From Slave to Master

Walking in the Word

  But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:25-28

Response to the Word

Have you ever heard these words in school, "It's opposite day!"  I think its the craziest day when you don't say what you want, instead you say the opposite.  When Jesus talked to His disciples about greatness, they must have thought it was "Opposite day."  How do you become great by serving one another?  Why do we need to be a 'slave' in order to be first?  It all comes down to Jesus.  He came to serve and not to be served.  He paid the 'ransom' for all of us.  That's the kind of God we worship.  He looks down with love and seeks those who have a heart to serve.  Do you have a heart like that?  Do you look for those who you can help?  Take a look around.  You never know what's going to happen today.

Response in Prayer

Dear Father,   Thank you for another glorious day.  You gave us a great day of worship yesterday and I praise You today and everyday.  Please guard my heart against those prideful moments in my life. Thank you for another wonderful day.  I pray today for my friend Pastor Mike Storter.  Would you please being healing and health to his body.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

97, 98, 99 ????

Walking in the Word

Matthew 18:10-14 

 
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Applying the Word

Hey guys.  I hear sheep can be pretty "hard-headed" sometimes.  If you where a sheep, the best place for you to be would be right next to the Shepperd.  I mean, he's the guy who is always watching out for you.  But sheep can be pretty, well  "hard-headed" sometimes.  The Bible sometimes compares us to sheep.  We are the "sheep" and Jesus is the "Good Sheppard."  And sometimes we let the "world" into our hearts and minds and drift away from the truth of God's Word.  Jesus is saying that He is not waiting for you to come to Him, but that He is continually searching for you!  Wow, isn't nice to have a Sheppard looking out for us?

Praying Through the Word

Father, Please forgive me what I act like a "hard-headed" sheep.  Sometimes I do mess up and let the world around me come right into my life.  Help me to always come before You and seek Your guidance, wisdom and love.  Thank you for finding me and saving my soul.  Please watch over all my "sheep" from babies to fifth graders at Plant City's First Baptist Church.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse for the Week

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

      And lean not on your own understanding;
      In all your ways acknowledge Him,                                                                                                    And He shall direct^[ your paths.  Prov. 3:5-6 

All Pro Callouts

Walking in the Word


Matthew 18:1-6


At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,  and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.


Applying the Word


For the most part, children are love and adored in our country today.  We have several good laws to protect all of you.  But that was not the case in when Jesus walked on Earth.  Children had virtually no rights.  They were seen more as "property."  Jesus used a child to teach on the greatest lessons ever.  Just who was the greatest after all?  The disciples must have been really busy sizing one another up.  One may have been stronger?  One may have been better looking?  But Jesus didn't base His decision on any of those things.  He used a child!  He said that our faith must be that of a child!  Why?  Because children have great faith.  When you are a child, you don't reason everything out and look for the best possible conclusion.  You just believe and that's the kind of faith Jesus is looking for.


Praying Through the Word


Dear Father, 
Please forgive me when I allow pride to fill my heart and pull me away from you.  Thank you for the privilege of working with so many great children at Plant City's First Baptist.  I believe these children are going to rock this world for your name.  Help me never to doubt or reason away any of the faith you have instilled in my heart and please help me to give you "all" that I am "all" of the time.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse for the Week

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

      And lean not on your own understanding;
      In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct^[ your paths.  Prov. 3:5-6

The Light of the World



Here is Caleb with the award winning "truck" in RA's
Last Sunday, we learned about a missionary that served in the
truck stops.

Walking In The Word

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.  Matthew 17: 1-3

Applying the Word

I think it's very important to conserve our natural resources.  I'm probably one of the most "green" ministers here.  I like to look into solar panels for my home (too expensive) and even one day have an electric car (problem is none will hold my family :) ).  But there is one thing that drives me a little crazy.  It's these Compact Fluorescent light bulbs.  In our small bathroom at church, it's almost dark when you first turn on the light.  It's takes "a long while" to actually get bright.  Well, according to Matthew, just the opposite happened to Jesus.  His face and robe was "exceeding white".  Matthew says it was like looking into the sun!  How cool is God to allow Peter, James and John to behold that kind of glory?  Today, you and I can do the same.  Don't look at Jesus as just the Suffering Servant that takes aways the sins of the World, but the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings!  And He's coming back!

