2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 2

There were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and . . . said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11)

Read the full account from the Gospel of Luke HERE.

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"For All the People"

I don’t know about you, but I love reading about Great Britain’s royal family. Do you remember the hullabaloo when Prince George was born? Even in the U.S. every media outlet was divulging details about the delivery, chattering about the Duchess’s dress at the first photo op, or boasting “exclusive” first photos of the royal baby.

The good news of the gospel also starts with the birth of a royal baby, but this story begins, not with press releases and worldwide attention, but in the quiet of a dirty stable in rural Bethlehem.

Of course, the event did not go entirely unannounced; God sent an entire heavenly host to proclaim the incredible news. To whom did he send the glorious, angelic chorus? Perhaps to the religious leaders or to especially devout Jews? Perhaps to great kings or prestigious socialites? No. The good news came first to sleepy shepherds on a dark hillside.

Shepherds were social outcasts, barely more dignified than the dirty, dumb animals they cared for. This is the good news; that the gospel comes first to the poor in spirit, the mourners, and the meek (see Matthew 5). If you’ve been living in shame, afraid that you aren’t worthy to receive God’s love, this good news is for you. 

This story is also a reminder that as we follow Christ we are called to offer dignity and respect to outcasts, extending God’s love to others. The Savior came into this world because apart from him we are all unclean, desperate, and lost. The love of God, embodied in his son, radically redeems broken people. As you pray today, ask God to remind you of your own need for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and to give you compassion for the lost.

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How to pray...

• Pray that we would believe the good news that Jesus came to save sinners.
• Pray for disenfranchised and victimized people in our community, our country, and the world: the poor, the oppressed, refugees, victims of abuse and trafficking, and those who have been affected by violence and terrorism.
• Pray for upcoming LBC outreach events: the Food Truck event, Kidtoberfest and the Winter Spark Christmas Parade in Baldwin Park.
• Pray for all of our Advent services, including Christmas Eve. Many people who usually do not attend church are receptive to the gospel during the Christmas season.

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For the Family

Today we read and learn about God announcing the birth of his son to the shepherds.   The shepherds were not the popular crowd but God is not impressed by a person’s position.  In fact, God often uses “shepherds” to do great things for him.

Can you think of anyone that may be like the shepherds… maybe a homeless person you pass on the street or maybe a schoolmate who is not popular and has been treated unkindly by others? 

As you pray today, pray for those you know who need to know that Jesus loves them even when others might be telling them they aren’t good enough, smart enough, athletic enough or cool enough to be loved.  Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough?  We need to be reminded every day that God loves us and created us uniquely.

Pray that the events that our church does in the community will be a way for people who need to hear about God’s love to get connected with the unconditional love of God.  Pray also that we would be willing to reach out to people around us that need God’s love just like we do!

CLICK HERE for a printable craft page!

CRAFT: As a reminder of God’s love for all people, print out the sheep coloring page. Give your child glue, cotton balls and crayons to decorate the sheep. Just as God cared about the lowly shepherds, and shepherds care for each and every one of their sheep, God cares for his people!

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CONTRIBUTORS

"For All the People" - Katie Pollard

Katie is the administrator and communications director for LBC. Katie and her husband, Joel, moved to Orlando from Nashville, TN in 2014, when Joel became the Director of Worship at LBC. They both grew up in Carrollton, GA and have been leading worship together since their youth group days. They were married in 2011 and have two children, Sam and Evie.

"For the Family" - Michelle Crouse

Michelle Crouse has served as the director of LBC's children's ministry—SPLASH Kids—since the end of 2011. She and her husband Joshua were married in 2002 and have 2 children. Michelle grew up outside of Boston and graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves being with kids and loves the opportunity to be a part of teaching children how much they are loved by God, and helping them grow in their understanding of what that means. 

2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 1

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (MATTHEW 6:9-10)

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“The First Three Petitions”

As our church family begins this prayer adventure together, it's good to reflect on the "pattern" prayer that Jesus gives us in Matthew 6. Jesus' guide for prayer has been the basis of Joe White's sermon series throughout July. The prayer begins with community: “our Father.” And it begins with gospel: “our Father.”

The first three petitions are, (1) hallowed be your name, (2) your kingdom come, and (3) your will be done. Jesus wants our hearts to be captivated by these wonderful things: his name, his kingdom, and his will. As this happens, our prayers will be fueled by devotion to Him.

This is no less than a "Copernican revolution" for our hearts. Prior to the scientist Copernicus, people believed that the sun revolved around the earth. But Copernicus proved that the earth revolves around the sun. Prior to Jesus, we thought that our lives were about our glory. After Jesus, we learned that our lives are about his glory.

