Count the Cost!
Hear these words of Jesus today:
Luke 14: 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
In business, in construction, we carefully calculate labor and materials into every project we build, then aggressively fight to bring the project in on time, on budget, consistantly, with no compromise to quality of workmanship. If you do this well, you remain in business, and if you do it really well, you will make a lot of money over the years. This discipline over years, has been good training in life.
In construction, money is the yardstick by which most projects are measured. You do a good job, and you make money. You mess up, you lose money, sometimes a whole lot of money.
As I transition from construction back to ministry, money has been been glaringly absent from my life and family, yet the things I had to do to build a construction company, the disciplines of life, are still ingrained in my character.
When we started the company, we had no money, no tools, no contracts, simply a dissatisfaction that we were not being paid enough for our skill and abilities, and we proved this to be true. From two men sharing vehicles with our wives, and some basic tools, we worked, sweated, and performed with excellence in the rough and tumble world of the construction and remodel industry. What began as barely making enough to live, became a company that did $900,000 in one year of business employing 23 great people, eight years later.
Then, came the Word from the Lord, to leave it all, and to preach the gospel. All these years of reading, meditating, praying, working, seeking Jesus, all the study in the Bible colleges, suddenly met Jesus, and He has commanded me to step back into the gospel, with no visible means of support.
Each day, He holds me responsible to do several things: Pray my prayer list, (for you and your family) produce these daily devotions, read through y daily Bible reading plan (http://oneyearbibleonline.com/daily-oyb/?version=51&startmmdd=0101) and to get to the gym and exercise. From the first two myriads of things are occurring, books being written (going to complete #4, today, #5 in the works), speaking engagements, ministry, missions trips, doors open at church, course work at seminary to complete my Masters degree, and accompanying signs, wonders, and miracles!
Very similar to when we began the construction company, had no money, but a clear confidence that we were of more use to the construction industry as business owners, that mere carpenters. I honestly believe, I have something to contribute to the rebuilding of America, and as a voice to the nations. The deposit of God’s Word, years of reading book, after book, and sermon after sermon, has built something incredibly powerful in me, so like myriads of folks before me, I have set my eyes on the prize, and seek Jesus, with all my heart, as He directs my steps. To those who have never done this, I’m crazy, neglecting my family, foolish in leaving my career, needing balance…To Jesus, I make headlines in heaven, and am having eternal consequence in the earth. How about you? Have you given Him your all? Are you in the center of His perfect will for your life?
‘Let’s Pray:
‘Father, there are some who need to hear my testimony today. May it encourage them to step out in faith, trusting you fully for everything, hearing and obeying your voice, May You help us to seek You first in everything, and read our Bible every day of 2017, in your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’