Praying The Word

Father, I just can't image the incredible sight that Peter, James and John beheld on that mountain.  I look forward to the day when I can bow down to the Power and Splendor of your Son.  Today, I bow down and say thank you for doing a MIGHTY work in my son Billy's life.  You indeed are the Great Physician!  Help me father to always make room in my heart for You and Your.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse for the Week

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

      And lean not on your own understanding;
      In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct^[ your paths.  Prov. 3:5-6

Leaving It All Behind

Walking in the Word

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.  For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  Matthew 16:24-26

Applying the Word

When I served as a North American Missionary in Maine, I met a man named Arther Blessing.  He was walking up the North Eastern part of the United States carrying a cross.  Yup, that's what I said.  He was carrying a cross.  He did this to draw attention to the suffering and cost that our Savior paid for us on the cross of Calvary.  But that is not what Jesus is saying here.  He said to deny yourself - Ask God what He wants in your life.  Take up your cross - Be ready for what the world can throw at you.  Not everyone is going be happy that your a Christian.  And follow Me - Make it like "follow the leader" and Jesus is the Leader.

Praying Through the Word

Dear Lord, Thank You for a beautiful morning.  The sun is just starting to break and I know it's going to be wonderful day.  Father, thank you for loving me and my family and for the mercy and forgiveness you continually offer.  Thank you for being with my son Billy yesterday and for the mighty work you did in our family.  You are good.  Please help me to see if I put anything before You.  Help me to hear your voice and always answer with a resounding "Yes Lord, I will!"  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse for the Week


Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

      And lean not on your own understanding;
      In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct^[ your paths.  Prov. 3:5-6

He Can Do MORE

Walking Through the Word

³⁵ So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. ³⁶ And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. ³⁷ So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left. ³⁸ Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.   Matthew 15:35-38

Understanding the Word

When I was a child, I loved to play backyard football with cousin John.  We would play all day until our mom or grandma would call us in.  It didn't matter if it was cold or hot, early or late.  We loved backyard football.  Take a look at what happened in the Book of Matthew.  The people followed Jesus for three days without eating.  Men, women and children all hanging on every word that came from the lips of Jesus.  And what was their reward?  First, to hear the Word of God as He spoke what we call the "Bible" today and secondly, to see an incredible miracle.  Jesus took seven small loaves of bread and a few small fish and fed tons of people.  They made Him first in their lives and He met their every need.  Wow!

Praying through the Word

Father, Help me not to put my mind on worldly things like toys, clothes or even food.  I know that You will provide for me in every way.  Please help my faith to be as strong as those who actually witnessed the feeding of the five thousand and may I never doubt in You in any way.  You are worth all my praise and adoration today and forever. Father, I do lift up Mary Hallman today.  Would you please place your healing hands upon her.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse for the Week
 

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
      And lean not on your own understanding;
       ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct^[ your paths.  Prov. 3:5-6

Everything Is On Sale

Survivor Weekend

Walking Through the Word

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."  Matthew 13:44


Applying the Word


This parable is so cool.  I have probably read it and heard it about 800 times.  But it wasn't until recently that God allowed me to see the power of this verse.  The big question is, "What's Heaven like?"  Well the Bible says its incredible!  But there's more!  What we do on Earth in Jesus' Name builds treasure in Heaven.  And according to this verse, we should be building treasure ALL THE TIME.  Did you see what that guy was doing in the story?  Selling everything! People must of thought he had gone crazy!  Sell everything to buy some field!  But the man knew something.  There was treasure in that field.  Guys, when we realize the truth about God's Kingdom and what we are to do here on Earth, it should make a profound difference in our lives.  So much so, that people around us begin to take notice.


