Here I Am, Lord: Embracing God’s Faithful Call

Devotional

Day 1: Here I Am, Lord, Send Me

God calls each of us to a life of surrender and willingness, just as Isaiah responded to God’s call with, “Here I am, send me.” When we encounter God’s holiness, we become aware of our own shortcomings, yet God cleanses and equips us for His purposes. The true posture of a follower of Jesus is to say yes, even when we feel unqualified or uncertain, trusting that God will use our obedience for His glory. [33:10]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God nudging you to step out in faith, even if you feel unqualified? How can you say “yes” to Him today?

Day 2: Boldness in Sharing the Gospel

The early church faced opposition and hardship, yet their first response was to pray for greater boldness to speak God’s word. Rather than shrinking back in fear, they asked God to empower them to proclaim the gospel courageously, trusting that He would work through them. In our own context, we are invited to pray for the same boldness, to share the love and truth of Jesus with those around us, regardless of the challenges we may face. [42:23]

Acts 4:29-31 (ESV)
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Reflection: Who is one person you can share the hope of Jesus with this week, and what would it look like to pray for boldness before you do?

Day 3: God Is Faithful in Every Season

Through seasons of waiting, loss, and uncertainty, God’s faithfulness remains constant. Even when our plans are delayed or life takes unexpected turns, God is at work shaping our hearts and preparing us for what’s next. Choosing to honor God wherever we are—whether in a job that feels like a detour or in the midst of grief—opens us to His presence and purpose, and we can look back and see His faithfulness woven through every chapter. [36:16]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Reflection: Recall a time when God’s faithfulness carried you through a difficult season. How can remembering His past faithfulness encourage you to trust Him with your present circumstances?

Day 4: Everything Belongs to God

It’s easy to fall into the trap of “mine-itis,” believing that what we have is ours alone. Yet Scripture reminds us that the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord. When we recognize that all we have is a gift from God, we are freed to live generously, share with others, and find joy in obedience. Giving—whether of our finances, time, or talents—is an act of worship that acknowledges God’s ownership and our trust in His provision. [53:32]

Psalm 24:1 (ESV)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto tightly as “mine”? How can you offer it back to God in trust and generosity today?

Day 5: Praying for God’s Power and Presence

The early believers prayed not only for boldness but also for God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through Jesus’ name. Their prayers were centered on God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom, not their own comfort. We are invited to pray with the same expectancy, asking God to move powerfully in our lives and communities, always pointing people back to Jesus. [43:22]

John 14:12-13 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life, family, or community where you long to see God’s power at work? Will you pray boldly for God to move in that area this week?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a community to remember, to worship, and to reflect on the faithfulness of God through every season of life. We began by honoring our veterans and praying for peace, not only in our world but in our hearts, asking Jesus—the true King of Peace—to bring unity, wisdom, and healing to all who are suffering or in need. This spirit of gratitude and remembrance set the tone for our worship, as we lifted high the name of Jesus, declaring His holiness and kingship.

I shared my own journey of faith, from my early years growing up in a Mennonite home, through seasons of obedience and wandering, to a pivotal moment of surrender as a teenager. That “yes” to Jesus became a recurring theme in my life, shaping my path through unexpected turns—Bible college, marriage, loss, and even years spent selling office furniture when I longed to be in ministry. In those wilderness years, God taught me the importance of honoring Him wherever I am, not just in the roles I desire, but in the places He places me. True faithfulness is found in saying, “Here I am, Lord, send me,” even when the destination is unclear.

We looked at the example of Peter and John in Acts, who, after facing persecution, returned to their community and prayed for boldness to continue sharing the gospel. Their prayer was not for comfort or safety, but for courage and for God’s power to be displayed through signs and wonders—all for the glory of Jesus. This is a timely word for us as a church in transition: to be a people who continually say “yes” to God, who seek His will, and who boldly proclaim His name in our city and beyond.

