August Daily Prayer #27: Digital Media

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. (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)

Overheard:
Molly: "I LOVE our new church web site! It's better than our church!"
Mike: "Now Honey, I wouldn't go THAT far."

The famous passage from 1 Corinthians (above) gives us a window into the heart of the apostle Paul. Love will use every legitimate means to bring the gospel to people for their salvation. When Paul says, "I have become all things to all people" he's not referring to compromise. Rather, it's a great reminder of how Jesus became man, in the incarnation, for the sake of our salvation. Christians creatively use neutral tools to bring the gospel into the space being occupied by real people.

In the first century, the vast network of Roman roads facilitated the spread of the gospel. So did the language of "common Greek" which was used in the New Testament. In 1454 the Bible was printed on the Gutenberg press, just in time for the Reformation. Tom Skinner, the famous African American evangelist, came to faith by listening to a radio sermon. The film Jesus has reached people around the world, many of whom had never seen a movie. Third Millenium, an Orlando-based ministry begun by Richard Pratt, uses the worldwide web to offer free on-line seminary courses for pastors in the developing world.

In God's providence, we have new opportunities to reach out through digital media. While this tool will never replace relationships as the primary means of outreach, it can be used as a bridge to real people. God has brought Dan Whaite and others along to help us engage the digital horizon for the gospel. Today, let's pray for these efforts.

• Thank God for our new web site, launched Aug 23. It's a great internal communication tool, as well as the face of LBC to those searching for a church through the web. Pray that it will become a powerful tool to enhance communication within our LBC family, and to attract people who are searching for a church. You can check out the new site and all it offers at: www.lakebaldwinchurch.com. As you "walk" through the site, remember to pray for the people and ministries of LBC on the site.
• Pray for Dan Whaite and Matt Brubaker, who have started Digital Acts, in an effort to help churches attract new visitors through digital media. Pray for them as they assist Lake Baldwin Church (and other churches) to more effectively tell our story and the story of the gospel. You can check out their vision at www.digitalacts.org.
• Pray for emerging initiatives to reach out as digital media replaces direct mail as a way of creating awareness and interest. 
• Pray for John Boggs, who will be producing a welcome video for our web site.
• Thank God for Don Dearing, who was in London this summer guiding a mission project using media. Over 5000 packets with Bibles and the Jesus film were given out. Pray for Don, as well as Doug and Denise Anderson, working with creative media around the world.
• Pray for Matt Watts, who is assisting people around the world through the use of digital media.
• Pray for Bart and Judy Johnson as they work to offer faith-based classical Christian education across China through Veritas Press.
• In all things, pray that the love of Christ would compel us as we build common ground relationships, and as we communicate through common ground media. Pray that the Word of God will spread, even as it did through the Roman road, the Gutenberg press, and other means throughout history.

August Daily Prayer #26: World at our Doorstep

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. (Acts 2:5)

On the day of Pentecost, there were people from every nation in one city. In a reversal of the Tower of Babel, these people heard the gospel in their own tongue. The Holy Spirit was poured out, and Peter preached the gospel. Those who believed were baptized, and 3000 souls were added that day. This historic day was no accident. God had said in the Old Testament, "I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh."

God has a heart for the nations, wherever they are. Thanks to the new global culture of travel and technology, the nations of the world are gathered in the cities of the world. That is true of Orlando. Today, let's pray for the world at our doorstep.

• Thank God for the nations already represented at Lake Baldwin Church: Venezuela, Cuba, Sweden, Russia,India, Ukraine, and others.
• Pray for Karolina Faryga, member of a family from Ukraine that recently joined LBC. A growth has been discovered on her thyroid, and doctors fear it could be cancer. Pray that the tests will return negative. Pray for comfort for the family in the meantime.
• Thank God for our Global Missions Team, which has the vision for sending to the nations, but also for reaching the nations in Orlando.
• Think of the people from other nations in your neighborhood. For example, in our neighborhood we've met a family from Pakistan. Pray for God to be at work, and pray that our church will become a place of hospitality for those from other nations
• One organization each year looks for churches to provide host families for young people visiting from Japan. Pray that God will use this ministry, and even our church, to make a difference in this way.
• Pray for international students at nearby campuses, such as Full Sail, UCF, Rollins, and Valencia. Pray that God will raise up a ministry to these students, and that many will discover Christ will studying in the USA.
• Pray for the global heartbeat of Lake Baldwin Church. Ask God to continue to give us his heart for the nations.
• May the gospel so stir our hearts that we would sing with the hymn: "Let every kindred every tribe on this terrestrial ball, to him all majesty ascribe and crown him Lord of all."

