Press the Power Button

Walking in the Word

³⁶ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”  Mark 5:36

Responding to the Word

So what is that picture above?  It's a power button.  That's the word that comes to my when I see Jesus acting in love and compassion.  In today's Bible reading, we see Jesus going to help Jarius' daughter and preforming another miracle without even knowing it!  Now that's power.  And look at what He told Jarius  when the traveling group found out his daughter had died.  "Don't be afraid; only believe."  Sounds like Jesus had a whole lot of confidence about what He was about to do.  And He should!  Jesus had and continues to have all power and strength!  You too can have great faith in the One who gave his life for your sins and for mine.

Praying through the Word

Father, What a great day in your House yesterday.  I love to learn about You, sing about You and learn more and more about Your ways for my life.  How I love to think of Your Great Power and all that you do in the lives of the adults and children at First Baptist.  Thank you for blessing in all the ways that you do.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Power Team

Walking in the Word

¹³ And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. ¹⁴ Then He appointed twelve,  that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, ¹⁵ and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: ¹⁶ Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; ¹⁷ James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house. Mark 3:13-19

Applying the Word

I love strong teams.  Strong teams work together in basketball, soccer, baseball and football.  Jesus also had an incredibly strong team.  He called each one by name and used them to change an entire world.  If you choose to ask God to forgive your sins ask the Risen Savior into your heart, then you too are a winning team.

Praying through the Word

Father,  Thank you for calling us to Your love and grace.  Thank you for calling us to your salvation and allowing each of us to join Your INCREDIBLE team.  Father, today I pray for Claude and Sheila Walker as they make their way to India.  Please give them traveling mercies and an incredible mission experience.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

No Chick fil a on Sunday?

Walking in the Word

²⁵ But He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him: ²⁶ how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?”
²⁷ And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. ²⁸ Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”  Mark 2:25-28 (Italics added)

Applying the Word

     Wow, have things really changed!  When I was a kid (which to me wasen't that long ago), the thought of going out to eat on a Sunday was crazy.  My mom began preparing our Sunday Dinner before Sunday School even began.  What made it a little easier was that many places simply weren't open on Sundays.  That's where Chick fil a comes in.  Today I confess I eat out almost every Sunday and often forget Chick fil a's closed.
    We have a choice on how we treat the Sabbath.  Is it simply another day of the week or is it something more?  The Jewish people here in the book of Mark observed the Sabbath with such respect that they mocked Jesus' disciples for picking grain and eating!  They believed it was unlawful for a person to do one ounce of work on the Sabbath.  But the intent of their heart here is not to simply keep the Sabbath pure but to find an area to accuse Jesus for wrong doing. 
     Jesus is Lord!  He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He is Lord over all creation including the Sabbath.  The lesson here is to treat the Sabbath not as a list of do and do nots, but with honor and respect. 

Prayer of Response

Dear Father, I confess that we often treat Your Sabbath in a wrong way.  Help us to honor it as a day to worship you.  We thank you for Jesus who is indeed Lord over everything.  Thank You for allowing him to be our Lord as well.  Father, today we lift up my friend Mrs. Mary Hallman.  We pray for your healing touch on her back and in her life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

You've Got a Friend In Me

Walking in the Word

 ¹ And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. ² Immediately^[a] many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. ³ Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. ⁴ And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”   Mark 2: 1-5

Applying the Word

I love the original Toy Story movie.  My oldest used to sleep with his Buzz Lightyear action figure and dressed up as Woody on more than one occasion.  Toy Story was all about friendship.  The "friendship" that Andy had for his toys.  The "friendship" the toys had for one another and the "incredible friendship" that developed between Buzz and Woody.  I saw that very same type of friendship in an event that really did happen.  Mark 2 tells us that a man's friends were so determined to bring their buddy to see Jesus, that they actually made a hole in the roof and lowered him down.  They would not let the crowed doors and jam-packed windows of the home to hinder their quest.  They were taking their friend to see Jesus.  One of the greatest things we can ever do for our friends is to introduce them to Jesus.  You do that by sharing what Jesus has done in your life and what He's willing to do in theirs.  How he died on the cross of Calvary only to conquer death and rise again.  How he wants to enter each heart and become their Lord and Savior. 

