DAY 30: A Bowl of Soup . . . and More

DAY 30: A Bowl of Soup . . . and More

“Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:34)

Isn’t it amazing what we give up in order to satisfy our appetites?

Something looks good to us. We have to have it, whether it’s a piece of cake, or the corner office, or the tricked out car, or the good-looking person across the street. And we trade what we say we value most for things that don’t last.

That’s what Esau did. He was firstborn. He had the birthright and all that went with it. He was the one who would get double the inheritance. He was the one who would become the patriarch. He was the one who would receive the prestige and honor of being head of the family.

But he was hungry. So hungry he said he’d give anything for something to eat.  

Enter Jacob, with a bowl of soup. “Anything?” asked Jacob. “Anything!” said Esau. And the deal was struck.  Esau gobbled the meal up, smacked his lips, his stomach was full and he was feeling satisfied . . . for a couple hours, that is. All at the expense of his birthright.  

Are there things in your life you’re trading for a bowl of soup? Your reputation? Your family? Your character?

Your birthright is as the child of God. Yours is the Kingdom! Yours is eternity. Yours is love. Yours is now.

All of which is immeasurably more than a bowl of soup.

One of the benefits of a renewed vision focus and a capital campaign is to reestablish ministry priorities. It’s too easy to “sell ourselves out” for so many other things that demand our time and attention in ministry. However, the mission of your church’s mission is your “birthright.” Don’t sell it out.



DAY 29: A Place at the Table. . . and More

“When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, ‘Mephibosheth!’ ‘At your service,’ he replied. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’ Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’” (2 Samuel 9:6-8)

Years ago there was a popular sitcom by the name of “Cheers.” Each week as the show began the opening theme song boasted that here was a place (a bar named “Cheers”) “where everyone knows your name.”  

Who wouldn’t love a place where everyone knows your name? A place where you are always welcomed.  

We know all too well that there are people who more often than not feel like they have no place where they belong, no place where everyone knows their name. That’s why this story of what happened in the life of a man named Mephibosheth is so inspiring.  

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, King David’s best friend. Even more so, Mephibosheth was the grandson of King Saul. As far as his family line was concerned, you might consider Mephibosheth to be a young man of great privilege and special honor. Here was a man in which everyone knew his name alright, at least his family’s name, until his comfortable world crumbled at the age of five when his grandfather and father were killed in battle.

But if this family loss was not enough, Mephibosheth became crippled right after that. In the turmoil of battle, Mephibosheth’s nurse scooped him up and fled. While doing so, she dropped him. The result was that he was crippled from that time on. With his father and grandfather gone Mephibosheth, in the eyes of many, became a handicapped “nobody.” In fact he considered himself nothing more than a “dead dog.” Until, that is, King David showed him kindness by giving him a place to sit at his table. Forever after that, Mephibosheth was welcomed at King David’s table where indeed, everyone would know his name. Here Mephibosheth received more, immeasurably more, than he ever expected.

Can you imagine for a moment the number of people who go through life feeling as if nobody knows them, feeling as if they have no place at the table. And yet, isn’t that what ministry is all about? Whatever the ministry focus may be for your capital campaign, whatever the case statement may articulate it is for the purpose that more people would know and trust and believe that they are loved and accepted by the King; King Jesus that is.  



DAY 28: A Financial Portfolio . . . and More

“Then he (the rich man) said, ‘. . . I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and goods.’ And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.’” (Luke 12:18-19)

It was the kind of plan any financial planner would applaud. Save. Put resources away. A foolproof approach to retirement.

And so the rich man expanded his portfolio. He set about the business of accumulating. He began to execute his foolproof plan. He was prepared.

But you know what happened?  

God called the rich man, “Fool.”

Within the economy of the world, the man’s plan was foolproof. Within the economy of God, the man was a fool.