August Daily Prayer #25: LBC Staff

...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel... (Ephesians 6:18-19)

A number of the verses in the New Testament about prayer include a call to "alertness." Sometimes our spiritual senses can grow dull, and there is a kind of spiritual alertness needed in prayer. One reason for that is the spiritual conflict that rages in the unseen realm, what Donald Gray Barnhouse called "the invisible war." That's the context of these verses in Ephesians 6. The only way to wage such a conflict is on our knees, with spiritual alertness. 

It's interesting that Paul also requests prayer for himself. If the apostle Paul was in need of prayer, how much is that true of the rest of us! This month we've prayed for our deacons and elders by name. Today, would you take a few moments to pray for our LBC staff team?

• Fritz Schalmo: Pray for Fritz as he leads our youth ministry. He works with a wide range of ages, interest, and schedules. Along with that, he offers free counseling to folks in our church, and God is using him to see lives changed.  Remember to pray for Fritz and Barbie together, as they anticipate the birth of their first child, very soon.
• Michelle Crouse: God has gifted Michelle to bring the right kind of leadership to our children's ministry. Pray for her as she works with an extensive volunteer rotation, and as she relates to children and families. Pray, too, for her family: Joshua, Daniel, and Tiffany. Pray specifically that God would raise up a high level team around Michelle to coordinate Sunday mornings on a rotating basis.
• Tim Inman: In God's providence he has brought Tim and Angela to plan and lead our worship team and worship services on an interim basis. Pray for them, as Angela works a full-time job, and as Tim resumes his seminary studies. Pray for them, too, as they help lead our congregation to the throne of grace each week,
• Terri Poulos: Our new church administrator has stepped into this role with a great mix of admin skill and people skills. She and her husband, Jamie, just adopted a newborn child, and she is in New Orleans with the new baby. Pray for their family. Also, pray for Lisa Rigsby as she fills in for Terri during maternity leave.
• Mike and Molly Tilley: We always appreciate your prayers as we have the joy of relating to the LBC congregation. Pray for boldness in my preaching of Exodus. Pray for our spiritual and emotional strength in navigating a range of responsibilities.in 
• For the whole team, pray that we would experience and embody the grace of the gospel of Christ, serving him in dependence on the Holy Spirit. Pray that we would experience the fullness of faith, hope, and love as we follow Jesus

August Daily Prayer #24: Stand and See

Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord. (Exodus 14:13)

This scene from the Book of Exodus finds the people of Israel between a rock and a hard place. Behind them: the fearsome army of Pharaoh. In front of them: the impassable sea. These stirring words of Moses call them to stand and see the salvation of the Lord. 

Today, on Sunday, we rest in an even greater victory. Jesus, the greater Moses, won the salvation for us that we could never win for ourselves. Now we, too, are free from fear, for perfect love casts out fear. We, too, stand and see the salvation of the Lord. We rest in Christ's finished work, and we gather for worship to celebrate his mighty victory.

In the days ahead, we continue to express our dependence on God as we pray. Today, the day of the Lord, we rest and worship!

August Daily Prayer #23: Community Groups

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Have you noticed how the parts of your physical body are interdependent? So it is, with the body of Christ, the church. When we're connected in healthy ways to others in the church, we grow up into Christ. Notice that the body "builds itself up in love." Each person has something to give, and is vital to the community. And, each person has something they need from relationships in the community. In a growing church, the relationships are dynamic, not static. Time and space are given for new people to be added, adding new richness to our community.

At Lake Baldwin Church, this process of relationship-building and growth are lived out in worship, in hospitality, in serving together, and in community groups (small groups). We've learned that our groups are one of the best places to help people grow as followers of Christ, as his disciples. Today, let's take some moments to pray for our growing network of community groups at LBC.