Praying the Word

Dear Father,  How we begin this day by only adoring You.  The Maker and Creator of all that we know and even what we don't.  Lord please search our heart and forgive our sins.  Help us Father to take each of our friends to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Help us to be like your Son and become "a friend to the sinners," so that we may see many cross from spiritual death to life.  Thank you for hearing our prayer in name of Jesus we pray.  Amen

Serve

Walking in the Word

²⁹ Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. ³⁰ But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. ³¹ So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
Mark 1:29-31

Response to the Word

My son Jake loves the game of tennis.  He took an interest in it with our good friend Mr. Rhett at one of our Summersalt Sport and Arts Camp.  Last week he had the chance to work on his serve at the Plant City Tennis Club. The "serve" in a game of tennis is very important.  The ball has to be placed in just the right spot in the air and then the racquet must extend up and over the head for good contact.  If your going to play the game of tennis, you must have a good serve.  Take note of what happened in today's Bible passage.  We see here that Peter's wife was sick with fever.  And look who showed up in just the right time?  The Great Physician, Jesus.  He lifted her hand and the fever left!  But just check out what happened next.  Simon's wife began to serve Jesus and the others.  A natural part of our life as a follower of Christ is one of service.  Jesus said He came to serve and not to be served. How are you serving Him today?

Prayerful Response to the Word

Father, thank you for a new and glorious day.  Please search my heart and mind and forgive any sin You find.  Help me to love You more and more everyday.  Father, I ask you to give me a heart of service.  To show others the love of your son Jesus through what I say and do.  I pray for each of the children at Plant City First Baptist that they would have a great week at school and at home.  Help them to find ways to serve you with all their hearts as well.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Working for the King

Walking in the Word

²¹ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’  Matthew 25: 21

Applying the Word

The parable of the three servants with differing talents used to haunt me when I was younger.  I mean, what's so wrong with the one dude who buried his talent and then later returned it?  I thought he was just playing it safe and didn't want to jeopardize his Master's money.  But the parable here is not talking about money, but service to our Lord and God Jesus Christ.  We are the servants and God is the Master.  God has entrusted special gifts within every believer.  That means if you have given your life to Jesus, you too have been blessed with these special gifts called talents.  The only question is whether or not you're using them for His glory. 

Praying Through the Word

Dear Lord, Help us to see every day as a special gift from You.  Please give us courage and boldness to share the Gift of the Gospel message with every man, women, boy and girl we meet today.  My prayer is that you would indeed find us faithful with the tools you have instilled in our lives.  Please forgive our sins and guide us this day we ask.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Ready or Not, Here I Come

Walking in the Word

¹⁰ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
¹¹ “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ ¹² But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
¹³ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.  Matthew 25:10-13

Response to the Word

The "virgins" in this story from the Bible are those women who are not yet married.  They are waiting for someone called the "Bridegroom."  He's the one who's getting ready to marry and is about to select a future wife.  In the story, the virgins go out to meet the bridegroom. Only problem is that they didn't properly prepare for the evening.  They had to leave in the middle of the "big event" in order to buy some oil.  And take a look at what happened when they returned.  The door was locked and bridegroom would not let them in. Wow!  Do you see what Jesus is saying here?  As believers in Jesus Christ, we need to be ready for Jesus to return at any moment.  This story also helps us to understand the need for "salvation" today!  Many assume that they have days, months or even years before they give their heart to the Lord.  But Jesus is absolutely clear when He said that 'No One' knows the time and date of His return.  It could be this morning or this afternoon.  Are you ready if He does?

Prayerful Response to the Word

Dear Lord, How I thank you for a great prayer meeting and children's choir at church last night.  I love to hear our children lift their voice to a Mighty God.  I pray it is a sweet offering to You.  Father, I pray you would guide me this day and help me to live my life "ready" for Your Son's return.  Help me to show others the way of salvation in and through Jesus Christ so that as many as possible will be saved.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

What will you be doing?



Walking in the Word

³⁶ “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,^[a] but My Father only. ³⁷ But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ³⁸ For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ⁴⁰ Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. ⁴² Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour^[b] your Lord is coming. ⁴³ But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  Matthew 24:36-44

Applying the Word

I have always loved firetrucks.  I love the sheer size, the colorful flashing lights and the mission they were made for.  The mission to respond to emergencies and put out fires.  When I was younger man, I served as a Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).  I still remember practicing putting on my turnout gear.  That's the boots, pants and bib overalls, jacket, hood and helmet.  It had to be done in record time.  To accomplish this, we would put our pants over our boots and jacket.  When the signal would given, you simply stepped into your boots and then pulled up your pants and overalls.  That simply left the jacket, hood and helmet which could be put on inside the firetruck.  Firefighters, EMTs, and First Responders live a life of "readiness."  They train and practice their skills and live their life with a sense of "expectancy."  And that's how we ought to be living our life as well.  No, you're not running to a fire or to the seen of a car crash.  But you are waiting for the eminent and long awaited return of Jesus!  We must too live a life of "readiness" as we spend time in the Word of God, on our knees talking with the Father and worshipping one with another.  The Book of Hebrews tells us to do this more and more as the day of Jesus' return grows closer.  Are you living your life with a sense of "expectancy!"

