My Little Man

Our Greatest Treasure


Reading the Word

1 Peter 3:8

 ⁸ Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;^[a] 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 

Responding to the Word


Sunday is my favorite days of the week!  I love coming together with God's people (You kids) and worshipping the One true live God.  I love seeing you guys raise your hearts and hands to God.  However, my prayer is that you take that "one mind" that we share in worship into your homes and schools.  How?  Thats a great question.  Here's what 1 Peter says:
1. Love as brothers...Helping our brothers and sisters in the house and friends in school when they need help
2.  be tenderhearted...Hugging one that needs a good hug
3.  be courteous... Using good manners in the home and school
4.  not returning evil for evil.   Well this one can be a toughy.  When someone offends you, don't offend them in return.  Show them you're different!  Show them you're a Christian by acting different than the World acts.  Show them the love of Jesus.

Praying through the Word

Father,
I pray you give us eyes to see and heart to understand what you mean here.  Help us not just to read Your Word but become Your Word to the world around us.  Please give us the words to say and actions to perform when we are offended and help us to respond with Your great love.
In Jesus' Name
Amen

 Children's Worship @ First Baptist

Careful What Comes Out



Reading the Word

Proverbs 26:4-6

New International Version 

⁴ Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
    or you will be like him yourself.

⁵ Answer a fool according to his folly,
    or he will be wise in his own eyes.

⁶ Like cutting off one’s feet or drinking violence
    is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.

Responding to the Word


Sometimes our friends can act foolishly.   Sometimes we act foolishly.
Chances are you are going to meet someone this week that tries to use his "foolish tactics" on you!
He may ask you a question that is displeasing to your parents and to God.  He may even try to get you to join him in his "foolish acts."
Proverbs tells us that if we join in with that person or respond to him with something unpleasing, then we make ourselves a "fool"
Friends, the best thing to do in these situations is to walk away.  As the Proverb states, "Do not answer...."
I think mom was right when she said to choose our friends wisely.


Praying through the Word


Father,
I know that sometimes I only have to look into the mirror to see a person acting "foolish."  Please forgive me and help me to live a life that is pleasing to You, and You alone!
I pray for each of the incredible children you have brought to First Baptist.  May You give them boldness today to choose their friends wisely and see "foolishness" when it pops up.  Help them to be strong during those times. 
In Jesus' Name
Amen

 Enjoying time with my girls.

Marching Orders

1 Corinthians 16:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

Responding to the Word


There is a sense that when someone comes to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, their work is done.  Paul however has something entirely different in mind.  He knows that each of us needs to ready to share and defend the faith of Jesus Christ.  Defend the faith?  Sounds difficult?


1.  Remember that God loved the World and sent His one and only son. John 3:16
2.  Jesus paid the price when He went to cross and died for our sins. Romans 5:8
3.  There is one way to God and this wonderful place we call heaven.  It's through Jesus Christ.           1 Tim 2:5
If you want, just walk around with your pointer finger in the air.  It will remind you that there is but "one way" for us to be saved.


Praying through the Word


Father, How I love living in this incredible community called Plant City.  If I'm not careful, I will assume all of America is like this.  Good Christian people willing to help each other.  Help me to remember that much of the world is not like this.  Help us to be on our guard and stand firm in our faith.  Help us to always be ready to give an account for the hope that lies within us.
 In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen

The Word of God 


Luke 23 1-3

Jesus Handed Over to Pontius Pilate

23 Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. ² And they 
began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the^[a] nation, 
and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”

³ Then Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”




Responding to the Word


There are times when telling the truth may be difficult.  Times when we 
know we're going to get into major trouble.  Jesus is facing a crossroads 
here.  He could have taken the easy road and denied what Pilate said and 
walked away.  He knew that by responding with the truth meant his immanent
beating and crucifixion.  The truth is always important!  So the next time you
are faced with an option to lie, remember what our Savior did.
Jesus said that we would know the truth and the TRUTH would  set us free.




Praying through the Word


Father, Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  Forgive me 
when I have been tempted to not tell the whole truth as I know that You are 
the Father of Lights and there is no darkness in You.  Help all of us to take a 
moment today and thank Jesus for the that very truthful statement, "It is as 
you say.,"  his confession that He was the King of the Jews. 
 In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen

Don't Forget the Source

Walking in the Word

Feeding the Five Thousand

¹⁰ And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. ¹¹ But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing.¹² When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”
¹³ But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.”
And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” ¹⁴ For there were about five thousand men.
Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” ¹⁵ And they did so, and made them all sit down.
¹⁶ Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave themto the disciples to set before the multitude. ¹⁷ So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them

Responding to the Word

I believe we would all think like the apostles.  They looked around and saw thousands of people that needed to eat.  No, they couldn't order pizza or get several $2.00 meal deals at Taco Bell like my family.  They had to count on markets to provide food and a their wasn't money or a market nearby.  What did they forget?  The One that stood beside them.  The One that commanded them to feed the people.  Jesus didn't need a Taco Bell or pizza delivery company.  Jesus needs nothing.  He IS the provider.  He IS the Bread of Life.  So the next time you feel the Lord impressing on your heart to action, remember, The Great I Am is with you.  

Praying in the Word

Marching Orders

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.

Responding to the Word

Our military is one of the greatest militaries in the world!  We have both defended our land and helped others in their time of need.  Have you ever seen the military march in unison?  What would happen if the "marching orders" were not taken serriously?  The "marching orders" are directions handed down from someone in authority to be carried out to the tee.  When they were supposed to go left, they went right.  When they were supposed to run, they walked.  Things would end up a disaster!  Paul is giving us set of "marching orders" here in first Corinithians.  To be careful (on your guard), grow deeper in our faith, don't be afraid and show everyone you meet love.
  