We have a tendency to rely on what we can measure. If the bank account is growing, we feel good. If it’s shrinking, we become anxious. If there is money left at the end of the month, we breathe easier. If there is month left at the end of the money, we hyperventilate.

For us, it’s about what we can see, and count, and compute, and quantify.

Therefore the church, like any “business,” wants to exercise wise financial management and plan for the future.  To that end you are in the midst of a capital campaign to secure the necessary capital before expanding ministry. And while that approach may make good financial sense, don’t lose sight on what this is ultimately about – things that are eternal. That’s exactly what the rich man forgot about.  

The rich man’s plan called for saving a measurable amount for himself.  

God’s plan is offering more than we can measure . . . immeasurably more.  

Any question which plan is more brilliant?

As you proceed with your capital campaign efforts, don’t lose the perceptive of being “rich toward God” which is what ministry is all about.



DAY 27: An Invitation . . . and More

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

Grammar lessons usually take you back to a boring English class with lessons on syntax and exercises in diagramming sentences.  

But regardless of such school day memories, take a quick look at a grammar lesson on the three little words – ask, seek, and knock.

All three of these words have the identical grammatical format. They are all present tense, which means that Jesus is saying that this action is in process – with no end in sight. It’s ongoing. In other words, Jesus is implying here: keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking! It is to be a way of life not a passing fad.

Additionally, each verb is also in the identical active voice. This grammatical emphasis here is on YOU. YOU are the one to keep doing it. YOU are the one to continue to be engaged in the process. YOU are to keep on asking. YOU are to keep on seeking. YOU are to keep on knocking. No one but YOU can do this for YOU.

Furthermore, all three words – ask, seek, knock – are in the imperative mood. This means it’s not an option. It’s not up for committee vote. It is non-negotiable. And the reason this action of asking and seeking and knocking is to be an absolute action is because of the one who invites you to do it – Jesus.

Now, all of that may be more (immeasurably more?) of a grammar lesson than you may have wanted, but here’s the point: Jesus wants you, right now and always, to pray. It’s an invitation. But not a one-time invitation, it’s an ongoing invitation specifically intended for you.  

So, what is going on in your life for which you can be asking, seeking, and knocking?

And what about the ministry of your church for which you are doing a capital campaign? God’s invitation is there for you to ask, seek, and knock because He has immeasurably more that He wants to reveal through this ministry. How about accepting that invitation?  



DAY 26: A Boatload of Fish . . . and More

“. . . they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break . . . When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken.” (Luke 5:6-9)

Sometimes, we think God exists to make our lives go better, as if there were some kind of earthly reward for following Jesus. Actually, that’s what the proponents of a ‘prosperity gospel’ proclaim. If we are obedient to God’s laws, and follow His counsel, our lives will benefit.

Interesting, isn’t it, that Peter experienced more prosperity than he had ever before. He was a professional fisherman, and he had never had such a catch of fish. And he knew Jesus was the reason.  

But instead of insisting that Jesus continue to bless him, his response was the opposite. “Go away from me.  You’re holy! I’m in your presence and that’s too high a price to pay for this prosperity. I’d rather sweat to pull in a few fish than be confronted with who You are.”  

But Jesus didn’t go away. He invited Peter to follow Him. And Peter did. Immediately. Leaving everything behind.

Peter knew it wasn’t about the fish. He knew it wasn’t about prosperity. He knew it wasn’t about making life easier.

He knew it was about Jesus. And so he followed.  

Prosperity? It wasn’t because of Peter. It never is. It was because of Jesus. It was because of Jesus that Peter received immeasurably more than a boatload of fish.

In your ministry’s capital campaign, it may be easy to think it’s all about the campaign. It may be easy to think it’s all about the money pledged (prosperity). But it’s not. It’s not about buildings to be built. It’s not even about dollars raised.  

It’s about Jesus. It always is!



