Giving Thanks

On this day before Thanksgiving, I'm thinking about more than tomorrow's feast.

I'm thinking about how good God is.

And how I so often forget to thank Him.

Even in the tough times, there are many things to be thankful for.

Things that aren't affected by the economy, the state of our relationships, the bad behavior of others, the pain of illness, or even the loneliness that arrives when you least expect it.

As followers of Christ we have:

1) Our salvation. On the worst days we can take heart that we are forgiven and we're heaven bound. Thank you Jesus, for purchasing that forgiveness by dying for my sins on the Cross.

2) The promises of God in the Bible.

Even if we lose everything those two brilliant things will remain.

Stand on the Gospel.

Stand on the promises.

Give thanks for both.

And then give thanks that you're able to read this blog.

To see.

To breathe.

To love.

I bet you can add many other things to that list.

Me too.

The 10 Unhealthiest Holiday Foods

Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away.

Visions of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, pumpkin pie... all dance in my head.

Why is it the stuff that tastes the best is the WORST for you?

One of life's great mysteries, I guess.

As we prepare to dig in this year... I thought you might want to share my guilt.

I wonder if your Thanksgiving dinner will include anything on Prevention magazine's 10 Unhealthiest Holiday Food List.

Click on this link for the slide show:

http://health.msn.com/nutrition/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100220702&GT1=31036

Hmm.....

Is it time for lunch yet?

Is It You?

I love this story of Jesus coming to the disciples in the middle of the night on the Sea of Galilee.
The storm is raging.. and they glance at something... no.. SOMEONE approaching them:

Matthew 14:26-31 (ESV) 26 when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

This weekend as I was reading these verses I saw something I never really considered before.
Jesus says.. "Hey Guys.... it's me!"
And yet Peter says.... "Lord... IF IT IS YOU......"

He was looking for some confirmation before he stepped out of the boat.
"If it's you in the midst of this storm Jesus.. show me."
"The wind is blowing, the waves are crashing, I can't see very well."
"Can you reassure me?"
Jesus says... "Come."

What mercy for a disciple who finds in himself a mixture of fear and belief.
An odd combination of faith and doubt.
Peter is a lot like me.

In your storm do you need to know what to do?
What step of faith you need to take?

"Jesus if it's you calling me to.........(fill in the blank) will you make it clear?"

The Lord gave Peter a confirmation before he hopped overboard to stroll on the water.
And the Lord was there when doubt blew in with the next wind gust.
The next massive wave.

Do you need confirmation in the midst of YOUR storm?
Jesus will give it to you.
When you need it.

And even so you might get "that sinking feeling" at some point as you step out.
He didn't let Peter go under.
He won't let you go under either.

Sharathon Day Three!

It's the final day of Sharathon!
A million thanks to all who have stepped out to support the work of SOS so far.
Can I just say thank you?
Thank you!

It's early in the morning and I thought I would check in with you before things get super busy.

Usually the final day is filled with all kinds of twists and turns as we head down the home stretch.
Don't forget you can give online at http://www.sosradio.net/sharAThon/shareAThon2008.html

God is so faithful!
He knows how much we need to serve you in the coming year.
And He also knows about how much you need in these tough economic times.
Let's hang onto His promise:

Philippians 4:19 (NIV) And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Blessings to you and yours!

Sharathon Day Two!

These are the first few minutes I've had all day to check in with you.
That's a good thing!
It means we're seeing a lot of action for day two of Sharathon!

Thank you so much for praying for us as we invite folks to invest in the ministry going on here at SOS.
It's been so much fun.

And wouldn't you know it, even in the midst of these 3 days of celebration God keeps reminding us it's all about ministry.

The stories of God's faithfulness from listeners continue to be amazing.
But in addition to that, I've had the opportunity to chat and pray for people one on one here at our studios.

What a privilege.
In the midst of the flurry of activity, these quiet moments on the sidelines remind me of why we do what we do every day.

It's a sacred trust.
Pray for us as we pray for you.
And support us if you can!

We thank God for you,
Kurt

Sharathon 2008 Day One

Wow. As I write this it's pretty early.

Gimme that coffee.

Okay.

Gimme some more!

Better.

I just wanted to make sure I checked in with you before things get REALLY crazy around here for Sharathon 2008.

I just ran down to the Phone Zone and our first 10 volunteers are all smiles!

They really are passionate about the ministry going on here at SOS.

