Living with Purpose: Embracing Gratitude and Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Simple Blessings

Gratitude for the simple blessings in life can transform our perspective and deepen our spiritual awareness. The story of JM experiencing hot water for the first time serves as a powerful reminder of the everyday gifts we often overlook. Just as JM learned to appreciate something as basic as hot water, we are called to recognize and be thankful for the spiritual opportunities God provides. These opportunities, much like hot water, are not available to everyone, and acknowledging them can lead to a profound sense of gratitude and a deeper connection with God. [58:22]

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one simple blessing in your life that you often take for granted? How can you express gratitude for it today?

Day 2: The Call to Church Planting

The urgency of church planting is a critical mission, especially in areas with limited evangelical presence. There is a significant disparity in church distribution across North America, highlighting the need for intentional efforts to spread the gospel. This mission aligns with the Great Commission, calling believers to actively participate in expanding God's kingdom. By focusing on regions where the evangelical presence is sparse, we can fulfill our role in spreading the gospel and bringing the message of Christ to those who have yet to hear it. [01:01:22]

"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:15, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a community or region you feel called to support in spreading the gospel? How can you take a step towards involvement in church planting efforts today?

Day 3: Living with Purpose and Urgency

Living with purpose and urgency is essential for fulfilling God's mission. The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys exemplify a life dedicated to spreading the gospel despite facing significant opposition. His relentless pursuit of God's mission teaches us that challenges are not deterrents but confirmations of the importance of our work. By living intentionally and with urgency, we can focus on glorifying God and advancing His kingdom, rather than seeking personal comfort. [01:06:39]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can live with more purpose and urgency for God's kingdom? What practical steps can you take to align your actions with this purpose today?

Day 4: Discernment in Opportunities

Not every open door is beneficial, and discernment is crucial in determining which paths align with God's kingdom purposes. The Apostle Paul evaluated opportunities based on their effectiveness for the kingdom, reminding us to prioritize God's mission over personal comfort. By seeking God's guidance and wisdom, we can discern which opportunities to pursue and which to let go, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with His will. [01:09:44]

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you encountered. How can you seek God's guidance to discern whether it aligns with His kingdom purposes?

Day 5: Empowered by God's Presence

The assurance of God's presence transforms our perspective and empowers us to persevere through challenges. Knowing that God is with us allows us to face opposition with courage and to live on mission, focusing on glorifying Him rather than seeking personal comfort. This divine presence provides the strength and resilience needed to overcome obstacles and continue advancing His kingdom. [01:14:35]

"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." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be reminded of God's empowering presence? How can this assurance help you face a current challenge with courage?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, I shared a personal journey of adoption and family, illustrating the profound impact of gratitude and appreciation for life's simple blessings. This narrative set the stage for a deeper exploration of our mission as Christians, particularly in the context of church planting and living intentionally for God's kingdom. The story of my son JM, who experienced hot water for the first time, serves as a metaphor for the spiritual awakening and opportunities we often take for granted. Just as JM learned to appreciate hot water, we are called to recognize and seize the spiritual opportunities God places before us.

The heart of the message focused on the necessity of church planting, especially in regions where evangelical presence is sparse. I highlighted the disparity in church distribution across North America, emphasizing the need for intentional efforts to spread the gospel. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys, I underscored the importance of living with purpose and urgency. Paul’s life exemplified a relentless pursuit of God's mission, despite facing significant opposition. His story teaches us that challenges are not deterrents but rather confirmations of the importance of our mission.

Paul's approach to open doors and opposition provides a framework for evaluating our own opportunities. Not every open door is beneficial, and discernment is crucial in determining which paths align with God's kingdom purposes. Opposition, rather than being a sign to retreat, often indicates the significance of the work at hand. Paul's resilience in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder that God’s presence with us transforms our perspective and empowers us to persevere.

