Today as we worship, we have over 20 of our young people, their parents and student leaders on retreat in the mountains of east Tennessee. Their weekend has been spent studying God’s Word, sharing together in worship, and having great fun hiking, hanging out, and doing good things together. A retreat like this gives them an opportunity to be the church while they are away from their church. To say the least, it is a growing experience because in a few years, they will be doing the work of this church with their own families just as we adults are doing this morning.
Our church family on this milestone day, GLORY TO GOD SUNDAY, will be doing something that will impact not only our young people in a few years, but will make a great difference in their children’s lives a generation from now. We are setting the course this morning. The future of our church will be shaped by a simple PLEDGE we make for the Glory of God. A PLEDGE might appear to be a small thing, but when it is made in the name of Jesus, God does the amazing which lasts forever.
Do you remember when Jesus took two fish and five barley loaves and fed a great multitude of people? Jesus was testing his disciples when he instructed them to go into town to buy bread for the meal.
Philip said to Jesus, “We don’t have enough money” (John 6:7).
Andrew spoke up and said, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” (John 6:9).
In our hands and in our ways of doing things, small things seem insignificant. But, in God’s hands even a child with a small offering makes an impact that touches thousands and lasts forever. Who could have imagined through what is recorded in scripture what this child’s lunch offering could accomplish?
The same thing is possible with your PLEDGE today. That which you place on the altar of God today does not have to be a great amount in earthly terms, but when small things are given by faith in God, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!
Craig Dawson has an unusual habit. While he jogs every day, he keeps his eyes on the ground. This is not for safety, or balance. He does this because he is looking for spare change. Ripley’s Believe It or Not reports that over the years, he has found $8,100 in lost coins. Great things come from small and consistent commitments. Don’t be surprised if the PLEDGE you make today turns out to be one of the greatest blessings the people of this church can remember, let alone, something that will transform your own walk with Jesus for as long as you live.