Counting the Cost

REMODELING

When we decide to remodel a house, we often uncover hidden issues that need addressing - rot in the beams, faulty wiring, or outdated plumbing.

Similarly, in our lives, God may open up areas that need His transformative touch.

Just as we don’t shy away from those repairs for our homes,

we must invite God to renovate our hearts and minds,

removing the decay of sin

and replacing it with His love and grace.

How often do we allow the Master Builder to work within us?

Imagine a home that has stood for decades, its walls telling stories of every season.

Remodeling isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about renewing the soul of the home.

lipstick on a PIG

In the same way, God calls us to renew our spirits, as seen in Romans 12:2,

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

urging us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed.

This process may be uncomfortable,

as we tear down old walls to make way for new life,

yet it’s essential for our growth in faith.

We have ask WHO YOU ARE?

We have explored WHERE YOU ARE?

We are starting the Next Question TODAY

WHAT DO I DO?

and we will continue to be practical and talk about the HOW YOU DO IT?

We must count the Cost

Luke 14:28-30 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

We must count the Cost

Friends —- there is indeed a cost —— BUT the Final Result is AMAZING beyond our understanding.

In sports, a coach often tells players to check their commitment before the season starts.

They must decide if they’re ready to put in the hours of practice and discipline.

This mirrors the challenge Jesus lays out in Luke 14:27, where He urges us to bear our cross if we follow Him.

It’s an emotional decision, considering what we may leave behind.

Just like in sports, the true victory comes not in ease, but through dedication, persistence, and sacrifice for a greater purpose.

Review:

Luke 14:28–30 ESV

28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

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REVIEW:

Our process SO FAR

Who are you?

What is your house like TODAY? RIGHT NOW

did you work on this —- this week

Reasons for Remodel

Storm Damage

Change the floor plan

Wants/Desires ---Psalm 37:4 in the Bible reads, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart

Aging Upgrades --- Seasons of Life

Access Abilities and Explored the Past

How did God Shape you for this time

What is the NEED === last week assignment to complete a three prong approach

Self Reflection

Prayer

Interview others —- Did you talk with others

Week four

focuses on budgeting within the larger "Remodel Sermon Series."

IT IS ABOUT COUNTING THE COST>

Emphasis is placed on budgeting not only finances but other vital areas:

MONEY, time, resources, and mentorship.

When God says He is PROVIDER

God Is Our Provider God is also our Provider.

One of God’s names is Jehovah Jireh. 

Jireh means “provider.”

Jesus taught His followers to call God “Father,”

and the role of a father is to provide and protect.

We need to be good stewards

---- seeing our limits, or our "circle"

Are you Handy with the WORD

Are you a Licensed Contractor of the WORD

or do you need help

We must count the cost?

TIME —-

RESOURCES

Money

MENTORSHIP

Example:

People are TOUGH and a CHALLENGE

we innately want the REWARDS, but WANT TO AVOID or LESSEN THE WORK

what does that say to YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN

i own a business

written policy outlining responsibilities

text, and email reminders

CHECK YOUR TIME

They don’t do the work

they expect

BUT sure as shooting when payday comes —— if it is 6 minutes off THERE IS CRAZINESS

i experience people daily

—- they want the REMODEL, but not the DIRT, Not the DISRUPTION, not the DISTURBANCES in their LIFE

the WENT THE REWARD WITH OUT THE WORK

some thing you simply can not PAY OTHERS TO DO

EXPECTATIONS with out RESPONSIBLITY IS EMPTINESS

Are you like this with GOD at ALL?

We need to also KNOW that GOD PROVIDES ----

BUT DO YOU WANT GOD TO DO THE WORK

OR DO YOU PRAY THAT HE GIVES YOU THE STRENGTH and the GRACE TO DO THE WORK

We need to understand that there is a BALANCE ---

We need to PAUSE our life at time —— JUST LEARN TO STOP and be quiet with GOD

We need to PRAY —— We don’t produce in PRAYER, we SUBMIT in PRAYER

We need to PONDER —— Take your thoughts captive —- it may feel like “herding cats with a leaf blower”

The COSTS are a REALITY ——- remember our verse —- WHO WOULD BUILD A TOWER

Yet the reality is that so many people start a remodel and are NOT PREPARED

THIS IS OUR MISSION IN THIS SERIES

it is the mission of our CHURCH —— GLORIFY and GROW

Key Areas of Budgeting

Time

Bring out your calendar (either paper or digital, such as Google Calendar).

List all monthly obligations.

Block out time based on assessed needs.

Purpose: Identify and allocate time for spiritual and personal growth activities.

Resources

Make a list of necessary items for success (examples: Bible, journal, pen).

Examine what resources are needed for spiritual disciplines such as Bible study.

Includes considering what you need to learn and budgeting time to acquire new knowledge.

Seek out information or help if you struggle with scheduling.

Do you need to LEARN ---- use commentaries? Study how to note or journal?

Mentorship Budget

Pray for and recruit a mentor to provide guidance and accountability.

Set up an accountability structure.

You need to budget time to meet with others

Money

This includes Labor and Materials and ADMIN costs

There is always a cost.

Tools

What tools do you need to own, borrow or plan for

Study Bible

Blue Letter Bible app

Journal

Learning platforms

Do you need to study —- STUDY HABITS

Be okay with not knowing how to use them

Habit Connecting (aka Habit Linking)

Identify daily routines (e.g., stretching, making coffee, walking, gym time).

Link spiritual habits (like listening to the Bible) to existing activities.

Schedule and set reminders for these connections to reinforce consistency.

Activity Markers and Accountability

Discussion and setup of activity markers to track progress.

Mentorship and accountability partners to support consistency and growth.

Additional Points:

The concepts and strategies will be covered in a one-hour class.

Emphasizes practical application: making lists, setting reminders, and using existing habits.

Action Items/Follow-Ups:

Prepare a personal calendar and list all obligations.

List required resources for spiritual or personal growth.

Identify and reach out to a potential mentor.

Brainstorm existing habits which could be linked to new spiritual practices.

Set up reminders and accountability systems.

THERE IS A COST——- ALWAYS

DO YOU TRUST GOD?

Do you know the dust will clear?

a little rain will fall

storms will hit

people will disappoint

People will Judge

YET

our focus is to REMODEL in the DESIGN OF JESUS

our HOUSE IS HIS HOUSE

YOU MUST make a DECISION

BELIEVE — YES

BAPTIZE- YES

BELONG - YES

BECOME ——- that is what we are HERE FOR

We need to MAKE DISCIPLES THAT MAKE DISCIPLES

Think of a house that has been neglected, where the paint is peeling and the roof leaks.

The homeowner may feel overwhelmed by the task of restoration.

However, with dedication and help, beauty can be restored

. Isaiah 61:3 says God will provide a crown of beauty instead of ashes.

When we allow God into the messy parts of our lives, He brings healing and new life,

transforming our struggles into a masterpiece of His grace.

What area of your life needs a divine remodel today?

let’s pray