DAY 25: Leaving Something Behind . . . and More

“A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.” (Mark 14:51-52)

At one point, Jesus invited three men to leave everything behind and follow Him (Luke 9). They refused. They were unwilling to let go of things in their lives and become disciples. They held on to whatever was valuable, at the expense of discipleship.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus was being arrested, a young man left everything behind, not to follow Jesus, but to flee.

It’s an interesting little anecdote, set in the midst of the high drama of betrayal. None of the other Gospels report the incident – just the Gospel of Mark.

Who was he? And why was he there? Well, we don’t know. We’re left to speculate, using our believing and Scripturally informed imaginations.

There are those who say the young man was actually Mark, the writer of the Gospel, making a cameo appearance.

But maybe there’s something more.  

The only other time Mark mentions a young man, wearing a garment, is in the empty tomb (Mark 16:5).

At Jesus’ betrayal, a young man leaves the scene in shame. In the empty tomb, a young man is present to announce the empty tomb Jesus left behind.    

They are not the same person – one was a human being and the other an angel. But the literary connection is interesting.

From naked to robed in triumph. The collective story reveals an immeasurably more gift to us.

As your church engages in this capital campaign, maybe there are some things to leave behind – fears, doubts, previous opportunities missed – and let the empty tomb, the triumph of Christ, be what your focus is in all you do.    



DAY 24: Amazing Things . . . and More

“Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.’” (Joshua 3:5)

The Israelites were camped on the eastern banks of the Jordan River when God gave them the command to “consecrate themselves.”

To consecrate something is to “set it apart,” to be reserved for a special purpose. Since these words were spoken to the Israelites the night before they were to cross the Jordan River, the Israelites were to do nothing that would bring dishonor to God before crossing over. They were to surrender themselves to the Lord.

Yes, it’s true that the Lord wants our obedience and devotion. But perhaps the focus of this verse is not the fact that the Israelites were to consecrate themselves to the Lord, but rather that the Lord was going to do “amazing things” among them. And amazing things He did.

The people were about to cross the Jordan River. The river was at flood stage at this time. Nevertheless, as soon as the priests who carried the ark set foot in the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan stopped flowing. The ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all the people of Israel passed through on dry ground.

It’s hardly what the people of Israel would have expected. After all, when they saw the river at flood stage they expected that their crossing would be a wet one. But instead, Joshua reveals that all Israel passed by “on dry ground.” Amazing!

As you participate in this capital campaign effort, what kind of amazing things is the Lord revealing to you and your ministry? What kind of barriers (a river at flood stage) are you facing? What kind of issues seem like the odds are against you?

Whatever the challenges may be, it is because the Lord works in ways that are immeasurably more (a dried up river during flood stage) than we expect. In doing so we see Him do “amazing things.” Just ask the people of Israel whose feet were dry when they passed through the Jordan River.



DAY 23: Life Spared . . . and More

“‘Agreed,’ she replied. ‘Let it be as you say.’ So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.” (Joshua 2:21)

Ever wonder how certain people made it into the record of God’s redemption story? Take Rahab, for instance.  A woman of the night?  

How did the spies that Joshua sent to Jericho end up hiding out at her house?  

How did Rahab, of all people, together with her family end up having their lives spared while the rest of the city was destroyed?  

And how did Rahab, a woman of ill repute, end up in the genealogical history of Jesus? “. . . Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab” (Matthew 1:5).  

Why her? Well maybe it just goes to show that God is able to do more in people’s lives than we might ever imagine.

Perhaps the real question should not be how did God work through the life of a person like Rahab, but rather how is it that God works through people’s lives (like mine) today? Maybe your life isn’t as “bad” as someone like Rahab considering her vocation. But no matter who we are, we have sin and guilt and shame. No matter how we are, we haven’t always loved God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength nor loved our neighbor as ourselves. No matter who we are, we have sinned against God by thought, word, and deed. Maybe there are times when we wonder if God can ever do anything of value and significance in us.

