Living Our Mission: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact

Devotional

Day 1: Give Thanks to the Lord for His Goodness and Everlasting Love

The psalmist calls us to pause and reflect on the goodness of God, reminding us that His love endures forever. In every season—whether in times of joy or challenge—we are invited to cultivate gratitude, recognizing that God’s kindness and faithfulness are unchanging. As you begin your day, take a moment to acknowledge the ways God has shown His goodness in your life, and let your heart respond with thanksgiving. When we give thanks, we align our hearts with the truth that God’s love is steadfast, and we are never outside the reach of His care. [03:20]

Psalm 118:1 (ESV)
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"

Reflection: What is one specific way you have experienced God’s goodness or steadfast love recently, and how can you express your gratitude to Him today?

Day 2: Live on Mission—Go and Make Disciples

Jesus’ final words to His followers were a clear commission: to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach, knowing that He is always with us. This call is not just for a select few, but for every believer to live intentionally, sharing and showing Jesus in their everyday lives. Whether in your workplace, neighborhood, or family, you are sent with purpose and empowered by Christ’s authority. Consider how you might step out of comfort and into mission, trusting that Jesus is present with you as you go. [23:20]

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: Where is God inviting you to intentionally share or show Jesus this week, and what is one step you can take to respond to that call?

Day 3: God Uses Ordinary People to Make an Extraordinary Impact

God delights in using ordinary people—those who may feel unqualified or unnoticed—to bring hope, restoration, and light to the world. Each person’s unique story, gifts, and experiences are woven into God’s greater plan to reach others, whether through acts of service, encouragement, or simply showing up in someone’s life. You don’t need a special title or platform; your willingness and obedience are what God uses to make a difference. Trust that where you are and who you are is enough for God to work through you. [49:49]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel “ordinary,” and how might God be inviting you to serve or encourage someone from that place this week?

Day 4: Building Community Through Relationships and Practical Love

True ministry often happens in the context of relationships—by welcoming others, fostering community, and meeting practical needs. When we open our lives to others, we reflect God’s heart and create spaces where people can experience belonging and transformation. Whether it’s through a simple act of kindness, a listening ear, or inviting someone into your home or circle, you have the opportunity to build bridges and embody Christ’s love in tangible ways. [36:17]

Romans 12:10-13 (ESV)
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

Reflection: Who is someone in your community or circle that you can intentionally reach out to this week to build relationship or offer practical support?

Day 5: Every Believer is Called and Equipped to Serve

There is no “plan B” in God’s design for reaching the world—He has chosen and equipped every believer to be His hands and feet, right where they are. Your job, neighborhood, family, and friendships are all places where God has placed you to be a voice of hope and a light to others. Embrace the truth that you are God’s plan to make a difference, and ask Him to show you how to step out in faith, using your gifts and passions to serve those around you. [01:03:22]

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 gift, passion, or opportunity God has given you that you can use to serve others this week?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered as a community to celebrate God’s goodness, to give thanks for His everlasting love, and to remember our calling as people who connect others to Jesus and to one another. We began by reflecting on Psalm 118, reminding ourselves to give thanks to the Lord for He is good, and His loving kindness endures forever. In worship, we acknowledged the power and hope found in the name of Jesus, and we prayed for our children, teachers, and school staff as they embark on a new school year, asking for God’s protection, wisdom, and joy in their learning and relationships.

Our focus then turned to the mission God has given each of us—not just as a church, but as individuals called to live on purpose, on mission, wherever we are. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 28, we remembered that we are commissioned to go and make disciples, to teach, to baptize, and to trust that Jesus is with us always. This is not a task reserved for a select few, but a calling for every follower of Christ, to live intentionally and to share and show Jesus in our everyday lives.

We heard from a panel of local voices, each sharing how God opened doors for them to serve in unique ways—whether through local missions, building community, or making God’s Word accessible. Their stories highlighted the extraordinary impact of ordinary people who simply respond to God’s prompting, using their gifts and passions to serve others. We were reminded that ministry often happens outside the formal structures of the church, in neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes, and that God uses our experiences, even the most ordinary, to reach others.

As we closed, we were encouraged to consider how God might be calling each of us to step out, to serve, to encourage, and to be a light in our own spheres of influence. There is no “plan B”—God’s plan to change the world is through His people, right where we are. May we be those who show up, who serve, and who point others to Jesus in tangible, meaningful ways.

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude Anchors Us in God’s Goodness Giving thanks is not just a polite gesture; it is a spiritual discipline that roots us in the reality of God’s enduring love and faithfulness. When we pause to contemplate His goodness, especially in the midst of life’s routines and transitions, we are reminded that His loving kindness is the foundation of our hope and peace. This gratitude shapes our worship and our daily outlook, enabling us to face challenges with confidence in God’s character. [03:20]
2. Everyday Life Is Sacred Ground for Mission Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28 is not limited to distant lands or professional ministers; it is a call for every believer to live intentionally, sharing and showing Jesus in the ordinary rhythms of life. Whether at school, work, or home, each moment is an opportunity to embody Christ’s love and invite others into relationship with Him. Our neighborhoods and daily interactions are fertile ground for God’s kingdom to grow through us. [21:00]
3. God Uses Ordinary People in Extraordinary Ways The stories shared by our panelists reveal that God delights in using ordinary people—those who may feel unqualified or unnoticed—to accomplish His purposes. When we offer our experiences, passions, and even our weaknesses to God, He weaves them into something beautiful that impacts others. Ministry is not about having a platform, but about being available and faithful in the places God has planted us. [36:17]
4. Community and Relationship Are Central to God’s Work Building authentic relationships and fostering community are not side projects; they are at the heart of God’s mission. Whether through acts of service, hospitality, or simply being present, we participate in God’s work of restoration and healing. As we invest in others, we reflect the relational nature of God Himself and create spaces where people can encounter His love in tangible ways. [49:49]
5. There Is No Plan B—You Are God’s Plan God has uniquely gifted, equipped, and placed each of us to be His hands and feet in the world. The responsibility to serve, encourage, and bring hope does not belong only to a few, but to the whole body of Christ. When we step out in faith, even in small ways, we become part of God’s unfolding story of redemption and transformation in our communities.

