The Christian Broadcasting Network

Tim Russert and the Fruit of Character

Greetings…

Just a few thoughts.

I didn’t know or ever meet Tim Russert, the NBC host of Meet the Press, who died last week of heart failure. However, I know some people who did know and work with him.

As a broadcaster, he was a good role model for me in my own efforts as a journalist. Russert always did his homework, honored and challenged his guests without berating them, listened, and without a personal agenda attempted to find out the truth.

But beyond his broadcasting abilities, Tim Russert displayed the character of a man who embodied his core priorities of faith, family, and friendship. His wife, Maureen, son, Luke, and dad, “Big Russ,” and his church were at the top of that list; and with his co-workers, as the Washington Bureau Chief of NBC News, he built an extended family.

Last week when his heart stopped, he broke theirs.

Some time ago when Pat Robertson met Russert, Tim stated, “I am a Christian too, you know!” A Catholic Christian he was, and certainly the character of his life displayed that, as “a letter read by all men.”

God bless your memory, sir, and may the fruit of your heart and labor remain.

And now a transition that I hope is not totally divorced from these thoughts.

I have received numerous e-mails from folks asking me about a number of so-called church “revivals” that seem to be transpiring in various areas of the USA. CBN News has covered some of these, and although I have not attended any of the current events, I have done some research into two or three of them.

Some of the stories emerging from these gatherings seem to be quite spectacular, including purported physical healings and other supernatural manifestations. I know from Biblical accounts and from personal experience that God does demonstrate Himself in these ways. It was, after all, Jesus' calling card.

However, I do want to wave a flag of caution that there is a real mixture transpiring in many of these events. Not all of the occurrences are consistent with the character and conduct of Jesus Christ. It would behoove all who choose to attend these gatherings to go with an open heart, but with your feet planted on Scriptural ground, and to “examine the Word of God daily to see if these things are really so.”

The feelings, goose bumps, and hoopla will pass, but it is His Word that remains forever; and it is by the “fruits” (the character of their lives) of those conducting the meetings that you will know them, not their gifts.

Although I have been graciously gifted by the Lord both naturally & supernaturally, when it is all over and I am done on this planet, I would prefer to be remembered by the character of my life andnot my gifts.

It will take the rest of my time allotted to me here to work out with God’s grace the two commandments He gave us of “loving God, with my whole heart, mind and strength, and my neighbor as myself.”

I am trying to remember that now as I go into the voice over booth as Tim Russert did last week and breathed his last.

Thanks,

Scott

posted @ Thursday, June 19, 2008 1:50 PM | Feedback (1)

Dion DiMucci: The Wanderer

Ah yes, road life…it’s been a while folks; but tomorrow (June 10) on The 700 Club, we’ll try to catch up.

For those of you who remember: "Teenager in Love," "Where or When," "Runaround Sue," "The Wanderer," "Ruby Baby," "Donna the Prima Donna," "Drip Drop," and an anthem of the Sixties, Abraham (Lincoln) Martin (Luther King) and John (Kennedy). Just some of the hits of Dion DiMucci.

But even with all the outward success, the inward man was in turmoil. The lyrics to "The Wanderer "allude to that:

“I ROAM FROM TOWN TO TOWN, I GO THROUGH LIFE WITHOUT A CARE, I’M AS HAPPY AS A CLOWN, WITH MY TWO FISTS OF IRON BUT I’M GOING NO WHERE.”

He and my wife Nedra (The Ronettes) toured together. Nedra and I told Di to ask God if He had a Son. This is what Dion says happened while he was out running:

“I was flooded with white light. It was everywhere, inside me, outside me — everywhere. At that moment, things were different between me and God. He’d broken down the wall. Ahead of me, I saw a man with His arms outstretched. 'I love you,' He said. 'Don’t you know that? I’m your friend. I laid down My life for you. I’m here for you now.' I looked behind me, because I knew I’d left something behind on that road. Some part of me that I no longer wanted. Let the road have it; I didn’t need it anymore.

“God changed my life that morning, and things have never been the same.”

His current album is getting rave reviews; Son of Skip James, which includes three “spiritual “songs.

Get the whole story tomorrow on The 700 Club.

Thanks,

Scott

posted @ Monday, June 09, 2008 3:49 PM | Feedback (0)

An Innerview of You

Hello folks. A real variety this week.

One of my jobs in life is to ask questions; below find some that you might want to ponder. Don’t rush it.

