Transcript

Don Hawkins: Disaster in Texas Hill country; America's 249th birthday weekend

>> Don Hawkins: coming up on Encouragement Live, two very important topics. Disaster in the Texas Hill country. And it's America's 249th birthday weekend. We'll talk about those topics on a special edition of Encouragement Live. Welcome to Encouragement Live, providing biblically based encouragement and insight on a wide range of practical life issues. Now, here's your host, Don Hawkins, author of Master Discipleship Today. Ah, thank you, Steve and friend. It's so good to have you with us. As live from studios located at First Christian Church of Wylie, Texas, Encouragement Communications presents Encouragement Live. Our mission, very important mission to provide biblically based encouragement and insight on a wide range of topics. I think we're all aware of the disaster that is taking place. Those of you listening live in the Hill country in the, western southern part of, Texas, an area where flash floods happen. the latest statistics were handed to me just a few moments ago. 43 people have perished in that disastrous event. 28 adults, 15 children, and, 27 children are sick, missing. We need to be praying about that, and we will. But we also want to talk tonight about America's 249th birthday and ask the question, are you still proud to be an American? And we invite you to call in and tell us how you feel about our country, the positives about the United States of America, and maybe things that concern you. You can also call in to voice a prayer or concern relative to families affected by the, Kerr county disaster, which is now spreading even further into that Texas, the Hill Country.

To tackle these two topics, I have two very special guests tonight

To tackle these two topics, I have two very special guests tonight. Danny Webster is the chief operating officer of Encouragement Communications, and, he also has his own company. Danny, good to have you tonight. What's the name of your production company?

>> Steve: WM Productions.

>> Don Hawkins: WM Productions. I should remember that, and one of these days I will. Rodney Love is the founder of the Master Life Coach Training Institute. Spent many years working with Dr. Frank Minrith in the Minrith Clinic. Rodney, good to have you.

>> Rodney Love: Don. It's great be with you guys.

>> Don Hawkins: And, glad to have the two of you to help me tackle these two important topics here tonight. just thinking about, first of all, the disaster that's happened. this has to raise the question, Rodney, in the minds of many people, why would do these things happen? It's been compared to Hurricane Harvey of several years ago in Houston, where a tropical depression formed and came across the Pacific and then came, on board again and just stopped and dumped inch after inch after inch of rain in a relatively, ah, small amount of time. And the why question. We really don't have a why question answer, do we? No, we don't.

>> Caroline: Don.

>> Rodney Love: I think about back to Job when people tried to get him to, you know, everything was happening to Job and all these people wanted to know why it was happening and trying to get him to remember what they wanted him to do to God. They wanted him to basically curse God. What? We don't have answers for this type stuff, but, but we know we can put our focus on God because he is the answer to help us.

>> Don Hawkins: And Danny, our, name is Encouragement Live. And our, company is Encouragement Communications. And it seems to me encouragement is the one thing that people desperately need in times like this.

>> Steve: Well, we always need encouragement. Like you say, like, your friend, the owner of Chick Fil A said, if a person has a pulse, if they're breathing, they need encouragement. But in times like these, well, like the old hymn says, we need a savior and we need to know even though we don't know the answer. Job's friends tried to make up a bunch of answers and we wouldn't be doing the right thing. we'd be fake encouragement if we tried to come up with the answers. But, God, we need to trust that God has a reason and, that somehow we'll never understand. Maybe, but somehow he's going to work this out for the good, for those who trust him and love him.

>> Don Hawkins: If you'd like to call us, the number is 855-586-5433. That is 855-586-LIFE. Tell us what you like about our country, what you're concerned about, and voice a prayer for those involved in this disaster.

>> Steve: We're over 100 years old.

>> Don Hawkins: Dallas Theological Seminary President Dr. Mark Yarbrough on the seminary's motto, Teach truth, love.

>> Steve: Well, that is what we do. That's our slogan that we use. Obviously it's preach the word for all of us. We are called to teach truth and live it out.

>> Don Hawkins: To learn more about how Dallas Theological Seminary can equip you for biblically based Christian service, visit dts.com that's DTS, edu.

>> Steve: I was so high and I was so drunk that I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand up. I collapsed in my garage. And then I awoke two days later in the hospital. I heard about Teen Challenge. I came here and this place has shown me that it truly does care.

>> Don Hawkins: That's when everything changed. At Adult and Teen Challenge, we provide hope and healing for a new drug free future. And you can find the center nearest you at 8, 5, 5, and addiction or teenchallengeusa.org Freedom from Addict starts here.

Flash flooding in southwestern Texas leaves 15 dead and 27 missing

This is a special edition of Encouragement Live. I'm Don Hawkins with Danny Webster, Rodney Love, and we welcome your phone calls at 855-586-5433. We're talking about the disaster that has struck Kerr county and the hill country in southwestern County, Texas. And flash flooding there with massive amounts of rain in just a short amount of time. We're told the fast moving waters of the Guadalupe river rose about 25, 26ft in just over 45 minutes before daybreak on the 4th of July on that Friday morning and washed away many vehicles, many homes, devastating, loss at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp there where young children were located. And we know that a number of those children have died, at least nine from that camp. And now we're given a number of, of children who have died. 15 children and they're 27 children still missing. And we invite you to call in tonight with your concerns, your prayer concerns and requests about that. And we want to just maybe pause right now. Ah, Danny, if you would lead us in prayer, on behalf of parents, on behalf of those still missing. We can ask our God for miracles. And they've had people stranded in the tops of tre trees. We've seen helicopters plucking people out of debris fields and out of the tops of trees. And so we're trusting God for that. But special grace for those who are.

