Flatwood Baptist Church Decatur, Texas

06/24/2026

The Burning Bush Devotional June 24th , 2026
Faithful in the Small Things
Scripture Ref: 2 Kings 5:1-3; Luke 16:10; Zechariah 4:10; Colossians 3:17

Most people dream about doing something great for God. We imagine the large opportunities, the significant accomplishments, and the moments that seem to leave a lasting mark upon the world around us. Yet when we study Scripture, we quickly discover that God often works through things the world considers small. In fact, some of the greatest acts of faithfulness recorded in God's Word began with people who simply did what was right in an ordinary moment.

One of those people was a young servant girl whose name we are never told. She appears briefly in the story of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army. Naaman was a mighty man and a respected leader, yet he suffered from leprosy. The servant girl had every reason to become bitter because she had been taken from her home and carried away captive into a foreign land. Yet instead of allowing hardship to define her, she remained faithful. 2 Kings 5:3 "She said to her mistress, 'If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Think about how simple that moment was. She did not preach a sermon, she did not perform a miracle, she simply shared what she knew about God. Those few faithful words set in motion a chain of events that eventually led Naaman to the prophet Elisha and ultimately to healing. I encourage you to go read the whole story it will encourage you about how there are no “insignificant” people in the kingdom of God. 2 Kings 5

How many times do we overlook opportunities because they seem too small? We assume that if God is going to use us, it must involve something dramatic or highly visible. Yet much of God's work is accomplished through ordinary people being faithful in ordinary moments. A word of encouragement, a prayer offered in faith, a simple act of kindness, a conversation about Christ, or a quiet act of obedience may accomplish far more than we ever realize. Zechariah 4:10 "For who dares despise the day of small things?" God certainly does not. The same God who created the heavens and the earth notices every act of obedience, while also seeing every prayer, every sacrifice, every kindness, and every moment of faithfulness. What appears small to us is never small to Him.

Far too often we become so focused on what we wish we were doing that we fail to be faithful in what God has already placed before us. We wait for a larger opportunity while overlooking the ministry sitting right in front of us. We keep asking God to put us in a great ministry or give us the great job in the Church or better yet make us recognizable in His kingdom.

Yet God's kingdom has always advanced through faithful people doing small things with great love. It is the faithfulness and willingness of a nameless servant girl who caught the attention of God to be enough to become written about in His Word to be recognized centuries later by all who would read and hear the Word of God being taught and preached. This is so important to grasp because I go back to my old pulpit question… “If the Bible were being written today would you be important enough to God nameless or otherwise to be included?”

Today, do not underestimate the opportunities God places in your path. A faithful word, a faithful action, a faithful prayer, or a faithful act of obedience may have a greater impact than you ever know this side of Heaven. Be faithful in the small things. The God who sees the sparrow fall sees your faithfulness as well, and He delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.

Serving Christ Together
Pastor Doug

06/23/2026

The Burning Bush Devotional June 23rd , 2026
Scripture Ref: 1 Samuel 16:11-13; Luke 16:10; Colossians 3:23-24; Psalm 78:70-72
Faithful When Nobody Sees

Most people enjoy being appreciated. We like knowing our efforts matter and that our work is making a difference. There is nothing wrong with encouragement, yet some of the most important moments of faithfulness occur when nobody notices at all. Long before public victories are won, private faithfulness is developed. Long before God places greater responsibilities in our hands, He often watches to see what we do with the responsibilities we already have. It is important that we understand God already sees and recognizes the heart of a faithful servant even when we can’t discern our own calling or purpose or we see it as something below or worthy of the Master’s calling. Please remember He placed it in you when He created you in His image…it’s just a matter of you being faithful to it at the proper times when he needs you to use it for His glory.

David is a perfect example of this truth. When Samuel arrived at Jesse's house to anoint the future king of Israel, David was not standing with his brothers waiting to be chosen. He was in the fields tending sheep. In fact, he was so overlooked that Jesse did not even think to bring him before Samuel at first. While others were being considered for the throne, David was faithfully doing the task he had been given. 1 Samuel 16:11 " So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” What seemed like an ordinary responsibility was actually preparing David for an extraordinary future. The courage that would later face Goliath was developed in lonely fields, while the leadership that would one day guide a nation was being formed while caring for sheep. The faithfulness God would eventually reward was already being demonstrated when nobody was watching.

