Podcast - The Greg Lancaster Show, Live from the Glory Zone.

Greg and Pat discuss whether technology is making us technically ignorant. They discuss now technology can be a blessing while at the same time be a curse. They further discuss the importance of getting a biblical perspective of technology. They talk about an interview Malak had with the founder of Square technology. In the article Malak discusses google maps and how technology has taken away our ability to feel. They discuss Malak’s comments regarding a time prior to the technology we have today that he can remember a time when he could remember over 200 phone numbers and now he is not able to and also he recounted a time when he had a good grasp of a layout of a city but now he is not able to. It was interesting to hear his take regarding how we are losing our human capabilities to machines. They share how this man gets it. We are losing our human capabilities. They share a time when they themselves remembered having so many phone numbers in their mind but today they are not able to do it. They share how technology is great however we need to be able to use technology without losing ourselves. How do we maintain our relationship with God and technology? However, if technology comes between you and your relationship with God you have to let technology go. We must remember that technology has the capabilities we are just able to search. You can’t have a virtual relationship with God. You much be able to have true relationship with God and His word. The Puritans were able to experience God when they were able to abide in His word. They share their own journey from using a paper planning systems to using technology. Although it seemingly appeared that they could do a lot more, in reality things were moving too fast. They discuss how so many today don’t have anything written down and when the switch gets flipped they won’t know what to do. Although we can read a digital Bible they encourage us to read a paper Bible. There is something about handling a tangible Bible. They ask, that if America was unplugged would you lose everything God said and shared with you? They urge us to take the time to abide with God with a pen and paper and journal what God shares with you.

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Looking for those who say “Thank You”

Greg and Pat discuss the importance of looking for someone who says “thank you” as they share the power of having an attitude of gratitude. They share the quest to look for someone who is grateful to God for what He is doing in their life. It’s important to know that just because God is doing things in people’s lives doesn’t mean that they are actually grateful. They continue to share how one of the first and beginning steps toward God’s judgment is when people fail to be grateful. God is the one who gives us everything. Romans 1: 21 tells us that “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. “ They continue to discuss how we should continue to do good for people but look for those who say “thank you” to God; those who appreciate what he is doing for them. They will encourage you to go back and to minister to 10 others who are not grateful. They also discuss how they have seen how God has provided for so many and how in just 30 days some forget all the Lord has done. They were so fearful in what God might not do that they fail to recognize what God has and is doing. They encourage those who are ministering to those who are not grateful that they may have to step out once or twice a week and pray for those who will recognize and see that you may be encouraged. They continue to discuss how an account of soldiers in WWII that came upon imprisoned Jews that when a soldier offered one of them piece of candy and a smile the ladies face just lit up. She was grateful for just a kind look. They continue to discuss that if you live in America you are richer than 75 % of people in the world. God alone is the one who did this and allowed the blessings to come upon this land and with all these blessings we are not even saying “thank you”. God is faithful to the faithless. They encourage us never to underestimate God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy. They urge us to look for those who are grateful. Ungrateful people only remember what God did last week and that for a moment. However, those who are grateful acknowledge God and to others what God has done for them. You will be encouraged when you find these people, those who live in a continual state of thanks. Don’t be taken down by those who may be around you who refuse to be grateful to God look, search and find those who are grateful and thankful and pray for them love them and watch how encouraged you will be. They further share about the ten lepers that had leprosy. Jesus healed all ten but only one came back to thank Jesus and glorified God with a loud voice. Those are the ones you are looking for.

Is Technology Making Us Ignorant?