>> Steve: Grieving, Lord, we do pray for that special grace, that enabling grace. We love your saving grace. We need your enabling grace right now, Lord, for those who are grieving. And we want to ask for your enabling grace also for those who might be waiting to be rescued. We pray that you give them extra strength to wait and stay where they are, maybe in the top of a tree. And we pray for those who are doing the work of rescuing. We pray that you would enable them, give them the strength that they need, the wisdom that they need, the resources that they need. And we thank you for the resources of our country, that are there and our state, Texas there, to provide. But the resource we need the most is you, Lord. We need you. And we ask for your intervention, in this whole situation, so many of us are hurting because of it and still, work needs to be done. So we just ask for your grace, and we ask for it in Jesus name, that powerful name of Jesus.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen. Amen and again, if you would like to discuss this, if you want to share concerns, maybe Voice of Prayer 855-586-5433.

Our other focus tonight is on our country and statistics. Rodney Love says 58% of Americans are proud Americans

Our other focus tonight is on our country and statistics. Rodney Love actually have shown a ah, drop to 58% of people in the United States re either extremely or very proud to be Americans. That number is up some from last year, but it's still lower than it was even a decade ago. First Timothy, chapter two tells us to pray for those in authority. And I think it'd be appropriate, Rodney, if you would lead us in prayer for not only government officials involved in this rescue, but when we come back from the break to lead us in prayer for our president, for our congress, for those in authority. And I think it would be great for us to take some time to do that.

>> Steve: Amen.

>> Don Hawkins: And then we'll see what our listening family would like to tell us. Rodney Love is with me tonight. He is the founder of the Master Life Coach Training Institute, Danny Webster with WM Productions. We'll be back. Crossflix A complete multimedia platform at your fingertips featuring faith based shows for the entire family. Plus an amazing library of interactive online Bible courses such as Revealing the Secrets of the Hebrew Bible. You'll have access to to a community and join others on their spiritual journey. Crossflix partners with the Seal Future foundation and Blessil to support American and Israeli veterans and families suffering from trauma. Crossflix Educate, entertain and inspire.

60% of Christians will die with no will. Only 10% have up to date estate plans

60% of Christians will die with no will. Only 10% have up to date estate plans virtually guaranteeing that probate courts will sort out their affairs. What does being a wise steward of God's resources mean? The Bible has a lot to say on the subject. Sat 7 offers a biblical estate planning seminar or webinar that takes the mystery out of wills, trusts and estate planning. To learn more visit sat7usa.org Plan the people of the Middle east and North Africa are familiar with hardship and struggle. But Sat7 gives the hope of God's word to the hurting and broken. SAT7's new president, John Cernelia.

>> Rodney Love: Our vision is to see a growing.

>> Steve: Church in the Middle east and North.

>> Don Hawkins: Africa confident in Christian faith and witness, serving the community and contributing to the good of society and culture. To learn more or support this ministry, visit sat7usa.org Toni King on her book the Maze of Medicare. I looked up on the Internet how many books have biblical in regards to Medicare and there was zero. And then God brought you into my life and you helped me write the Maze of Medicare because we took Medicare and put Scripture with it because people are stressed. They don't know what to do, where to turn. You can order the maze of medicare@, tonysays.com that's T O N I tonysays.com we're back on Encouragement Live. One of our team members, Brad Smithart, has produced this music and you can Google Brad Smith art if you'd like to download some of that music and we encourage you to do that. We also appreciate the members of our team who are in the other room fielding telephone calls and, well, they'll be talking to you. And we have Cora, we have Chris, we have Brent, we have Wriley. Who else do we have? Guys, I think that's it tonight about it tonight. Very appreciative of those guys. Doing a great job so far and a very important topic.

Rodney: We lift up our leaders during this time of disaster

And Rodney, we were just about to give you an opportunity to pray for our President, for our Congress, for state and local leaders as well, and especially those involved in the operations down in a part of Texas that's under this disaster.

>> Rodney Love: And Father, we do lift up our leaders. President Trump, Vice President J.D. vance, speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, the Senate. Just the different ones, Lord, that give leadership every day to this country. Thank you for Kristi Noem going down and being down there in, down there where the disaster has happened. And Father, we ask you to give every leader from the Washington leaders to our state leaders, to our local leaders, just wisdom and empowerment to guide and lead and make the right decisions. And Father, I pray you would put from local all the way to federal the people that you want in those offices. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen.

James: Jesus addressed that issue in the Gospels

We were talking about the disaster and we touched on the why question which we all concluded and affirm we really do not have an answer to the why question. But Jesus addressed that issue in the Gospels. And I don't have the exact reference in front of me, but the question came up about 20 something people that were killed when a tower collapsed. And Jesus basically said, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. The one thing we do know is when disasters like this occur, it drives us to the heart of the gospel that ultimately none of us knows how long we will live. Those people camped out celebrating, the 4th of July on the Guadalupe river, and those children that were in those camps had no idea that their date with eternity would happen. And none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. James makes that very clear. And so I think it very Appropriate.

Rodney: Romans 3:23 tells us we've all sinned

I always guys like to share the gospel with four very simple things. Words. first word is the word sin. And Rodney, that's the reason why we need salvation is because Romans 3:23 tells us we've all sinned.

>> Rodney Love: That's correct, yes.