The "default" setting of our hearts is to focus on ourselves—to live for my name, my kingdom, my glory. So as Joe challenged us on July 24: "Has the 'my' become 'thy'?"

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How to pray...

• Pray that the name of God would be "hallowed" and glorified through the prayers of our church family this month. Boldly pray that your heart will yearn for his glory.
• Pray that the kingdom will come through our prayers this month. Boldly pray that we would all love the King more ardently as a result of this prayer adventure. Pray that the light of the gospel would push back the darkness in the world, especially this week as we pray for "good news for the lost."
• Pray that the will of God would shape our church, our families, and our places of work as we pray this month. Boldly pray that all of us would experience a new beginning of gospel obedience as a result of our time of united prayer.

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For the Family

This month, we will be joining together as a church body to pray.  It is our hope and prayer that this can be something that the whole family will participate in together.  This section will provide ideas, activities, and explanations to assist parents in bringing their children alongside them during this special month of prayer, and to ultimately develop long term rhythms of prayer for the family. 

In the book Habits of Grace, David Mathis says, “Prayer, simply put, is talking to God.” Mathis goes on to say that there is a difference between talking with God and others: “We don’t chat as peers. He is Creator, and we are creatures.” 

As we begin, brainstorm as a family about the things we talk about with others (friends, family, teachers, co-workers).  Ideas might be:

• sharing what is going on in your life
• talking about a problem that you are going through
• apologizing to someone for a mistake you made
• encouraging someone and telling them what you like about them
• sharing about something you are thankful for

When we talk with God, our prayers are similar to talking with a friend, yet unique because we are conversing with the Lord of all creation! 

As you pray, think about talking with God like you would talk to a friend.  Praise him for who he is, pray for his will in your life during good and hard times, ask for forgiveness, and ask him for his help. 

God gives us The Lord's Prayer as an example of how to pray: read it together in Matthew 6: 9-13. 

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Contributors

"The First Three Petitions" - Mike Tilley

Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

"For the Family" - Michelle Crouse

Michelle Crouse has served as the director of LBC's children's ministry—SPLASH Kids—since the end of 2011. She and her husband Joshua were married in 2002 and have 2 children. Michelle grew up outside of Boston and graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves being with kids and loves the opportunity to be a part of teaching children how much they are loved by God, and helping them grow in their understanding of what that means. 

Prayer Initiative - Day 31

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Psalm 34:8

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."

Today's Prayer Focus

• Today let’s take time to rejoice in God’s love and his power to answer our prayers.
• Let’s give thanks to God that we can trust him for the future answers to our prayers.
• Take some moments to give thanks in the midst of your circumstances, knowing that we can trust that our lives are part of his larger story.
• Let’s thank God in advance for all that he will do in the months to come. 

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"Taste and See That the Lord is Good"
Mike Tilley

This is our last day of the prayer initiative. Thank you for being one of 83 people who signed up to pray daily for the work of the church in the coming months. Today we simply want to offer thanksgiving to God, as an expression of our faith in him.

A number of times in Scripture, prayer seems to be associated with both spiritual alertness and giving thanks. It seems that God wants all of our prayers to be accompanied by an attitude of thanksgiving. It is a wonderful habit, to give thanks as we pray. With thanksgiving, we trust God for answers that we do not yet see, while expressing gratitude for his presence and for the blessings that he has already given.

For all of us, my guess is that our daily prayers this month have often been a kind of discipline, a laboring in prayer. Don’t be discouraged when your prayers have grown faint, or when you’ve forgotten to pray. Let’s thank God that he is a loving Father, who does not upbraid us for our failings in prayer, but who welcomes our prayers with the delight of a Father. For some, perhaps your love for prayer has been nurtured, as an acquired taste. Let’s continue our fellowship with him. “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 30

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2 Timothy 2:1

"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:25

"Brothers and sisters, pray for us."

Today's Prayer Focus

•  For the staff who serve the congregation of Lake Baldwin Church.
• For Joel and Katie Pollard, and their children, Sam and Evie. For Joel as he plans and leads worship; for Katie as our administrator and communications director.
• For Fritz and Barbie Schalmo, and their son, Jack. For Fritz as he leads LBC youth and offers free counseling. Pray too for Lindsay Buono and Scott as they assist with youth.
• For Michelle Crouse, along with Joshua and their children, Daniel and Tiffany. For Michelle as she leads the volunteers, teachers, and children in SPLASH Kids.
• For Mike and Molly Tilley and their 4 adult children. 

