Living Purposefully: Trusting God on Our Journeys

Devotional

Day 1: Living with Purpose

We are chosen by God to declare His praises and live out His purposes. This summer, take God with you on your journeys and make every moment count. Your unique assignment from God is vital, and you can make a significant impact in your sphere of influence. Remember that you are a royal priesthood, a special possession of God, and your life has a divine purpose. Whether you are on vacation or going about your daily routine, let your actions reflect God's love and grace. Embrace the opportunities to make a difference in your family, community, and the world. [39:49]

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: How can you intentionally bring God into your daily activities this summer to live out your divine purpose?

Day 2: One Person Can Make a Difference

Whether in your family, community, or workplace, you have the power to make a difference. Don't measure your life against others; focus on fulfilling your God-given purpose. Your actions and faith can inspire and encourage those around you. Remember that one person can have a significant impact, and that person is you. Embrace your unique assignment from God and trust that He has equipped you to make a positive change in the world. [43:43]

Jeremiah 32:19 (ESV): "Great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the children of man, rewarding each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds."

Reflection: Think of one specific way you can make a positive impact in your community this week. How can you take a step towards fulfilling that action today?

Day 3: Faith Over Fear

Don't be afraid to stand out or do something for the first time. Faith is powerful and can open doors that no man can shut. Trust in God's word and His promises, and don't let the fear of man or the unknown hinder you from stepping into your calling. Embrace the future with confidence, knowing that God is with you and will guide your steps. Let your faith be stronger than your fears, and watch how God works through you to accomplish His purposes. [51:50]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Identify a fear that has been holding you back from pursuing your calling. How can you take a step of faith to overcome that fear today?

Day 4: Embracing the Future

No matter what challenges you face, don't be afraid of the future. God is with you, ordering your steps and ensuring that His purposes for your life will be fulfilled. Trust in His timing and His plans, even when they don't align with your expectations. Embrace the future with hope and confidence, knowing that God is faithful and His promises are true. Let go of any anxieties and rest in the assurance that God is in control. [01:03:45]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God's timing and plans? How can you surrender your anxieties to Him today?

Day 5: Purpose-Filled Encounters

Be open to divine appointments and prophetic encounters. God can use you to impact others positively, even in unexpected places. Make yourself available for God to work through you, and you will find that He meets all your needs in the process. Look for opportunities to share God's love and grace with those around you, and be willing to step out in faith when prompted by the Holy Spirit. Your willingness to be used by God can lead to life-changing moments for you and others. [01:01:12]

Acts 8:29-31 (ESV): "And the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.' So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him."

Reflection: Be attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading today. Is there someone you feel prompted to reach out to or help? How can you act on that prompting and be a vessel for God's work?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to commission our missionaries heading to Africa, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord and trusting in His provision. As we embark on our summer journeys, it's crucial to remember that we are chosen by God, a royal priesthood, and His special possession. This summer, let's strive to have a purpose-filled season by taking God with us wherever we go, whether on vacation or in our daily lives.

We reflected on the significance of living with purpose, as highlighted in 1 Peter 2:9 and Jeremiah 32:19. Our purpose is not just for ourselves but to make a difference in our families, communities, and the world. We are reminded that one person can make a significant impact, and that person is you. Whether in education, business, or any other sphere, your unique assignment from God is vital.

We also discussed the importance of not being afraid to stand out, to do something for the first time, and to embrace the future without fear. Faith is the key to unlocking doors and fulfilling God's purposes in our lives. We must not let the fear of man or the unknown hinder us from stepping into what God has called us to do.

As we navigate through life's challenges, including the loss of loved ones, we are encouraged to trust in God's promises and His faithfulness. The rainbow serves as a reminder of God's covenant and His assurance that no storm will take us out. Let's live purposefully, making the most of every opportunity to impact others positively.

###

Key Takeaways

1. given purpose. Your actions and faith can inspire and encourage those around you. [43:43]
3. Faith Over Fear: Don't be afraid to stand out or do something for the first time. Faith is powerful and can open doors that no man can shut. Trust in God's word and His promises, and don't let the fear of man or the unknown hinder you from stepping into your calling.

4. Embracing the Future: No matter what challenges you face, don't be afraid of the future. God is with you, ordering your steps and ensuring that His purposes for your life will be fulfilled. Trust in His timing and His plans, even when they don't align with your expectations.

5. Purpose-Filled Encounters: Be open to divine appointments and prophetic encounters. God can use you to impact others positively, even in unexpected places. Make yourself available for God to work through you, and you will find that He meets all your needs in the process.

