Aiming At The Right Target

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

Truth in a nutshell.

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

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

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

All mercy means anything goes in the name of love.

Truth takes a backseat.

Or no seat at all.

Jesus said...

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

All truth can make you a harsh legalist.

Paul said....

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

I want to work more balance into my Christian life.

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

May Jesus be my model:

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

I may not hit the bull's eye.

I may hit innocent by-standers.

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

Make that many times.

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

Encourages me to try again.

Thank you, Lord.

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

Need Some Extra Cash?

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

God promises to meet our needs as followers of Christ.

He can do that in all kinds of ways.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be encouraged,
Kurt

Barney: "Take That!"

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

News isn't when a dog bites a man

News is when a man bites a dog.

No exceptions.

Really?

I have one.

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


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

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

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

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

Dogs are generally good judges of character.

If a dog likes you that says a lot.

Rabid, bloodthirsty, and neurotic dogs aside of course.

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





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

Probably not.

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

Pun intended.

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

Matthew West: Something To Say

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Choice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

This isn't easy... is it?

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

Get Out The Vote!

So... have you voted today?

Maybe you were an early voter.

Bravo!

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

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

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

But it was kind of quiet.

A few folks casting ballots.

A few tumbleweeds blowing across the floor.

Ah well.

Maybe I was just too early for the crowds.

That's a good thing!

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

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

That's where trust comes in.

Remember: He's still in control!

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

Good stuff to think about.. especially today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Healing IS Possible

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

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

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

Two things you need to know:

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

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

With God all things are possible.

And He loves you more than you know.

Just look at the Cross.

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

Me... I'm no expert.

Not a pastor.

Not a counselor.

Not really an abuse survivor.

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

Her name is Linda Newton.

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

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

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

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

Just click "Listen Live".

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

You can listen when you get time.

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

That's because they're so Biblical.

Set aside some time... and listen.

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

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

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

Be blessed!

Kurt