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"Prayer for Strengthening Grace for LBC Staff"
Mike Tilley

While grace often refers to our full acceptance with God on the basis of the work of Christ, it is also associated with strength. All of us are in need of daily grace from God, strengthening us to obey him and to serve him. Paul urged Timothy to be strong in the grace of Christ.

Having prayed for our deacons, elders, small group leaders, and our many volunteers, today we want to unite to pray for our LBC staff. While they work hard throughout the week, they especially need God’s grace on Sundays, when they come prepared to serve our congregation and our guests.

I’m so thankful that God has blessed us with an inspired, hard-working team. While the work is often challenging, we know that we are dependent on the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and there is great joy and rest in that. Our heart is for people to enter into worship; for kids to have fun with friends as they learn about Jesus; for youth to take the next step in their faith journey; and for the grace of Christ to be shown in all that we do. We need your prayers for that!

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 29

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1 Corinthians 9:19, 22

"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I may win more of them. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For the run-up to the Relational Wisdom 360 seminar with Ken Sande: vision among our whole congregation; logistics of running the event; promotion in the community.
• For the vision and planning lunch tomorrow; for all the pieces to fall into place.
• For Ken’s ministry to our congregation on the topic of relationships, with application to family, business, church, and other relationships.
• For our outreach to the community, through personal invitations, networking with businesses, and media outreach.

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"Free From All, a Servant to All"
Mike Tilley

Recently I was having lunch with a business leader in our city. Though he does not profess faith in Christ, he has a favorable view of Lake Baldwin Church. I’ll never forget one of the things he said to me: “Mike, I like that Lake Baldwin Church does intermediate events.” He was referring to his family’s positive experience with Kids Camp, an event where over 50% of the kids came from families outside our church. 

I think that the apostle Paul, writing in 1 Corinthians 9, would love the idea of common ground events and relationships. Without letting go of the truth of the gospel, Paul worked to find common ground with people for the sake of the gospel. There was even an element of personal sacrifice: “I have made myself a servant to all.” This reminds us of the Lord Jesus Christ, who put on flesh to “move into the neighborhood.” He came “to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

The upcoming Relational Wisdom seminar (RW360) with Ken Sande is one of those “intermediate events” when the people of LBC build a bridge to the people around us on the basis of the common ground topic of relationships. Let’s unite as a church to bathe this event in prayer—for logistics, promotion, personal invitations, and the day of the event itself. It will take place on Friday evening and Saturday morning, October 9-10.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 28

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Psalm 1:1-3

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by stream of water that yields its fruit in its season..."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For God’s Spirit to give us an appetite for the Scriptures.
• For greater depth in our understanding of God’s Word; for growing levels of interest in classes that will be offered in the coming months and years.
• For eyes to see and savor Christ in the pages of Scripture, responding to him with love and devotion; for our hearts to be shaped by his love. “Christ in all of Scripture, grace in all of life.”
• For obedience to the Scriptures, prompted by love.

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"Rooted in the Word"
TJ Sellers

During my journey as a follower of Christ, there have been several seasons in which I found myself asking the question, “Do I REALLY believe the book that I am basing my values, beliefs and worldview upon, contains the true words of the only God?” The “counsel” of the world had convinced me that the stories contained within Scripture were too outlandish and made me want proof. I felt like there should be more tangible evidence of the Word.  My faith was being shaped by the “counsel of the wicked” and not “the law of the Lord.”

As I battled these feelings of doubt, reading the Word was low on my list.  However, as I made meager efforts to read Scripture, I can confidently affirm that it was the very Word of God that delivered me from skepticism.  My delight became rooted in the very book I was doubting, through the work of the Holy Spirit.

As we continue to pray for the needs of our church and for fruitful ministry, may we remember that our prayers, ministry goals and plans are to be rooted in His Word.  Personally, and as a congregation, let us continually ask for a deeper love for His truth—that our roots would go down deep and drink from the benefits of the Living Water.  Pray that the Word would guide our ministry and “yield its fruit in its season.”

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TJ Sellers and his wife, Anna, have attended Lake Baldwin Church since 2010 and recently welcomed their first child, Adalyn Emory. Originally from California, TJ moved to Orlando in 1991 at the age of five. A graduate of Boone High School and the University of Florida, TJ now works for a construction management company. In his free time, TJ enjoys anything outdoors including water sports, backpacking, beach volleyball, soccer and traveling. Combining his passion for building, travel, and the church, TJ enjoys participating in overseas missions in developing countries.