The “innerview” word comes from an actor I was interviewing years ago, and at the end of the interview, he wept and then said, “You don’t do interviews Scott, you just conducted an 'innerview' of me."

posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 5:16 PM | Feedback (0)

What Distinctions?

And greetings to all!

It’s interesting to note that when one pulls back the covers on our so-called civilized veneer, many of the creepy crawly issues of the heart emerge.

Although many would not admit that we harbor any prejudice against any other people group or that it held any influence over us, recent discourse in the political arena has once again produced the “race card.”

A phrase has been coined that describes those that attend church congregations on Sunday morning as participating in and belonging to “the most segregated hour of the week.”

Understandably, many have been unable to relate to Christ the Caucasian, the blue-eyed Aryan. On the flip side, there are those who have identified Jesus as African, or whatever other ethnic persuasion one most closely relates to from our own cultural heritage.

Certainly, there are distinctions of cultures, and we each as individuals have different functions in life; however, a friendly reminder from the Scriptures that He created the “whole family of man” would be healthy for us to revisit.

Plumb Line of Truth:

Christians believe that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, was conceived by the Holy Spirit supernaturally to the Virgin Mary in flesh and blood on this planet as a Jew. Subsequently, as the Son of God, through His death and resurrection:

“He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth.” (Acts 17.26)

“God has shown me (Peter) that I should never think of anyone as impure. I see that God doesn’t show any partiality. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right.”(Acts 28; 34-35)

“Jew and Gentile are all the same in this respect. They all have the same Lord.” (Romans 10.12)

“God has no favorites.”(Galatians 2.6; Ephesians 6.9)

“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians – you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3.28)

“Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.” (Colossians 3.11)

And the future promise of Scripture states that Jesus Christ will return in flesh and blood to this planet just as He left; and when He does, He will be gathering people from “Every nation, and tribe and people and language.” (Revelation7.9: 14.6)

In the meantime, those of us who believe have a mandate to go into the entire world, to every nation, tribe, and people and language,” and/or neighborhood,and tell them about this non-sectarian Savior.

No distinctions.

Just thought we needed the reminder.

Thanks folks,

Scott Ross

posted @ Friday, May 09, 2008 10:36 AM | Feedback (0)

American Idol (Again) and Neil Diamond

Greetings, folks,

On Thursday's American Idol, two things: My personal favorite, Brooke White, was voted off. That’s it for me. However, Neil Diamond appeared on the show as the mentor to the contestants, and he sang a song from his new album, Home Before Dark that will be out in a week or so.

The song he chose to sing is called PRETTY AMAZING GRACE, and it is amazing in terms of lyrical content. You can hear the 5-MINUTE long PRETTY AMAZING GRACE at www.NeilDiamond.com. He was scheduled to do  the TODAY show concert today.

This isn’t the first time that Diamond has written and recorded songs with spiritual content in the lyrics. His last album, 12 Songs, released a couple of years ago, contained the song "Man of God." That may be available on a download from his Web site.

Both albums have been produced by Rick Rubin, who produced all of Johnny Cash’s American Trilogy albums just prior to Cash’s death. Cash & Rubin used to celebrate communion on a regular basis while they were working together.

All that to say that throughout the years, my wife Nedra and I have prayed for musicians (among others), since that is the world we were part of. Without reading too much into it, in my opinion something spiritual is happening with Neil Diamond, and so to find out we are pursuing an interview with him.

We’d appreciate prayer for that, but also whether we land that or not, pray that whatever is going on in Neil Diamond’s life would bring forth “real fruit.”

Thanks guys,

Scott Ross

posted @ Friday, May 02, 2008 4:19 PM | Feedback (0)

In God's Name

And a good day to you!

Just watched the news and read some newspaper commentaries, and it's interesting to note how much God's name has entered into the public debate these days. In this age of instant communication, the amount of "stuff" that is flying about can be overwhelming! And when it gets into the arena of religion and politics….watch out!

Although Jesus called His followers sheep, we don't have to be dumb ones. In actuality we are told to "be wise."

What to believe?

We respond to opinions, arguments, dialogue, theologies, and points of view all from our own frame of reference. We see the world through our own glasses. How we see is affected by our upbringing, culture, personal influences, traditions, etc. And for many it is hard to change and accept any other point of view. After all, we are right let everyone else adjust.

We try to conform God to our image of Him, rather than us being conformed to Him who sees us as we are. God and humans are incompatible and somebody is gonna have to change and He says, "I'm God and I never change!"

