When Juli and I were dating back in '76, (At the age of 8, ahem) Jim Dobson was just launching the Focus On The Family radio broadcast. As a (very) young couple interested in building our relationship for life, we listened to tapes from him and caught him on the radio whenever we could. After our wedding, we listened religiously and rarely missed a day. In 1989 my job took me to Medford, Oregon and with it came a difficult schedule, short commute, and missed broadcast times. We listened whenever we could, but relied on books and tapes for that extra help raising our three kids and dealing with the issues that come up in marriage relationships. In 1996 we moved to Yuba City and bought our first real home computer, along with e-mail and a dial-up internet connection. WooHoo!
With that internet connection came the freedom to listen to Focus On The Family when it suited us if we were near the computer. As anyone with dial-up knows, we would have to endure lost connections and poor fidelity, but if Juli heard "a good broadcast" on the radio that day while I was at work, we would "go online" so I could hear it too.
About two years ago I began to hear the word "podcast" and wondered what it was. As I learned, podcasts are simply broadcasts that have been made available for download the way you would download a song. Eventually I figured out how to subscribe to various podcasts for my iPod, and that is where this post really begins, because this is really about the incredible spiritual growth and encouragement that is available to all of us through this tool. I would like to briefly share the podcasts I subscribe to so you can get an idea how you might be able to use them yourself.
Since Juli and I credit Dr Dobson (Focus On The Family) for much regarding the success of our marriage, we were ready to return to a daily dose of the broadcast when I began downloading it every day. We have disciplined ourselves to listen to each one completely even though they don't always deal with our own personal situation. There are broadcasts that deal specifically with babies (we have none) or the elderly (we do have elderly friends, like the Browns and Barlows) or political concerns (California's propensity to attack the family.) The amount of input and encouragement was felt immediately and was very welcome.
I have also had much respect for Charles Colson because of his passion for Truth and Justice. His constant encouragement to think, teach, and live Christian Worldview has been related in a four minute broadcast called Breakpoint. I used the written transcript of that broadcast for years in encouraging our Cornerstone High School students to think Christian Worldview. I now download and listen to the podcast every day.
Another favorite has been Family Life Today. It is a consistently marriage-centered broadcast that includes the twists and turns encountered by most couples. Again, Juli and I listen to every single one and the value of constant positive influence cannot be overstated.
Last I want to recommend The Bible Answerman. Since I began listening to that podcast, I feel like I have been going to the Bible College I never had the chance to attend! Hearing people ask questions about difficult passages of scripture and realizing I have had the same question before. Hearing about different cults and how they believe and how to best reach people in those cults with Truth has given me greater confidence in what I believe and how to share those beliefs with conviction and accuracy.
I have been impressed with the amount of time my ears have compared to my hands! The total time I spend per day listening to podcasts and the Bible is in the three hour range. I find that time as I prepare for work, drive to work, working alone, driving while at work, and multiple other times. If you see this as a way to greatly increase your spiritual diet, one of the main locations for Christian podcasting is OnePlace.com. It is a simple process of registering (they are mostly free) and subscribing. You may do this and listen on your computer as well. The iPod just makes it possible to take your teacher with you!
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