FBC Daily Devotions

Getting Along with One Another
When two or more people come together long enough, there will be inevitable conflict – differing opinions, different ideas, different ways to do thing. Sometimes you don’t even need a second person to have conflict! How do we work through conflict? As we work through these devotions this week, consider a conflict you are currently experiencing or perhaps one you might foresee in the days ahead. Then consider applying some of these devotions to your situation. In the end, it is my hope that you see God in the midst of the struggle, and all parties involved will grow through it.
–Pastor Mike

Small Group Questions
Week of October 27, 2008

Opening: How have you seen God work this week?

1. “It takes two to tangle.” Have you ever been in a conflict when you realized part way through your partial guilt in it? How did owning up to your part help repair the conflict?
2. From Matthew 5:23-26, it is clear that our relationship with God is connected to our relationship with others. If we know someone is holding something against us, God wants us to address that issue with the other person. How have you seen the effects on your worship of God knowing that you have offended someone without dealing with it? Why is it so hard to apologize?
3. Conflict is more easily resolved when we recognize we are on the same team in Christ. Your opponent is not your co-worker; your opponent is out there (Satan) trying to divert attention away from him and the progress of the gospel. How have you seen this truth work in a conflict in your life? Has Satan ever gotten the best of a conflict in your life? If so, share about it. How can you affirm your “teammate” that you aren’t trying to work against him or her? (Note: This applies to marriages as well.)
4. In Phil. 1:15-21, we read about Paul’s ability to rejoice in a potentially conflicted situation. He was able to rejoice because he could see the good in it. Considering the good in a conflict (no matter how little there may seem to be) is a helpful way to stay constructive and hopeful. How can one see past the difficulty and negativity of a conflict to see the silver lining? Is this something we can choose to do? If you are going through a conflict, take some time to think about how God is present in the situation. Share with others to help you see past the situation and, more importantly, see past the shortcomings of others.

As you go into your prayer time, consider the following questions:

• How have you struggled this week?
• How can the others in the group help you?

Look over your notes from the past week. What one or two thingsdid God impress upon you this week?

Read Luke 12:22-34.

Today’s passage is usually seen in light of worry about the basic necessities of life. Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about food and clothing because God knows our every needs, and He will certainly provide. We often stop at the oft heard phrase: “But seek first his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (v. 31)

In keeping with that statement, Jesus tells us what “seeking His kingdom” looks like in vv. 33: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” Think what that must have sounded like to someone worrying about sustenance. When a person is worried about food and clothes, what are they thinking about? They’re thinking about themselves. They’re worried about their life. And then to hear Jesus tell them to stop worrying about their life and give what they have away. Well, that sounds completely opposite of what they would want to do. And then consider to whom Jesus tells them to give their possessions. He tells them to give their possessions to the poor. I don’t know about you, but if I was worried about my life, especially where I was going to get food and clothing, I might think I’m the one who is poor!

That’s what Jesus wants to point out. Since we have been given the kingdom of God (and consider that for a moment – a kingdom), we are rich beyond measure. No longer are the cares of this world front and center, but rather the cares of the kingdom. And when we give our “possessions” to the truly poor – the spiritually poor – we are showing that our thoughts are on kingdom cares not self-centered cares.

To Consider
Have you come to a place in your spiritual life that “selling your possessions and giving to the poor” is more important than managing your own future? Have you found yourself worrying about the necessities of life? How can seeking the kingdom and giving to those in need be a means of letting go of the worry? Have you ever experienced such a time in your life when you gave what little you had only to find the worry disappear?

Pray that God would give you a kingdom heart and perspective to help overcome any daunting needs in your life.

Read 2Corinthians 9:10-15.

Generosity. It results in thankful hearts. From today’s passage, it is God who enables us to be generous in the first place. Verse 11 says that God will make us rich in every way. For what purpose (v. 11)?

This passage just oozes with thanksgiving and generosity, doesn’t it? There is thanks for the indescribable, surpassing grace of God (v. 14-15). There is thanks for their generosity (v. 11, 12, 13). There is praise for their service (v. 13). In all, thanks and praise are mentioned four times in this passage. Generosity is mentioned three times.

But there is one very subtle statement in the passage that is almost taken for granted – “Because of the service… the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ.” (v. 13) All of their generous giving is said to be service out of obedience. Have you ever considered that service and obedience are forms of generosity?

Sometimes we think obedience is more about doing what we don’t really want to do. When I was told as a child to obey my parents, it was usually because at the time I wasn’t! But obediently serving others is really an act of generosity that has its origins in the generosity of God. If I’m reading this correctly, God’s deep riches are meant to be generously given to others. The next time an opportunity comes up for you to serve others, don’t think of obedience as merely doing what is right, but think of it as being “generous” with what God has blessed you with.

To Consider
How has God generously blessed you? What are ways you can generously serve others out of the blessings God has given you? (Try to think beyond financial.) Consider as you enter a new day how God is giving you opportunity to serve out of a generous heart.

Read John 13:3-17.

This well-known passage sets the example we are to follow in our service to one another. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (v. 14) This was a duty normally carried out by lowly servants, and certainly not something a “lord and teacher” ought to be doing for his guests.

To Consider
What kind of attitude is needed to serve in this manner? What are some underlying characteristics of this kind of service (e.g. sacrificial)?

Consider also that Judas was in that group of men. What does that say about Jesus’ servant attitude knowing that He knew Judas would betray Him? Are there Judas’ in your life? How can you have this same attitude toward others you will see this week? What would it look like more specifically in your work, in your home, in your church?