Keep on Coming: The Power of Showing Up

Nov 09, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Consistency—Keep On Coming

There is a unique blessing in simply showing up, even when you don’t feel like it or when you’re not sure what God will do. Consistency in coming to God’s house positions you for possibility and opens the door for miracles you may not have expected. Just as the man at the gate kept coming every day, not knowing which day would be his day for breakthrough, your faithfulness in showing up—no matter how you feel—creates opportunities for God to move in your life in ways you never imagined. Don’t underestimate the power of being present; sometimes, the greatest victories come not from perfection, but from persistence. [57:58]

Acts 3:1-10 (NIV)
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been tempted to give up showing up—whether in worship, prayer, or community? How can you commit to keep coming, trusting that God may meet you in your consistency?

Day 2: Expect More Than a Handout—Desire Real Change

Too often, we settle for “spare change” when God wants to give us real change. The man at the gate asked for a handout, but God had a healing in store for him—something far greater than he could have imagined. Don’t limit your expectations to what you’ve received before; God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all you can ask or think. When you come into God’s presence, come with an open heart, ready to receive not just what you want, but what you truly need. [01:06:13]

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Reflection: Where in your life have you been asking God for “spare change” instead of real transformation? What would it look like to ask God for a deeper change in that area today?

Day 3: The Blessing of Community—From Needing “They” to Becoming “They”

We all need people to help us get to the right place, but God’s desire is not just for us to receive help, but to become those who help others. The man at the gate was carried by “they” every day, but after his healing, he walked in with Peter and John—becoming part of the community. The church is not for individuals, but for “us.” As you receive strength and healing, God calls you to reach out and be a helping hand to someone else, making them feel welcome and included in the family of God. [01:17:12]

Mark 2:3-5 (ESV)
And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs a helping hand or an invitation into community? How can you move from being helped to helping someone else this week?

Day 4: Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving—Praise as a Response to God’s Goodness

When God brings you out, your response should be praise and thanksgiving. The man who was healed didn’t just walk—he jumped and praised God, entering the temple courts with joy. No matter where you’ve come from or what you’ve been through, God invites you to enter His presence with gratitude, celebrating the new strength and freedom He’s given you. Let your praise be a testimony to others of what God has done in your life. [01:25:19]

Psalm 100:4-5 (ESV)
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Reflection: What is one specific thing God has brought you through that you can thank Him for today? How can you express your gratitude in a way that points others to His goodness?

Day 5: Your Past Is Not Your Future—Walk in New Strength

God has the power to change your story so completely that people won’t believe where you came from. The man who used to sit at the gate was now walking, jumping, and praising God—his past was past tense. Don’t let where you used to be define where you’re going. When God gives you new strength, walk boldly into new places, confident that you belong, and let your life be a testimony of His transforming grace. [01:28:06]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you’re still living in “past tense”? What step can you take today to walk in the new strength and identity God has given you?

Sermon Summary

There’s something powerful about simply showing up—about being present, even when you don’t feel like it, even when you’re tired, even when you’re not sure what’s going to happen. I reflected on how God has brought me from places I never thought I’d escape, and how gratitude wells up in my heart for His mercy, grace, and love. Sometimes, it’s the little things—your car starting, your family being safe, food in the cupboard—that remind us of God’s faithfulness. Even in tough times, there’s always a reason to give thanks and praise.

We celebrated the victories in our community, welcomed new members, and encouraged everyone to get connected and involved. The church is alive, and there’s still a blessing in being in the house. I shared how, just like in my CrossFit journey, the key isn’t being the best or the strongest—it’s about consistency. Sometimes, just showing up is the victory. You may not feel like you have much to offer, but your presence positions you for possibility. God often moves when we’re simply present and open.

We looked at Acts 3, where a man crippled from birth was brought daily to the temple gate. He was close to the church, but not inside. He was used to asking for spare change, never expecting real change. But because he kept coming, one day everything shifted. Peter and John didn’t have silver or gold, but they had Jesus. They gave him not just a word, but a helping hand, and he received strength he’d never known. He went from sitting outside to walking, leaping, and praising God inside.

