Prayer Initiative - Day 30

---

2 Timothy 2:1

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

1 Thessalonians 5:25

"Brothers and sisters, pray for us."

Today's Prayer Focus

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

---

"Prayer for Strengthening Grace for LBC Staff"
Mike Tilley

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

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

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

---

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

Prayer Initiative - Day 29

---

1 Corinthians 9:19, 22

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

Today's Prayer Focus

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

---

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

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

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

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

---

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

Prayer Initiative - Day 28

---

Psalm 1:1-3

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

Today's Prayer Focus

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

---

"Rooted in the Word"
TJ Sellers

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

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

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

---

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

Prayer Initiative - Day 27

---

Acts 20:17, 28

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

Today's Prayer Focus

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

---

"Elders to Care for the Church"
Mike Tilley

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

Prayer Initiative - Day 26

---

Romans 15:7

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

Today's prayer focus

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

---

"Accept One Another"
Kim Anderson

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

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

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

---

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

Prayer Initiative - Day 25

---

1 Peter 4:8-10

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

Today's Prayer Focus

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

---

"Offer Hospitality to One Another"
Mike Tilley

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

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

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

---

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

Prayer Initiative - Day 24

---

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.