Embracing Everyday Blessings and Taking Faithful Steps
Summary
So often, we look for the big, dramatic miracles and miss the everyday blessings that God pours into our lives—waking up, having food, breath in our lungs, and the love of a church family. Gratitude for these daily gifts is a spiritual discipline that keeps our hearts soft and our eyes open to God’s faithfulness, even in seasons of struggle or refinement. When we slow down and count our blessings, we realize that God’s goodness far outweighs our burdens, and we are reminded that He is always at work, even when we can’t see it.
God calls us not just to receive His love and salvation, but to respond by taking our next step in faith. Every believer has a unique next step—whether it’s surrendering more deeply, serving, giving, or sharing their story. Our church is a place where people are encouraged to discover and take those steps, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to see God’s purposes fulfilled in and through us. We celebrate the work God is doing, especially among our students, who are making commitments to prayer, Bible reading, and even full-time ministry. These are not just numbers; they are lives being transformed and set on a path to impact others.
The mission is clear: to make Jesus known in our region and beyond. This isn’t about building a big church for its own sake, but about making sure everyone has the opportunity to hear about the hope found in Christ. Jesus is not just Savior—He is Lord, the Boss, the One with all authority. He calls us to go, to serve, to give, and to obey, not as a burden, but as a privilege. We are God’s possession, called to “show off” His goodness to a world desperate for hope. Our generosity, our service, and our testimony are all ways we participate in God’s redemptive work.
Eternity is real, and what we do now matters forever. We are blessed to be a blessing, and our resources—time, talent, and treasure—are tools God uses to reach others. The invitation is open: take your next step, let Jesus be the Boss, and join in the joy of seeing lives changed for eternity.
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Key Takeaways
- Recognize Everyday Miracles and Blessings
It’s easy to overlook the daily gifts God gives us—health, provision, relationships—while waiting for something “supernatural.” But cultivating gratitude for these ordinary blessings opens our eyes to God’s constant faithfulness and keeps us grounded in hope, even during difficult seasons. When we slow down and count our blessings, we see that God’s goodness is woven into every part of our lives. [29:10]
- Every Believer Has a Next Step
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, God has a next step for you. It may be a deeper surrender, a new act of service, or a fresh commitment to spiritual disciplines. Taking that step is not about comparison, but about obedience and growth, trusting that God’s purpose for you is unique and significant. [37:07]
- Jesus is Not Just Savior, but Lord—The Boss
Many are content to call Jesus “Savior,” but true transformation comes when we let Him be “Lord”—the One who directs our lives. This means submitting every area—our time, talents, testimony, and treasure—to His authority, allowing Him to guide our decisions and actions. Obedience to Jesus as Lord is the pathway to experiencing God’s best and being used for His glory. [47:48]
- We Are Called to Show Off God’s Goodness
God has redeemed us not just for our own sake, but so that we can display His goodness to others. Our lives are meant to be a testimony—“showing off” the grace, mercy, and transformation we’ve received. This isn’t about being boastful, but about letting the light of Christ shine through us in a world that desperately needs hope and kindness. [53:54]
- Generosity Fuels the Mission and Echoes in Eternity
Our giving—of time, talent, and resources—is not just about meeting needs, but about investing in eternity. What we do with what God has entrusted to us has lasting impact, both now and forever. When we give, we participate in God’s work of salvation and transformation, and Scripture promises that our generosity will be remembered in eternity. [01:01:11]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[29:10] - Everyday Miracles and Blessings
[30:20] - Counting Blessings Over Burdens
[31:03] - Prayer and Presence
[31:44] - The Privilege of Speaking to God
[32:48] - Surrendering to God’s Will
[33:45] - Celebrating Student Ministry
[34:57] - Commitments at Camp
[35:45] - Identifying Your Next Step
[37:07] - Saved on Purpose for a Purpose
[38:24] - The Heart of Granite United
[42:41] - Stewardship and Sacrifice
[46:24] - The Reality of Eternity
[47:48] - Jesus’ Authority and the Great Commission
[49:47] - Obedience and Discipleship
[53:54] - Showing Off God’s Goodness
[56:55] - Investing in the Next Generation
[01:01:11] - Generosity and Eternal Impact
[01:05:25] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:08:11] - Taking Your Next Step
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Everyday Miracles, Next Steps, and Living on Mission”
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
> For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
> And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
> But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it say about why God created us in Christ Jesus?
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what authority does Jesus claim, and what does He command His followers to do?