Praying Through the Word


Father, You are the God of God and Lord of Lords.  There is none above You because there is none but You.  Father,  please help me to live my life in such a way that I am constantly building treasure in Your Kingdom.  Help me to put You first and myself second. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory verse for the week

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"  Matthew 11:28a

Heavens on my mind!

Walking Through The Word

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field,  which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”  Matthew 13: 31-32

Applying The Word

Sometimes people look at children and say, "Oh, they're just a child!"  We live in a society where sometimes children are not taken very serious.  Some think, "If a child's opinion isn't very strong, well neither could their faith be."  But nothing could be further from the truth.  Adults have a hard time explaining the concept of heaven.  But Jesus said it's like a small mustard seed.  If planted and watered, it grows to one of the largest trees in the garden.  So don't think you're too young to thinkand to put things in Heaven.  Plant it now and watch it grow!

Praying Through the Word

Father, Your Kingdom is grand and beautiful.  One day I will see that face to face.  But while I'm here in this beautiful garden called Plant City, let me be faithful set my mind fully the Your will and Your Kingdom.  As my faith grows, so may my understanding of the grandeur of Heaven.  Please be with my Pastor, Barry and Randy as they are in Niceraqua.  I ask for their safety and success on their mission.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Memory verse for the week

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"  Matthew 11:28a

What kind of dirt are you?

Getting Ready to enjoy some Brisket Tacos
from Grandpa Johnson's BBQ - Some of the best stuff on Earth

Walking in the Word

 Matthew 13: 1-9  On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.  Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.  But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.  But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”


Applying the Word


I love people who have a green thumb.  No, they ready don't have a thumb the color of The Incredible Hulk (but that would be cool), but they are able to grow just about anything.  They have a knack for knowing what kind of soil to use, how often to water and the best time for maximum growth.  Jesus said our hearts can be compared to the "ground"!  Why?  Because hear the Word of God is not enough.  We must bury it within our hearts.  How do you do that?  By spending time in the Bible and memorizing His powerful word.  That's one reason there is always a Memory Verse on the bottom.

Praying through the Word

Dear God, Thank you for giving your Word to guide us as we journey through this world.  I confess that sometimes my heart can become rocky and other times I can allow worry to strangle my faith like thorns.  Please help me to always plant Your word deeply into my heart and life.  Father, I also pray for Mrs. Mary Hallman and our Pastoral team in Nicaragua.    I pray you will continue to heal Mary's back and legs, and that you give safety and insight to our pastoral team as they do Your will oversees.  In Jesus' Name,  Amen

Memory verse for the week

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"  Matthew 11:28a

Careful Little Mouth What You Say

Walking Through the Word

"But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgement for every careless word spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned."  Matthew 12: 36-37

Applying the Word

"I Hate You," I heard a child tell his mom while waiting in line at Publix.  Why did he "hate" his mom?  Because she refused to give in and by some bubble gum that was sitting just above the child's eye on the right side.  Wow, I thought.  That sure is some strong words for something as simple as bubble gum.  Words carry a lot of weight.  James, in the New Testament, tells us that our "tongue" is a very strong member of our body.  We can use words to build up our friends, or tear them down.  The choice is ours.  We can also use our "tongue" to lift Jesus high or to put Him down.  Again, the choice is yours.  But keep in mind, we will one day have to explain ourselves for everything we said.  Wow!

Praying Through the Word

Father, I confess that I sometimes use my words carelessly.  Please forgive me for my careless words.  I also confess that I sometimes let my anger come out through my mouth.  Please Father, forgive me for those times also.  Thank You father for your Holy Word.  How it blesses and challenges my life each and every morning.  You are indeed good!  Please let me take time to pray for my friends the Collins Family who endured the tragic lose of a beloved mother and grandmother.  Father I pray for peace in the hearts of all those who were impacted by this tragedy.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory verse for the week

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"  Matthew 11:28a



Rest Area Ahead

Walking in the Word

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30

Applying the Word

I have never climbed Mt. Everest, but do admire those who do and succeed.  Why?  Because it's the highest elevation on Earth!  It takes someone who has high-endurance and a high-determination to succeed.  But the one thing I have noticed as I have watched some documentaries on Mt. Everest is that people do not climb that mountain in one day.  It takes a while to get to the top.  Along the journey, they stop for rest, warmth, food and water.  It must feel incredible to lay inside a warm tent after long day of hiking.  Notice what Jesus told His followers.  That we would find "rest" in Him.  No, you probably aren't climbing Mt. Everest any time soon, but you may be going through a rough time.  Jesus understands that and promised to be there every step of the way.