This story reminds us that sometimes, the miracle isn’t in what we ask for, but in what God knows we need. Consistency—just keeping on coming—creates connection, and connection creates transformation. When God lifts us up, we’re not just recipients; we become part of the “they” who help others. Our past doesn’t define us—what matters is that we keep coming, keep believing, and keep praising. The church is for all of us, no matter where we’ve been. Let’s be people who show up, who help, and who celebrate every step God gives us.

Key Takeaways

1. Consistency positions you for possibility Showing up, even when you don’t feel like it, opens the door for God to move in unexpected ways. It’s not about perfection or comparison, but about being present and available. Many breakthroughs happen simply because we refuse to stay home and keep coming back to God’s house. [57:58]
2. Expect more than just a handout—seek real change The man at the gate was used to asking for spare change, but God wanted to give him a new life. Too often, we settle for small blessings when God desires to transform us completely. Don’t limit your expectations to what you’ve received before; God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more. [65:31]
3. Transformation happens in community The man’s healing came not just from a word, but from a helping hand. We need both the name of Jesus and the support of others. As we receive strength, we’re called to help others rise as well, moving from being helped to helping. The church is a place where we become “us”—a family walking, leaping, and praising together. [73:11]
4. Your past is not your future The people recognized the healed man as the one who “sat” at the gate—past tense. God’s work in your life can be so complete that your old story no longer defines you. Don’t let where you used to be keep you from walking into new places with confidence and joy. [87:17]
5. Gratitude fuels your praise When you remember what God has brought you through, praise becomes natural. It’s not just noise—it’s a celebration of new strength, new opportunities, and new identity. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and let your story be a testimony to others of God’s goodness. [92:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:32] - Grateful Worship and Testimony
[41:21] - Opening Prayer and Fellowship
[42:45] - Celebrating Visitors and Community
[44:32] - Announcements and Ministry Opportunities
[50:17] - The Power of Being in the House
[51:31] - Acts 3: The Man at the Gate
[54:07] - Lessons from Consistency
[57:58] - Showing Up Positions You for Miracles
[61:08] - The Power of Prayer Meetings
[64:55] - Spare Change vs. Real Change
[68:06] - More Than Silver and Gold
[73:11] - Receiving Strength and Helping Others
[77:52] - Walking Into New Places
[84:39] - Your Past Is Not Your Future
[92:45] - Thanksgiving and Invitation to Respond
[98:49] - Offering and Closing Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 3:1-10 (ESV)
1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.”
5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God,
10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Observation Questions

According to Acts 3, where was the man who was lame from birth placed every day, and what was he hoping to receive?
What did Peter and John offer the man instead of money, and how did they help him?
After the man was healed, what did he do that surprised the people in the temple?
In the sermon, what are some “little things” the pastor mentioned that remind us of God’s faithfulness? ([40:46])

Interpretation Questions

The man at the gate was consistent in showing up, even though he only expected small things. What does this say about the importance of being present, even when we don’t feel like it? ([57:58])
Peter and John gave the man more than he asked for. What does this teach about God’s ability to exceed our expectations? ([01:09:15])
The man’s healing involved both a word (“In the name of Jesus, walk”) and a helping hand. What does this suggest about the role of community in our transformation? ([01:13:11])
The people recognized the healed man as the one who “sat” at the gate. How does this moment illustrate the difference between our past and the new identity God gives us? ([01:27:17])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about the power of simply showing up, even when you’re tired or don’t feel like it. Is there an area in your life where you need to be more consistent in “showing up”? What’s holding you back? ([57:58])
The man at the gate was used to asking for “spare change” but God wanted to give him real change. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been settling for less than what God wants to do? What would it look like to expect more from God? ([01:05:31])
The pastor shared that sometimes, just being present in church or community is the victory. Can you share a time when you didn’t feel like coming, but God met you in a special way because you showed up? ([57:58])
The man’s transformation happened with the help of others. Who has been a “helping hand” in your faith journey? How can you be that for someone else this week? ([01:13:11])
The sermon said, “Your past is not your future.” Is there something from your past that you still let define you? What step can you take to walk in the new identity God has given you? ([01:27:17])
Gratitude was a big theme—remembering what God has done fuels our praise. What is one specific thing God has brought you through that you can thank Him for today? ([01:32:45])
The church is described as a place for everyone, no matter where they’ve been. How can our group or church do a better job of welcoming and including people who feel like outsiders? ([01:24:01])

