'There is a reason,' says cancer survivor Powers

Posted on June 25, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Sun Prairie Today

June 23, 2008

'There is a reason,' says cancer survivor Powers Photo
When veteran radio broadcaster Mike Powers learned he had prostate cancer, the news left him in shock.”The word cancer is very daunting — it’s very scary,” he said. “You start to wonder, Lord, how long am I going to be in this world? Are my days numbered?”

Powers, an on-air personality for WNWC in Madison (WI) and long-time voice of Sun Prairie (WI) Cardinal football on KSUN-12, relied on his Christian faith more than ever to get through the tough times.

“I had all of these discussions with God,” he told an audience gathered at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Sun Prairie, WI) Sunday evening for a concert to support the local chapter of Relay for Life. “He just revealed so much to me.”

In February, Powers had prostate surgery. “As of right now, I’m cancer free,” he told the group, receiving a large round of applause.

We don’t always know why things happen, but there is a reason, said Powers. “God is doing all kinds of things in our lives with the experiences he presents us with.”

One of those experiences for Powers will be serving as an honorary chair of Relay for Life in Sun Prairie (WI).

Another experience will have an even broader impact. Powers has been chosen by motivational speaker Zig Ziglar to write a chapter in his upcoming book, “Embrace the Struggle.”

“His daughter contacted me shortly after she heard my story,” said Powers. “She said, ‘you’ve interviewed my father a number of times. You just really impressed our spirit with what God did with you. We’d like to add [your story] to our new book.'”

Editor’s Note: Mike Powers is Executive Vice President of Media for Eagles In Leadership.

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Transformed Podcast: Episode #040 – What Are We Willing to Sacrifice for Christ?

Posted on June 23, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Albert Pike says, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

While many today are living their lives in search of success, Jesus calls us to a higher goal. That goal is eternal significance.

Following the example of Stephen, Pastor Matt traces the five steps we can take to achieve true eternal significance. Let’s listen in now as he leads this study at the First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California in this week’s episode “What Are Willing to Sacrifice for Christ?”

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Mike Powers MC's "Music For Life" Benefit for Relay for Life In Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Posted on June 20, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Local musicians raising voices in fight against cancer

From Sun Prairie Today.

Cancer has a voice in Sun Prairie.

Thousands of voices, actually. One for each person who’s been affected by the deadly disease — either directly or through friends or family who’ve waged battle with the illness.

At 5 p.m. Sunday, a group of musicians from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 300 Broadway, will use their voices to raise money for a cure.

Faithful, the congregation’s contemporary band, will put on a free-will offering concert, performing music by a variety of contemporary Christian artists includng Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns and Third Day.

The event is open to the public. All donations will support Sun Prairie Relay for Life.

Between songs, band members will share testimonies about their own experiences with cancer and the important role faith has played.

Former Sun Prairie resident Mike Powers — a Christian radio host (WNWC) and the voice of Cardinal football (KSUN) — will serve as MC. He recently overcame his own battle with prostrate cancer.

Powers will be the honorary co-chair of this year’s Sun Prairie Relay for Life event.

In addition to the music, there will be plenty of good food available for munching between sets and after the show.

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Mike Powers Interviews Max Lucado

Posted on June 17, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Max Lucado has touched millions with his signature storytelling writing style. Awards and accolades follow Max with each book he writes. Max is the first author to win the Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year three times—1999 for Just Like Jesus, 1997 for In the Grip of Grace and 1995 for When God Whispers Your Name. In 2005, Reader’s Digest dubbed him “America’s Best Preacher.” In addition, he has been an ECPA Gold Medallion finalist with more titles than any other author in the industry.

Learn more about Max Lucado and his ministry at his website: http://www.maxlucado.com

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Transformed Podcast: Episode #039 – How Do We Choose Deacons?

Posted on June 14, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

John Maxwell reminds us that …

* “The secure are into towels … The insecure are into titles.
* The secure are people-conscious … The insecure are position conscious.
* The secure want to add value to others … The insecure want to receive value from others.”

Jesus defined Christianity when he said … Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Mark 10:43-44 (NIV)

Inside a healthy, growing church the goal of life is serving others.

Let’s listen now as Pastor Matt explores New Testament servant leadership at First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California in this week’s episode “How Do We Choose Deacons?”

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Dr. Matthew Lee Smith interviews Patrick Morley, Ph.D.

Posted on June 3, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Patrick Morley, Ph.D.

