me after spending some time on “the trails” at The Ranch. These are virtual trails I’ve set up so people can take time to read scriptures about specific topics and let God speak to their hearts. Afterwards, she wrote,

“I just wanted to write you and let you know how much I enjoy the trails at The Ranch. I met Jesus ten years ago, but struggled all ten years because of the way I grew up – much abuse in every way. I don’t know why I never fully trusted Christ before, but the other night I was surfing around and came to the trails. I first wanted to write you and your wife for help, or explain what a failure of a Christian I was, but GOD stopped me and said, “Talk to me.” I did. I poured my heart out to him instead of to another human person who could only point me to him. I have been set free from fear and much more. Thank you for the trails. I know God used it to do what has occurred. Thank you. Free in him…”

A woman from Canada, with whom I’ve corresponded for some time regarding spiritual matters, wrote:

“Eric, I want to get to know Christ even better. I am not sure how to go about doing this, but I’m trying. Before I sign off, I wanted to let you know that only recently did I discover your other website “The Ranch.” What I appreciate about the site is that I feel that the messages are truly shared with me! Please keep up the good work because your ministry certainly helped open my eyes even wider to God’s message.”

Another man from here in the States asked if I would be his accountability partner regarding a specific sin in his life. For three months I wrote to him each week to check on his progress. By the end of three months he wrote,

“I wanted to thank you for all of the help that you have given me this year. 1998 has been a year of tremendous struggle and phenomenal growth for me spiritually. I feel that I have learned what the concept of “freedom in Christ” means to its fullest extent. I thank God for putting you on my path in order to help me out. I pray that you and your ministry will continue to grow and prosper: ‘Father God, thank you for Eric and his Internet ministry. Thank you because through Eric, You are there when I most need You. Please continue to bless Eric and his family so that they may continue the all-important task of bringing your Word to the people who most need it. Thank you Father in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.’”

A few weeks ago I received a brief note titled, “Help!” After exchanging a few notes of introduction, the man confessed to me something he’s never told anyone in his life:

“Wow, this is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ve told God, who is probably the most important one to tell, but you are the first person ever. Pressing the send button is going to be a big step!!”

After we exchanged several more prayers and words of encouragement he wrote, “I cannot believe how amazing it is how bringing this whole deal out into the open has been. Your e-mail address was sitting on my computer, written on a scrap piece of paper – an old receipt I think – for over three weeks. Pressing that send button was one of the best things I ever did.

“To know you are praying is…well…

I’m not alone in this anymore. Hopefully I won’t be in it all at soon. I suppose what I appreciate from you, Eric, is a friend who can say, ‘I know it’s hard, keep going.’ I feel the strength of yours and Lana’s prayers. Just to know that this issue is being specifically prayed for. Sometimes I don’t know what to pray. That’s when the words that you’ve written in prayer minister to me, as I know that God answers the prayers of his saints asked in the name of His Son. You are helping me no end.”

To balance these gracious comments, I do, on rare occasions, get letters like this one:

“I have just seen your website, and I am truly disgusted by the level of stupidity being peddled here.”

After venting his anger and denouncing Christianity, he signed off with these words:

“A happy, intelligent and well balanced GAY ATHEIST. P.S. – There is NO GOD – trust me, I’m always right.”

We Need You

It’s no understatement to say this wouldn’t be possible without you. Your prayers and support have sustained us and freed us to do this work and see fruit like this every week.

The fact is we still need you! We especially need people who will consider making regular monthly donations to this ministry. Perhaps you would want to mention our work to your church or missions committee to see if they would be interested in supporting this outreach. In addition, we’ve been using a borrowed computer for the main web site and will soon need to purchase our own (about $6,000). If God moves on your heart in one of these ways, please let us know soon.

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for touching people around the world through this technology,
  • for bearing fruit in the lives of those who write for help,
  • and for sustaining this work each month.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for continued support to go forward,
  • for the fruit to increase as this ministry increases,
  • and for more people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

by

News From The Ranch – December 1998

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

If hindsight gives us 20/20 vision when we look back, what gives us 20/20 vision when we look ahead?

