Goff's Digest

Don't Dodge Doctrine

2010-03-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

I just returned to my desk from the studio.

Can I just say "Thank you Lord" for the conversation I had with pastor/author Joshua Harris?

We were chatting about his new book "Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I believe and Why It Matters".

This is a must read!

We have to be grounded in the truths of Scripture.. who God REALLY is... what Jesus has done.. what it means to follow Christ.. God's sovereignty... His love.

The fancy word for it is doctrine.

I know.

Scary word.

Dry word.

But God is bigger than the word.

It leads us to worship the God who is.. not the God we create in our minds.

I'll be sharing portions of my interview with Josh on the FLN afternoon show soon.

Stay tunned.

Even better: Buy the book and read it.

Slowly.

And then read it again.

It'll do your life good.

It Really IS An Adventure!!

2010-03-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Stranger..... how have you been?

It feels so good to sit down and write this blog entry!

The past few months have been such fun. Between the move and the new radio show.. it's been crazy. But what a privilege!

God has been so good to us all. Serving at the Family Life Network is a blast! And meaningful!

The afternoon show launched in mid-October and from the very first day the FLN listeners embraced us with open arms. God is at work big time in this part of the United States!

Thank you Lord for such kindness.. and thank you FLN Family!!

We've been using Facebook a ton for "Afternoons with Kurt & Jean".

Here's the link: http://www.fln.org/about-us/facebook-directory/

Just click on the afternoons page.

This is the verse that God impressed on me many times as we made the decision to move to New York:

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. "

As God's wonderful plan unfolds I can tell you from personal experience God is faithful!

When you feel lost.

When you feel like giving up.

When the heat is on.

When you're confused.

When the money is running low.

Or running out.

When you're trying to be faithful on the job and things get worse.

When you're out of answers.

Out of hope.

He walks with you through it.

Then he carries you.

And when he brings you out it'll be so swift and so overwhelming you'll barely be able to catch your breath.

I know.

I'm still trying to catch mine.

A New Adventure!

2009-09-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Change is in the air.

I guess you could say change is on the air too!

After 8 and-a-half awesome years at the SOS Radio Network in Las Vegas, I'm moving on to a new assignment: Co-Hosting the Afternoon Show on The Family Life Network.

FLN is a non-commercial Christian radio network based in beautiful Upstate New York.

Right now the network has about 70 broadcast outlets throughout New York and Pennsylvania.

They're growing by leaps and bounds!

God is doing some amazing things through this group of godly people.

There are so many new and exciting things going on at the ministry that I can't list them all.

So.....click on this video to see what I mean:

Discover: Family Life Network (full resolution) from Family Life on Vimeo.

You can't have a beginning without an ending though.

Sigh.

How can I put it into words?

SOS listeners thank you!

Thank you for listening.

Thank you for making me smile.

Thank you for your calls and thoughts on the show.

Thank you for your many kind words.

Thank you for your prayers. For me and my family.

Thank you for being such good friends.

Some of you in Southern Nevada remember my days on TV.

Has it really been that long ago?!

Some of you I've met face to face.

Others on the phone.

Still others through email.

I have always walked away from these encounters thanking God for the honor of serving Him by serving you.

I don't deserve to serve such an awesome God.

Even on my best days I fall way short.

But because of His grace, I can embrace the role He has for me.

And you can too. Believe it!

I hope you'll keep checking in with the blog.

And you can listen to the new show online at http://www.fln.org/

Looks like I'll be starting there on Monday, October 12th.

See ya on the Internet.... or.....

See ya on the radio!

Is Mom Always Right?

2009-09-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

She always seemed so confident when she said things like....

"Don't sit so close to the TV. You'll ruin your eyes!"

"Don't frown, you'll get wrinkles!"

"Put on a coat, you'll catch cold!"

You remember those don't you?

Maybe if you're a mom you've said some of the same things.

Well...the researchers put mom to the test.

Was she... is she... right about some of this stuff?

Click on the link to find out.

Is Mom Always Right? http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/11/parenting.rules.mom/index.html

Feeling Sleepy

2009-09-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

There's one thing that absolutely drives me nuts.

Waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep.

Do you deal with the same problem?

Here are some tips that make a lot of sense:

Keep the room dark when you wake up. Keep a small book light or mini flashlight next to your bed and use it to navigate your way to the bathroom, or put a dim night-light in the bathroom and leave the door cracked, so you can find your way there. Whatever you do, don't turn on the overhead light in the bathroom once you're there.

Don't turn on the TV or computer. Nope, not even for a few minutes—the light from the screen "resets" your internal clock, stimulating your central nervous system and making it harder for you to fall back asleep.

Don't eat unless you're truly hungry. Getting your digestive system revved up can keep you awake, so avoid snacking unless a growling stomach is going to keep you awake. Better yet, learn the foods that help you sleep as well as the foods that interfere with sleeping.
Keep a pen and paper next to your bed.

If you're often kept awake by racing thoughts and worries and you tend to make to-do lists in your head, keep a pen or pencil and a small pad of paper handy and write them down. As you put each item down on paper, imagine yourself setting aside that concern. (Again, use a book light; don't turn on the overhead or a bright bedside light to write.)

Do a simple isolation and relaxation exercise. Relax methodically, starting with your feet: Tense the muscles as hard as you can, then relax each area completely. Do the same with your calves, thighs, buttocks, hands, arms and on up. By the time you get to your neck and head, you should have banished much of the tension."-Courtesy of Caring.com

All of that is good and practical advice.

But for the Christ follower, prayer can make a big difference.

Use the opportunity to pray for others.. and yourself.

End your prayer with a request: "Lord, will you help me get back to sleep?"

Remember this verse as you drift off:

Psalm 127:2 (NIV) "..... He grants sleep to those he loves."

Don't you feel sleepy already?

Stop Child Trafficking Now

2009-09-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've seen the news stories about the tragedy of child trafficking for the sex trade.

Your blood boils... and you've asked yourself.."What can I do to help stop this?"

There's a national organization you need to know about.

It's called Stop Child Trafficking Now: http://www.sctnow.org/

While other organizations work on rescuing the kids, this group focuses on the predators.

For the details click and listen to my recent conversation with Joseph South from the Las Vegas office:

Stop Child Trafficking Now-Las Vegas: http://www.box.net/shared/3gfok50c8u

One of the things we talk about is the walk to raise awareness coming up on Saturday, September 26th in downtown Las Vegas.

Here's a link to register and get more details: http://sctnow.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=570&destination=E

Thanks for caring about the kids!

Nick Scores Again!

2009-09-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

When I first interviewed Nick Vujicic, he had just appeared on ABC's 20/20.

I knew he was something special.

But I was floored when I had the chance to speak with him.

I can't recall a more powerful and inspiring conversation in my 8+ years here.

You see, Nick was born without arms or legs.

As a child he tried to commit suicide.

"Why am I like this?" he cried to God.

God doesn't always answer the "Why Question".

But this time He did.

Nick picked up his Bible and read these words:

John 9:1-3 (ESV) "As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him."

"I was born this way for the glory of God."

"To point others to Him."

Nick accepted Christ and began to grow in the faith.

And God has given him opportunities to share the good news of Jesus in places other people would never be able go.

Sunday night he was given the opportunity to speak a huge audience at the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle.

Amazing!!!!

He's only the third evangelical Christian to do that in the past 100 years.

Here are some articles from the local Salt Lake City News Media

Click here for Deseret News Article

Click here for KSL-TV News link

Click here for Salt Lake Tribune link

Here's his website: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

You'll find all kinds of great videos there.

Here's one I like a lot.

Nick visits with Greg Laurie:

Freebies

2009-09-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Free.

A great word.

A word filled with many possibilities.

A word not limited by phrases like....

"It's not in the budget!"

"We can't afford that!"

"It costs... how much?!"

Maybe it's time to embrace your inner tightwad.

Click and read on for a few freebies courtesy of Kiplinger.com:

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/107638/fabulous-freebies-2009.html?mod=banking-budgeting

Tips you can use.

At no extra charge.

A Friday Funny

2009-09-11T12:40:00.001-07:00

And so the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert wilderness.....

Trial By Fire

2009-09-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Are you in the midst of some kind of fiery trial right now?

You're in the furnace.

The heat keeps getting turned up.

"Does the Bible have anything to say to me today?" you ask.

It sure does.

Just one example: What happened to three guys named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Remember them?

Their story is in the book of Daniel Chapter 3.

They're in Babylon when King Nebuchadnezzar sets up this huge statue of himself.

When the music plays.. everyone has to bow down and worship the statue.

Not our three heroes from Israel.

They only worship the one true God.

This leads to a trial by fire.

Literally.

Because they refuse to worship the idol, they're thrown into a blazing hot furnace.

Daniel 3:21-27 (ESV) "Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace.

Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."

He answered and said, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods."

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!"

Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men.

The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them."

Yes... they were thrown into the fire.

Circumstances were bad.

Very bad.

But they never let go of their faith.

I think this snapshot BEFORE they were tossed into the furnace really highlights a faith that trusts in God no matter what the outcome might be:

Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV) "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

"God is able to deliver us...........BUT IF NOT....."

God can do it.

But in his infinite love and wisdom He may not.

That's okay.

He knows best.

He's sovereign.

At that point they didn't know how this whole thing was going to turn out.

Either way God was to be worshipped.

And even though he let them be thrown into the fire, He was with them.

They were in trouble but with God.

A safe place to be even if it doesn't look all that safe.

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV) "..... when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Clear the smoke from your eyes.

You'll see Someone standing right there with you.

Okay. So Now I'm Afraid.

2009-09-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Danger is lurking in the most unlikely of places.

It's germ warfare.

Every time one of these articles appears I tell myself I'm not going to read it.

And every time I do.

Call it morbid curiosity.

Call it news you can use.

You know you're just as curious as I am.

Click if you dare:

8 Things in Your Home That May Be Harming You:
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100243934&GT1=31036

Level 3 Wisdom

2009-09-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!

I always love having Ray Pritchard on the show.

He's a former pastor, longtime author, and now the head of Keep Believing Ministries.

Here's some insight from his blog today:

"I received an e-mail from a friend who endured a very difficult trial that lasted for several years. He wrote to say how his ordeal has changed his view of what it means to know God.

There are three levels of knowing God, he wrote....

"First, there is the level of experience. All of us who know the Lord have some experiences with him that we can use to help others.

Second, there is the level of knowledge. This comes from going to church, listening to sermons, reading the Bible, reading good books, going to a Christian college or to a seminary.

Most people consider knowledge a higher level of the spiritual life. “This is a level I tried to work from, but it did not seem adequate,” my friend said. But there is a third level, which he called the level of wisdom. This level comes only by prayer.

He offers this very helpful insight about a Level 3 relationship with God:

We begin to see things through God’s eyes and less through our eyes. Peace only comes from this level. It is not measurable, explainable, nor understandable.

Levels 1 and 2 are not prerequisites. I see prayer lifting the illiterate to great levels of peace and wisdom where certain PhDs in religion may feel empty. Our prayers become less “gimme” and more “Help me see what you want me to learn through this—to deepen my relationship with you."

God invites us to seek his face. He wants us to know him better. It’s not as if our Heavenly Father is hiding himself from us.

As my friend has discovered, out of pain comes prayer and out of prayer comes a closer walk with God who is the source of all wisdom."

Isn't that good stuff?

Check out his ministry: http://www.keepbelieving.com/

See ya on the radio!

Face Decorations

2009-09-04T07:47:00.001-07:00

It's amazing what you can do with a little facial hair.

Or a lot of it.

This guy to my left looks like he's wearing a white octopus on his face.

I mean that in the nicest possible way, of course.

He's a contestant in The World Beard and Moustache Championships.

I know.

I didn't think there was such a thing either.

Some of the photos are so cool they make a guy seriously consider entering next year's competition.

For about a half a second.

Until he thinks about breaking the news to his wife.

He pictures her threatening to wear a bag over her head when they go out together.

It's only then that he realizes the true ramifications of his decision to turn into a walking canvas for facial art.

For a few grins check out some photos from the competition:

The World Beard and Moustache Competition:

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1658835_1439509,00.html

Catch The Wind

2009-09-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Are your sails up?

Or are you simply exhausted from trying to row the boat yourself?

The Christian life isn't supposed to be lived based on what WE can do.

It's God's Holy Spirit working in us that carries us through life.

Isn't it interesting that the Holy Spirit is often linked with wind?

Acts 2:1-2 (ESV) "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting."

Jesus said....

John 3:8 (ESV) " The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

The Apostle Paul wrote....

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.."

This verse is really interesting.

In the original Greek the word "filled" presents a word picture of a sail being filled with wind.

We aren't alone on the sea of life with only a pair of oars.

Prepare your heart and you'll find the sail.

Put it up.

Can't you feel a breeze stirring already?

Books As Missionaries

2009-09-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday I mentioned how valuable good Christian books can be.

That's why I was excited to find a ministry that firmly believes these kinds of books are missionaries.

Going places and impacting lives.

Christian Library International distributes donated Christian books to US prisons.

The mission of CLI is to bring Christ to the imprisoned.

Since its founding in 1996, CLI has helped thousands of incarcerated men and women find new hope in the healing powers of Christ.