3. What does 1 Peter 2:9 say about our identity and purpose as believers?
4. The sermon mentioned that we often overlook “everyday miracles.” What are some examples the pastor gave of these daily blessings? [[29:10]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “You’ve been saved on purpose for a purpose.” How does Ephesians 2:10 help us understand what that purpose is? [[37:07]]
2. Jesus is described as not just Savior, but Lord—the Boss. What does it mean practically for Jesus to be the “Boss” of someone’s life? [[47:48]]
3. 1 Peter 2:9 says we are God’s “possession” so that we can “show off” His goodness. What does it look like for a Christian to “show off” God’s goodness in a way that points others to Him? [[53:54]]
4. The sermon talks about generosity as “investing in eternity.” How does the idea that our giving has eternal impact challenge or encourage you? [[01:01:11]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor encouraged us to slow down and count our blessings, even the small ones like breath in our lungs or food on the table. When was the last time you intentionally listed out your daily blessings? How did it affect your attitude or outlook? [[29:10]]
2. Everyone has a “next step” in their faith journey—whether it’s surrendering more, serving, giving, or sharing your story. What do you sense your next step might be right now? What’s holding you back from taking it? [[35:45]]
3. The sermon challenged us to let Jesus be the “Boss” of every area—time, talent, testimony, and treasure. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to let Jesus have authority? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week? [[47:48]]
4. The pastor said we are called to “show off” God’s goodness, not in a boastful way, but by letting Christ’s light shine through us. Can you think of a recent situation where you had the chance to show God’s goodness to someone? How did you respond? [[53:54]]
5. The message emphasized that our generosity—of time, talent, and resources—has an eternal impact. Is there a specific way you feel prompted to be more generous this month, either in the church or in your community? [[01:01:11]]
6. The sermon celebrated students making commitments to prayer, Bible reading, and even full-time ministry. What spiritual discipline do you want to grow in this season? What’s one practical step you can take to build that habit? [[34:57]]
7. The pastor reminded us that “eternity is real, and what we do now matters forever.” How does this truth affect your priorities or decisions? Is there something you want to change in light of eternity? [[46:24]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another’s “next steps” and for eyes to see and hearts to appreciate God’s everyday blessings.
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Everyday Miracles and Blessings
God’s miracles are not just the big, supernatural events we long for, but are also found in the simple, daily blessings we often overlook—like breath in our lungs, food on our tables, and the love of family and friends. When we slow down and take time to count our blessings, we realize that God’s faithfulness surrounds us, even in seasons of struggle or refining. Trusting God’s heart, even when we can’t see His hand, helps us hold tight to hope and see His goodness in every moment. [29:10]
Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Reflection: Take a few minutes today to write down at least five “ordinary” blessings you’ve received from God this week. How does recognizing these daily miracles change your perspective on God’s faithfulness?
Day 2: Saved on Purpose for a Purpose
God has created each of us anew in Christ Jesus, not just for salvation, but for a unique purpose and mission. Every believer has a “next step” in their walk with God, and no one’s step is exactly the same as another’s. Embracing this truth means recognizing that you are called to action, to live out the good works God has prepared for you, and to keep moving forward in faith, trusting that your life has meaning and impact in God’s kingdom. [37:07]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: What is one “next step” God is prompting you to take in your faith journey right now? How can you act on it this week?
Day 3: Jesus is Lord—Letting Him Be the Boss
It’s one thing to call Jesus “Savior,” but another to truly let Him be “Lord”—the boss of your life. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and He calls His followers not just to believe, but to obey, to go, and to make disciples. Living under His authority means surrendering every area—your time, talents, testimony, and treasure—to His direction, trusting that His will is always for your best and for His glory. [47:48]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle to let Jesus be “the boss”? What is one practical way you can surrender that area to Him today?
Day 4: Show Off the Goodness of God
As God’s chosen people, we are called to “show off” His goodness—not in arrogance, but as living testimonies of His grace, mercy, and transforming power. God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light so that others can see His love and be drawn to Him. Our lives should reflect the hope, joy, and freedom we have in Christ, making the goodness of God visible to a world in need of hope. [53:02]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the goodness of God through you this week? What is one specific way you can “show off” God’s love to them?
Day 5: Blessed to Be a Blessing
Everything we have—our resources, time, and talents—comes from God, and He calls us to use these blessings to impact others for eternity. Giving is not just about meeting needs, but about investing in God’s kingdom, knowing that what we do with our resources now has eternal significance. When we give generously, we partner with God in His mission, and our giving becomes a testimony of His provision and a means of bringing others into His family. [01:01:11]
1 Chronicles 29:14 (ESV)
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
Reflection: How can you use your resources—whether time, talent, or treasure—to bless someone or support God’s work this week? What step can you take today to be a blessing?
Quotes
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