Greg and Pat discuss whether technology is making us technically ignorant. They discuss now technology can be a blessing while at the same time be a curse. They further discuss the importance of getting a biblical perspective of technology. They talk about an interview Malak had with the founder of Square technology. In the article Malak discusses google maps and how technology has taken away our ability to feel. They discuss Malaks comments regarding a time prior to the technology we have today that he can remember a time when he could remember over 200 phone numbers and now he is not able to and also he recounted a time when he had a good grasp of a layout of a city but now he is not able to. It was interesting to hear his take regarding how we are losing our human capabilities to machines. They share how this man gets it. We are losing our human capabilities. They share a time when they themselves remembered having so many phone numbers in their mind but today they are not able to do it. They share how technology is great however we need be able to use technology without losing ourselves. How do we maintain our relationship with God and technology. However, if technology comes between you and your relationship with God you have to let technology go. We must remember that technology has the capabilities we are just able to search. You can’t have a virtual relationship with God. You much be able to have true relationship with God and His word. The Puritans were able to experience God when they were able to abide in His word. They share their own journey from using a paper planning systems to using technology. Although it seemingly appeared that they could do a lot more, in reality things were moving too fast. They discuss how so many today don’t have anything written down and when the switch gets flipped they won’t know what to do. Although we can read a digital Bible they encourage us to read a paper Bible. There is something about handling a tangible Bible. They share that if America was unplugged would you lose everything God said and shared with you. They urge us to take the time to abide with God with a pen and paper and journal what God shares with you.

Find out more on the VFN Torch at VFNtv.com

Ukrainians STAND UP for Freedom: God Answers Prayers

Greg and Pat discuss how Ukrainians have stood for freedom and ousted the current President. They continue to discuss how Russian President Vladamir Putin has tried to take over Ukraine. According to CBN the former president of Ukraine is a fugitive from justice Monday. The country's interim government issued an arrest warrant for Viktor Yanukovich after the mass killings of civilians last week. "Christians were praying on Independence Square," Pastor Kaluzhny said. "We were praying in our churches. People around the world were praying for us, and God did a miracle! Ukraine is a new country." The exciting thing is that a Christian leader is emerging. It has been tragic and many have died but it is good for people to stand up for freedom. They continued to discuss how a prominent evangelical Christian has been picked to be the interim President until elections in May. The congress heard that the people don’t want to be up under that oppression. We are watching freedom. We see a people who want to stand up and do what they can to be free. You just can’t hand over your country to Russia. It’s what our founding founders have done in our own country. We have a representative government to represent the rights of the people. They encourage us by reminding us of how bad the situation was in Ukraine. They could have given up and said “Oh Well” but they didn’t. Instead they pressed in and the church in Ukraine prayed as well as Christians all over the world. They further discussed how the Ukraine used to be the bread basket of the world. The people rose up and demanded change but at the same time standing for freedom can cost you and for some of those who stood up in Ukraine, it did. People every day in America lay down their lives for freedom. It’s okay to pledge your allegiance to your country but as Christians we pledge our allegiance first to Jesus we can be proud of our relationship with God. We must never forget it’s going to cost you something. They continue to encourage us about the blessing that we have in America and how it’s not illegal for you to support the laws of the land. We are a nation of laws. They encourage us to look at what happened in Ukraine and remember the freedom that we have in our country and to stand up for the rights that are afforded to us in the Constitution and to encourage our representatives to do the same.

The Science of Happiness

Greg and Pat discuss the science of being happy. They continue to discuss what happiness looks like. In a recent study conducted by psychologists they were able to determine what made people happy was directly associated with their ability to focus on the positive.

They continue to discuss that as Christians it’s important for us to know what makes us happy and brings us joy. It boils down to whatever you think about. Some may say that all they think about is all of the responsibilities that are before them and although many can relate, as Christians it’s very important to our witness that we think about positive things. Christians are people who understand that they need a savior, they are still human beings and still struggle with being happy. Jesus told the disciples in John 14: 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Jesus has overcome the storms in life. Happiness is determined by what you focus your attention on. You literally have to take hold of things to make sure you keep the right focus. You have to make the time to focus on the things that are joyful and make you happy. It appears the enemy tries to do everything he can to get us not to be happy. They continue to share how you need to give yourself permission to think about certain things and to keep them on your mind. The Bible in Philippians 4:8-9 gives us some instruction “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” They encourage us to give ourselves permission to think about yourself in a positive light and to remember that we are created in the image and likeness of God, and to think about how God loves you and has a plan for your life. They also encourage us to never forget that no matter how far you have gone astray, the moment you turn back to God and say that you are His and that you are back to stay all of heaven opens up to you and the Lord will embrace, forgive and restore you. We must never forget what Jesus did on the cross for us and when we begin to think and meditate on the implication of this amazing event we are filled with great joy and happiness knowing how loved we truly are.