>> Don Hawkins: And then, Romans 6:23, Danny tells us there's a penalty for sin that every one of us faces apart from Christ.

>> Steve: And I. I say, the word I use for that is problem. or I use the word penalty, actually. There's a penalty for the sin and the sentlet. And the penalty is death. and so we're all going to die someday because we are sinners by nature and because we sin.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. And the bottom line is the penalty that we would have to pay has been paid. So we have three words. Sins, penalty, paid. Romans 5:8 says, But God commend or proved his love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. And, that means, Rodney, that there's only one thing left to do, and that's to trust.

>> Rodney Love: Yes. Yes. That is the only. And Jesus is the only one we can trust. There's a lot of religions, Don, that think you can trust other things beside Jesus, but Jesus.

>> Steve: Is it John 3.

>> Don Hawkins: Go ahead.

>> Steve: No, you're going to say John 3:16.

>> Don Hawkins: Go ahead. Yeah, I bet you were, too.

>> Steve: Well, I was going to say I just got through working out my, My personal evangelism, little outline. And I use a P for that one, too. And I use the word promise.

>> Don Hawkins: Promise.

>> Steve: John 3:16. There's a promise there.

>> Don Hawkins: Yes, there is. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes or trusts in him. You guys are both sitting in chairs. Neither one of you did an engineering study when you came into the studio. neither one of you asked me, have, these chairs held you up? Danny's is leaning a little bit, but. But I, Actually, it's kind of a rocking chair. Must be pretty comfortable. But the bottom line is we're all exercising trust in the chairs that are holding us up. And, friend, in the same way, we're inviting you tonight to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. And I would say if there is one thing that every single person listening to this program, needs to think about in terms of the disaster in the hill country of Texas, that would be to make sure that you don't let your head hit the pillow tonight until you have said, lord Jesus, I want you to be my savior. I admit that I'm a Sinner, I believe you died for me and rose again. And I'm placing my trust in you. And if you would like to talk with us about it, or if you have just prayed that prayer along with me, we'd love to hear from you. 855-5865-433. Rodney. I think, to me, that's the most important message we could share in terms of the disaster that's taken place in the hill country.

>> Rodney Love: It is. I mean, like Danny said, like you said, we don't know how much time we have on this earth. We have no idea. But by putting our trust in Jesus, we know that once our time has gone up from being on this earth, we know where we will be. Just like the good thief that was on the cross that was next to Jesus. Jesus said, today you will be me in paradise. And the same thing will happen to us.

>> Steve: And there's an extra bonus, too.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.

>> Steve: We trade our death for his life. We start living right now. We start. The eternal life actually starts now. We don't have to wait till we die. We don't have to wait. Of course, it's wonderful to know that when we die, we're going to be with him, but he starts living through us right now.

>> Don Hawkins: And there will be a reunion with those individuals who have died, perhaps even some that you've lost in this disaster. I think about the young girl, from Birmingham, Alabama, where people listen over wg. the Briarwood Station. Yes.

>> Caroline: Right.

>> Rodney Love: Yeah.

>> Don Hawkins: get their call letters out, but, appreciate that ministry. And we have people listening over American Family Radio in many parts of our country, including, down in Central Texas. There are a number of outlets in that area, and maybe some of you would like to give us a call. We have our first caller lined up, and no surprise, it's Cornelius listening in Louisiana. Good, to hear from you tonight. Cornelius, go ahead. You're on the air with Rodney and Danny and me.

>> Caroline: Hey, Rodney and Danny and Don. thank y'. All. And I'm. The state of Louisiana is praying with y' all and stuff. You know, y' all say the. Why we live in a fallen world. And I read Joe and what happened to his children and stuff. So we just live in a fallen world, and things like that's just gonna happen until Christ returns. And Christ is my king, Lord and savior.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen.

>> Caroline: I just hope and pray that people won't turn against God because of this tragedy. That's my main thing. Like I said, we live in a fallen world, and these things Happen to good people, you know?

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, that's absolutely true. There's no question about that.

Cornelius: We talk about Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Katrina

And, Cornelius, there have been disasters happen in Louisiana, I think, about some of the hurricanes that have hit there. I, know, Kathi and I were in New Orleans just before that. The week before that, a massive hurricane hit there that was such a disaster and killed so many people. And I'm trying to think of the name of that hurricane. Katrina. That's exactly right. Had a senior moment there. You know, sometimes senior moments happen. But Hurricane Katrina. And we talked about Hurricane Harvey that hit Houston and was such a disaster. And we have friends that live down there who had three to five feet of water in their homes and in their businesses and, you know, what a disaster that was. But, you know, I'm so thankful, Cornelius, and I'm glad you're on the line, because I know you love our country. You've expressed that on this program before. And I'm so thankful that we have members, of, our federal administration who are on the scene down in southwestern Texas, our governor and officials from the state, local officials, and even people from cities and towns and. And, communities, hundreds of miles away are down there doing everything they possibly can, which is a tremendous thing.

>> Caroline: I'm sure the Cajun Navy is down there because they always try to go to any water disaster because they've got all the equipment and everything for water rescue and everything. But, you know, Don, I want to say this, and then I'm going to get off the line and let others get in. You know, I served as a military police officer.

>> Don Hawkins: Right.