Looking Ahead

Looking Back

I thought I’d share a few statistics with you about this past year.

I’ve answered over 120 questions to apply for non-profit status with the IRS. I’ve rebooted my computer over 285 times after it’s crashed. I’ve watched my Internet connection drop over 780 times without my consent. I’ve called out to God for help over 1825 times in prayer.

But somewhere along the way, a new ministry was born, a new web site was created, and the gospel was preached. In the end, God’s will won out. In the end, if we yield to him, it always does.

I’m sharing this as a reminder to both me and you so we can have hope for the coming year.

Year-end letters and Christmas cards usually point out all the good things that happened during the year.

But I don’t think people leave out the nitty-gritty on purpose. I think it’s just that our sight finally catches up with our faith. We can look back over the year and see what God was doing through it all. And our daily problems that seemed so big tend to fade away when we see the big picture.

People call it hindsight. They say it gives us 20/20 vision. Now if we could capture that, reverse it, and look into the future with 20/20 vision as well, what would that be called?

Faith. “Faith,” according to the Bible, “is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Imagine going into next year with the same 20/20 vision as you have now when you look back at last year. You could write next year’s Christmas card now. You could focus on all the things that God is doing, then watch the day-to-day problems fade away like the morning mist.

Even though we can’t see all the details of the future with 20/20 vision, we can know this with certainty: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

We can look forward to next year with eyes of faith. God’s will WILL be done!

Looking Ahead

As 1998 fades and 1999 arises, I’m praying for God to expand what he’s begun this year.

My guess is that my prayer will be answered like this:

I’ll have to answer over 240 IRS questions, reboot over 570 times, reconnect to the Internet over 1560 times, and call out to God over 3650 times. Now you know why I need your help!

Would you join me in praying that God will expand the fruit of this ministry as well?

I recently read that over 60% of the top 100 key words that people search for on the Internet are related to sex: everything from sodomy to bestiality, (these are some of the more tactful words on the list).

The anonymity of the Internet makes it ideal for pornography, but it also makes it ideal for people to share their real hurts so they can get real help. Please pray with me that this ministry will be a guiding light to bring many out of darkness.

People are already starting to trickle into The Ranch, even though the web site is not quite complete. Through word of mouth and some free advertising around the Internet, we are seeing God answer the prayer we’ve used at the end of every newsletter, “for people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to You.”

Would you pray with me that this trickle will become a stream in 1999? And the stream a river in 2000?

Year-End Gifts

This would also be a great time to give us a financial boost for the new year. If you plan to make some year-end gifts this month, please consider us in your prayers.

We have been richly blessed as over 40 families have sent almost $40,000 this year to get this ministry off the ground. Almost half of that went towards computer equipment and start-up costs.

Our projected budget for this year was $56,530. In my mind, I thought we’d be doing good to receive $30,000, but in my faith, I prayed for $56,530 to do all that God had put on my heart to do. It looks like God is making up the difference between my mind and my faith!

If you’d like to help us make up the rest of the difference this year, we’d be thrilled! And we’d be able to finish all God has called us to do.

According to our three-year plan, our budget for next year is over twice that amount. (You can review our three-year plan on our web site.) So if God wants to accomplish all that, I’m excited to see how he does it, and through whom he does it.

Bringing Faith to Life

If hindsight helps us look backward with certainty, and faith helps us look forward with certainty, what can we do to face today with certainty?

Here’s the best way I can phrase it: “Stand up!”

I remember as a kid watching a show about the filming of the movie Huckleberry Finn. The actor who played Tom Sawyer said when they filmed a scene out on a lake, the boat accidentally tipped over, throwing him into the water. Not knowing how to swim, he struggled for air and started to scream for help. The people on shore yelled, “Stand up!” He did, then burst out laughing when he realized the water was only waist high.

There are times when our boats tip over and we struggle for air and start to scream. With the water over our heads, God calls out: “Stand up! Stand up in your faith! Have I not called you to do this? Will I not do it? Will I leave you there to drown? I know what it looks like from there, but I know how it ends! I know who wins! Stand up! Stand up in your faith.”