But He can, and He does! The prophet Jeremiah tells us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The mercy of God, the grace of God, the forgiveness of God are all examples of how God does more – immeasurably more – in our lives than we could ever expect. And thanks be to God that He does!

So if God takes care of the greatest need we could ever have – forgiveness and eternal salvation – then there should be no question that He can take care of everything else as well. With that in mind, there is no limit to what God can do through this capital campaign for your church. And also, there is no limit whose lives He can work in and work through in this process.  



DAY 22: A Wake-Up Call . . . and More

“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘He’s alive!’ Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.” (Acts 20:7-12)

People sleeping during church is not at all unusual. An innocent little nap during the sermon that turns fatal . . . now that’s unheard of.  

But then, what about the dead coming back to life? Impossible, right?  

Unless your name is Eutychus.  

It wasn’t that Paul was a bad preacher; he just wasn’t that eloquent (see how he describes his style in 2 Corinthians11:5-6). Maybe Eutychus had a hard week, or he was up late at night, or the service went longer than usual.  Whatever the reason, he fell asleep. Usually that wouldn’t be all that much of a problem but he had chosen a rather unusual seat – a window ledge on the second floor. A good place to catch the night air, bad place for a nap.

Try to imagine the screams when Eutychus lost his balance and landed outside with a thud . . . the bedlam of worshippers rushing down the steps and out the door to find him on the ground. As he was being checked for breathing and a heartbeat, prayers went up from those who knew and loved him. Nevertheless, he was dead.  

But into that moment of death and dismay came the power of the risen Christ. Prompted by the Spirit, Paul threw his arms around Eutychus and declared to the crowd that he was alive. Imagine the joy of that moment.  When Eutychus returned to life; that was a result that was immeasurably more than anyone would have ever expected.

Sometimes we need a wake-up call in life . . . and hopefully it comes without falling out the window. Sometimes we simply lose consciousness of what God is saying and doing in our lives and we grow weary.  

Perhaps that is one of the side benefits of a capital campaign. It can be a time for a wakeup call. It can be an opportunity to renew the mission focus going on in your ministry. A capital campaign, a building project, a renewed vision can be a time when you might experience God breathing new life into the faith and actions of His people. And yes, such an effort calls for sacrificial giving, but not (usually) to the degree that Eutychus experienced when he fell out the window.  

During this capital campaign, why not pray the Lord might gently give you a wakeup call.  



DAY 21: One Tree . . . and More

“The Lord had said to Abram . . . I will make of you a great nation . . .” (Genesis 12:1.2)

You know how the story goes.  

Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, which means father of many nations.  

In some ways, it could have been embarrassing to Abraham. Every time he met someone new, which may not have been often, he would say, “Hi, I’m Father of Many Nations.” And the one to whom he was introducing himself probably responded, “Wow. How many children do you have?” And Abraham would have to say, “Well, one.”

Such a great promise was given to Abram. He would be the father of a great nation. He would own land. And his descendants would be as innumerable as the stars.

And when he died, he had one son (Isaac), and owned a small plot of land around an oak tree.

Anyone who looked at Abraham’s life and heard about the promise by which he lived would probably have laughed.  

Many nations? He had one son.  

Land? An oak tree.  

A blessing to the nations? A seeming blip upon the radar of history.

And yet we know the rest of the story. God blessed Abraham immeasurably more than what it appeared.

And isn’t that the way God works in our lives? From the outside, we don’t look like we’re all that special. We don’t appear to be the kind of people through whom the Kingdom is moved forward. And yet we are. Because God does immeasurably more through us, no matter how few trees we may own.

Sometimes it may seem like a capital campaign for your church doesn’t appear all that special. Asking for money? How can the Kingdom move forward by doing that? And yet, when God reveals a vision for ministry, when God leads His children (children of Abraham) to respond with sacrificial gifts, when the potential for gospel impact is expanded the results, here too, are immeasurable.