>> Caroline: And y' all support the truth so much. And I watched capitol at the fourth on PBS, and that was a wonderful program. It's 45 years old now, and they honored so many of our veterans, disabled and dead. And that was a great show yesterday. So if you can ever go to PBS in Texas and try to look up capital at the fourth, I think you will really enjoy that. And I want to say one more thing. You need to get that 365 days of fear not out, because it's coming. And God bless you and God bless America.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen. God bless America. Thank you, Cornelius. Great to hear from you, my brother. Our toll free number, if you'd like to get in on the conversation, tell us what you feel or how you feel the positives about living in the United States of America on this weekend of the celebration of the 249th birthday of our country, or maybe the concerns that you feel in terms of what's happening in our country. Or maybe you'd like to express your thoughts about what's happening in the hill country, your support for those who are grieving, those who are still concerned that don't know what has happened or is happening. And I want to take a moment to just acknowledge those of you who will be listening on Lonesome Road radio. We're so thankful that we've been able to link up with Roger Barkley and his people. Tuesday mornings at 8:30am and 8:30pm on Tuesday, Danny Webster, I'm told they have as many as 8 million truckers who have been ah, documented as having listened to Lonesome Road radio.

>> Steve: Wow. I didn't have any idea there are that many truckers. That's great. That's wonderful. I love that name, Lonesome Road.

>> Don Hawkins: Lonesome Road.

>> Steve: I can hear the, the music of.

>> Don Hawkins: Some old western player and, and they do play some country Christian music and, but they play our program as well and we're so thankful for that and great. You know I, I'm we actually have truckers, Rodney, that call in live on the program from time to time and that's always a joy to hear from them listening on AFR or Life Changing Radio or, or WRJZ or some of those other.

>> Rodney Love: So here's, here's, here's a challenge. I know one of those truckers out there right there listening is my nephew who's a long, long haul truck driver. Any of you guys out there right now listening to us, give us a call. We'd like to know where you are tonight.

>> Don Hawkins: That would be a great thing. Let us know you're listening in 855-586-5433. That's our toll free number, 855-586-Life. And if you'd like to listen to archive programs, encouragement, O R G is a great place to go and I probably should take a moment to plug my podcast Encouragement for you. we would love to invite you to check in on the podcast and listen to. They drop each weekday on or each Wednesday I should say and we have a new one up every week. And Danny's daughter Elizabeth Andrade, who is a part of our team, produces those and Danny, she does a great job and, and we, we have people offering encouragement only Encouragement for you podcast.

>> Steve: She is a sweetheart, I tell you.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, yeah, yeah. you're totally unbiased opinion there I'm sure. And I'm very grateful for My family I have actually my son, my grandson, my granddaughter in law and other family members here some evenings we actually have four gener. I have three generations tonight.

>> Steve: Amazing.

>> Don Hawkins: It is. And our toll free number is 855-586-5433.

Find out what you need to know to protect your heirs at a free webinar

What do you love or what are you concerned about?

>> Steve: With our country, there are only two ways that your affairs will be settled after you pass away. Your way or the government's way. For anyone without a will or trust in place, the government will settle it through probate. So we must all ask ourselves do I want the government to decide how my minor children get their inheritance and where my and then charge my heirs probate and court fees to make that happen or do I want to protect my family from probate and steward the resources that God has entrusted to me by determining how the assets that I leave behind will be used? Find out what you need to know and do to protect your heirs at a free webinar with his faithful stewards. This free webinar will discuss wills and trusts and help you understand it all. Go to hisfaithfulstewards.com and find the link for webinars. There's a place there under webinars where you can sign up. That's hisfaithfulstwards.com and the link to webinars his faithful stewards.com when you need to.

>> Don Hawkins: Consider independent or assisted living or memory care for a parent or spouse, Restoration Senior Living provides a distinctly Christian setting with the most stringent quality care. Restoration's innovative program addresses the medical, emotional and spiritual dimensions leading to an enhanced quality of life. You can learn [email protected] that's restorationsl.com Sagi Lucas grew up in South India without Christ. But when he trusted the Savior, his Hindu family disowned him. His witness brought his entire family to Christ and led to the founding of Mission India, which trains hundreds of village missionaries each year. For a free copy of Sagi's biography, Transform for a Purpose and to learn more about Reaching Indians Ministries International, visit remi.org that's remi.org I was so high.

>> Steve: And I was so drunk that I couldn't walk. I couldn't even stand up. I collapsed in my garage. And then I awoke two days later in the hospital. I heard about Teen Challenge. I came here and this place has.

>> Don Hawkins: Shown me that it truly does care. That's when everything changed. At Adult and Teen Challenge, we provide hope and healing for a new drug free future. And you can find the center nearest you at 855-and-DOMENTION or teenchallengeusa.org Freedom from addiction starts here.

Don Hawkins welcomes listeners to Encouragement Live tonight

Welcome back to Encouragement Live.

>> Steve: Our Toll free number is 855-586-LIFE.

>> Don Hawkins: Here again is your host, Don Hawkins, author of Master Discipleship Today. And we're so glad to have so many of you calling in tonight. We're going right to the phones and Martin is listening tonight in Florida. Martin, welcome to Encouragement Live. Thank you for calling us.

>> Caroline: thank you very much.

>> Don Hawkins: What would you like to share with us this evening? All right.

>> Caroline: It's just pretty rough being out here on the road, being away from the family for the holidays.

>> Steve: A trucker?

>> Don Hawkins: Yes.

>> Caroline: Yep. Oh, yeah, I drive over the road. been doing it about 30 years.

>> Don Hawkins: And, ah, you know what's, what's hard.

>> Caroline: To find good companies.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, I'm, I'm sure of that.