Strange Stuff…

John the Apostle warns about false prophets who belong to the world, so they speak from the world's viewpoint; and the world listens to them. But John goes on to say, "We belong to God; that is why those who know God listen to us. If they do not listen to God, they don't listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception." (1 John 4.5-7)

We need to be on guard and not be led away (and this is the insidious one) by "the wolves among us." The Scriptures warn us to be aware of:

• "Doctrines of men." (Colossians 2.22 )
• "Doctrines of devils." (1 Timothy 4.1)
• "Many strange doctrines." (Hebrews 13.9)
• "Those who are proud, knowing nothing, destitute of truth." (1 Timothy 6.4-5) 
• "Those who reject the truth and turn to myths." (2 Timothy 4.4) 
• "Those who rebel against right teaching
• Engage in useless talk, deceiving people.
• By their wrong teaching turn whole families away from the truth." 

Below the Bottom Line

posted @ Thursday, May 01, 2008 9:41 AM | Feedback (0)

What's Your Excuse?

Greetings and salutations one and all.

I recently had a conversation in regard to obeying God and following on to know Him. Most of my struggles throughout my life have been in regard to obedience; I am very good at making up excuses NOT to do something or procrastinating and putting it off until another time when it might be more convenient for me.

The trouble is that often my will and God's will are at cross purposes and somebody's will is gonna be done here. And this is where the wrestling match begins.

Evidently I am not the only one to go through this. What follows is a list of people who had all the excuses, arguments, and shortcomings as to why they couldn't measure up. See who you identify with and then you can do your own reading as to where they ended up and whose will was done. Maybe you have a better excuse.

(Other than Scripture the source for this outline is unknown)

• Moses –“I cannot.”
• Gideon – “How can I?”
• Isaiah – “Woe is me.”
• Jeremiah – “I am but a child.”
• Peter – “I am a sinful man.”
• Paul – “In me dwells no good thing.”

And then there was:

• Moses stuttered.
• David's armor didn't fit.
• John Mark was rejected by Paul. 
• Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
• Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
• Jacob was a liar.
• David had an affair.
• Solomon was too rich.
• Abraham was too old.
• David was too young.
• Timothy had ulcers.
• Peter was afraid of death.
• Lazarus was dead.
• John was self-righteous.
• Naomi was a widow.
• Paul was a murderer. So was Moses.
• Jonah ran from God.
• Miriam was a gossip.
• Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
• Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
• Elijah was burned out.
• John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
• Martha was a worrywart.
• Mary was lazy.
• Samson had long hair.
• Noah got drunk.
• Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
• So did Peter, Paul—well, lots of folks did.

Not very religious or spiritual were they?

The fact is, “We have each gone his own way.” Isaiah 53.6

What's your excuse?

See ya,
Scott Ross

P.S.: I just want to add that it is exactly ten years ago this month that the disease known as Menier's came upon me, resulting in continual, perpetual dizziness and vertigo. There is no natural cure. I tried to use that as an excuse for a while for not doing some things, but God's answer was, "My strength in your weakness." And thanks for the prayers.

posted @ Thursday, April 24, 2008 10:13 AM | Feedback (0)

Idol, Extortion, Blowhards, and an OOOps

Hello all,

In response to the deluge of e-mail comments I received regarding the performance of "Shout To the Lord" on the American Idol TV show last week, a friend e-mailed this bit of background information:

"Do you know the story behind 'Shout to the Lord'? Darlene Zschech needed one more song to 'fill out' her CD. She sat down and wrote that song in one short sitting… taught it to the choir and they recorded it… The producer (Russ Fragar) told me once that they'd selected another song on that album to be THE song… and this one EXPLODED when the CD was released! He said they never imagined something like that would happen, but that song is what put the Hill Song Church on the map!

Interesting how God does stuff, isn't it?"

"Do you know what I want? says the Lord ….balanced scales. Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty" (Proverbs 11.1)

The Latin word extortion would apply here, which is defined as "twist." Extortion is an unjust exploitation of people who are unable to defend themselves for whatever reason. It is largely motivated by selfishness and greed. And we wonder why our economy and the nations are in trouble.