With a small Christian staff and a team of devoted volunteers, CLI maintains a low overhead, ensuring that the bulk of the resources go directly to the prisons it supports.

CLI's success depends on the prayers and generosity of individual donors as well as local churches, foundations and Christian publishers.

To learn more click on the link:

Christian Library International:
http://www.christianlibraryinternational.org/

Whiplash The Cowboy Monkey

2009-09-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the show I told you about a small cowboy who triggers big smiles.

It's... Whiplash... The Cowboy Monkey!

When I was working in TV news back in Colorado Springs, I was assigned to "get a cowboy story" at the local rodeo.

I'd covered my share of rodeos while working in Texas and Oklahoma, so I yawned.

But imagine my surprise when I ran into Whiplash and his trainer at the rodeo grounds!

I couldn't believe it.

I struck feature story gold.

Whiplash was riding high in the saddle.

Decked out in the finest cowboy wear.

The western shirt.

The scarf.

Ten ounce hat.

Chaps with big W'S on them.

Riding on a border collie.

Rounding up goats.

Loving every minute of it.

I think that story ended up on CNN Headline News.

Since that time, he's been on The Today Show, Good Morning America, ESPN Sportscenter, Etc.

When I decided to Google him, I found all kinds of fun stuff.

Check out this commercial he starred in:

Here he is in action at the rodeo:

Also... you know everybody has a website.

Here's Whiplash's: http://www.whiplashrides.com/

Also, more details on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiplash_the_Cowboy_Monkey

Ride Whiplash!

Ride like the wind!

And one more thing.

Don't forget to hang on.

Encouragement From Dusty Pages

2009-08-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

I guess you might say my main hobby is reading.

It's all about the books.

The Bible is number one.

But good Christian books that can encourage, instruct, and make me think are priceless too.

My books are my friends.

Old classics.

Forgotten titles that shouldn't be forgotten.

New titles that bring old truths into the 21st Century.

Biographies.

Commentaries on the Bible.

A library filled with these kinds of books is a living library.

When life happens I can grab my Bible.

I can also grab a Christian book that speaks to me at that moment.

I may have read it months or years ago.

But I open it and God uses the words to speak anew.

It's a fresh dose of encouragement from dusty pages.

These books travel with me through life.

Just yesterday I picked up "Made For His Pleasure" by Alistair Begg.

I opened it to a chapter with the title "Finding The Ideal Place To Serve God."

A few words hit the sweet spot of my soul:

"The Bible makes it clear that God's call is not primarily about geography. We are called...

According to God's purpose (Romans 8:28)

By His grace (Galatians 1:15)

Through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14)

Heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14)

Out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9)

To belong to Jesus (Romans 1:6)

To be saints (Romans 1:7)

To be holy (1 Corinthians 1:2)

To live in peace (1Corinthians 7:15)

To one hope (Ephesians 4:4)

To His eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10)

Even in this brief selection, it's apparent that God is more concerned about what is happening than where it's happening.

We need to be thinking theologically rather than geographically."

Seems to me that's a healthy word for all of us.

Where is the ideal place of service?

It's where God puts us.

I think of Jesus calling the disciples to follow him in Luke 5:11:

"And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him."

The first disciples, in obedience to the call of Jesus, left behind normality and security and began a journey into the unknown.

A place where theology and geography collide.

A place where I know I'm supposed to be.

A Parable from the Beach

2009-08-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy having pastor/evangelist Greg Laurie on the show.

I ran across a recent video he made where he brings the Parable of the Sower to life at the beach near his home in Southern California.

I think it's very cool because Mark records that Jesus taught this parable "by the sea". (Mark 4:1).

If you have a few minutes... take a look.

You'll be blessed.

Somebody Loves You

2009-08-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend the message of God's amazing grace gets kicked up a notch here in Las Vegas.

Raul Ries and the Somebody Loves You team will be coming back to the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV.

Everything is free!

Really it's two events in one.

On Saturday, it's the Exit Concert.

On Sunday, it's The Somebody Loves You Worship Event.

Exit will focus on the kids.... and the potential for reaching them for Christ is HUGE!

Raul will be speaking at both events.

I chatted with him recently about his upcoming visit to Vegas:

Raul Ries: http://www.box.net/shared/ovrcf98xld

No matter where you live I hope you'll be in prayer for the outreach.

Here's a link to get more info: http://www.somebodylovesyou.org/news/index/las_vegas_fact_sheet.html

Walking In Circles

2009-08-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like no matter how hard you try, you're walking in circles?

A preliminary study by European scientists says that you may be.

According to the study carried out using global positioning software, the myth that people who try to walk a straight line and find themselves going in circles is actually true.

The study was carried out by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and published in Current Biology.

Studies of nine people walking in the desert and in a forest found that all tended to go in circles and/or veer from a straight line if there was nothing to guide their way.

Walkers were only able to walk in a straight line when they could see either the sun or the moon.

Our walk through life can be like that.

Clouds can roll in to obscure Jesus.

A health crisis.

A tough relationship.

A financial setback.

A child turning away from the faith.

A rejection.

A misunderstanding.

But even on a cloudy day the sun is still shining above the clouds.

We know it's true.

Even if we can't see it right now.

Keep walking.

Use your Bible as your compass.

Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path."

It'll help you see Jesus with the eyes of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) "... for we walk by faith, not by sight."

God makes straight the crooked path.

Proverbs 3:6 (ESV) "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

We might as well practice living this way as Christ followers.

That way it'll be business as usual when we walk the streets of the New Jerusalem in the age to come.

Revelation 21:23 (ESV) "And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb."

When It's Time To Go

2009-08-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

You can't go with God and stay where you are.

That's a simple thought that can take on a whole new dimension when God says... "It's time to go."

There's a place for waiting on God.

Absolutely.

But once he gives you the green light, it's time to release the brake and hit the gas.

The God of the universe is calling!

Can there be anything more exciting?

Hang on for the ride of your life!

And yet many of us sit at the green light.

Foot on the brake.

It may not be very much fun here at this stoplight but we've gotten used to it.

We can learn to ignore the honking of the cars behind us.

They can go around.

And they do.

We pray....

"Lord, lead me."

"Lord, guide me."

"Lord, use me."

But when he says "Yes"... and the light turns green.. we say "No Lord".

How can we use those two words together?

If He's truly Lord how can we say "no?

"But I'm afraid."

"I've never headed in that direction before."

"What if the road gets rough?"

"What if I run out of gas?"

What if....... What if.

"What if the road is beautiful?"

"What if I meet all kinds of wonderful people?"

"What if you use me in a much bigger way than I ever expected?"

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) "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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever."

Now that I think about it.... sitting at God's green light doesn't even mean staying where we are.

We're actually going backwards.

Throwing it in reverse.

We soon find out the old familiar scenery looks strange now.

Distorted.

That's because God's good plan for us is just ahead.

On a road that looks....

Inviting.

Intimidating.

Interesting.

The light is still green and God is still God.

What's it going to be?

Last in Line

2009-08-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Ah yes..... it's the first day of school for my boys.

Everything went off without a hitch this morning.

Yesterday was... well... a little stressful.

We've been so busy over the past couple of weeks that my wife and I suddenly realized... "Hey tomorrow is the first day of school!"

She was working... so... picture this:

It's late afternoon.

I realize I'm going to have to get all of this stuff. No problem right?

Wrong.

That false sense of security lasted about 10 minutes at most.

I take the boys to get their hair cut.

One barber was normal.

The other one shouldn't ever be allowed to hold a razor.

Or anything sharp.

A grumpy, bitter barber.

Is there anything worse?

I'm trying to tell him how to cut my 9 year old's hair.

Pretty simple: Clean it up on the sides and the back, trim the front just a little.

His response?

"I'm not going to give him 3 haircuts!"

3 haircuts?

Math still isn't my best subject but even I know 1 doesn't equal 3.

He was ready for a barbershop smackdown.

He stared at me.

I stared at him.

The theme song from "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" played in the background.

No blinking.

Until....

I must have looked like I was going to scalp him with that dull razor over there by the hair dryer.

He blinked.

From there it was off to WalMart.

No shopping carts.

Not even one available.

Turns out I didn't need one.

With the school supply list in hand I made my way into the mass of back to school humanity.

I should have known I was in for trouble when I saw a mom pistol whipping her teenager.

"This is the binder you're required to have!"

"I want the other one!!"

"You can't get the other one."

"But this one looks sooooo stupid!!!!"

Lovely.

No Number 2 Pencils available.

At the risk of turning my boys into rebels I look for some Number 1 or Number 3 Pencils instead.

Someone mentions that they don't even exist.

Shouldn't the public be informed of this conspiracy?

No colored pens.

No erasers.

Out of 15 or more items on my list I picked up maybe 3.

Off to Target.

Less people.

Still very little that would complete my list. Then to Walgreen's.

Yes!

Everything I need!

I pay.

Then I realize I'm missing something.

A ruler!

I go back.

They have one!

I smack myself on the head with it.

Ouch.

My boys laugh.

I laugh.

This gives me an idea.

"Hey guys... do you think the barbershop is still open?"

Nine Tips For Life

2009-08-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

How about some wise words today?

I really enjoyed reading this article.

Here it is courtesy of Mark Moring and Christianity Today:

Nine Tips for Life

1. Guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight."

This might be the most quoted passage in all of Proverbs; maybe you've memorized it. But wherever you're headed in life, these words will always remind you who directs your steps.

2. Discernment (Proverbs 14:12)"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

Yeah, that verse ends on kind of a downer. But you get the point: Sometimes something seems right, but it might be the wrong choice after all. That's why we've always got to ask God to help us make wise decisions.

3. Confidence (Proverbs 3:25-26) "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

Remember: "The Lord will be your confidence."

4. Work (Proverbs 6:6-9)"Go to the ant, you sluggard;consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?"

Life lessons from an ant? Yep. Ants might be the hardest-working critters alive. They're always busy, always planning ahead.

5. Relationships (Proverbs 12:26)"A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. "

Here's a great verse on choosing friends wisely. Ask God to point you to people who won't lead you astray."

6. Sexual purity (Prov. 6:25-26, 28) "Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes,for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,and the adulteress preys upon your very life. … Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?"

You might be saying, "Prostitutes and adultery? That doesn't apply to me." But these verses are about much more than that. They're about the strong temptation of sex, a temptation that affects us all. This passage clearly says sex outside of marriage is also outside of God's perfect plan. When we violate that plan, we walk "on hot coals"—and get burned.

7. Money (Proverbs 11:28)"Whoever trusts in riches will fall,but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."

It's easy to think that money will bring happiness or solve your problems. But the Bible is clear that money doesn't do those things. If you wanna "thrive like a green leaf," pursue righteousness, not riches.

8. Compassion (Proverbs 19:17)"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will reward him for what he has done."

We all tend to get so caught up in our own lives that we sometimes forget there are hurting people all around us. But God always wants us to share his great love with others. Volunteer with a local ministry. Take a short-term missions trip. Make time to reach out and touch someone.

9. The future (Proverbs 23:18)"There is surely a future hope for you,and your hope will not be cut off."

You're probably wondering what your future holds. But this verse says you don't have to worry about it: If you follow God, he'll take care of it—and he'll take care of you.

Nothing can cut you off from his love. He will carry you through, all the way.

Clean Up... Work Out

2009-08-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Turning work into a workout.

One two three... mop!

Four five six.... sweep!

Seven eight nine... my.... that floor looks fine!

Click on the link to see how you can get your house... and yourself.. in shape.

Can You Work Out While Doing Housework?: http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=8359555

Playing Catch-Up

2009-08-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found yourself moving so fast you feel like you've left something behind?

I have.

It's an emptiness that gnaws at you from the inside out.

Motion without meaning.

Activity without equilibrium.

What you've left behind is your soul.

Your spirit.

The quiet place where you and God meet.

John 4:24 (ESV) "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

We live in a visible world but live for an invisible one.

It's okay to stop and let your soul catch up a bit.

It's way too easy outrun your reason for doing.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) "...but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Looking Sheepish

2009-08-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

I know we need to watch out for false prophets.

Matthew 7:15 (NASB) "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

I don't think this is what Jesus meant though.....

See ya on the radio!

Feeding The Piranhas

2009-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Being the father of two boys is pretty much the same thing as being the father of piranhas.

Throw them a hunk of meat (or any other item that's edible) and it's gone in seconds.

Slightly exaggerated for effect?

Not much!

We can buy 2 gallons of milk and the cow is drained in a matter of hours.

Maybe we need a real cow.

Our homeowners association would never go for it.

Neither would my wife.

We've agreed: no more pets.

"But honey... the cow isn't really a pet... she's a real contributor to the family.

She's earning her keep.

She's not just a consumer."

I practiced saying those words out loud right now.

Even I know it'll never work.

Moooooooving right along.......!

Click on this link for some ideas on How to Feed Your Family on $100 Dollars a Week:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32034923/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/

Of course there has to be a disclaimer in there somewhere if you've got a couple of piranhas in the family.

I say that with the greatest love and respect.

Love because they're my boys.

Respect because I know what can happen if.

If I don't keep my hands and feet away from their mouths when they're hungry.

Face Time!

