FBC Daily Devotions

Read Acts 17:10-15

The Bereans had a reputation. They were known for their noble character as expressed by their eagerness to learn truth. What is remarkable about the Bereans is that they could have been prideful and closed-minded (as were the Pharisees) to their understanding of the Scriptures and to the work of God. Such is often the case when people study the Scriptures and make up their minds on its meaning. But instead we see them eager to hear and learn more. That eagerness is guarded by an even stronger desire to confirm Paul’s teachings as God’s and not man’s.

Today, we get mixed messages about God from a confused world. Sometimes eager people with good intentions fall into the trap of believing what sounds good. Without the Scriptures to guide our understanding of truth, the God we reach up to may not be the one true God at all. Likewise, over time one’s eagerness to continue learning more can be dampened by pride rather than a humble approach that learning is without limits. The Bereans provide an excellent example of how we can know the one true God.

To consider: Which might describe you: a) eager to learn; b) just believe what I’m told; c) not as interested as I used to be; d) skeptical of new teaching; e) other. If not already, how can you be more like the Bereans? Are there areas where you struggle to be open where God is trying to teach you? 

Read Acts 2:42; John 17:14-17

One of the characteristics of the early church was their devotion to the apostles’ teachings. Why was this so important to them? We must remember that at that time, the message of Christ and His teachings were a radical departure from the Jewish teachings of the day. It was important for the early church to understand what God was doing and what He now wanted them to do. In many ways, emerging from Jesus’ teaching (and Jesus Himself) was an enlarged expression and revelation of God. Think for a moment what we now know about God from the New Testament writings – His incredible grace in the death of His Son for undeserving sinners; His plan for the ages to save the whole world beginning with one faithful man named Abraham; the end of the Law and a new freedom from sin; a new life in Christ and the indwelling presence of God through the Holy Spirit. The list goes on. It is no wonder the early church was so devoted to the apostles’ teaching – it was something so radically new and real they couldn’t stop listening and learning.

Those early days are no different for us today who have put our faith in Christ. The way we think and act are radically different being now compelled by the love of Christ. Our devotion to the teaching of God’s Word is no different. God has revealed who He is through the Scriptures, and we know more about Him than at any time before Christ. Who is God? Who is Christ? Who is the Holy Spirit? What does God want me to be and do? May God give you a desire to know Him more and more, and then love Him so much more.

To consider: How strong is your desire to know the Triune God more?  How are you fulfilling that desire? How have you grown in your knowledge of God over the last year?   

Jesus said we are sanctified (set apart, made holy) by the Word of truth (Jn. 17:17). This is not some mystical, magical phenomenon. The process of growing in Christ requires the hard work of filling our minds with truth. That was Jesus’ prayer for the disciples back then, and it continues to be His prayer for us today (Jn. 17:20). Reading, studying, and learning the truths of God’s Word are fundamental to our growth. Neglecting this area of our lives is like cutting the roots of a plant without which it will wither and die.

To consider: Is the Word of God playing a role in your life today? How?

We all reach for something. The Scriptures announce the awesome Creator who poured out His power to create the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. And the response is always praise. As God’s creation, we are to reach up and praise Him.  

“Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.” (Psalm 148:1-6)

“Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds.” (Psalm 148:7-10)

As salmon fight up stream, up falling rivers, they strive to reach the place of their origin. That ought also to be our fight to reach the place of our Creator. The human spirit has the incredible ability to reach. The Fallen spirit, however, reaches for many wrong things.

First and foremost in our lives is the need to love God and worship Him. We are challenged by delivering on our appearance before man, while giving God the worn out hand-me-downs. We choose to fill the need in our hearts with temporal, fast-fleeting gratifications. They are but feeble attempts to reach for something more than a meager existence. But if we are to grow to become what God created us for, then we must return to our place of origin where true life begins. We must remember who God is and respond in praise. We cannot fulfill God’s good purposes from a distance.  Above every need in this world, beyond every struggle in this difficult life, beneath every fall on hard times lies a Creator who not only created life, but sustains life, and gives new life for eternity.

Read:  Colossians 1:15-20; John 15:4-5

To consider:  What is the greatest resistive force you face when it comes to leading a life of worship? How well are you doing with the upstream struggle? How can you make worshiping God more of a reality in your everyday life?  How has the centrality of Christ in your life given you a greater sense of peace and purpose?  

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

Week 1: Rooted in love, strengthened by the Word

A life of worship is God’s purpose for our life. Reaching up to Him in every aspect of our lives is a high calling. But God does not leave that awesome (and wonderful) task without help. The Word of God , the Bible, is one of God’s primary means for cultivating a consistent and vibrant life of worship. As we will see this week, God desires that we be devoted to His Word, be open and teachable to His Word, and to abide in His Word. As we commit to studying, learning, and living according to His truths, our lives will be characterized by worship. May God bless your devotional time this week!  -Pastor Mike