Purposeful Living

Wise Up

Micronesia Outreach Ministry USA

Summer Games Ministry 2023

Sunday Message Outline:

I. Introduction –

My name is Surleigh Tara, and I thank God for allowing us to experience another beautiful day in sunny Southern California. This summer game event has been going on for 26 years, and so have our lives. And the theme for this weekend is Living a Purposeful Life. If I may, allow me to share an experience from this event. Within the last 9,125 days, which is 25 years, many young men and women have chosen to participate in this event because of their love of the game or their passion for competition. Among these amateur athletes were a few young men who came together and formed a basketball team. They had two things going on during the event; they loved to get drunk during or after each game, and that seemed to be the highlight of their games. Though they were a bunch of drunk players but they also won games. The team consisted of Samoans, Chuukese, and a Kosraean. Let me remind you, this was some 15 to 20 years ago, I am 21 today (lol). Fast forward to the year 2023; as we know, time changes which reflect in our physical appearances and abilities. Throughout this quarter-century, on a daily basis, we make decisions, and often we face consequences because of poor judgment calls, or we are rewarded for wise decisions. You may want to know the present lives of the team mentioned earlier. Many of them are living lives of adulthood in taking care of humanity, while a few have gone to the next eternity or to be the Lord; some have become Pastors,  community leaders, or government leaders, and the rest, I lost track. Many of these men took an opportunity in their lives to WISE UP by giving back to the community.

One thing I can tell you for sure is that, besides basketball, I wanted to be a medical doctor or a politician. After not knowing what to do, I joined the Marine Corps and ended up giving Uncle Sam 4 years. Today, I have a passion for sharing the Word of God. With the help of God, I became a farmer (leaving my 20-year IT career), raising livestock. And get this, never in my wildest dream that I would dream of becoming an author. In the last six months, with the help of God, I have published two books on Amazon. As a matter of fact, the second book was just released three days ago on Amazon. 

A fool soon makes up his mind, because there is so very little of it; but a wise man waits and considers.

On The Cross After Death, Volume 33, Sermon #1956 - John 19:31-37

Charles Spurgeon

So I thank God for the leadership of Pastor Sato Suka and the MOMUSA family for your sacrifice in carrying out this ministry.

The question I have for you is, have you had an experience where you planned your life to be something else and ended at a position expectedly?

Let’s dive into the Word of God for answers.

My Topic today is Wise UP:

A. Establishing Context: Sports and ministry are two aspects of life that can work together to build each other up (Matthew 28:19)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

B. Thesis Statement: The theme “Wise Up” speaks to how we must choose wisely the things we say, do, and think and how our actions, words, and thoughts will affect our lives now and in the future.

II. Body –

1. We must be wise in how we talk

a) Speak with kindness and respect (Ephesians 4:29).

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 

b) Words are powerful (Proverbs 18:21).

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,  and those who love it will eat its fruits.

[Let me bring in this young man who I have watched and appreciate what God is doing in his life. He has a passion for serving God! Here is Jeremiah]

2. We must be wise in how we act

a) Model good behavior (Colossians 3:17).

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

b) Our actions speak louder than words (1 John 3:18).

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

3. We must be wise in how we think -

a) Think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

b) Fill our minds with good and Godly thoughts (Romans 12:2)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Conclusion –

Being wise does not mean being perfect, but it means being mindful of our words, actions, and thoughts as we strive to make decisions that honor God. Being wise can positively influence our families, communities, and the world. We must “Wise Up” today and always.