Wherever you are

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Wherever You Are — Be All There

Scripture Reference:

• Matthew 18:2–3 (NKJV): “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.’”

Why not be happy — at least most of the time? Of course, there will be seasons when happiness seems impossible. A few years ago, when my sister passed away, the grief was so deep that joy felt out of reach. Those days, however, are the exception, not the norm.

One characteristic I have noticed in genuinely happy people is that they live in the moment. They do not allow the past — even just a few minutes earlier — to rob them of the opportunity for joy. They do not let worries about the future steal the happiness of now.

I’ve seen this modeled in my own family. My dad, at 80 years of age, can find joy at the drop of a hat — even during life’s most difficult seasons. My wife of over 35 years is the same. Even in challenging times, she finds a way to laugh and bring joy into our lives. Her happiness is contagious, reminding me that the secret lies in living fully in the moment.

---

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Wherever You Are — Be All There (Part 2)

Since becoming a grandparent, I’m learning this principle even more deeply. The world can be falling apart, but all my grandchildren want is a cookie and a hug — right now. Sharing these moments, giving a little “papa sugar,” and offering a “bear hug” reminds me that nothing breeds happiness like fully embracing the present.

Perhaps this is why Jesus said we must be like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. Children naturally live in the now — unburdened by the past or anxious about the future.

I’ll admit, I am still learning this principle. At times, the backwash of yesterday or the tide of tomorrow steals my happiness. But I’m improving, and it is a choice — one that we can all make today.

Let us choose to be happy today by living fully in the moment. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is uncertain, and right now is a gift. Wherever we are, let’s be all there — joyfully, fully present, and alive in the moment.

Could You Turn Down $350,000.00?

Monday, May 19, 2014

Could You Turn Down $350,000?

“The following entry is from 2011, and it seems especially relevant for this season.”

Quote: “Money is good only if you really need something.” — Larry Bird

Jill Leone, Larry Bird’s agent, recalled that he once turned down $350,000 for an endorsement while with the Celtics. Bird explained: “If I miss my afternoon nap, I won’t be rested enough to play my best.”

Though he may not have realized it, Larry Bird was practicing what we might call Sabbath living — the courage to set limits, finish responsibilities, and embrace restorative rest.

You might think, “That was easy for Larry Bird; he made millions playing basketball.” But for Christians, it can be even easier. We trust in our Father God, who promises to withhold no good thing from us (Psalm 84:11) and to provide, protect, and bless us far beyond what we could imagine (Ephesians 3:20). True rest and wise boundaries flow naturally when we rely on God’s provision rather than chasing worldly gains.

---

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Take Action!

Scripture Reference:

• Colossians 4:5 (NIV): “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

Planning, preparing, and praying are all valuable and necessary, but there comes a time when action is required. Today, choose to take one wise step toward addressing the challenge in front of you.

Remember, the faithful accumulation of small, wise actions eventually leads to meaningful progress. Don’t wait for perfection or the “right moment.” Do something today — even a tiny step can move you closer to God’s purpose for your life.

Necessary Sins

Here’s a sermon titled "Necessary Sins?" that explores the idea that some sins, though often dismissed or excused, are not as “harmless” or “necessary” as we might think. This is meant to be both convicting and full of grace, helping the congregation examine hidden or culturally acceptable sins.

---

Sermon Title: Necessary Sins?

Text: Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Theme: No sin is “necessary” when we have a Savior who frees us.
Tone: Honest, convicting, hopeful

---

Introduction: The Lie of the "Necessary Sin"

We’ve all heard it… or maybe even said it:

• “Everyone does it.”
• “It’s not that bad.”
• “I can't help it.”
• “It's just how I cope.”
• “It's necessary to survive in this world.”

Some sins don’t get called sin anymore — they get called strategy, personality, or even self-care. But Scripture never gives us permission to rename sin into something more acceptable.

Let’s talk about the sins we tolerate — the ones we justify, excuse, or even call necessary.

---

1. The Myth of "Harmless" or "Acceptable" Sin

There are certain sins that many believers no longer wrestle with — because we’ve decided we can live with them:

• Gossip – “I just need to vent.”
• Lust – “I’m not hurting anyone.”
• Bitterness – “After what they did to me?”
• Pride – “Well, I am better than most people.”
• Lying – “It’s just a white lie.”
• Greed – “I’m just being responsible.”

These are often called “respectable sins” – they don’t raise red flags in our churches. But Scripture makes no distinction between "big" and "small" sins when it comes to the effect on our hearts and relationship with God.

🡺 Proverbs 14:12 reminds us that just because it feels right doesn't mean it is right.

---

2. Sin Is Never Necessary – But Grace Always Is

Here’s the truth: No sin is necessary, because grace is always available.

🡺 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear…”

God always provides a way out — not by our strength, but through His Spirit.

The lie of the enemy is: “You need this sin to get through life.”
The truth of Jesus is: “You need Me to get through life — and I am enough.”

---

3. What’s the Cost of These “Necessary” Sins?

• They numb our conscience
• They limit our spiritual growth
• They damage our relationships
• They diminish our witness
• Worst of all — they distance us from God

Sin doesn’t just break rules; it breaks relationships. It pulls us away from the One who loves us most.

🡺 Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…”

---

4. So What Do We Do?

a. Name the Sin

You can’t defeat what you won’t define. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you've been calling “necessary” that Jesus actually died to free you from.

b. Repent Honestly

Repentance isn't shame — it's freedom. It's saying: "God, I want You more than I want to protect my habits."