We often focus on the visible moments of life while God focuses on the hidden ones. People see the platform while God sees the preparation. People only see the accomplishment, but God sees the character that produced it. While people celebrate the public victory, God remembers the private faithfulness that made the victory possible. Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much..." The truth is that most of life is lived in the "little things." It is found in daily obedience, consistent prayer, honest work, faithful service, and doing what is right even when there is no recognition attached to it. Those moments may seem insignificant, but they matter greatly to God. When we concentrate on what seems like the insignificant invisible faithful acts of kindness, love, mercy, and grace, or what I like to call the “Unconditionals”: the same ones that God gives us daily. God sees them and that is all that matters. We shouldn’t even be doing them for recognition in the first place…that is what pleases God’s heart and should please our souls as well, and when it does that is when you know when your heart with God is right where it should be. Selah!

Today, do not underestimate the value of the assignment God has placed before you. Far too many people are waiting for a larger opportunity while neglecting the one already in front of them. Yet God often prepares us for tomorrow through what we do today. Faithfulness is proven long before the spotlight arrives, and even when no one else notices, God sees. The same God who watched over David in the pasture still watches over His children today. Be faithful where He has placed you. The God who sees what is done in secret is working in ways you may not yet understand.

Serving Christ Together
Pastor Doug

06/22/2026

The Burning Bush Devotional June 22nd , 2026
Faithful Through Change
Scripture Ref: Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17; Psalm 102:25-27

Change is one of the few certainties in life, touching seasons, circumstances, relationships, health, jobs, growing children, aging parents, communities, churches, and even the plans we carefully make when we least expect it. Whether we welcome it or resist it, change is a part of life. What often makes change difficult is not the change itself, but the uncertainty that comes with it. We like familiar routines, predictable outcomes, and stable circumstances. We enjoy knowing what tomorrow will look like, yet life has a way of reminding us that many things we depend upon are temporary. That is why one of the greatest comforts found in Scripture is the unchanging nature of God. Malachi 3:6 "For I am the Lord, I change not..."

Think about that statement for a moment. Everything around us may change, yet God never does. His character, His promises, His love, His mercy, and His truth do not change, simply because He is the same God who walked with Abraham, strengthened Moses, comforted David, sustained Paul and is the same God who walks with us today. With that in mind should there be anything on your mind today that you should be worried about that He can’t take care of in your life today. Luke 12:22-31 Jesus told His Disciples not to worry about anything because if the ravens and the wildflowers were cared for then how much more should they be and that would now mean us…are you a disciple of Christ?

When life changes unexpectedly, we often find ourselves searching for something stable to hold onto. The believer already possesses that stability. We should not place our confidence in circumstances because circumstances change. We should not place our confidence in people because people are imperfect. We should be placing our confidence in God because He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever because that is the very heart of a faithful walk. Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."

That truth has carried believers through every season imaginable. It has sustained them through victories and defeats, through abundance and hardship, through celebrations and sorrows. God's faithfulness is not dependent upon the circumstances surrounding us. His faithfulness flows from His unchanging nature.
Many of life's greatest fears are rooted in uncertainty. We wonder what will happen next, how situations will unfold, and whether we will have the strength to face what lies ahead. Yet James 1:17 reminds us “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." While the world around us shifts constantly, our Heavenly Father remains steadfast and sure. Remember God’s definition of a problem – “ A situation or circumstance that you let affect the way you make spiritual decisions in your everyday life” When you practice faithfulness in change…change won’t be a problem it will be an adjustment. Exactly what God meant it to be…as His Children don’t lose sight of what He is doing in and around your life. Faithfulness to Him and His Word maintains that.

Today, if you find yourself facing change, do not focus on what is uncertain. Focus on what is unchanging. The God who has been faithful in every chapter of your life will be faithful in this one as well. Circumstances may change, but His promises remain. Seasons may change, but His love endures. Life may change, but God never will. Because He remains faithful, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that the One who holds tomorrow is already there waiting for us.

Serving Christ Together
Pastor Doug

06/21/2026

06/21/2026

The Burning Bush Devotional June 21st , 2026
Faithfulness
Scripture Ref: Lamentations 3:19-23; Deuteronomy 7:9; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:13

Faithfulness is one of those words we often use when speaking about what God expects from us. We talk about faithful service, faithful attendance, faithful giving, and faithful obedience. While all those things are important, they are not where faithfulness begins. Before we ever learn to be faithful to God, we need to discover that God has already been faithful to us. In fact, our faithfulness is simply a response to His. I say “need” because for some it’s a revelation that more than remembering. It is a fundamental truth that takes you back to the beginning of your walk with God…and that’s the relationship that started with Jesus’s Faithfulness on the Cross.