What would be the biggest challenge for an on the road Christian trucker

in, in terms of spiritual life, what are the challenges for a trucker, especially a trucker who knows Christ as savior, and I'm suspecting that you do. What would be the biggest challenge, for you, as an on the road Christian trucker?

>> Caroline: Well, there's a lot of negativity out there. People, don't help out others as much as they, they ought to. You know, like for instance, the other day I was driving and I found a lady that was broke down. And, the company I drive for is called Pay It Forward. Yeah, it's Christian company.

>> Don Hawkins: Right.

>> Caroline: And, I stopped and helped her out till her husband got there, help her get her car started. And she looked kind of scared at first. And I'm like, ma', am, I says, look at the side of the name of the truck. I says, we're just here to help. It's just part of the job, you know, I wouldn't want my wife or anybody sitting out on the side of the road, stranded. Hot hours, you know, just little incidents like that. You know, there's not that many people that stop and help anybody out anymore.

>> Don Hawkins: Well, we salute you for doing that. I think that's fantastic, Martin. And, I'm going to ask Rodney Love to lead us in prayer on behalf of you and, other truckers who are driving. Rodney.

>> Rodney Love: Father, I thank you for Martin. I thank you that he serves you as he sits up in that cab and he goes mile after mile after mile. And Father, I thank you that he thinks of others where he's right. Other people right now don't do that. And Father, I just ask you to keep Martin safe. Surround that truck with your Angels be with Martin just to be, to have incredible ministry in the different truck stops and restaurants that he's in. And Father, thank you for your love for Martin and for all those truck drivers out there. In Jesus name, Amen.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen. And Martin, Amen.

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Don Hawkins: And you be definitely shout out.

>> Caroline: To my pastor that he broadcasts live on Facebook. But you know, he's, he's out there, Pastor Angelo down there at Worship Life Church.

>> Don Hawkins: That's great. And what city would that be in, Martin?

>> Caroline: That'd be out of Hudson, Florida.

>> Don Hawkins: Hudson, Florida. Would you be safe, my brother? I've been through Hudson, Florida before and be safe out there on the road. Thank you for calling us. God bless.

>> Caroline: Thank you and God bless.

>> Don Hawkins: 855-586-5433.

Hank is listening in Texas tonight over American Family Radio

Hank is listening in Texas tonight over American Family Radio. Hank, welcome to the program.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir, actually I'm in Kentucky right now. I'm out of Texas.

>> Don Hawkins: Okay.

>> Caroline: hey, but I'm in Kentucky right now. I headed over to South Carolina. man, we've got to pray for the, for the recovery efforts in Texas, that's for sure. People that, that do that job of finding those bodies and stuff are, are amazing people and the effect it has on them is devastating. I was a safety officer lieutenant with Kerrville south many years ago.

>> Don Hawkins: Wow.

>> Caroline: Fire department. And I, was a vertical rescue and water rescue specialist. And those, those raging waters, wash many, many lives down, down the drain.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. That Guadalupe river has, is one of the most, flood prone, flood prone rivers, if I can say that correctly. And Hank, I think it's so timely that you, having experience there in the rescue and working with Kerrville south, would be listening in tonight and while you're on the road, to call in with us and call our attention to that aspect of it. Danny, I think sometimes we don't think about the, the fallout. We think about rescuing live people, but recovering people who've lost their lives. That has a terrible toll on.

>> Steve: It's, it's a contributor to PTSD and other things. certainly, I mean we, we look at these guys and, and gals as heroes, but it does take a toll. It does take a toll.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. And Rodney, one of the things that Master Life Coach Training Institute's been working on, is trauma and ptsd, some, some ways to help people deal with that, including in Israel as well as here in the States.

>> Rodney Love: Yes. Thank you. Just to let you know that my heart is for the Guys that the first responders that go through the trauma and PTSD is resorting to, of you guys being heroes. And so we're developing things to help these men, young men and women deal with it as they have to not only work it, but in the future years after, like you, you. You know, I guarantee you I'm thinking that you still can remember many instances where you had to step in and do rescue or, or do. Or bring up bodies that were unable to be rescued at that point.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. I want us to. To pray for you, Hank. And Danny, would you lead us in prayer on behalf of. Of Hank and even for his safety in travel.

>> Steve: Lord, we thank you for Hank. We thank you that he called in tonight and brought some of these things to mind that we need to think about. And, so I pray for Hank. I pray your blessing on his life as he's, traveling now. And, even. Even on his life as he may, still have the, the over the after effects of some of those rescues that he did those years ago. And, just pray that you give him peace and continue, to pray for the ones who are actively working on it now and pray that you give them strength and wisdom and energy to do what they need to do. Thank you for Hank. In Jesus name.

>> Rodney Love: Amen.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen. And Hank, thank you for calling and be safe, my brother.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir. As a minister, I'm also a, chaplain for about 3,500 truck drivers.

>> Steve: Cool.

>> Don Hawkins: Well, what, what a great ministry. We're so thankful. by the way, spread the word about Lonesome Road radio, but thank you for listening on AFR or wrjz. And, I know that up in Kentucky we have some stations that carry us, and we're very grateful. So take care. We'll hope to hear from you again.

>> Caroline: All righty. Thank you, sir. God bless.

>> Don Hawkins: God bless. 855-586-543.

