Wow, what an incredible month November was! Over these last several weeks, I have encouraged you to ask the question, “God, what do you want to do through me to accomplish your vision for NewPointe?”
Both individually and collectively we prayed that prayer, and God answered. We pledged 6.2 million dollars toward our goal of 7 million! And this week, more commitments have come in taking the total to 6.4 million. Incredible when you think about it – economic challenges; no fund-raising, bingo parties, etc.; not to mention we are freely and joyfully giving that which people lie, steal, and even split families over; some people even go so far as to kill for money. There is no other way to explain it except Only God.
I want to personally thank you again for your commitment to fulfill God’s vision and purpose for NewPointe. As I have said many times, the local church is the hope of the world – living and teaching the truth of Jesus Christ. There is probably no greater time than right now, where people are struggling with life’s questions and searching for hope.
But what I am most excited about is what God is doing in our hearts. For that reason I want to encourage you, if you have not yet participated in Only God, to ask yourself why? “Why did I react the way I did?” That might be a painful question, but it will be a liberating one.
Listen carefully. It is not too late. God doesn’t need your money. He can find other people to give through, bless, and use. He can always find others. This is for you, your family, and your own story – not for God’s sake, but for your own sake. You see, it is not the duration that matters, but the donation. It is not how long you live that matters, but how you live.
Meaning and purpose come when you give yourself to something greater than yourself. The reason my life has been so fulfilling, so significant, and so meaningful to me is because I have given myself to something greater than me. I have a greater purpose than to get up in the morning, make money, retire, and die.
There is no greater cause than the church. In fact, if Jesus chooses not to come back in the next 1,000 years, it will be the only thing still in existence. No company, no nation, no . . . These all come and go. History proves that. But what has remained for the last 2,000 plus years has been the church.
Being part of a church that has a vision to change the world is incredible. I hope you haven’t gotten so familiar with that, that it becomes commonplace. Most of us never grew up in a church where we had an opportunity to be a part of something like this, not to mention a family that chose to think like that. Live in a way that speaks to your family, children, and friends – that you serve an awesome, incredible God who is worthy of them serving.
So, let me summarize Ephesians 5:15-17; Luke 16:9; and Ephesians 5:16-17:
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools. Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits. But live like those who are wise.
Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), so that when it fails, they [those you have favored] may receive and welcome you when you get to heaven.
So make the very most of every opportunity buying up each one, because the days are evil. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
“Only one life, will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” C.T. Studd