One of the greatest testimonies to God's faithfulness is found in the middle of one of the darkest books in all of Scripture – Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet for good reason. He had watched his nation reject God, while preaching warnings that went ignored and he had witnessed destruction, suffering, and heartbreak. By the time we reach the third chapter of Lamentations, Jeremiah is pouring out the deepest grief of his heart. He is not standing on a mountain celebrating victory, He is standing in the rubble of everything he once knew. Yet in the middle of his sorrow, something remarkable happens. Lamentations 3:19-23 “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness, and the gall. 20I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Notice that Jeremiah does not deny his pain, nor does he does pretend everything is fine. He remembers his affliction and his misery, while the bitterness and the gall leave a terrible taste in his mouth. Yet the turning point comes when he says, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Hope did not come because his circumstances changed. Hope came because he remembered the faithfulness of God.

How often do we do the opposite? We remember our disappointments, our failures, our fears, and our frustrations, yet we forget the countless times God has carried us through difficult seasons. We remember the storm but forget the Deliverer. We remember the problem but forget the Provider. We remember the valley but forget the Shepherd who walked us through it.
Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."

God has never broken a promise, He has never abandoned His people, and He has never failed to accomplish His purpose. His faithfulness is not determined by our circumstances, our emotions, or our understanding, He simply remains faithful because faithfulness is part of His character. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 2:13“if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” What a comforting truth! There are moments when our faith wavers, our strength weakens, and our understanding falls short, yet God's faithfulness never changes. He remains who He has always been.

Today, take a moment to look back over your life. Remember the prayers He answered, the doors He opened, the valleys He carried you through, and the grace He provided when you needed it most. Then do what Jeremiah did…recall it to your mind and let it strengthen your heart while it renews your hope. The same God who was faithful yesterday remains faithful today, and He will always be faithful tomorrow.

Serving Christ Together
Pastor Doug

06/20/2026

The Burning Bush Devotional June 20th , 2026
Remain
Scripture References: John 15:4-5; Colossians 2:6-7; Psalm 1:1-3; Hebrews 10:23

This week we have talked about remembering, repenting, returning, relationship, rejoicing, and rest. Each step has brought us closer to the heart of God. Yet after all those things have taken place, one question remains. What do we do now? The answer is surprisingly simple. Remain. That sounds easy until life happens and that sounds easy until disappointment comes. That sounds easy until circumstances change. Yet through every season, God's instruction remains the same: Remain.

One of the greatest mistakes believers make is treating their walk with God as a series of spiritual events rather than a lifelong relationship. We remember, repent, return, and experience renewed fellowship with God, yet sometimes we mistakenly believe the journey is complete. In reality, those moments are not the finish line. They are invitations to Remain where God has brought us.
John 15:4-5 "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." The word Remain and Abide are consistent here in the Greek, it means to STAY! Stay in the presence of God and He will be in your presence…think about that for a second!

Notice that Jesus did not command His disciples to produce fruit. He commanded them to remain. Fruit is the natural result of staying connected to the vine. Too many Christians exhaust themselves trying to manufacture spiritual growth through effort alone. They strive harder, work longer, and become frustrated when they do not see lasting results. Yet Jesus teaches that the secret to a fruitful life is not found in striving but in abiding. The word Remain…the Psalmist paints a similar picture. Psalm 1:2-3 "But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."

Notice that the tree does not struggle to stay alive. Its strength comes from where it is planted. Because its roots remain near the source, it continues to grow, endure, and bear fruit. The same is true for every believer. Our spiritual strength is not found in our own ability but in our connection to Christ.

Far too many people spend their lives drifting from one spiritual experience to another while neglecting the daily relationship that sustains them. They seek another conference, another sermon, another emotional moment, or another spiritual high, yet God simply says, "Remain." Stay in My Word, stay in prayer, stay in fellowship, stay close to Me when life is good and when life is hard, stay when you understand and stay when you do not. Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." The reason we can remain is because God remains faithful. Our confidence is not found in our ability to hold on to Him but in His faithfulness to hold on to us. Seasons change. Circumstances change. Feelings change. Yet the God who called us, saved us, forgave us, restored us, and gave us rest remains the same.

Today, do not focus on how far you still have to go. Focus on staying close to the One who brought you this far. Remain in His presence. Remain in His Word. Remain in His love. The Christian life is not won by those who sprint the fastest. It is lived by those who faithfully remain.

Serving Christ Together
Pastor Doug

06/19/2026

The Burning Bush Devotional June 19th , 2026
Rest
Scripture References: Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 4:9-11

This week we have talked about remembering, repenting, returning, relationship, and rejoicing. Each step has brought us closer to the heart of God, yet there is another blessing many believers never fully experience. Once the relationship is restored and the joy returns, God invites us into something many desperately need but few consistently enjoy. He invites us to Rest.
One of the greatest misconceptions in the Christian life is that rest means doing nothing. Biblical rest has never been about inactivity. It has always been about trust. A person can sleep eight hours a night and still wake up exhausted. Another person can carry a full schedule, work diligently throughout the day, and yet possess a peace that cannot be explained. Sleep does not automatically equal rest, and a busy life does not automatically prevent it. Rest is not determined by what is happening around us; it is determined by what is happening within us.
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus extended this invitation to people who were tired, burdened, and overwhelmed by life. Notice that He did not promise the immediate removal of every problem, every hardship, or every responsibility. Instead, He invited weary people into His presence. The rest Christ offers is not found in the absence of problems. It is found in the presence of God. If we are honest, many of us have forgotten what real rest feels like. We know how to stay busy and definitely know how to worry. We know how to carry yesterday's failures while fearing tomorrow's doubts. We wear exhaustion like a badge of honor and convince ourselves that if we just think a little longer, worry a little harder, or work a little more, somehow everything will turn out better. Yet none of those things produce peace.

Rest is not the absence of responsibility; it is the presence of trust. The question is not whether God is able to carry what burdens us, it is whether we are willing to give it to Him. Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."

Sometimes the greatest act of faith is not doing more, it is simply trusting more. We often pray for God to change our circumstances when He is trying to change our perspective. Many people spend their lives waiting for the storm to end before they will rest, yet Jesus slept peacefully in the middle of a storm while experienced fishermen panicked around Him. The storm did not determine His rest. His trust in the Father did. "When Jesus stepped into that boat and said, 'Let us go over to the other side,' He fully expected to wake up on the other side. His rest was found in the words He had spoken and the authority behind them—His Father's." Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Notice the connection between peace and trust. Peace does not come from understanding everything God is doing; peace comes from trusting the One who does. There comes a point in every believer's life when faith must become more than a sermon we hear or a lesson we teach. Eventually we must decide whether we truly believe God is who He says He is. If He is faithful, we can trust Him. If He is sovereign, we can trust Him. If He loves us enough to save us through His Son, we can trust Him with whatever we face today, and then your Rest begins.
Today, lay your burdens, the worries, fears, frustrations, and uncertainties you have been carrying, before the Lord. Trust Him with what you cannot fix and surrender what you cannot control. The God who saved you is more than able to sustain you. Real rest is not found in escaping life for a moment. It is found in resting in the faithful arms of the One who holds your life every day.

Serving Christ Together
Pastor Doug

06/18/2026

The Burning Bush Devotional June 18th , 2026
Rejoice
Scripture Ref: Luke 15:22-24, Psalm 51:12, Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, James 1:2

This week we have talked about remembering, repenting, returning, and relationship. Each step has brought us closer to the heart of God, yet once the relationship is restored, something beautiful happens, Joy returns. One of the greatest tragedies in the Christian life is that many believers have experienced salvation, but they no longer experience the joy that accompanies it. Life happens, burdens increase, disappointments accumulate, and before long many find themselves faithfully serving God while no longer enjoying the relationship they have with Him.

That is why the story of the prodigal son is so powerful. After remembering what he had lost, repenting of his rebellion, and returning home, the father did not greet him with a lecture or a list of conditions. Luke 15:22-24 tells us that the father called for the best robe, a ring, and sandals, then declared, “Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Notice that the celebration did not begin when the son left the far country, nor did it begin when he started his journey home...no the rejoicing began when the relationship was restored.