Paul says that when we’ve done all we can, we need to stand. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

Hindsight is for the past. Faith is for the future. Today, we might just need to “Stand up!”

Please Pray With Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for bringing us through another year,
  • and for letting us take part in your great plan for the world,
  • and for giving us the strength to stand up in our faith.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for the finances to finish this year as you have planned,
  • for this ministry to expand next year,
  • and for people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

by

News From The Ranch – October 1998

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

The Ranch goes live, a financial update, and “Does God have anything to say about the Internet in the Bible?”

The screen people see on their computers when they watch "Live from The Ranch"

The screen people see on their computers when they watch “Live from The Ranch”

The Ranch Goes Live

You can now watch CNN live on the Internet. And ABC News. And Fox News.

But last month we added another choice to what people can watch on the Internet: “Live from The Ranch,” a weekly program designed to encourage people in their faith.

To me, this is the capstone of our Internet ministry. It is one of the most technologically complex features of our site. But it could also have the greatest impact.

I was thrilled to do our first broadcast. Even though it only went to a handful of people, those handful were over a thousand miles away. Using a simple phone line and a computer, they were able to hear a message of faith in Christ.

When I think of how this can multiply to other people with phone lines and computers around the world, it boggles my mind.

My previous web site, The Hall of Faith, drew over 800 hundred people a month from 72 countries simply to read stories of how God works in people’s lives. I try to imagine what kind of impact a live broadcast might have.

And the momentum for sharing Christ on the Internet is growing.

Our ministry was highlighted this month in a nationwide magazine called Ministries Today, along with some other ministries who are “taking the gospel to the web.” Our work was also discussed in a book called The Online Christian, which has a chapter on Internet evangelism.

Although we’re considered pioneers in this technology, we’re not alone.

Billy Graham, for instance, will mark another first for his ministry on October 24th when he broadcasts his Florida crusade live on the Internet. In a recent sermon, Mr. Graham said: “It is amazing how technology is being used to hurt the world. But it is also being used to spread the gospel on a scale that has never happened in the history of the Christian church.”

The pope, too, just began broadcasting his weekly prayers from the Vatican live on the Internet using the same technology.

Many have wondered if these kinds of events signal the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Whether he comes now or waits longer, it’s clear to me that God is using every available means to save as many people as possible before the end comes. For those who don’t yet know him, that’s great news.

You can watch our live broadcasts at http://www.theranch.org. We broadcast live on Sunday nights at 9pm Central Time. After the broadcast, you can join us in our chat room at The Ranch. The chat room is where we can talk with people in a more personal way, and pray with those who need additional encouragement in their faith.

If you miss the live broadcast, the messages are stored on our web site for viewing around the clock – and around the world.

Financial Update

Some of you have asked how we’re doing financially, so here’s an update.

Our budget for the ministry this year is $5,300 per month. Since our incorporation in March of this year, we’ve received commitments from people to cover about 20% of our monthly needs.

Thanks to several one-time gifts, we’ve been able to make up most of the 80% difference each month.

God has affirmed to me that he will cover the costs of this ministry, but I know that he often does this by moving on the hearts of his people. So I’m glad to share our needs with you. If you’re not already committed to this effort in prayer or financially, would you take a few minutes to ask the Lord if he wants you to be involved?

As you can see, we still need both one-time gifts and monthly commitments to operate at 100% of what God has called us to do.

Bringing Faith to Life

Does God have anything to say about the Internet in the Bible? I was surprised to find out he does when I was praying recently about this ministry.

I was reading through the book of Job this month and was up to chapter 8. I was having technical difficulties with parts of my web site, and was eager to get to work on them, not sit still and read Job for a few minutes. But I decided to open the Bible and this is what I read:

“Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider’s web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold.” (Job 8:13-15)

That sure sounded like my web site that day! Fragile, giving way, and not holding! God reminded me that my trust is in Him, not in the “web,” even though he’s called me to an Internet ministry. Some of the problems got fixed that day and some didn’t. But I had confidence that God was in control because he spoke to me using words written over 3,000 years ago.