What a huge encouragement for us!

Thank you so much for your prayers as we head into these very important three days.

We're commercial free, and all of our funding comes from folks like you.

If we have blessed you in any way, will you prayerfully consider supporting us on a regular basis?

Whatever you feel led to give is so appreciated!

Here's a link to give online:

http://www.sosradio.net/sharAThon/shareAThon2008.html

Join us on the air for the next few days.

It's so exciting to see how God provides.

It always builds my faith.

I know it will build yours too.

See Ya On The Radio,

Kurt

Sharathon: One Day Away!

Preparations for Sharathon are wrapping up this afternoon.

Those of us on the air have pretty much finished our production work.

Volunteers by the car loads have been trained on the computer system.

A thousand and one details have been checked and re-checked.

Awesome!

Wednesday through Friday we'll be asking you to invest in the ministry of SOS.

We're non-commercial, which means non-stop ministry and music.

No reason to stop for commercials!

The way we stay on the air is through the gifts of God's people.

People like you.

We're working hard to serve God every day by serving you.

I sure hope SOS has been a big encouragement to you and your family this year.

Will you ask God to show you if this is a ministry He wants you to support?

There are so many wonderful ministries doing God's work.

We're thankful for each and every one of them!

But over the next 3 days we're going to extend the invitation to join with us.

I hope you'll prayerfully consider our invitation.

Especially if we're a blessing to you!

Please pray for us.

We appreciate it more than you could ever know.

To God be the Glory!

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Happy Monday!

Many may think the greeting "Happy Monday" is an oxymoron.

You know, two words that don't go together but are used together.

They say as nicely as possible... "those two words don't go together.. you moron!!!"

Maybe they just need a more positive outlook on life.

Or perhaps a few anger management sessions would help.

I can't hide it: we're excited about this week here at SOS Radio.

Our fall Sharathon begins on Wednesday.

Since we're non-commercial Christian radio, we serve you through the gifts of God's people.

That's the way God has sustained this ministry for pretty close to 3 decades.

I can't wait to see how he is going to provide for YOUR SOS station this year!

I hope you've already committed to pray for us during this time.

And maybe you've read all about Sharathon on the website.

Thanks!

One thing I want to mention.. just in case you might have missed it... is the Caedmon's Call autographed guitar we're auctioning off to help raise money.

You can find it on Ebay by clicking this link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220313553306

You can help us AND get a really neat guitar.

I'm thinking this might make a great Christmas present for someone... hint hint!!

This week here on the blog things might be a bit out of the ordinary because of all of the action going on here at our network headquarters in Las Vegas.

But I'm sure we'll all do out best to keep you "posted."

Quite literally!

See Ya On The Radio,

Kurt

Smiles

Last night we had such a great time at the Matthew West concert here in Las Vegas!

Thanks to all who dropped by the SOS Booth to chat.

There's nothing quite like connecting face to face with you guys!

It's pretty obvious many are dealing with challenging times.

I hope we can be an encouragement to you in some way.

I know I was encouraged by a few conversations I had last night.

I spoke with a Christ follower who does some street preaching here in Las Vegas.

He's had to deal with a lot of opposition and spiritual attack this year.

He smiles through the pain.

Being bold for Christ can sometimes make you feel like you're walking around with a target on your back.

Or a sign that says... "kick me".

And yet he continues to run the race with his eyes on Jesus who said...

John 15:18-20 (ESV) 18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."

Another guy who works for a ministry told me that he's being laid off from his job in a couple of months. He's having a hard time finding work.

HE was smiling too.

"The Lord has something exciting for me I just know it!" he told me.

I believe him because he believes Jesus:

Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV) 31 "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

A woman who is disabled won tickets through our on air giveaway.

She's a retired school teacher who impacted many children's lives in the public schools here.

When school officials wouldn't allow her to host a Bible Club on campus, she just moved the meeting to a public park next door.

Once a week after school she would lead a fun, age appropriate Bible study for kids.

She started with one child.

When she retired, 75 kids on average would attend.

She had to retire for health reasons.

She lives by herself.

She still misses those classes.

She smiles.

"God is so good. He has a new ministry in mind for me now. I can't wait to see what it is!"

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

And then there was this truly inspirational couple from Pahrump, Nevada.

What great folks!

The husband has been out of work for about 14 months now.

Add two more smiles to the list, by the way.

They've tapped out their 401k to survive.