We also reflected on generosity, recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. Giving is not just a duty, but a joyful act of worship that breaks the grip of “mine-itis” and allows us to participate in God’s eternal work. As we prayed for those going out on mission, we were reminded that our obedience and generosity have ripple effects far beyond what we can see.

May we be a church marked by boldness, faithfulness, and a willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me,” trusting that God is always faithful.

Key Takeaways

1. Honor God Wherever You Are It’s easy to treat certain seasons or roles as mere stepping stones to something greater, but God calls us to honor Him right where we are. True faithfulness is not about waiting for the “real” calling, but about serving wholeheartedly in the present. In the wilderness or the waiting, God shapes our character and prepares us for what’s next. [35:46]
2. Boldness Flows from Community and Prayer When Peter and John faced opposition, they didn’t retreat in fear—they returned to their community and prayed for greater boldness. Spiritual courage is not a solo endeavor; it is cultivated in the context of shared faith, honest prayer, and mutual encouragement. As we pray together, God fills us with His Spirit and empowers us to speak and act with confidence. [40:44]
3. Generosity Breaks the Grip of “Mine-itis” The tendency to cling to what we have is deeply rooted, but giving is a powerful antidote. When we recognize that everything belongs to God, our hearts are freed from possessiveness, and we find joy in sharing. Generosity is not just about meeting needs—it’s about participating in God’s eternal purposes and making a difference that lasts beyond this life. [53:32]
4. Saying “Yes” to God Leads to Transformation Each “yes” to God—no matter how small or uncertain—opens the door to transformation, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. God’s faithfulness is revealed as we step out in obedience, even when the path is unclear. The willingness to say, “Here I am, send me,” is the posture that invites God’s power and presence into our story. [33:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:40] - Prayer for Peace and Veterans
[04:05] - Praying for Unity and the Vulnerable
[22:37] - Worship: Lifting High the Name of Jesus
[25:27] - Personal Testimony: Surrendering to God
[27:25] - Encountering God in Community
[28:41] - Choosing a Path and Seeking God’s Will
[31:27] - God’s Call and Life Verse
[33:10] - Saying “Here I Am, Send Me”
[34:07] - Grief, Waiting, and Honoring God
[36:16] - Lessons from the Wilderness
[37:13] - Serving Children and Learning Faith
[39:31] - God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
[40:44] - Boldness in the Face of Opposition
[42:44] - Praying for Boldness and Miracles
[45:14] - Congregational Prayer and Worship
[52:03] - Giving as Worship and Generosity
[56:24] - Announcements and Missions Prayer
[63:15] - Benediction and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) —
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

- Acts 4:23-31 (ESV)

[Summarized: Peter and John, after being released from prison, return to their community, pray for boldness, and are filled with the Holy Spirit to speak the word of God boldly.]

- Psalm 24:1 (ESV)

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

Observation Questions

In Isaiah 6:8, what is Isaiah’s response to God’s call, and how does he express his willingness?
According to Acts 4:23-31, what did Peter and John do after facing opposition, and what specifically did they pray for?
The sermon mentioned “mine-itis” and referenced Psalm 24:1. What does this verse say about ownership and our attitude toward what we have? [53:32]
In the sermon, what was the pastor’s experience during his “wilderness years,” and what lesson did he learn about honoring God in that season? [35:46]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Isaiah’s response, “Here I am, send me,” is so significant for someone who feels uncertain about their calling or future? [33:10]
What does the prayer of Peter and John in Acts 4 reveal about the early church’s priorities when facing hardship? How does this compare to what we often pray for today? [40:44]
The sermon described generosity as a way to break the grip of “mine-itis.” Why is it important to recognize that everything belongs to God, and how does this perspective change our approach to giving? [53:32]
The pastor shared about serving God in a job he didn’t desire. What does this teach about faithfulness and obedience, even when life doesn’t go as planned? [35:46]