Call in to tell us how you feel about the United States on 249th

Two things we're inviting you to do tonight, call in to tell us how you feel about the United States of America on this 249th birthday weekend. The positives, maybe the concerns that you have, and call into voice of prayer for families affected by the disaster taking place in Kur county and throughout the hill country of Texas. So, Danny, let me start with you. What would you say, is your biggest either concern or joy about the country we live in?

>> Steve: Well, first of all, you can put me on the side of the ledger that loves my country. God bless the usa.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen.

>> Steve: And, so I'm a lover of the United States. So thankful That I, that I got to be born here and got, to grow up here. My father was an immigrant from Canada and met my mother here, and, so. But anyway, thankful for that concerns. There's so many. There's so many in our country who are confused, and I'm concerned, even though right now it seems like there's good bit of optimism about the direction of the country, and I am optimistic about it, but yet for so many years, we've ignored God and we're reaping the consequences. And that's why there is a lot of chaos still, too, because we've ignored God. And I'm very concerned about that.

>> Don Hawkins: And that's something we all need to be praying about.

Rodney: I'm concerned of where I see people turning away from God

Rodney, you led us in prayer earlier for our country. What are your positives? What are your concerns for our country?

>> Rodney Love: Well, I'm on Danny's side of the ledger. I love America, and I've had the privilege and honor Don and to travel to many, many countries throughout so far my life, and. But I always love when that plane touches down in America. I'm like, I'm, back home.

>> Steve: Want to kiss the ground.

>> Rodney Love: Yes, kiss the ground. But yet I'm the same way, Danny. I'm concerned of where I see people in America turning away from God. I'm concerned on Sunday morning that people aren't in church, that they'd rather be at a baseball game or a soccer game or something like that. Nothing wrong with sports. I played sports for a long time. But I'm concerned people have taken their focus off of God. That's my concern.

>> Don Hawkins: And I think, too, one of the concerns I have is that it's become, after Covid, so easy for people to stay home and watch a service on television or on video on the Internet or on an app. And the reality is you, can't baptize people, you can't practice communion, the ordinances, and you really can't. Fellowship in Hebrews 10:25 says we ought not to forsake or abandon the assembling of ourselves together. So that's what my concern. But I'm thankful that we still live in a land where we are free to preach the gospel. There are people. I've been to India and Africa, and there are people actually being martyred in both of those part the subcontinent of India and also in Africa. And thank God for the USA. Back to the phones. 855-586-5433. Jeff is listening in Texas tonight. Good evening, Jeff.

>> Caroline: I'm listening. Arc soft Run. I'm from Texas, and that's what my area code on my phone says.

Jeff: Why is the Liberty Bell called Liberty Bell? Jeff: Interesting question

My question is, why is the Liberty Bell called the Liberty Bell? And I've ever met. I've asked hundreds of people, never met anybody who knew. I even called up to Philadelphia to get a bigger poster. I asked the lady and she said she wasn't sure, but she walked by it every day. But if you Google a picture and look at it, it says Lev, Leviticus, and then XXV, colon, X, Roman numerals, 25, 10.

>> Don Hawkins: Proclaim liberty to all the lands. Go ahead.

>> Caroline: And no, and nobody knows that they've altered the bell in the movie. They, they've moved the passing stow from under the scripture reference to under the word liberty. And the movie It's a Wonderful Life, the movie It's a Wonderful Life is all about the scripture that's on the bell, Interestingly. Yeah, because it's about people being in debt and not being in debt and the effect that debt has on a society. And it shows the difference in the movie, you know. And then when the Bailey Savings and Loan is available, you know, you see a beautiful, clean town, respectable businesses, but when it's under the, you know, in Bedford Falls, but when it's Pottersville under the tyranny of this banker and all the debt that everybody's in, you know, the floozy halls and gambling halls and drinking halls and downtown is now dirty and all this chaos going on and the neighborhoods are run down. It shows the difference. And then I'm so thankful to live in a country whose founding document says that our certain unalienable rights, they can't be alienated, they can't be taken away because they're not given by a government or a man. We're endowed by the Creator.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen to that. And Jeff, I want you to stay on the line. We coming up on a break right now. We are endowed by our Creator with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We'll be back and talk with Jeff and others right after this time out on Encouragement Live.

Dallas Theological Seminary offers practical financial advice for all ages

Do you have an extra car taking.

>> Caroline: Up valuable space in your driveway?

>> Don Hawkins: Let Encouragement Live. Take it off your hands. It's easy, free, and best of all, tax deductible.

>> Caroline: Get your driveway back.

>> Don Hawkins: And keep in mind, Encouragement Live rolling so more people can bridge the gap between their faith and everyday life. Mention Encouragement Live when you call 855-500-RIDE. That's 855-500-RIDE. Or encouragementlive.org what did Chuck swindoll David Jeremiah and Erwin Lutzer have in common. They all trained to preach God's Word at Dallas Theological Seminary and you can train at DTS too. If you've been called to preach or teach God's Word, find a degree or course that's right for you on one of our campuses or online at dts.edu Dallas Theological Seminary where they teach truth and love well. Visit dts.

>> Caroline: Edu the older people grow, the more important it is that they have savings that are not at risk in the stock market.

>> Don Hawkins: Here's an important warning from Roxanne Endermeule of his faithful stewards.com I've seen many.

>> Caroline: People in their 50s that have all their savings still in a 401k or some other market based account that is fully at risk of loss.

>> Don Hawkins: Roxanne and her team offer practical financial counsel to people from all age groups.