2009-08-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is such a fun photo I had to post it.

You can't plan something like this!

A couple on vacation in Canada set the timer on their camera to take a shot of them by a lake.

Suddenly.. out of nowhere... a visitor shows up to make this picture priceless:

Have a caption for the photo?

Feel free to share it when you leave a comment!

The Bridge of Grace

2009-08-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

I can pick up a Charles Spurgeon book and open it at random and each time I'm amazed.

His thoughts jump right off the page and into my heart.

Here's what I mean:

"The bridge of grace will bear your weight, brother. Thousands of big sinners have gone across that bridge, tens of thousands have gone over it.

I can hear their footsteps now as they walk under the great arches of the bridge of salvation.

They come by the thousands, ever since that day when Christ first entered His glory.

They come and yet never a stone has sprung in that mighty bridge.

Some have been the chief of sinners and some have come at the very last of their days but the bridge has never yielded under their weight.

I will go with them, trusting the same support.

It will bear me over as it has them."

A bridge with a name.

Jesus.

A bridge built with blood, sweat, and tears.

A bridge shaped like a cross.

Already Gone

2009-08-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

What an eye-opener on the show yesterday!

Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis joined us with the results of a new study that looks into why so many of our kids are walking away from the Christian faith once they reach their 20's.

These are kids who were raised in Christian families.

They were very involved in youth group activities.

What's going on here?

Are we losing them as they head off to college as most of us assume?

As Ken explains.... the shocking truth is that the process is starting much earlier than that.

Click to listen to our conversation:

Ken Ham Part 1-http://www.box.net/shared/8rficn0gy4

Ken Ham Part 2-http://www.box.net/shared/sofbk1lpy2

Also here's a link to Ken's website:http://www.answersingenesis.org/

Sweeeet!

2009-08-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

I was talking with my friend Jay last night.

His struggle mirrors mine.

I'm thinking we need to keep each other accountable.

You know.

Ask the hard questions.

Have you given in this week?

How many times did you consider going on a binge?

Were you on the prowl last night?

Are you lying to me right now?

I'm squirming.

Maybe you are too.

Here's our weakness: Little Debbie Snack Cakes!

You were expecting a deeper darker secret?

Sorry.

I can eat 'em by the box.

Swiss Cake Rolls.

Zebra Cakes.

Strawberry Shortcake Rolls.

Chocolate Cupcakes.

The list is endless.

It may be nostalgia that gets the best of me.

I've loved them since I was a kid.

I never grew out of it.

Out of my 29 inch waist jeans because of them... yes.

But not out of my taste for them.

My wife, on the other hand, doesn't share my enthusiasm.

"They taste so fake."

"Look at the ingredients."

If your point is.... "I bet they would survive a nuclear attack" you're probably right.

Everything would be destroyed except cockroaches and Little Debbie Snack Cakes.

Those lucky cockroaches.

My two boys seem to have inherited the same weakness.

We buy three boxes and they don't even last three days.

It's gotten so bad we've restored to hiding them from each other.

Sad isn't it?

I was even on the official website a few minutes ago.

You can see how they make some of the snacks: http://www.mckeefoods.com/Family_Fun/Default.htm

Oh.. and I just noticed.. they have a Little Debbie Gift Shop.

I'm thinking I need to call my friend Jay about now.

Faith The Dog

2009-08-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

A dog and pony show on The Digest today?

No way.

Just a dog show.

I'll save the pony for some other time.

Have you heard about Faith The Dog?

As a dog lover... this story really touched my heart.

If you have a few minutes click and watch:

See ya on the radio!

Limits

2009-08-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Limiting the limitless God.

How crazy is that?

And yet I do it.

Temporary insanity?

More like God out of focus.

I don't see Him as He really is.

I need to sharpen my view through the lens of Scripture.

To adjust the eyes of my spirit.

To flex the muscle of faith.

To live what I say I believe.

This weekend some words from the Apostle Paul kept coming to my mind:

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Do I live like I know God is able?

Able and willing to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that I ask or think?

Able to bring good surprises my way?

Able to choose what's best?

Living and believing don't always walk side by side.

But they should.

That's where the action is.

Your Own Jesus

2009-08-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

Have you had a chance to check out the new book by Mark Hall?

Mark, of course, is the lead singer/songwriter for the band Casting Crowns.

The name of the book is "Your Own Jesus".

Bravo Mark!

You always give me something to think about.

This book is excellent!

It's about owning your own faith.

You can't coast on the faith of anyone else.

Your relationship with the Jesus of the Bible has to be based on your own experience.

One quote I love from the book: "Compromise is the assassin of fellowship with God."

On the show yesterday we were talking about how small compromises lead to big compromises.

The end result is a break in our fellowship with God.

It's just not worth it!

If you set up fences around your life because you want to avoid compromise, other Christians may call you legalistic.

And it's true... they may not need the same fences you do.

Let everyone be convinced in his own mind.

But may all of us remember daily what it means to love God enough to live a life that honors him.

Go Global

2009-08-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

I think many of us would love to plug-in and serve Christ.

But one thing that's holding us back is what I call the paralysis of analysis.

Where should I go?

What should I do?

How should I do it?

On and on it goes.

Until we just don't do anything at all.

Maybe you caught my recent interview with Michelle Diedrich of Global Media Outreach.

The work they're doing is really awesome!

Do you realize you can volunteer to be an online missionary with them?

You can impact the world for Christ by answering emails from people all over the world who have questions about Jesus.

In case you missed it, click below to listen to my conversation with Michelle:

Global Media Outreach: http://www.box.net/shared/22nuucjd5e

You'll be able to get a feel for the heartbeat of the ministry.

Then check out the website: http://www.globalmediaoutreach.com/

Maybe the paralysis of analysis will be a thing of the past for you!

The Ride Of Life

2009-08-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

What is one thing every man and woman on the face of the planet has in common?

You could probably name a few.

We're all human beings.

We all need food and water to survive.

We're all very concerned about the rising cost of rubber chickens.

(Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention!)

The thing I'm thinking about is this: we're all getting older.

The first grader and the first-time grandparent.

The baby and the middle-aged man who acts like one.

When you're young you're headed uphill....

It's a long walk that takes forever.

Glorious at times.

And bumpy.

When you're older it's downhill.

A shorter, faster ride.

Glorious at times.

And bumpy.

But for the true follower of Christ, the glory of both seasons is that God is with you.

Isaiah 46:4 (NKJV) "Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you."

Taking this truth to heart can even make the bumps glorious.

On the way up.

On the way down.

It's still an awesome ride with an awesome God isn't it?

Strengthen The Weak Hands

2009-08-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

What better way to begin each new day than to say to God...

"Lord, I want to be an encourager today."

"Use me to lift others up who are dealing with challenges. Especially my brothers and sisters in Christ."

That prayer can change a day.

365 of them a year can change a life.

I mentioned yesterday on the show a couple of verses out of Isaiah that have been on my mind lately:

Isaiah 35:3-4 (NKJV) "Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come ....... and save you."

Isn't that a great snapshot of what it means to be an encourager for Christ?

A simple statement.. yes.

A sincere one?

Absolutely.

It reminds me that simplicity doesn't have to be shallow.

And sincerity doesn't have to be sappy.

If I spotlight the love and the truth of God, He'll do the rest.

How encouraging that is.

For all of us.

A Sign For The Times

2009-08-03T09:10:00.001-07:00

Are you the parent of a teen?

I am.

A teen who is still learning how to drive.

I could talk about the warm and fuzzy conversations my son and I have had during this whole process.

Or the high blood pressure that I may need to seek treatment for in light of it.

But instead I'm considering a move that seems to make sense to me.

Which means it won't make any sense at all to my son.

It's a magnet that you can put on your car.

Susan Kessler has developed signs for teens with learner permits and first-year licenses.

They're attached magnetically to the car's sheet metal and display the words "Caution Newly Licensed."

More than 15,000 of people have ordered the signs since Kessler and a group of other moms introduced them four years ago.

She now sells them nationally at cost, for $7.99, through a Web site, newlylicensed.com, and is looking for a national retail outlet to handle them.

So let's see..... more than 15,000 moms & dads are resting a little easier today.

And more than 15,000 teens are horrified.

They'll talk about being scarred for life.

Pretty tough to look cool picking up your date in a car with that kind of signage.

But hey.... you'll score points with her parents.

Not exactly the same thing.. is it?

Of course we as parents aren't clueless.

They're magnets.

The kids can always take them off and we won't know it.

Maybe they can embed a tracking device on them in the future......?!

Oh how control is slipping away.

I think it's time to pray.

A Friday Smile

2009-07-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

A serious moment.....

Genesis 19:24-26 (ESV) "Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. "And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."

A not so serious commentary...

I saw you smile.

Microwave Myths

2009-07-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

We've all heard at least a few of them.

So-called "Microwave Facts".

But are they really facts.. or just fiction?

Inquiring minds want to know.....

Is it dangerous to heat plastics in the microwave?

Can boiling a cup of hot water in one cause it to explode?

Do they leak unsafe amounts of radiation?

Real men aren't afraid of their microwaves.

That's a motto I live by.

Cheesy...yes.

But true.

Of course the fact that I can't cook anything without one is beside the point.

But if these kinds of questions keep you up at night.. click on the link to read this article:

Surprising Facts & Myths About Microwave Ovens:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/microwave-radiation-ovens-460709

"Come"

2009-07-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Walking by faith is a little uncomfortable.

That's the nature of it.

An element of uncertainty is always in the air.

But just an element.

Just enough for us to draw closely to the Lord.

Today instead of an "out of the box" experience God may be setting you up for an "out of the boat" experience.

Both are similar because they're out of the ordinary.

But only one waits for the command to come.

Or to go.

Matthew 14:25-31 (ESV) "And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. "But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Yes... Peter faltered.

Jesus came to the rescue.

But Peter was the only one who actually got out of the boat.

Once He knew it was Jesus who said "Come" he didn't delay.

The other disciples may have thought he had gone overboard.

He had.

But don't confuse overboard with overconfident.

He heard the Voice calling to him.

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV) "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

True, not every moment in life is a "come walk on the water moment".

As far as we know, Peter never did it again.

But when Jesus called to him he jumped in with both feet.

That was his moment.

Are you ready for yours?

A Lot of Laughs

2009-07-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Do you know someone who has one of those laughs that makes you laugh?

A laugh that is so ridiculous.. and contagious... it's in a class all its own?

It would be a sad world if we didn't have folks like that.

Case in point: A woman who has a laugh that sounds like..... a car horn!

Click here for the story: http://www.kcra.com/video/20128494/index.html

Not Just Any Old Port

2009-07-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Smooth sailing ahead.

A wonderful message to those of us who are hanging on for dear life.

The storm season in a life isn't as easily predicted as the storm season in the place where you live.

But the shocking suddenness of it can usher in a fresh awareness of God's presence.

Matthew 8:24-27 (ESV) "And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

Jesus calmly got the disciples to their intended destination.

The same will be true for us.

But it gets better:

Psalm 107:29-30 (ESV) " He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. "Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."

Their desired haven.

What is a haven?

Haven– a harbor or port.

But not just any old port in the storm.

Their desired haven.

A place where they wanted to be.

This time around God may be saying to you.....

I'm going to calm the storm.

A gentle yet powerful wind will soon be at your back.

A spectacular harbor awaits your arrival.

And oh yeah.

One more thing.

I'll be there to show you around.

Psalm 37:4 (ESV) "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

My Shadow

2009-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

My heart is so heavy today.

Archie, our beloved 12 year old dachshund, died last night.

I've been putting off posting this entry because I knew it would be a hard one to write.

My eyes are filled with tears right now.

Archie was family.

He was with us for 12 years of ups and downs.

Always loving.

Always funny.

Always driving us crazy!

But Archie was especially attached to me.

He was my shadow.

When I would be up early to do my morning devotions he sat on my lap.

I often called him my "reading buddy."

I read a lot.. and he always sat or laid by my side.

Every day.

Not today.

He had been sick for a few days and we knew something wasn't right.

Turns out he was slipping away.

We took him to our compassionate vet and he told us there were many things wrong.

Too many.

And so we had to make a hard yet loving decision.

My wife and I along with our two boys spent about 20 minutes with Archie before they took him.

It was agonizing.

We cried.

A lot.

We held him.

We kissed him.

We prayed.

And the presence of the Lord was there.

In that moment I experienced a great truth:

God loves us and cares about what we care about.

Archie was so calm, which isn't like him at all.

He was peaceful... looking at each one of us in turn as if to say...

"I love you so much. It's going to be okay."

And then they took him away.

I don't have a theological leg to stand on when it comes to the question...

"Do our beloved pets go to Heaven?"

I like to think Archie will meet me at the gates.. running at top speed.. jumping into my arms.

Even though the Bible is silent about such things, I think about who God is.

He's loving beyond comprehension.

Why wouldn't he reunite us with our precious pets?

When we were in the room saying goodbye, I noticed some wooden words hanging on the wall:

"Loving you for loving me."

"Yes..." I said in a whisper as I held him.

"My love for you will remain even though shadows are fleeting."

High Anxiety

2009-07-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm anxious to share some encouragement with you.

Pun intended!