At first, they were beside themselves for having to take money out of the account.

But now, they see the wisdom of God in it.

The past 14 months they have spent tons of time together and it's made all the difference in their marriage.

"Just think," she says. "Given the economy and the stock market, we figure that money would have been gone anyway. We got to invest it in something truly special."

They wouldn't have traded this precious time with each other for a million dollar retirement fund.

Really.

"The best 14 months of our lives" the husband says.

Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflecting on these snapshots of faith in real life, I can't help it.

I find a smile sneaking up on me too.

Do you?

Luis Palau And Banana Peels: Profound Stuff

I just ran across an article that really hit me right between the eyes. It's from The Christian Post.

It's by a guy who remains one of the kindest, most gracious people I've ever had the privilege of interviewing: Evangelist Luis Palau.

He brings up some deep, significant points.

And he makes them simple enough to remember!

I don't know about you, but it's always helpful to me when the "cookies" are placed on the lower shelf.. where I can enjoy them.
Take a couple of minutes to slowly read through this piece.
You'll be all the better for it.
I know was!
See ya on the radio,
Kurt

Avoiding Spiritual Banana Peels
By Luis Palau
Christian Post Guest Columnist

Only four chapters in the Bible remain silent about sin and its dangers - the first two and the last two. Since Adam and Eve found themselves naked under the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin has been the lowest common denominator throughout the human race.

The apostle John spells this out clearly: "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8).

The deadliest sin is assuming we have no sin. None of us is free from the possibility of committing evil. Until we enjoy fruit from the tree of life in glory someday, we must admit our vulnerability.

"If you’re saying some sin could never get you," Dr. Howard Hendricks writes, "you’re about to step on a spiritual banana peel."

You and I both know of Christian leaders and lay people who have "suddenly" fallen into sin. Everything seemed to be going well for them, but one left his wife for another woman, or one attempted suicide, or one became an alcoholic.

How does this happen? Dr. George Sweeting comments, "Collapse in the Christian life is rarely a blowout - it’s usually a slow leak."

Our spiritual lives are punctured and in danger of collapse whenever we lose sight of who God is. To the degree that we do not know God, we sin.

Sin is man’s declaration of independence. The first step away from God is ceasing to appreciate who God is and failing to thank Him for His person and work in our lives.

Unthankfulness and other forms of disobedience - whether in deed, thought, or desire - produce certain results.

When we sin the Holy Spirit is grieved, Satan gains a foothold, we lose our joy in Christ, we find ourselves separated from God and other people, we become stumbling blocks to weaker believers, and we cause untold sorrow and grief.

Take spiritual inventory in your own life. Consider: Who is God in my eyes? What is my relationship with Him like? How often do I give thanks to Him?

Meditate on such passages as Psalm 34, Psalm 63:1-8, and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. Determine ways to apply these passages to your own life.

What comes to mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you. What comes from your lips throughout the day indicates whether or not you see and appreciate His sovereignty, His grace, and the other attributes of His deity.

Is the Lord speaking to your heart?

How is your relationship with Him? Confess any known sins to God, and decide that by God’s enabling you will live a life of holiness. Speak forth the praises of the Lord you love, and faithfully obey Him.
Collapse in the Christian life never needs to happen!

From Faster To Pastor

Life in the fast lane.

Literally.

Ray Reeder was an outlaw biker.

Translation: the toughest in a world of tough.

So tough in fact that when these guys write tough they spell it "tuff".

Drugs, crime, chasing women, violence.

Just another day for Ray Reeder.

"But Jesus."

Two words that changed his life now and forever.

With his past, how can he be a pastor?

He tears up when he talks about that part of his story.

I know.

I sat across from him in the studio just a few days ago.

Ray is a trophy of God's grace.

We all are if we accept Christ.

Believing He died on the Cross to take the punishment for our sins so we can be forgiven by a Holy God.

That He rose from the grave and is alive today.

Proof that God accepted that sacrifice.

None of us will ever be good enough to deserve it.

It's a gift!

And we never outgrow that gift.

We need forgiveness every day of our life.

You may be feeling a bit down today.. thinking about YOUR past.

Take heart.

And listen to the story of God's amazing grace extended to an outlaw biker who was traveling faster and faster in the wrong direction.

The details may be different.

But really it's our story too.

Click here for the first part of my interview with Ray on Total Impact.

