Daily Devotional for Friday February 1, 2002

The Impact of Christian Television

(Mark 16:15)

For all of the abuse Christian television receives from those who are lost, as well as those who are saved, only eternity will tell the millions of souls who will be in Heaven because of its existence. For several years prior to starting Liveprayer, my ministry was heavily involved in the Christian television world. I am well aware of the problems associated with Christian TV, but have also seen the incredible positive impact that it has daily on millions of people worldwide.

God has many ways to get His message out to this lost and hurting world. He uses many different instruments to take the Good News to this world. Christian television has been one of the most powerful tools God uses because of its ability to reach so many people right in the comfort of their home. 20 years ago, Christian TV had a tremendous advantage, since in most cities where there was a Christian TV station, there were only a handful of other stations. People only had a couple of stations to choose from, so catching people "surfing" was much easier. Today, with most cable outlets carrying well over 100 stations, with satellite TV where people can literally choose from over 500 stations, it is not as easy to catch people "surfing". You must do things now to help people find you. As we are now in the 21st century, it is critical that Christian TV continues to evolve to maximize the impact that it can have in the lives of people. It is still one of God's most powerful instruments!

There is a huge variety of programming on your local Christian television station...from great preaching, to wonderful teaching, to incredible music of all kinds. Programs on prophecy, on prayer, great interview programs with the world's top Christian leaders, as well as special LIVE events. All of this is available on your local Christian TV station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are many days after 13, 14 hours here at Liveprayer, that I will go home and watch the news. After getting up to speed on what is happening in the world, I will usually turn on Christian TV. Especially on those difficult days that we all have from time to time, there never fails to be something on that blesses me, and most of all, reminds me OUR GOD REIGNS!!!

It is only fair for me to mention that over the years, there have been those who abused this instrument of God. There are, no doubt, people involved in Christian TV with improper motives, but that is true in any type of ministry. After all, ministries are operated by people, and people who are not being led by God can do some very sinful things. But God is the one each of us will have to answer to one day. God also knows how to exercise His judgment on people and organizations that are not honoring Him. I often think of the life of Samson. A man who knew God. A man who served God. But he allowed sin to enter into his life. For a while, despite the sin in his life, God STILL used him as an instrument of ministry. But there came a day when God said, enough is enough, and allowed the enemies of Samson to capture him. However, even despite the sin in his life, GOD USED HIM TO MINISTER TO OTHERS. But God can and will say enough is enough when we are not serving Him with our whole heart. In the end, it was only God Samson had to answer to. So don't let the abuses of a few people who have allowed sin to enter into their life keep you from enjoying the rich blessings Christian TV can offer to your life.

I love you and care about you so much. I try daily to encourage you in your journey here on earth and help to make sure that you are using all the possible tools God has designed to help you along the way. Christian TV is a great tool that we can use to strengthen and further our walk with Him. I have so many dear and wonderful friends in Christian television. If I start naming names it will be impossible to end this Devotional. However, I do want to make you aware of the fastest growing television network in the world, and it is Christian! My friend Marcus Lamb and his wife Joni are the founders of the Daystar Christian Television Network out of Dallas, Texas http://www.daystar.tv. I mention Marcus because as we are now in the 21st century, and Christian television MUST continue to evolve and stay on the cutting edge to attract people to hear the message of Christ. Marcus is one of those who has a great vision from God for what Christian television can be and how it can impact millions worldwide every day. You will find below a list of the stations Daystar is on locally, as well as its channel on DirecTV, SkyAngel, and the DISH Network. If you want to see quality Christian programming 24/7 I highly recommend Daystar.

I will be praying for you today to use Christian television in your life each day. There is nothing wrong with watching your favorite TV program, but our life is full of choices. We must use wisdom in those choices. While I enjoy being entertained like everyone does, I often turn on Christian TV instead to nourish my soul and strengthen my walk with Christ. As I share often, it is critical what we hear and what we see each day--the things we allow into our mind. The more of God that we put into our mind, the more of God that will come out in our day-to-day life. Christian television is a great way to put more of God into our life every day.