Family

Devotional, Family

Worried? Pray

prayer 1

Week 3.1

There is something significant and special about the prayer experience. When you seek to connect with God either in private prayer or corporate prayer he responds. He responds by making you aware of His presence.

When you are alone and feeling helpless you will find comfort and peace. When you are with a group of believers lifting up the name of Jesus, he fills you with wonder. When you take the time to count your blessings, he fills you with gratitude.

There’s no special formula when you pray. You don’t have to use the perfect words or phrases. All God cares about is that you are calling out to him in an attitude of worship and praise. There are several model prayers for examples of prayer in scripture. Let’s look at a few of them.

6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

 

Here are a few things I want us to notice about the passage.

Pray about all things.

There is nothing that is too small for us to pray about. God wants us to rbing all things to Him. He knows our every need before we ask so make sure you ask Him about everything.

If you have a test, pray. If you have a flat tire, pray. If you are excited about something, pray. If someone says something that hurts you, pray. God is concerned about all things so, pray about all things.

Give thanks.

Often, we feel overwhelmed by life’s circumstances because we allow ourselves to focus on what might happen. Instead, when we consider how God has been faithful in the past, we can allow our thought’s to turn to Him and all the things we are thankful for.

Make a list out of all the things you are thankful for, and your worries will melt away. It may take some time to get started but once you start your list will flow and the more things you will be able to list, and the blessings won’t stop!

Peace comes.

It is amazing what can happen when we allow God to be God. Much of our stress and anxiety come from trying to be in control of things we can’t control. When we focus on God and allow Him to do only what he can do we get an amazing sense of peace and security that is only available through Him.

Songs

Trust and Obey

Holy Spirit

Prayer

Lord when I am overwhelmed by life’s circumstances help me remember to always pray first. May prayer and your holy spirit to be my refuge. Fill my mind and heart with true peace that can only come from you.

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Devotional, Family

We Need Relationships

Week 2.2 We Need Relationship

Devotional

Another part of fellowship is enjoying the benefits of a close relationship with Jesus. As we experience the blessings of being united with Christ and His church we experience a joy that is not found anywhere else in the world. It is a joy that is only found in Christ and His people.

How do we make sure that we are experiencing this joy of fellowship with other Christians? By Joining a small group. There are a number of benefits. Here are three:

Friendship (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Our lives are so busy and many of us do not have time for relationships outside of the home. When you joy a group, you get a scheduled time each week to spend with other Christians an build relationships. This how you truly get plugged into a church and body of believers.

Spiritual growth (Philippians 1:6)

6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

We are promised that God is going to continue to work in us until the day we go home to heaven. Spiritual growth is a result of spending time with God and His people. Make it a priority.

Accountability (Proverbs 27:17)

Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.

I don’t know about you but I need help to do the things I need to do. Even though I know the habits that lead to growth and a pure life I still need help getting there. When you have others in your life who are willing to speak words of encouragement and rebuke into your life it help you both grow.

If you're looking to grow in your faith and build meaningful relationships, consider joining a small group or discipleship class ASAP.

Song

How great is our God – Chris Tomlin

How Great Thou Art Traditional Hymn

Prayer

Lord, Thank You for the connections formed in small groups, where genuine relationships are nurtured. Thank you for the support, encouragement, and love that flows through these gatherings, strengthening our bond as brothers and sisters in Christ.

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Devotional, Family

Together

fellowship

Daily Passage

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

Devotional Thought

It is important that we take the time to spend with God in His word, but it is also important in the busyness of our daily lives that we pause and reflect on the significance of our relationships. We were created for relationships. Relationships have the power to shape us for the better or the worse.

This week Pastor Conner focused on our personal relationships. How we as believers are to look out for the needs of others and make unity something we strive for. Focusing on unity leads to sweet fellowship.

I like to define fellowship as hanging out with a purpose. It is knowing that our relationships with other believers mean something. We are to be intentional about all of our relationships but especially our relationships with other believers.

In Hebrews, the writer tells us a few things to do as we consider our relationships with other believers.

  • Consider how to stir up one another to do good.