Total Impact-Ray Reeder: http://www.box.net/shared/bct0oq3ks2

And listen tonight at 6:10pm Pacific for Part 2.

You can listen online: http://www.sosradio.net/mainIndex.html

See ya on the radio,

Kurt

Aiming At The Right Target

This morning I picked up my Bible and found myself in the book of Proverbs.

Truth in a nutshell.

Every verse is jam packed with lots of truth in a small package.

These are the verses that stopped me dead in my tracks:

(Prov 3:3-4 NKJV) Let MERCY and TRUTH never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

All mercy means anything goes in the name of love.

Truth takes a backseat.

Or no seat at all.

Jesus said...

(John 14:15 NIV) "If you love me, you will obey what I command."

All truth can make you a harsh legalist.

Paul said....

(1 Cor 13:1 NIV) "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."

I want to work more balance into my Christian life.

I always seem to hit the extremes instead of landing in the middle.

May Jesus be my model:

(John 1:14 NIV) "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of GRACE and TRUTH."

I may not hit the bull's eye.

I may hit innocent by-standers.

I may even shoot myself in the foot a few times.

Make that many times.

But the God of grace and truth helps me pick up the arrows.

Encourages me to try again.

Thank you, Lord.

I want to be even more like you with the next shot.

Need Some Extra Cash?

A challenging time when it comes to finances isn't it?

God promises to meet our needs as followers of Christ.

He can do that in all kinds of ways.

Maybe it will be an unexpected and unsolicited check in the mail.
Or just maybe that washer that's already 19 years old will last another 5.

I believe God can do that.
What's that to the God who created the universe?!
Sometimes we make God small and our problems BIG.
I'm talking to myself here.
God can also provide through the encouragement of others who have had to cope with tough financial times.

Like Christian author and speaker Donna Partow.
Donna has been a guest on our Total Impact segment several times.
Not long ago, she and her family faced a scary time when her husband lost his job.
They had to get creative.
And what she learned is both practical and uplifting.

There is hope!
There are quick ways to generate some income right there at home.
Take a listen to my recent conversation with Donna.

Donna Partow on Total Impact: http://www.box.net/shared/vxjust6thk

You'll find out how her faith (and the faith of her family) was strengthened in the midst of their financial storm.

Be encouraged,
Kurt

Barney: "Take That!"

When I was in journalism school, they always defined news this way:

News isn't when a dog bites a man

News is when a man bites a dog.

No exceptions.

Really?

I have one.

It's news when the dog lives in the White House.


Barney, did you do it just to make the news?

Maybe you're just trying to change your image with the press.

Or maybe you think it's time someone bit the paparazzi instead of it being the other way around.

As a dog lover, I've noticed something over the years.

Dogs are generally good judges of character.

If a dog likes you that says a lot.

Rabid, bloodthirsty, and neurotic dogs aside of course.

Sink your teeth into this video of Barney's recent encounter.





I wonder if this video will end up on Barney's official website?

Probably not.

But you can check out some more flattering SNAP-shots there.

Pun intended.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/barney/

Matthew West: Something To Say

We're really excited to welcome Matthew West to Las Vegas a week from today.

He and Josh Wilson will be in concert at Trinity Life Center.

For more specifics click here:
http://www.sosradio.net/concert.html

The concert is going to be the perfect way to get us ready for the SOS Fall Sharathon which runs November 19-21.

We're listener supported Christian radio, and Sharathon is your chance to partner with us in ministry to thousands!

It's a party both on and off the air.
In fact, if you would like to volunteer to help us behind the scenes here in Las Vegas, please give our volunteer coordinator a call: (702) 731-5452.
We'd love to have you!

Matthew West joined us on the afternoon show yesterday.
We talked about a lot of good stuff.
Everything from his "season of silence" due to problems with his vocal cords to his "Something To Say" tour.
God really has given him "something to say".
It's a message that might encourage you today.

If you missed our conversation, click on the links below for some highlights.
I know you'll be blessed!
Matthew West Part 1: http://www.box.net/shared/zojmbg7s9l
Matthew West Part 2: http://www.box.net/shared/1414astbtd

A Choice

Recently I was reading these verses out of the book of Genesis:

Genesis 3:1-6 (ESV) 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?"

2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, either shall you touch it, lest you die.'

4 But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate."

After reading and thinking about these familiar verses... it hit me.
God put the one "forbidden tree" in the midst of the garden.
Right where Adam and Eve would see it.
The fruit on it’s branches were obviously edible.
It looked delicious.
So why was it there where they could probably see it every day?

