LOVE GOD’S WORD & PRAYERDaily Bible Reading |
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| At Faith Baptist Fellowship, we Love God’s Word and Prayer. We strongly believe that every growing disciple of Jesus needs to be regularly hearing from God through His word and personally speaking back to God through prayer. If regular Bible reading is not yet a habit of yours, this is a great way to get started!
We are encouraging everyone to continue our Daily Bible Readings. We will provide devotional thoughts and helpful prayer points on the passages. The weekend material will prepare you for the upcoming Sunday sermon as well as provide some discussion help for Faith Groups. We encourage you to set aside at least 15-20 minutes a day for reading and prayer. If you fall behind, just start on the current day. Try to develop the habit of reading at the same time and place. Have a journal and pen for answering questions and recording your thoughts and insights. For additional Bible reading plans, check out faithsf.com. Enjoy your time in God’s Word and Prayer! |
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Monday, February 6Read Genesis 50 |
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| THINK: In this final chapter we have the death and burial of Jacob. Note that he died in Egypt but was not buried there. Note where he was buried. After the burial of Jacob, a concern arose among Joseph’s brothers. What was it? What did Joseph say and what did Joseph do? As Joseph nears death what prophetic words does he utter and where was he buried? Take a few moments to reflect on the lessons of faith and God’s faithfulness in this remarkable book of Genesis, “Beginnings.” How is God growing your faith this winter?
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| PRAY Joseph, in responding to his brothers, says, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Joseph recognized God at work in his life. Praise God that He is always at work—in Joseph’s life and in yours as well! God has a plan, even if He doesn’t reveal it to us. We need to trust in his sovereignty. His plans are good because he is good. Praise Him for his goodness, faithfulness, grace, and mercy. Ask for his help in persevering in our faith. Pray for God’s blessing on our West campus church family.
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Tuesday, February 7Read I Kings 1 |
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| THINK: Palace Intrigue: King David’s advanced age and failing health are made clear in vv. 1-4. Thankfully the service of Abishag to David is unconsummated. How did Adonijah “exalt” himself? What was Bathsheba and Nathan’s response to this move by Adonijah? (To recall Nathan’s long history with the King, see II Samuel 12.) Read also I Samuel 16 to contrast David’s anointing with this self-exaltation of Adonijah. Why do you think Adonijah takes hold of the horns of the altar (v. 50)?
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| PRAY: Narrative passages (telling the details of an extended story, such as OT histories) are not always easy to translate into application and prayer for the reader. But certainly, we can say this: “Father, help me to trust completely in you and wait for your timing. Help me not to rush ahead in a self-willed way. May my heart’s desire always be to wait patiently for your will and your way, trusting that my heavenly Father knows what is best.” Ask God’s blessing on our South Campus church family. Pray for the Search Team.
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Wednesday, February 8Read I Kings 2 |
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| THINK: Settling Issues from David’s Reign: An amazing era comes to an end with the death of King David. What did the dying King command his heir Solomon to do? (A knowledge of David’s reign from II Samuel can be helpful here; take some time to leaf through the pages and review.) Perhaps Solomon was incensed by Adonijah’s request for the Shunammite because it was widely known that she had served David the King. How was Solomon’s wisdom already on display in this first period of his reign? How did these things “establish” (v. 46) the throne of Solomon?
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| PRAY: As David commanded his son and heir to walk in the law given by Moses, so we ought to walk in the way of Jesus, by faith and the Holy Spirit. Ask for help from your heavenly Father to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and in the fullness of the Spirit today. Express praise to God that his throne is established forever, with Jesus as our Advocate. Pray for our children and youth at Faith.
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Thursday, February 9Read I Kings 3 |
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| THINK: In part A of the chapter, Solomon asks God for wisdom, and God is very pleased. In part B, he displays this wisdom.
Describe Solomon’s prayer for wisdom:
Describe how God answered his prayer:
Describe how Solomon displayed this wisdom:
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| PRAY: James 1:5 is a promise that comes in handy every day! “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” God was pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom, and blessed him. God will be pleased with you if you ask and receive wisdom! Ask God now, with Solomon, for an understanding mind and the ability to discern good from evil. Ask for wisdom in your relationships and in your witness to the lost. Ask God to give us leaders of government who do the same! “God, give wisdom to our FBF Elder Council and Pastors.”
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Friday, February 10Read I Kings 4-5 |
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| THINK: Notice that there was an office of “king’s friend.” What do you suppose that person did? What does “Ben” in a name mean? Solomon’s early reign is characterized by peace and safety, wealth, wisdom and understanding, and great reputation. He was a gifted writer of proverbs and songs! We might say today, “He was a Renaissance Man!” Who was the source of Solomon’s wisdom? Who was the source of Solomon’s wealth? Why did Hiram rejoice? What enormous task did Solomon undertake?
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| PRAY: Praise God that through the Lord Jesus Christ you are a King’s friend! Once again, turn to James 1:5, read this precious promise, then ask God for wisdom for your life today. Be specific about situations in your day where wisdom is particularly needed. Thank God for the book of Proverbs, which contains the wisdom of Solomon. Wisdom is needed; ask God on behalf of all the leaders and teams working on various aspects of transition at Faith.
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Weekend, February 11-12 |
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| If you’ve fallen behind this week, consider using these extra days to catch up. You can also prepare your heart and mind for this Sunday’s worship service. Read the planned sermon text above and the thoughts below in advance of Sunday morning’s message. If you are in a Faith Group, consider discussing the questions below together.
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| THINK: What problem in the church at Corinth does Paul now address? How was that problem manifesting itself in church life? That certainly seems relevant, does it not, in light of the divisions in our society, nation, and world.
How precious is the Lord’s Supper! Ponder why our Heavenly Father gave us this remembrance of Christ and the cross. What do you think “an unworthy manner” might look like? What do you practice in terms of “examine yourself”? In light of this passage, we will partake of the Lord’s Supper this coming Sunday (rather than last Sunday, as is our usual practice, the first Sunday of the month).
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| PRAY: Pray for those preaching on this Communion text this Sunday. Take some time to “examine yourself” and prepare to partake of the Lord’s Supper in our worship. Express thanks to God that we have not had divisions in our church life, even through Covid and other national tensions. Let us pray that Faith can remain united in love for Christ, love for God’s word, love for one another, and love for God’s precious gospel!
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| FAITH GROUP: As a group, share about a time when you have experienced divisions or tensions in a church family. What fueled those tensions? Were they overcome? How? What do you think are keys to maintaining unity in a local church? What Scriptures inform your thinking on that?
Pray for our church’s unity. |
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