Prayer Initiative - Day 27

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Acts 20:17, 28

"Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him... Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For our elders, who have been elected by the church: Danny Anderson, Ed Holtz, Bart Johnson, Mike Mikkelson, and Richard Hostetter. 
• For Jim Cunningham, who will be presented to the congregation for election as elder.
• For the spiritual and family lives of our elders; for hearts and lives shaped by the gospel.
• For God’s grace as they pray for and shepherd those under their care.
• For God’s wisdom in decisions, as we meet to pray and chart the course for the future.

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"Elders to Care for the Church"
Mike Tilley

God loves his church, referred to in 1 Peter 5:2 as “the flock of God.” Elders who shepherd God’s flock have been made overseers by the Holy Spirit. And the church was obtained by the blood of Christ. What does it mean that elders are called to shepherd the flock of God?

First, shepherds are called to know their flock. At LBC, elders giver oversight to around 15-20 individuals or families. They know their names, and they pray for them.

Second, shepherds are called to feed the flock. While this feeding happens through sermons, small groups, and classes, elders are accountable for the quality of teaching.

Third, shepherds lead the flock. They give thought to the future of the church, and they are called to lead by example.

Fourth, shepherds guard the flock, seeking to protect the church from false teaching, divisiveness, and destructive behaviors that harm the church and dishonor God.

While the calling is a high one, elders are acutely aware of their inadequacy and need for God’s grace. Today, let’s pray for our elders and their families. 

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 26

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Romans 15:7

“Wherefore accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” 

Today's prayer focus

• For our acceptance of one another to result in continued unity in our church body.
• That Christ’s acceptance of us in the gospel would shape our heart for others.
• For every type of person to feel included at Lake Baldwin Church.
• For guests to feel that acceptance on their first visit... and every other visit!

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"Accept One Another"
Kim Anderson

When we consider the many different people, personalities and situations we encounter on a daily basis, what does it really mean when Paul commands us to "accept one another"? Does acceptance necessarily mean agreeing with one another?

What does it look like for business partners to accept one another when vision for their company differs? A husband and wife are not of the same mind regarding school choices, and two friends are in stark disagreement, yet each are called to accept one another. What does accepting one another practically look like for us at LBC in the midst of all our preferences? 

A hint is given in verse 5 when Paul says, “May the God who gives us perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.”  Accepting one another doesn’t insist upon same-mind agreement on a particular issue. It does, however, imply that amidst our differences, we are to interact with others according to the same mind of Christ Jesus and his ways of love. In all its beauty, accepting one another is the practice of engaging others in ways that honor their dignity as image bearers of God, while remembering God’s acceptance of us.  As we at LBC seek Jesus’ ways of thinking and loving. Verse 6 says, “with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Would you pray that as a church, we would continue to grow in the practice of accepting one another, resulting in our one voice glorifying our great God?

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Anchored by God’s Word, Kim Anderson is passionate about awarding worth and cultivating growth in women by helping them understand their identity in Christ. Married for 25 years to her husband Danny, they have four children. A writer and speaker at heart, Kim is grateful for the gift of words! 

Prayer Initiative - Day 25

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1 Peter 4:8-10

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For the various small groups meeting in homes around the area. That they would flourish with gospel community and gospel growth.
• For God to raise up additional small group leaders as more people get involved.
• For our Small Group Leaders’ huddle on September 13, for vision, communication, and connecting to the big picture.
• For our homes to continue to be places of gospel hospitality in a fragmented culture, welcoming our church family and new guests who don’t yet have a church home.

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"Offer Hospitality to One Another"
Mike Tilley

It appears from 1 Peter that church is a place where love is both tested and practiced. In the testing part, love covers a multitude of sins. The church is also a place to offer hospitality, to serve one another, and even receive strengthening grace from one another. These things would most likely be experienced outside of Sunday worship, in smaller, home-based communities.

These smaller communities are the heart behind our LBC small groups. The groups are diverse and meet various needs: women’s groups and a men’s group; coed groups with singles and marrieds; groups for young adults; and others. Our hope for each group is that they would offer gospel community, gospel growth, and yes, gospel hospitality. It’s such a great experience to know and be known, and to get to know people in their homes, sharing meals prepared by various members of the group. 

For this fall, pray that our small groups would be places of great joy and refreshment. These groups will also be the “first responders” in times of crisis, so pray for those times too. May God use our culture of hospitality to create a thirst for Christ in today’s world.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 24

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Matthew 9:36-37

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For a spiritual movement among young adults in and through our church to the city.
• For a real sense of community among our growing numbers of both singles and marrieds.
• For multiplying small groups among young adults to grow organically.
• For a spiritual harvest among millennials moving into Baldwin Park.