On a related matter:

We are supposed to pray for all those in authority. Here is my prayer in regard to some current politicians who hold office and the Presidential race: "Let his days be few, and let another take his office." (Psalm 109.8)

Blowhards

I used to be on radio for many years and loved it; often more so than television; now, however, I almost but never listen any longer. In addition, I find it difficult to watch television with the constant barrage of commercials and talking heads. The cacophony of "blowhards" is deafening. Some thoughts:

"Don't talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow! When a good man speaks, he is worth listening to, but the words of a fool are a dime a dozen. You will give account for every idle word you speak. By your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned." (Proverbs 10.19-20; Matthew 12.36-37)

And less I add to the dissonance, my prayer for me: "Help me, Lord, to keep my mouth shut and my lips sealed." (Psalm 141.3)

Ah, yes, the "sounds of silence!"

Not everyone will be interested in the following recommendation; but for those who might be interested in Church history over the last one hundred years, The Charismatic Century is a great and informative read.

Co-authored by Jack Hayford, pastor, author, and hymn composer, with a good friend of mine, David Moore, pastor, lecturer, and writer on the history and theology of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, this book tells the story of a century long spiritual rainfall.

As the book tells us, this has been and is, as it continues, "the most profound event in modern church history."

I have been fortunate enough to have experienced many of the events described here and have known many of the men and women who God used to impact the nations. "Let it rain!"

(The Charismatic Century - The Enduring Impact of the Azusa Street Revival  - Jack Hayford and S. David Moore - Warner Faith - Time Warner Book Group)

OOOps…

Last week I sent out one of these missives to you folks, inadvertently sending it with open addresses rather than the blind copies which is our practice. Many of the addressee's have asked that their names and addresses not be published. Some due to security reasons. I apologize that this occurred as I consider that trust to be sacrosanct. I ask that those of you who may be tempted to exploit these names and e-mail addresses for whatever reasons, please restrain yourself and honor the privacy of the persons and companies unintentionally disclosed.

Thanks for your understanding, prayer, and ongoing comments,

Scott Ross

posted @ Wednesday, April 16, 2008 3:58 PM | Feedback (0)

'Idol' Shouted to the Lord, You Answered

C.E.
I agree... I half cried when Michael Johns was voted out. Right after Ramielle Malugay.... wahhhhh. It should have been that girl Kristy Lee Cook who got axed!!! As you can see, we are REALLY into American Idol. In fact, my youngest daughter even auditioned for the local version. We stood in line for six long hours just to do this. Me, the stage mother. Ha ha ha.

E.P.
Thanks, Scott, as I do not usually watch Idol  but thought that “Shout to the Lord” was tremendous; to GOD be the Glory!

Appreciate your keeping us up to “speed”.

A
Scott,

It blew me away as well - and last night they did say JESUS in the first line!

Hey, who knows? Maybe Simon will have a Damascus Road experience on AI! :)

R. S.
A good, reasoned perspective on this:

http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61234

It's not nitpicking.

(I recall G. Harrison's "Sweet 'Lord'" — not MY Lord, but "a" 'Lord' — that business about "whoever denies my NAME..." I don't think that's been revoked, has it?)

D. T.
Just awesome, absolutely awesome!

Through this Idol performance in the world, the world is being judged and Jesus is being lifted up just as He said: "Now is the judgment of this world, now is the prince of darkness cast out. And if I, if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."

 Contact Scott Ross

posted @ Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:29 PM | Feedback (0)

'Idol' Shouts to the Lord...Again!

April 11, 2008

OK, Guys & Gals….

I don't often do this, but this doesn't happen often either. American Idol opened the show last night with an encore of " Shout To the Lord." Evidently it is the number ONE download from the night before.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6WOzF9ZGA7A

I am receiving lot's of e-mail in response to this, too. And for a few nitpickers of you who said they changed the lyrics and took Jesus' name out, please listen closely; the second word and name they mention is who/what??????

And here is some background on the song for you. No offering will be taken.

AMERICAN IDOLS PERFORMED DARLENE ZSCHECH’S “SHOUT TO THE LORD” ON IDOL GIVES BACK

Bloggers and TV writers are buzzing about the grand finale performance of Idol Gives Back, which was predicted to be one of the most watched television programs of the year. According to those in the audience, the show’s grand finale, which was taped on Sunday at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre, has the eight American Idol finalists performing “Shout to the Lord,” the contemporary classic hymn written by Hillsong/Integrity’s Darlene Zschech.
(Tricia Whitehead, Spinhouse Public Relations)

From the first night performance:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6WOzF9ZGA7A

My only complaint: the Aussie singer Michael Johns was voted off last night! In my opinion a real miss.

Thanks for all your comments,

Scott

Contact Scott Ross

posted @ Tuesday, April 15, 2008 2:10 PM | Feedback (0)