First Baptist Columbia

Family Devotion Day 5 from Pastor Marty’s Sunday sermon on June 21st, “The Good Life: Father’s Day”, Sermon 9.
Wisdom Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Ecclesiastes 9:14-18 (NKJV)
There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. 16 Then I said: “Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. 17Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools. 18Wisdom is better than weapons
of war; but one sinner destroys much good.”

Family Commentary
Solomon tells of a poor wise man who saved an entire city, yet few remembered him. God values wisdom more than power and strength. A wise father may never become famous, but his influence can bless generations. The greatest legacy a parent leaves is a life that points children to Jesus Christ.
Quiet wisdom often changes lives more than loud voices.

Family Discussion
Q: What was better than strength in Solomon's story?
A: Wisdom.
Q: Why should we listen to wise people?
A: Because wisdom helps protect us from foolish decisions.

Family Prayer
"Heavenly Father, help our family pursue wisdom above everything else. Bless fathers and grandfathers as they lead their families toward You. May our lives leave a legacy that honors Christ for generations to come. Amen."

Family Activity
Gather family photos or simply sit together and discuss one godly quality each child hopes to remember about their father, grandfather, or another godly man they admire. Finish by reading Proverbs 22:6 together and thanking God for the people who have influenced your family's faith.

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First Baptist Church-Columbia, TN First Baptist Church, 2790 Pulaski Highway, Columbia, TN 38401 US - Saturday, Sep 12, 2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM CDT

Family Devotion Day 4 from Pastor Marty’s Sunday sermon on June 21st, “The Good Life: Father’s Day”, Sermon 9.
Don't Chase the World's Success
Ecclesiastes 9:11-13 (NKJV)
“I returned and saw under the sun that—The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. 12For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them. 13 This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me:”

Family Commentary
The world says success belongs to the strongest, smartest, richest, or fastest. God reminds us that life does not always work that way. Unexpected events happen to everyone.
Our confidence should never rest in money, talent, or popularity but in God's faithful care. The greatest success is faithfully following Christ.

Family Discussion
Q: Does talent guarantee success?
A: No. Time and unexpected events affect everyone.
Q: What should our family value more than wealth or fame?
A: Faithfulness and wisdom.
Q: How can fathers teach biblical success?
A: By putting God first instead of chasing worldly recognition.

Family Prayer
"Lord, help us seek Your wisdom instead of worldly success. May our family value faithfulness more than popularity or riches. Teach us to honor You in everything we do. Amen."

Family Activity
Build the tallest tower you can with books, cups, or blocks.
Then gently remove the bottom support and watch it collapse. Discuss how success built without God has no lasting foundation.

Family Devotion Day 3 from Pastor Marty’s Sunday sermon on June 21st, “The Good Life: Father’s Day”, Sermon 9.
Obey the Lord Today: Ecclesiastes 9:4-10 (NKJV) “But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun. Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works. 8 Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no oil. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days
of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which
you perform under the sun.”

Family Commentary
While we live, God gives us opportunities to repent, obey Him, & serve others. After death, our earthly opportunities end. Solomon encourages us to enjoy God's blessings, work hard, love our families, and faithfully serve the Lord while we have time. Godly fathers teach that every day is a gift from God.

Family Discussion
Q: Why is a living dog better than a dead lion?
A: Because someone who is alive still has hope and opportunity to follow God.
Q: What should we do while God gives us life?
A: Serve Him with joy and diligence.

Family Prayer
"Father, thank You for today. Help us use our time wisely to serve You, love each other, and work hard for Your glory. Help us never waste the opportunities You give us. Amen."

Family Activity
Give each family member a blank sheet of paper. Write three ways they can serve someone this week. Post the lists on the refrigerator and encourage everyone to complete them.

Family Devotion Day 2 from Pastor Marty’s Sunday sermon on June 21st, “The Good Life: Father’s Day”, Sermon 9.
Guard Your Heart
Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NKJV)
"The hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead."

Family Commentary
Our feelings are not always trustworthy. The Bible teaches that our hearts naturally lean toward sin. That is why fathers and mothers must teach God's Word in the home. A godly father leads by following God's truth instead of his own feelings.
The safest guide for our family is Scripture, not emotions.

Family Discussion
Q: Why shouldn't we always trust our feelings?
A: Because our hearts can lead us away from God's truth.
Q: What should guide our decisions?
A: God's Word.
Q: How can parents help children follow God?
A: By teaching Scripture and setting a godly example.

Family Prayer
"Lord, help us follow Your truth instead of our feelings. Give our family wisdom to make choices that honor You. Help parents lead with love and biblical wisdom. Amen."

Family Activity
Find a flashlight.
Turn off the lights and discuss how difficult it is to walk in darkness. Turn on the flashlight and explain that God's Word lights our path just as light guides our steps.

Family Devotion Day 1 from Pastor Marty’s Sunday sermon on June 21st, “The Good Life: Father’s Day”, Sermon 9.
Trust the Lord While You Can : Ecclesiastes 9:1 (NKJV) "For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them."

Family Commentary
Life often surprises us. Good people sometimes suffer while wicked people seem to prosper. Solomon reminds us that our lives are in God's hands, not in the hands of circumstances. Fathers especially can worry about providing, protecting, and planning for their families. But the greatest gift a father can give is a life that trusts God through every season. Children learn faith by watching adults trust the Lord even when life doesn't make sense.

Family Discussion
Q: Who holds our lives in His hands?
A: God does.
Q: Should we judge God's love by our circumstances?
A: No. God's love remains constant even when life is difficult.
Q: How can our family show trust in God this week?
A: By praying together, obeying His Word, and refusing to worry about things we cannot control.

Family Prayer
"Father in Heaven, thank You for holding our lives in Your hands. Help us trust You even when we do not understand what is happening around us. Teach us to depend on You every day. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Family Activity
Give each family member a small rock.
Have everyone write "GOD" on it with a marker and place it somewhere visible as a reminder that God is our Rock and our lives are secure in His hands.

Family Devotion Day 5 from Pastor Marty’s Sunday sermon on June 14th, “The Good Life: God’s Gifts for God’s Glory”, Sermon 8.
Enjoying God's Gifts
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 8:15-17 (NKJV)
Focus verse: "So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry." (v. 15)

Family Commentary
After discussing life's mysteries and challenges, Solomon reminds us to enjoy God's gifts. We cannot understand everything God does, but we can trust Him and enjoy the blessings He provides. Every meal, friendship, laugh, and opportunity to serve God is a gift from Him. Gratitude allows us to enjoy today while looking forward to eternity with Him.
God wants His people to live with joy, not because life is perfect, but because He is good.

Family Discussion
Q: Why should we enjoy God's gifts?
A: Because they come from His loving hand.
Q: Can we understand everything God does?
A: No, some things remain beyond our understanding.
Q: What are some gifts God has given our family?
A: Family, food, shelter, friends, salvation, and many others.
Q: How does gratitude help us?
A: It helps us focus on God's goodness rather than our worries.

Family Prayer
Father, thank You for Your many blessings. Help us enjoy the gifts You provide and remember that every good thing comes from You. Fill our home with gratitude, joy, and trust in Your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Family Activity: Blessing Jar
Find a jar, cup, or bowl. Give each family member small pieces of paper. Write down blessings God has given and place them in the container. Take turns reading them aloud and thanking God together.