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"A Spiritual Harvest Among Millennials"
Mike Tilley

The young Millennial Generation is comprised of those born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s. Much has been written to attempt to describe what they are looking for in a church. In Orlando, Millennial participation in churches is actually quite diverse, from large churches to small churches, from traditional to progressive. Like other generations, this group defies simplistic categories.

LBC was birthed with a mix of boomers and 20-somethings, setting the stage for an intergenerational community. We have been enriched by all age groups, and there is an amazing desire to learn from one another. From my experience, Millennials add incredible value to our body life. They lead us in social media and technology; they often think differently about social and political issues; they improve my sermons; and they have a built-in honesty meter. 

Jesus would view all of us through his lens of compassion. We all are like sheep without a shepherd. Millennials need for the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers to love them, to show hospitality, to mentor them, to learn from them, and to introduce them to the good shepherd. May we all show the love and compassion of Christ for all generations, including the Millennials.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 23

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Proverbs 3:1-4

"My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but let your heart keep my commandments,
for length of days and years of life
    and peace they will add to you.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them around your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good success
    in the sight of God and man."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For the wisdom of God, found in Proverbs and perfected in Christ, to be passed from generation to generation in our church.
• For the youth of LBC to take God’s wisdom into their hearts. For Fritz Schalmo and his team as they mentor and lead our youth.
• For LBC youth who have gone on to college, to take God’s wisdom with them and to find a good church.
• For teens who have not yet trusted in Christ, to embrace the gospel. For all the teens attending whose families do not yet have a church home.
• For those transitioning grades: 5th to 6th, or 8th to 9th. For those just becoming part of the youth group, to find friends and develop a heart for God.

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"Remember and Be Wise"
Rachel Glodo

A proverb is a concise, pithy statement that is meant to convey good advice or wisdom: think, “An apple a day…” or “Many hands make light work.”  Because we frequently encounter proverbs in daily life, it can be tempting to relegate the biblical book of Proverbs to a mere collection of useful sayings best quoted by grandmothers and the occasional pastor.
 
But Proverbs contains much more than handy quips about ants and sluggards.  The author of Proverbs urges us to consider what it means to be wise.  Wisdom is the demonstration of knowledge and good judgment in daily life, and the opening chapter of Proverbs makes it clear that wisdom is inextricably linked to honoring and serving God: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).

Proverbs 3:1-4 reveals the means by which wisdom is developed in the Christian soul.  We find that wisdom is tied to the act of remembering, and indeed, the book contains numerous invocations to heed and hold fast to God’s teachings (ex, Proverbs 4:20, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live,” or Proverbs 7:1, “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you.”).   By reading, memorizing, reciting and meditating on the words of God, we effectively internalize his commandments and teachings, bringing God’s wisdom home to our wayward hearts.  These verses encourage us to spend time with God’s word, engraving it in our memories and treasuring it up in our hearts.

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Rachel Glodo is a young professional from Winter Park.  She studies musicology (the academic study of music as it relates to history, society, politics, economics, and philosophy) and has a particular passion for Russian opera and ballet.  She recently finished her master’s degree at Northwestern University.  She has enjoyed serving with the LBC youth group, worship team, and Splash Kids; she also loves gardening, visiting zoos, and eating borscht.

Prayer Initiative - Day 22

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Titus 3:4-7

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, being justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Today's Prayer Focus

• Praise God for another adult baptism during worship this Sunday!
• Pray for more adult baptisms in our church, representing the work of God’s grace and the washing of rebirth in the hearts of adults making a profession of faith.
• For the sacrament of baptism to be a means of grace for all of us, reminding us of our own baptism, strengthening us in hope, and stirring us to love and obey God.

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"Baptism and the Washing of Rebirth"
Mike Tilley

Throughout history, Christians have seen water baptism as a sacrament, the outward sign and seal of an inward reality. The outpoured water of baptism points to the lavish outpouring of the Holy Spirit on us in our new birth. It reminds us of the gospel, that we were saved, not by things we have done, but because of his mercy. This understanding of God’s generous grace is why we read Titus 3:5-6 whenever we have an adult baptism.

What does it mean for baptism to be a sign and seal? The late John Stott compared baptism to a wedding ring. The ring is a vivid and ever-present reality of the bond of marriage. It is a “sign and seal” of the marriage covenant. So every baptism is meaningful to all of us, far beyond our rejoicing in the baptism of an infant, or the profession of faith of an adult. It is a chance for all of us to reflect on our baptism and see it as a sign and seal of the gospel. Baptism reminds us of our cleansing from sin, our union with Christ, our membership in the body of Christ, and his mercy toward us.