• Thank God for the people he has raised up to lead small groups. Pray for our group leaders as they meet on September 13 to prepare for the upcoming ministry season. Pray that God will raise up new leaders for new community groups.
• Pray for the many new people at LBC, and for those we have yet to meet. Pray that they will be able to connect to groups naturally and easily, as they are ready. Thank God for the welcoming environment that has been created in our groups.
• Pray for gospel community in all of our small groups. Pray that relationships will flourish, and that people will experience a safe place to bring their "real selves" into community.
• Pray for gospel growth in all of our small groups. Ask God to give a richness to the study of the Bible, and the use of gospel-centered content.
• Pray for gospel mission in our small groups, as people provide a place of care and use of spiritual gifts. Pray that people will be equipped to serve and minister as God leads them.
• Pray for the whole body of Christ at Lake Baldwin Church, that we will "grow up in every way into into him who is the head, who is Christ."

LBC Weekly: 8/24/14

This Sunday we begin a new series on the Book of Exodus. Over the years, we’ve found that people of all stages of the spiritual journey have enjoyed the stories of the Old Testament.  As I’ve been preparing over the course of the summer, I’ve fallen in love with Exodus all over again. We’ve entitled the series, “Take Off Your Sandals.” That’s a reference to Exodus 3:5, the famous story where God appears to Moses in the burning bush. I hope you’ll plan now to join us every week that you’re in town. And, this will be a great series for inviting friends and family to church. Thank you for your prayers, as we all, like Moses, prepare to meet with God in the Book of Exodus!

Worship This Sunday at 10:45

* We will begin our Exodus series with a message on Exodus 1:11-14, “Dark Clouds.”
* Molly Tilley will share her story of experience with the “dark clouds”--wondering “where is God” in times of depression, loss or disappointment.
* Remember to pray for worship, and for all who might be going through a time of “dark clouds.”

How to Enjoy and Benefit from the Exodus Series

* Think of this series as an opportunity to become better acquainted with this amazing story. Read the sermon text each week before you come to church.
* Take advantage of discussion questions that will be posted on our web site each week. You can use them with your small group, with your family, or for personal devotions.
* Look for a personal “take-away” each week, and share it with someone. You’ll see that each story in Exodus is our story, relevant to our lives.

It’s not too late to sign up for daily prayer in August!

* Almost 80 people at LBC have signed up to pray each day!
* To sign up, just send an e-mail to: Mike.Tilley@lakebaldwinchurch.com.
* You’ll receive a daily e-mail with a passage of Scripture and a brief prayer focus.
* Take some moments to pray at a time and in a way that is comfortable for you.

Come to the prayer gathering Monday evening at 7:00

* Come and join us, right after dinner!
* We gather for an hour of prayer at the LBC Office/Hub, 1300 Lake Baldwin Lane, Orlando, FL 32814.
* A simple prayer guide is provided. No experience needed.

Save These Dates

* August 24: Exodus series begins!
* August 25 at 7:00: Prayer gathering at LBC Office.
* September 13, 9 am to noon: Small Group Leaders
* September 26, 6:00 PM: Hospitality Event! Everyone invited as elders and wives host dinners in their homes.
* October 5, 9:30 am, LBC Office: “Survey of the Bible” class with Richard Hostetter begins.
* October 19, noon, in the park: Food Truck Event right after church.

In His Grace,
LBC Staff

August Daily Prayer #22: Baldwin Park and beyond

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

After his resurrection, Jesus entrusted his mission to the disciples. He promised them the power of the Holy Spirit. He also gave them a geographic mandate. The result was the planting of vital churches throughout the Roman world.

We like to think of Baldwin Park as our "Jerusalem." We worship there, but it's not an end in itself. Before Baldwin Park existed, the area around Lake Baldwin was a Naval Training Center. Men and women were trained and then sent out around the world. Today, we see Baldwin Park as a community in need of Jesus. And, we see it as a place to equip believers to fulfill God's purposes wherever He has placed them. The "gathered" church that worships in Baldwin Park is also the "scattered" church that lives and works throughout the city, in Winter Park, Maitland, Oviedo, Orlando, Longwood, College Park, Thornton Park, and other neighborhoods.