I think part of the answer is that there’s something about true love that leaves the door open to the possibility of rebellion.
God wants us to say to Him with all of our heart… YOU ARE ENOUGH!
I choose you above all else.
That moment comes to each of us as followers of Christ.


Have you had a big "crossroads moment" yet in your life?
The choice between Jesus and something or someone else.
A classic quote: "A faith that hasn't been tested can't be trusted".

It's a defining moment when we choose to follow Christ no matter what.
Even if he doesn't understand.
Even if she leaves.
Even if people think I'm a fanatic.
Even if my job will be in jeopardy.

At that moment do we love God more than the opinions of other people?
Do we love God's Word more than the word of even those closest to us?

This isn't easy... is it?

True love leaves the door open to rebellion.
True love chooses not to go through it.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV) " For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Get Out The Vote!

So... have you voted today?

Maybe you were an early voter.

Bravo!

My wife and I always like to vote on Election Day.

We were up early, at the polls within 20 minutes of the opening bell.

I thought it might be packed considering Nevada is a swing state this time around.

But it was kind of quiet.

A few folks casting ballots.

A few tumbleweeds blowing across the floor.

Ah well.

Maybe I was just too early for the crowds.

That's a good thing!

Hopefully, we're all praying for God's will in this election.

As I mentioned on the air, it's possible God's will might be different from our own.

That's where trust comes in.

Remember: He's still in control!

If you have a minute or so, read this Billy Graham Q & A from The Christian Post.

Good stuff to think about.. especially today!

Did Jesus Say Anything About Voting?
By Billy Graham
Christian Post Guest Columnist

Q: People keep urging me to vote but I think it's just a waste of time. I care what happens to our country and all that, but I don't think one vote makes any difference. And anyway, Jesus never said anything about voting, did He? - S.F.

A: Jesus didn't live in a democracy; the people of His day couldn't vote and they had no choice about who would rule them. Decades before Jesus' birth, the Romans had invaded that part of the world and they maintained their power by brute force.

But Jesus did teach us to be good citizens, and to work for a better world. The people of His day couldn't do much to change their world, but He said they should do whatever they could - and so should we. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's," Jesus told His listeners when they asked Him if they should pay their taxes (Mark 12:17).

The Bible also tells us to pray for those who are involved in government, "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2).

Let me ask you the same question I've asked others who say they aren't going to the polls because their vote won't matter: What would happen if everyone felt the way you do? You know the answer: In time, our democracy would come to an end. Don't take our freedoms for granted, and don't take our system of government lightly.

Ask God to guide you as you vote - and then make the effort to get to the polls during this election. And once the election is over, pray for those who have been elected, that they may seek God's will for our nation - and do it.

Healing IS Possible

Are you dealing with the aftermath of an abusive, painful past?

We're talking physical, emotional, or even spiritual abuse here.

Or maybe you're in an abusive situation right now.

Two things you need to know:

1. As a follower of Christ, you are NOT alone

2. There is hope in the moment and hope for healing because God is on your side.

With God all things are possible.

And He loves you more than you know.

Just look at the Cross.

Jesus Himself... the Son of God... took more abuse than any of us ever will. He understands.

Me... I'm no expert.

Not a pastor.

Not a counselor.

Not really an abuse survivor.

But I recently spoke with someone who is all of those things.

Her name is Linda Newton.

I've used some quotes from her book"12 Ways To Turn Your Pain Into Praise" both here on the blog as well as on the air.

Every time I do, someone lets me know how Linda's words have blessed them.

Linda is our guest for Total Impact tonight and tomorrow night, 6:10pm Pacific.

You can listen online: http://www.sosradio.net/mainIndex.html

Just click "Listen Live".

But as a bonus for checking out the blog.... and because I really feel like her message is so important... I'm posting the segments for you today.

You can listen when you get time.

And one very neat thing about Linda's thoughts: they apply to those who are struggling with ANY kind of challenge right now.

That's because they're so Biblical.

Set aside some time... and listen.

Maybe God will use Linda's words to help you resist the temptation to give into despair.

Turning Your Pain Into Praise Part 1: http://www.box.net/shared/qyo26frljk

Turning Your Pain Into Praise Part 2: http://www.box.net/shared/hbab9bzf9e

Be blessed!

Kurt