Prayer Initiative - Day 24

---

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.

---

"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.

---

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

---

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.

---

"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.

---

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

---

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.

---

"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.

---

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

---

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).

---

"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.

---

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

---

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.

---

"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?

---

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

---

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.

---

"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.

---

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

---

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. 

---

"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.

---

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

---

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.

---

"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.

---

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

---

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. 

---

"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.

---

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

---

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.

---

"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.

---

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

---

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.

---

“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.

---

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.

Prayer Initiative - Day 13

---

Colossians 4:2-3

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word…"

Today's Prayer Focus

• For Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Rollins College, and their outreach on Friday, September 11. Zack Baldwin leads the ministry.
• For Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at UCF as they begin to reach out to students on Aug 24. Pray for Lee Wright as he directs the work, and for his new intern, Savannah.
• For CRU at UCF as they engage in evangelism and discipleship. Jeremy Reddy leads the work. Pray for reliance on the Spirit’s power.
• hank God for the successful summer Bible study for college students at LBC, led by Noah Gomez. Thank God for the college students who will be going through our new members’ class Aug 21-22. Pray for Desiree Kitsmiller (UCF), Bailey Welch (Rollins), and Anthony Indorato (Rollins) as they start classes soon.

---

"Open Doors on Campus"
Mike Tilley
 

One of the ways that LBC can serve the city is by partnering with the excellent student ministries that are active on nearby campuses. Like Paul in Colossians 4:3, these missionaries are trusting God to open doors for the gospel. Our church has benefited from the fruit of gospel ministry on the UCF campus. John Hutchings, who is active in our church in many ways, came to faith through the work of RUF at UCF a few years ago.

Why pray for open doors on the campuses? UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, so the potential for the kingdom is strong. Rollins College has a history of being reluctant to allow evangelical ministries on campus. The Intervarsity group actually operates off campus for now, and they work to maintain positive public relations with the administration. So on both campuses, there is a need for prayer.

We believe that college students, over time, will benefit from worship and fellowship at a church such as Lake Baldwin Church. Pray for our partnership with these groups, partnerships that will gain even greater traction when God raises up an assistant pastor at LBC.

---

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 12

---

2 Corinthians 4:7

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing greatness of the power belongs to God and not us."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For the treasure of the gospel of Christ to shine brightly on the parts of us that are weak and broken.
• For a church culture that embraces all people regardless of their limits and liabilities; a culture that sees the value of the weak as well as the strong.
• For friends you know in the church who are feeling overwhelmed by their own limits, or the realities of life—young moms; those experiencing loss of a loved one, a marriage, or a job; all of us when we wrestle with failure; and all who need the love and care of the church family.
• For humility in all of our church ministries, relying on the power of God and not on our having it all together.

---

"Jars of Clay"
Mike Tilley

It’s quite a miracle that God has chosen to use broken vessels, jars of clay, to advance his work in the world, and to display his power. Over the years, it’s been difficult to bump up against my limits, and I’ve struggled with the tension between the “ideal me” and the “real me.” Only the gospel breaks that prideful fever in me, and restores me to reality and sanity.

I love the many ways that people at Lake Baldwin Church embrace and accept one another in times of weakness. There’s hope when we can weep with those who weep, come alongside those who are suffering loss, and discover the gifts in each person. 

The Old Testament story of Ruth is such a picture of this. Ruth had liabilities in her culture: she was a woman, a Moabite, and a widow. But those “weaknesses” became powerful in the hands of God. Bethlehem was changed, and kings came from her, including the King of all kings. Today, if you are feeling tired and weak, if you feel that you don’t measure up, if you feel inadequate, take courage from the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:7. He shows his power in jars of clay.

---

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 11

---

Acts 17:26-27

"And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him."

Today's prayer focus

• Thank God for the recent LBC mission trip to Cabo St. Lucas, Mexico, as well as members who have gone to Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Slovakia this summer.
• Pray for our efforts to serve a growing network of international churches in Europe, specifically the ICC Pastors Retreat Oct 19-23. The goal for this year is 40 pastors.
• For the LBC Global Missions Team as they arrange for future mission trips, and as they trust the Lord for the day when our church can work with partners to plant a church overseas.
• For LBC folks based in Orlando but bringing resources overseas, such as Don Dearing who is currently in London leading a team that is reaching out to Middle Easterners on vacation there. For Ross and Lindsay Stowers, serving long-term in Italy.

---

"A New Day in Global Missions"
Mike Tilley

The spread of the gospel in the 1st century was helped by the Roman road, trade routes, the influence of cities, and common Greek, the language of the New Testament. In the 1500s, the Reformation swept Europe on the heels of a technology breakthrough, the Gutenberg printing press. In our “new day" in global missions, innovative missions leaders have divine opportunities thanks to globalization, the Internet, and the use of English as a common language.