Sermon Clips

“We wanted to press upon your upon your hearts that come in the church. There is still a benefit to being in the house. We talked to you about the four men. The Bible says they carried the parapolgic man to get in the house to see Jesus but they couldn't get in because of the crowd. So they carried him on the roof.”

“See, see, have you ever noticed some great breakthroughs happen just because you came? See, see, you don't always know what God going to do, but you know he going to do something. When it comes to church, you don't know where God going to touch you, but you know God going to touch you. There's power in showing up.”

“The book of Acts is one of my favorite books because this is the book God led me to in 2008. And he said, "Start a church based off of one verse in this book." And he led me to Acts chapter 8. And it was about about eight verses down where it started out by saying, "And there was great joy."”

“It is in this book where it shows how the church began and it was driven by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is in this book that the apostles performed miracle after miracle by just riding on the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is it is in this book where the apostles built this church and people like Peter and Paul.”

“Things go down in the prayer meeting. Things come off of you in the prayer meeting. Things get healed in the prayer meeting. I love church, but something different about when we came with the intention just to say, "Father, I stretch my hands to thee." See, see, there's something different when you Anybody know there's power in prayer?”

“You you've only known one way, but one thing that's interesting is at least he's real close to the church. Watch y'all. Watch y'all. Watch y'all. He's never known anything different. But but every single day he's being carried to the church. And the amplified version in verse number two, it says, "A man who had been unable to walk from birth being carried along with them."”

“Almost everybody needs somebody to at least get them in here. And they brought him every day, y'all. Every day. Can you imagine him coming every day? And 80% of success is the fact you just showed up. Every day he kept coming. Every day he kept coming. Some days he got something. Some days he didn't. But he kept on showing up.”

“Somebody needs to know your blessing may not be today, but are are at least you in the right proximity. Are you in the right area? You got to change position sometime to get your miracle. Y'all y'all look, it says it says in verse number three, it says when when he was dropped off at the gate, he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple and he asked for a handout.”

“Too many of you have been living in a spare change mentality because you've never experienced real change in your life. Y'all ain't talking to me. See, see, see, you have to get you got to get out of that mentality. Please don't be offended by me, but I want to help you. You have to stop having the mentality from just wanting a hand out and finally wanting to be really healed.”

“Because I declare right now that this church is walking in an Ephesians 3 and 20 season that says, "Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ever ask or think." Is there anybody here that you know God can do more than you ever expected? So don't come in here expecting the same thing.”

“See, it's the same thing when dealing in the house of God. Because I want to drop this in your spirit. Showing up positions you for possibility. Y'all ain't say nothing to me. I said showing up positions you for possibility. The more I get in here under open heaven, the more possibility I have of getting my miracle.”

“You may not have the best memory verse? You may not be the savedest in the room. You may not have been with the Lord as long as your neighbor, but you can give God a real quick shout for your neighbor just being in the room. Or there's benefits from just showing up, y'all. I don't know about y'all, but have you ever came in here, you were dragged yourself through those doors?”

“The problem is too many of you want help without the name. And too many of you got the name but ain't got no help. [Music] in my life, the way things happen, how crazy the devil attacked me, I need the name of Jesus, and I need some help. So, is there anybody in the room that you don't want just one, you'll take it all?”

“If you got Jesus, I got Jesus. We all are them. I don't care if you was high last night. You're in here now. So, we all are them. I don't care what you did last month. If you know Jesus, we are them. Somebody shout, "This is us. This is us."”

“If people knew all the pain you've been through and you refuse to let hurt people hurt people, but you deliver people now. If you knew how much God has brought you from [Music] it says they couldn't believe what they are seeing. Well, guess what? Believe it because God chose to be that good to me.”

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