It didn’t end there. The next Sunday I was guest-preaching at a local church. I had brought my computer equipment to see if we could do a live broadcast from their church.

Half way through the message I began to say, “The technology’s now at a point where we can broadcast live messages on the Internet.” But before I finished the sentence, the phone line disconnected and our broadcast stopped. I saw the screen go down but I kept on preaching. At the end of the service, six people in the room prayed to receive Christ.

I was thrilled at their decisions, but I was also reminded of what I learned earlier in the week. Even when the technology fails, God doesn’t. Even when everything around us falls apart, God won’t. Even when our web gives way, God remains rock solid.

“In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus said. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Hallelujah! Now that’s something we can hold onto.

Please Pray with Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for continuing to work even when the technology doesn’t,
  • for getting us to the point where we can broadcast your message live on the Internet,
  • and for sustaining us each month.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for these broadcasts to have a deep and lasting impact on those who watch them,
  • for additional monthly supporters,
  • and for people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

by

News From The Ranch – August 1998

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

Behind-the-scenes at The Ranch, an Internet update, and “Did God really answer that prayer?”

Kirk Albrecht and Eric Elder

Behind the Scenes: Kirk Albrecht and Eric Elder install the main computer for the web site for The Ranch.

From My Heart

I recently felt like George Bailey in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Not the scene where he jumps off the bridge. I mean the scene where he runs home shouting, “Mary!! Kids!!” You know, when ZuZu decorates his head with tinsel from the Christmas tree.

For many months we’ve been praying for computer equipment to design and develop the web site for The Ranch. With the help of some friends, Kirk and Kelly Albrecht, we’ve been able to get up and running on some equipment they loaned us. But we continued to pray for exactly what we needed.

Then two weeks ago another couple called to ask how much we needed for the new equipment. I told them between $6,000 and $10,000. Six thousand would be tight, but ten thousand would let us buy exactly what we needed. They said, “That’s confirming because we feel God wants us to send you a check for $10,000!”

If we’d won $10,000 in the lottery, you can bet we’d be telling everyone we knew about it. How much more so when God sends the check in response to our prayers. The Illinois lottery has a slogan: “You’ve gotta play to win.” But I’ve got a better one: “You’ve gotta pray it in.”

It’s been almost a year that we’ve prayed for this equipment. But with all the changes in technology, I can now buy equipment that is three to four times more powerful than what I could have bought last year – and for less money! I’ve heard it said, “God is seldom early, but He is never late.” As we get ready to launch this new web site, I’d have to say He is right on time.

Behind the Scenes

Many people are curious how our broadcasts will work over the Internet. So here’s a “behind the scenes” description.

If you were to visit me in my home, I’d show you the office I’ve set up to do the broadcast. On my desk is a computer, with a microphone and a video camera attached to it.

When I’m ready to broadcast, I dial a local phone number that connects my computer to the Internet. I turn on the camera and microphone and start sending the signal over the phone line.

If I just wanted to broadcast to one person, this would be the extent of the setup. The other person would simply connect to my computer over the Internet. But if hundreds of people wanted to connect to the broadcast at the same time, I’d need hundreds of phone lines into my house, one for each person.

So instead, we’ve placed another computer directly on a high-speed connection to the Internet. This computer sits at a telephone company in Peoria, Illinois. I dial into the Internet locally, then connect to the computer in Peoria and send the broadcast there. It is instantly rebroadcast to anyone who wants to connect to it. The high-speed phone lines allow hundreds of people to connect at the same time.

So what you see in the picture at the top is a rack of computers in Peoria on this high-speed connection. The computer on the bottom rack at the right is The Ranch! A little dull looking from this angle, but when viewed from the Internet, it becomes a spiritual retreat center complete with the sights and sounds of a virtual ranch.

And more importantly, it becomes a place where people from around the world are able to hear about the incredible love of Christ. Come visit sometime at www.theranch.org.