** [61:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:20] - Call to Worship: Psalm 118
[05:00] - Worship and Prayer
[15:04] - Blessing for Students and School Staff
[18:17] - Children’s Liturgy and Dismissal
[21:00] - Introduction to Local Missions Panel
[23:20] - Panelist Introductions
[28:24] - Stories of God Opening Doors
[36:17] - How God Uses Our Experiences
[41:00] - Impact Stories from Local Ministries
[49:49] - The Reach and Impact of Local Missions
[53:00] - Encouragement to Serve
[57:00] - God’s Plan: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
[61:00] - Final Reflections and Prayer
[63:22] - Closing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 118:1 (ESV) — > Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

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.”

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 118:1, what are the reasons given for giving thanks to the Lord?
In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to his followers before he ascends to heaven?
The sermon described how ministry often happens outside the formal church structure, in places like neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes. What are some examples from the panelists’ stories that show this? [36:17]
The sermon emphasized that “there is no plan B—God’s plan to change the world is through His people, right where we are.” What does this mean in the context of the church’s mission? [01:01:00]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the psalmist connects gratitude with God’s goodness and enduring love? How might this shape a person’s outlook during times of change or challenge?
Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28 is often called the “Great Commission.” Why is it significant that Jesus says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age”? How might this promise affect someone’s willingness to step out in faith?
The panelists shared how God used their ordinary experiences and passions to serve others. What does this suggest about the kinds of people God uses for His mission? [36:17]
The sermon highlighted that building authentic relationships and fostering community are central to God’s work. Why do you think relationships are so important in God’s plan for reaching others? [49:49]

Application Questions

The sermon began with a call to gratitude, even in the routines and transitions of life. What is one area of your life right now where you can intentionally practice gratitude to anchor yourself in God’s goodness? [03:20]
Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” is for every believer, not just pastors or missionaries. Where in your daily life—work, school, neighborhood, or home—do you sense God might be calling you to live more intentionally on mission? [21:00]
The panelists described how God opened doors for them to serve in unique ways. Can you think of a time when you felt a nudge or prompting to serve or encourage someone? What happened, and what did you learn from that experience? [28:24]
The sermon said, “God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways.” What is one ordinary skill, passion, or experience you have that God could use to bless others? How might you offer it to Him this week? [36:17]
Building community and relationships was described as “not a side project” but central to God’s mission. Who is someone in your life you could reach out to this week to encourage, serve, or simply be present with? [49:49]
The idea that “there is no plan B—God’s plan is you” can feel overwhelming or empowering. How do you honestly feel about this responsibility? What is one small step you can take to be God’s hands and feet in your sphere of influence? [01:01:00]
The church prayed for students, teachers, and school staff as they start a new year. Is there a group or community you feel led to pray for or support in this season? How can you take a practical step to do that this week? [15:04]

Sermon Clips

Jesus gave these early disciples their marching orders to not be people who, if you will, lollygag around. I was accused of being a lollygagger as a young guy growing up. My mom's like, quit lollygagging, Justin. Come on, man. But to be someone on purpose, someone on mission living our lives, Jesus gives in Matthew 28 this purpose and this mission to the church to be people who live their lives on mission and sharing and showing Jesus with the world around them. [00:21:14] (39 seconds) #LiveOnMission

As we were planning and thinking through some of these things, I was really beginning to see how excited it was going to be to hear of some of our local faces and voices. As I said in first service, some of the extraordinary ordinariness of those that we know who are serving in ministry in their own neighborhoods, in their own unique way, outside of the organization of the church, if you will. And how God has called ordinary people like you and me to be people who live our lives on mission everywhere we go, sharing and showing Jesus in unique ways. [00:22:12] (45 seconds) #ExtraordinaryOrdinary

Those experiences all bundled together, and then we can, God's able to use that in some capacity, whether online, in your neighborhood, at a mission in Coos Bay, or in your own homes in some capacity. See, it's That's right, it's true. That's right, it's true. Lots of experience. [00:36:19] (20 seconds) #GodUsesExperience

To ordinary people, just in their passion for the Bible and translation for their passion of wanting to be someone who claps for others, God has used that in incredible ways. In likely ways, we'll never see this side of eternity. How God has allowed us to partner with the South Coast Gospel Mission to further God's ideal of restoration and wholeness in people's lives and showing up in those moments that are some of people's worst moments in their lives. [00:53:47] (35 seconds) #PassionTransforms

Well God has made a practice of using his people to impact the world and someone has said that you are God's plan to change the world that there is no plan B and so God has gifted you equipped you equipping you has called you and has placed you right where you are in your jobs in your neighborhoods with your families with your friends to be a voice of hope to be someone of God's light in their life in some unique capacity and in some unique way. [01:02:31] (33 seconds) #YouAreGodsPlan

May their impact and their reach Lord be deep in people's lives and may more people come to know you and understand your word and find themselves in good godly community because of these people right here. [01:04:12] (17 seconds) #DeepImpactCommunity

Would you use us in really powerful ways in every stream that we are in that you desire to use us in our neighborhoods and at home with our children with our grandchildren in our schools to show your love by showing up so Jesus help us to be your children who show up. [01:04:30] (23 seconds) #ShowUpForJesus

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the significance of living on mission?

How does God open doors for ministry opportunities?

In what ways can believers actively serve locally?