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The Heart of Nehemiah: The Secret to Rebuilding the Church in America- Part 12

Greg, John, and Pat continue their discussion of the importance of having the heart of Nehemiah which they believe is the secret to rebuilding the church in America. They continue to discuss how going through public repentance is very important. The word of God convicts us, affirms us, challenges us, and brings us into alignment with God and how we can worship Him. Nehemiah 9: 28

“But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.”

The last time God handed them over to their enemies this time God abandoned them to their enemies. It’s a very dangerous time being on liberty. Sailors would get in trouble on liberty, however when they were manning there position they were focused. Giftings can take you where your character can’t keep you. Character is perfected when you are brought close in relationship.

1 Corinthians 10:12 “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

Idleness produces idolatry

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.”

What is the pattern to building or even rebuilding the church to the way God wants it to be? We don’t have a lot of time to respond. There have been plenty of times in history of those who have gathered themselves around what God is doing. God is a faithful deliverer who has been faithful to deliver us time after time after time. God longs to be sympathetic, merciful, and have compassion towards you if you confess your sins to him. If we confess openly and honestly before God truly seeking to acknowledge being right with him He will respond to us.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

We become deceived when we blame the world for our problems. What is happening is because we have sinned. Nehemiah understood that God warned them about what was going. God warned them to turn them back to their law. Even in the midst of darkness people have a tendency to go deeper. When you are in God’s word you are listening to his heart and what God has to say so you can follow and obey him.

Nehemiah 9:29-31

“You warned them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’ Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.”

Nehemiah understood the depth and the severity of their bondage and how it was their fault not God’s fault for them being under oppression. How hard is it for a prideful man to take ownership for his own sin? The question for the church is can she repent from her sin?

Luke 7:23

“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Nehemiah was not offended with God. He realized who God was and how he could handle it. He just needed to figure out how they got there and how they can get out. Matthew 21:44 “Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed Nehemiah understanding Israel’s history saw how their government, their priest, their leaders, nor their fathers did not follow God’s commands.”

John and Pat discuss the importance of honoring God’s still small voice. Many people say they would like to hear God’s voice at the same time they are expecting him to speak in an audible voice or in a loud and obvious demonstrative way. However, they share that it has been their experience that when they hear God’s voice it is often a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-14 “The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” They continue to share that many have heard God’s voice but have discredited it and have missed what God has been saying to them. Another reason many are not hearing God’s voice is because they are expecting God to give them long detailed messages, however they share how it has been there experiences as well as some in the Bible that God often speaks few words. As we obey what God says to us we will find the more He will tell us but if we don’t obey what God is saying then why should He say anything else. John shares in account regarding a time when he heard God’s still small voice and obeyed the Lord. He continues to share that while driving he heard the Lord say to him to go and see President George W. Bush at the civic center since he was in town for an election rally. John at first thought this might be peculiar since it was about ten minutes before the President was due to arrive and John was not only about 10 minutes away from the location but also did not have an entrance ticket to get in. John shares in detail all the things the Lord did as John obeyed the Lord’s voice. John not only was able to receive a ticket to get into the civic center but eventually was able to sit in the front row of the best section. While there John did not know exactly at the time why he was there however, but after the President spoke and was leaving the platform he turned around to wave at the people and stood directly in front of John. John instinctively pointed his finger at the president as to get his attention and tell him that “we are praying for you” the President of the United States looked right back at him and said thank you. They continue to share about all the things the Lord wants us to do but we must honor Him by honoring the fact that he speaks to those who are His.