For example, the nations of the world are coming to Europe. International churches are rising to the occasion, reaching out to expats, immigrants, and nationals. A year ago last June, an Afghan immigrant was baptized in the faith by an American pastor serving a church in Munich. Holding services in English, the church has 60 nations represented, and 25% of the attendees are Germans. 

We have an amazing God! As we read in Acts 17:16, He has “determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.” In this "new day" in global missions, a young church in Orlando such as LBC, with a global vision and a sovereign God, can have a part in reaching the nations.

---

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 10

---

Titus 2:11-14

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For the grace of God to bring salvation to friends and family.
• For the grace of God to transform our hearts in new ways.
• For the grace of God to strengthen our hearts for good works.

---

“The Lifelong School of Grace”
Mike Glodo

Every Christian has a teacher and her name is “Grace.” Titus 2:11-14 tells us that “the grace of God has appeared ... training [teaching] us…” The “school of Grace” has three grade levels, but it is a school we attend our whole life long.

Grace past: Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (v. 14). By faith in Jesus Christ, all is forgiven. Grace past makes us God’s own. The freshman lesson in the school of grace is one that must remembered and believed our whole lives, for it’s easy to forget or doubt God’s grace past.

Grace future: The senior year in the school of grace is grace future, for God’s grace teaches us to wait “for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 13). The world is not yet the way God will make it one day. Neither are we. Living in the Christian hope means believing that Christ will return and transform this broken world into one of peace, justice and joy. The vales of tears and death will become spring-watered gardens (Rev 21; Rom 8:18-25). Living in Christian hope turns life’s deepest disappointments into homework, teaching us that this world will one day be more than we can imagine and everything we could desire.

Grace now: The middle year in the school of grace depends upon the prerequisites of grace past and grace future. Grace has appeared, “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passion, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age” (v 12). Grace has redeemed us “from all lawlessness” and purified us to become people “who are zealous for good works” (v 14). Grace past frees us from sin and grace future gives us a reason to live for God so that grace transforms our lives in the present.

I spent many hours as a child hanging laundry on the clothesline for my mother. She had a good, stout, clothesline strung between metal poles, anchored by concrete. Therefore it could bear the weight of new-washed clothes, to dry them in the bright sunlight. God has given us two stout poles between which to live grace-transformed lives. Christ has come. Christ will come again. Therefore, by God’s grace, we will live for Him now.

---

Rev. Michael J. Glodo teaches Old and New Testament courses as well as courses in practical theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Oviedo, FL. The diversity of the courses Professor Glodo teaches reflects his diverse research and ministry interests. He is passionate about Old and New Testament studies and ministry philosophy, particularly regarding worship and liturgy. In addition to serving six years as the Stated Clerk for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, he also served in pastoral roles at churches in the St. Louis region. He and his wife, Vicki, have a daughter, Rachel, and son, Samuel. 

Prayer Initiative - Day 9

---

Acts 16:1-3

"Paul came also to Derbe and Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him..."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For the right person to be called by God for our assistant pastor position.
• For our search team to be of one mind, prayerfully seeking God and considering candidates. The group meets tonight for a decision meeting.
• For practical details to be worked out, and for long-term gospel fruit from this new hire.
• For God’s financial provision as our church takes this next step together.

---

"Adding to the Team for the Sake of the Gospel"
Mike Tilley

The book of Acts tells the story of the work of the Holy Spirit to extend the reach of the gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the remotest parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). The result was a growing network of flourishing churches in the Greek and Roman world. As the work expanded, the apostle Paul added to his team, building the capacity to seize God-given opportunities.

Timothy joined the team, and was part of the church-planting effort at places like Thessalonica, the subject of our preaching series this summer. He went on to serve as the local pastor in Ephesus, and the letters of 1 and 2 Timothy were written during his season of ministry there.

Over the past couple of years, our leadership has developed a shared vision for making a long-term hire, adding to our pastoral staff. As we move in this direction by faith, we believe that this step will add to our capacity to extend the reach of the gospel, to foster a growing spiritual movement among young adults, and to pursue many other providential opportunities. We invite our entire congregation to pray and to share in these dreams for the future of mission to which God has called Lake Baldwin Church.

---

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 8

---

Acts 2:39

"For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

Today's Prayer Focus:

• For seeds of the gospel to come alive in the hearts of children in SPLASH.
• For children in SPLASH to feel loved, have fun, and ask questions.
• For volunteers in SPLASH to be energized; for a full team of volunteers.
• For families in our church to be encouraged.
• For families who attended Kids Camp; that they will be sparked to come to our church.
• For Michelle Crouse and her family as she leads our SPLASH ministry.

---

"The Promise for the Children"
Mike Tilley

Isn’t it amazing that our children are included in the covenant promises that God makes to his people? Throughout Scripture, in both Old and New Testaments, we see how God has a concern for both parents and children. Jesus famously said, “Let the children come to me” (Matthew 19:14).