🡺 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…”

c. Receive Grace Daily

Jesus doesn’t just forgive you once. His grace empowers you every day to live free. You're not1 alone in the fight — the Spirit of God lives in you.

d. Get Accountable

Sin grows in the dark. Bring it to the light. Walk with other believers who will pray with you, not play with your sin.

---

Conclusion: You Don’t Need That Sin – You Need a Savior

If sin were truly necessary, then Jesus died for nothing.
But because Jesus died, sin no longer has to be your master.I 

So today:

• Let go of what feels necessary.
• Cling to the One who is truly necessary.
• Walk in the freedom He already bought for you.

---

Call to Action / Altar Call (optional):

Ask:
“What sin have you been calling necessary that Jesus is calling you to lay down?”

You can open the altar (or call for personal reflection/prayer) and invite people to respond honestly.

---

Would you like a shorter version, youth version, or a small group discussion guide based on this sermon?I ∫I 

encouraging word

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
	- Colossians 3:12 (NLT) | View in Context

The Long and Winding Road

Friday, May 16, 2014

The Long and Winding Road

Scripture Reference:

• Proverbs 15:24 (NKJV): “The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below.”

While I’m not a Beatles fan, the title of Paul McCartney’s song, The Long and Winding Road, beautifully captures the theme of today’s proverb. Life is a journey — long, winding, and full of unexpected twists and turns.

Along the way, there will be moments of joy and seasons of sorrow. There will be stretches that feel monotonous and uneventful, followed by times when life moves so quickly that you find yourself gripping the steering wheel tightly, whispering prayers under your breath.

The key is to keep winding your way upward by making wise, God-honoring decisions. God does not condemn us every time we stumble. There will be potholes, distractions, and wrong turns along the way. When these challenges arise, the solution is simple: repent, adjust, and continue moving forward toward the upward path.

By God’s grace, staying on this path will ultimately lead you home — to Heaven, your eternal destination. Trust Him with the journey, even when the road feels long and winding.

What are you going to do with that money?

 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

What Are You Going to Do With That Money?

Scripture Reference:

• 1 Timothy 3:2–7 (NKJV): “A bishop then must be…not greedy for money…”

• 1 Timothy 6:10 (NKJV): “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…”

There is nothing sadder than a life ruled by money. When life is reduced to a bottom-line mentality, everything — family, friendships, faith, principles, and character — is assigned a price. Tragically, a life dominated by greed eventually leads to sorrow and spiritual ruin.

Here’s a simple antidote: regularly ask yourself what you are going to do with the money you hope to receive.

 Sometimes my kids want something unexpected, or beyond our budget, and they remind me, “I thought that was why you worked.” Over the years, I’ve reminded myself and my family why I work:

• I work not just to pay bills, but to provide a good life for my family.

• I work not to buy a bigger house, but to provide a home.

• I work not to accumulate money, but to support ministry and dreams.

• I work so my family can enjoy life, create memories, and have fun.

• I work to be generous and bless others.

The bottom line: hold on to your money without letting it hold on to you. Before spending, honestly ask: Will this glorify God and bless people? If not, it may be time to confront greed and realign your priorities.

---

Thursday, May 15, 2014

But Their Heart Was in the Right Place

Scripture Reference:

• Matthew 25:21 (NKJV): “His lord said to him, ‘Well done…’”

Having a good heart is not enough. One of the saddest things anyone could hear about their life at a funeral is: “They meant well.” Jesus sets a higher standard: “Well done.”

It’s not enough to intend to do good; we must take action and do it well.

Encouragement for Today:
Do something well today. Invest your time, energy, and resources into actions that honor God and bless others. Let your life be measured not by intentions alone, but by faithful, purposeful deeds.

The proverbs

Monday, May 12, 2014

The Proverbs 31 Mother

Scripture Reference:

• Proverbs 31:1–2 (NKJV): “The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: ‘What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?’”

When I read today’s proverb, the phrase “son of my vows” stood out to me. It reminded me of Hannah, who dedicated Samuel to God, and of Joseph and Mary, who dedicated Jesus at the Temple. It also brought to mind my own mother.

Some of my earliest memories are of her reminding me of the vow she made on my behalf: “Son, before you were even born, I dedicated you to the Lord. I asked God not to let you be born alive if you were not going to serve Him.”

Imagine the impact that had on a child — and later on a teenager and young man. Proverbs 31 is widely known for describing the Proverbs 31 wife, but we must not forget the Proverbs 31 mother — a mother who made vows concerning her children and used them to guide them in the right direction.

---

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Proverbs 31 Mothers — Part 2

Perhaps you are a parent who dedicated your children to God, making vows of guidance and protection. This dedication is more than a request for God’s favor; it is also a commitment from the parent to live faithfully and uphold those vows.

Or perhaps you were a child on the receiving end of such vows. You may not remember them, but they still stand. Whether parent or child, let us leverage these vows to the fullest today.

Long before there was a Proverbs 31 wife, there was a Proverbs 31 mother — shaping the future through vows of honor and devotion. The Proverbs 31 wife is celebrated for her tireless labor and care, bringing material blessings to her family (Proverbs 31:28–29). Yet for those blessings to truly matter, spiritual values must be instilled early in life, and that is the crucial role of Proverbs 31 mothers and fathers.