Rector First Baptist Church

09/09/2026

Daily Devotional: Keep Building

Bible Reading: Ezra 2; Ezra 3; Ezra 4:1-5; 1 Chronicles 3:19-24

Focus Verse: Ezra 3:11

“With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: ‘He is good; His love toward Israel endures forever.’”

Today’s reading reminds us that God can give us a new beginning, even after seasons of loss and difficulty.

Ezra 2 tells us about the people who returned to Jerusalem after years of exile.

They were coming home.

There was work to do.

The city needed to be rebuilt, and the temple needed to be restored.

Their return reminds us that sometimes God gives us an opportunity to start again.

Maybe something in your life needs rebuilding.

Maybe your faith needs refreshing.

Maybe your prayer life has grown weak.

Maybe God is calling you to rebuild something that has been neglected.

Don’t be discouraged by how much work remains.

Start with what you can do today.

Ezra 3 shows the people rebuilding the altar first.

Before the temple was completed, they restored their worship.

This is an important reminder.

When life needs rebuilding, start with God.

Put Him back at the center.

Pray again.

Read His Word again.

Worship again.

Trust again.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before you come back to God.

Just take the first step.

The people eventually laid the foundation of the temple, and they praised God.

Some rejoiced because they were seeing something new.

Others wept because they remembered what had been lost.

Sometimes rebuilding brings mixed emotions.

You can be thankful for what God is doing while still grieving what happened before.

God understands both.

Then Ezra 4 shows opposition coming against them.

Their enemies tried to discourage them and make them afraid.

This reminds us that doing God’s work does not mean we will never face resistance.

Sometimes the moment you decide to move forward with God is when discouragement gets louder.

Don’t let opposition convince you to quit.

Don’t let criticism make you question what God has called you to do.

Don’t let a difficult season make you believe that God has abandoned you.

Keep building.

The work may be slow.

The progress may seem small.

You may not see the finished result yet.

But God sees every step of faithfulness.

The people in Ezra were rebuilding one stone at a time.

You can rebuild one day at a time too.

One prayer.

One obedient decision.

One act of faith.

One step forward.

God is not asking you to finish everything today.

He is asking you to remain faithful with what He has placed in front of you.

So don’t give up.

If you have fallen, get back up.

If you have become discouraged, pray again.

If something has been broken, ask God to help you rebuild it.

And if opposition comes, remember why you started.

God is good, and His love endures forever.

Keep building.

Keep trusting.

Keep worshiping.

God is still working.

Prayer

Father, thank You for giving me new beginnings. Help me rebuild the areas of my life that have been neglected or broken. Teach me to put You first and make worship and prayer a priority. When discouragement or opposition comes, give me strength not to quit. Help me focus on the next step instead of becoming overwhelmed by everything that still needs to be done. Give me patience when progress is slow and faith when I cannot see the finished work. Thank You that Your love never fails and that You are faithful through every season. Help me keep building with You at the center of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

09/08/2026

Daily Devotional: God Is Faithful to His Promises

Bible Reading: Daniel 6; Daniel 9; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1; 1 Chronicles 3:17-19

Focus Verse: Daniel 6:10

“He got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

Today’s reading reminds us that God is faithful, even when life is difficult and we cannot see what He is doing.

Daniel 6 shows us a man who refused to compromise his relationship with God.

When Daniel learned that prayer had been forbidden, he continued to pray just as he had always done.

Daniel did not change his devotion because his circumstances changed.

He remained faithful.

That challenges us to ask ourselves:

Will I continue to trust God when doing what is right becomes difficult?

Faithfulness is not just following God when everything is going well.

Faithfulness means continuing to pray, obey, and trust Him when the outcome is uncertain.

Daniel 9 shows us Daniel seeking God through prayer and repentance.

He confessed the sins of his people and pleaded for God’s mercy.

Daniel understood that the answer was not found in human strength.

It was found in God.

Sometimes we need to stop trying to control everything and simply bring our hearts before the Lord.

Tell Him your fears.

Tell Him your failures.

Tell Him your questions.

Ask for His mercy and direction.

Then 2 Chronicles 36 and Ezra 1 show us something beautiful.

After years of exile, God moved the heart of King Cyrus and made a way for His people to return to Jerusalem.

What seemed like the end of their story was not the end at all.

God was still keeping His promises.

The people had experienced judgment, loss, and captivity, but God had not forgotten them.

Ezra 1 reminds us that when God is ready to open a door, no human circumstance can ultimately stop His purpose.

This is encouragement for us today.

You may be waiting on God for something.

You may be praying about a situation that seems impossible.

You may wonder if God has forgotten His promises.

He hasn’t.

His timing may not be your timing, but His faithfulness never changes.

The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 3 also reminds us that God’s purposes continue through generations.

God sees the bigger picture.

What we experience in one season is only part of the story He is writing.

So keep praying.

Keep trusting.

Keep obeying.

Don’t give up because you cannot see the answer yet.

Daniel kept praying.

God remained faithful.

Israel went into exile.

God brought them home.

A season of difficulty came.

