Friendship Baptist Church

06/01/2026

Have you been hiding in a cave or something?
Enjoyed another powerful and thought-provoking Sermon this morning! (Catch the recap below).
Then the church jumped “Outside the Box” this evening as we had Movie Night for the evening service. We enjoyed an encouraging film that focused on the importance and power of PRAYER as we watched the “War Room”.
Another Awesome Day in God’s House!

Sermon Title: What Doest Thou Here?
Focal Text: 1 Kings 19:1-11 (Key Verse: 1 Kings 19:9)
Introduction
• Elijah has just experienced a massive spiritual high, but we suddenly find him hiding in a cave at Horeb.
• The word of the Lord comes to him with a piercing, personal question: “What doest thou here, Elijah?”
• Today, God is looking at His church, walking down the aisles, and asking us that exact same question.
I. The Powerful Past (Elijah’s Record and Ours)
Elijah wasn't a spiritual novice; he was a mighty prophet of God who had done incredible things.
• Biblical Examples of Elijah’s Past:
o He courageously confronted the wicked King Ahab (1 Kings 17).
o He was miraculously fed by ravens at the brook Cherith.
o He just finished a massive showdown on Mount Carmel, calling down fire from heaven and defeating 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18).
• The Church Member's Past: Many of God’s children have a powerful past of doing great things for the Kingdom.
o Teaching a Sunday School Class.
o Driving a Church Bus.
o Singing in the Choir.
o Faithfully keeping the church clean and maintained.
II. The Paralyzing Panic (Retreating to the Cave)
Despite his great victories, we find Elijah in a completely different state in this passage.
• Elijah’s Condition:
o Broken & Frightened: He is running for his life from Queen Jezebel's threats.
o Lonely & Filled with Excuses: He throws a pity party. He tells God, "I’m the only one left serving, so I’m just going to lie low" (1 Kings 19:10).
o He retreats into a dark, isolated cave.
• The Church Member's Condition: We can easily find ourselves in the exact same condition.
o We get burned out, discouraged, or frightened by the culture around us.
o We take a "spiritual vacation" from serving God.
o The Modern Cave: For a church member, the "cave" is coming to church and just sitting comfortably on the pew with absolutely no church obligations or responsibilities.
III. The Piercing Probe (A Personal Question)
God does not leave Elijah in the cave. He pursues him and demands an answer to a deeply personal question.
• The Question: “What doest thou here, Elijah?”
• The Application: God is asking us the same question today. He wants you to put your name in that blank.
o "What doest thou here, ___________?"
• Biblical Parallel: Just as God walked through the Garden of Eden seeking a hiding Adam and asking, "Where art thou?" (Genesis 3:9), He seeks us in our caves of complacency today. He isn't asking for information; He is asking for introspection.
IV. The Purposeful Plea (Getting Back to Work)
• The Challenge: It is time to search your heart and answer God’s question honestly.
o Are you active and serving God with joy?
o Or are you hiding in a cave in Horeb?
• The Good News: If you are not currently serving God, it is not too late to get back into His service! (God didn't fire Elijah; in verses 15-16, He gave him a new assignment).
• The Call to Action: Ask God exactly where He would have you serve right now. The church needs you out of the cave.
o Is it teaching a class?
o Is it rocking babies in the nursery or working in Children’s Ministries?
o Is it helping keep the buildings clean?
o Is it helping keep up the lawn?
o Is it joining the Choir?
o Is it Helping with the Sound/Video Booth?
o Is it …………?
Conclusion
• The pew is a great place to rest, but it is a terrible place to retire.
• Step out of the cave today, leave your excuses behind, and let's get back to serving the Lord!

05/30/2026

Daily Word for Your Journey
May 30: Growing in Grace

Scripture: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." — 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Devotional:
Growth is a sign of life. Just as a healthy plant naturally grows toward the sun, a healthy believer naturally grows in "grace and knowledge." This growth is a lifelong process that requires both the nourishment of God’s Word and the "exercise" of our faith. Growing in grace means becoming more like Jesus in our character—more patient, more loving, and more forgiving. Growing in knowledge means moving beyond a surface-level understanding of God to a deep, personal intimacy with Him. This isn't about collecting facts, but about knowing the Person of Jesus Christ more deeply each day.