The words of Jesus in Matthew 6 about worry are familiar to many of us as Christ followers.

I return to them when life gets a little uncertain.

Okay.

A lot uncertain.

Matthew 6:25-26 (ESV) "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

A couple of things about these verses are showing up in BOLD PRINT in my life today.

First, even though God feeds the birds every day, they still have to go in search of the food He's supplied for them.

It's what they do.

And they're never stressed out about it either.

I've never seen a bird up in a tree having a nervous breakdown.

What a great example of faith in action!

Secondly, birds live day to day without storing up.

How many fat sparrows do you see?

They don't overindulge because they know there will be enough tomorrow.

Maybe the best thing we can do is get rid of the "What if" questions.

You know the drill....

What if I get sick...

What if there's not enough money...

What if I lose my job...

What if I'm rejected...

What if?

Replace the "What if' with "Even if."

Even if I get sick...

Even if there's not enough money..

Even if I'm rejected...

Even if I lose my job..

The Lord is still with me.

Matthew 28:20 (ESV) "..... And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

It's a choice I make each new day.

Faith or fear.

Which one honors God most?

Water & Small Children Can Be A Deadly Combination

2009-07-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

From time to time I'm asked this question:

"What were the hardest stories for you to cover when you worked in TV news?"

I always give the same answer:

The accidental drownings of small children in backyard pools.

Just thinking about it now brings back some pretty raw emotions.

Talking with devastated parents.

The tears of pure agony.

Every summer here in Las Vegas I would cover at least 1 death, many times a lot more.

That's why I recently interviewed Nancy Roth on the show.

Nancy runs a swim school for small children.

They teach the little ones what to do in case they fall into the water.

Nancy has a real heart for these children.

Here's her website: http://www.dolphinbabiesswimschool.com/

Listen to our conversation:

Swimming Safety For Small Children: http://www.box.net/shared/8ryljztp0p

And remember this:

You can never be overprotective when it comes to small children and water!

You Belong To...... Who?

2009-07-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

Wow.. I'm still getting caught up after taking some time off last week.

The first few days back can be crazy!

I was reading Charles Spurgeon during my break and ran across a powerful thought.

I don't know what you're dealing with in your life right now but I just have a feeling these words may be helpful today.

Especially if you've been attacked by someone recently.

“What!” you say, “are we not to stick up for ourselves?”
That depends upon whose you are; if you are your own, take care of yourselves; but if you are Christ’s, let him take care of you."

Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV) "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you."

Homeless Helpers

2009-07-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

This week we featured a small homeless ministry on Total Impact that's making a big difference.

It's called Homeless Helpers.

For many homeless folks in Las Vegas, this outreach has been an answer to a desperate prayer.

Click here to listen to my interview with Tony Sipich:

Total Impact: Homeless Helpers: http://www.box.net/shared/uac8jv6v4g

Also, here's the official website: http://www.homelesshelpersnv.org/

Sometimes God prepares our heart to get involved in His work but we don't know exactly where to plug in.

Maybe this is your opportunity!

By the way, I'll be taking a break from the action next week for some R & R.

I'll check back in with you on July 20th!

Risky Business

2009-07-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

What would happen if I lived my life so dependent on God that without Him showing up I would fail?

Don't get me wrong.

I don't want to be lazy or irresponsible and expect God to bless something I have no investment in.

That would be presumption.

But I think most of us tend to go to the other extreme.

"If it's to be it's up to me."

"God helps those who help themselves."

Two common thoughts that don't appear in the Bible at all.

God's Word calls us to a life of obedience and dependence.

Two types of soils where the seed of faith grows by leaps and bounds.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

When I think about my desire to see more of God in the daily mundane things of life, I'm thinking about taking steps to allow my faith to breathe a little.

Lord, I've prepared for this presentation but without you it'll never hit home.

Lord, I've worked hard to be competent on the job but without your favor success will always be limited.

Lord, I'm trying to follow you in this marriage but I can't change my spouse's heart.

Lord, I'm trying to lead and provide for my family but I can't cover all the bases.

Thoughts like these make for a vibrant faith.

When I truly believe that without God I'm at a loss, I invite the hand of God to move on my behalf.

A.W. Tozer writes....

"I pray often-and I want to live in line with my prayer-that God puts me in a state where he has to help me or I will flop. I want to be in a place where I have to have God in everything that I do."

Step out on a few limbs.

Trust that they'll hold you because God is holding them.

Full Circle

2009-07-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Since mentioning this on the show yesterday, I've been captivated by the thought.

The earth is round.

And the Bible reported that great truth many years before we knew it to be a scientific fact!

Check this out:

Isaiah 40:22 (NKJV) "It is He who sits above the circle of the earth......."

God sits above THE CIRCLE OF THE EARTH.

How would Isaiah know this some 600 years before the birth of Christ?

And then there's Job 26:7 (NKJV) "He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing."

Amazing!

"God sustains the skies over empty space and supports the earth on nothing—statements amazingly in accord with facts not known or agreed on by scientists till a few hundred years ago.

In the clouds in the sky God gathers up water (evaporation), and He can cover the... moon with clouds. At the horizon... light and darkness seem to separate. The horizon is circular, for the verb marks out translates the word ḥūq, “to draw a circle,” and suggests the curvature of the earth.

This too accords with the facts known by scientists only in recent times."

—Bible Knowledge Commentary

When I need to have my faith strengthened I grab onto verses like these and my trust in God is renewed for another day.

The Bible I hold in my hands is now held anew in my heart.

The E-Card You Don't Want To Open

2009-07-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to get an E-Card.

But not this one!!!

E-Card Fraud Alert

A fraudulent e-mail flooding the Internet claims to have a link to an E-Card from a family member, friend or neighbor and uses major greeting card company names such as Hallmark. Clicking on the link downloads a virus onto your computer that compromises personal data.What you can do:
Report suspicious e-mail to your e-mail service provider so they can take action.
File a complaint at http://www.ic3.gov/.

Forward the suspicious e-mails to abuse@hallmark.com. (Due to the large amount of e-mail we receive at that address we will not be able to reply to your e-mail, but we will investigate.)
Then you should delete the e-mail.If you are unsure if you've received a legitimate Hallmark E-Card, don't click on a link in the e-mail. Instead use our E-Card pickup.

If you do click on the link in the bogus e-mail, you will launch a variant of the Zapchast Trojan virus. Zapchast installs an Internet Relay (IRC) chat client and causes the infected computer to connect to an IRC channel. Attackers then use that connection to remotely command your machine.

What Hallmark is doing:

Contacting the Internet providers identified as the source of the spam requesting that they shut down the imposters.
Working with Microsoft to include the virus code in their phishing filter to protect consumers who use their web browser and e-mail client software.
Working with anti-virus software corporations to get the virus code added to virus definition updates.
Reviewing Hallmark's E-Card notification and pickup procedures.
Educating consumers about how to avoid E-Card abuse.

How to tell if a Hallmark E-Card notification is real:

The subject line of legitimate E-Card notifications from Hallmark will say, "A Hallmark E-Card from (name of the sender)" not a generic term like "friend," "neighbor" or "family member.
The e-mail notification will come from the sender's e-mail address, not Hallmark.com.
The notification will include a link to the E-Card on Hallmark.com as well as a URL that can be pasted into a browser.

The URL will begin with http://hallmark.com/ followed by characters that identify the individual E-Card. Hover your mouse over the words "click here" in your e-mail. If you do not see the URL above, it is NOT a legitimate Hallmark E-Card.

Hallmark E-Cards are not downloaded and they are not .exe files.
In addition, Hallmark.com will never require an E-Card recipient to enter a user name or password nor any other personal information to retrieve an E-Card.

E-mail Safety Tips

Do not open e-mails from unknown senders.
Don't open an e-mail you know to be spam. A code embedded in spam advertises that you opened the e-mail and confirms your address is valid, which in turn can generate more spam.

If you receive an attachment that you are not expecting, don't open it, even if it's from someone you know. First read the e-mail, and make sure the attachment is most likely legitimate. If you're still not sure, call or e-mail the sender to confirm, but do not reply to the original e-mail.

Some fraudulent e-mails that appear to be from financial companies (PayPal, banks, credit card companies, etc.) direct the reader to click on a link to verify or confirm account details. Never click these links. Instead, call the company if you are concerned about your account.

Reaching

2009-07-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

So how was your Fourth of July Weekend?

I hope the answer is "Great".

"Fun".

"Good times".

"Good food".

"Good memories."

Mine was filled with all of the above.

Our family returned home from a big fireworks show Saturday night.

We usually light off a few "safe and sane" fireworks before wrapping up the holiday.

This year, we kept it simple.

Just some sparklers.

Can't get any more safe and sane than that....right?

It went off without a hitch until the last sparkler sparkled its last.

It was in my hand.

My youngest said.... "I'll take that from you, Dad."

He did.

Grabbing it from the hot end of the stick of all things.

His cries made me glad someone a couple of streets over opted for something much louder than our safe and sane fireworks.

In fact, as their dangerous and insane ones exploded over our heads we rushed into the house.

There's some irony there, don't you think?

Even though the injury was almost nothing, it could have been much worse.

As Nicolas sat on the couch with his ice pack on his finger a thought occurred to me.

You can get hurt when you hastily reach for the wrong end of a hot sparkler.

It's a bad idea.

Whether you intend to or not you get burned.

May I remember that the next time my hasty reach exceeds my limited wisdom in the daily decisions of life.

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

2009-07-03T15:33:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to wish you a happy holiday weekend!

If you're planning on lighting off your own fireworks ( legal ones of course!)... click on this link for some very important safety tips: http://www.fireworksafety.com/

Or.. you can leave it to the professionals.

Here's a rundown of a few fireworks displays in the Las Vegas Area:

61st Annual Boulder City Damboree

When: July 4

Where: Boulder City

The annual event will feature a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. in Bicentennial Park; a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Colorado and going down Nevada Highway; Damboree ceremonies and midway booths at Broadbent Park beginning at 10 a.m.; festivities from 6 to 11 p.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park; and fireworks at Veteran's Memorial Park at 9 p.m..

Downtown Henderson Fourth of July fireworks & celebration

When: 6-9 p.m. July 4

Where: Henderson Events Plaza and surrounding area Admission:Free

Attendees will enjoy three stages of live music by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, country music entertainer Randy Anderson and more. Additionally, families will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of food and beverage options while the children are entertained by an assortment of fun activities including a rock wall, dunk tank, bounce house and more. The Independence Day celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display from atop City Hall.

4th of July at Lake Las Vegas

When: 4 to 9 p.m. July 4

Where: The Village, 30 Strada di Villagio, Henderson

There will be live music, food and fireworks (fireworks start at 9 p.m.).

Mandalay Beach Concert & Fireworks

When: fireworks at 9 p.m. and concert at 9:15 p.m. July 4

Where: Poolside at Mandalay BayTickets: $20 general

Freedom Fireworks Extravaganza

When: 9:15 p.m. July 4

Where: M Resort, 123000 Las Vegas Blvd. South

The fireworks show will last 15 minutes. Before the show, an old-fashioned food fair will offer carnival-like food stands where popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, soda and water will be available for purchase. The food fair begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free to the public.

Station Casino's fireworks

Station Casino's will feature fireworks on July 4 at Red Rock Resort. Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Boulder Station. Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, Aliante Station, Santa Fe Station and Sunset Station. The nine-minute show at 9:30 p.m. will be produced by the Grucci Family. The show has been choreographed to a variety of music paying tribute to America and the fun spirit of Las Vegas.

Recommended viewing areas:• Aliante Station -- Hotel valet/parking lot area• Boulder Station -- Parking garage rooftop• Fiesta Henderson -- Parking garage rooftop• Fiesta Rancho -- Parking garage rooftop• Green Valley Ranch -- Backyard pool area• Palace Station -- Parking garage rooftop (south parking garage connected to casino entrance)• Red Rock Resort -- Pool area and amphitheatre• Santa Fe Station -- Parking garage rooftop (north parking garage) and the race and sports book patio • Sunset Station -- Amphitheater• Texas Station -- Parking Lot C off Rancho entrance

Words vs. Power

2009-07-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm using words to point out that few words are needed when God is in them.

This is pretty good news for those of us who want to speak words of life and yet feel so inadequate.

That's me for sure.

I regret using words I should have but didn't.

I regret using the wrong ones.

You know the kind I'm talking about.

Duds that steal the crackle and spark from the fireworks of a vibrant conversation.

Thoughts like this are common among us all I guess.

But there's a problem with this over analysis:

I'm putting too much stock in my own ability.

Even though I know I can't do it alone I act like I can.

I need to grab onto 1 Corinthians 4:20:" For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power."

It's not my words.

It's the power behind them.

A power beyond me.

A power that comes from God using them for His glory.

The imperfect is used by the One who is perfect.

I'm humbled.

At a loss for words yet again.

But one thing I'm learning is that with this kind of humility there's no room for regret.

Caring 4 Kids Is A Good Thing

2009-07-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Caring 4 Kids is an organization here in Las Vegas that's really making a difference when it comes to feeding hungry children.

And the founder, Scott Sullivan, does it all in the name of Christ.

I've had Scott on the show a couple of times and his passion for these needy kids is really inspiring.

