FBC Daily Devotions

Read Hebrews 4:15-16.

The significance of this passage is so important that for several chapters to follow, the writer of Hebrews outlines the superiority of Christ over the priesthood of the Old Testament Law of Moses. Under the old priesthood, a man (a mere man) represented the people before God, offering gifts and sacrifices for sins. Approaching the throne of God in the Holy of Holies was not an option for anyone but the high priest. The people could only watch from a distance. While forgiveness was had through the process, something was missing. Where was the relationship with God? Where was the sympathy and help in times of need? How could that be found through a mediator – a mere man who could not relate to one’s struggles and pains?

That all changed with Jesus. No longer do we need to watch from a distance. No longer is approaching God an intellectual ritual. It is a relational one. There is now “grace to help us in our time of need.” There is a perfect Mediator who can “sympathize with our weaknesses” and temptations. And while He never sinned in the process, He still experienced the pain and temptation we all suffer.

Personal thoughts:
In many other religions a personal relationship with God is unheard of. Indeed, it is a privilege to be able to come to God with the confidence of knowing that he understands what I’m going through. It is comforting to know that He will give me grace in ways that He can relate to personally. It is not cold and calculated, but sympathetic and gracious.

To consider:
Is your relationship with God distant or close? Is coming to God more an intellectual ritual or a personal, relational encounter with Him? How often do you come to Him with your struggles? Take a moment and approach His throne with confidence, giving Him your cares that He might give you grace in your time of need.

What are some truths you learned from last Sunday’s message? How can it make a difference this week?

Week 2: The Desperate Need for Prayer

Prayer is our life-line to God. WIthout prayer, our relationship with God suffers and with it life takes on a hard edge. Why is it, then, that prayer is so difficult for many of us? This week we will look for some answers from Scripture. My hope is that your prayer life will grow and as it does, your love for God will grow as well.

Small Group Questions:

1. Opening: How have you seen God work this week?
2. One’s relationship with God is often reflected in his or her prayer life. A strong relationship with God is usually seen in a strong prayer life. The opposite is true as well. Would you agree? Is that true in your life? How or when have you ever experienced that in your life?
3. Is coming to God more an intellectual, mechanical ritual or a personal, relational encounter with God? When is prayer most relational for you, and how can you keep that going?
4. Has there been a time in your life when God has said “no”, “grow”, or “slow” to your prayers? If so, what did God do and what was He teaching you?
5. How is your prayer life? (Optional: How often do you pray for one another in the group?)

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 things did God impress upon you this week?

Read John 15:7-11

“If you abide in me and my words abide in you…” Two questions are immediately raised by this statement: 1) what does it mean to abide in Him; and 2) what does it mean for His words to abide in me? These seem to be the keys to a life of answered prayer that pleases God and brings Him glory (v. 8). The word “abide” (NAS) literally means “to remain; not to depart, but to be held and kept continually; to continue to be; to remain as one, not to become another” – many thoughts are behind this word, but a steadfast and continual relationship with the Savior seems to be the message here — stay close to Him and live by His words and He will give us whatever we ask. Could it be true that Jesus would give whatever we ask if we stay close to Him and His words? This might sound like carte blanche for us, but the conditions are far more serious and express a far deeper relationship with Christ than a casual relationship with our Lord might otherwise request of Him. 

To consider: How would living close to Christ and His words affect your prayers?

Staying close to Christ and His Word are inseparable. One cannot truly know Christ apart from the Word of God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our immersion into the Word is like sitting with Christ Himself. As we apply what He teaches us, the reality of the truths take root, and a life of faith begins to grow. Of course, it is impossible to apply or even put into faith that which is not close to us. Consequently, time spent in the Bible is essential. Chances are you are reading this because you know this to be true. My prayer for you is that you might continue to stay close to Him and that His Word would remain in your heart so that you might live a life pleasing to Him.

To consider:  What ways can you keep Christ and His Word close to you?