Praying Through the Word

Father, How I adore you in every way I know.  You are a great God as You are the Only God that exist.  How marvelous are your ways in my life.  Thank for sending Jesus to pay the price for my sins on the cross of Calvary.  Thank you also for the gift of "rest" when I desperately need it.  You are Good!  Help me to always remember that it's not all about rest, but You are source of my strength and I thank you.  In Jesus' Name, Amen & Amen

Memory verse for the week

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"  Matthew 11:28a

Yea, that's my BIG brother

Walking in the Word

"But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.  At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."  Matthew 10:19-20

Applying the Word

My little brother Stephen was seven years younger that I was.  Now seven years is a pretty long time.  We fought some of the times and played a lot of the times.  But Steve always new he could turn to me when he needed help.  I was his "really" big brother.  Take a look at what Jesus told his disciples.  When troubling times come, God steps in and offers incredible help!  The "Spirit of your Father," is another name for the Holy Spirit.   Have strength my friends, because if you have given your life to Jesus Christ, then God in heaven has given to you also, the "Spirit of the Father."

Praying through the Word

Dear Lord, Thank you for another cool and wonderful morning.  Thank you for the love and grace you have lavished upon your people.  Lord, I confess there are times when I think I have to handle things all alone.  Help me to always remember that You have given to me the Holy Spirit.  He is the Spirit of Wisdom and the Spirit of Strength.  He is the third part of the trinity and I bow to praise Him.  Lord I pray for Mrs. Mary Hallman who's still in Bartow Regional Hospital.  Father I pray for her healing and restoration.  Thank you for hearing this prayer.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse for the Week

1 John 5:13  "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

Smell What's Cooking

The Harvest Is Ready

Walking in the Word

"When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."  Matthew 9:36-38

Response to the Word

There is nothing like coming home and smelling some chocolate chip cookies.  Cookies are not my favorite snacks, but you just count out the wonderful smell they make.  It doesn't take long before you have a bell, telling your mom or dad their done.  But what would happen if nobody took them out?  They are ready to come out!  If they don't, they'll burn!  Jesus used that kind of urgency when he looked out on all the people who were following Him.  They needed help.  They needed to lead them and show them the love of God.  Only problem, there was nobody to go.  Nobody to help.  Nobody to lead.

Praying through the Word

Father in Heaven, My heart is saddened by words your Son had to use.  Please Lord, raise up servants to help and to lead your people.  Raise up many in our Children's Ministry be the helping hands of Jesus.  Give us eyes to see the needs around us and then give us a heart to help.  Praise be the Lord Jesus Christ.  In His Name I Pray, Amen.

Memory Verse for the Week

1 John 5:13  "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

You're Going to Sit With Them???

Buddies for Life

Walking in the Word

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.  And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  Jesus said, "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."  Matthew 8:10-11, 13 (Pastor Bill's Words)


Response to the Word

Ever notice that kid sitting by themselves in lunch?  Maybe he's the new kid?  Maybe she comes from different part of the world and has a difficult time making friends?  The Pharisees thought Jesus was obviously unaware of the poor company He was keeping.  "Maybe," they thought, "He's not as smart as people think he is."  Jesus quickly took that opportunity to clarify his mission to this world.  His mission - to call sinners to repentance.  He came for people like you and me.  So the next time you see a child sitting alone, walk over and introduce yourself, and tell them of the hope that lies within you.  Jesus.