If you have a few minutes take a listen to my conversation with him:

Total Impact: The Caring 4 Kids Foundation:
http://www.box.net/shared/k02zz5vhax

Also.. here's the website: http://www.caring4kidsfoundation.org/

Scott and the gang at Caring 4 Kids are just loving God and loving children in a very tangible way.

That's faith in real life!

Matthew 19:14 (ESV) "but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

So You Want To Buy A Car?

2009-06-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

On the show recently we were talking about buying a new car.

Is now a good time.. with all of the incentives?

Most folks who called in said no way.

But in the end, it's a personal decision.

If you do decide to buy... used OR new... you may want to avoid the torturous negotiations with the car salesman.

How?

Read this article from CNN:

How to Avoid Salesmen When Buying a Car:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/06/26/aa.buying.car.no.negotiating/index.html

Pretty good info.

See ya on the radio!

When Mom Is Away....

2009-06-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday.

My wife had to be gone.

The whole day.

When she's missing in action she doesn't know what she's missing:

Me.

My two boys.

Three male dogs.

One male parrot.

The house.

Turned into a "Man Cave."

(Not to be confused with The Batcave where grown men wear tights and capes.)

We hole up in there and do important things like watch TV.

Cartoons.

Sports.

Anything but the Hallmark Channel.

We occasionally fall into the "Triple Dog Dare You" routine.

The last one?

I dared one of the boys to take a sock that had been worn by a member of the family... and played with by the dogs... and stick it in his mouth.

He did it.

Hey....it was a Triple Dog Dare... what was he supposed to do?!

No names will be mentioned.

And yes, a complete mouth washing followed quickly.

We pride ourselves on our independence.

But pride comes before a fall.

Lunch time.

Instead of running out and buying a cheap pizza, I figure we can eat whatever we have in the house.

We're men.

Give us some lunch meat and a fist full of white bread and we're good.

My 9 year old puts an order in for lunch.

What's that... you want peanut butter and crackers?

Let's go to the cabinet.

Crackers.... check.

Peanut butter.... yes and no.

We've got that Goober Grape Peanut Butter and Jelly stuff.

It's already mixed together in the jar.

How about that on crackers?

Nicolas agrees.

He's 9.

It looks a lot like goop on a cracker.

He eats it.

He's still hungry.

"Dad... can I have some tuna? I've been craving it for weeks and Mom won't let me have it."

Really now?

This is the Man Cave.

We do what we want.

I open the can of tuna and stick a fork in it.

"Dig in!".

He does.

With gusto.

It was glorious.

I'm really not all that hungry.

I wonder why.

A little later we pick up my older boy Aleq from the YMCA.

First thing he wants to know?

What's for lunch?

How about peanut butter and jelly?

And tuna?

He would rather starve to death like a real man.

Smart kid.

A short time later Nicolas finds himself with an upset stomach.

Big time.

I'll sum it all up by saying it wasn't pretty.

And that none of us will ever eat tuna again.

Peanut butter and jelly may be out of the question too.

When my wife finally arrives home we're sooooo happy to see her.

"Will you make dinner for us?" we whimper.

She agrees.

On one condition.

"Can you turn on the TV while I'm cooking?"

I find the remote.

"How about the Hallmark Channel?"

The Right Kind Of Fear

2009-06-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Do you ever struggle with people pleasing?

Not a fun way to do life is it?

It's all based on fear.

Someone will reject me.

They'll think I'm a loser.

They'll think I'm not competent to do the job.

They'll retaliate against me.

I'll be excluded.

Minimized.

Alone.

There's really no end to the kinds of fear we deal with when people's opinions are the most important thing in our lives.

Here's the dilemma for the Christian dealing with this issue:

We make people big and God small.

Their opinions are more important than God's.

A lousy trade, the way I see it.

Imperfect people have more power over my life than a perfect God does.

Fear God and you'll need to fear no one else.

Fear God as in hold Him in awe.

Reverence.

A healthy fear of getting outside of the loving boundaries He has set for my life.

There's great peace and power in the pursuit of a God-centered life.

Proverbs 28:1 (ESV) "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."

Don't fall into the people pleasing trap.

Don't let the way you feel be the guide on this one.

Author Ed Welch writes..."When feelings become more important than faith, people will become more important, and God less important."

Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) "Fear of man will prove to be a snare....."

But......

"..... whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe."

I choose to live for Him.

Let the chips fall where they may.

Friends in Low Places

2009-06-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

Have you been tracked down by some old friends lately?

With the Internet in general, and social networking websites specifically, finding old friends takes just seconds.

It can be a good thing.

Or an awkward thing.

Awkward because now that you're a committed follower of Jesus Christ you're not the same person you used to be before accepting Him as your Savior.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

It almost seems like that old life wasn't even yours.

You know it was.

But the present is so different.

Warning!

Proceed with caution.

The power of nostalgia can be a trap of the Enemy.

Before long Satan takes you back to the "good old days" which weren't good at all.

They were days when sinning wasn't even sinning to you.

How can we go back and celebrate a time of life that was filled with a total disregard for God?

A life filled with the sins that sent Jesus to the cross.

To be tortured and punished.

To die for each one of those sins.

When you put it like that, it's a harsh reality.

And it's a barren place you don't want to return to.

Romans 6:21 (NIV) "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!"

Your old friends who aren't believers will notice the change.

And most will think you're crazy.

A fanatic.

"Too bad... he was such a fun guy."

"Too bad... she was the life of the party."

"What a waste."

"I know your dirt."

"What's up with this holier than thou stuff?"

They may just bolt.

And that's okay.

It really is.

Be ready though if they follow up the hard words with an important question:

"Why are you so different now?"

1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV) " ...but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."

Stand firm.

True commitment to Jesus has a price.

But it's worth it.

Matthew 10:32 (NIV) "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven."

The Beauty of Brevity

2009-06-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

As I sit down to write this entry I feel the pressure.

When the subject at hand involves being brief and to the point I had better get to the point.

So many people are saying texting, Twitter, Facebook, etc. is creating a shallow world void of real content.

I can see what they mean.

But a few right words neatly written or precisely spoken can change a life.

Or get someone through a day in the life.

Proverbs 25:11 (ESV) "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."

There's beauty in brevity.

Nothing is dynamic until it's specific.

Even the creation of the world could have been reported in a lot less than 140 characters on Twitter:

Genesis 1:1 (ESV) "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Just one sentence.

10 words.

I'm in awe.

Whoops!

2009-06-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

A picture... or a cartoon in this case... is worth a thousand words:

"I See!" The Blind Man Said

2009-06-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to make sense out of the Bible using your circumstances?

I have.

I would imagine that you have too.

God must be doing this right now for that reason.

God isn't doing that right now because of this.

On and on it goes as we try to gain a little semblance of control.

That in and of itself is an illusion, isn't it?

Of course we tend to do this most of all when we're facing tough times.

A trial of some sort.

A challenge.

One that drags on day after day.

Year after year maybe.

But when we start with our circumstances and try to work back and see the hand of God we can end up being more confused than ever.

Job 9:10 (NAB) "He does great things past finding out, marvelous things beyond reckoning."

But when we start with God and walk with Him daily he interprets the situation for us on a need to know basis.

Not always quickly.

Not always in the way we expect.

But eventually.

Usually through the Bible.

I've heard it said that the Bible is a mirror we hold up to our life.

It shows us who we really are.

A sinner in need of a Savior?

Yes.

A child of God when I accept Christ to be that Savior?

Yes.

Loved by God?

Yes!!!

But the Bible can also be a different kind of mirror.

A rear view mirror that helps you see where you've been.

And how far you've come.

That's a gift that can't be given or embraced until you get a little distance between you and your circumstances.

The Right Card

2009-06-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

On the way home from work last night I stopped by a store to pick up a Father's Day card for my Dad.

There's the card rack.

Good.

Father's Day section.... check.

But a middle-aged woman is standing right in front of it.

Talking to herself.

Laughing to herself.

She's obviously a little different.

What do I do?

I'm a man on a mission so I quietly walk up and start to scan the rows of cards.

Immediately she starts commenting on them.

"Father's Day is so important... I've got to get just the right card. The right card is so important isn't it?"

I nod and smile.

"Absolutely."

But finding the right card means I have to see them.

And read them.

How do you do that while listening to someone talk a mile a minute?

I'm a guy.

Multi-tasking is out of the question.

I did my best.

"I loved my father" she said reverently.

So reverently in fact, I paused.

"He's gone now. I'm going to put this card on his grave for Father's Day. And these balloons."

I looked at her shopping cart for the first time.

There they were.

Along with many other things that will create a small monument to a man's big impact on his daughter.

"Mom died a few months ago. But she wouldn't want me to be down today. And so here I am. Looking for the right card."

She picked one.

She limped to her shopping cart.

Dropped it in.

A smile came forth.

The physical and mental challenges couldn't over shadow the love of a daughter for her father.

It's a love that lingers long after Dad is gone.

She waved and wished me a Happy Father's Day... "if I was indeed a father."

"Thanks," I said.

Despite the pronounced limp, she was off and down the aisle in seconds.

As I turned to resume my search for the right card, I realized the right card may not even be a card at all.

It's what it represents.

A heart that wants to say the right things.

The Shoe Will Fit.... Someone.

2009-06-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for mission trips!

So many awesome outreaches are planned for this summer.

Churches are sending teams all over the planet.

Teams of people who will be the hands and feet of Jesus!

Green Valley Christian Center in Henderson, NV is sending some very dedicated folks to the small town of Shelby, Mississippi in a matter of days.

This is an area that's really struggling right now.

They'll be helping a church with renovations so that the good people there can show the love of Christ to their neighbors.

But wait.. there's more!

The team will be:

*Providing a face-lift for Shelby's City Park

*Distributing new clothing and purses to the women

*Giving 1500 pairs of new shoes to needy families!

I told you this is going to be awesome!

The folks from Green Valley Christian Center will be leaving on July 3.

At this point, they're about 468 pairs of shoes short of their goal.

Will you consider helping them out?

They are in desperate need of men's and boys shoes, sizes men's 9 and up and toddler boys and youth sizes.

To get a feel for the heart of the project, watch this short video:

For even more details, click to listen to my interview with GVCC pastor Meg Morefield:

Mission to Mississippi: http://www.box.net/shared/1hj663qtca

The church's website is: http://www.gvchristian.com/main.php

I'm Walkin'

2009-06-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

"Put one foot in front of the other...."

I wonder if they're singing that somewhat monotonous song?

Or the more current... "I will walk 500 miles... and I will....." etc.

15 year old Mike Durban III got an idea.

Why not walk 500 miles in less than 6 weeks to raise money for Assembly of God Missionaries?

From his home in Northeast Texas to the headquarters of the Assemblies in Southwest Missouri.

He's accompanied by his 19 year old uncle Marccus Durban.. who just happens to be from the SOS city of Victorville, CA.

To check out their progress and learn more about this very cool idea...

Click here: http://www.iwillwalk.org/About_Donate_2.html

See ya on the radio!

The Potter

2009-06-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Pottery is a subject that I don't know much about.

Maybe that's because of an elementary school art project gone bad.

Very bad.

I worked hard at shaping it.

Making it look just right.

It never did.

Anyone want a lopsided bowl?

Me neither.

So what makes me think I can handle the making of a life?

It's interesting to see God portrayed in the Bible as a potter.

We are the clay.

He doesn't lump us all together.

Isn't that awesome?

He puts us on the potter's wheel one by one.

Isaiah 29:16 (ESV) "...Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?"

God knows what specific experiences we need to become the vessel He intends for us to be.

His hand is in all things.

To shape us.

Why fight it?

Why not trust Him?

The potter knows the plan.

And it's a good one.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The truth is I'd much rather have God's hand shaping my life than my own.

I've seen my attempts.

Anyone want a lopsided bowl?

Me neither.

The Courts

2009-06-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

On the court means playing in the game.

In the court means the same thing with one big difference, Christ follower.

You're planted.

You're not playing any road games.

Home court advantage is yours every single time.

Psalm 92:13 (NKJV) "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God."

The "courts of God" are really in the heart.

Every time we face an opponent we deal with them there.

But we're not alone.

The Lord is with us.

Why choose to play your "game" anywhere else?

Psalm 84:10 (ESV) "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

The choice is yours.

And mine.

What will it be?

Joshua 24:15 (ESV) "... choose this day whom you will serve... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

The whistle blows.

The game awaits.

Guess Who's Coming for Dinner?

2009-06-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the show it was a lot of fun to open up the phones and have you respond to these questions:

What person in the Bible would you most want to go out to eat with?

Why?

And where would you go?

Some responses:

"Obviously Jesus. He's the Savior of the world.. that's why! I'd take Him to a local Chinese place that's my favorite. I wonder if He likes Chinese?"

"Peter. Because he made a lot of mistakes and I can Identify with him."

Me: "He's a fisherman so I guess you'd go to a seafood restaurant?"

Listener: "Nope. I hate seafood. Peter would have to settle for chicken. Simon Peter, meet Col. Sanders!"

"Sarah... Abraham's wife. Because she was a woman of God. We'd end up in a restaurant that's quiet. A place where it takes a long time for the food to come so we would have tons of time to chat."