So our Baldwin Park location is not an end, it's a means to reaching our Judea, our Samaria, and the ends of the earth, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank God for the people who live around the city who dreamed of a church in Baldwin Park before we ever existed. Thank God for their prayers, their time, and their resources.
Thank God for the trust relationships that our church has with the organizations and businesses that are shaping Baldwin Park. Pray that this trust continues and grows.
Pray for the slow and steady growth of the kingdom among the 10,000 or so people in Baldwin Park. Pray for growing bridges of connection through relationships, parties, events, our worship service, and creative media.
Pray for the growing number of people around the city who worship at Lake Baldwin Church. Pray that God would use LBC to equip believers throughout the city, nurturing a network of small groups in homes and businesses around the city.
Pray for the heart-softening work of the Holy Spirit on behalf of the many individuals and families who need a genuine taste of the gospel. Pray for genuine conversions, and for a growing number of Christ-followers.
Pray for Audobon Elementary and Glenridge Middle School. Pray that students and families will be drawn to SPLASH and our youth ministry.
Pray for business owners in Baldwin Park, such as Vincent and Marilyn, French owners of the new Cafe 906. Pray for the "good" of these businesses, and for the openness of business owners to the good news of Jesus.

August Daily Prayer #20: Hope

We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19a)

On storm-tossed seas, a ship needs a strong anchor to keep the ship from drifting off-course. We learn from this passage that our hope, our anchor, "enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf." (Hebrews 6:19b-20). Christian hope is not a "hope so" hope--it's a "know so" hope. It is firm and secure.

"...remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 1:3) In a healthy Christian community, hope produces a kind of steadfastness in the storms of life.

In the early days of Lake Baldwin Church, someone said that hope is the main thing that we offer to the world around us. That's a good point, because before we knew Christ, we were "having no hope and without God in the world." (Ephesians 2:12) Today, let's pray for the nurturing of hope in our hearts, and for the offering of hope to the world.

• There will be storms that come our way, of suffering or persecution or testing. Pray for our congregation, that we would be steadfast in hope.
• There are some who feel a loss of hope, who grow weary in waiting. Pray that God, by his grace, will strengthen their hope.
• Romans 15:4 teaches that the stories of the Old Testament are given to strengthen our hope. Pray for this miracle of God's grace as we engage the stories of Exodus starting this Sunday.
• The prosperous culture around us obscures the despair of heart and the longing for hope of those without Christ. Pray that God will use the outreach efforts of our church community to extend the hope of the gospel.
• "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Let's pray this prayer for one another, for all of our gatherings, and for the continued renewal of hope in our lives.

August Daily Prayer #19: Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

When the apostle Paul wanted to affirm the health of a church in the New Testament, he noted three things: faith, hope, and love. Today, we pray simply for the nurturing and strengthening of faith in the hearts of the people of Lake Baldwin Church.

Faith is dependence on the promises of God, even when we don't yet see the things for which we hope. Faith is about the future, trusting God for all the unknowns of the future. Faith is not a blind crossing of our fingers, but rather a resting in God's gracious character, his love, his power, his wisdom.

• This fall, some will experience suffering and ask the question, "Where is God?" Pray in advance for all who might struggle in this way. Pray that the upcoming message from Exodus 1 will encourage those asking that question.
• This fall, some of the "lost sheep" (Luke 15) will hear the good news of the gospel. Pray that they would put their faith in Christ, trusting his death and resurrection, which they cannot see.
• This fall, those who follow Christ will face the subtle and alluring temptations of sin, risking the future for the immediate. Pray for faith in God's goodness being better than the passing pleasures of sin.
• This fall, some will face the darkness of despair, wondering if God's grace is indeed greater than their sin. Pray that we all will trust the gospel.
• This fall, many will take a step of faith, trying something new. It might be leading a small group, serving, loving another person, or even starting a new ministry in the church. Pray for joy in the adventure of faith.
• This fall, we will meet individuals and families we do not yet know. Pray in advance for them, that they will connect in loving community.
• This fall, we will trust God for staffing decisions, new leaders, new volunteers, resources, and outreach events. Pray that we would see God work as we pray and trust him now.
• Pray that each Sunday in worship we would see again, through eyes of faith, the beauty of our Savior, "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 11:1).

August Daily Prayer #18: School

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

It's Monday morning, and it's back to another week of prayer. These verses remind us of the high view of Christ in the book of Colossians. He is not only the head of the church, his body, but he is also Lord of all creation. As Colossians 1:17 says, "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Last week and this week, children of all ages are back to school. Our teachers are back to teaching, with all of the pressure that goes with that. Administrators are back to all the complexities and challenges of school. For those who belong to Christ, we are reminded that there is not really a split between sacred and secular. Our academic efforts matter to God, and we serve "the Lord Christ" in all things.

