Celebrating Transformation: Embracing God's Love and Service

Devotional

Day 1: The Father’s Compassionate Welcome

The story of the prodigal son reminds us that God’s love is not passive or distant, but active and overflowing with compassion. No matter how far we have wandered or what we have done, when we turn back to Him, He runs to meet us with open arms, ready to restore and celebrate us as His beloved children. This is the heart we strive to reflect in our community, offering grace and welcome to all who walk through our doors. [54:06]

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

Reflection: Is there a part of your life where you feel unworthy of God’s love? Take a moment to picture Jesus running to you with joy—how does that change your view of yourself and of God today?

Day 2: Extending Grace to Others

It is often easier to receive God’s grace than to extend it to those we feel don’t deserve it, yet we are called to see every person as made in God’s image. When we find ourselves judging or withholding compassion, we are challenged to run toward others with the same love and acceptance that God shows us, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. [55:23]

Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Reflection: Who is someone you struggle to show grace or compassion to? What is one practical way you can move toward them in love this week?

Day 3: The Power of Serving Together

When we serve—whether by volunteering, praying, or simply showing up—we become part of God’s work in the lives of others. Every act of service, no matter how small or behind-the-scenes, helps create a space where people can encounter Jesus and experience His love, and often, we are changed in the process as well. [52:42]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Reflection: Think of a time when your service, or someone else’s, made a difference in someone’s life. How might God be inviting you to serve in a new or deeper way this season?

Day 4: Persevering in Doing Good

There are seasons when doing good feels exhausting or thankless, but God promises that our efforts are not in vain. If we do not give up, we will see the fruit of our labor in God’s timing, and He invites us to trust Him and keep going, especially when it’s hard. [58:18]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Reflection: Where are you feeling weary or discouraged in your efforts to do good? Ask God for renewed strength and consider one step you can take today to keep going.

Day 5: Active Faith That Impacts Others

Faith is not meant to be passive; it is lived out in action, in sharing the gospel, and in caring for others. When we step out in faith—whether by sharing Jesus with a child, praying for someone, or simply being present—we create opportunities for God to move and transform lives, including our own. [56:44]

James 2:17 (ESV)
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Reflection: What is one way you can put your faith into action this week, making a tangible impact in your family, school, or community?

Sermon Summary

This morning was a celebration of the ways God has been at work in and through our community this summer, especially among our kids, youth, and volunteers. We heard stories of transformation, joy, and the infectious energy that comes when people serve and worship together. The summer was filled with laughter, pizza, popsicles, and a few Nerf darts left behind, but more importantly, it was marked by moments where the Holy Spirit was tangibly present—where young people prayed for each other, cared for one another, and experienced the love of Jesus in real and powerful ways.

We took time to honor and pray for students heading back to school, from the youngest to those entering their final year of college, and for all those who serve in education—teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, and more. Their dedication and love are a vital part of our community, and we are deeply grateful for the countless hours they pour into the lives of our children.

A special word of thanks was given to the volunteers who made this summer possible. Whether you led a group, cleaned up messes, or simply prayed for our camps, your efforts created space for kids to encounter Jesus. The impact of your service is seen in the lives changed, including the 37 children who chose to follow Jesus for the first time at VBS—one of whom was my own child. These moments remind us that our faith is not passive; it is active, lived out in the everyday acts of love and service.

Reflecting on the story of the prodigal son, we were reminded of the heart of God—a Father who runs to meet us with compassion, no matter how far we’ve wandered. Some of us may struggle to believe that God would run toward us, while others may find it hard to extend that same grace to those we think are undeserving. Yet, we are called to embody that same love, running toward others with open arms, just as God does for us.

As we move into the fall, the invitation is to continue partnering with God wherever we are—at school, at work, or in our neighborhoods. Let us not grow weary in doing good, trusting that in due time, God will bring a harvest from our faithfulness.