### [43:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:07] - Commissioning Missionaries
[34:05] - Announcements and Updates
[35:00] - Father's Day Reflections
[36:14] - Upcoming Events
[37:23] - First Wednesday Services
[38:33] - Purpose-Filled Summer
[39:49] - Living with Purpose
[41:13] - Taking God on Vacation
[42:23] - Faith and Challenges
[43:43] - Making a Difference
[45:00] - Unique Assignments
[46:14] - Noah's Faith
[47:31] - One Person's Impact
[48:53] - Purpose Over Clock
[50:24] - Making a Difference for God
[51:50] - Standing Out in the Crowd
[53:08] - Faith Over Fear
[54:30] - First-Time Actions
[55:59] - Walking on the Word
[58:29] - Embracing the Future
[61:12] - Purpose-Filled Encounters
[63:45] - Trusting God with the Future
[65:08] - Personal Reflections
[67:40] - Giving God Full Access
[69:24] - God's Promises
[71:12] - God's Faithfulness
[72:43] - Enjoying a Purpose-Filled Life
[74:06] - Understanding Life and Death
[75:39] - Embracing Life Fully
[77:01] - Personal Story
[78:25] - Trusting God's Timing
[79:51] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 2:9, what are the four descriptions given to believers? How do these descriptions relate to our purpose?
In Jeremiah 32:19, what does it say about God's awareness and actions towards humanity? How does this verse emphasize the importance of our conduct?
The sermon mentioned the importance of taking God with us on our journeys, even on vacation. What are some practical ways to do this? [41:13]
How did the pastor describe the impact one person can have in their sphere of influence? [43:43]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be a "chosen people" and "God’s special possession" in the context of 1 Peter 2:9? How should this identity influence our daily lives?
How can the understanding that God’s eyes are open to all our ways (Jeremiah 32:19) affect our decisions and actions?
The sermon emphasized faith over fear. How can faith help us overcome the fear of standing out or doing something for the first time? [51:50]
Reflect on the pastor's story about his father and the importance of not being afraid of the future. How does trusting in God's promises help us face uncertainties? [01:03:45]

Application Questions

The sermon encourages us to live with purpose. What specific steps can you take this summer to ensure you are living out your God-given purpose? [39:49]
Think of a situation where you were afraid to stand out or do something new. How can you apply the principle of faith over fear to that situation now? [51:50]
Identify one area in your life where you feel called to make a difference. What practical actions can you take to start making an impact in that area? [43:43]
The pastor mentioned the importance of taking God with us on our journeys. How can you incorporate spiritual practices into your daily routine, even when on vacation? [41:13]
Reflect on a recent challenge or loss you have faced. How can the reminder of God's covenant, like the rainbow, help you trust in His faithfulness during difficult times? [01:11:12]
The sermon talked about being open to divine appointments and prophetic encounters. Can you recall a time when you felt God used you to impact someone positively? How can you be more open to such encounters in the future? [01:01:12]
The pastor shared about the importance of not being afraid of the future. What specific fears about the future do you need to surrender to God, and how can you practically trust Him more in those areas? [01:03:45]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You can prove that you love God by the way you treat people, the way that you honor people, the way that you recognize him and acknowledge him in all your ways, not just in Sunday morning in a church service, but even acknowledge him when you're away on your vacation. Let's take God. Let's have a purpose filled summer." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "One person can make a difference. If you ever wonder if your life really counts, one person, and watch this here, that one person is you. And your assignment may not be my assignment. You may not be doing what I'm doing in the earth and in life, but whatever it is that God has placed in your hand to do, one person can make a difference." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Don't be afraid to stand out in the crowd. Some of you only make moves, based on how the crowd responds. Some of you only go certain places and do certain things after you have done an assessment on everybody's opinions. And some of you need to be very careful about needing everybody's opinion about what you need to do, because sometimes people's opinions are toxic." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Don't be afraid to do something for the first time. Remember the story with Peter, when Peter then was in the boat and they looked out and they saw Jesus and Jesus. And Peter said, Lord, if that be you, bid me to come to you. Now, we always talk about how Peter got out of the boat and how he sunk. But we got to also talk about for a moment that when Peter did step out, he did walk on water." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Don't be afraid of the future. God is alpha and he's a mega. He's the beginning and he's in the end. He's in your right now and he's in your future. And if you allow him to order your steps and you stand in him, he can show you your future without fears. Come on, somebody. The scripture says that the steps of a good man, of a good woman are ordered by the Lord." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "When you wonder if life really counts, remember, one person can make a difference. One person can make a difference. If you ever wonder if your life really counts, one person, and watch this here, that one person is you. And your assignment may not be my assignment. You may not be doing what I'm doing in the earth and in life, but whatever it is that God has placed in your hand to do, one person can make a difference." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Don't be afraid to stand out in the crowd. Some of you only make moves, based on how the crowd responds. Some of you only go certain places and do certain things after you have done an assessment on everybody's opinions. And some of you need to be very careful about needing everybody's opinion about what you need to do, because sometimes people's opinions are toxic. And long after they have gone away, the toxicity of what they said stays in your soul. And it impacts what you know you are supposed to be doing." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Don't be afraid to do something for the first time. Remember the story with Peter, when Peter then was in the boat and they looked out and they saw Jesus and Jesus. And Peter said, Lord, if that be you, bid me to come to you. Now, we always talk about how Peter got out of the boat and how he sunk. But we got to also talk about for a moment that when Peter did step out, he did walk on water. See, nobody in that boat would be able to say that they walked on water but Peter." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Don't be afraid of the future. God is alpha and he's a mega. He's the beginning and he's in the end. He's in your right now and he's in your future. And if you allow him to order your steps and you stand in him, he can show you your future without fears. Come on, somebody. The scripture says that the steps of a good man, of a good woman are ordered by the Lord. Let God order your, the only reason why you should be afraid of the future. If you're not allowed giving God room in your life to order your life and to make sure he bring the right things together." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Some of y'all are playing too much. Let me pastor you for a minute as your pastor right now. Not your preacher, but as your pastor right now, some of y'all are playing too much. You giving God just enough to say you showed up, but that ain't enough for God right now. God want all of you in order for you to see the results that you really want. You got to give God the whole pie and you giving him the parts of your life that you want to give him." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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