ALWAYS CHECK YOUR SOURCES! That’s a lesson I was reminded of recently. You see, I received an email with a really great story. In fact, it was so moving that I had pretty much decided to use it in an upcoming message. I told the person who sent it how much I appreciated it and his reply was, “Uh, look, before you share it you might want to check out snopes.com first.” I replied, “You mean it’s an urban legend and not really true?” “No, not exactly, it’s partly true. You might say that it has been embellished a bit," he answered.

I did check it out and sure enough, it was partly bogus. I don’t know about you but I don’t like half-truths, so I decided to scuttle it. Too bad too, because it was a great story even if someone made up parts of it! The moral: Beware of “electronic rumors.” I can’t believe how some folks have nothing better to do with their time than create misinformation and pass it on to millions via the net.

Speaking of rumors, back in March of 2008, Mart De Hann related the following in Our Daily Bread : “In April 2006, a stuntman tried to jump from the top of the Empire State Building. At the last minute, authorities restrained him and charged him with reckless endangerment. After a judge had looked carefully at all the facts, he dismissed the charges, noting that the accused had taken steps to ensure the safety of others. With a parachute strapped to his back, Jeb Corliss had safely made 3,000 previous jumps, including leaps from the 1,483-foot Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Eiffel Tower.

As extreme as Corliss’ sport is, it is safer than the kind of leap that almost took place in Joshua 22. Israel had just engaged in a 7-year conquest of Canaan. Suddenly, an alarming rumor raised the possibility of civil war. Word spread that the families who settled east of the Jordan River had built an idolatrous altar (v.10). A national catastrophe was averted that day, only because someone took time to investigate the facts and listen to both sides of the issue (vv.16-29). A terrible, costly misunderstanding was avoided. The wisdom of God was honored (v.31). Our loving Lord taught His people that the cost of listening is not nearly as great as the cost of jumping to wrong conclusions.”

Lest judgment should be based on wrong conclusion,
Distinguish right from vain and carnal pleading;
The world is rife with error and confusion;
Rely alone on God the Spirit’s leading. —Mollon

Jumping to wrong conclusions is one of the greatest of all dangers.

SPENT A WEEK IN FLORIDA AGAIN. Love to get out of the cold North for a few days and soak up some rays. We love Michigan, but let’s face it, we don’t see much of the sun between October and April. The highlight of this year’s trip was a visit to Campus Crusade’s headquarters in Orlando. We went there for two purposes: (1) to reconnect with an old friend who works there, and (2) to take the JESUS Film Project tour (which is free!). Can you believe it? Free! That’s pretty amazing when you consider how everyone has their hand out these days.

The JESUS Film Project is a ministry devoted to sharing Jesus through biblically-based, visual stories. Did you know that the JESUS film was taken directly from the Gospel of Luke and has been translated in more than 1,000 languages? Did you also know that more than 201 million people have indicated a desire to know Christ through this outreach tool? According to Dawn Ministries, three quarters of churches planted in the last decade around the world used the JESUS film as part of the church planting process.

We heard many amazing stories of transformed lives as we took the tour. One that stood out in my mind and heart involved the showing in a country in Africa. One evening, the film was shown by setting up a portable screen in a valley. The projection shown through the screen made it possible for people on either side to see the presentation. On either side of the screen were two different tribes that were sworn enemies. They had, in the past, been warring against each other. Now, here they were, on opposite hillsides viewing the greatest story every told. As a result, commitments were made, lives were transformed, walls were broken down, and a church was planted right there! Amazing indeed is the power of the Gospel to change lives.

Hundreds of Christian organizations, denominations, and individuals are using this amazing resource to touch hearts around the world. Needless to say, my wife and I were impressed and inspired as a result of this visit. If you’re ever in the Orlando area, be sure to check it out. You will definitely leave astounded and moved by what you see and hear.

MY GOOD FRIEND, Ron McClung shared an experience he had regarding the need to get his Indiana driver's license since moving to that state. I went through a similar experience several years ago when I located there. I'm sure many of you have gone through something similar and can therefore identify with his feelings. I'm not sure exactly where all of this took place, but I can hazzrd a guess: "Frustration City!" In any case, here's what he had to say about his encounter with some civil servants (and I use that title loosely):

"Before you can get a license on your car, you must have an Indiana driver's license," she said. "To get a driver's license, I have to see your license from your previous state of residence, your Social Security card, and proof of your residence, like a utility bill or a bank statement."

"But I don't have a Social Security card," I responded. "I can give you my number, but I lost the card many years ago and I never had it renewed."

"Then you will have to go to the Social Security office and get a new one. Or get a letter of verification that you are eligible for one."

"What about my passport? Will that do?"

"No, it has to be the Social Security card."

"What about my birth certificate? I can bring that in."

"No, it must be the Social Security card or the letter."

"But I work all day and the temporary license on my car is going to expire in a couple of days," I said, almost pleading.

"Well, then, you'd better get that letter, hadn't you?"

"You know, I have held a driver's license in Iowa , Kansas , Michigan , Delaware , and even Indiana many years ago, and I never had to prove I existed." I could feel my temperature rising, but was trying to be civil.

"That must have been before 9 – 11," she said. Nevertheless, when I mentioned I had once held a license in Indiana , she decided to see if I was in her system. No such luck. Of course, it was nearly 25 years ago.

"No, you’re not here," she announced. "You've been purged from the system."

"Yep," echoed her two co-workers, standing nearby, "you’ve been purged." What a delightful trio.

I took off work early, traveled a half hour to a nearby city, visited the Social Security office, and obtained the necessary letter. At this writing, I hope to get both my driver's license and new tags for my vehicle tomorrow.

The ancient Scriptures talk about a book in which names are written (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 20:15). If your name is written in that book, you have a place in heaven. I can handle not being in the Bureau of Motor Vehicles' computer, but I want to be sure my name is written in His book. Do you have that assurance?

PAUL HARVEY DIED THIS WEEK. There will never be another quite like him. He had an unusual way of capturing our attention and was a superb storyteller. Every day, twenty-two million people would “stand by” for his program. He was the most listened-to radio personality in America and to think that he worked at WKZO in Kalamazoo for a short time!

His loyal listeners tuned in regularly to hear his skillful blend of news and views. I had the privilege of hearing him speak many years ago when I was living in Western New York State. He had a way of holding his audience spellbound as he related the “Rest of the Story.” He was a member of the National Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame (he was a native of Oklahoma) and received dozens of awards and keys to more than 500 cities.

Mr. Harvey was considered to be a spokesman for conservative America, a true patriot, with an unflinching love for his God and country and his comments often reflected that.

He authored several books, three of which are part of my personal library. I can’t imagine any preacher not having availed himself of his writings. Here are some Harvey quotes that are true gems:

“Golf is a game in which you yell "Fore!", shoot six, and write down five”
“If there is a 50-50 chance that something can go wrong, then 9 times out of ten it will.”
“In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.”
“I've never seen a monument erected to a pessimist.”
“Retiring is just practicing up to be dead. That doesn't take any practice.”
“When your outgo exceeds your income, the upshot may be your downfall.”

An amazing man with an amazing voice, amazing mind, and amazing heart. America will miss him and so will I. Good Day!