Ministry Updates & Testimonies

Zero Net Spend January Check In Entering Week Three

As I enter week three of January, I wanted to share an update on my Zero Net Spend journey.
This month has required intentionality not just with money but with mindset. I am grateful to say I am making real progress. A lot of wasteful and impulsive spending has been curbed. Purchases are no longer automatic. They are thoughtful deliberate and aligned with purpose rather than convenience.

Coffee has been a big win. I have reduced spending significantly only purchasing it when absolutely necessary instead of out of habit.
Those small changes add up financially and spiritually.
Fasting and Focus
As I move forward I am also entering a two week fast.

This will include

Fasting from social media
OMAD One Meal A Day

This is not about discipline for discipline’s sake. It is about realignment.

I recognize that none of this is sustainable without prayer. Prayer will be vital in maintaining focus resisting distractions and keeping my heart aligned with God’s will rather than the pull of the world. Removing noise financial digital and physical creates space to hear Him more clearly.

The Bigger Picture

Zero Net Spend is not just about saving money. It is about stewardship clarity and obedience. It is about breaking cycles that quietly drain resources attention and peace. This season has already shown me how much freedom comes from less. Less spending less scrolling less excess.

As January continues my prayer is that this discipline turns into lasting transformation not just for this month but for the months ahead.
Grace focus and faith one intentional step at a time.

Zero Net Spend: A Stewardship Reset 🙏

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of what God entrusts to us. Money isn’t the goal. It’s a tool and a resource provided by Him, meant to be managed with wisdom, discipline, and purpose.

For me, this season is about a reset.
After tithing, rent, utilities, and food, I wanted to take an honest look at where the rest of my money has been going. The little things. The habits we don’t always notice. Coffee runs, takeout, subscriptions, convenience spending.

So I started a Zero Net Spend challenge.
Instead of giving in to every craving, I’m tracking each small expense and choosing to redirect it.

When I feel that urge, coffee, takeout, or something unnecessary, I log it and apply that amount directly into savings instead. To keep myself accountable, I even built a small application to track these savings in real time.
And the results surprised me.

Just yesterday, by cutting back on subscriptions I wasn’t truly using, coffee purchases, and takeout meals, I saved $75.00 in a single day.
That’s the reminder I needed. A little adds up when you actually look at each expense.

My goal is simple and intentional. Cut spending by at least $500.00 a month and redirect those dollars with purpose. Not out of fear or restriction, but out of faithful stewardship.

As our pastor often says,
“Be a pillar.”

A pillar isn’t built on sand. It stands strong because it’s placed on a firm foundation. For me, that foundation is Christ. Stewardship is part of that foundation. Discipline. Awareness. Gratitude.
This isn’t about deprivation.
It’s about alignment.

Today is Day Two.

Who’s with me?

Let’s build wisely. Let’s steward faithfully. And let’s remember that every small choice matters when it’s placed in God’s hands.
🙏

Coming Soon A Call to Hope Truth and Surrender
Scripture Focus Revelation 22 12 21

The final words of Scripture are not meant to frighten us but to anchor us.

Look I am coming soon

These words echo through Revelation not as a threat but as a promise. The entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation points to Jesus His coming His life His sacrifice and His ultimate return. Revelation is not a puzzle to be feared it is a preview of what is coming given to strengthen weary believers and remind us that Jesus is Lord over all.

John the author of Revelation writes as a prophetic pastor in exile addressing seven real churches in Asia Minor facing pressure compromise persecution and temptation. Into that chaos Revelation declares God’s divine sovereignty His commitment to justice and His promise of hope. Judgment in this sense is not about destruction it is about putting things right restoring creation to its intended order.

God lives outside of time. When Jesus says I am coming soon He is not bound by our clocks or calendars. His timing is perfect purposeful and merciful.

Verse 14 offers a blessing

Blessed are those who wash their robes
This is an invitation into restored relationship into the city of God to the tree of life. Jesus did not come merely to save us from something but to give us life abundant. True life is found not in striving or pretending but in surrender.

Verse 15 reminds us that not everyone chooses that life. Outside the city are those who love lies over truth substitutes over substance. Jesus tells us plainly the truth sets you free. There are ultimately two kinds of people those who receive that truth and those who reject it. Yet the heart of God is not exclusion it is invitation.

Verse 17 says
Let anyone who hears this say Come

The invitation is wide open. No one is beyond reach. The tragedy is not that God withholds but that we so often substitute drinking from wells that do not satisfy instead of receiving what God freely gives.

Pay attention to what your soul is craving. Our hearts are restless until they find rest in God. Everything we truly want peace freedom purpose healing is found on the other side of surrender.