We don't grow by our own power, but we do have to cooperate with the work the Holy Spirit is doing in us. This involves making room for spiritual disciplines like prayer, study, and fellowship. It also means being willing to be "pruned" when God points out areas of our lives that are hindering our progress. Growth can be uncomfortable at times, but it leads to a more fruitful and fulfilling life. As we grow, our capacity to reflect God’s glory to the world increases. We become more stable, less easily swayed by false teachings, and more effective in our service to others. Take a moment to look back at where you were a year ago and thank God for the growth He has produced. Trust that He who began a good work in you will continue to grow you until the day of Christ Jesus.

Reflection and Challenge:

Reflection: In what way have you seen the most spiritual growth in your life over the past few months?

Challenge: Pick one topic or Book of the Bible you want to know more about and commit to studying it for 10 minutes every day this week.

05/29/2026

Daily Word for Your Journey
May 29: The Light in the Darkness

Scripture: "The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." — John 1:5 (KJV)

Devotional:
Darkness can be intimidating, but it has a fundamental weakness: it cannot exist in the presence of light. Even the smallest flicker of a candle can hold back a room full of shadows. In a world that often feels like it is growing darker with conflict, confusion, and fear, the light of Christ remains undiminished. This light doesn't just show us the truth; it is the truth. The darkness "comprehended it not," meaning it could neither understand it nor overcome it. As a believer, you carry this invincible light within you, making you a beacon of hope in a world that is desperately searching for the way home.

When you walk into a difficult situation, you aren't just bringing your own personality; you are bringing the light of the Gospel. This light exposes the lies of the enemy and reveals the path of righteousness for those who are lost. We should never be afraid of the "darkness" of our culture or our circumstances, because light is the superior force. Our job is simply to keep our lamps trimmed and burning brightly through a life of prayer and holiness. When we shine, we give others the courage to step out of the shadows and into God’s grace. Your kindness, your honesty, and your peace are all rays of this divine light hitting the world. Remember that the darker the night, the more clearly your light will be seen. Don't hide your glow; let it be a guide for someone who has lost their way.

Reflection and Challenge:

Reflection: Have you been feeling overwhelmed by the "darkness" in the news or the world lately?

Challenge: Be a "light-bearer" today by intentionally speaking a word of hope or truth to someone who seems discouraged or lost.

05/28/2026

Daily Word for Your Journey
May 28: Pressing Toward the Mark

Scripture: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 3:14 (KJV)

Devotional:
The Christian life is not a leisurely stroll; it is a focused race. To "press" implies effort, intensity, and a refusal to be distracted by what is behind us. Many people are held back by their past—either by the weight of their failures or by the comfort of their past successes. But the "mark" is ahead of us, not behind. This "high calling" is the invitation to become more like Christ and to fulfill the specific mission He has for your life. Each day is a new opportunity to gain ground, to grow in grace, and to run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Staying focused on the "prize" helps us to endure the temporary pains and frustrations of the journey. When a runner is near the finish line, they don't look around at the crowd; they fix their eyes on the goal. Similarly, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Don't let the fatigue of the "middle of the race" cause you to give up or slow down. Your progress may seem slow at times, but as long as you are pressing forward, you are winning. God provides the strength for the "press," giving us the stamina to keep going when our natural energy fails. Every prayer, every act of service, and every moment of obedience is a step closer to the mark. Keep running with purpose, knowing that the prize waiting for you is worth every ounce of effort.

Reflection and Challenge:

Reflection: What "distraction" from your past or your present is currently slowing down your spiritual pace?

Challenge: Identify one spiritual goal you want to reach by the end of this year and take one specific action toward it today.

05/27/2026

Daily Word for Your Journey
May 27: The Peace of Christ

Scripture: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." — John 14:27 (KJV)

Devotional:
The world offers a "peace" that is fragile and dependent on external conditions—it only exists when things are going our way. But Jesus offers a "peace" that is internal and independent of our circumstances. It is His peace, the same calm that allowed Him to sleep in the back of a boat during a raging storm. This gift is already yours; it has been "left" for you as an inheritance. When we feel our hearts becoming "troubled," we have the authority to stop that emotion by leaning into the presence of Christ. His peace acts as a spiritual sedative for the soul, quieting the noise of worry and the clatter of fear.

Living in this peace doesn't mean you won't face trouble, but it means the trouble won't "get into" you. It is like a ship that is surrounded by water but stays afloat because the water doesn't get inside the hull. We must actively choose to "let not" our hearts be troubled, which implies that we have a say in the matter. We can refuse to dwell on the "what ifs" and instead dwell on the "I Am." This peace is a powerful tool for discernment, often acting as a "referee" in our hearts to show us the right path. As you move through your day, pay attention to the level of peace in your spirit. If you feel it slipping away, take a moment to reconnect with the Prince of Peace. He is the steady ground beneath your feet when everything else is shaking.

Reflection and Challenge:

Reflection: What is currently trying to "trouble" your heart, and how can you trade that trouble for His peace?

Challenge: When you feel a moment of stress today, stop for 60 seconds and focus entirely on the phrase "Peace, be still," applying it to your own spirit.

05/26/2026

Daily Word for Your Journey
May 26: Faithfulness in the Small Things

Scripture: "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." — Luke 16:10 (KJV)

Devotional:
We often wait for a "big opportunity" to serve God or prove our character, but God is looking at how we handle the small, unseen tasks of today. Character isn't built in the spotlight; it is forged in the quiet corners of our daily lives. How we treat a stranger, how we manage our time when no one is watching, and how we handle a small amount of money all reveal the true state of our hearts. Faithfulness in the "least" is the prerequisite for being trusted with the "much." Every small act of integrity is a seed planted for a future harvest of greater responsibility. God values the heart behind the action more than the size of the task itself.

When we are diligent in the small things, we are practicing for the bigger challenges that lie ahead. A person who cannot be honest about a few cents will likely struggle when thousands are on the line. Conversely, the discipline you develop in your private prayer life or your daily chores becomes the foundation for your public testimony. Don't look down on your current "small" season; it is a training ground designed by God. He is watching to see if you will honor Him with what you have right now. By doing your work heartily as unto the Lord, you turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Trust that He sees your quiet faithfulness and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him in every detail.

Reflection and Challenge:

Reflection: Is there a "small" task you’ve been neglecting or doing half-heartedly because it seems unimportant?

Challenge: Today, perform one mundane or small task with absolute excellence and a joyful spirit, as a direct offering to God.

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Daily Word for Your Journey
May 25: The Lord Our Helper

Scripture: "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." — Hebrews 13:6 (KJV)

Devotional:
In a world full of critics and competitors, it is a staggering thought to realize that the Creator of the heavens and the earth is your personal "Helper." This isn't a passive assistance; it is an active, powerful backing that gives us the courage to face any giant. When we know that God is for us, the fear of man begins to lose its grip. What can anyone truly do to a soul that is hidden in the palm of God’s hand? This divine partnership allows us to live with a boldness that isn't based on our own resources, but on His infinite supply. We can face our tasks, our trials, and our critics with a quiet and steady heart.

Having the Lord as your Helper means you never have to walk into a room alone or face a difficult conversation without support. He is your advocate in the workplace, your strength in the home, and your shield in the public square. This help is available in the small, mundane details of life just as much as in the major crises. We simply need to acknowledge our need for Him and invite Him into our daily processes. When we stop trying to be our own saviors, we find that His help is always timely and perfectly suited to our needs. This assurance should produce a deep sense of security that the world cannot understand. Go forth today with your head held high, knowing that the most powerful Force in existence is walking right beside you.

Reflection and Challenge:

Reflection: Do you find yourself more concerned with the opinions of people than with the promise of God’s help?

Challenge: Before starting a task that feels intimidating today, pause and declare out loud: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear."

05/25/2026

We may have started the day with cloudy skies and a chance of rain… but Fire Fell from Heaven today as we heard an Encouraging Message from God’s Word!

The God of Second Chances
Text: 2 Chronicles 33:1-13 (KJV)
As we look at King Manasseh, we find:

1. There was a Rebellious Heart
In King Manasseh: Manasseh’s rebellion was extreme and deeply offensive to God (vv. 2-9). Despite having a godly father in King Hezekiah, Manasseh spent his life undoing his father's righteous work. He rebuilt the pagan high places, erected altars to Baalim, and placed carved idols directly inside the house of the Lord. He even crossed the darkest lines imaginable by practicing witchcraft and causing his children to pass through the fire in the valley of Hinnom. Verse 9 tells us he caused his people to "err, and to do worse than the heathen." Worse still, when the Lord tried to warn him and his people, verse 10 says, "they would not hearken."

As Christians: We might look at Manasseh's horrific list of sins and think, "I'm not that bad. I haven't done those things." But the root of Manasseh's sin is the exact same root found in our own lives: a rebellious heart that refuses to listen to God. How often does God try to speak to us through His Word, through our conscience, or through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, yet we "will not hearken"? A rebellious heart closes its ears to God and chooses its own way. And just like Manasseh, our rebellion never just affects us—it always drags others down with us.

2. There was a Broken Heart
In King Manasseh: Because Manasseh would not listen to God's voice, God used the pain of consequence to get his attention (v. 11). The Lord brought the commanders of the Assyrian army against him. They "took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon." The king who once sat comfortably on a throne of pride was violently dragged away in bronze chains. He was stripped of his power, his dignity, and his freedom. He was utterly broken by the consequences of his own sin.

As Christians: Sometimes God allows us to experience the painful, crushing consequences of our rebellious choices. He doesn't do this to destroy us, but to wake us up. Has your rebellion led you into captivity? Perhaps you are bound by the "fetters" of addiction, a broken marriage, financial ruin, or deep spiritual depression. You feel trapped in your own personal Babylon. We must remember that God loves us too much to let us comfortably destroy ourselves. He will allow us to be broken so that we will finally look up.

3. There was a Humbled Heart
In King Manasseh: This is the turning point of Manasseh's life (v. 12). "And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers." In the darkness of a Babylonian dungeon, Manasseh didn't get bitter at God. He didn't blame his circumstances or his captors. Instead, he got low. He dropped his royal pride, recognized his utter helplessness, and genuinely humbled himself before the Lord.

As Christians: Affliction will do one of two things to you: it will make you bitter, or it will make you better. The only bridge between a broken heart and a restored heart is humility. You cannot receive God's grace while standing on your pride. True repentance means dropping the excuses, taking full ownership of your sin, and crying out to God from the absolute bottom of your heart. No matter how far you've run or how deep your sin goes, God is always listening for the genuine cry of a humbled heart.

4. There was a Restored Heart
In King Manasseh: Verse 13 reveals the unbelievable mercy of God. "And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God." God heard the desperate prayer of the most wicked king in Judah's history. The Lord didn't just forgive Manasseh; He miraculously delivered him from Babylon and restored him to his throne in Jerusalem. Through this profound grace, Manasseh finally came to a true, personal saving knowledge of God.

As Christians: This is the beautiful truth of the Gospel. If God can forgive and restore King Manasseh—a man who sacrificed his own children and filled God's temple with idols—He can restore you. There is no sin too great, no past too dark, and no chain too heavy for the grace of God. When we bring our brokenness and humility to the Lord, He does more than just wipe our slate clean; He restores our purpose. Are you ready to let the God of second chances write the final chapter of your story today?

The evening service was another great service as we sang worship songs, prayed and started a Bible Series on:
The Character of God

05/24/2026

Daily Word for Your Journey
May 24: A New Creature

Scripture: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

Devotional:
The Gospel is not about self-improvement or simply trying to be a "better person." It is about a complete and radical transformation. When we are in Christ, the old version of ourselves—along with its guilt, shame, and defeated patterns—is legally and spiritually dead. God does not just patch up our old lives; He gives us an entirely new nature. This means your past does not define your future, and your previous failures do not dictate your current worth. You are a brand-new creation, designed with a purpose and filled with the life of God. This newness is a gift to be unwrapped and lived out every single day as we walk in our new identity.

Embracing this reality requires a shift in how we see ourselves and how we interact with the world. We must stop digging up the "old things" that God has already buried and forgotten. Instead, we should focus on the "new things" He is cultivating in our character and our circumstances. This transformation affects our desires, our perspectives, and our responses to life’s challenges. You are no longer a slave to your old habits because the power that raised Christ from the dead now lives in you. When the enemy tries to remind you of who you used to be, you can boldly point to who you are now in Christ. This new life is marked by a freedom and a joy that the world can neither give nor take away. Celebrate your newness today by walking in the confidence of a child of God.

Reflection and Challenge:

Reflection: Are there "old things" from your past that you are still carrying as if they define you?

Challenge: Today, whenever a thought of past failure arises, replace it by saying, "I am a new creature in Christ; that is not who I am anymore."