Experts say you don't need a polygraph to detect when someone's lying. Do they avoid eye contact? Are they fidgety? Do they answer questions not asked or overemphasize details? Do they touch their nose? There's a real good chance we're face-to-face with someone trying to deceive us.

Problem is few of us can say with integrity that we practice truth-telling. We're convinced that lying is the exception and truth-telling the rule. But deep inside we feel guilty when we exaggerate. When we play spin- doctor. When we tell half-truths and little white lies. What does the Bible say about that? Why do we lie? How can we start telling the truth? Join us Sunday as we continue our Fall message series X. This weekend we come to the Ninth Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness."

Allen

Are you thankful? Thankful for a day (or more) off this week? For all the food you can eat (and more) on Thursday? For all the football you can watch (and much more) over the next several days? There's a lot to like about Thanksgiving! But can we really be any more thankful this week than we are every other week?

Why is it that people who seemingly have the most to be thankful for are sometimes the least thankful? And why is that people who seemingly have the least to be thankful for are sometimes the most thankful? Seems to me thankfulness is an attitude. Some people have it. Others don't. It's not about the possessions we have in our home but the people we have in our heart. Most of all it's about the Person we have in our heart - Jesus - if in fact we do have Him. Or perhaps I should say if He has us.

Allen

One year when I was growing up, I received a small television set for Christmas. It was my first TV and I couldn't wait to watch shows like Speed Racer in my own bedroom. But it would have to wait because we went to spend a couple days with family out of town. When we returned, we discovered that someone had broken into our house while we gone and taken our Christmas gifts. Including my TV.

We've all had things stolen from us. Truth is we've all stolen things ourselves. What does God say about stealing? Why do people do it? Why do we? Join us Sunday as we continue our Fall message series X. This weekend we come to the Eighth Commandment: "You shall not steal."

Allen

Another Presidential election - another cliffhanger. At this point, it would appear that the President has been reelected. Regardless of who you voted for, I'm proud of everyone at Calvary Austin that voted. About half the people who attended Sunday indicated they had participated in early voting. No doubt many more voted yesterday. I saw some interesting exit polling last night indicating that, at least in some parts of the country, voters were influenced more by morals than by the economy or terrorism. That brings me to our Fall message series X. This weekend we come to the Seventh Commandment as we talk about "Making Marriage Last." If you're married and want to affair-proof your relationship and make it last, or if you're single and look forward to a loving, lasting marriage one day, this message is for you.

Allen