Scripture reminds us that life is brief and meaningful but God’s patience is vast. He delays not out of indifference but mercy. Repentance is not about shame it is about changing one’s mind turning toward truth and stepping into life.

The Bible closes with grace
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people

This is the greatest gift ever given to the world.
Not fear but grace
Not confusion but hope
Not striving but surrender
Jesus is coming.

And until He does the invitation still stands
Come
Drink freely
Embrace life

It’s funny how this works sometimes.

The moment you declare something—peace, sobriety, obedience, growth, purpose—the resistance shows up. Not by accident. Not randomly. Suddenly old habits are dangling in front of you, familiar shortcuts reappear, distractions line the path, all hoping you’ll stumble, hesitate, or turn back.

But here’s the thing. Awareness is power.

What once would’ve caught you off guard now just exposes the tactic. The enemy isn’t creative, just persistent. And persistence loses its power when you stand firm.

So no. Not today.

Not today fear.
Not today old patterns.
Not today compromise.

I see it for what it is, and I’m choosing differently.

Get behind me.
I’m walking forward, clear headed, grounded, and covered.

Yesterday marked my 32nd day of sobriety.
Today makes 33.

I’ve learned something important along the way: every single day carries its own challenges. Some days feel lighter. Some days feel heavy. Some days come with temptation, emotions, or memories I didn’t ask for. But every day. every single one, is also a new beginning.

Sobriety isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about waking up and choosing, again and again, to walk forward instead of backward. It’s about honesty—being honest with myself, with others, and with God.

There are moments when I realize just how hard this road would be without Jesus. I don’t say that lightly. There are days when my strength runs thin, when my thoughts race, when old habits whisper familiar lies. And it’s in those moments that I’m reminded: I was never meant to do this alone.

Jesus doesn’t promise an easy road, but He promises His presence on it.

Each morning I wake up sober is a reminder of grace. Not because I earned it, but because it was given. Grace to start again. Grace to keep going. Grace to forgive myself for the past while trusting God with the future.

Sobriety has taught me to slow down. To feel things instead of numbing them. To sit with discomfort instead of escaping it. And in that space, I’ve found something unexpected—peace. Not perfect peace. Not constant peace. But real peace.

If you’re reading this and you’re on your own journey... whether it’s day one, day thirty-three, or day three hundred, know this: you’re not weak for needing help. You’re not broken for struggling. And you’re never too far gone for God to meet you right where you are.

One day at a time. One choice at a time. One step at a time.

Today, I choose sobriety. Today, I choose honesty. Today, I choose Jesus.

And tomorrow, by God’s grace, I’ll do it again.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

Thank you to everyone who has supported, prayed, encouraged, and walked alongside me. This journey isn’t over—but it’s worth it.

Day 33. Grateful. Sober. Renewed.

Hebrews 12:1–2 — Going the Distance

Yesterday’s sermon emphasized that the Christian life is not a quick sprint but a long obedience in the same direction, borrowing from Eugene Peterson. The world can easily get someone interested in the gospel, but it’s terribly difficult to sustain that interest. Everything in the culture is designed to keep people shallow, lazy, complacent, distracted, bored, and bound—the “squirrel system.” Most people settle for far less than what God intended.

But Hebrews speaks to those who are tired of being sick and tired—those who signed up to go the distance with Jesus.


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Surrounded by Witnesses

Hebrews 12 reminds us that we are surrounded by men and women who walked the walk of faith.
If we’re serious about following Jesus, we should study their lives.
Scripture is the blueprint—the recipe—for endurance (Romans 15:4).

Anyone serious about Jesus should learn from those who endured before us so that we may go from glory to glory.


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Throwing Off Every Weight

We are commanded to strip off every weight that slows us down.

Questions to ask:

What unnecessary weights am I carrying?

What is good but not great—or not godly?

Who or what is slowing me down?


1 Corinthians 6:12 reminds us:
“I will not be mastered by anything.”

Everyone has the same 24 hours—some steward it well, others hide behind busyness to avoid real spiritual work.
“What’s slowing you down?” becomes a spiritual reflection point.


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Dealing With Sin

God brought Israel out of Egypt, but Egypt will always try to pull us back.
Sin works like termites—silent destroyers that eat away over time.

You can look good on the outside and be rotting inside.

Genesis 4:6–7 reminds us that sin wants to master us.

Key truths:

Sin is a lack of trust in God.

Sin is taking matters into your own hands.

Self-care without the Spirit becomes selfishness.

Sin corrodes slowly but surely, unless addressed.

If left alone, it will kill you.