God opened a new beginning.

Whatever season you are in today, remember:

God has not forgotten you.

His promises are still true.

His plans are still moving forward.

And He is faithful even when you cannot see the next chapter.

Stay faithful to Him.

Keep praying.

Trust His timing.

And believe that God can make a way where you cannot see one.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Help me remain faithful to You like Daniel, especially when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. Teach me to bring my fears, failures, and questions to You in prayer. Forgive me when I try to handle everything on my own. Help me trust Your timing and believe Your promises even when I cannot see the outcome. Thank You for reminding me that You never forget Your people and that You are always working behind the scenes. Give me strength to keep praying, keep obeying, and keep trusting You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

09/07/2026

Daily Devotional: God Is Still in Control

Bible Reading: Daniel 7; Daniel 8; Daniel 5

Focus Verse: Daniel 7:27

“The holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.”

Today’s reading reminds us that God is still in control, even when the world around us feels uncertain.

Daniel 7 gives us a vision of powerful kingdoms rising and falling. The imagery is frightening, but in the middle of it all, Daniel sees the Ancient of Days seated on His throne.

God is not worried.

God is not confused.

God is not losing control.

He is seated on the throne.

Earthly kingdoms may rise and fall. Leaders may come and go. Circumstances may change overnight.

But God remains King.

Daniel 8 continues to show kingdoms, conflict, and opposition to God’s people.

These passages remind us that difficult seasons are real, but they are never outside God’s authority.

Sometimes we look at the world and wonder, “What is happening?”

God already knows.

Sometimes we look at our circumstances and wonder, “How will this work out?”

God already sees the end.

Daniel 5 gives us another powerful reminder.

King Belshazzar celebrated as though he was untouchable, but God showed him that pride and earthly power have limits.

His kingdom could not save him.

His position could not protect him.

His possessions could not change God’s judgment.

This challenges us to examine our own hearts.

Are we trusting in things that cannot last?

Are we placing our security in money, success, people, possessions, or our own abilities?

Everything earthly is temporary.

But God is eternal.

So when life feels uncertain, don’t let fear become your master.

Remember who sits on the throne.

When people disappoint you, remember who never changes.

When circumstances shift, remember who holds your future.

When you don’t understand what God is doing, keep trusting Him.

You don’t have to know everything to know that God is faithful.

You don’t have to understand the whole plan to take the next step of obedience.

And you don’t have to fear the future when your life is in the hands of the One who already knows the future.

God is still in control.

He was in control in Daniel’s day, and He is still in control today.

Keep your eyes on Him.

Stay humble.

Stay faithful.

And remember that no kingdom, no problem, and no circumstance is bigger than your God.

Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding me that You are always in control. When the world feels uncertain and circumstances are difficult, help me keep my eyes on You. Protect my heart from fear, pride, and trusting in things that cannot last. Give me wisdom to make godly decisions and courage to remain faithful even when I don’t understand what is happening. Help me remember that You are seated on the throne and that my future is in Your hands. Strengthen my faith and help me trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

09/07/2026

Rector First is so proud of these two men and how they love and represent Jesus! Joey Fannin taught the CR lesson tonight at Marmaduke First; and, Adam Branson shared his testimony tonight at Turnrow Ministry at the Rector Rodeo Arena. Sharing Jesus,Sharing Life!

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Labor Day Weekend Service

09/06/2026

Daily Devotional: God Can Bring New Life

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 47; Ezekiel 48; Ezekiel 29:17-21; Ezekiel 30:1-19; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34

Focus Verse: Ezekiel 47:9

“Where the river flows everything will live.”

Today’s reading reminds us that God can bring life, restoration, and hope even after seasons of difficulty.

Ezekiel 47 describes water flowing from the temple and becoming a river that brings life wherever it goes.

What begins as a small stream becomes a powerful river.

This is a beautiful picture of what God can do.

When God’s presence flows into our lives, He can bring life to places that feel dry, broken, or hopeless.

Maybe there is an area of your life that feels empty today.

Maybe you have experienced disappointment, loss, or a season where you wondered what God was doing.

Remember this:

God is not finished.

Ezekiel 48 reminds us that God had not forgotten His people. He gave them an inheritance and a place to belong.

Their story did not end with exile.

God was still working.

The passages about Egypt remind us that human strength and earthly kingdoms do not last forever. God is sovereign over nations, circumstances, and the events we cannot control.

Then 2 Kings 25 and Jeremiah 52 give us a glimpse of hope.

Jehoiachin, who had been imprisoned for years, was brought out of prison and treated with kindness. He was given a place at the king’s table and provided for daily.

After a long season of suffering, his circumstances changed.

That reminds us that God can change our circumstances in ways we never expect.

Your current situation is not necessarily your final chapter.

You may not see the river yet.

You may only see a small stream.

But keep trusting God.

Keep praying.

Keep obeying.

Keep believing.

God can take what looks dry and bring new life.

He can take what looks broken and restore it.

He can take a season of waiting and use it to prepare you for what comes next.