God created us to enjoy fellowship with others and the way we do that best is by serving others. He says to “stir up one another”. What can you do as a family or with other believers to make a positive impact on those around you?

  • Meet together consistently.

In the busyness of life it is tempting to take every free moment for ourselves to rest and recharge. While this is important it is also very important to continue meeting with other believers for support and encouragement. Don’t fall into the lie that you are too busy for fellowship and Bible study. (Discipleship classes begins January 17! Join one! )

  • Encourage each other.

This world can be overwhelming and discouraging. We have the privilege to give others courage. Do your part to speak life to those around you. Using encouraging words and actions can make all the difference to someone who is struggling.

Song

House of the Lord Phil Whickham

Sweet Sweet Spirit - Hymn

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of fellowship. Help us to embrace the call to encourage one another in love and good deeds. May our interactions be filled with grace, kindness, and a genuine desire to uplift those around us. Strengthen the bonds of fellowship among us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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Devotional, Family

Word of God Speak (Challenge 2024 Wk1.2)

Bible-2

The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. 10 They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. 11 In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward. Psalm 19:7-11

Devotional Thought

We are continuing to talk about God’s Word the Bible. In it are His words that guide us through life. There are many voices in our world today that want to tell us how we should live but they fail to renew our lives like only God’s Word can. His word renews our lives, makes our hearts glad and helps us keep our focus where it needs to be, on Him.

  • The instruction of the Lord is perfect – this refers to the entirety of the word of God and when we read God’s word and the stories within it renews our lives and gives us new excitement for life.
  • The testimony of the Lord is trustworthy – this is what God says about himself and how he has been revealed through out time. We can trust God because his character is true.
  • The precepts and commands of the Lord – This is how God spells out for us how he wants us to live and what leads to an abundant life. When we have a clear direction from the Lord it helps us experience the full and abundant life he wants us to have.
  • The Fear of the Lord – This explains to us how we are to respond to God and his word. It puts us in the right posture to recive God’s word.

“Together, these terms show the practical purpose of revelation, to bring God’s will to bear on the hearer and evoke intelligent reverence, well-founded trust, detailed obedience.” ( An Intro and Commentary to Psalms by Derek Kinder )

Try singing to listening to a song together. Here is a suggestion. You can use your phone, search YouTube, or pull out an instrument.

Song

Word of God Speak – Mercy Me

 Prayer

God, thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Word. I am so thankful that you give us your Word as a guide to help us know how to follow you. Help us as a family to have a desire to know you deeper through your Word as we worship.

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Devotional, Family

Challenge 2024 At Home Devotions

January 2024

I love new beginnings! January is always a time when we can refocus our hearts and minds on what matters most. If you are like most people, you have at least some idea of what you want to improve on in the new year. It is our prayer as a staff at FBC Panama City that we can continue to be “The House of Hope for ALL Generations”. To that end we would like to provide some simple resources that go along with Pastor Conner’s sermons for the next few weeks.

Below you will find the title of the message and theme for the week. Along with each theme there will be two devotions written for you to meditate on by yourself or with your family. The instructions are easy just start at the top and involve as many people in your household as possible. You can do this whenever or wherever you want. The dinner table while everyone is still seated, the living room on the couch, or even in the car during your daily trip to and from school.

The goal is simple focus on God and HIS word. Allow him to speak to you and adjust when needed. Also share how God is speaking to you with others.

I pray that your 2024 is a year where you seek to make significant strides in your spiritual growth.

I will also include a reading plan 

Let the journey begin.

Pastor Brandon Phillips

Young Adult Pastor

First Baptist Church Panama City

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

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Devotional, Family

The Word Of God (Challenge 2024 Wk1.1)

Bible

The Word of God

Daily Passage:

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Devotional Thought

There is no substitute for the Word of God in the Christian life. That’s why it is important for us to make sure that the word of God is a priority in our lives. As we look at today’s passages, we see that all scripture is inspired by God. That means it is special and passed down to us from the Holy Spirit through human writers that God led to write. It also tells us that it is useful for Christians because it prepares us for life.

Let’s look at a few things it says in this passage.

  • Profitable for teaching.

God’s word teaches us new things about His character and how we are to live out the Christian life.