As a church, we pray not only for "the church gathered" on Sunday mornings, but we also pray for "the church scattered" around our city. Let's pray today for students and teachers who are returning to school.

• Thank God for the teachers and administrators in our church, who teach in public schools, private schools, and home school. Pray for Patti Rader, Ravi Jain, Kelley Jain, Lynn Steele, Valerie Kennedy, Dwain Noble, Abby Noble, and others who serve in the education field.
• Pray for the young children who are beginning school for the first time. Pray for good teachers, friends, and safety.
• Pray for our middle school and high school youth, at a time in life when peers begin to exert a major influence on them. Pray for strength to remain faithful to Christ, and the wisdom to navigate social situations.
• Pray for the children in SPLASH who are off to elementary school. Pray for supportive learning and social environments. Pray for their parents as they continue to nurture these children in the faith.
• Pray for the LBC students who are off to college this month. As you recall their names, pray for them specifically. Pray that they would find strong local churches and campus Christian movements where they can grow in their faith.
• As the "church scattered" lives out the love of Christ, pray that the joy of the gospel will fill the hearts of students and teachers. Pray that the richness of knowing and serving "the Lord Christ" will come alive in each heart.

August Daily Prayer #17: Praise

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name. (Psalm 100:4)

It's the Lord's Day! So we rest and worship today. We rest from our daily labors in prayer, knowing that the Lord builds the house. We worship because the Lord is good, and his steadfast love endures forever.

Today is the day the Lord has made. How do we receive this gift?

• Look back on the last week. Thank him for mercies he has shown. Acknowledge and turn from sins in thought, word, and deed. Look to the Savior who paid for all your sins, and who gives you his righteousness.
• Look up to him today, giving praise with our hearts and lips. We gather with his people to re-focus our hearts on God. Let the worship service be for you a time of renewal. Let new love for Jesus spring up as you sing new songs, and hear the preaching of the Word.
• Look forward to the week ahead, with a renewed heart and a fresh beginning. Enter the week with new reserves of faith, hope, and love. Remember that the risen Christ lives in you, through the Holy Spirit.

August Daily Prayer #16: RTS

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:10)

Ezra's approach to the Word of God is an example to every follower of Christ. He sought to learn the Scriptures, to obey the will of God, and to teach others. Jesus himself placed a high value on the Word of God, using it frequently and quoting it three times in the temptation story of Matthew 4:1-11.

We can also apply Ezra's example to the many young graduate students at our nearby seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS). Like other churches in Orlando, Lake Baldwin Church works closely with RTS as that school seeks to train a new generation of Christian pastors and counselors. We can rejoice that the global church is being strengthened through the work of RTS. Today, let's pray for our friends at RTS, and for the faculty and students who work closely with LBC.

• Pray for Don Sweeting, president of RTS. He will be preaching at LBC tomorrow. Pray, too, for Cheryl Foca, LBC member, who serves as assistant to Dr. Sweeting.
• Thank God for Mike Glodo and Steve Childers, professors who worship with us at LBC. Steve teaches church planting, spiritual formation, and evangelism. Mike Glodo teaches Old Testament as well as communication (preaching) classes. Pray for them as they touch the lives of so many future leaders.
• Thank God for the RTS students who have been able to get practical ministry experience at LBC: Dave Abney, Soon Pak, Tyler Groff, Mike Aitcheson, Josh Bales, Fritz Schalmo, Ben Mills, Liz Edrington, and many others who have gone into church work and counseling. Pray for a lifetime of fruitfulness.
• Pray for RTS students currently serving at LBC: Tim Inman (worship), John Hill (sound, set-up), and others who have been a blessing to us.
• Pray for the pizza lunch at RTS this Thursday, when we will be making connections with incoming students. Pray for the continued development of internship opportunities at LBC.
• Thank God for the promise of Jesus in Matthew 16:18--"I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Pray that God will mightily use his servants who graduate from RTS to be part of Jesus' plan.

August Daily Prayer #15: Shepherds

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the chief Shepherd, and he has called the elders of the church to be his under-shepherds. In God's wisdom, there is a plurality of leadership. And, there are words for the heart of the elder: to be willing and eager; to be an example; and to look to Christ for the reward.