Bringing Faith to Life

Does prayer really work? God did more for us this month than send us $10,000. He reminded me that prayer has the power to change people’s hearts and lives as well.

I received an email from a man in Ireland with a question that was definitely in the “difficult” category. He had become a Christian through the power of Christ, went to church, and could talk the talk about Jesus. But he went on to say that it just wasn’t in his heart. He felt he was always seeking God, but he felt God never listened to his cries. He ended the note with this line: “Well, you can imagine how I feel, living this loop of dread. Is there help for me?”

Every note I get requires much prayer and thought, but this one took days for me to even know where to start. The simple answer is “Of course there’s help for you.” But how could I convey that to this man who knew the answer in his head, but no longer believed it in his heart?

I began to pray for him. And continued to pray for him. I prayed for him when I mowed the lawn. I prayed for him each time I turned on my computer and saw his note. I couldn’t think of a thing to say to him. I just kept praying for him. Three months went by, and I still wasn’t sure what to say to him.

So I sent him a note to tell him to hang in there, and to let him know I was still praying for him.

When he wrote back, I was stunned. He started with “Well, I’ve come a long way in my walk with Jesus.” He went on to describe the changes in his life in the last three months, told me he was going to be baptized on the next Sunday and ended with this:

“your prayers are being heard by God…thank you as a brother and as a friend.”

I shouldn’t have been stunned, but I was. I hadn’t told him one thing about God – I just prayed. So I asked God, “Did my prayers for him really make a difference?”

God responded, “If you don’t think your prayers made a difference, then you’re in the wrong business!!” Thank you, Lord, for that reminder! Of course the prayers made a difference. God has promised us they would.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

We may not always have the words to say to someone, but we can always pray for them.

Please Pray with Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for reminding us that you really do answer prayer,
  • for the computer equipment to share Christ over the Internet,
  • and for stirring more people to support us prayerfully and financially.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for wisdom to bring together the final pieces of The Ranch.
  • for still more people to support us prayerfully and financially,
  • and for people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to you.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Don’t forget to take some time out with God today. If you want to be awed by His great power, take a look at Job 38-42. Lord bless you!

by

News From The Ranch – June 1998

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

A new baby, a speedy delivery, and “Does it matter how we live our lives?”

Josiah Graham Elder and family

Josiah Graham Elder and family

It’s a Boy!!!

We’re thrilled at the birth of our new son, Josiah Graham Elder!

He came quickly, as Lana will tell you in a minute. Our pastor said Lana was like the Hebrew women in the days of Moses who had their children so fast, the midwives couldn’t make it in time for the birth. (Exodus 1:19)

He has dark hair and dark eyes – he’s beautiful. He was born on May 21 at 7:27 p.m. He weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

We named him Josiah Graham after King Josiah in the Bible who served God with his whole heart, and Billy Graham who has lived his life with integrity and led many people to the Lord.

If you don’t remember much about King Josiah, I’d encourage you to take a few minutes to read about him. He’s in the book of Second Kings, chapters 22 and 23. He became king at age eight and reigned thirty-one years. At the end of his life the Bible says this about him:

“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did — with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength…”

We pray that our Josiah will turn to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength as well.

Here’s Lana’s description of the birth. As you’ll see, she had a very…

Speedy Delivery

Towards the end of my pregnancy, Makari summed up how I was feeling. She kept saying, “I’m starving for the baby to come out!”

We were eating dinner one night and I started having contractions ten minutes apart. I thought we’d better pack up to go to the hospital, but I wasn’t sure. Just then my water broke so I knew we had to hurry.

We drove thirty minutes to the hospital and when we got there, the nurse said the baby was ready to come. Ten minutes later Josiah was born! We didn’t even have time to drop the kids off, so they were still in the room with us when Josiah was born, thrilled to finally see the baby.

I’m still amazed at the miracle of birth. Even though he’s our fourth child, all I can do is just stare at him. I really do appreciate your prayers for us and I’m thrilled to see the results. God is sooo good!