Key Takeaways

1. The presence of the Holy Spirit is often most evident in the simple, joyful acts of community—when young people worship, pray, and care for each other. These moments are not just emotional highs but are sacred encounters where God shapes hearts and lives. The energy and joy witnessed this summer are a testament to what happens when we make space for God to move among us. [42:38]
2. Serving others, whether through volunteering, teaching, or simply showing up, is a powerful way to partner with God’s work. Even the unseen or seemingly mundane acts—like cleaning up after a camp or praying quietly—create opportunities for others to encounter Jesus. Our willingness to serve is often the channel through which God’s love is made tangible. [52:42]
3. The story of the prodigal son reveals the radical, pursuing love of God—a love that runs toward us even when we feel unworthy or distant. This is not a passive affection but an active, compassionate embrace that welcomes us home. We are invited to receive this love personally and to extend it to others, even those we find difficult to love. [54:06]
4. There are seasons when it is hard to believe that God would run toward us, especially when we carry hurt, shame, or disappointment. In those moments, it is vital to pause and imagine the Father’s arms open wide, running to meet us. This vision of God’s heart can transform our understanding of grace and restore hope where it has faded. [55:23]
5. Faithfulness in doing good is not always glamorous or immediately rewarding, but Scripture promises that perseverance will yield a harvest in God’s timing. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, a volunteer, or a student, do not give up. God is at work in ways we may not see, and our steadfastness is part of His unfolding story. [58:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introducing Summer Reflections
[02:10] - Sarah’s Journey and Return
[04:30] - Brian’s Story: Joy in Worship
[07:15] - The Power of Youth Community
[10:00] - Praying for Students Returning to School
[13:20] - Honoring Educators and School Staff
[15:16] - Summer by the Numbers: Pizza, Popsicles, and Fun
[17:00] - Celebrating Volunteers and Their Impact
[19:00] - The Prodigal Son: God’s Pursuing Love
[21:00] - Two Responses: The Returning Son and the Waiting Brother
[23:00] - Carrying God’s Heart into the Fall
[25:00] - Stories of Transformation: 37 Kids Say Yes to Jesus
[27:00] - Galatians 6:9 and the Call to Perseverance
[29:00] - Closing and Transition to Next Service Segment

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV) – The Prodigal Son — > “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

Galatians 6:9 (ESV) — > “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Observation Questions

In the story of the prodigal son, what actions does the father take when he sees his son returning? What do these actions show about his heart?
According to Galatians 6:9, what is the promise given to those who keep doing good and don’t give up?
The sermon described moments this summer when the Holy Spirit was “so thick you could almost see it.” What were some of the ways people experienced God’s presence in the community this summer? [[42:38]]
What are some of the “unseen” or “mundane” acts of service mentioned in the sermon that made a difference in kids’ lives? [[52:42]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to describe the father as running to meet his son, instead of waiting for him to come all the way home? What does this say about God’s love for us? [[54:06]]
The sermon mentioned that some people struggle to believe God would run toward them, while others struggle to run toward people they find hard to love. Why do you think both of these are difficult for us? [[55:23]]
Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to give up in doing good. What are some reasons people might feel like giving up, especially in serving or volunteering? [[58:18]]
The summer was described as being full of “simple, joyful acts of community.” Why do you think these ordinary moments can be so powerful in shaping faith? [[42:38]]

Application Questions

The father in the prodigal son story ran to his son with open arms. Is there someone in your life you find it hard to “run toward” with love and grace? What would it look like to take a step toward them this week? [[54:06]]
The sermon celebrated volunteers who did everything from leading groups to cleaning up messes. What is one “behind the scenes” way you could serve someone this month, even if no one notices? [[52:42]]
When have you felt unworthy of God’s love, like the prodigal son? What helps you remember that God is running toward you, not away from you? [[55:23]]
Think about a time when you saw God work through a simple act—like a prayer, a meal shared, or a word of encouragement. How did that impact you or someone else? [[42:38]]
Galatians 6:9 says not to grow weary in doing good. Are there areas in your life where you feel tired or discouraged in serving others? What would help you keep going? [[58:18]]
The sermon mentioned 37 kids choosing to follow Jesus for the first time. Who is someone in your life you can pray for or encourage in their faith journey this week? [[57:30]]
As we move into the fall, what is one way you can “partner with God” at your school, work, or neighborhood? Be specific about what you want to try. [[56:44]]