The people of LBC elected their first elders in 2009. Almost a year ago, based on this passage and others, we began to put in place a "shepherding plan." Shepherds are to know the flock, feed the flock, lead the flock, and guard the flock. God's grace is needed, as human elders are sinners too, never feeling adequate for the work. That is why it's good to pray for our elders!

• Pray for our elders: Danny Anderson, Richard Hostetter, Ed Holtz, Mike Mikkelson, and Bart Johnson. Pray for caring hearts, humble hearts, eager hearts.
• Knowing the flock: Pray for the elders as they initiate relationships with those who are part of their charge.
• Feeding the flock: Pray for the oversight of preaching and teaching throughout our church. Pray that the people of LBC will always be provided with green pastures of growth.
• Leading the flock: Pray for wisdom in the work of planning, oversight, decision-making, etc.  Specifically, pray for God's grace upon our ministry planning process, taking place in November as we anticipate 2015.
• Guarding the flock: Pray that God will continue to protect our church from division, spiritual attack, and unhealthy teaching.
• Pray that our elders will look to Jesus as the chief Shepherd, humbled by the gospel, empowered by the Spirit, and following the loving example of Jesus.
• Begin praying now for future elders who will begin officer training this fall.

LBC Weekly: 8/17/14

We are happy to announce that Dr. Don Sweeting will be preaching at Lake Baldwin Church this Sunday. Dr. Sweeting is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary, and author of the book, How to Finish the Christian Life.

Read on for: Sign-up to pray daily; latest financial update; dates for your calendar.

Worship This Sunday at 10:45

* Dr. Don Sweeting will wrap up our summer series with a message from 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “Finishing the Christian Life.”
* Soon and Erin Pak will be with us! They will share highlights of their 2 years in China, serving with English Language Institute of China (ELIC). Soon served for four years as the youth director at LBC.
* Please take some moments to pray for the work of God’s Spirit in worship. Pray also for SPLASH, and for youth group on Sunday evening.

It’s Not Too Late to Sign up to Pray Daily in August

* The elders have called our congregation to prayer during August, for the spiritual opportunities ahead of us this fall.
* Over 60 people have already signed up to pray each day. People have been signing up throughout the month.
* Sign up by sending an e-mail to: Mike.Tilley@lakebaldwinchurch.com (mailto:Mike.Tilley@lakebaldwinchurch.com) .
* You will receive a brief daily devotional from Scripture, and some prayer requests.

Prayer Gathering Each Monday from 7-8 pm

* Elders are hosting a weekly prayer gathering at the LBC Office/Hub, 1300 Lake Baldwin Lane, Orlando 32814.
* Everyone is welcome to join us! We will have a prayer guide, and will be praying for the work of the church, as well as personal needs.

Financial Update as of July 31

* July contributions: $54,936.08
* July expenses: $53,005.06
* January-July contributions: $355,563.43.
* January-July expenses: $344,851.32
* If you’d like to bring your giving up-to-date, simply go to www.lakebaldwinchurch.com.

Dates for Your Calendar

* August 18, 7-8 pm: Prayer gathering at LBC office
* August 25, 7-8 pm: Prayer gathering at LBC office
* August 24: Exodus series begins--”From Slavery to Freedom”
* September 13, 9 am to noon: Small group leaders’ gathering
* September 26, 6 pm: Hospitality Event--Elders & Wives hosting Shepherding Groups
* October 19 after church: Food Truck Event

In His Grace,
LBC Staff

August Daily Prayer #14: Youth

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. (Psalm 71:17-18)

Faith is often formed in our younger years, while children, or as youth. The Psalmist looks back on his youth, and how he learned about God. The long-term view is that those who learn about God in their youth will follow him even to old age, proclaiming the deeds of the Lord to another generation.

Think of all the youth who have grown up before our eyes at Lake Baldwin Church! What a joy it is, to come alongside the families in our church, and to provide an environment where students can grow in Christ, make friends, and be mentored by the generation ahead of them! Today, let's pray for our youth.

