In 2006 I heard a distinct thought (that did not appear to come from my own thinking) that I was to write a book on TV. I kind of said, "What?" I asked if it was to be an article on TV and I got the distinct impression God said it was to be a book.

What you may not know is that I was addicted to TV at earlier times in my life. As wastes of time go, it has been a fairly pleasant one for me. Anyway, God was with me as I dived into the writing of a book on TV and its effects on we of the Body of Christ. How it may not be the best way to "fill your lamp with oil" while waiting for the Bridegroom, if you know what I mean.

Time passed and the Lord had me take a job working for a disabled man in a nearby city. I worked two nights a week, staying overnight. He often went to bed early which left me trying to figure out what to do with myself. He had a very large TV and a subscription to satellite programming. Goodness gracious, it wasn't hard for me to figure out what to do. Watch TV! Tons of shows. The problem was God had inspired me to write a book on the effects of TV and He'd even had me title it "Shall I Pray or Watch TV?" I was caught between God's righteousness and my carnal temptations. I was not at home where my wife would gently remind me that I was over-indulging in TV. I was all alone. Rather, I was all alone--with God. After a few weeks of watching any of the adventure shows I wanted, the title of my book began to convict my heart. Yes, God, I'd rather pray than do this. I began to pray that as I cried out to the Lord for help. In a short time, I began to make my time at work a holy time by not turning on the TV and praying instead.

God, knowing that I would be tempted to watch TV at this job, which He knew I would be getting, had ME write my own antidote to the temptation. My prescription, so to speak. It read, "You shall pray, you shall not watch TV." The book truly helped me overcome a big temptation. Maybe it will help you, as well.