When was the last time you said, “There’s nothing on TV tonight”?
At our house we have Dish Satellite TV (300+ channels), Netflix (5,000 movies), Amazon Prime (20,000 movies, tens of thousands more to rent, and 3,000 television series), and the internet (and its endless opportunities to go down one rabbit hole after another). It has been a while since we have said, “There’s nothing on TV tonight.” It was probably back when we were still paying zero dollars each month for television (but did have to crawl up on the roof once in a while to adjust the antenna).
You old-timers might remember when all four channels signed off for the night. There would be literally NOTHING on TV from midnight to 6:00 a.m. I can remember some very early mornings as a child, waking up before anyone, and sneaking downstairs to watch cartoons; and there would be nothing on television but the test pattern until 6:00. Remember those?
(“Hey grandkids, speaking of the old days, you don’t know how good you have it– my grandparents had to walk two miles to school, and I had to walk all the way over to the TV to change the channel.”)
However, there is a difference between having ‘nothing to watch’ on TV, and having nothing ‘good’ to watch. That can still be a problem. In case you find yourself unable to find anything ‘good’ to watch, I have something for you. I have recently heard of two video series that you can watch to strengthen your faith (which is something you don’t get on a lot of TV shows or movies), along with being very well done and really interesting.
The first is from the ‘John 10:10 Project.’ I have already described their website and posted some of their excellent videos. They have recently posted a series called “Glimpses of God.” It consists of ten brief videos (two-three minutes each) that display what Psalm 19:1 calls ‘the handiwork of God.’ In a half-hour you can watch all ten, and it would be well worth your time. Go to the link below to access this series.
https://thejohn1010project.com/videos/
The second is so new I have not even watched it all yet, but I am familiar with PragerU and I have read much by the author and speaker, Dinesh D’Souza. This one is a twelve-part series of 10–12-minute videos entitled “The Stones Cry Out: What Archeology Reveals About the Bible.” In the 1800’s skeptics were questioning many of the historical and geographical details of the Bible. In the last 150 years, archeological discoveries have confirmed again and again the accuracy of the Biblical narrative.
Our eternal hope is dependent on the truth of the Bible. This series gives us one more reason to trust its message. Some of D’Souza’s conclusions are open to debate and other interpretations, as he readily admits. We also need to remember that these videos are a brief summary of a fuller argument in an entire book. But he introduces us to a vast array of fascinating discoveries and keen insights as he builds his case for the credibility of these ancient documents. Go to the link below to access:
TRAILER: https://www.prageru.com/videos/trailer-the-stones-cry-out
TWELVE EPISODES: https://www.prageru.com/shows/the-stones-cry-out?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_20219892&utm_term=template_26692128&ls=&es=eu
THE ENTIRE SERIES IN ONE TWO-HOUR MOVIE: https://www.prageru.com/videos/the-stones-cry-out
I have often been asked about the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls. D’Souza gives the background, tells the story of this great discovery, and describes what it means in episode ten, which can be viewed here:
https://www.prageru.com/videos/the-stones-cry-out-episode-10-dead-sea-scrolls
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Psalm 19:1 — The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows forth his handiwork.
Luke 19:39-40 — Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” I Jesus replied, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Job 37:14b — Stop and consider the works and wonders of God.
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Lord Jesus, give us the power, the might, and the grace which we need to help us to overcome sin and conquer our temptations.
Grant to us these things:
The purity of heart which will shut the door of our minds to every evil thought;
The strength of will which will make is able to defy all temptations;
The human love which will banish forever all bitterness, and make us serve as you served, and forgive as you forgave;
The fidelity on which others can rely;
The diligence which will never offer less than our best;
The will to work without any laziness and idleness;
The power of decision which will deliver us from all procrastination;
The perseverance which will refuse to leave anything only half done;
And the courage to face the tasks we fear and do not want to do.
Grant that we may neither be too much lost in regrets for the past or in dreams for the future. Grant that we may do with all our might that which we must do; so that we may fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. This we ask your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
–William Barclay (1907-1978)
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