Investing in Local Ministries: Faith, Hope, and Impact

Devotional

Day 1: Empowered to Be Witnesses

Jesus calls His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit, not for their own blessing, but so they can be empowered to be His witnesses—shining His light in their local communities and to the ends of the earth. The power of God is not given for personal comfort or achievement, but to equip believers to reflect Christ’s love, hope, and truth to those who are hurting, overlooked, or in need. This calling is not just for a select few, but for every believer who has received the Spirit, to step into God’s purpose and bring the message of Jesus to those around them. [52:50]

Acts 1:4-8 (ESV)
And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Reflection: Where is God calling you to be a witness this week—at home, work, or in your neighborhood—and how can you intentionally reflect His light there today?

Day 2: The Power and Priority of Prayer

Before the disciples began their mission, Jesus instructed them to wait and pray, preparing their hearts for the work ahead. Prayer is not just a formality but the essential foundation for all effective ministry and outreach. Even a single minute of focused, consistent prayer can align your heart with God’s purposes, open doors for the gospel, and bring transformation to lives and communities. When you commit to pray for others—missionaries, ministries, or those in need—you participate in God’s work in ways that go far beyond what you can see. [53:36]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Set aside one minute today to pray specifically for a ministry or person in need—how does this intentional act of prayer shift your perspective or priorities?

Day 3: Investing in Eternal Impact

Just as people invest resources for a future return, God invites His people to invest in the spread of the gospel and the care of others, storing up treasures in heaven. Every act of generosity—whether giving, serving, or supporting ministries—has a ripple effect that can change lives now and for eternity. The impact of your investment may not always be visible immediately, but God promises that faithful sowing in His kingdom will produce a harvest that far outweighs any earthly return. [11:10]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: What is one way you can invest your time, resources, or talents this week to make an eternal difference in someone’s life?

Day 4: Valuing the Least and Overlooked

God’s heart is especially tender toward those who are often forgotten or marginalized—children in need, the disabled, the homeless, and those in crisis. True religion, as Scripture says, is to care for orphans and widows, and to love those whom society may overlook. When you support, serve, or simply show kindness to the least of these, you are participating in the very heart of God’s kingdom, declaring that every person matters and is deeply loved by Jesus. [48:23]

James 1:27 (ESV)
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Reflection: Who in your community or circle might feel unseen or undervalued, and what is one practical step you can take today to show them the love and value God has for them?

Day 5: Joining the Movement—Living, Giving, Praying, and Going

The invitation is open for everyone to participate in God’s mission—not just by giving financially, but by living out the gospel, praying faithfully, and being willing to go where God leads. Whether you serve, volunteer, pray, or support, you are part of a movement that brings hope, healing, and transformation to the world. As you consider your role, ask God to grow your heart for His kingdom and to show you how you can be part of what He is doing—right where you are and beyond. [49:56]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: In what area—living, giving, praying, or going—do you sense God inviting you to take a new step of faith, and what will that look like for you this week?

Sermon Summary

This morning, the focus is on the tangible ways we, as a church family, are investing in God’s kingdom right here in our local community. Just as in the financial world, where pooling resources leads to greater returns, our collective giving and serving produces a spiritual harvest—lives changed, hope restored, and the light of Christ shining in dark places. We’ve seen this through a diverse “portfolio” of local ministries and partners, each uniquely reaching people in need.

We support ministries like the Golden Heart Dove Foundation, which uses media to highlight and support children in Nicaragua—many of whom have been abandoned and lack access to education and basic care. City Team, another key partner, provides millions of meals, shelter, and clothing to those facing homelessness and hardship, while also sharing the gospel and discipling new believers. The 180 Ministry, led by Cameron and Tawny, demonstrates incarnational ministry by moving into the most troubled neighborhoods, transforming places of despair into centers of hope and discipleship for at-risk youth.

On the college campus, Jasmine’s work with Latino students at San Jose State is igniting faith and leadership among young adults, even sending teams abroad to share Christ’s love. Real Options offers true support and choices to those facing reproductive crises, providing not just practical help but the hope of Jesus to those who feel alone and overwhelmed.

We also heard from Jim, who serves as a chaplain to first responders, entering into the most traumatic moments of people’s lives with compassion and the presence of Christ. His ministry, and that of others like Larry at Valley Medical Center, reminds us that God’s love meets people in their deepest pain. Ministries like Reach Silicon Valley, Help One Child, and Emmaus Ministries extend care to the homeless, foster children, and those with disabilities, embodying the call to love “the least of these.”