So tomorrow in worship, let baptism be a strengthening for your own soul, an opportunity for us to see and experience the gracious gospel that our hearts believe.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 21

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Ephesians 4:11-12

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

Today's prayer focus

• Praise God for the many faithful leaders serving throughout our church.
• For God to raise up additional leaders for new community groups.
• For the nominating and training of deaconesses alongside our deacons.
• For a church-wide culture of investing in men and women, to serve and use their gifts for the maturing of the body of Christ.
• For the opportunity to offer internships and field education hours for students training for ministry at nearby Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS).

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"A Growing Number of Faithful Leaders"
Mike Tilley

Most people at LBC are familiar with our efforts to reach out to the non-churched, as well as our efforts to offer spiritual growth opportunities for believers. People might be less familiar with our vision for leadership development. According to Ephesians 4:11-12, part of the “job description” of the pastor is to equip God’s people for works of service. In other words, the church is not built on one leader, but rather a growing abundance of leaders, under the the leadership of Christ himself.

One of my favorite experiences this past year has been working with two “cohorts” or groups of people for officer training. We discussed theology and leadership, with application to the real world. In the coming years, we hope to expand this approach to include men and women for a variety of ministry roles in the church. Our community groups also serve as environments to nurture disciples and new leaders.

According to Ephesians 4, it is the risen Christ himself who gives leaders to his church. We can praise God today for the many men and women who are serving the body as elders, deacons, deaconesses, community group leaders, staff, and serving team leaders. Yet the needs are great for new leaders and teachers throughout our church, so let’s unite to pray for God to be the one to raise them up.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 20

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2 Corinthians 9:7-8, 11

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency at all times, you may abound in every good work … You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way…”

Today's Prayer Focus

• For a culture of grace-inspired generosity at LBC.
• For broad-based participation in “the grace of giving.” 
• For God’s provision for all of our ministries and work on behalf of the gospel.
• For the specific need of a 20% increase in funding to hire the new assistant pastor, for the purpose of expanding our outreach and nurturing our growing congregation.

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"A Strange Command with a Remarkable Promise"
Bart Johnson

LBC and Orlando have much in common with the ancient church and the city of Corinth. The Apostle Paul wrote to our forebears in the Corinthian church (and to us at LBC) a very personal, emotive letter that includes the passage above. Isn’t it interesting that he “raises the bar” on giving, by insisting not only that we “must” give, but also that we give with a right attitude … “not reluctantly”, but cheerfully. Okay, Paul, it’s not enough that we give? We have to be cheerful about it too?!

But I love that along with the command, Paul makes a remarkable promise containing an amazing provision. Who among us doesn’t want to “have all sufficiency at all times”, and to “be enriched in every way”? And who among us doesn’t truly desire (in our best moments) to be “generous in every way”?

God commands only what He also enables by the power of his Spirit … only what He knows is for our good … and only what He also rewards. Would you pray with me that He will graciously give His congregation at LBC the Spirit of cheerful giving that He “loves”, and along with it the fulfillment of the wonderful promises that attend this way of giving?

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Bart Johnson is an elder at LBC. He has been "thankfully" married 42 years to Judy. He loves music, the solitude and beauty of remote wilderness high country, and the “clamor” of good fellowship in the city.

Prayer Initiative - Day 19

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Galatians 4:4-5

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship."

Today's Prayer Focus

• Operation Christmas Child, our partnership with Samaritan’s Purse to offer gift boxes to needy children around the world.
• Advent season, beginning November 29. Pray for our worship team as they prepare services. For the Advent series, Journey to Bethlehem.
• Our Christmas Eve service of lessons and carols, on December 24. 
• Outreach into the community for Advent services and Christmas Eve.
• A generous response to the our partnership with Glenridge Middle School, by providing Publix gift cards for needy families.

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"Advent"
Mike Tilley

One of the highlights of the year is our annual celebration of Advent and Christmas as a church. It’s not too early to pray! Our first step is always congregational participation in Operation Christmas Child, when we begin purchasing supplies at those back-to-school sales.

During Advent, we long for the coming of Christ, the light of the world. Galatians 4:4 reminds us , that he came when “the set time had fully come.” The prophets longed for the coming of the Prince of Peace, and God sent him at the perfect time. Christ was born under the law, and he perfectly fulfilled God’s law for us. The newborn babe became our redeemer.

