Ever hear someone say they give 150% in everything they do? They say that hard work, intelligence and attitude will get them everything they want.
So what does it really mean to give 150%? Here’s a little math to help figure it out:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
But there’s only one thing that will get you there:
J-E-S-U-S-C-H-R-I-S-T
10+5+19+21+19+3+8+18+9+19+20 = 151%
Jesus gave it all, in everything he did.
How much are you giving today?
“Jesus, thank you for showing us what it really takes to give it all. It is my only wish to strive to reflect your effort and sacrifice. Thanks for loving me 150% of the time. Amen.
December 30, 2008
December 24, 2008
Iraqi Freedom
I’ve always been amazed how so many people generally believe the media about how we’re “losing” the war in Iraq. That nothing we’ve done has been helpful to them, and how the Iraqis hate us.
I wish I could take those people to Iraq so they could see the truth. So they could see how people have clean, running water in their homes; some of them for the first time in their lives. So they could see how children who have never been educated are now going to classes in schools that we helped build. So they can see those same children being inoculated for the first time! I want them to see how many people love us there, and beg us to stay longer because they’re afraid of the insurgents, and what they’ll do to everyone if we leave now.
If you don't believe that we're making a difference there, check out this story I found on CNN. It’s a story about how people in Bagdad are celebrating Christmas for the very first time. It also has some interesting commentary from the Iraqi people about the terrorists. Yes, they don’t call them freedom fighters; they call them terrorists because that’s how Iraqi’s truly see the insurgents.
It’s real eye opening to see how these people have freedoms they never had before. Freedoms that the United States of America, and George Bush gave them.
So whether you believe it or not, we’re not losing the war, and we’re really making a wonderful difference for the people of Iraq.
Here’s the link to the whole story. Read the entire article, you’ll be surprised by it.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/21/iraq.christmas/index.html
I wish I could take those people to Iraq so they could see the truth. So they could see how people have clean, running water in their homes; some of them for the first time in their lives. So they could see how children who have never been educated are now going to classes in schools that we helped build. So they can see those same children being inoculated for the first time! I want them to see how many people love us there, and beg us to stay longer because they’re afraid of the insurgents, and what they’ll do to everyone if we leave now.
If you don't believe that we're making a difference there, check out this story I found on CNN. It’s a story about how people in Bagdad are celebrating Christmas for the very first time. It also has some interesting commentary from the Iraqi people about the terrorists. Yes, they don’t call them freedom fighters; they call them terrorists because that’s how Iraqi’s truly see the insurgents.
It’s real eye opening to see how these people have freedoms they never had before. Freedoms that the United States of America, and George Bush gave them.
So whether you believe it or not, we’re not losing the war, and we’re really making a wonderful difference for the people of Iraq.
Here’s the link to the whole story. Read the entire article, you’ll be surprised by it.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/21/iraq.christmas/index.html
December 20, 2008
The Book of Love
I was at school one day, and during a break there were a few of us standing around talking. The University I attend requires that everyone take a few specific classes, two of them being a class on the New Testament, and another on the Old Testament.
One person was talking about his Old Testament class and how he thought he knew a lot about it until he got into the class, and then he realized there was a lot more to it. Then suddenly a woman spoke up about how the Bible was full of contradictions, and she knew where every one of those contradictions were at so she could point them out to people.
It made my heart sad to hear this person talk about the Bible with such disdain. My response is that for every contradiction she can point out, I can point out at least two truths of the Bible that outweigh her contradictions. I have found that people who brag about knowing all of the specific contradictions in the Bible only know those few versus because they have never truly studied the rest of the Bible.
The Bible is a book of love. It’s a clear road map for living a life of purpose that adds value to the world around us. It’s a testament to the simple saving grace of Jesus Christ, and how we can receive salvation.
Yes, there are some very controversial things in the Bible that don’t seem to make sense. But those things are only confusing if you don’t look at the rest of the Bible. Read it all, and you’ll find that it’s a book about loving one another. It’s about helping those who are less fortunate than we are. It’s a book about giving of yourself, and becoming a better person.