Sermon Clips

If you volunteered this summer in any form for one of our camps, would you just raise your hand real quick? If you prayed this summer for one of our camps, would you also raise your hand because you partnered with us too. Here's the thing, we recognize volunteers every summer because this couldn't happen, couldn't happen without volunteers. But I want to point something out specific this summer. [00:51:56] (24 seconds) #PartneringWithJesusAlways

I stood right back there the last day of VBS and I was talking to my sister Annie, who also helps here, and I said, I've been doing this a long time. I think it was my 13th or 14th VBS here. I've never seen a group of volunteers like that. It was unbelievable. [00:52:19] (16 seconds) #LoveThatRunsToUs

And yet about a month later, I sat and talked with Michael after one of the sports camps. I said, Michael, you ever seen a group of teens like that? Like, that just does everything we ask of them and does it before we even ask a lot of times and cleans up the kitchen? Like, I don't even clean up the kitchen. Like, I have teens out here cleaning up the kitchen. [00:52:42] (20 seconds) #SummerVolunteersUnite

That picture of Jesus running out, the father running out to his son. That is what we're trying to give to kids walking in our doors. Now, on Monday morning of an elementary camp, we don't actually go running out at the kids because that would scare them very badly. But some of them, some of them would be like, yes, I know where I'm supposed to be. But metaphorically, that is what we're trying to hand to kids and families as they walk in this door. [00:54:24] (29 seconds) #WelcomingWithOpenArms

That is what we're trying to give to kids walking in our doors. Now, on Monday morning of an elementary camp, we don't actually go running out at the kids because that would scare them very badly. But some of them, some of them would be like, yes, I know where I'm supposed to be. But metaphorically, that is what we're trying to hand to kids and families as they walk in this door. Because we know that's what it's about. [00:54:30] (26 seconds) #GodAtWorkInCommunity

And if that's you, I want you to take a minute and picture that. That's one's probably harder if we're being honest because we're people. We don't do that very well sometimes. But whatever bucket you find yourself in, I would ask as you go from this place and you get to hear in just a second from people who went and whose lives were changed by going and serving others, I would ask that that be what your fall is about. [00:56:33] (26 seconds) #FallSeasonOfActiveFaith

So whether that's at school and you're heading off to one of our esteemed institutions or also Florida State, just kidding. Go do that there. Whether it's a high school here, an elementary school, or you're teaching, or you're working in an office building, whatever that is. [00:57:12] (20 seconds) #UnmatchedVolunteerSpirit

The reason I know at work this summer is early in the summer, worked very hard at presenting the gospel to kids at VBS. and it can be an uncomfortable day because you never know if kids are going to respond to the way you hope they do, and you always know God is working, but sometimes the kids' hearts just aren't in the place that you might think they are, and so on Wednesday, we asked, I asked, presented the gospel, who would like to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior for the first time, and 37 kids raised their hand, and one of them was mine, and so I'll be honest, I had a hard time getting through the rest of the day. That pretty much knocked me off my feet, but I need you to know, what you do to care for the kids in this place allows Jesus to do what he does. [00:57:33] (45 seconds) #TeensLeadingByExample

But I need you to know, what you do to care for the kids in this place allows Jesus to do what he does. It's not a passive faith we have, it's an active faith, and I challenge you to continue that as we head into the fall. [00:58:10] (15 seconds) #FallFocusOnServing

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does the prodigal son story reveal about God's compassion?

How can volunteers influence children's spiritual journeys?

What is the significance of celebrating lost souls returning?