Praying Through the Word

Dear Father, I confess to You that I am a sinner.  And I am grateful that your Son came for sinners.  Help me father to show the love of Christ to all people.  Not just to the friendly and nice people, but to every person I meet.  I pray that every child in our church is not afraid to build relationships with those who need the love of Christ as much as I do.  Thank you for hearing this prayer.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse for the Week

1 John 5:13  "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

Yes Sir!

Walking in the Word
"The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.  But just say the word, and my servant will be healed."  When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone is Israel with such faith."  Matthew 8:5-6, 10.

Response to the Word
Wow, did you see that cool toy at the store?  Only problem is that it cost $359.00.  That's a lot of money, especially for a kid.  If you work really hard, save your allowance and do some odd jobs around the house, maybe you could buy that cool toy in about a year!  But take a look at what Jesus said.  He didn't heal the Centurions servant because the Centurion gave him $359.00.  He didn't even promise to protect Jesus, even though that was his job.  He simply had GREAT FAITH.  Faith that heals.  Faith that makes a difference-Faith in Jesus.

Praying through the Word
Father, I am so thankful for your precious word.  I sit amazed at what Jesus said to the Centurion.  I pray that my faith is found to be strong.  I pray that when I hear of sickness I think first of you!  Please give me eyes to see you working all around me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse for the Week

1 John 5:13  "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

The Real Face of a Christian

Walking in the Word

Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many of you will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform miracles?  Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers!"  Matthew 7:21-23

Apply the Word

I don't know about you, but I like to watch a little television.  I enjoy programs that make me laugh, home improvement shows and crime mysteries.  But I must always tell myself that they are "actors."  People who play police detectives and really just men and women like you and I.  And kids that play spy movies such as "Agent Cody Banks" are really just kids like many of you.  Notice how the people in the above verses were "shocked" when Jesus said He didn't know them.  They weren't a bunch of mean criminals, but people who did things, "in Jesus' name."  Just saying you love Jesus doesn't mean you really do!  Just because you come to Church doesn't make you a believer.  No more than sitting in a garage make you a car.  Each person must make a decision to trust in Christ with all their heart, mind and soul.

Praying through the Word

Father, thank you for a wonderful day of worship yesterday.  I had the privilege of watching your children sing and worship you Lord.  I love to hear their voices but can't see their hearts.  Only you can.  I pray that each person that reads this have given you their heart and make you the Lord of their life.  I pray my life reflects the joy of my salvation that you have given.  We are your people and You are our God.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Memory Verse for the Week

1 John 5:13  "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

Do I Have to Do More?

In the Word at Red Barn Ranch

Walking in the Word

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Matthew 5:41

Applying the Word of God

It pretty odd to hear some say to go two miles instead of one.  During the days of Jesus, Rome was in control of much of the land. Rome declared a law that they could "force" a person or even a child, to carry their armor and supplies for one mile.  Jesus said to go two!  Why?  So that others would see Jesus in their lives and Glorify His Father.  Many times, brothers and sisters fight more than boxers on Friday night.  What would happen if you showed unconditional love to your family?  When mom and dad asks you to help your sibling clean up, go the extra mile and offer to vacuum and dust.  Why?  So that others would see Jesus in you.

Responding to the Word

Dear Father, You are an awesome God and I bow my heart and soul to You alone!  Father, I know that many times I have not been a "Second-Mile Man."  Please forgive me and help me to remember the words of Jesus and show those around me His unconditional love.  Thank you for hearing me and answering this prayer.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

*** Manhunt ***

Bender Boys at the Rays Game - Billy, Jacob and Seth

Beatitudes

You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  (italics added)  Matthew 5:13-14

Walking In The Word

There's nothing better than going camping.  I enjoy being outside and seeing the handiwork of God our Father.  Even now, I am writing on my back porch listening to the rain.  Wow, it's beautiful!  I enjoy camping in order spend time with my family.  My son Jacob enjoys camping to play one game -- Manhunt!  It's a game you play at night.  You dress in all black, hide and woods and wait for someone to find you.  It's a little scary but allot of fun.  Notice however what Jesus is saying here in the Sermon on the Mount.  Its also called the Beatitudes.  He told us that when it comes to our love for God and for His Son Jesus Christ, it's not about hiding but about shining!  Do you shine for Jesus in your classroom or on your sports team, forgiving one another when someone has offended you?   Do you shine for him at the 4H club or when you're hanging with friends on the weekend,  turning away from music or video games that are not pleasing to God?  Regardless of where you find yourself, let others see and know in the One you call Lord and Savior.  And then step back and let them glorify our great God in heaven.