>> Caroline: It could be that they need to start saving for the future in retirement. Or maybe they've already done those things and they just need to be good managers of what God's given them and get their money to where it can grow well but won't be at risk of loss in the stock market. Or maybe they need to get a will or a trust in place to protect their family from the cost and stresses of probate.

>> Don Hawkins: You can schedule a free and confidential time to talk with Roxanne at her website, his faithful stewards.com just follow the links on the website to set a good time to talk or you may call the office to set a time. That's his faithful stewards.com.

>> Caroline: Foreign.

AI says the Liberty Bell was adopted by abolitionists in 1830

>> Don Hawkins: We'Re back on Encouragement Live, our final segment. And Jeff, I hope you are still with us. you're listening in Arkansas, but traveling from Texas. And Danny Webster has done some research during the break here, has some comments tying back into that passage in Leviticus.

>> Steve: Danny well, and I appreciate everything that Jeff said about it. Actually I learned some things from what he said and it's I guess maybe on my bucket list to go see the Liberty Bell someday I need to get up there and see that cracked thing. But anyway, this is AI. AI says the Liberty Bell is called the Liberty Bell because abolitionists in 1830 adopted it as a symbol of their movement to end slavery in the United states. So even 50 years before slavery was ended, there were some people that were that were really wanting that to happen and that was part of their symbol. And then there's the verse, proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto the inhabitants thereof.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. And you mentioned William Penn. That was tied into William Penn as well.

>> Steve: Yeah, it marked his. It commemorated the 50th anniversary of his charter of privileges. And my history is not good. I'm not sure what that is, but.

>> Don Hawkins: Well, Kathi and I had a chance to visit the Liberty Bell. we were at. My granddaughter and her husband live in, Philadelphia, so he had an opportunity to drop by and see. That's really an amazing sight. Jeff, you had an additional comment?

>> Caroline: yes, I was just, Oh, anyway, I thought about Proverbs. You know, we always hear, you know, trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not your own understanding, and all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.

>> Don Hawkins: Yes.

>> Caroline: But nobody ever mentions the other four that you know. 1 and 2, 3 and 4 and 7 and 8 and 9 and 10. And they're. And they're all according to, you know, second Peter, chapter one says, you know, whereby are given unto us exceedingly great and precious promises. You know, there's a mandate, what we should do, you know, to bow and obey and seek the Lord with all our heart. And then he gives us some promises to go with each one of those. And I think every time they mentioned, 5 and 6, they should also mention the other four exceedingly great and precious promises and the mandates that come with them.

>> Don Hawkins: I have to cut in on you here, Jeff, because those are the scriptures that I'm preaching on tomorrow morning. All ten of those verses. I am. You have, literally just outlined my scripture passage, and I'm delighted that you mentioned those. And, Danny and Don, I was going.

>> Steve: To say, I think Jeff should be a preacher. Great. Because he's looking at the whole context of.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.

>> Steve: Not, just giving a little snippet.

>> Don Hawkins: Right. Go ahead.

>> Caroline: Don't forget how it ends with 10 and 11, where it says, you know, that he chastises the ones he loves. Isn't it odd that he ends all that with the chastisement, you know?

>> Don Hawkins: Right.

>> Caroline: And Even in Psalm 23, he says, the rod and the staff comfort us.

>> Don Hawkins: Hebrews 12 says that you, know his love. Right.

>> Caroline: He keeps us in his love. Brothers, I'm so thankful for our Lord Jesus Christ and the Father who's sent him.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen. Amen. I want to get Rodney to lead us in prayer for you, Jeff, as you travel through Arkansas.

>> Rodney Love: Father, I thank you for Jeff calling in as he travels through Arkansas. And I thank you for how he outlines some of the most amazing parts of this scripture, all these scriptures that I love, too. And I thank you, Father, for that. You let Jeff, just hear us and call in and encourage and encourage all of our leaders listening family out there. We love you. In Jesus name, Amen.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen. Oh, so good.

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Don Hawkins: Good to hear from you, Jeff. Take care and travel safely.

>> Caroline: Thank you, brothers.

>> Don Hawkins: And that frees up a line if you'd like to get through. 855-586-5433.

At least 850 people have been rescued from the Guadalupe River

we're talking about the trauma that people have experienced, in disasters like this. Rodney, I'd like to maybe get you to give us your certified Christian life coach, give us a little perspective on.

>> Rodney Love: Let me go back and tell you something that probably none of you know. Back when I was in college, I worked with a job of the U.S. army Corps Engineers. And one of my jobs when there were drownings, stuff like this, I was the one that was rescuing these people or, pulling them to the water. But y', all, you guys don't even know that. But that's what I did at one point.

>> Don Hawkins: We did not know that.

>> Rodney Love: And so I can. When these. When something happens like down in Kerr County, I can just picture what these guys are going through because I've been there, done that. And we need to pray for those guys because it is trauma. And also we need to pray for the families. The families right now, they go through the shock, the grief. I mean, so much is going on with them, and we need to pray for them. We also need to pray for the leaders down there like Christine Ohm and others that know how to comfort, will know what to say and how to comfort.

>> Caroline: Comfort.