We love the stories of Advent, because in them we hear the music of the gospel. We see the light of the world dispelling our darkness. This year, we’ll discover the stories of those who took the “journey to Bethlehem” and see ourselves in their stories. (Special thanks to SPLASH Kids for that title!) Speaking of SPLASH Kids, pray that all of our children would find great joy in this year’s Operation Christmas Child, and in the King who was born at the perfect time.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 18

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1 Corinthians 3:6

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow."

Today's Prayer Focus

•  For Dave Abney, former staff with LBC, planting a new church in Jacksonville.
• For Mike Aitcheson, former staff with LBC, planting Christ United Fellowship in south downtown Orlando.
• For our partnership with the Florida Church Planting Network, pooling resources for church plants throughout Florida.
• For 5 future church plants in the cities of Europe, where we partner with International Christian Community.
• For LBC to grow as a sending base, investing in young leaders and giving financial resources for new church plants. 

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"Rejoicing When a New Church is Planted"
Mike Tilley

Lake Baldwin Church began as a new church plant, back in 2006. The agricultural reference in 1 Corinthians 3:6 is a vivid picture. We’ve worked to plant a lot of seeds in lives, and to water those seeds, but we are dependent on God for growth. That planting and watering will always continue as we sow the seeds of the gospel and nurture people in their faith.

Seeds that grow also reproduce. So we are part of a church planting movement, in the hope that other communities and cities can have gospel-centered churches. As God blesses us with resources, it’s healthy to look beyond ourselves and share those resources. We can rejoice in young leaders who have served at LBC and then have planted new churches.

We also feel called to give of our financial resources. We’ve taken on a commitment to give 3% of our church budget to the Florida Church Planting Network, pooling funds to help people like Mike and Lucy Aitchison. Today, let’s rejoice in what God is doing through the planting of new churches, and the part we can play in that by his grace.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 17

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Jeremiah 29:7

"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

Today's Prayer Focus

• Pick a story from the morning headlines, and pray for a needy part of the city.
• Elevate Orlando: serving urban youth. Jack and Sheri McGill as they lead.
• 306 Foundation: serving women in need. John and Jane Hursh as they lead.
• Grace Clinic: offering medical care to those who cannot afford such care.
• For the 40+ homeless children who attend Glenridge Middle School.
• For our serving with Habitat for Humanity. David Runnels, serving on their board.

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"Seeking the Peace and Welfare of the City"
Scott Crocker

Orlando is known as “The City Beautiful” and many consider a certain location in the southwest portion of our region as “the most magical place on Earth.” Tens of millions travel to our area each year for vacation, rest and to escape the realities of day-to-day life. Although most of us would agree that there are many beautiful and magical aspects to central Florida, we also realize that our community and its residents are as broken as anywhere else. Even as followers of Jesus, we remain as much in need of the saving power of Christ and cling to the hope of the gospel just as much as if we lived in a place that was not a tourist destination.
 
Just as Jeremiah the prophet gave instructions to those in exile in Babylon to “seek the welfare of the city” and “pray to the Lord on its behalf,” we as Lake Baldwin Church feel called to seek the good of our city and to bring its needs before the Lord in prayer. We, as followers of Christ, can do good for our city by shining the light of Christ in our neighborhoods, at our places of work, in our schools and in the public sphere. 

Furthermore, we have the privilege of bringing the needs of our friends, co-workers and leaders in prayer before our heavenly Father and asking Him to bring healing through His Son into the broken parts of their lives. When we read the newspaper or watch the local news, we often see the effects of living in a sinful world. Take that time to pray for the people involved and ask God to show up in supernatural ways to bring healing, hope and redemption.

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Scott Crocker is the Chief of Staff for Ethnic Field Ministry, a ministry of Cru committed to seeing spiritual movements launched among ethnic minority students and faculty throughout the world.  He is also a contributing author to "Finding Key Leaders and Building Impact Movements," a handbook for campus ministers seeking to reach African American students for Christ. His family attends Lake Baldwin Church, where Scott serves as a deacon and leads the church’s mercy ministry to those in need.  In his free time, he is a diehard fan of the Michigan Wolverines & Detroit Tigers and has coached youth basketball and football since high school.  An avid reader, he particularly enjoys biographies and books about culture and American history.  Scott and his wife, Lori, have four children and live in Orlando, Florida

Prayer Initiative - Day 16

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Ephesians 3:8

"Although I am less than the least of the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For the riches of Christ to be displayed in the worship and preaching this morning, especially as we see Christ as our comfort in life and in death.
• For the new sermon series this fall on the book of Ephesians, with its rich teaching on the person of Christ and the community of believers. Pray that the discovery of these riches will shape our congregation and our personal lives. Pray that new people will find Christ and his riches through this new series.
• For the riches of Christ to be experienced in our many community groups and Bible studies this fall.
• For the riches of Christ to be discovered by our SPLASH kids each Sunday morning, and by our youth on Sunday evenings. Think of some children or youth you know, and pray for them by name. 

