Measuring Success: Souls Over Structures in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Listening for God’s Call in Your Place

There is a unique power in being present where God has placed you, attentive and ready to hear His voice. Samuel was in the house of the Lord, faithfully serving, when God called him by name. It was not in a place of comfort or convenience, but in the very spot where he was assigned, that Samuel heard the Lord. In the same way, God often speaks to us when we are faithfully present in the roles, relationships, and communities He has given us. Are you attentive to God’s voice in your current season and place, or are you distracted by other pursuits? God’s call may come quietly, but it is always purposeful, and it often requires us to be rooted and attentive right where we are. [38:03]

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (NIV)
The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Reflection: Where has God placed you right now, and how can you intentionally listen for His voice in that place this week?

Day 2: Playing the Right Game, Not Just Playing Well

It is possible to excel in life, work, or even church activities, yet miss the true purpose God has for you. Many people play the “game” of life well—achieving success, recognition, or even religious milestones—while missing the deeper call to live for what truly matters. The real tragedy is not failing, but succeeding at the wrong things. God’s desire is that we align our lives with His purpose, not just our own ambitions or the approval of others. Take time to examine whether you are pursuing what matters most to God, or simply playing the wrong game with great skill. [45:17]

Philippians 3:7-8 (NIV)
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you may be “playing the wrong game”—succeeding in things that don’t truly matter to God—and how can you realign your focus today?

Day 3: Making Your Scorecard About Souls, Not Success

The true measure of a church or a believer is not in buildings, programs, or personal comfort, but in how many lives are being brought to Jesus. The “scorecard” that matters in God’s kingdom is not how impressive our achievements look, but how faithfully we are reaching out to those who do not yet know Christ. Each person has a list—family, friends, neighbors—who need to encounter the love and salvation of Jesus. Our prayers, our preparation, and our passion should be directed toward seeing these precious souls come to faith, for this is the only score that counts in eternity. [01:00:03]

Luke 15:4-7 (NIV)
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Reflection: Who is on your “list” of people who need Jesus, and what is one specific thing you can do this week to move them closer to Him?

Day 4: Creating a Welcoming, Christ-Centered Community

Every detail of our church life—from the way we greet guests to how we serve, sing, and prepare—should reflect the love and welcome of Jesus. When someone from your list walks through the doors, will they encounter a community that is passionate, joyful, and ready to receive them? Our hospitality, our worship, and our service are not just for ourselves, but for those who are seeking hope and salvation. Let us be a church where every person feels seen, valued, and loved, because we are playing for the only score that matters: lives changed by Christ. [01:02:38]

Romans 15:7 (NIV)
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Reflection: How can you personally contribute to making your church or home a place where newcomers and seekers feel truly welcomed and loved this week?

Day 5: Realigning Our Priorities to God’s Mission

It is easy to celebrate past successes or become comfortable with what we have achieved, but God calls us to continually realign our focus to His mission. The work is not finished; the real game is just beginning. Our purpose is not to build monuments to ourselves, but to bring people to the saving grace of Jesus. As we dedicate our lives, our families, and our church to God, let us commit to making Him the center of it all—seeking His glory above our own, and laboring for the things that matter most to His heart. [01:03:46]

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can shift your priorities this week to put God’s mission and His kingdom first in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

Today is a day of celebration and gratitude as we gather in our new church building, reflecting on 25 years of God’s faithfulness to ICC. It’s a joy to see so many faces—family, friends, and guests—filling this space, a testament to the generosity, sacrifice, and commitment of so many, both seen and unseen. We honor those who have gone before us, who dreamed, planned, and gave so that we could be here today. Yet, as we look around and appreciate what has been accomplished, we must pause and ask ourselves a deeper question: Are we measuring success by the right standard? Are we playing the right game?

It’s easy to celebrate milestones, buildings, and anniversaries, but Jesus did not call us to build monuments to ourselves. The story of Samuel reminds us that God’s call comes to those who are in their place, attentive and ready to listen. Samuel was positioned in the temple, serving faithfully, and it was there that he heard God’s voice. Likewise, we are called not just to fill seats or maintain traditions, but to be in the place God has called us, attentive to His purpose for our lives.

The real scorecard is not the size of our building or the number of our programs, but the lives transformed by the love and salvation of Jesus. Each of us has a list—family, friends, loved ones—who do not yet know Christ. Our true mission is to pray for them, welcome them, and create an environment where they can encounter Jesus. Every act of service, every smile, every song, every sermon is not just for ourselves, but for those who are yet to come, for those whose eternity hangs in the balance.

