Invest wisely

"After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what is our proud reward and crown? It is you! Yes, you will bring us much joy as we stand together before our Lord Jesus when he comes back again. For you are our pride and joy." I Thes. 2:19-20

My wife and I have come to view our lives as an investment. We fully believe that every act of service- every kind word spoken-every financial sacrifice made is an opportunity to secure even more joy in eternity. Each time that we reach out to touch another in Jesus' name we put a little more hope in the tank. This eternal hope fuels our lives and sustains us in times of discouragement. It keeps us focused on what is most important.

Just as a wise man that started investing young in life approaches retirement with a growing sense of anticipation, the more we invest in eternity, the more excited we become about heaven. The wise man looks and begins to see that his portfolio is good and will provide a wonderful life in retirement. He begins to daydream about all he will do with what he has stored up. His thoughts about his future are hopeful. Jesus encourages us to think about our future in similar, yet at the same time, very different ways.

"Stop storing up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. 20 Instead, store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust don't destroy and thieves don't break in and steal. 21 Your heart will be where your treasure is." Matt. 6:19-21

My heart is set on eternity and so I invest in it during time. I am investing in people. People and the difference we make in their lives will be a source of continual joy for us. And what is more is that God will reward us generously for everything we do in His name. "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." Mark 9:41

It is our priveledge and our joy to invest our lives in the people of NCC! Invest wisely in your eternity today. Touch others in Jesus' name! One day you will be filled with the joy and reward that is found in Jesus Christ.

Current series: "If I Die before I wake"

This weekend is message: "Hell No!".