All of this is possible because of faithful giving, prayer, and participation. But the call is not just to give financially—it’s to pray, to live, to go, and to let the Holy Spirit empower us to be witnesses. Jesus’ command in Acts 1 is clear: we are to be his witnesses, reflecting his light in our city and beyond. The invitation is to commit, even in small ways—like praying one minute a day for these ministries—trusting that God multiplies our efforts and aligns our hearts with his.

Key Takeaways

1. Invest in God’s Kingdom Locally and Collectively Pooling our resources—time, finances, and prayer—creates a spiritual impact far greater than what any one of us could accomplish alone. Just as in financial investing, the return is seen in transformed lives, restored hope, and the spread of the gospel. Our “portfolio” of local ministries is a living testimony to the power of collective faithfulness. [10:54]
2. Incarnational Ministry Transforms Communities When we move toward the brokenness in our neighborhoods, as Cameron and Tawny have done, we embody Christ’s love in tangible ways. True transformation happens when we are willing to enter hard places, turning houses of despair into centers of hope. This is not just about programs, but about presence—living among those we serve and loving them as Christ loves us. [15:14]
3. Prayer Prepares and Empowers Us for Mission Before the early church was sent out, Jesus told them to wait and pray. Prayer is not a passive activity; it is the means by which we align our hearts with God’s purposes and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Even a simple, consistent commitment to pray—one minute a day—can unleash exponential spiritual impact, both in us and through the ministries we support. [51:27]
4. Every Act of Service Reflects Christ’s Light Whether it’s feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, or supporting the vulnerable, every act of service is a way to reflect the light of Jesus. Our calling is not to seek blessing for ourselves, but to be a blessing—to be witnesses who declare, by word and deed, that every person matters and is loved by God. [52:50]
5. Faithful Giving and Participation Store Up Eternal Treasure When we invest in God’s work—through giving, serving, and praying—we are storing up treasures in heaven. The impact of our faithfulness will echo into eternity, as people we may never meet in this life are touched by the love of Christ through our obedience. This is the true reward of kingdom investment. [44:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:26] - Introduction to Local Outreach
[11:49] - Golden Heart Dove Foundation: Nicaragua
[13:12] - City Team: Serving the Vulnerable
[14:25] - 180 Ministry: Transforming Neighborhoods
[16:21] - Campus Ministry at San Jose State
[17:50] - Real Options: True Support in Crisis
[19:28] - Jim’s Chaplaincy with First Responders
[29:46] - Larry’s Hospital Chaplaincy
[30:52] - Reach Silicon Valley: Street Outreach
[31:50] - Help One Child: Foster and Adoptive Support
[33:27] - Venture Church Network: Church Planting
[34:34] - Emmaus Ministries: Disability Outreach
[44:54] - The Eternal Impact of Giving
[49:30] - Faith Promise and Prayer Commitment
[50:30] - Acts 1: The Call to Witness
[53:52] - Practical Steps: One Minute Prayer
[56:27] - Closing Challenge and Resources

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

---

### Bible Reading

Acts 1:4-8 (ESV)
> 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
> 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
> 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
> 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

James 1:27 (ESV)
> Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

---

### Observation Questions

According to Acts 1:4-8, what did Jesus tell his followers to do before they began their mission? What was the purpose of waiting? [50:30]
In the sermon, what are some specific examples of local ministries our church supports, and what kinds of needs do they address? [13:12]
How does James 1:27 connect to the ministries mentioned in the sermon, such as Help One Child? [31:50]
What is the “portfolio” analogy used in the sermon, and how does it relate to the way we invest in God’s kingdom? [10:54]

---

### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus told his disciples to wait and pray before going out to be his witnesses? What does this say about the importance of prayer in ministry? [51:27]
The sermon describes incarnational ministry—moving into hard places and living among those in need. Why might this approach be more transformative than simply running programs from a distance? [15:14]
The passage in James and the sermon both highlight caring for “the least of these.” What does this reveal about God’s priorities for his people? [31:50]
The sermon says that every act of service reflects Christ’s light. How does this challenge the idea that only “big” acts of ministry matter? [52:50]