• Thank God for Fritz and Barbie Schalmo, as Fritz gives leadership to our youth ministry. Pray for the safe and healthy delivery of their baby next month.
• Thank God for Scott and Lindsay Buono, who invest in the lives of our youth each Sunday night, and who reach out to our youth throughout he week. Pray for them as they serve.
• Thank God for Rachel Glodo and Christina Nesbitt, who have served as volunteers. Pray for Rachel as she moves on to graduate school in Chicago, and for Christina as she prepares for marriage.
• Pray for all the youth who have graduated from our LBC youth group. Pray that they would flourish in college.
• Pray for younger youth who are making the transition from SPLASH, that they would feel connected and be able to take advantage of new growth opportunities.
• Our youth are scattered among high schools around the city. Pray for them as they start school this fall. Pray for strong faith, lived out in the real world.
• God has used our students to reach out to friends, some of whom attend our youth group. Pray for the continued outreach of the youth at LBC, among their friends. Pray that parents and families will be touched by the gospel as a result.
• Pray specifically for the spiritual opportunities at Glenridge Middle School.
• Adult volunteers can have a powerful impact on teenagers. Pray that God will raise up more adult volunteers to work with our youth.
• Pray in advance for the weekly work of youth group, small groups, and personal contact with teenagers this fall. Pray especially for Fritz as he meets students on their turf, seeking to encourage them and minister to them.
• Finally, pray for each of the youth and families, that their hearts will always be stirred by a love for Jesus and the desire to follow him.

August Daily Prayer #13: Volunteers

For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. (Hebrews 6:10)

The heart to serve is a well-established part of Christianity, patterned after Jesus Christ himself, who took the servant's towel and washed the feet of his disciples. Serving does involve a kind of sacrifice, and we can be grateful for the love that inspires service. And God knows that our deeds of service, though not always noticed, are never forgotten by him.

At Lake Baldwin Church, we know that "some things must be so that other things can be." So we thank God for the many volunteers who make possible the display of the gospel of Christ through the work of the church.

• Pray for Ernie Traynham, and for the teams involved in set-up/tear-down of the worship area.
• Pray for Anna Sellers and Kelley Jain, new leaders of the Café team. Pray for the many volunteers who are part of that team. Thank God for the work of David and Janell Ray over the years.
• Pray for Scott Crocker, and the volunteers who work on his team to set up the SPLASH area.
• Pray for Drew Hallberg, and the many greeters who serve on the greeting team.
• Pray for Mollie Turbeville, and for those who work with her to set up Guest Services and stage.
• Pray for John Hill and Christian Gomez, who have been learning our new sound system.
• Pray for the musicians and vocalists who work to lead our music; pray for Tim and Angela Inman as they help coordinate that team.
• Pray for Michelle Crouse, and for the many SPLASH volunteers who serve in the nursery, check-in, teaching, and class helpers. Pray for the team that works monthly with our children's worship, High Tide.
• Pray for Fritz Schalmo, and for the adult volunteers who serve our youth. Pray for Scott and Lindsay Buono, and the others who help.
• Pray that God would grow the number of available volunteers, to fill gaps and to offer relief for those who have served for a lengthy period of time.
• Thank God for his provision of new volunteers over the past year, as new members have locked arms with us.

August Daily Prayer #12: Bridges

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.  (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

What a glimpse into the heart of God! He desires people to be saved, and he provided one mediator, Christ Jesus, to be our ransom. In light of this, we are called to make prayer a first priority. This also affected Paul's participation in the mission. The church carries on that work today of preaching and teaching.

Since Christ Jesus is the mediator, he is the only "bridge" between lost people and God. As a church, our part is to pray and to relate well to the surrounding culture. By some estimates, Orlando is 80% non-churched. So let's pray for them, and for our work of building "common ground" bridges with the culture:

• Pray that our worship services would be an open door for all, believers and non-believers alike. Pray that people will come to faith through our worship.
• Relationships: this is one of our best connections with the culture. Jesus himself was known as a "friend of sinners." Pray that God will give all of us common ground relationships with people who need Jesus.
• Christmas: pray that the light of the gospel would go out from all the churches I Orlando at Christmas season.
• Events: Pray for our partnerships with event planners in Baldwin Park, and for our participation in events throughout the year.
• Digital Media: Pray that God would give us bridges to people through the common space of digital media.
• Real life issues: Pray that God would give us ways to relate the gospel to real life issues in the lives of people.
• Pray for all those in authority, that we would continue to have freedom to preach the gospel. Pray that God would "open doors" for the gospel.
• Praise God for Christ the Mediator, who met us in our need through his incarnation, death, and resurrection.

