As I think about the Mission Sunday contribution, I am reminded of Paul’s description of sacrifices made by the churches of Macedonia. He said of them, “I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing . . . they first gave themselves to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:3, 5). These words describe how I feel toward so many of you and the way you responded this past Sunday.
We are living in difficult financial times. The news is filled with announcements of closing of businesses and numerous layoffs in others. All of this is already impacting members at Palm Beach Lakes. As plans were made for this year’s Mission Sunday, we were aware of all of this. We knew that the money already committed to on-going works would take a large portion of the funds, but we also knew of the burning desire you have to reach the lost. I thank God that He is using us in so many ways to touch the lost world.
The total given on Sunday morning assured us that would be able to do great things for the Lord, but by Sunday evening those gifts had increased substantially. There was so much joy as we announced the new amount on Sunday evening. After services even more was given, and we believe the final number will be even larger, but take a look at the front page to see why so many hearts are filled with thanksgiving that God is using us.
God’s greatest desire is for men to know about the cross! It is His passion! Because we are His children, it must be ours! That heavenly passion in your hearts was shown by your gifts. Remember that He will never forget what you did on Sunday.
Think about His promises to us as we give to Him. “If there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. . . . He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. . . . And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor. 8:12; 9:6, 8). You can trust Him! He cannot lie and He will keep these promises!
One other passage comes to mind. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:20-21). I thank God that your hearts and treasures are tied to heaven!