  • Profitable for rebuking

God’s word, through the spirits working in our hearts, has the ability to show us when we are wrong.

  • Correcting

God’s word not only shows us when we are wrong but also puts us on the correct path.

  • Training in righteousness

God’s word trains us in the things of righteousness and helps us know right from wrong.

  • All that leads to us being equipped and ready to do what God has called ALL Christians to do. To live according to his ways and to tell others about the good news of Jesus.

Try singing to listening to a song together. Here is a suggestion. You can use your phone, search YouTube, or pull out an instrument.

Song

Living Word – Jeremy Camp

Prayer

God your Word is living and active. Please let your word change me into the man or woman you want me to be. Help us as a family to listen to your word and be committed to living out what it says.

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Devotional, Family

Building Blocks of Character

building blocks of character

12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Lego! A timeless toy that any kids and adults at any ages can enjoy. I especially love the Star Wars ships although they cost too much!

If someone gives me a new Lego brand new in the box and I have instructions it is no problem for me to knock out this task in a couple of hours. If someone gives me a used set with no instructions, then it becomes more difficult and almost impossible to finish the set as originally intended.

Life is like that too. When expectations are not clear it can be very frustrating to try and meet those expectations. When you start school your teachers give homework assignments and tests to study for. You know the expectation so you can meet them.

There are a set of expectations in the Bible that God has set for us. Some of these expectation are wired into our morality but they can seem hard to attain. But I have good news for you that God has given us instructions for these building blocks of character.

In 1 Timothy Paul, inspired by God is writing to his young friend in ministry. He is writing to encourage him in living the Christian life, which we all need encouragement and support with from time to time.

To keep this brief… are you living TALL are setting examples in these areas to your family, friends, and acquaintances.

  • Talk (Speech) - How you talk about God, family, friends, and your quality of speech
  • Act (Conduct) - How you act are you a light for Jesus? Are you kind and helpful?
  • Live (Faith) - Do you know Jesus, think about Him, talk about him with others?
  • Love (Purity) - Are you seeking to please God and be a good example in moral areas of life.

So ask yourself these questions?

Am I a TALL example for the Lord?

Who can I get to hold be accountable to be a TALL example for the Lord?

Parents are you being a good example of this to your family?

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Devotional, Family

Biblical Truth At Home

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My passion is to see Biblical truth lived out in the home. In a time when it is politically incorrect to talk about absolute truth, we know that there is one place that we can find it, the Bible, God's Holy Word. Teaching the Bible is not only meant for the professionals, pastors or those who have been to Bible college, it is a command for all of us to teach the Bible and lead our home spiritually. While it may sound overwhelming to there are plenty of tools and methods available.

6 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

So what are some ways we can teach Biblical truth at home?

16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17

  • Model it

This will be the first one listed most every time. Actions speak louder than words. When you learn Biblical truths and live them out at home, others will learn by your example. This will be the most important way to teach faith to your household.

  • Intentional Time

When we set aside time to teach the word in our homes it shows priority to those in your home. When you open the Bible together something special happens and your family is brought closer together. It may be a challenge at first depending on your schedule, the age of your kids, and other factors but it is worth it in the end. You will be setting a Biblical foundation so those in your home will be able to wade through the lies of the world, because they know the truth.

  • Weave it into your daily conversations 

Worship and spiritual things are not something that should just be done at certain times of the day, the Christian life is a lifestyle and should be included in EVERYTHING you do. As you go through your day and you encounter frustration, talk about how God gives you patience and peace in the midst. When someone treats your kids wrong and they are sad remind them that they are a child of God and He loves them enough to send His Son for them.

As you grow in the Lord you will be able to see how God is involved in every aspect of your life and you will be able to weave the gospel, Christ, the Bible, and spiritual things into daily conversations in the car and around the house.

Tools you can use:

An app that has bible translations and devotional plans sent right to your phone!

  • Family Devotional

Many options available for this. The scripture above mentions a few things that should be included.

Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, and gratitude. We can translate that to scripture, prayer, declarations of biblical truth, and singing.

Books on the subject

Habits of the households

The New City Catechism

Mama Bear Apologetics

  • Church resources

A Practical Guide to Family Worship - Discipleship class coming in the Fall. Here is a trailer

Small Groups for parents.

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Devotional, Family

Family Worship: Habits That Shape The Home

family worship-1

Family Worship: Habits That Help Shape Our Home

Continuing on with our discussion of family worship, I want to focus on the habits that will help shape our homes.

First I acknowledge that every family is different and your rhythm will not look the same. But I also want to say that a good habit or practice is good because its good, even if you can't use it in your schedule. SO we will just name a few and if you can use them great! If not find what works for you and your family.

We are a BUSY family of 6 with 3 teens, I know that my time is spent differently than a family of 4 with littles not involved in school or extra curriculars. The reality is during some seasons of life your time will be limited. Take advantage of the time you do have.

4 “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol[b] on your forehead.[c] 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Three Habits to Form

Scripture Reading

Our goal is to make little worshipers who will know, obey, and love God. When we read scripture together we are able to hear the great love story that is contained with in. We also get to know the God of the Bible who sent His Son Jesus to be our Savior! If our kids can grasp that they cannot help but worship.

Discussions

Our live are to be about God. He is included in our every decision of life. It makes sense then that He will be talked about in our homes on a daily basis. When a question comes up we must first ask what does God say? When we constantly turn our attention to God we will see a change in our home and the desires we all have to put Him first.

Prayer

Jesus gave us a great example in that we need to pray and have constant communication with God. As we make this a habit our kids will also know how to pray. When we set the example and they see a passionate prayer life they will desire the same.

Singing

Whether you can "sing" or not most people would agree that there is something special about music. When we lift our voices there is a special connection with God. Our hearts are open and stirred and we are ready to hear from him.

How do we make sure we put these practices into place? It come down to a decision to be intentional.

Decide on a time

Just like adding a practice or a performance on the family calendar, pick a time and put it on the calendar. It is more likely to take place if it is on your calendar. Obviously there are a lot of things to consider when doing this. How old are your kids? What nights do you have at home? How long will they be able to handle?

I promise when you plan it and do it, It will be a blessing. Kids are never too young to learn how to worship. You can even start before you have kids! Two equals a family!

Decide on a plan

What are you going to do for family worship? Sing? Read? Pray? Dance?

Jot down a plan so that you can feel prepared. It does not have to be anything special but if you have a plan this will help you accomplish your goal. I recommend starting out small, just a short passage and prayer.

Decide don't slide

It's also super important to make sure that you make the decision and stick with it. When you decide you don't slide. When you make a plan you will be more likely to follow through than if you don't. So this one is really a matter of perseverance there's gonna be times when you're tired and it's hard to get everybody motivated to do family worship but the benefits outweigh the pain. And before you know it this will be a time that your family looks forward to when you can all worship together and since God's presence

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Devotional, Family

Worship Leads To Change

Last week we talked about family worship. It is clear to see in scripture that this is not a new concept or new practice. It is a time tested practice that produces disciples with in the context of the family!

If you are looking for a way to make sure your family is following God, family worship is not  a magic bullet but I would say that the chances are good  of them following through on their faith, when they have an example to follow. All throughout scripture we see the examples and we are encouraged to imitate them. 

I urge you then be imitators of me. 1 Corinthian 4:16

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Brother's join in imitating me, keeping your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:17

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me  practice these thing, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 

This command is of vital importance! The spiritual leader of the family has to imitate Christ so the ones that you shepherd will have an example to follow. They are going to follow our example, are you setting a good one?

The example you set, the way you worship, will lead to something. I believe it should be the following.

  • Heart change - Who we are.

We are born into this world with a sin-sickness. The only way to change that is to change our affections to things of God. As we worship him our perspective changes. Our identity changes. We go from lost to found.

 

3 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

  • Attitude change - How we think.

We are often full of pride and selfishness thinking "what's best for me?" When Christ comes in and we truly encounter Him every changes! Maybe not immediately but eventually.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

  • Behavior change  -How we act.

What good is transformation if you don't live it out. The process of spiritual transformation leads to a change in behavior. Not for salvation but because of salvation, it is the fruit of a changed life.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

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