You may not understand what God is doing today, but you can trust the One who sees the whole picture.

There is still hope.

Let God’s life-giving presence flow into every area of your heart.

Give Him your disappointments.

Give Him your fears.

Give Him your unanswered questions.

And trust Him with your future.

God is still working.

Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding me that You are a God of restoration and hope. When my life feels dry or difficult, help me remember that You can bring new life to places that seem hopeless. Help me trust You when I cannot see what You are doing. Give me patience during seasons of waiting and faith when circumstances are difficult. Restore what needs to be restored in my heart and help me remain faithful to You. Thank You that my current circumstances do not have to be my final chapter. Help me trust Your plan and believe that You are still working. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

09/05/2026

Daily Devotional: Put God First

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 44; Ezekiel 45; Ezekiel 46

Focus Verse: Ezekiel 44:23

“They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common.”

Today’s reading reminds us that God deserves to be first in every area of our lives.

Ezekiel 44 speaks about the priests and their responsibility to serve God faithfully. They were called to teach the people what was holy and what was not.

Their lives were meant to reflect their devotion to God.

This reminds us that following God is more than something we say.

It is a way of life.

Our choices, attitudes, relationships, words, and priorities should reflect that we belong to Him.

Ezekiel 45 emphasizes fairness, honesty, and integrity. The people were instructed to use honest measurements and treat others fairly.

God cares about how we treat people.

It is possible to look religious on the outside while being dishonest or selfish on the inside.

But God desires integrity.

Do what is right, even when no one is watching.

Then Ezekiel 46 describes worship and offerings. The people were given specific instructions for approaching God.

The repeated emphasis on worship reminds us that God deserves our time, attention, and devotion.

We can become so busy with everyday life that God gets whatever time is left over.

But He shouldn’t receive our leftovers.

Give God your first and your best.

Give Him your first thoughts in the morning.

Give Him your attention when you pray.

Give Him your obedience when He leads you.

Give Him your trust when you don’t understand.

Putting God first doesn’t mean life will always be easy.

It means we know who comes first when life gets difficult.

Maybe today you need to examine your priorities.

What has been taking God’s place in your heart?

What are you putting ahead of prayer, obedience, and time with Him?

God isn’t asking for a perfect life.

He is asking for a surrendered heart.

Put Him first.

Live with integrity.

Worship Him sincerely.

And let your life show others that God matters most.

Prayer

Father, help me put You first in every area of my life. Teach me to recognize what is holy and to choose what honors You. Give me integrity in my words, actions, relationships, and decisions. Help me treat others fairly and honestly, even when no one is watching. Forgive me for the times I have given You what was left over instead of giving You my best. Draw my heart closer to You and help me live each day with genuine worship and obedience. May my life bring honor and glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

09/04/2026

Daily Devotional: Make Room for God’s Presence

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 40:38-49; Ezekiel 41; Ezekiel 42; Ezekiel 43

Focus Verse: Ezekiel 43:5

“The glory of the Lord entered the temple.”

Today’s reading reminds us that God desires to dwell among His people.

Ezekiel 40–42 continues the detailed vision of the temple. There are rooms, gates, chambers, walls, and measurements everywhere.

At first, these details may seem difficult to understand, but they show us something important:

God cares about order, holiness, and preparation.

Then in Ezekiel 43, everything becomes especially powerful.

The glory of the Lord returns to the temple.

The same glory that had departed because of Israel’s sin was now coming back.

What an incredible picture of restoration.

God had not forgotten His people.

He was showing Ezekiel that His presence could return.

This reminds us that our failures do not have to be the end of our story.

There may be times when we feel distant from God because of sin, disappointment, or choices we regret.

But God calls us to turn back to Him.

He is still willing to meet us with mercy.

Ezekiel 43 also calls God’s people to recognize the holiness of His presence.

If we want to experience God’s presence in our lives, we must be willing to make room for Him.

That means removing the things that compete for our hearts.

It means surrendering our pride.

It means turning away from sin.

It means choosing obedience even when it is difficult.

Sometimes we ask God to come closer while continuing to hold tightly to the things He is asking us to release.

Today, ask yourself:

What do I need to make room for God?

Maybe it’s time to make room for prayer.

Maybe it’s time to forgive someone.

Maybe it’s time to let go of an old habit.

Maybe it’s time to surrender a situation you’ve been trying to control.

God’s presence changes everything.

When He is at the center, we can have peace even when life is uncertain.

So prepare your heart.

Invite God into every part of your life.

Don’t just give Him your Sunday.

Give Him your Monday, your Tuesday, your decisions, your relationships, your worries, and your plans.

Make room for God’s presence.

He is worthy of the center of your life.

Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding me of the power and holiness of Your presence. Help me make room for You in every area of my life. Show me anything that is keeping me from fully surrendering to You. Cleanse my heart, remove my pride, and help me turn away from anything that does not honor You. When I feel distant from You, remind me that I can always turn back to You. Let Your presence guide my decisions, strengthen my faith, and bring peace to my heart. May my life be a place where You are honored and welcomed every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.