"Samson. Because I'd like to see how much this powerhouse can eat. Definitely a buffet!"

My choice: Elijah.

Maybe I could get him to call down fire from Heaven.

We'd be at a Bar-B-Q place, for sure.

What about you?

The comment section is open for your thoughts.

The Test Can Hit Close To Home

2009-06-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

"He has the patience of Job."

Have you ever heard anyone use that phrase?

What they mean is "He sure is patient while enduring some really tough times."

Why was Job so patient?

He trusted and loved God.

Job 1:1 (ESV) "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil."

He feared God.

He was awestruck by the holiness and mercy and power of God.

He loved God.

That's why he "turned away from evil".

Sometimes he messed up.

He was a sinner just like us.

But God had his heart.

Satan can't stand that.

He asked God for permission to strip Job of his wealth and his family.

Job 1:8-11 (ESV) "And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?"

Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?

You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face."

And God allowed it.

Job 1:20-22 (ESV) "Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong."

He didn't curse God, like Satan said he would.

So the test continued.

Job 2:3-5 (ESV) "And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason."

Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face."

And God allowed it.

Job 2:7 (ESV) "So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head."

The temptation to be angry and curse God was huge.

At that very moment his wife spoke:

Job 2:9 (ESV) "Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die."

Sometimes those closest to us can cause us to fail the test.

It's here that I see the size of Job's spirit.

And the depth of his commitment.

Job 2:10 (ESV) "But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips."

Fear God.

Turn away from evil.

Love Him more than anyone else.

You'll pass the test too.

The Weed

2009-06-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

It quickly became a curiosity to me.

A weed.

Growing through a crack in the concrete.

Here at the station.

Each day as I would pass by it on my way to the back studio I would size it up.

What started out so small was now so big.

Now I know why my grandparents used to tell me when I was a kid..

"Kurt you're growing like a weed!"

It was their way of saying you're growing up fast.

At least I hope that was their meaning.

Maybe it was "Kurt you're growing tall and ugly like a weed."

See how reading between the lines can get you into trouble?!

In a matter of days the weed grew almost to my waist.

No water that I could see.

No fertilizer.

No tender loving care.

And yet it thrived.

At home in my yard, it's a full time job to get my lawn and plants to thrive.

Despite my best efforts, it's two thumbs down.

Black thumbs, not green ones.

Then I realized my tall ugly weed was more than just a curiosity.

It was a reminder that sin is the weed of the heart.

We can cultivate it or neglect it.

Either way it just grows.

Ugly and fast.

Even in the heart of the Christ follower.

We trim our plants and our grass but who in their right mind would trim their weeds?

Only one way to get rid of a weed.

Tear it out by the roots.

Matthew 5:29 (ESV) "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell."

Weeds ignored can take over a property.

Sins ignored can take over a life.

I went to the back studio this morning as always.

No weed.

Not even a nub in the concrete where it had once been.

Turns out our treasurer, Paul Mead, had had enough of that weed.

"You pulled it up by the roots, didn't you?" I asked.

He smiled.

Wise man, that Paul Mead.

Enough Is...Enough.

2009-06-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

With the economy and all many of us will be passing on the big vacation this year.

But we don't have to be bummed out about it!

Here's what Keri Wyatt Kent has to say about that:

"Summer is here—the kids are out of school, or will be in a few days. Moms are trying to enjoy the last few days of solitude as they slip through our fingers. Our calendars are crowded with graduation parties, end of school events, and so on.

The kids are both ready for some R & R—rest and relaxation. Maybe you feel the same way—you’re longing for a vacation. But many people I know feel economic uncertainty, or worse, certainty: they are certain that they are in financial trouble.

So instead of a vacation, they’re making plans for a “stay-cation.” They’ll stay at home rather than travel. They’ll perhaps go to the community pool instead of traveling to the beach, they’ll go for a bike ride in their own neighborhood instead of in the mountains. Or, maybe, they will pull out a lawn chair and a good book, and just sit in the backyard.

Often, we feel we “need” a vacation because we have been working too hard without ever taking a break. We’ve overloaded our schedules, kept busy 24/7, and now we just need some time to relax. We want to escape, and a stay-cation in the backyard just doesn’t cut it.

I wonder what would happen if we lived all of our life at a saner pace? If we worked hard six days a week, but then every week, took one day to rest? What if instead of going non-stop for 50 weeks and collapsing for two, we took our vacation one day at a time?

Have you ever stopped to think about the pace of your life?

Are you hurried?

When people ask “How are you?” how do you answer? Do you say “I’m busy!” or perhaps you’ve moved on to busy’s logical conclusion, “I’m tired!”

Have you said yes to things you wish you’d said no to?

Do you ever take a day to just be? To focus more on relationships than accomplishments? To just do something you enjoy? Or do nothing at all? A day to stop being a consumer and just enjoy what you already have?

One of the wisest spiritual mentors I ever had asked me to think about my “rhythm of life.” Rhythm, by definition, requires a pattern: things happen on a regular basis. What spiritual practices did I want to include in my daily, weekly, monthly and annual schedule?

This forced me to think about scheduling practices such as solitude days, putting them on the calendar like the unbreakable appointments they were.

One of the most important pieces in the rhythm of life I’ve adopted is taking a weekly Sabbath. It’s a day to worship, to be with my family, to rest. It’s a day that I turn off the computer but tune into the people I love. It’s a day when I am infinitely interruptible—which is to say, loving. What do I do on Sabbath? Anything, as long as it is not necessary.

I may be in my garden, or I may be sailing with my husband. Almost always, I spend a little time reading, talking with my family, or playing a board game with my children. I don’t always cook, but we always gather around a table for a leisurely meal shared with family and/or friends.

This summer, rather than cry about the fact that you can’t afford to take a vacation, give yourself a day off once a week.

It doesn’t cost anything. In fact, by refusing to go out and buy more stuff, you can practice contentment. By taking a day to rest, you model for your children a very important truth: your value does not lie in your accomplishments. You will give them a way to access that elusive commodity we all want—contentment. And you’ll realize—you can’t buy contentment.

You have to simply decide to be content.
How?
By slowing down, by taking some time to just notice that you have enough."

Isn't that great?

Hang onto the words of the Apostle Paul:

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)

It Wasn't My Bible

2009-06-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Last week I interviewed Las Vegas pastor Isaac David for an upcoming Total Impact segment.

When we finished in the studio he gave me a gift.

A New King James Study Bible.

Brand new in fact.

What a blessing!

So I thanked him and put the Bible, which was shrink-wrapped in the box, on my desk.

There it sat.

I was meaning to open it up.

The thought crossed my mind many times during the week.

But something held me back.

I don't think this is my Bible.

On Friday evening I finished the show and went back to my office.

There it sat.

It's brand new!

So cool!

Really now.

Should I leave it here Lord, or take it home?

Maybe I'll meet someone who needs a Bible this weekend.

Or maybe I'll just leave it here because you'll show me who to give it to through my work.

I finally picked up the box and headed out the back door.

Just at that very moment I sensed some movement by the fence.

I looked.

It was a homeless man spreading out his tattered sleeping bag on the ground.

This was where he was going to spend the night.

I continued walking to my car.

Then there was this feeling.

A feeling as clear as the air on a cold morning.

That's HIS Bible.

The dialogue began.

Lord is that you talking, or just me?

This a brand new Bible.

Did you see how dirty his hands are?

He might even sell it for a bottle of booze.

Or a pack of cigarettes.

Or something much worse.

I opened the car door and sat in the driver's seat.

Just then I noticed the man had started walking across the empty desert, away from the building.

Where's he going?

Oh man.

Did I miss an opportunity to serve you, Lord?

Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. "

"What's that prayer you been praying, Kurt?

You want to see more of Me in your life.

To be used by Me.

Will you pass up this opportunity, or seize it?"

Lord, he took off.

Look.. there he goes behind that building way over there on the other side of the vacant lot.

Lord, I do want to be used by you.

If he comes back I'll give him the Bible.

But I need to get home.

Can you send him back soon?

I waited 30 seconds.

Then a minute.

I got out of the car.

What's that.... no way!

He was walking back across the vacant lot.

With a beat up plastic white bucket.

I rejoiced.

When he returned to his spot by the fence I grabbed the Bible and walked over.

"Hi... how are you?"

He seemed confused.

Or maybe just surprised someone was speaking kindly to him.

Or speaking to him at all.

"Do you like to read?" I asked.

"Yes" he said simply.

"I have something here for you.

It's a brand new Bible.

Look.. it's still in the box.

Still has the shrink wrap on it.

There are all kinds of notes to help you understand what you're reading.

It's yours if you promise me one thing."

"Sure" he said, a crooked smile breaking forth on his lips.

"Promise me you'll read it."

He quickly ran to the white plastic bucket.

He reached in, hands shaking.

He pulled out a mangled, cheap, almost shredded copy of the Bible.

The Lord knew it was time for a new one.

A very nice one.

Maybe that Bible was an answer to this man's prayers.

I don't know.

I didn't ask.

Somehow it didn't matter.

Especially when I looked back over my shoulder as I made my way to the car.

He was softly and reverently touching the top of the box.

I can see him still.

Sometimes You Have To Run Aground

2009-06-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

It sure wasn't a pleasure cruise.

No all-you-can-eat buffet.

No private cabin.

Just meager rations and chains.

But it was an adventure.

You'll find the story of the Apostle Paul heading for Rome in Acts Chapter 27.

It really makes for good reading.

And deep thinking.

The ship, caught in a horrible storm, had more than 200 passengers on board.

They all thought they were going to die.

Paul stands up at the worst moment for them and has a message to deliver:

Acts 27:22-26 (ESV) "Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we MUST RUN AGROUND ON SOME ISLAND."

Believe it or not, we'll survive this guys.

But we'll still have to deal with some stuff.

The outcome is sure.

It's the in-between time that gets dicey.

Isn't that true for us too?

God promises to be with us in the storm.

When the ship is breaking up we hang onto Him the best we know how.

The great rescue is certain.

But we may still have to run aground in a place not of our choosing.

An isolated and strange place.

We'll be battered and bruised as we get our wits about us.

And then suddenly we'll see it.

Smooth sailing isn't what the Christian life is all about.

It's trusting God when contrary winds blow.

What does that look like?

A rainbow in the clouds.

A diamond displayed on black velvet.

A life preserved even though you run aground.

Acts 27:43-44 (ESV) " The Centurion ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land."

You'll make it.

You really will.

Your Voice

2009-06-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

He can do it so much better.

She has served with such excellence.

Many lives have been touched through them.

Awesome words have been said.

And written.

Fantastic songs have been written.

And sung.

Powerful messages have been created.

And preached.

Man's history book records many acts of greatness.

I know.

But God's history book records many more.

People living out God's purpose for their lives in out-of-the way out-of-the spotlight places.

"My ambition is to belong to the Lord and be entirely at His disposal", they say.

Although many things have been done in the world God still has a specific assignment for you, fellow Christ follower!

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) " For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

I see God's assignments for us as unique.

"Start this business", He tells you.

"Get involved in this ministry."

"Write this book."

"Take this job."

"Sing this song."

The "song" may have been sung by many others.

True.

But it's never been sung by you.

What makes it different is your voice.

We have four Gospels in the New Testament.

What if Mark, John, and Luke had said.. "Matthew has already written one. He did a great job. Why should we write one?"

We wouldn't have their unique voices sharing a common truth.

And that would be a sad thing, wouldn't it?

Your voice makes God's assignment special.

A choir is made up of many voices.

And when they sing the same song, it's marvelous.

But one less voice here.

One less there.

It's just not the same anymore.

Your voice is important.

Unique in your generation.

And yet blending perfectly with all of the others down through the ages.

Fast Food. Healthy Food?

2009-06-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Is there such a thing as healthy fast food?

How about healthier fast food?

The answer is yes, according to an article I found online.

Pretty interesting stuff!

Especially when McDonald's is considered somewhat healthy.

It got a B+!!

Click below to check out what other restaurants made the grade:

America's Best Fast Food Restaurants: http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100235019&page=1

Happy guilt free eating!

Embryo Adoption

2009-06-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with embryo adoption?

If not, there's a Christian organization that's doing some fantastic work.

Back in 1997, Nightlight Christian Adoptions began the Snowflake Program.

It has been such a blessing to so many couples.

These folks are now moms and dads after adopting a frozen embryo.

To explain the program in detail would take up a ton of space.

So... here's a link to the website: http://www.nightlight.org/adoption-services/snowflakes-embryo/default.aspx

If this is something you're interested in... I want you to meet Jim Seebock.

Jim and his wife chose embryo adoption.

And what a blessing!

Listen to my conversation with Jim:

Total Impact-Embryo Adoption: http://www.box.net/shared/pas1f73i65

What a neat idea!

See ya on the radio.

The Plan Is A Person

2009-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

God is always with us.

Protecting us.

Psalm 119:114 (ESV) "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word."

Defending us.

Psalm 59:1 (ESV) "..... Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.."

Making us victorious.

1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV) "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

But have you noticed He doesn't always do things the same way each time?

I think we can get discouraged when we expect Him to do this and then he doesn't.

He does that.

Life with God is an adventure.

At least it should be.

What real adventure is predictable?

Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem to help rebuild the wall around the city.

It...as well as the city... was in ruins.

As Nehemiah and the Jews worked on this God approved plan, they faced some pretty tough opposition from the bad guys in the land.

And so they prayed.

Nehemiah 4:4 (ESV) "Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives."

And they planned too.

Nehemiah 4:16-18 (ESV) "From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail.

And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall.

Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.

And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me."

"Praise the Lord... and hand me some ammunition!"

Praying and planning go well together when you're walking closely with God.

Sometimes God says "Don't do anything."

Sometimes He says "Don't do anything YET"

And sometimes He says "Do this. And this. NOW."

There's no substitute for walking closely with God.

Knowing God is more important than knowing what to do.

If you know HIM... you'll know the WHEN.

And the WHAT.

Wait to act Lord?

Exodus 14:13 (AMP) " Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today."

Saddle up this time Lord?

Sure.

Proverbs 21:31 (ESV) " The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord."

I get it now Lord.

The plan is a Person.

You.

At A Loss For Words..... Almost.

2009-05-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

As I sit here writing this I'm filled with amazement yet again.

To see God exceed all of our hopes and expectations is like nothing else.

Thank you to so many of you who made the decision to invest in SOS Radio during Friendraiser.

More than a thousand new givers joined Team 360!!!

The goal was 700.

Lord thank you!

After meeting our goal we encouraged you to purchase solar powered radios for needy folks in the villages of Guatemala and southern Mexico.

They're pre-set to receive only the local Christian station.

What an outreach!!

More than a thousand radios were purchased!

A friend of HCJB World Radio bought a radio for every one purchased up to a thousand of them.

So... more than two thousand radios are on their way "south of the border"!

Who knows how God will use the music and the messages to touch countless lives there.

I'm totally at a loss for words today.

Thank you!

And may God get all of the glory!!

See ya on the radio.

Friendraiser Day 2!

2009-05-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

Wow.

As I sit here at the beginning of our second day of Friendraiser, I still have to catch my breath a bit.

Seeing God show up beyond our hopes is so humbling.

Thank you so much for following God's leading to invest in the ministry of SOS Radio.

When Day One wrapped up last night, we had already met and exceeded our goal of 700 new Team 360 members!

Today, I can't wait to see what God has planned.

Stay tuned!

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) "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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. "

Friendraiser Begins!

2009-05-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

We've been talking about it for weeks.

Now it's finally underway!

Friendraiser 2009 kicked off this morning at 6am Pacific time.

What fun!

We're looking for 700 new friends to join Team 360.

Team 360 is made up of those folks who want to invest 30 dollars a month... a dollar a day... into the ministry of SOS Radio.

We're non-commerical.. meaning we're totally funded through the gifts of God's people.

Will you consider giving to SOS?

Click here: http://www.sosradio.net/200812/friendRaiser2009.html#giving

I love chatting with the volunteers who have given of their time to help out at our studios here in Las Vegas.

They answer phones, handle mailing, help out with hospitality, you name it.

A big "thank you" to all of them!

Here's a verse from Proverbs that we can hang our hat on today:

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Thanks For The Reminder Lacy!

2009-05-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

As we get ready to kick off our Friendraiser event tomorrow morning here at SOS Radio, I'm reminded of how God uses this ministry in powerful ways.

I just received an email from Lacy.

God has placed a dream in her heart, but there are challenges.

She needs encouragement!

Here's what shes says:

Hi Kurt!

I am from the Bitterroot Valley in Montana and I'm a figure skater.

I recently moved to Philadelphia about four months ago to train in ice dancing. I left home at 17 in order to pursue skating and I've been in LA and in Sun Valley, Idaho. Now I'm 21 and here on the east coast.

For the last four years I've been searching for an ice dancing partner. God put this dream in my heart, one that most counted unrealistic, and so it all began.

Four years of being a single ice dancer is unheard of, and no coach can tell me why I haven't had a boy say yes yet. The coaches say that I need to, "just give it time."

Moving to the east coast was supposed to boost my chances of getting into a partnership, as most of the ice dancing world lives here. I've had a rough go these last few months adjusting to another place and leaving my family behind again.

The one thing that defines who I am is the dream that I believe God has given me and the promises that He gave me many years ago that this is what He made me to do and wants me to live. I dreamt of God using me to reach people through my skating, of touching hearts and lives with the gift He's given me.

I've always thought of myself as being Christ's ambassador in the world of skating. And I still dream of those things, but lately I've been so weighed down that it's hard to function.

One thing that has been a saving grace to me is SOS radio. I listen online and it helps me get through my day and reminds me of home. God speaks to me so often through SOS, the music and DJs.

My mom told me about your conversation with Britt Nicole and so I went online and listened to it on your web page. It made me cry. I felt God had spoken directly to me and given me a promise, but now in the waiting and the turmoil of my heart I begin to doubt.

I guess I just wanted to write that I appreciate what you do and what SOS does, and what artists like Britt do.

It's so hard being isolated from everything I knew and the people I love, but your radio station helps bring encouragement back to me.

I hope that someday I'll get to be like Britt and tell about how God used an unconventional way of leading me into my skating ministry and how the long years of waiting were for His glory and that it will all come together in the end.

So, thank you for your encouragement and may God continue to use you and bless the station.

If you don't mind, would you pray for me, that the dream I heard God give me so many years ago might burn inside stronger in the face of adversity and loneliness and that in His will He would send me a skating partner?

I'd really appreciate it. Thanks again and may God bless you!

Sincerely,
Lacy

When you invest in SOS Radio you are investing in opportunities for God to touch so many lives!

Here's my response:

Hi Lacy,
How awesome to come into work today and read your e-mail! Your heart for the Lord burns so brightly. I was encouraged big time!

As Britt was unpacking her story for us on the air I just had this feeling that many people would be blessed by what she had to say. Based on the response I can see that God really showed up. He always gives us an encouraging word when we need it the most.

I can see why her story hit home with you. This in-between time for you is so hard. But you have a lot of good company:

*Moses spent 40 years on the backside of the desert before his big moment came

*Abraham and Sara were promised a child but many years went by before Isaac was born

*John the Baptist lived in the wilderness for years until God told him it was time to start preparing the way for the coming of the Savior.

* Jesus spent 30 years in obscurity working in his earthly father's carpentry shop before beginning his mission to save the lost

*The Apostle Paul accepted Christ but ended up spending many years on the sidelines before beginning his ministry

On and on it goes.

The wealth is in the waiting as God prepares us for the next step.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Also keep this in mind when you really feel overwhelmed:

"Faith is the refusal to panic".

We'll be standing with you in prayer!

God bless you Lacy in your work for Him.

I can't wait to hear what God does next.

Keep us posted!

Kurt

Can you keep Lacy in your prayers too?

A Holiday Weekend

2009-05-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

So what do you have planned for the Memorial Day Weekend?

On the way to the station today I filled the car up with gas.

I was wondering why the price spiked!

Happy Holiday!

Whatever you have planned, take a few moments to remember those who have served our country.

Especially those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom.

All gave some, some gave all.

If you're going to be cooking out, here are a few tips;

Cookout Tips: http://www.ehow.com/how_5015353_host-memorial-day-cook-out.html

Don't need tips?

How about just one:

Don't be overconfident.

Yep.

I'm talking from experience.

A Page Jumper

2009-05-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I prayed before I even cracked the spine of my One-Year Bible.

I always say something like...

"Lord, I seek a word for today. Holy Spirit, make the words I need most to hear jump off the page and into my heart!"

I opened the Bible.

Some verses from a favorite Psalm greeted my eyes and yes... jumped off the page:

Psalm 84:11-12 (ESV) "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!"

For the Lord is a sun....

Lord you are as bright as the noonday sun.

You light my path and bring warmth to my soul.

"..a shield.."

You protect me.

From the world.

From others.

From myself.

"...the Lord bestows favor and honor."

Your favor... your smile... the honor you give me I don't deserve.

But then again, you always treat me with such undeserved kindness.

Honor me?

Wow.

I am reminded that the only honor that counts is from you.

"No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

In my imperfection I desire to walk uprightly.

The desire itself pleases you.

It's like a small child who spends the afternoon in the backyard flower garden.

He picks flowers.

He picks a few weeds too.

He makes a bouquet to hand to his Dad.

It's not much to look at.

Especially as the dirt from the uprooted plants falls all over the floor when he brings it inside.

With bright shining eyes he looks up and hands it to his father.

It's not really a bouquet he's handing over.

It's his heart.

The father's heart melts.

"I can't wait to bless you, my son!"

"O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you."

The little boy runs back out into the world content.

That's what you do when you know that your heart is in good hands.

Can I Still Be Used?

2009-05-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

Are you coming off a failure of some type?

In your aching heart a thought surfaces:

God.....will you use me again?

Or is this the last straw?

The fact that the question is in your mind is a very good thing!

You care about honoring God.

Despite the battle with sin and temptation.

If you could have lunch with the Apostle Paul to discuss this whole thing he might tell you something about his own battles....

Romans 7:21-25 (ESV) " So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Romans 8:1 (ESV) "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

When God called you to serve Him, He knew all about this recent stumble in your life.

And the other ones too.

As a Christ follower, the blood of Jesus covers you head to toe.

Every day of your life.

There is forgiveness for the broken-hearted:

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit."

Think of all the great heroes of the faith in the Bible.

God called them knowing they would fail at times.

What about Samson?

Judges 13:5 (NKJV) "For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall BEGIN to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."

Zero in on that word BEGIN.

Samson would only begin to deliver Israel.

God knew he would fall into sin big time.

But He called Him anyway.

And the key was where he ended up.

With his eyes gouged out and in prison... yes.

But with a broken and contrite heart.

Isaiah 66:2 (ESV) "....But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."

Judges 16:28-30 (ESV) "Then Samson called to the Lord and said, "O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes."

And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other.

And Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines."

Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life."

God still used him.

Hebrews 11:32-34 (ESV) "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, SAMSON, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness.."

God can still use you too.

Job Hunting 101: Graduating From The School of Hard Knocks

2009-05-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

He came to Las Vegas to start a church.

But God had other plans.

While trying to find work to support the church plant, Scott Linklater ran into a brick wall.

Many brick walls.

He couldn't find a job.

For months and months.

How God took care of him is really a neat story.

But it's more than that.

Scott was taking notes.

His discoveries are really exceptional.

And now he's helping other people with their own job hunt.

It's turned into a ministry.

In fact his heart is to host workshops for the unemployed in churches.

To give them tools to use.

To provide encouragement.

To talk about God's faithfulness.

Scott dropped by the show for our Total Impact segment last week.

If you or someone you know is unemployed and looking for work, I think you'll find some good stuff here.

Just set aside a few minutes and click to listen:

Total Impact-Scott Linklater on The Job Hunt: http://www.box.net/shared/xgbd1udxli

God is with you in your job hunt.

He really is.

Vision Impaired

2009-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Why is it we always look at life through a short term lens?

This is what I want today.

This seems good right now.

Who cares where this road leads. I'll deal with it later.

This frame of mind can lead to a wasted life.

Ecclesiastes 2:11 (ESV) " Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun."

For those of us who follow Christ, I don't think we're so Heavenly minded we're of no earthly good.

I think the problem is we're so earthly minded we're of no Heavenly good.

There's an appointment with death on the schedule for all of us.

Realizing that isn't being morbid.

It's wisdom.

Psalms 90:12 (ESV) "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Are we living out what we say we believe?

What's the general pattern of our life?

Need a new life lens?

The Bible is both a short term AND a long term lens.

A true two-for-one deal.

Good for now and eternity.

Want to live carelessly?

That means you won't enjoy experiencing God along the way.

And think about that appointment you'll have to show up for at the end of your life.

Proverbs 5:11-12 (ESV) " and at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed, and you say, "How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof!"

There's no comfort in regret.

How much better to walk with God daily, moment by moment.

Peace in the midst of the struggle to be obedient.

Caring about where this road leads.

Okay.

Sounds great.

But I've blown it too many times to count!

Think mercy.

Micah 7:19 (ESV) "He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."

Change begins with mercy shown and mercy embraced.

Psalm 51:1-17 (ESV) "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise...."

That sounds to me like a step-by-step plan to readjust the focus of our lives.

A Visit With Britt Nicole

2009-05-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

What a great time we had with Britt Nicole on the show yesterday!

She dropped by the studio here in Las Vegas to chat about her faith, her music, and more.

There was a lot of ministry going on, for sure.

Some highlights:

*Britt's calling into ministry (Not typical!)

*Her healing from her parent's divorce

*God's Timing

*God's Faithfulness

*The stories behind the songs "Set The World On Fire" & "The Lost Get Found"

(She sings those two songs live)

My phones were ringing like crazy.

"Hey.... you gotta post this interview on Goff's Digest so we can download it!"

So... as promised.. here you go.

To make it more convenient for you, I've broken up the interview into four parts.

I think her words as well as her music will be a big blessing to you today!