Application Questions

The pastor talked about treating certain seasons or roles as “stepping stones” and missing the opportunity to honor God right where we are. Is there an area in your life right now where you’re just “waiting for the next thing” instead of serving wholeheartedly? What would it look like to honor God in your current situation? [35:46]
Peter and John prayed for boldness, not comfort or safety. When was the last time you prayed for courage to share your faith or to do something difficult for God? What is one area where you need more boldness right now? [40:44]
The sermon described “mine-itis” as the tendency to cling to what we have. Is there something (time, money, possessions, talents) that you find hard to let go of or share? What is one practical step you could take this week to practice generosity? [53:32]
The pastor’s story included a season of loss and disappointment, yet he learned to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Have you experienced a “wilderness” season? How did it shape your faith, and what did you learn about God’s faithfulness? [36:16]
The sermon emphasized that boldness flows from community and prayer. Who are the people in your life that encourage you to be bold in your faith? How can you intentionally pray with others for courage and for God’s power to be displayed? [40:44]
The pastor mentioned that each “yes” to God leads to transformation. Is there something God is asking you to say “yes” to right now, even if you feel unsure or unqualified? What is holding you back, and how can you take a step of obedience this week? [33:10]
The church prayed for those going on mission, reminding us that our obedience and generosity have ripple effects. Is there a way you can support someone else’s calling—through prayer, encouragement, or giving—this month? [56:24]

Sermon Clips

You see, in the comparison of God almighty, and you look at yourself, you're like, who am I in the midst of almighty God? And it says an angel touched his lips with a coal. So that he could be in the presence of God. And then God calls saying that he is looking for someone to deliver a message. And Isaiah's response, and this is in 6, verse 8. And this is the one that I've tried to live my life like, is here I am, Lord, send me. God, whatever it is, I'll say yes. I might struggle a little bit. I might wrestle a little bit. I'm like, are you sure? I'm just trying to be fully honest. I'm sure we all do it. Or maybe it's just me. Yeah. It's just me. It's just me. OK. Here I am, Lord, send me. [00:32:36] (51 seconds) #HereIAmSendMe

And I got the job here, the call to pastor here at CT. And it has been amazing. Because you are an amazing church. Because God is faithful. It's all Him. Because God is faithful. Amen. Amen. I have discovered time and time again. That as you say yes to God, amazing things happen. It doesn't mean it's always going to be easy. [00:39:15] (33 seconds) #FaithfulInAction

Would that be your prayer in this season? Would that be your prayer? To speak the word of God boldly to ask Jesus to set, sorry, to stretch out his hand to heal. And perform signs and miracles, signs and wonders. The whole purpose of pointing people back to Jesus as in their prayer. How did they end that through the name of your holy servant, Jesus? Because it's all about Jesus. all about Jesus. [00:43:06] (31 seconds) #FaithInAction

So pray and ask God to stretch out his hand to heal and perform signs and wonders should the name of your holy servant, Jesus, to remember that God is faithful. Would you pray that prayer? As I was preparing for today, this first stood out to me and I felt like the Lord said, this is the prayer for CT in this season to speak the word of God boldly to ask him to stretch out his hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant, Jesus, because God is faithful. [00:43:37] (42 seconds) #PrayerForHealing

As we take that risk, he is faithful to answer. Amen. Amen. Would you stand with me if you are able? And would you pray this prayer with me today? Now Lord, consider their threats. And enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Amen. [00:45:08] (45 seconds) #BoldPrayer

God, I pray you'd be with each person here. I pray that as this prayer has been prayed, God, that we would see the answer to it. Because God, I know that these people have a heart for you and have a heart for this community. To see the people in this community come to you to say yes. To have that growing relationship with you. Be with them, I pray. Holy Spirit, fill them like you filled your followers that day after they prayed that prayer. Empower them. Give them boldness. I pray all of these things in your precious holy name. [00:46:00] (40 seconds) #PrayerAndMission

As adults, we teach our children to share. And when a child shares, life is better. And today we have the opportunity to make our lives better by finding a way to share. By finding joy in saying, this is not mine. By finding joy in obedience. [00:53:53] (15 seconds) #EternalImpact

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