Our SPLASH effort is an expression of this vision, of God’s heart for children. Today we can give thanks to God for the many people in Lake Baldwin Church who work alongside Michelle Crouse to sow seeds of the gospel in the hearts of children. The beautiful story of Jesus is shared with children in an environment of security, fun, relationships, and love.

Imagine what it will be like, years from now, when children look back on their experience in SPLASH! Memories are being made that will last a lifetime. Your prayers today are a part of watering the seeds of the gospel that will bear fruit in the coming years.

---

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 7

---

Esther 4:14

"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

Today's Prayer Focus

• For all of us to fulfill God’s purpose where he has placed us: at work, in our neighborhoods, and in our efforts to seek the peace and blessing of the city.
• For the growth of our presence in Baldwin Park, and for the spiritual receptivity of those who do not yet have a church. Pray specifically for the many who will be moving into the new apartments at Harbor Park.
• For grace and wisdom for all of us to engage a rapidly changing culture.
• For insight to see and seize kairos moments (divine opportunities where God is at work).

---

"For Such a Time as This"
Mike Tilley

These days, particularly in America, Christians are often alarmed by a culture that is becoming secularized and more at odds with biblical Christianity. But our situation today might pale in comparison to what Queen Esther faced when Haman, a Persian vizier under King Ahaseurus, declared an edict to annihilate the Jews. We need the heart and courage of Mordecai, who saw that Esther was where God placed her, “for such a time as this.”

When we see God’s providence in each person that He has drawn to Lake Baldwin Church over the years, we thank God that he has brought them “for such a time as this.” When we think of 10,000 people living in Baldwin Park, and the new apartments going up right now, we believe that we are here “for such a time as this.” When we see people from LBC touching lives and shining Christ's light throughout the city, we believe that we are here “for such a time as this.”

Each Christian is God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). As we pray together today, let’s be reminded that each of us has a place in God’s larger story. Knowing that God has a plan, and knowing that Jesus will build his church, we face a changing world with confident hope. Through eyes of faith, let us see the divine opportunities ahead of us in the coming months.

---

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 6

---

John 13:14

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet."

Today's Prayer Focus

• For our deacons, who lead us to care for and serve one another. Pray for Scott Crocker as he begins to serve as chairman of the deacons.
• For all those who serve us on Sunday mornings: cafe team, greeters, set-up teams for worship and SPLASH, teachers, worship and A/V team.
• For gospel-inspired service to be part of the culture of our church, and for volunteer teams to be at full strength as we anticipate the excitement of the fall ministry season.

---

"Wash One Another's Feet"
Mike Tilley

When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet in the upper room, it was a beautiful foreshadowing of his work on the cross to cleanse us from our sins. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give us life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) One of the ways that we are most like Jesus is when we serve one another. 

The early church picked this up. When Paul wrote to commend widows who served faithfully, he highlighted their “washing the feet of the Lord’s people” (1 Timothy 5:10). Deacons, too, picked up the towel of service to lead the church in caring for the weak and in showing mercy to the needy.

One of the miracles of our church is the serving culture. That miracle is visible each Sunday morning when when we see a colorful SPLASH area for our kids, when we grab a coffee or a bottle of cold water, when we walk into a worship area that is comfortable and beautiful, when a greeter hands us a bulletin, or when we see song lyrics appearing on the screens.

When we wash one another’s feet, we display the love of Christ, demonstrated at that first foot-washing, and revealed even more perfectly at the cross.

---

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 5

---

Luke 15:4

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?"

Today's Prayer Focus

• For God to give us the heart of Jesus for the lost, and for this love to compel us as we pursue the lost sheep.
• For many future occasions when we will celebrate the finding of lost sheep. Pray for people to come to know the Savior through the grace of the gospel.
• For upcoming bridge events to connect us meaningfully to the lost sheep, including the Ken Sande event (Oct 9-10) on the common ground topic of relationships.
• For new move-ins in Baldwin Park, for spiritual receptivity. Pray in advance for the many who will move into the new apartments being built at Harbor Park.

---

"The Lost Sheep"
Mike Tilley

Some years ago our family was enjoying a day at Disney World, when we looked around and did not see our youngest daughter. She was too young to find her way back to us, so we were concerned! She mattered so much to us that we dropped everything we were doing to find her. When we found our lost daughter, we were so relieved and so happy!

All of us were like our lost daughter at one point, spiritually. We were lost and without hope, and we didn’t know how to find our way to God. But we matter to God, so Jesus left the glories of heaven to come and pursue the lost sheep. In Luke 15, the Pharisees complained that Jesus was making friends with “sinners.” But Jesus replied that there was more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons.

Perhaps this is a good pattern for us, as we pray and relate to people who are not yet followers of Jesus. Who knows what God might do as we pray for and become friends with people who matter greatly to him?

---

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.