David understood this truth as well. After his repentance in Psalm 51, he prayed, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation...” David did not ask God to save him again. He asked God to restore the joy he once knew. Somewhere beneath the guilt, the sorrow, and the consequences of his choices, David remembered what it felt like to walk closely with God. He longed not only for forgiveness but also for the joy that comes from fellowship with the Lord. This many times is where we let the cynics of Christianity rob us of our joy as well. Instead of us concentrating on passages like these and others that tell us to rejoice; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 “Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I encourage you strongly to read that backwards and you will see why you are Rejoicing always because you are smack dab in the middle of God’s Will. Too often we allow them to tell us how difficult the work is instead of remembering how much joy comes from working with purpose. Working for a Purpose brings Joy! James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

Far too many believers live as though Christianity is meant to be endured rather than enjoyed. They faithfully attend church, serve in ministry, and fulfill their responsibilities, yet their relationship with God has become more obligation than delight.God never intended for His children to drag themselves through life carrying the appearance of faith while missing the joy of His presence. There is a reason the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul's circumstances were often difficult, but his joy was never rooted in his circumstances. His joy was rooted in his relationship with Christ. The world searches for happiness in possessions, accomplishments, entertainment, and success, yet all those things eventually fade. The joy found in Christ is different because it is rooted in Someone who never changes. When our relationship with Him is healthy, joy becomes the natural response of a grateful heart.

Today, take a moment to remember what God has done for you. Remember where He found you, how He forgave you, how He has sustained you, and how faithfully He has walked beside you through every season of life. Then rejoice. Not because every problem has disappeared, but because the God who saved you, loves you, and calls you His own is still worthy of your praise.

Serving Christ Together
Pastor Doug

06/17/2026

The Burning Bush Devotional June 17th, 2026
Relationship
Scripture References: Hosea 6:6, Philippians 3:10, John 15:15, Revelation 3:20

This week we have talked about remembering, repenting, and returning; yet if we stop there, we miss the very reason God called us in the first place. Remembering is not the goal. Repentance is not the goal. Returning is not even the goal. Each of those is a necessary step along the road, but the destination has always been the same. God has always desired a relationship with His people. From Genesis to Revelation, the story of Scripture is not simply the story of man's failure and God's forgiveness; it is the story of a loving Father pursuing those He created so they might know Him, walk with Him, and enjoy fellowship with Him.
One of the greatest misunderstandings in Christianity is the belief that God is primarily interested in religious activity. Many people spend their lives trying to do things for God while neglecting to spend time with God. They attend church, sing the songs, listen to sermons, participate in ministry, and faithfully complete religious duties; yet somewhere along the way they forget that all those things were intended to strengthen a relationship, not replace one. God has never been impressed by empty motions or routine obedience that lacks love. He desires our hearts.

That truth is beautifully expressed in Hosea 6:6 where the Lord says, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” God was not condemning sacrifice because He established the sacrificial system. He was reminding His people that religious activity without a relationship is empty. The sacrifices and the worship pointed to Him and of course the commandments pointed to Him and while everything was designed to bring people closer to God, many had simply become satisfied with the symbols while neglecting the Savior.

This is no different than what we see today in our modern life and Churches. Many have replaced the focus from Relationship to Religion. Show up check a box, get a gift, get an attaboy and a motivational speech, a rock concert, or a great feeling for doing your weekly duty, “but don’t you dare talk to me about sin or hell. I didn’t come for that…My thing with God that’ that’s my business you just leave that alone.” Come back to me don’t stop reading now.

The apostle Paul understood this better than most. After years of ministry, countless sermons, missionary journeys, miracles, persecution, and spiritual victories, Paul still wrote these simple words in Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ...” Not knowing more about Him, not learn another fact, not gaining another title, Paul wanted to know Him more deeply. The closer Paul grew to Christ, the more he desired that relationship. That is the nature of genuine fellowship with God.

The more we know Him, the more we want to know Him.
Jesus revealed this same truth when He told His disciples in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants... Instead, I have called you friends...” Think about the privilege contained in those words. The Creator of the universe desires more than our service. He desires fellowship. He desires friendship. He desires daily communion with those He has redeemed through His grace.

That is why Revelation 3:20 remains such a powerful picture of God's heart. Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Notice that the invitation is not to a ceremony, a ritual, or a program. It is an invitation to fellowship; it is an invitation to relationship.

Today, do not simply spend time doing something for God, spend time with Him. Open His Word and listen for His voice, speak to Him in prayer while enjoying His presence. Christianity is not ultimately about religion. It is about a relationship with the One who loved you enough to save you, pursue you, forgive you, and call you His friend.

Serving Christ Together
Pastor Doug