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Ramblings from Retirement – Deacon’s Wives and Kids! By Lee Hemen, Retired Pastor March 19, 2021 I remember when I had been a believer for several years when my church came to me asking if I would be considered to be a Deacon. I was surprised and flattered. Having served as a Yokefellow (Deacon in training), as a Deacon, Ministry Leader for College and Discipleship, and finally serving as a pastor for 35 years I have seen a lot of men called to the ministry and to be Deacons. I have served on many selection committees over the years for Minister of Music, Deacons, Associate Pastor and Pastor. And as I was sitting here having my devotion I was reminded of what Paul wrote Timothy concerning men who were being considered for being a Deacon in the church. Paul would write, “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be t...

Be good by doing good! - Galatians 6:7-18 By Pastor Lee Hemen September 25, 2016 There are those in our world who actually think that by simply trying we can become good or that everyone is born good and only learn evil by the influence of others or society. This is insanity and has been proven wrong by thousands of years of human history. No matter how one meditates, concentrates, or venerates human wisdom, knowledge or achievement being good will never solve mankind's inherent propensity towards evil. However, the Bible teaches us that there is a way for mankind to be good by being good. Not in the way the world teaches but in the person of Jesus. No matter how good a person feels and no matter how good something sounds it is all infected by the inherent sin condition of creation. Our rebirth in Jesus solves this issue and our being good does not come from our trying but rather from a life lived for him alone. Paul relates how we are to be good by doing good; let's disc...

How to Use What We Earn Wisely! -- 1 Timothy 6:3-21 By Pastor Lee Hemen July 20, 2008 AM “A penny saved is a penny earned.” “A fool and his money are soon parted.” “The buck stops here.” “Money talks.” “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” (Proverbs 13:11) “With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.” (Proverbs 8:18) These are all bits of wisdom that use money in them in some form. Why are these snippets remembered by so many in our society but others not so much? I believe it is because we have placed an improper role for wealth. How about these: “For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” (Proverbs 2:10) Or that “Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse.” (Proverbs 2:12) These too should be important to us, but few remember them as well. Why...

Being Wise About Finances and Money – Proverbs 6:6-11; 21:20; 11:24-25 by Pastor Lee Hemen March 2, 2007 AM Major financial decisions, such as buying a house, require careful thinking. Multitudes live under financial pressure, some through no fault of their own. However, many are under pressure because they have not managed their money and finances well. By adopting a lifestyle beyond their means, they not only spend all they make but also use credit, spending money they do not have. Thus they have no funds for those who seek their help. God does not want His people to be victims of poor financial management. The Lord wants His people to be good managers and generous givers. I grew up in a family situation where my parents could not afford to buy games, toys, or comic books outside of Christmas or birthdays. In fact, there were times when we did not have much for these either! It taught me to be wise about finances and the money I earned. Today’s sermon is going to deal with something ...