May 3, 2010
The Hays Code
Matthew 10:14; Galatians 5

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES. BY GOD. For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

Oh how the mighty are fallen. Once society’s standard for morality and virtue, Hollywood and its products now set the bar for wickedness and vice with its incessant filth, lasciviousness and depravity.

Hollywood, once society’s standard for morality and virtue? That’s right, and by design too. In fact, when movies first started talking in the 30’s Hollywood initiated, installed, and enforced its own production code which largely mirrored the Apostle Paul’s moral code written to the Galatians close to two centuries prior.

Uncleanness, adultery, idolatry, and murders in the forms of nudity, illicit sex, homosexuality and violence all were taboo – not just hidden, but specifically not allowed!

Known as the Hays Code, the industry also prohibited movies from ridiculing religion, depicting drug use, or promoting “low, disgusting and unpleasant subjects”.

How did the once mighty fall so fast? The Body of Christ let its guard down of course and men who were lovers of their own selves, without natural affection, denying God crept in unawares. How do we help the fallen get back up? By lifting ourselves up naturally.

Next time you find yourself or any other member of your family in front of a screen, any screen – movie, TV, or computer – that promotes evil and pictures filth; get up, shake the dust from your sandals and flee.

If you have EARS to HEAR God’s Word, please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.

April 29, 2010

Teach Your Children

Psalm 78

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES. BY GOD. For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

If you have a heart for kids in the child welfare system, you can’t read Psalm 78 and not be moved.

All of American’s orphans are the fatherless our father’s heart aches for. Psalm 78 is all about father’s teaching their children all about God.

Who can deny the most-high God it begs? Who can forget His works, and His wonders that He showed them? Standing water up. Bringing streams from rocks. Raining food. Commanding the clouds and opening the doors of heaven? Who can deny all this?

Anyone who hasn’t been told, that’s who.

Like the Ethiopian prince taught by Phillip who asked “How would I know, no one has taught me”, children who have never had fathers certainly have no fathers to teach them about God.

And if you’ve never heard of God’s precious love, how could you ever put your faith in Him?

Second Peter 3:9 says that God is not willing that any should perish. Least of all His precious children. But in order to be saved they need to be taught. By their Fathers. According to God’s plan. Has the Lord placed a fatherless child on your heart…to teach?

If you have EARS TO HEAR His call please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org or call 315-687-5322. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.

April 27, 2010

God’s M.O.

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES. BY GOD. For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

Studies suggest that only one out of every ten couple considering adoption actually go through with it. Why such a horrid ratio? Two reasons often given are that the problem is just too big or our talents are way too small. Some say “You can’t save them all”; others can’t believe God is calling them to such a critical assignment.

And maybe they’re right: we can’t save them all. But God can. As for disbelieving how God wants to use us: employing our paltry skills to overcome insurmountable odds is exactly God’s M.O.

Moses led his people right into ruin at the Red Sea until God saved the day. Do you actually believe David could’ve beaten Goliath with a slingshot if not for God’s help? Who could ever imagine trumpets toppling city walls, or 12 ignorant apostles spreading the Gospel? Please, thank God we don’t have to rely on our skills.

If God is calling you to adopt a child, don’t question His wisdom. He knows exactly how he made you and what is in store for you. He’ll go ahead of you and give you the right words at the right time. He’ll make your crooked paths straight. Don’t bother yourself with picking out the “right” child, or making sure it’s the right time. Your only job is to say “Yes, Lord” and obey.

If you have EARS to HEAR God’s heart for adoption, please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.

April 26, 2010

The Elderly

Proverbs 23:22

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES. BY GOD. For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

Why is it that with cheese, wines and artifacts, the older they are the more revered they become but with people aging appears repulsive? It’s hardly Biblical but age is currently viewed as some incurable disease to be fought or ignored – hardly embraced.

We know that’s not pleasing to God as “honor your father and mother” is not a suggestion but a command. And if that’s not enough Jesus, in Mark chapter 7, puts the exclamation mark on the decree telling the Pharisees who disgraced their parents “He who speaks evil of his father and mother, let him surely die”. That’s pretty strong.

So what does God intend by honor? Solomon gives us a clue in Proverbs 23 when he writes “listen to your Father and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Some of the greatest lessons of life can be learned from those who lived them.

Timothy put that advice to good use as he learned from the apostle Paul, who by the way is the same old warrior educating many of us today as we read much of the New Testament.

The elderly in our communities still have an assignment just as you and I do. They still have value, just as you and I do. And they still have something to give, maybe it’s a gift for you or me. Visit them won’t you?

If you have EARS to HEAR God’s love for His children, please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.

April 22, 2010
“You Mean This Week?”

EARS TO HEAR is the radio ministry of FAMILIES.BY GOD. For EARS TO HEAR, here’s Tim Glisson.

Experts disagree on how to assess the vitality of a neighborhood: economists look at housing stock, politicians look at the sidewalks, and business looks at… well, business.

I say if you want to know how a neighborhood is doing ask the kids who their father is, and then watch their faces.

If you get a bright smile complete with wide eyes it’s a sure sign dad is present and correct. And that’s a great thing for a neighborhood to have. Dads who love their kids work hard to provide for them. Dads who love their kids train them up God’s way. Dad’s who love their kids don’t tolerate disrespect, delinquency, or dysfunction for them, or anyone near them.

But if you get a a downward glance, bewilderment, or even a question in return such as: “You mean this week?” and you’ve got troubles

Without a strong man guarding the house the devil will waltz right in and turn it over to reprobate minds: boys in men’s bodies full of profane and vain babblings stealing righteousness like a canker worm; drugs will run rampant, crime will sky high and fear of the Lord will cease.

It’s happening across the country. It’s happening in your city. It’s happening right down your street. Men, the fields of the fatherless need us.

If you have EARS to HEAR, please visit our website at FAMILIESBYGOD.org. For EARS TO HEAR, I’m Tim Glisson.