Britt Nicole With Kurt Part 1: http://www.box.net/shared/39rh4iv98q

Britt Nicole With Kurt Part 2: http://www.box.net/shared/fejn03fxcy

Britt Nicole With Kurt Part 3: http://www.box.net/shared/tr9y2c8b48

Britt Nicole With Kurt Part 4: http://www.box.net/shared/iyb4n7jjqo

With Many Or With Few

2009-05-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes reading through 1 and 2 Chronicles in the Old Testament can be a challenge.

You've got a lot of names and genealogies.

But I'm glad it's all in there.

The Bible isn't filled with tall tales.

The list of names anchors God's work in real time.

And he used real people.

From cover to cover it's history.

HIStory, in fact.

King Asa of Judah was one of the good kings.

He tore down the altars to the false gods and tried to do his part to bring the people back to God.

But real life happens to real people.

King Asa goes out to battle a million-man army from Ethiopia.

He counts his troops.

"Let's see... one.... two.... three...."

Hey.. this is 2 Chronicles.

He likes to take his time listing stuff.

The total; 580,000 men.

"Uh.... can we get a recount?!"

They're outnumbered.

God smiles.

2 Chronicles 14:11 (NKJV) "And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, "Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!"

You can help if we've got a lot of fighting men.

You can help if we only have a few.

The victory is in your hands anyway.

We are weak.

You are strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV) "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Chronicles 14:12 (NKJV) "So the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled."

God's deliverances.

Each one is unique.

Let Him choose the method.

With many on our side.

With few.

It doesn't matter.

God + 1= A majority.

Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV) "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Like an Eagle

2009-05-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

It's for the birds.

Not really.

I just wrote that because it's been a while since I used an overused cliché.

It's actually for us.

It's called the Bald Eagle Cam.

In Oklahoma a camera has been mounted on a platform where a pair of eagles have built a nest.

They're raising a youngster there.

And they have no idea that more than a million people from 60 countries are watching their every move.

That's a good thing.

What parent in their right mind would agree to such an arrangement?

When an Internet glitch interrupted the reality show, people went nuts.

I guess they do exist.

Eagle Video Junkies.

What's the big attraction?

I could come up with some picturesque description I suppose.

Or.... just let you find out for yourself:

Eagle Cam: suttoncenter.org/eaglecam.html.

You probably didn't expect to be thinking about eagles today.

Me neither.

But maybe it's God's unusual way of encouraging us.

Isaiah 40:30-31 (ESV) "Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Faith and Cancer

2009-05-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

As I was thinking about what to share in today's entry my mind kept going back to an interview I did last month on Total Impact.

It has to do with hanging onto your Christian faith in the midst of a cancer diagnosis.

The Oasis of Hope Hospital is a place where Christian doctors are helping a lot of people.

The hospital is located just across the border from San Diego, California.

Click here to visit the website: http://www.oasisofhope.com/

In my conversation with the Counseling Director at Oasis, Daniel Kennedy, I learned a lot about our faith in the midst of this battle.

Click here to listen to my conversation with Daniel:

Faith & Cancer-http://www.box.net/shared/a4g6ud7z4e

And remember:

Isaiah 43:2-3 (ESV) "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God.."

"I'm Outta Here!"-John Mark

2009-05-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

I sure tried to follow the Lord's leading.

Loving Him.

Walking closely with Him.

Reading His Word.

Praying.

Obeying.

Seeking forgiveness for my sins.

Seeking godly advice from friends.

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV) "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. "

I felt confident.

I headed down the road.

A smooth road.

For a while.

Sunshine.

For a while.

Birds singing.

For a while.

Then in the blink of an eye the road gets rough.

The clouds roll in.

The darkness is so thick you can cut it with a chain saw.

"But Lord, I thought this is the way you wanted me to go."

"I must have made a mistake!"

Ever been there?

I have.

And so has John Mark.

Check this out:

Acts 13:4-13 (ESV) "So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. AND THEY HAD JOHN TO ASSIST THEM.

When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.

But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time." Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And JOHN LEFT THEM AND RETURNED TO JERUSALEM."

John Mark decided to turn back.

"This is crazy!"

"I thought God wanted me to do this but I'm no Paul or Barnabas!"

"I'm just plain old John Mark!"

What he didn't realize is that it was God working through and sustaining Paul and Barnabas.

The difference was they trusted God to show up.

On sunny days.

On stormy days.

It took faith.

But the best thing about this story is that God wasn't finished with John Mark.

Paul may have written him off.

Barnabas didn't:

Acts 15:36-41 (ESV) "And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."

Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord."

John Mark was originally on the right road even though it didn't seem like it.

But God is so kind.

Once He assigns us a mission He doesn't give up on us.

Even when we turn back.

Psalms 103:14 (ESV) "For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust."

John Mark didn't make the same mistake twice.

He went on to be a great hero of the faith.

He even wrote the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament!

Even Paul eventually came around:

2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV) "Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry."

Feeling inadequate?

Things a little tough?

Stick with it.

God will help you.

Have you already turned back?

God knows your heart.

If you're willing, He'll get you back on the right road.

And you'll be able to encourage others who are faltering.

You might even share with them something like this:

Don't ever doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light.

I like to think that's something John Mark would say.

Real Moms, Real Jesus

2009-05-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Does Jesus really understand the peanut butter and jelly life of a real mom?

More than you know!

It's something I learned when Jill Savage joined us on the show.

She's written some very popular books for moms.

Her latest is "Real Moms, Real Jesus".

If you're a mom... you might need a quick dose of encouragement.

So for the next 5 minutes sit back.

Relax.

And click below to feed your soul.

Jill Savage-Real Moms, Real Jesus-http://www.box.net/shared/b6ootvbhso

And one more thing.

Happy Mother's Day!

Prayer

2009-05-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Happy National Day of Prayer!

What an important day it is.

Praying for our nation, our leaders, cities, schools, families, the list is endless.

I hope you'll be able to attend a National Day of Prayer event in your city.

For a rundown of events click here: http://www.nationaldayofprayer.com/home/home.html

In Las Vegas, we've got a gathering at the Grant Sawyer Building from noon to 1pm.

And this evening at 6, I'll be at the gathering on the steps of City Hall downtown.

If you can't make it out, I encourage you to set aside a few minutes to pray for the things God brings to your mind.

Prayer is powerful!

Do you believe that?

If you have a few minutes take a listen to my conversation with pastor/evangelist/author Greg Laurie.

We were talking about prayer and he had some awesome things to say.

Like for instance... "Prayer isn't overcoming God's reluctance, it's grabbing onto His willingness."

Enjoy!

Greg Laurie On Prayer: http://www.box.net/shared/8nau4g22pl

The High Places

2009-05-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

As I was reading through the books of 1 and 2 Kings in the Old Testament, something stood out.

There were many bad kings in Israel and Judah.

And a few godly ones.

Too few, in fact.

But even the best of them only followed God so far.

For some reason they left many of the high places standing.

What exactly were the high places?

The high places were features of Canaanite religion, and the conquering Israelites were commanded to destroy them when they entered Canaan (Numbers 33:52; Deut. 33:29).
—New Unger's Bible Dictionary

They were the places where the people worshiped other gods.

God wanted them destroyed because they would draw the Israelites away from Him.

Deuteronomy 7:16 (ESV) "And you shall consume all the peoples that the Lord your God will give over to you. Your eye shall not pity them, neither shall you serve their gods, for that would be a snare to you."

Our God is loving, kind, merciful, patient, gracious, forgiving.

But He's also holy, just, righteous, and.... jealous.

Exodus 34:14 (ESV) "...for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God"

New Unger's Bible Dictionary also says this:

"After Solomon, who grievously sinned in erecting high places for his heathen wives (1 Kings 11:1-8), this heathenistic institution prevailed among many kings of the Davidic line. Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son, made high places in the mountains of Judah (2 Chron. 21:11), as did Ahaz. Hezekiah broke them down (2 Kings 18:4, 22); Manasseh, in his idolatrous orgy, re-erected them (2 Kings 21:3). They were again destroyed by Josiah (2 Kings 23:5, 8, 13)."

King Josiah was awesome.

He was the one who really wiped out the high places.

No mercy.

I want to be like him.

Do I have some high places in my life?

Places where I worship money.

People.

Pleasure.

Praise.

A job.

Security.

Whatever.

At the end of the day partial obedience is disobedience.

God knows if I don't wage war on the high places they'll just sit there.

Ready at a moment's notice to welcome me back.

And destroy my life.

Grins

2009-05-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to Virginia!

She emailed some smiles my way today.

Well.. not smiles actually.

Just some cartoons that made me smile.

Enjoy!

Like A Rock

2009-05-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

To borrow a cliché.. "Are you between a rock and a hard place right now?"

No good options.

Just you and a handful of gravel.

As a follower of Christ you know you're not alone.

He's always with you.

Matthew 28:20 (ESV) "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

You're reminded of that great truth as you sit in exhaustion.

On a rock, of course.

Warm and fuzzy it's not.

Easy and enjoyable it's not.

Hard and uncomfortable it is.

But have you considered some other things about rocky places?

For instance, God likes to show up there.

Psalm 114:7-8 (ESV) "Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water."

When the Israelites left Egypt, God led them into a barren, rocky wilderness.

Water.

We need water!

What are we gonna do?

All we have here are rocks!

Psalm 78:15-16 (ESV) "He (God) split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep. He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers."

So there you are today.

Sittin' on the rock.

Gettin' harder by the moment.

It doesn't look like it but it's true.

This is the "Splash Zone".

Best seat in the house to get wet.

He's Home

2009-05-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

As you probably already know, Las Vegas headliner Danny Gans has passed away.

He died in his sleep at his Henderson home.

Danny was only 52.

For the latest details check out the Las Vegas Review-Journal: http://www.lvrj.com/

Many people across the world know Danny as a hugely talented entertainer.

And man... he sure was.

But his passion for his Lord and Savior was always first.

Please pray for Danny's wife Julie, and his 3 children Amy, Andrew, and Emily.

What you may not know is that Danny was a supporter of the work going on here at the SOS Radio Network.

He stood with us through the years.

Too many stories to tell you.

Just know his heart for Jesus Christ and the spreading of the Gospel in Las Vegas and beyond meant so very much to us.

This verse keeps passing through my mind today:

Psalms 116:15 (GW) "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones."

What a moment when Danny heard these words from the lips of Jesus:

Matthew 25:21 (ESV) "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your master."

Tyler's Story Goes National!

2009-04-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

It's truly amazing what God is doing through through the struggles of a young man in Montana.

I've been following the story of Tyler Boshae for about 9 months now.

Tyler, who's an avid SOS listener in Missoula, has a very severe case of Tourette Syndrome.

This condition causes involuntary muscle movements known as "tics".

It's made his life so very difficult.

They had to put him in a coma not too long ago so that his body could rest.

This Christ follower has been a guest on the show and let me tell ya... his faith in God despite this challenge is truly inspiring!

As he told me... "I know God is going to use this for His glory and my good!"

Just recently Tyler underwent a major brain operation to reduce his symptoms.

Despite the risks, he came through just fine!

A lot of SOS listeners have been praying for him.

I hope you're one of them!

They're still raising money to help pay for his medical expenses.

All of the details plus updates on his condition can be found on this website:

http://www.clubtwitch.com/

Tyler's story was featured on Inside Edition this week!

Tyler Boshae Inside Edition Click here to download

I'm told People Magazine and Good Morning America may be covering the story as well!

Yes Tyler... God will use it for your good.

And HIS glory!

Elizabeth George: Following God With All Your Heart

2009-04-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies... just a reminder:

Author and Bible teacher Elizabeth George will be in the Las Vegas Valley for a conference this weekend.

She's written so many best-selling books.

Her most famous one is "A Woman After God's Own Heart".

The focus this weekend will be following God with all your heart.

This is really powerful stuff.

If you can't make the conference be sure to get the book.

But if you're here in Southern Nevada I want to encourage you to invest in your spiritual growth by checking out the conference.

Here are the details:

Elizabeth George Women's Conference

Date: Friday May 1st 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.Saturday May 2nd 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Location: Green Valley Baptist Church, 270 North Valley Verde Dr.,Henderson

Description: Hear Elizabeth George live, as she encourages women in their walk with Christ. Tickets are $40.00 thru April 25th, no tickets mailed after that date. $50.00 at the door, if there are any left! For tickets or information call 702-434-1906 or www.greenvalleybc.org .Free childcare provided BY RESERVATION ONLY. For childcare reservations, please contact Liz Tretina at 459-1029 or jjeers83@cox.net

Elizabeth joined us on the show recently.

Many of her comments were so awesome.

Click on the link below to listen:

Elizabeth George on SOS: http://www.box.net/shared/hljned37gu

Blessings your way today!

Not The Original Apostles But More Funny I'm Sure

2009-04-28T10:30:00.001-07:00

For all of our listeners in Missoula, Montana and Salt Lake City, Utah heads up:

The Apostles of Comedy Tour is on the way this week.

Click here for the details: http://www.sosradio.net/200812/concert.html

One of the Christian comedians on this tour joined us on the show yesterday from Los Angeles.

His name is Ron Pearson.

No doubt you've seen some of his great work on television.

Click here to listen to our conversation:

Ron Pearson-Apostles of Comedy: http://www.box.net/shared/ob24ucb624

And remember: Laughter is very biblical.

No Joke.

Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) " A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

I'll pass on the dried up bones, thank you!