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Running With Endurance

Endurance means pushing through difficult seasons without giving way.

This requires:

Holy stubbornness

The willingness to embrace the hard

The ability to suffer well (James 1:2–4)


You cannot grow unless your endurance is tested.
Quitting is easy, but God calls His children to overcome.

Declarations matter:

“I was built for this.”

“I will rise to the occasion.”


If you have problems worth solving, you’re living a meaningful life.

Pray for:

Thick skin (not easily bothered)

A soft heart (tender before God)



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Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Above all, Hebrews 12 calls us to focus on our Savior.
We need to make time to align with the timing of God.

Jesus is the way—and He is the One who strengthens us to go the distance.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” – Psalm 150:6

God has given each of us unique talents and treasures. Gifts meant not to be hidden, but lifted high to glorify His name. Whether it’s a rhythmic groove, a gentle melody, or a powerful voice singing truth, let the Word come through in song to reach those longing for a deeper connection with Him.

At South Coast Lighthouse Ministry, we believe God speaks through music, karaoke, poetry, and spoken word. Every instrument, every beat, every note and octave becomes an offering, a way to shine His light and draw hearts closer to His presence.

So whatever gift He placed in your hands, use it boldly. Use it joyfully. Use it to exalt the One who gave it.
When we lift our talents to Him, Heaven leans in.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. 🙌✨

Thank you God for my talents and treasures - let me use my time here on Earth to bring Glory and Honor to you.

Your Humble Servent

A Prayer for Guidance This New Week

Lord Jesus, as I step into a new work week, I place every task, every decision, and every challenge in Your hands. Guide my steps, direct my thoughts, and lead me according to Your will.

Shelter me from stress, anxiety, and anything that tries to steal my peace. In Jesus’ name, I declare those burdens removed. Fill my heart with the peace that surpasses all understanding—Your peace that steadies, strengthens, and carries me through.

Thank You for walking with me, working through me, and covering me with Your grace.
Amen.

You can't let the enemy steal your joy!

Several times a day I have to lay hands, not not on a friend, a fellow brother in Christ or a family member. Sometimes I got to lay hands on myself and pray myself up out of a spiral. The enemy will continue to tell you that you aren't good enough, or you missed the mark, or you overslept. I needed that this morning --- so as a chronic over sleeper; I find myself in times where I need to pray past that moment and not get stuck in my head that "I suck" or that I am missing a level no one could ever achieve anyway. When that enemy tries to do these things; I need to remember to give myself some grace, put on a song from my playlist and Worship the God who is mighty to save me.

Happy Sunday!

It’s a blessing to get to serve, not have to serve.

There’s something powerful about realizing that ministry isn’t an obligation… it’s an honor. Jesus doesn’t need us — He invites us. He trusts us. He lets us be part of what He’s doing in people’s lives.

Every time I step into ministry, I’m reminded that I’m not “filling a role”…
I’m stepping into a calling.
I’m stepping into grace.
I’m stepping into purpose.

Serving Jesus is not a burden — it’s a privilege.
And I’m thankful He chose someone like me.

Lord, thank You for letting me serve in Your house. Use me today for Your glory.

How exciting it is to be in the House of the Lord this Sunday!
Sunday is coming, and my heart is already full. I’m thankful --- thankful that I get to step into His presence, thankful that I get to lift up the mighty name of Jesus, and thankful for the grace that carries me every single day.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. 🙌❤️

Holiday Daze, Heavy Hearts, and the Hope That Holds Me

There’s something about the holiday season that hits harder than most people ever talk about. Everyone around you seems to be rushing into the warm glow of Christmas lights and gatherings, but sometimes you’re walking right into a fog. A holiday daze.

For a lot of us, the most wonderful time of the year can actually feel like the heaviest.

When the world slows down, the memories get louder.
The people we’ve lost feel closer and farther away all at the same time.
The empty chairs at the table echo louder than any Christmas music playing in the background.

And honestly, missing family, missing friends, missing what life used to look like, it hurts in a way that’s hard to explain. Grief doesn’t check the calendar. It doesn’t respect the season. It just arrives and reminds you of every hole you’ve ever tried to fill.

Growing up around toxic patterns, chaos becomes familiar. And when you’re brought up in that kind of storm, sometimes your mind keeps searching for thunder even when everything around you is finally quiet. What feels normal to the world can feel completely foreign to you. Peace feels unnatural. Calm feels suspicious. And chaos somehow feels like home.

I wouldn’t wish that reality on anybody.

And in the middle of all that, trying to seek sobriety.
Trying to stay sober when your mind is pulling old patterns back up like they’re comfort blankets.