Chairman and CEO, Man in the Mirror

http://www.maninthemirror.org

If you take virtually every problem in America today, at the root of it you will find the failure of a man (e.g. 93% of prisoners are male and 85% of these come from fatherless homes). Today there are approximately 98,000,000 men in America, 63,000,000 of which don’t know Christ. Only 8,000,000 of these are active in discipleship. This would be the equivalent of 12 guys playing on a football team and only 1 of them knowing how to play football.

Now, no man fails on purpose – most wake up in the morning wanting to succeed.

The desire of Man in the Mirror is to come along side pastors and men’s ministry leaders who are equipping men for success. Man in the Mirror is accomplishing their mission and vision through: Men’s Bible Studies; Christian Literature; Seminars and their Leadership Training / Networking.

For three decades Patrick Morley has been regarded as one of America’s most respected authorities on the unique challenges and opportunities that men face.

After spending the first part of his career in the highly competitive world of real estate development, Patrick has been used throughout the world to help men think more deeply about their lives.

In 1989 he wrote The Man in the Mirror, a landmark book that poured from his own search for meaning, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God. With nearly 3,000,000 copies, this best-selling book has captured the imaginations of hundreds of thousands of men worldwide, and was selected as one of the 100 most influential Christian books of the twentieth century. Five of his 13 books have received critical acclaim.

In 1991, Patrick founded Man in the Mirror, which trains and resources church leaders to reach men more effectively. Through his speaking and writing he is a tireless advocate for men, encouraging and inspiring them to change their lives. Every Friday morning since 1986, Patrick teaches a Bible study to 150 businessmen in Orlando, Florida which is webcast throughout the United States and in 50 countries.

“The ministry of Man in the Mirror exists,” says Patrick Morley, “in answer to the prayers of all those wives, mothers, and grandmothers who have for decades been praying for the men in their lives.”

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Transformed Podcast: Episode #038 – What is the Key to Church Health and Growth?

Posted on May 25, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Lyle Schaller calls attention to the fact that most churches in the United States reach a peak in size during their first twenty or thirty years and then either plateau or shrink in size. The reasoning is that while most begin with an outward focus, in time, they turn inward, allocating their resources and their attention on the maintenance of the organization and the care of the membership.

Becoming a healthy, growing church in a hostile world is what today’s episode is all about.

In “What is the Key to Church Health and Growth?”, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith looks back to the first century church and discovers the keys to avoid the ‘death cycle’ so many churches find themselves in today …

Let’s listen now as Pastor Matt encourages First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California to break the cycle and reach the world for Christ!

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Transformed Podcast: Episode #037 – For a Few Dollars More …

Posted on May 18, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Ron tells us that recently …

“A couple came into my dealership and picked out a car they wanted to purchase. When negotiations on the price came to standstill I was called in to try to close the deal.

“We live on a limited income,” the husband kept insisting. “We can’t afford to pay that much money.”

“I quoted our best price in writing, and no one spoke for several minutes. Then the wife moved the paper I had placed in front of them.

“Noticing this, I complimented her on an exquisite diamond ring she was wearing.

As the husband finally picked up a pen to sign the purchase agreement, he mumbled to her, “Why didn’t you leave that thing at home?”

Hypocrisy has a way of exposing us in the worst possible times, as we will see in today’s episode, “How to Avoid Being a Hypocrite!”

As we listen today, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Transformation Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Palos Verdes, California reminds us that the last place we want to be found out as a pretender is by lying to God and to his people about our giving.

Today’s episode is hosted by Mike Powers, edited by Tabitha Grace Smith. Music for this episode was obtained from the Podsafe Music Network – “By Your Love” by Matthew Casteel, his website is matthewcastelle.com.

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Transformed's Podcast Peer Award for Best Newbee!

Posted on May 16, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Dr. Matthew Lee Smith poses with his trophy from the Winter 2008 Podcast Peer competition. The Transformed Podcast won Best Newbee podcast!

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Mike Powers interviews Recording Artist Matthew West

Posted on May 14, 2008 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Matthew West
Singer, Songwriter and Recording artist

Since the 2003 release of his Universal South debut, Happy, Matthew West has been on a fast track to making music history. The project’s first single, “More,” held the #1 spot on R&R’s Christian Adult Contemporary singles chart for a record-breaking nine weeks and went on to be named Christian Song of the Year by ASCAP. Capping off an eventful year, Matthew was nominated in five categories—including New Artist of the Year— at the 2005 GMA Music Awards. Meanwhile, the young singer/songwriter has had his songs recorded by many of the top names in Christian music, and last year, country’s Rascal Flatts was added to the list.

For more information visit Matthew West’s Website.

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