Internet Update

We’re still on target to complete the new web site, The Ranch, in the next few months. We’ve gotten much of the equipment we need to develop the site. We’ve installed the phone lines and will soon install the web server to begin our tests for the live broadcasts. Feel free to drop by over the next few months and help us test it out. The address is simply theranch.org.

On the financial side, we feel like we’re off to a good start, although we’re still very much in start-up mode. Some friends have loaned us some of the equipment we’re using, so we’ll need to purchase our own soon. We’ve also received several one-time gifts, but we still need a broad base of people to commit to support us on a monthly basis.

Billy Graham once had a man offer to underwrite his entire ministry, but he declined. He said he might lose thousands of prayer supporters as well, and without prayer, his ministry would go nowhere. We agree! A response card is enclosed if you would like to be part of this project. Please join us if you can!

Bringing Faith to Life

The Hall of Faith web site continues to generate a steady stream of people who write in for prayer and guidance. A woman from Canada asked a question that I think all of us ask from time to time. She wrote: “I find myself (at times) wondering if it really matters how we live our lives. We are, after all, all sinners whether Christian or not. So does it matter how I live my life?”

I wrote back and shared with her some of the reasons God says it matters, but I sensed there was still something missing from my reply. One night God shared with me the missing piece.

I was at the copy shop late one night working on the paper for The Ranch. I was wearing down, feeling all alone at the back of the store and tired from a long day. The store was about to close and I was discouraged that after all my work, I still wasn’t done.

Then, from behind me, I faintly heard singing: “You’re just too good to be true…”

I turned to look over my shoulder … it was a song on the store’s PA system, but somehow the words were directed at me! “Can’t take my eyes off of you…” I looked again and thought, “God, is that you?!?”

Then, as if in answer to my question, the chorus rang out:

“I LOVE YOU BABY!
And if it’s quite alright I need you baby,
To warm a lonely night,
Don’t ever leave me baby,
Please don’t leave me!”

God was singing to me! I laughed as I listened to Him sing the rest of the song to me, not sure if I could believe it was really Him. But then I remembered a verse in the Bible that says, “the Lord your God will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) He really was singing to me!

Then He spoke to my heart: “Eric, there’s so much junk going on in the world that when I see someone following me and doing what I want them to do, it brings a smile to my face. You may feel like what you do doesn’t make any difference, but it does. You may feel all alone, but you’re not. I’m right here with you. I can’t take my eyes off of you. What you’re doing brings me great joy!”

I don’t always choose to do what God wants me to do. But God showed me that He rejoices whenever any of us make that choice. My attitude changed for the rest of the night. I had a smile on my face. I got a second wind and thought of the verse, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Knowing that He took joy in what I was doing gave me strength to go on.

And I remembered the woman in Canada asking, “Does it matter how I live my life?” You bet it does.

Not only will you be blessed, but it puts a smile on the face of God. 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.” (Galatians 6:9) And just maybe we’ll get to hear him sing to us again, “I LOVE YOU BABY!”

Please Pray with Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for loving us and rejoicing over us with singing!
  • for the safe and healthy birth of Josiah Graham,
  • for the funds to start this ministry,

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for the rest of the start-up funds for this ministry,
  • for a broad base of ongoing support,
  • for people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Lord bless you! Have a great day!

by

News From The Ranch – April 1998

The Newsletter of Eric Elder Ministries

A new ministry and a new project, a family picture, and the ways God speaks to us through everyday things.

Eric Elder Family 1998

Eric Elder Family 1998

From My Heart

It feels great to write this letter to you and let you know we have formally established our own ministry, Eric Elder Ministries.

We got word last week from the Secretary of State’s office that the incorporation process was complete. When we got the news we were ready to celebrate! This is an answer to many prayers over the years, many of them your prayers, so we know you’ll celebrate with us! Thanks so much.

We’ve enclosed a brochure which describes the ministry in more detail. The bottom line of the ministry is to share the message of Christ throughout the world using any and all means. Our primary focus for the next few years will be an Internet outreach called The Ranch, hence the name of this newsletter.

We’d like to send you this newsletter from time to time to keep you updated, as well as to encourage you in your own faith. I’ve included a section on the back called Bringing Faith to Life to encourage you that God is alive and active today.