---

### Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to pray, give, serve, and go—not just one of these. Which of these areas do you find most challenging, and why? What is one small step you could take this week to grow in that area? [49:56]
The “one minute a day” prayer challenge was suggested as a practical way to support local ministries. Where could you place a reminder in your home or routine to help you pray consistently for these ministries? [54:31]
Think about the story of Cameron and Tawny moving into a troubled neighborhood. Is there a “hard place” or group of people in your own community that you tend to avoid? What would it look like to move toward them with Christ’s love? [15:14]
The sermon mentioned that our collective giving and serving produces a spiritual harvest. Can you recall a time when you saw the impact of a group effort in ministry? How did it differ from what you could have done alone? [10:54]
The ministries highlighted serve a wide range of needs—from homelessness to foster care to disability outreach. Is there a particular group or need that God is putting on your heart? What is one way you could get involved, even in a small way? [31:50]
Acts 1:8 says we are to be witnesses “in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” What does it look like for you to be a witness in your “Jerusalem”—your immediate community? [52:50]
The sermon says that when we invest in God’s work, we are “storing up treasures in heaven.” How does this perspective affect your attitude toward giving your time, money, or energy to ministry? [44:54]

Sermon Clips

City Team provides immediate help for men, women, children struggling. With food insecurity, homelessness, domestic violence, and other life disability circumstances. They are also, we'll talk about this next week, help with our food pantry. They helped with our Spanish speaking ministry. Just a bunch of things they are involved in. [00:13:19] (22 seconds) #CityTeamCares

Their story of how this house was a, a do not go near. It was, it was the epitome of the disease of the neighborhood. And now it has become in the name of Jesus Christ, the hope for the neighbor. And you've invested in that. You've invested in camera and Tani and their work. [00:16:02] (21 seconds) #HopeInTheWorstPlaces

Larry is often called in in critical situations in the hospital. And so he serves there, making sure that both Christians are supported that show up, but those who just need spiritual care, or they're looking also in an eternity they were never prepared for. Somebody's there to share about that eternity and how they can enter into that with open arms. [00:30:15] (25 seconds) #ReachSiliconValleyMinistry

The interesting thing, I heard a statistic that like 70 plus percent of those on our streets are homeless, came through the foster care. adopt system. And if they don't, you don't get them when they're kids, you get them on the streets. And so we're trying to get them before they get there and after they get there. [00:32:46] (23 seconds) #PlantingNewChurches

The cool thing is, is for some of you who have invested in Faith Promise and are going to invest in Faith Promise, you're going to be walking along the streets of glory, however that works. I don't know how it works. And somebody you don't even know is going to be hearing, speaking, dancing. They didn't do a whole lot of that in this life, but they're in glory. They were loved on through Nick and that ministry because of your part. And that is just, that's what it's all about. That's exactly what we're talking about. [00:44:43] (33 seconds) #KingdomOverWorld

Our goal is to get as many people as possible to make the things of this world become go back into the shadows and the things of the kingdom highlight and for you to be excited and and about investing in that. [00:49:00] (16 seconds) #HolySpiritPower

Now, he's about to unleash the greatest power known to mankind. It is God himself, which could not reside. He could come on human beings, but he couldn't reside in us because we were filthy, dirty sinners outside of the way that God designed us. But because of Christ, he purifies us just like they purified the temple in the Hebrew. Which is in the Old Testament, the Jesus's sacrifice and our acceptance of that sacrifice purifies us. So the Holy Spirit can now live within us. Praise the Lord. [00:50:56] (30 seconds) #PurposeDrivenFaith

The truth is that we often gather in churches, even church. And we're like, what does God have for me to bless my life? Jesus, what do you got for me? What healing do you got? What blessing do you got for me? What blessing do you got for me? And he's got some of that stuff. Don't get me wrong. But our eyes are in the wrong place. Their eyes was on the coming kingdom. He doesn't correct them. That's coming. There is going to be a blessing. There is going to be time that he fulfills the promises that he's made. But he says, here it is, verse eight. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And here's the purpose. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria. Samaria and to the ends of the earth. In other words, I have a purpose and plan for your life. And that is to be the light. I'm empowering you, not so you can live the American dream, even the Christian way. I'm empowering you so you can reflect my light to a world in need. [00:52:06] (63 seconds) #YouMatterShineBright

So you can tell children who say that you should have been aborted. You matter. You matter. You are loved. You have a purpose. So we can go to police officers. And we can go to kids who have been rejected by their parents and say, you matter. You have a God that loves you and shine the light of Jesus. [00:53:10] (26 seconds) #PowerOfOneMinutePrayer

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the purpose of investing in outreach efforts?

How does prayer enhance spiritual impact in ministry work?

What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers?