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Question #27: Are you Growing in Your Giving?

Did you give more this year than last year?

Carol Ann and I will make our annual Christmas list on Monday. I have convinced her that a budget, Excel sheet, and strategic plan really do put the Merry in Merry Christmas. As we put the list together, we will compare it with last year's list. I guess this keeps us from missing anyone, and helps us stay equitable - whatever that means this time of year. Anyway...

This is also the time of year for us to look back and see how we have done in our giving over the last 12 months. For us, the giving question is no longer centered around the percentage of our income given away. Instead, we want to see evidence that we have given away more of our income and stuff this year than the previous year.

As a principle, there is certainly nothing wrong with giving a tithe (10 percent), of your income to the Church where you attend regularly. In fact, based on current statistics that say most Jesus followers give 2%-4%, that would be a big improvement. However, the "required" Old Testament tithe really equaled around 25% of a person's income. It seems to me that 10% is the minimum; not the "I am the greatest giver in the world because I tithe" maximum.

As you think this through, remember:

• It all belongs to God.
• We are entrusted to manage well what we have been given.
• What is stored in Heaven will last forever.

Ask:

• Am I growing in my giving?
• Do I give cheerfully?
• Do I see 10% as the maximum or the minimum?
• Do I give sacrificially?
• What does my checkbook say about my priorities?

Questions 1-26

Kill Pride - The Sword of Faith

Week 4 of our Kill Pride series at NH - Killing Religion with the Sword of Faith.

Created by Wordle

Time for a Political Chill Pill

In the last week since Barack Obama was elected President I have heard tales of doomsday and utopia.

On the doomsday side of the ledger I have heard that Obama will take my guns and raise my taxes and promote abortions. I have heard that he is proof of evil reigning in our land and he may even be the Anti-Christ! Some say he will sell the United States out to our enemies. I have been told that those who do not pay any income tax will not get a refund and if you make too much money... then you will be forced to be patriotic by sharing what you have. Obama will take the United States into the ditch morally and culturally by appointing liberal judges and promoting lifestyles that are an abomination to God.

Some even say that if the President Elect gets his way, he will bring conservative radio to an end and eliminate the coal industry all together. And... the list goes on.

Those on the utopia side of things think much different. I read where one Obama supporter said that it would be the first time in her life that she would be able to wake up and not worry about high gas prices, war in the world, or not being able to get a quality education. Wow! Also, I have heard that Obama will bring about bipartisanship, and end to global warming and eliminate crime. He will also restore the credibility of the United States in the world and end the war in Iraq. 

Some even say that Obama will provide affordable and effective health-care for every person who calls the USA home. And... the list goes on.

Everyone relax! No matter if you were elated or depressed about the election - the biggest thing in life has not changed. Jesus is still the answer.

God was not surprised on November 4.

To those who are speaking doomsday, take a really deep breath, stay away from caffeine and certain WEB sites, and relax. God is still in control. No persons ideology or policies are more powerful that God. Pray for our government and especially the President Elect. The take all of that pent up energy and use it to get to know Jesus. If you already follow Jesus, then use that emotion and drive to introduce others to Jesus through word and deed.

To my friends who are on cloud nine at the outcome of this historic moment... celebrate. Then please take in oxygen until that dizzy euphoric feeling subsides. Remember that no man is the savior. Ask yourself who you are really trusting. This world will always have trouble. Take that strong desire you have for bringing change and seeing justice and then point people to the ultimate transformer and provider of justice - Jesus.

The troubles of this world that we elect people to fix, always relate back to sin. We have tried to deal with sin through policy, medication, behavioral modification, education, embracing it, and ignoring it. None of it has ever worked or will ever work. The only answer is Jesus. Trust in Him!

The Mark of a Real Man?

Who knew it was that simple to be a real man. Yikes!

Kill Pride - The Sword of Unity

Here is last week's message as we trek through Philippians. Part 2 in our Kill Pride series - The Sword of Unity.

Created by Wordle

Good Night and Good Luck

I get a kick out of watching this and this. I tend to agree with one much more than the other, but I find value in both. I am pretty sure the two host hate each other.

Anyway... this weekend SNL did a Countdown skit that was priceless. Enjoy!