In conclusion, I encouraged everyone to live with a sense of urgency and intentionality, recognizing that our time is limited. We are called to live on mission, focusing not on personal comfort but on glorifying God. As we navigate life's challenges, we must remember that God is with us, guiding and sustaining us. This assurance allows us to face opposition with courage and to seize every opportunity to advance His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude for Simple Blessings: The story of JM experiencing hot water for the first time reminds us to appreciate the simple blessings in life. Just as JM learned to value hot water, we should recognize and be grateful for the spiritual opportunities God provides, understanding that not everyone has access to such blessings. [58:22]
2. The Urgency of Church Planting: There is a significant need for church planting, especially in areas with limited evangelical presence. The disparity in church distribution across North America highlights the importance of intentional efforts to spread the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission. [61:22]
3. Living with Purpose and Urgency: Drawing from Paul's missionary journeys, we learn the importance of living with purpose and urgency. Despite facing opposition, Paul remained focused on his mission, teaching us that challenges are often confirmations of the significance of our work. [66:39]
4. Discernment in Opportunities: Not every open door is beneficial, and discernment is crucial in determining which paths align with God's kingdom purposes. Paul evaluated opportunities based on their effectiveness for the kingdom, reminding us to prioritize God's mission over personal comfort. [69:44]
5. God's Presence Empowers Us: The assurance of God's presence transforms our perspective and empowers us to persevere through challenges. Knowing that God is with us allows us to face opposition with courage and to live on mission, focusing on glorifying Him rather than seeking personal comfort. [01:14:35]
** [74:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction and Family Story
[05:00] - Adoption Journey and Lessons
[10:00] - The Need for Church Planting
[15:00] - Disparity in Church Distribution
[20:00] - Paul's Missionary Journeys
[25:00] - Living with Purpose and Urgency
[30:00] - Evaluating Opportunities
[35:00] - Facing Opposition with Courage
[40:00] - God's Presence in Our Lives
[45:00] - Personal Reflections and Encouragement
[50:00] - Call to Live on Mission
[55:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 16:5-9
- Acts 13:1-3

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Observation Questions:

What was the significance of JM experiencing hot water for the first time, and how does it relate to spiritual opportunities we might take for granted? [58:22]
According to the sermon, what is the current state of church distribution in North America, and why is there an urgency for church planting? [01:01:22]
How did Paul respond to opposition during his missionary journeys, and what does this reveal about his character and mission? [01:06:39]
What does Paul mean by a "wide door for effective ministry" in 1 Corinthians 16:9, and how does he view opposition in this context?

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the story of JM's first experience with hot water serve as a metaphor for recognizing and valuing spiritual blessings in our lives? [58:22]
In what ways does the disparity in church distribution across North America highlight the need for intentional church planting efforts? [01:01:22]
How does Paul's approach to opposition, as described in the sermon, challenge common perceptions of success and failure in ministry? [01:06:39]
What does the assurance of God's presence, as mentioned in the sermon, mean for believers facing challenges and opposition in their mission? [01:14:35]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a simple blessing in your life that you often take for granted. How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude for it this week? [58:22]
Consider the current state of your local community. Are there areas where the gospel is not being effectively shared? How might you or your church contribute to addressing this need? [01:01:22]
Think about a time when you faced opposition in pursuing a goal or mission. How did you respond, and what might you learn from Paul's example of perseverance? [01:06:39]
Identify an "open door" in your life that you believe aligns with God's kingdom purposes. What steps can you take to pursue this opportunity with intentionality? [01:09:44]
How does the knowledge of God's presence with you change your perspective on current challenges you are facing? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this truth daily? [01:14:35]
Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you are prioritizing personal comfort over living on mission for God? What changes can you make to align more closely with God's purposes? [01:17:23]
How can you encourage others in your community or church to live with a sense of urgency and intentionality for God's kingdom? What role can you play in fostering this mindset? [01:17:23]

Sermon Clips

But I'll never forget he'll go in there taking that shower and come out after about 20 minutes all shriveled up loving life and still to this day still this day he appreciates hot water. Why? Because he knows what it's like not to have it. Problem is when he talks about church planning when Pastor Mike, which by the way I know you know this. [00:56:50] (19 seconds) Edit Clip

You have one of the finest pastors in all the North America, I know you know that, but when you say church planning or planning churches the thought typically comes to people's minds especially in the South, well do we really need more churches? I mean, you know, that's great and all, but do we really, is there really a need in North America for more churches? [00:57:50] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

But that's why we have to plant churches in the Northeast, the Midwest, West, and Canada. You can drive in Canada for three hours and not drive by another evangelical church. In states like yours, there's one Southern Baptist church for over 5,000 to 6,000 people. In a state like New York, there's one for over 90,000. [00:59:50] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

And in Canada, one for over 100,000. But because of your faithful giving as you give to missions, and you have given in the past to missions, you're doing some things that perhaps you're not even aware that you're doing. We talked about all those churches we just planted. That's not NAM. That's churches planting churches. [01:00:50] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

Because of your faithful giving, this is what it looks like this year, or this past year in 2024. What I'm most excited about is what it's going to be in 2034 in 10 years. Then you go to Los Angeles. This is what it looks like, what it looked like back in 2010 in Los Angeles. This is what it looked like at the end of last year in 2024 in Los Angeles. [01:02:50] (22 seconds) Edit Clip