There were so many times I reached for booze just to numb the ache, to fill a void, to quiet the noise. But none of it ever healed anything. It never truly comforted. It never saved me. It only delayed the pain.

That hole inside me?
Only Jesus could fill it.
Only Jesus could breathe life back into places I thought were long dead.
Only Jesus could look at me in my lowest, in my mess, in my chaos and say:

“You’re still more than enough.”

Even though I struggle.
Even though the holidays can feel heavy.
Even though there are moments I don’t understand my own heart.

He meets me in the daze.
He meets me in the chaos.
He meets me in the grief.
And He reminds me that healing doesn’t make the memories disappear, it just means I don’t have to carry them alone.

If you’re feeling that same weight this season, you’re not alone.
Jesus is still the Prince of Peace, even when your world feels anything but peaceful.

When Christ is truly at the center of your life, everything around you feels it. His presence doesn’t just change you on the inside, it sends out a ripple effect. The peace He gives, the kindness He teaches, the grace He pours into you, all of it flows outward and touches the people around you. The light in you becomes light for someone else.

But when you’re stuck in the dark, when the enemy has a grip on your thoughts or your habits, that sends out a ripple too. What’s inside eventually spills out. Hurt spills out. Anger spills out. Confusion spills out. It affects you and it affects everyone connected to you.

Every day, whether we realize it or not, we’re sending something into the world.

So I ask you, from my heart to yours:

Will you be the light today?

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

"Rise and shine and give God your glory, glory!"

Going to Camp Cachalot as a child - and hearing this song brings back moments that God was trying to get my heart at a young age.

I often pause and wonder; "What If"

What if I was a better son; a better sibling or a friend.

I need to remember that being born again - that I can't get stuck in the past - as we are bought by the blood of Jesus and that our past is forgiven by our ever loving spiritual father. I've been redeemed.

The world will judge you - but there is only one true judge
Friends will condemn you for your past mistakes.

The Lord forgives us - and that I am more than enough.

Happy Monday - and a Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We don’t come to church to play around or do something cute. We come to worship with the angels. When we sing up to the Lord, it pleases Him, and blessings begin to fall. You are the worship service. Your life is what God wants. Your heart, your body, your obedience—that is true worship.

Jesus became the perfect sacrifice. Because of Him, guilt, shame, and sin lose their grip. And in response, we offer ourselves back to God. Holy. Set apart. Pleasing to Him.

Cain brought an offering, but his heart wasn’t there. Abel offered himself, and that was true worship. God is always after the heart.

So here’s the question we’ve got to ask:
Am I being shaped by the world, or transformed by the Holy Spirit?

The world is constantly trying to squeeze us into its mold. Culture pushes, pressures, and pulls. Christ transforms. The Holy Spirit renews. If the world shapes your thinking, you’ll be a conformer. If God shapes your thinking, you become a transformer.

Stop and ask yourself: Am I being conformed, or transformed?

Paul shows the difference in Galatians 5. Verses 19–21 show what the flesh produces. Verses 22–23 show what the Spirit produces. One is decay. One is life.

And then Paul tells us to present our bodies. So let’s walk through what that really means.

Your Mind – Philippians 4:8
Fix your thoughts on what is true and pure.
Lord, anoint my mind. Give me the mind of Jesus.

Your Eyes – Matthew 6:22
The eyes are the lamp of the body.
Lord, purify my eyes. Let me see as You see.

Your Mouth – Proverbs 18:21
Your words carry life or death. You choose.
Lord, anoint my mouth so I speak life. Let church start at home.

Your Hands – Matthew 5:30
Your hands carry authority. How are you using that authority?
Lord, I submit my hands and my actions to You.

Your Heart – Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
The real you is in your motives. God doesn’t expose to shame you. He exposes to heal you.
Lord, guide my motives. Fix whatever is off in me.

Your Body and Sexual Purity – 1 Corinthians 6:18–20
Run from sexual sin. It affects the body like nothing else. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You don’t belong to yourself. You were bought with a price.
Lord, I honor You with my temple.

Your Feet – Romans 10:15
How beautiful are the feet that bring the good news.
Lord, anoint my steps. Everywhere I go, let me carry Jesus.

So here’s the real question for today:
Have I allowed the Holy Spirit to transform me?
Not just on Sunday. Not just during a song. But in every part of who I am?

Worship is more than music. Worship is more than a service.

Worship is your life presented to God.
You are the worship service.

After another blessed week, I am excited for Church this morning. I'm sure Pastor will bring the fire! We are very fortunate to have such a leader with such a Passion for His Mission. God is not done here in the North East. In New England, As It Is In Heaven.

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