Prayerful Response to the Word

Oh Father, there are many things I could be doing or even maybe want to do.  Please give me an unquenchable hunger for your mighty Word.  Thank You for the sweet fellowship of prayer as we speak one with another as well as the times of worship at Plant City's FBC.  Please forgive me when I assume the return of Your Son would never happen today.  Help me and those I love to be ready.  May You find us being faithful at your return.  Father, today I lift up my friends Mike Storter and Mary Hallman.  God I pray for your healing touch in their lives and may they receive a special dose of your mercy and love today.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

The coolest show ever!

Yesterday the Pastoral and Promise Land team
came to together to seek the face of God on the South Campus.

Walking in the Word

³⁰ Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ³¹ And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  Matthew 24: 30-31

Applying the Word

The lights start flashing and arms of the giant railroad crossing swing down.  The sound of a whistle grows louder and louder and the ground even begins to tremble.  What is it?  It's a train cutting a path right through downtown Plant City, and my youngest son thinks it's the coolest thing ever! His eyes grow wider and wider as each box car and auto carrier passes by.  These kind of things come to my mind when I read today's passage.  When Jesus comes, every eye will see and every tongue will proclaim his Lordship.  The angels will sound a trumpet for all to hear and we'll see Jesus coming upon the clouds.  Wow!  If you like trains and enjoy the front row seat to a locomotive and long chain of boxcars, then just wait.  The re-entry of our Lord and Savior will be incredible.  And just remember, Jesus is better than any train and He's coming again soon.

Praying through the Word

Dear Father, How good it is to greet you this morning and say how grateful I am to call you Father.  I ask you to search my heart, mind and soul and forgive any sins that stand between You and myself.  Please cleanse me and restore my life.  Jesus, I long for you to return.  How exciting it will be to see your re-entry.  Your Word says that if I don't offer praise from my tongue, the rocks will cry out.  This morning let the rocks remain silent as I joyfully praise You for all that you do and WHO you are!  You are Good. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

The fake truth?

Walking in the Word

³ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
⁴ And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.  Matthew 24:3-5

Response to the Word

I have the pleasure of taking my children on various field trips near and around Plant City, FL.  I grew up in Baltimore, MD.  We also took field trips to the aquarium and local historic places.  In addition, we had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC and New York, NY.  One of the coolest things I saw in NY as a child were "Street Vendors."  They're the guys selling all kinds of things on the side of the road.  One guy was selling Genuine Gucci watches.  I could not believe how beautiful and inexpensive they were.  Being a smart kid, I bought one and proudly display it to all my friends.  That's when it happened!  The watch turned green six day later.  It was a cheap fake.  It had said Gucci on the front, but was indeed nothing but a cheap and useless watch.  Jesus said that many will come after Him and say that they indeed are the Messiah.  They will do incredible signs and speak in ways that make your ears "tingle."  How do you know when the "right" Messiah has returned?  Know Your Bible!  And you can only know your Bible if you spend daily time in it.  There are a lot of people saying and doing some pretty cool things.  But only One gave His life for us on the Cross.

Praying through the Word

Heavenly Father,  How I praise You this morning in the stillness of the hour. Lord please search my heart and forgive the sins which You find.  Please create in me a new heart and renew your incredible power.  Please give me eyes to see and eyes to hear the Your one true voice.  Help me to look boldly around and never fear by what I see because Your love sustains me and Your plans will be accomplished.  Father, thank you for an incredible day bowling with the elementary school children. Thank for the safety and great time that was had by all.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Living and Loving

Walking in the Word


³⁴ But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. ³⁵ Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
³⁷ Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 22: 24-40


Applying the Word


There's a game my younger son Jake likes to play.  He loves for me to play, "Guess Which Hand It's In?"  The game is quite simple.  He puts something like a quarter in one hand and ask me to guess which one it's in.  I like it when I'm right but he loves it when I'm wrong.  He likes to trick his Dad.  The Pharisees where a bunch of "religious leaders" who could not accept Jesus for who He was - The Son of the Living God.  Here we see the Pharisees attempt to "trick" Jesus.  But what they actually received was the Great Commandment.  A commandment that is etched onto every believers heart today.  How much are we to love God?  With everything we have in us.  And after we do that, we are to love those around just like we love ourselves.