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"The Boundless Riches of Christ"
Mike Tilley

One time a mother came up to me to let me know that her teenage daughter prayed for me daily. That meant a lot to me, because there is always a part of me that feels inadequate, even while preaching. Surprising as it seems, the apostle Paul may have felt a similar inadequacy: Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people...

But Paul did not remain stuck in his inadequacy: This grace was given to me. We all need grace (strength) from God, and that’s why our prayers make such a difference. Today, your prayers can be a means of grace for your pastor, for our SPLASH teachers, for our youth leaders, for our community groups, and for all the places where grace is needed.

There’s a pot at the end of this rainbow: the boundless riches of Christ. For all of us, there is more to see and savor of Christ, more treasures of love to mine, more drinks of mercy for our soul, more victories for his kingdom, greater majesty to contemplate in song. May this be a day to discover and live out of the emotional and spiritual wealth we have in Christ.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 15

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1 Corinthians 12:27

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For the membership class Aug 21-22, for new members to gain a vision for their part in the life of the body at LBC.
• For the continued spiritual health of the body; for growth in spiritual maturity and in connecting visitors from the community to our church.
• For mutual love and care, in times of both suffering and rejoicing.
• For future care needs to be met, especially through community groups, our deacons, our elders, and friends.

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"One Body, One Spirit, Many Members"
Mike Tilley

1 Corinthians 12:12-26 presents a beautiful vision for the church as the “body of Christ.” That vision dispels three modern myths about church:

Myth #1: The church is a spectator sport, or a consumer enterprise. When we see ourselves as part of the mystical body of Christ, we see church as a participation sport, where each person offers their care and their gifts, and receives from the other parts of the body.

Myth #2: I’m not needed. It’s easy to compare ourselves with others and think that our personality or our gifts are not valuable. In the body of Christ, each person has spiritual gifts, and the seemingly “weaker” parts of the body are actually more needed.

Myth #3: I don’t need others. This is the peril of thinking that we can do fine on our own, or apart from the other members of the body. But all those relationships, the easy ones and the difficult ones, are part of God’s wonderful plan for our soul.

Looking forward to the fall, let’s pray that our church body will have just the right balance of healthy food for our souls, exercise in serving & caring for one another, and the joy of seeing each person flourish as part of the beautiful body of Christ.

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Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.

Prayer Initiative - Day 14

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Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Today's prayer focus

• Is there something causing you anxiety today? Bring those fears to God.
• Do you have personal prayer requests today? Be honest and pray specifically.
• Do you need God's peace today? Ask him for gospel peace and rest as you go through your day.

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“Peace for Troubled Hearts”
Katie Pollard

My grandmother was a professional worrier. She would fret and speculate until she lived in a completely distorted reality, and as a result there was very little joy in her life. I can see this proclivity in myself; to let my imagination run wild until I no longer know what’s true and what isn’t.

What does worry produce? Fear.

The most oft repeated command in Scripture: Do not fear.

Why? For I am with you.

In Philippians, Paul provides the ultimate anti-anxiety regimen: “In every situation, by prayer and petition … present your requests to God.” This is not to say that we give God a laundry list of petty requests, or that he’ll make life easy for us—quite the contrary, in fact. But one of the reasons we pray is for our own sanctification; to fight off the temptation to be fearful, which threatens to distort our reality and rob us of joy.

God is not offended by our weakness when we come to Him. The Psalms are filled with very vulnerable prayers about fear, despair, and loneliness. Our surest safeguard against being enslaved by dangerous emotional extremes is the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can come to God with all our troubles, and he will be faithful to fill our minds with truth as we commune with him. 

This verse ends with a promise: “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The peace of God “transcends understanding.” Even when terrible circumstances seem to justify anxiety, God’s peace overrules and becomes a guardian for our vulnerable hearts and minds. May you be filled with peace today as you lay your worries and fears at the feet of our Almighty God.

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Katie is the administrator and communications director for Lake Baldwin Church in Orlando, FL. She is also a writer, musician, avid reader, craft guru, wife, and mother. Katie loves intelligent novels, a good cup of tea, and those complicated board games that only your nerdy friends like.