Many people have read and heard of George Muller. For those who have not, it’s a simple story. He lived a riotous life during much of his youth until he came to radical faith in Christ. He pastored a church in Bristol, England for 60 years.
But he is best known for starting and running a series of orphanages. He did not employ a single campaign company or non-profit consulting firm to help him raise money for these orphanages. Instead, he prayed.
Why Tithing is Not Generous
I know, I know. For years, churches have preached the tithe as a standard. Give 10% and you have arrived. Why they’ve preached this I’m not quite sure. It’s easy. After all, it’s a standard. It’s a rule that people can follow.
But if you read the whole of scripture, God’s never been about doing things the ordinary way. He lead the children of Israel through the wilderness when a more direct path awaited. They crossed the Red Sea—not in a boat but by parting the water. And for forty years, he gave them bread and meat from heaven. Who does that?
It’s Hard to Be Generous When You Are Tired
I’m coming off of a crazy week. Three cities, one week, and about 3 events and a mass of meetings. So I’m a bit tired.
I’ve got a lot of grand subjects in mind as I write, but none of them really seem to hit home. At least not tonight. I want to be honest. I’d rather watch football. Or eat ice cream.
Laughter in the Sun
My daughter Jessica turned 20 yesterday—no longer a teenager. She came home from college to celebrate her birthday.
The weekend passed by in a blur. We had soccer games, and she had friends to see, but in the midst of the hustle and bustle, she ran out.
Another Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven
There’s another thing we’ll no longer be able to do in heaven: give. The implications are clear—don’t miss the opportunity now.
The Generous Donut
Donuts can be generous. Let me explain. More than 17 years ago, my wife and I decided we’d pick a place and go there year after year for family vacations. That place was Estes Park, CO.
The Haircutter’s Legacy
Roger Russell died on Friday, May 27. Let me explain why that is so important. My office is in a residential community called Olathe, Kansas.
Who Will Mourn For You?
“Funeral services will be…” Those were the words of a text I received from a good friend just the other day. His father had just died—suddenly, unexpectedly. While his dad was 77 years old, he was still in great health and his passing caught everyone by surprise.
Why Can’t Donors Be Generous?
He had a plan. A curriculum. He had people following, and people to lead. All it seemed that he needed was resources. Money.
How to Fail at Donor Relationships—Part II
Ron had finally managed to set up what he thought was one of those mountaintop meetings—a key major donor. He thought he’d arrived.