Back Home Again

We moved back to Illinois on March 1st after a year and a half in Dallas. Our time there was fruitful, but it’s always nice to come home again.

We moved to a town called Streator into the house where Lana’s Mom grew up. After several years of renting it out to people, her Mom asked us if we’d like to live there and restore it to its original condition.

It’s been a fun project for me, especially to see it take shape before my eyes. Maybe that’s why Jesus liked carpentry work in addition to ministry.

Lana’s Lament

When I asked Lana to write a section for this newsletter she said, “What would I say? And what would I call it? Lana’s Lament?!?”

With three kids at home, another due in June and taking care of me, I thought it was a good title! So Lana, with that in mind the keyboard’s yours…

There are a lot of times I really do feel like saying, “Woe is me. My house is a mess from the move, I’m tired and I’m getting too large for only being 7 months pregnant. My children will have to make new friends. I haven’t even started to teach my children Spanish as a second language. They’ll never make it to college. ” And I could go on and on.

But the Lord shows me yet again that my focus is way off. I’m so worried about me that I forget to look at all He’s done.

He has taken us through some difficult times. I am so thankful for a house to live in. My prayers for another child have been answered so I don’t really care how large I get. When it all comes down to it, my children will be just fine. God is watching out for them just as He is for me.

The book of Lamentations says,

“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

I believe it’s okay to cry out to God in the difficult times. But I don’t get too far before I realize once again how good he is – really good. Then I pray that I will have the strength to wait quietly for his salvation here on earth and in eternity.

Bringing Faith to Life

Billy Graham was asked, “How do you know there’s a God?” He answered, “Because I talked with him this morning.”

Last month God spoke to me as I lived out my own version of the showdown between Elijah and 450 false prophets. Although this talks about how God answers prayer, the best part was that he spoke to me as he answered my prayer…

I had been praying that our house would sell between February 15th and February 28th – a two week window of time — and less than two months away. I knew it was a tough request to fulfill.

But three weeks later, we had a buyer. We closed on February 26th, packed up the truck on the 27th, and pulled out of town on February 28th.

Yet I still wondered if it was God or just a coincidence, so I asked the Lord to confirm to me if this was truly an answer to my prayer. A few days later, I received this letter from a realtor who had seen our “For sale by owner” sign. She wrote:

It’s now been a couple of weeks since you began trying to sell your house by yourself, and for your sake I do hope you will be successful–although the odds are not with you.

I say this because currently in this area there are some 470 full-time real estate professionals who are working 7 days a week to sell homes like yours. Yet even with so many professionals on the job, it is still taking an average of 30-120 days to get a listed home sold. Now, if it takes 470 full-time professionals over 4 months to get a house sold, how long will it take you — working part-time by yourself?

She was right, I worked part-time. But God worked overtime! Immediately I thought of Elijah and the false prophets, so I looked up the story in I Kings 18. It’s a great story – you should take a look at it yourself if you need some encouragement.

The story said that Elijah challenged 450 false prophets to a showdown. He even shouted at them at one point saying there was only one of him but 450 of them (close enough to the 470 realtors mentioned in the letter that it gave me goosebumps).

After the false prophets spent the whole day shouting and dancing and calling on their god to come down from heaven with fire, nothing happened. So Elijah stepped up and prayed, “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” At that moment, fire fell from heaven, consumed his offering and the people fell to the ground and cried, “The LORD– he is God! The LORD– he is God!”

Realizing that God had indeed answered my prayer too, I cried the same thing: “The LORD-he is God! The LORD-he is God!”

Please Pray with Us

Thank you Lord,

  • for answering prayers to sell our house and find us another,
  • for the formal incorporation of Eric Elder Ministries,
  • for sustaining our baby through 7 months of pregnancy.

And Lord, we now ask:

  • for provision for the right equipment to start this ministry,
  • for provision for the monthly costs to carry out this ministry,
  • for people to find their way to The Ranch so they can find their way to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Lord bless you! Have a great day!