BBC Highlights

We were with the BBC crew of four most of the day on Wednesday. The director/interviewer, Tim Walker, is a young, pleasant, extremely quick study. He has immersed himself in the various Star of Bethlehem books and theories, read our site, watched our DVD, made himself completely competent to ask questions. For perspective, by now I've done some television. Tim was the most knowledgeable questioner by perhaps thrice. Guess that's how you get commission work from the world's largest broadcaster.

Why does the Lord choose wimps to do His work? After a day of questioning, ending around 7p, I was wholly exhausted. I was basically nonfunctional the following day, and have yet to fully rebound. Nerves are an energy waster, but there's a bigger reason. When the Lord assigns a task, I find He often sends a special measure of the Spirit to see it through. When the special need passes, so does the extra dose, which leaves one feeling like a deflated balloon. Phew.

High points. The interview went generally well. Tim and I got on well, although I suspect Tim gets on well with everyone. But there are special points for praise to God. Tim assigned a woman Anglican priest to be his neutral interpreter of scripture. She'll be referenced throughout the show. When asked to work on the Star of Bethlehem, she seemed uninformed and uninterested. When Tim called back three weeks later, she was totally animated. Tim said this was because she had been reading our Star web site! Of course, this doesn't mean she liked the site, but at least it got here rev'd up. After we'd been at it for a few hours, Tim mentioned that they hoped to produce another show about "Signs in the Bible". Later in the day, I offered to help with that, and Tim responded "You're on!" That's another bite at the apple, but also fairly guarantees that Tim will try to treat me fairly on the present project.

Most important hightlight? After our interview, Tim said that he wished he had a week to rethink and resort his script for the show. His original story line no longer seemed satisfying to him. This is important, people! Perhaps the Holy Spirit is talking to him! His schedule is beyond hectic, and he's off filming somewhere again on Monday. But he plans to use Saturday and Sunday to reevaluate and retune the thrust of his show. Does that sound like a call to prayer to you?

If you have time, join me in prayer:

"Father, thank you for special help in times of immediate need. Many of us have experienced this, and it is a delight, although exhausting.Thank you that this interview has the potential to bring you glory, depending on how Tim cuts it. And we especially thank you that Tim feels compelled to rethink matters! As he works this weekend, we ask that he make adjustments that maximize the glory you will receive. And we ask that regardless of the BBC's intention your Holy Spirit will speak to millions of viewers, calling them to yourself. We pray these things in the name of Jesus and for his glory! Amen."

Rick

PS: when I know more, I'll provide air times so you can view the results. Stateside, it will be on Discovery Channel.

Bit O' Euro News: The BBC is Coming

I hinted I might soon have some international news about the Star, and here it is: the BBC is flying to Texas to interview me next week. The British Broadcasting Corporation is the world's largest broadcaster. Their programing is viewed in over 200 countries, and is available to approximately 275 million viewers. The BBC is quite secular, of course, but they intend to broadcast a special on the Star this Christmas. I will be one of several people they interview, and I know they have concluded (before filming) that the Star mystery cannot be resolved.

A little real-life confession: I usually do OK with stress, but with high stakes events pending in my professional life as a lawyer, with managing the affairs of a recent death, with the BBC on the way, etc., I'm feeling it, now. I am sure you would all agree that sometimes events can overwhelm.

This morning before dawn I was involuntarily processing pretty hard on my tasks. Bet you've done that a time or two. In those hours when you're not really awake, problems seem worse, don't they? After I got up, I was talking to the Lord, apologizing to Him that I'm stressing when I should be trusting. Actually, I AM trusting, but that doesn't seem to erase the concerns!

I'm betting you can easily join me in prayer on this!

"Lord Jesus, you endured unimaginable stress on our behalf, and we thank you. We take comfort that you know the stresses of human life first hand -- you are our compassionate One. Some of us are really under it right now, Lord. Some of us have marital issues. Some are out of work. Some are in personal crisis. Some have a wayward child. Some are facing the World through a lens. You told us to be anxious for nothing, but that is not always easy. And sometimes it seems our bodies insist on exhibiting stress, even when our minds are trusting you. Sometimes our nervous systems "know" on a deeper level than our minds can control. Yet, you promise a peace that passes understanding, and we do claim that glad promise! Grant us peace, Lord. Grant us effectiveness. Help us ALWAYS to trust, for we have tasks to do, but the results are up to you. Help us. In the name of Jesus, amen."

Rick

PS: if you want to be praying, the BBC will be filming Wednesday, August 27