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John and Pat discuss the terror attacks that that occurred in Sinai which resulted in South Korean tourist who visited Israel to be injured and some to be killed. CBN reports that “Islamists targeted a tour bus of South Koreans as it neared the Taba border crossing between Egypt and Israel on Sunday. Members of the terrorists posted a statement on al Qaeda-affiliated websites, calling Sunday's bombing part of an "economic war" against the army-backed government.” They continue to discuss how Israel is fighting the war on terror on many fronts with Islamist terrorists setting off bomb attacks to come against the economy which is hugely dependent on tourism, as well as having 170,000 missiles aimed at her. They further discuss how in a separate case a recent report by the Palestinian Media Watch group reported that “terrorists planned attacks in order to be imprisoned and receive a salary by the Palestinian Authority. They continue to report that thePalestinian Authority pays a salary to those who planned attacks on Israel and are imprisoned in an Israeli prison. The more time they are in prison the more money they receive while in prison and when they are released. According to theBlaze PMW “reported last week to the British Parliament that the PalestinianAuthority distributed more than $100 million to convicted terrorists in2013. They continue to discuss the constant and increasing pressure Israel is in to defend themselves as they live continually in the crossfire of their enemies. They encourage us to pray for Israel and to support those organizations that stand for Israel like Christians United for Israel and The Daily VFNRadio Program and VFNtv. We must not be uninformed so that we will not remain silent.

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Fathers Sue the State of Utah; Mothers Giving up their Babies for Adoption without Fathers Consent?

On the Journey of Understanding the limitless Depths of God’s Love

Pat and John discuss the journey of understanding the limitless depths of God’s love. Pat shares the importance of not just knowing in our heads but rather the need for this revelation to take the 18 inch journey from our heads down to our hearts. They continue to discuss that the Bible records all the many things Jesus did like signs, wonders, miracles, healings and teachings yet the most important thing Jesus did was to die for our sins. It would matter very little if Jesus did everything else but die for our sins. They further discuss the journey they are on to fully understand the depths of God’s love for them as they seek to love others with that same love. When you truly know in your heart that God loves you nothing else matters.

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John and Pat discuss the greatest promise God has given you. They continue to discuss how all creation speaks to us today but one has to take the time to stop, look, see and appreciate what God has done. Jeremiah 29:13 tells us that “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” God promises us that when we take the time and effort to diligently seek Him out He will in turn reward us for seeking him by allowing Himself to be found by us however, it matters that we seek him with all of our heart. God’s desire is to reward our diligent pursuit of Him. When we find Him we have found everything that he embodies and truly begin to walk out a relationship with a God that desires to have a relationship with us.

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John and Pat discuss the importance and the extreme value in seeking understanding. What we don’t understand will often time cost us in so many ways. They share how often times we miss the magnitude of a moment or fail to appreciate the value of something or someone simply because we lack understanding. Have you ever met someone and at the time you didn’t think much of it but only to find out later that the person you met was significant person in your community or the Kingdom of God because of their labors and contributions. Or have you ever heard of a story or even experience yourself buying a very expensive rare antique or item at a garage sale for pennies only to later find out that it was extremely valuable.

There is nothing like realizing after the fact that you missed or failed to recognize something. Proverbs 4:7 says “ Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have get understanding.” It was there right in front of you the whole time. It is so important to understand that we are just passing through this place called earth and our existence as we know it today will one day be no more. They continue to discuss how they have heard it said that you don’t realize what you have until you lose it. They further discuss why does that have to be our reality. The truth is that it doesn’t if we apply the wisdom of God to our lives. We must never allow things that matter least to compromise the things that matter the most in our lives. That’s why it’s important to know your values. You will truly maximize life and alleviate many regrets people have when its all over . We need to know God. It’s only when we have an abiding relationship with Jesus that we can begin to fully discern and seek understanding to determine our values the things that matter most. We must know and understand the extreme value we have to God and that we are His treasured possession when have this understanding it will totally revolutionize how we relate to God and truly empower us enjoy and celebrate our relationship with our heavenly Father.