Let us not be content with playing the wrong game—chasing comfort, convenience, or recognition. Instead, let us align our hearts with God’s purpose: to see souls saved, lives changed, and Jesus glorified above all. As we dedicate this building, may it be a house where the lost are found, the broken are healed, and the name of Jesus is lifted high. This is just the beginning. The real work, the real celebration, is every time someone on our list comes to know Christ. That is the score that matters.

Key Takeaways

1. Success in God’s Kingdom is Measured by Souls, Not Structures It’s tempting to equate visible achievements—like new buildings or full pews—with spiritual success. But God’s scoreboard is different: it’s about lives transformed and people coming to know Jesus. Our greatest celebrations should be reserved for every soul that finds salvation, not for the monuments we build or the milestones we reach. [45:17]
2. Be in Your Place to Hear God’s Call Samuel heard God’s voice because he was faithfully serving in the place God had put him. There is a unique power and clarity that comes from being where God has called you, even when it’s not glamorous or convenient. Don’t underestimate the significance of your current season or assignment; it may be the very place where God wants to speak and use you. [46:12]
3. Don’t Play the Wrong Game—Align with God’s Purpose It’s possible to excel at things that ultimately don’t matter in eternity—career, reputation, even religious activity—while missing God’s true purpose for your life. Regularly examine your “scorecard” and ask if you’re investing in what matters most to God: loving people, sharing the gospel, and making disciples. Don’t let comfort or tradition distract you from your true calling. [42:40]
4. Every Act of Service Prepares the Way for Salvation From parking cars to teaching children, every detail matters when it comes to welcoming those who are far from God. Our preparation, hospitality, and excellence are not for our own satisfaction, but to remove barriers so that someone’s loved one can encounter Jesus. Treat every Sunday as if it’s the day someone’s eternity could change. [48:49]
5. Keep a Personal List and Pray with Expectation Make a list of those you long to see come to Christ, and let that list shape your prayers, your service, and your priorities. When you show up, serve, and worship, do it with the anticipation that today could be the day someone on your list meets Jesus. This keeps our hearts aligned with God’s mission and ensures we never lose sight of what truly matters.

** [61:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Family and Guests Acknowledged
[02:30] - Opening Scripture: 1 Samuel 3
[03:50] - The Rarity of God’s Voice in Samuel’s Day
[05:10] - The Sports Analogy: Playing the Wrong Game
[07:00] - Celebrating 25 Years and Honoring the Past
[09:00] - The Danger of Measuring the Wrong Success
[11:00] - Are We Playing the Right Game?
[13:00] - Samuel’s Calling and the Power of Place
[15:00] - The Real Scorecard: Souls, Not Structures
[17:00] - Making Your List: Who Needs Jesus?
[20:00] - Every Detail Matters for the Sake of the Lost
[23:00] - A Call to Realign Our Priorities
[25:00] - Dedication, Blessing, and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (NIV) —
> The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

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## Observation Questions

1. Where was Samuel when he heard God’s call, and what was he doing at the time? (1 Samuel 3:1-3)
2. How many times did God call Samuel before Eli realized what was happening? (1 Samuel 3:4-8)
3. According to the sermon, what are some ways people might “play the wrong game” in life or in church? [42:40]
4. What does the pastor say is the real “scorecard” for the church, and how does it differ from what we often celebrate? [45:17]

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## Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Samuel was able to hear God’s voice only when he was “in his place” in the temple? What does this suggest about being faithful in our current season or assignment? [46:12]
2. The pastor uses a sports analogy about playing the right game. What does it mean to “play the wrong game” in the context of church life and personal faith? [42:40]
3. The sermon challenges us to measure success by lives changed, not by buildings or programs. Why is it tempting to focus on visible achievements instead? [45:17]
4. The pastor talks about making a personal list of people who don’t know Jesus. How does this practice help keep our hearts aligned with God’s mission? [48:49]