Praying Through the Word


Dear Father, I am amazed by what was read today.  Jesus didn't just rebuke the Pharisees but gave them a commandment that would endure forever.  Please help me to love You more today than yesterday and more tomorrow than today.  Your love is rich and quenches my every desire. Help me to be an example to those around me asI faithfully love You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen & Amen.


Memory Verse  

¹¹ Your word I have hidden in my heart,
         That I might not sin against You.   Psalm 119:11

Come to the Wedding



Walking in the Word

¹ And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: ² “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, ³ and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.              Matthew 22:1-3

Applying the Word

When I was a kid, the worst place for me to end up was a wedding.  First there is the tuxedo measurements and rental, then the practice run and then finally, the real deal.  I have had a lot of practice in this area in that I have three older sisters that began getting married when I was eight.  But what would happen if the bride walked into the church to get married and found it empty.  She would be heart-broken and bewildered as she wondered why anyone would want to miss such a nice event.  Jesus says the Kingdom of God is for all!  However, He did not come to our lovely planet simply to invite the Priest, Preachers and Teachers. He came for those who were doing some, "not so good" things in life.  People like thieves, criminals and just about anybody else you might see on the 6 o'clock news.  The Bible says that He gave His life on the cross to pay for the sins of the World.  And that's good news for everyone!

Praying through the Word

Dear Father, Good Morning.  How I love to hear your voice and feel your presence in the stillness of the morning.  Father I ask you to help me reach out to those who are not exactly like me.  Someone who may have just moved into the area and has no friends.  Someone who may be different from me and does not look exactly like me.  Someone that society has turned
away from and has discarded.  Someone that is loved by a mighty God in His heavenly home.  Please give me eyes to see and a heart to understand.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Memory Verse  

¹¹ Your word I have hidden in my heart,
         That I might not sin against You.   Psalm 119:11

Talk is Cheap

LaserTag in the Ice Palace in Brandon

Walking in the Word


  
²⁸ “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ ²⁹ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. ³⁰ Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. ³¹ Which of the two did the will of his father?” 
They said to Him, “The first.” 
Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.  Matthew 21:28-31


Applying the Word


Obedience is important in our home.  I'm sure it is in yours as well.  I love for my children at home, and in church to listen "the first time."  Honestly however, my children and many others have a difficult time with this concept called immediate obedience.  But what would happen if your told your mom, "Sure, I'll clean my room right way?"  Only to go in and begin playing with your PSP.  Wow!  Your mom and dad would be pretty upset.  This is Jesus' point in this parable.  Sometimes we allow our sinful nature to get in the way and our immediate response isn't the best.  Here, we see Jesus talking about Salvation (going to Heaven)  It 's not just ok to say you love God and then decide to live a life that is wrong in His eyes.  God is looking for people who do more then talk the talk.  He's looking for believers who walk the walk.


Praying Through the Word


Dear Father, Thank you for a wonderful day yesterday.  Thank you for allowing your grace and mercy to shine through.  Father, I confess that sometimes I too have a difficult time with blind obedience.  Please forgive me.  Help me to be still and hear your voice.  And then let me heed your command immediately.  Lord, today I pray for my those who are sick and struggling with the Flu.  It seems like a lot of our children and adults are battling it.  Please bring relief and healing to their bodies.  In Jesus' Name, Amen


Memory Verse  


¹¹ Your word I have hidden in my heart,
         That I might not sin against You.   Psalm 119:11

Who's House???

Walking In The Word

Matthew 21:12-13
Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.  And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a ‘den of thieves'.

Applying The Word

I love church.  I love everything about church.  How we sing to the creator and maker of the universe.  I love to hear the Word of God preached and watch and hear the voices of children as they praise God.  I really do feel 'at home' in our church.  But I always remember that this church is God's House.  Not only is it His house, but it's His house of prayer.  I want every kid to have the best time of their life in church.  I also want everyone to remember that we worship a Holy and Mighty God.  He deserves respect and honor when in His home.  So the next time you come into His House, keep in mind that it's a place to talk with and honor the Father in heaven.

Praying Through the Word

Father, how I praise you this morning and praise you for everything that you are.  How I love to talk with you early in the morning.  I feel your voice is most clear during this time.  Forgive me Father when I treat You or Your house with any disrespect.  Help me to always remember to bow in Your presence and to give you all the honor you deserve.  Thank you for giving me this new day.  In Jesus' Day, Amen.