The Bible is the best self-help book ever written. That's why it's been the #1 best selling book in the world since it was published. 6 billion copies sold, and counting.
"God, sometimes I feel like I don't have the right words to tell people about you. Please help me to speak your truths in a manner that will be impactful on others, but not turn them off. Amen."
One person was talking about his Old Testament class and how he thought he knew a lot about it until he got into the class, and then he realized there was a lot more to it. Then suddenly a woman spoke up about how the Bible was full of contradictions, and she knew where every one of those contradictions were at so she could point them out to people.
It made my heart sad to hear this person talk about the Bible with such disdain. My response is that for every contradiction she can point out, I can point out at least two truths of the Bible that outweigh her contradictions. I have found that people who brag about knowing all of the specific contradictions in the Bible only know those few versus because they have never truly studied the rest of the Bible.
The Bible is a book of love. It’s a clear road map for living a life of purpose that adds value to the world around us. It’s a testament to the simple saving grace of Jesus Christ, and how we can receive salvation.
Yes, there are some very controversial things in the Bible that don’t seem to make sense. But those things are only confusing if you don’t look at the rest of the Bible. Read it all, and you’ll find that it’s a book about loving one another. It’s about helping those who are less fortunate than we are. It’s a book about giving of yourself, and becoming a better person.
The Bible is the best self-help book ever written. That's why it's been the #1 best selling book in the world since it was published. 6 billion copies sold, and counting.
"God, sometimes I feel like I don't have the right words to tell people about you. Please help me to speak your truths in a manner that will be impactful on others, but not turn them off. Amen."
Reconciling Truth
I’ve been challenged lately to look at what being a Christian is. I’ve written several times about subjects that play down certain ideals, but I don’t want anyone to think that I’m not progressive, or that I don’t think outside the typical evangelical box. So I think I’ll try to explain my feelings on religion.
The Bible is the Word of God. If I don’t believe it, in its entirety, then I don’t think I could ever claim it’s truths as being relative.
I’m a New Testament Christian. I believe Christ was here to be a sacrifice so that we can be forgiven for our sins, and that we have a New Covenant which changes a lot of things as related by the Old Testament. Not the teachings of God, but the fallacies of man.
I believe that I’m here to tell people about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, no matter who they are. I love them regardless of their ideals, and I will always try to be a light that shines in His name for others to see.
I don’t believe that I should set aside the truths of the Bible for any reason. So I cannot vote for leaders who have values contrary to Biblical teachings. I can, and will, pray for them if they win; and if given the opportunity I will discuss with them how Christ can change their lives.
I cannot reconcile liberalism and Biblical beliefs. Christ is not a liberal. He is God incarnate, and God’s Word is specific and undeniable. Christ spent His life teaching. He worked specifically with the dregs of society: murderers, thieves, prostitutes, etc. Not because He was a liberal, but because they needed Him the most. But he never strayed from the Biblical teachings of God’s Word.
There’s a fine line between displaying a kind heart, and standing up for what you know is right. I have a kind heart because Christ lives in me. But like Christ, I will not stand down from what is right, and true, and God led. And if that causes controversy, then I’m in good company, because Christ was killed for that very reason.
“God, please give me the strength to stand up for the truths of your Word, and the wisdom to know what those truths truly are. Amen.”
The Bible is the Word of God. If I don’t believe it, in its entirety, then I don’t think I could ever claim it’s truths as being relative.
I’m a New Testament Christian. I believe Christ was here to be a sacrifice so that we can be forgiven for our sins, and that we have a New Covenant which changes a lot of things as related by the Old Testament. Not the teachings of God, but the fallacies of man.
I believe that I’m here to tell people about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, no matter who they are. I love them regardless of their ideals, and I will always try to be a light that shines in His name for others to see.
I don’t believe that I should set aside the truths of the Bible for any reason. So I cannot vote for leaders who have values contrary to Biblical teachings. I can, and will, pray for them if they win; and if given the opportunity I will discuss with them how Christ can change their lives.