August Daily Prayer #11: Oaks of Righteousness

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant those who mourn in Zion--to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. (Jesus, in Luke 4:21)

The words of the prophet paint a beautiful picture of gospel renewal. This renewal would be "good news" and would proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and grace. Those who mourn would be comforted, the captives would be set free, and those changed by this gospel would become "oaks of righteousness." In Luke, Jesus announces that he is the fulfillment of Isaiah's vision of gospel renewal!

Today, let's pray that gospel renewal in our church and city would result in the growth of "oaks of righteousness."
Pray that those who are captive to the tyranny of sin would be set free.
Pray for those who mourn, that they would receive comfort and the oil of gladness.
There is such a range of spiritual maturity at LBC. Pray for seekers to come to faith; for young believers to grow to maturity; and for long-term followers of Christ to press on to maturity and growth.
Pray that God will use our growing network of small groups to foster gospel community and gospel growth.
Pray that God will use the upcoming spiritual growth classes to nurture "oaks of righteousness."
Pray for growing gospel transformation in all of our lives: the renewal of our minds; the inflaming of our hearts; the empowering of our hands.
Pray that our love for the lost, our love for the needy, and our love for the world would flow from genuine heart renewal in worship and community.

August Daily Prayer #10: Rest and Beauty

So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. (Genesis 2:3)

One thing I have asked of the Lord that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

We are 1/3 of the way through a month of daily prayer for the work of the church. If you have tried to spend good time in prayer each day, you know that sometimes prayer is work. In our culture, it's quite an effort to be still, to be silent, to be expectant. And then, actually spending time in prevailing prayer, for the in-breaking of the kingdom, is diligent work. It's easier to do activity than to stop to pray.

"Prayer is not preparation for the work. It is the work." But today, Sunday, we rest from our rigorous schedule of praying daily for the work of the church. Instead, we join the God-given, gracious rhythm of resting and rejoicing. David, the warrior-king, cherished time of gazing upon the beauty of the Lord. Today is for rest. Today is for worship. Tomorrow, we get on our knees again to engage the work of prevailing prayer.

As you read this, it might be before church, after church, or Sunday evening. Wherever you are, take some moments to gaze upon his beauty. Tell God that you love him. Praise him for the rest that is the gift of the gospel.

How do we gaze upon the beauty of the Lord? In our hearts, we see with the light of faith a God of splendor and beauty. In the Word of God, we meet a God who reveals himself to his people. In the gift of music, our hearts are tuned and our lips are given words to praise his beauty. If this does not come easy, don't be discouraged. Just start with where you are, and ask God to draw you near to him in the coming days, weeks, and months.

 "...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe." (Ephesians 1:17-19)

August Daily Prayer #9: SPLASH

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. (Psalm 8:1-2)

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14)

There is such a wide-eyed wonder that children have toward God. Perhaps that is why the kingdom of heaven belongs "to such" as these. Children have a place in the heart of God, and they had an open-armed welcome from Jesus. The disciples blundered in the Matthew story. They rebuked the people who were bringing the children to Jesus. Perhaps they wanted to keep things orderly. But Jesus welcomed the delightful disruption that comes with children.

And so, children have a special place in the church. We signal this with baptism, and we practice this in our vow that we will "assist the parents in the Christian nurture" of their children. Today, let's unite to pray for our SPLASH ministry:
Thank God for his blessings on our church through SPLASH: volunteer participation, Kids Camp, and the weekly experience of stories, care, friendships, and the teaching of the gospel.
Pray for the hearts of all the children, some of whom find in SPLASH their primary way of learning about Jesus; and for others, who are having reinforced what they are learning at home.
Pray that God will continue to raise up volunteers and teachers, all with joyful hearts, as the number of children continues to grow. Ask God to bless us with church-wide vision and ownership of the SPLASH effort.
Pray for Michelle Crouse and her family, as she continues to lead our SPLASH effort. Pray for a growing base of leaders around her, especially to help shoulder the work on Sundays.
Pray High Tide, the monthly worship experience for children. Pray for the High Tide team who work to tell the stories of the Bible in an engaging way.
Ask God to encourage each teacher, volunteer, and nursery worker.
Finally, pray for the many children and families around us who are not yet churchgoers, that their lives will be touched and changed by the gospel, through what God is doing in SPLASH.