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## Application Questions

1. The pastor asked everyone to make a list of loved ones who don’t know Jesus. Have you made such a list? If not, what’s stopping you? If yes, how often do you pray for them by name? [48:49]
2. Think about your current role or season in life—at home, work, or church. Are you “in your place” like Samuel, attentive and ready to hear God’s call? What might need to change for you to be more available to God? [46:12]
3. When you come to church, do you see your service (greeting, parking, worship, teaching, etc.) as preparing the way for someone else’s salvation? How could this perspective change the way you serve? [48:49]
4. The sermon warns against chasing comfort, convenience, or recognition. Are there areas in your life where you might be “playing the wrong game”? What would it look like to realign your priorities with God’s purpose? [42:40]
5. The pastor said, “Treat every Sunday as if it’s the day someone’s eternity could change.” How can you prepare your heart and actions each week with this mindset? [48:49]
6. The real celebration, according to the sermon, is when someone on your list comes to know Christ. How can your small group support each other in praying for and reaching out to people on your lists? [01:01:34]
7. Looking back at the last year, what have you celebrated most in your faith or church life? Was it a “structure” or a “soul”? How might you shift your focus going forward? [45:17]

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Sermon Clips

We may have played the game right, but are we playing the right game? Because there's a difference. As a man in this world, you might be a fantastic employee, you might be bending over backwards to accommodate work's requirements, but at home there's a wife who longs to have more time with you. There are children who are growing up without a father. You're playing the game right, but you're playing the wrong game. [00:43:08] (24 seconds) #PlayingTheRightGame

You can be fantastic at what you are doing. But how sad would it be one day if we get to the end of our lives and meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, close our eyes in death. And when he says, what did you do with the time that I gave you? And we give him a whole list of things. And he looks at us and says, but that's not why I put you there. That's not why I created you. That's not the purpose that I had for you. You played well, son. You played daughter. Wrong game. [00:45:17] (30 seconds) #PurposeOverPerformance

Oh and preacher boy you better be on it you better be on your game because my brother my sister my friend is in church pastor don't mess this up because we might only have one chance at this you preach your guts out you preach like hell and heaven depends on it because it does and i want my friend to hear the gospel of a jesus who cares i want him to hear about a jesus who saves i want to know about a jesus who shed his blood for him and i want jesus to work through that word so it will break him down so one day i will be able to lead my friends to jesus and i want to baptize him. [00:55:37] (44 seconds) #LegacyInLives

Because burn all of this down. Shut the door, switch the lights off, never come back. We all still need Jesus. One day my friends coming to church, I know it. I know it. And when you got that list, and you are waking up, and you're saying, ah, it's drizzling outside, I don't think I should go. What if your friend shows up on that day? What if my list shows up? I need you here. I need this place rocking for Jesus. I need people shouting his praises. I need people passionate about Jesus. Because that might not be the day your list shows up, but when they do, wouldn't you want us to be here? [00:57:07] (43 seconds) #PresenceForTheList

Nobody should be satisfied with, I went, I shined a chair, I sang a couple of songs, and I went home, glory be to God. How useless could you be? How worthless could you be? That it came, you came to church, and made it all about you, and your convenience, and your comfort, and he preached ten minutes long today, and I'm so unhappy with how he looked, and how he spoke, and everything, and go home all offended. It wasn't about you. It was about Jesus and my friend. [00:58:25] (34 seconds) #ServeWithLove

There are many places you can go where Christians are being petted. I'm making a big statement today. I couldn't care less if all the Christians left this church, and unsaved, broken people filled it, who are hungry for Jesus. I'm glad you're here. I hope you stay. I hope for decades to come, we worship and serve God together. But if your whole interest is being a holy Christian who knows how to lift your hands, and speak the amen, and shout the hallelujah, and act like a good person, and go home, and care nothing about somebody else, this is not your church for you. [00:59:01] (38 seconds) #TrueScorecard

I'm not here counting the scorecard. All the Christians were very happy with the service. What a great job we did. That's the wrong game. That's the wrong scorecard. What's the right scorecard? It's Samuel being in his place to hear the call of God, and do what God called him to do. [00:59:40] (22 seconds) #MeasureBySouls

Here's how you know what game you're playing. You look at the scoreboard. If it's soccer, it will go 1, 2, 3, 4. If it's tennis, it will go 15, 30, 40. If it's rugby, it will go 3, 5, 7. If it's cricket, it will go 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. Here's my scorecard. Every day, I will take my list, and I will measure how many of them are coming to Christ. And when a soul comes to church and gets saved, I'll count one. And when another one comes, I'll count two. And when another one comes, I'll count three. Not when we have a good music session in church. Not when we kept to a one hour service. [01:00:01] (52 seconds) #GiveYourBestForJesus

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