>> Rodney Love: It's so much goes on with something like this, Don.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, and I think about the people from that camp where those children were, that Christian camp, young children that were down there, and, so many of them still missing and, just desperately in need of our prayers at this time. And, let's just pause for a moment and pray for them. Lord, we thank you that we have the privilege tonight on the air live to talk about the. This situation. And Lord, there are many people still wondering what has happened to my child or what has happened to my parents who were camped out along the Guadalupe River. And, that uncertainty is just eating away at them. So, Lord, somehow I pray tonight that you would bring encouragement and comfort and strength to those individuals. Lord, I think especially of the leadership and bored of Camp mystic and how this totally unexpected disaster has happened to them. and so many of their children have already, died as a result of what has happened, and many of them still missing and A, disaster that just was beyond despair. But Lord, we thank you that so many people have been rescued. Lord, we're told that 850 have been rescued, many of them by helicopter from treetops. And we praise you and thank you for that. And Lord, I do pray for the people who are involved in recovering the bodies of these individuals. At least 18 adults and 14 children's bodies have been recovered. and Lord, each one of those represents somebody who's been involved in, in having to to bring those bodies, back. And so Lord, we just pray somehow your grace, your strength would rest upon them. We thank you and praise you Lord for the opportunity that we have to extend encouragement tonight. We pray it in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Rodney Love: Amen.

Rodney: God gave Job back seven sons and three daughters after disaster

>> Don Hawkins: You know, I think about, Job and everything that he went through. Danny, we, someone touched on Job earlier in the program tonight, and he suffered the loss of seven sons and three daughters. And I know that God gave him back seven more sons and three more daughters, but I can't help thinking that there was still some grief that he and his wife felt over that loss.

>> Steve: Oh yeah, it was awful, I think. And he had a better response to it, I think, than his wife did.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah.

>> Steve: but. But certainly they both had had some just wrenching, you know, soul wrenching grief over the loss. Especially lost all of his cattle and his animals. He got back twice as many, of the animals, but he got back the same number of his children. And that's. And the reason for that probably is that, if his children knew the Lord, he really didn't lose them. He did. He got twice as many children too.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah, he'd be able to actually be able to, you know, to rejoice with all of those children when he gets to heaven. And we're so thankful for the fact that we have that hope of eternal life, Rodney. It's a tremendous thing for us to think about being reunited with those loved ones.

>> Rodney Love: Yes, it is. And that's what we have. We have the eternal hope in Jesus that if we put our faith in him, we have the eternal hope that we will be with our loved ones that have gone on before us that knew him. And that's what with this down there going on, if just the comfort that those families need, but also just to have the Christians reach out with Christian love to those people means so much.

>> Don Hawkins: You know, And I think about Christians, who have reached out already and not just on this program, but I think about those who've gone down there and volunteered. And I, think about people in the media who are, involved in covering this, disaster. I've been involved in covering a couple of disasters and. And you, may remember, Danny, the disaster that happened in Kansas City with the Hyatt Regency. John Maudi from our staff at kljc, went down there and actually had someone steal his recorder from him. And But he talked about the devastation, the, the bodies and that kind of thing. It's a devastating.

>> Steve: Yeah, I, I was, ah. I was not at KLJC at the time. I remember hearing about that. And I think John Matty did a great job, covering that, but, there was a lot of grief there too.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. And John, for many years the manager, WRJZ in Knoxville, where people listen to our program there, and we're, grateful for John and ask people to pray for him. He's had some health issues in recent years. And so, that's a very encouraging thing, as we wind up our program, and. And think about our country and, and. And what we have to be thankful for and the concerns that we have.

Rodney: We see a lot of civil unrest today

let's talk about a little bit of the, the things about not only, the importance of praying for our leaders, but Rodney, we're told in Romans chapter 13 that people are to be subject to the governing authorities because there's no authority except by God's appointment. And those authorities have been instituted by God. And those that respond resist that authority. Resist the ordinance of God. we see a lot of civil unrest today. We see a lot of people, who are, doing what they can to resist the authorities. talk about that.

>> Rodney Love: Yes, we do, Don. And that is really sad that that is going on right now. As far as people not wanting to honor what this country was founded on. I mean, literally, it's founding. The founding fathers of America outline how this country is to be founded on biblical principles and to respect our leadership. And they were put there by God, and that is not being in this country anymore. And again, I agree with Danny. When we. God was taken out of schools. When God went away, that's what started it.

>> Don Hawkins: Yeah. And. And Danny, your final thoughts as we come to the conclusion of.

American Family Radio is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year

>> Steve: Just a few minutes ago, I referenced the song, in times like these.

>> Don Hawkins: Yes.

>> Steve: but this year, this year, President Trump plans on celebrating the 250th anniversary for a whole year. The whole year. I would like believers who are listening right now to just, commit with us.

>> Don Hawkins: Yes.

>> Steve: That while everybody else is celebrating, we're going to celebrate, but we're also going to be praying for this country. In times like these, you need a savior.

>> Don Hawkins: Amen.

>> Steve: And be very sure your anchor holds and grips that solid problem.

>> Don Hawkins: If you haven't trusted him, tonight is the time to do just that. We've all sinned. The penalty for sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. You haven't trusted him as savior. If you're not sure of that right now, you say, lord Jesus, I believe you died for me and rose again. I'm placing my trust in you. And, then let us know about it. Go to encouragementlive.org Send us a message and let us know. Rodney, Danny, thank you both for your part in the program tonight. Thank you.

>> Rodney Love: We enjoyed being down. We enjoyed it.

>> Don Hawkins: It has been a joy. And thank you, friend, for joining us tonight for encouragement. Live Faith, Family, Freedom, American Family Radio. The enemy has pulled out all the stops to try to destroy the family for a very long time.

>> Caroline: That's why the American Family association stands.

>> Don Hawkins: Boldly in the gap to protect and strengthen this God.