Response to the Word of God

Father, I come to you with a spirit of joy and gladness.  How I marvel at how You send the rain in just the right time.  How I adore the way you have loved me and have continually made a way for me to be close to you.  God, I pray that in response to all that you have done, I would gladly "shine before men" and show them that Jesus is the true Christ - the Son of the Living God.  Father please help me to acknowledge you today and testify to all concerning the Hope that lives within me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Operation, Operation - Don't Touch the Sides!

My son Billy standing in front of a "cool" vintage Mustang

Jesus Heals the Sick

News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.  (italics added)  Matthew 4:24


Walking in the Word

"Operation, Operation!"  That was a great game.  A little on the stressful side, but lots of fun.  Do you have that game in your home?  It's a game that makes YOU the one in control.  YOU are the one that needs steady hands and YOU are one that keeps that buzzard silent and nose from lighting up.  But notice what happened in today's Bible reading.  When people heard about the power and authority of Jesus, they brought their sick to Him.  Not just those with a cold or a slight fever.  They brought the impossible!  Demon-possessed, paralyzed and diseased.  And what happened?  He healed them.  Jesus took broken lives and broken bodies and made them whole.
Prayer of Response to the Word

Father, you are many times called the Great Physician!  I confess that I often shutter at the words like cancer, leukemia and terminal sickness.  But help me remember that You are the designer and archetech of our bodies.  Sickness and disease are not a surprise to you and that they are by no means stronger than you are.  I am thankful for the grace and mercy you so freely offer me this morning.  Please give me eyes to see and ears to hear what you are doing in our world and in my life today.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Two Baby Bunnies born at the Bender Bunny Rabbitry

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.  Matthew 4: 18-20

Walking in the Word

There is a game that is older than time itself.  Its called Simon says.  You've probably played it hundred times.  Didn't it feel great when you were the last one standing?  You payed attention!  You did exactly want "Simon" said to do.  Take a look at Peter and Andrew in the New Testament book of Matthew.  Jesus didn't yell out, "Simon says."  He simply told them to follow Him.  And they did!  Immediately! 

Prayer of Response to the Word

Father of all creation, please let me acknowledge and adore you this day.  We live in a world of many voices giving us directions.  We have teachers instructing us at school, parents instructing us in our home and Sunday School teachers instructing us at Church.  While we may learn through all these avenues of learning, may we all hear your voice and obey you immediately.  Help us to be obedient to the Holy Spirit on this day and in every way. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Beautiful Clearwater Beach at Sunset

Show and Tell

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.  At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, "This is my son, whom I love; with him and I am well pleased."  Matthew 3:16-17

Walking in the Word

Jesus was God in the flesh and walked right here among us.  Even though he had divine power, He still did what was right in pleasing his father.  And just take a look at what God did.  It's one of the few places in the Bible we see what we call the "Trinity - The Father, Son and Holy Spirit."   Some of us either grew up or are growing up in a Christian home and sometimes think our parents merits bring us closer to God.  That's simply not true.  God wants each us to turn our hearts toward Him and do the things that are "pleasing" to Him.

Prayer of Response to the Word

Father, Thank you for sending us your Son to live among us and to show us the way.  Help me to understand that my faith in you helps me to take one step at a time and that those steps help me to please you.  Thank you for John the Baptist and helping him to declare the path for Jesus.  Help me to prepare my heart to receive him every day and in every way.  In Jesus' Name, Amen