I cannot reconcile liberalism and Biblical beliefs. Christ is not a liberal. He is God incarnate, and God’s Word is specific and undeniable. Christ spent His life teaching. He worked specifically with the dregs of society: murderers, thieves, prostitutes, etc. Not because He was a liberal, but because they needed Him the most. But he never strayed from the Biblical teachings of God’s Word.
There’s a fine line between displaying a kind heart, and standing up for what you know is right. I have a kind heart because Christ lives in me. But like Christ, I will not stand down from what is right, and true, and God led. And if that causes controversy, then I’m in good company, because Christ was killed for that very reason.
“God, please give me the strength to stand up for the truths of your Word, and the wisdom to know what those truths truly are. Amen.”
December 17, 2008
This just in...
CNN reported today that Obama chose Rick Warren to deliver his inaugural invocation.
This was a pretty gutsy move on his part, and I have to give him credit for either making a shrewd political move, or showing that he really wants to reach across political and religious lines to include everyone.
It’s made a lot of people mad within the ranks of abortion activists, homosexual rights groups, and even some in the Democratic party.
I read that Kathryn Kolbert, President of the group “People for the American Way” said she was “deeply disappointed,” and that Obama should have given the powerful platform to someone who is “inconsistent with mainstream American values.”
Huh?
I hate to tell you this Kathryn, but did you see the local ballots this past election? I think Americans made it quite clear what their “mainstream” values are, and they aren’t what you’re trying to sell.
She also said Warren had a moderate tone, but his ideas are radical. Again, where exactly are you getting your information? It’s obvious that you haven’t spent much time outside your little bubble, because the Americans who don’t get put on the news every night, which is the majority of America, have pretty conservative ideas. So it’s you who is radical.
It amazes me that liberal groups focus on a few topics to try and discredit conservatives, but Rick Warren is more than just someone who apposes the destruction of traditional marriage and the killing of unborn children. Rick Warren has been a champion of such “insignificant” things as reducing global poverty, human rights abuses, and the AIDS epidemic.
Obama may disagree with Warren on certain things, but he agrees with him on several issues, such as advocating on behalf of the poor and the disadvantaged, and people who suffer from HIV/AIDS.
So I have to say to you liberals who are writhing in your seats because of Obama’s decision to have Rick Warren deliver his inaugural invocation… grow up. Stop hating everyone who disagrees with your liberal views and lets find a common ground to work together to help those who really need help.
This was a pretty gutsy move on his part, and I have to give him credit for either making a shrewd political move, or showing that he really wants to reach across political and religious lines to include everyone.
It’s made a lot of people mad within the ranks of abortion activists, homosexual rights groups, and even some in the Democratic party.
I read that Kathryn Kolbert, President of the group “People for the American Way” said she was “deeply disappointed,” and that Obama should have given the powerful platform to someone who is “inconsistent with mainstream American values.”
Huh?
I hate to tell you this Kathryn, but did you see the local ballots this past election? I think Americans made it quite clear what their “mainstream” values are, and they aren’t what you’re trying to sell.
She also said Warren had a moderate tone, but his ideas are radical. Again, where exactly are you getting your information? It’s obvious that you haven’t spent much time outside your little bubble, because the Americans who don’t get put on the news every night, which is the majority of America, have pretty conservative ideas. So it’s you who is radical.
It amazes me that liberal groups focus on a few topics to try and discredit conservatives, but Rick Warren is more than just someone who apposes the destruction of traditional marriage and the killing of unborn children. Rick Warren has been a champion of such “insignificant” things as reducing global poverty, human rights abuses, and the AIDS epidemic.
Obama may disagree with Warren on certain things, but he agrees with him on several issues, such as advocating on behalf of the poor and the disadvantaged, and people who suffer from HIV/AIDS.
So I have to say to you liberals who are writhing in your seats because of Obama’s decision to have Rick Warren deliver his inaugural invocation… grow up. Stop hating everyone who disagrees with your liberal views and lets find a common ground to work together to help those who really need help.
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