Praying in the Word

God, Thank you for showing us how to live our life in love.  Thank you for demonstrating that "perfect" love in and through Your Son Jesus Christ.  Please give us ears to hear you, eyes to see you and heart to accept all the Word of God tells us. Help our only response to be, "Yer Sir."  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Short Term Lease

1 Corinthians 6:14-15a

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. ¹⁵ Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?

Responding to the Word

When Mrs. Carol and I were first married, we rented an apartment in the basement of my parent's house.  Rent was cheap and mom made great meals as a back up :) (Young married joke)  We tried to fix up the apartment by putting down carpet, painting the walls and even put a new bathroom in the place.  One thing we didn't do was "trash it."   It wasn't ours to trash.  We did our best to leave it better than we found it.  The Bible tells us that our bodies are not ours, but are "members of Christ."  So let's be careful of what we say, what we eat and especially what we see.  In a way, we are in a rental.  We do this especially because we "love the Landlord:)"

  

Praying in the Word

Father, Help us to conduct ourselves with love as we remember that we live for your Son, Jesus.  I pray that others see Jesus in our lives.  Thank you loving us with Your unending love.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Instructions for our Faith

Walking in the Word

1 Corinthians 1:22-24

New King James Version (NKJV)

²² For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Responding to the Word

I love getting toys and furniture that has to be assembled.  I open the box, take out every piece and separate them.  I group all screws, nut and bolts together and make sure I have the right tools.  My momentary pause comes only when looking at the directions.  Because the product is sold around the world, the directions are in French, Spanish, Greek, Chinese, Mandarin, Ancient Aztec Symbols (just kidding) and English.  Nothing makes sense to me until I get to the English directions.  Then, and only then does it all come together.  What we see above is a simple truth every Christian should understand.  When we seek truth and love, we must seek Christ crucified.  What He did on the that cross says it all!

  

Praying in the Word

Father, How I pray that our minds would be flooded with gratitude for what Your Son did for us.  May we always cut through the loudness of this world and zero in on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

The Power of God

Walking in the Word

1 Corinthians 1:13-15; 17-18

¹² What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” ¹³ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? ¹⁴ I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵ so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.   ¹⁷ For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Responding to the Word 

Jesus loves you and I and gave His life for us and did so on the Cross of Calvary.  We rejoice in the fact that even though He died, He arose again on the third day.  That's called the Gospel Message.  Translated - It means "Good News."  However to many, that message is called somewhat "foolish."  They wonder, "Why would God let His one and only Son die?"  It's a stumbling block they cannot get passes.  Isn't it wonderful to know that we know that God so LOVED the world, He gave His son, (John 3:16a) and that is not "foolishness" but the "power of God" for salvation.  Amen!    

Praying in the Word

Father, Please help us to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Thank You for a great first night of Faith Evangelism.  I pray for the Boldness of the Gospel to fill every person attempting to share their faith this semester  It is not foolishness, but the Power of what You have done in our lives and I just want to say, thank you.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Choose Wisely

Walking in the Word

Romans 16:17

¹⁷ Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

Responding to the Word

We are called to witness to our friends.  I know I often encourage each of you to sit next to or become friends with those who may be shunned away. But that also comes with a warning.  There are those who will cause  "divisions and offenses."  Simply stated, they cause a whole lot of trouble in your life.  They may say that they are Christian, but deep inside they really may not be.  Be careful how you choose your friends because if your not careful, YOU start becoming a lot like them.  

Praying in the Word

Father, We are called to Salt and Light to all of those around us.  Help us to be WISE concerning who we choose as friends.  Protect us from those who would bring trouble into our life and lead us I pray, in Your path of righteousness.      In Jesus' Name, Amen

Letting Your Light Shine

Walking in the Word

Romans 15:20

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,

Responding to the Word

Our church is gearing up for an incredible missions celebration called the "Sent" conference.  We will have missionaries from around the world right here in Plant City's First Baptist Church.  But you may be wondering how that applies to you?  Paul made it his mission to preach the gospel in places it's never been heard and served as one the greatest missionaries of all times.  God changed the heart of Paul (remember Saul) and created in fire in his heart that never went out and He can do the same for you.  He can take your talents and gifts (we all have them) and use them to change an entire world.  Are you ready?

Praying in the Word

Father, help us not only to care for the needs of ourselves but lead us to reach a helping hand to those in need with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Please, prepare our hearts for the upcoming missions conference.  I pray that many will hear Your call to Your mission.    In Jesus' Name, Amen

Working Together

Walking in the Word

Romans 15:5-6

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, ⁶ so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

  

Responding to the Word

One of the sports I played in college in Western, Maryland was Rugby.  Now if you don't know what Rugby is, it's like playing tackle football with no helmet and strange rule.  Instead of throwing the ball to one another, you "pitch" it.  Instead of always having to "pitch" the ball up the field to gain better position, you can "drop-kick" it.  That's were the ball hits the ground before connecting with the foot.  My favorite was the "scrum."  That's were the eight forwards of each team would lock heads in order to gain the ball.  The one thing each team needed in a "scrum" was unity.  Everyone had to be working together or else the entire scrum would collapse.  As a fellow believer, you and I are part of a team where we come together to "Glorify the Father!"  And when we do that together, I believe all of Heaven moves.

 

Praying through the Word

Father, what a great day it was in worship yesterday at Plant City's First Baptist Church.  Thank you for the opportunity offer my praise to a wonderful and fascinating God.  Lord I ask you to lead me in your will and ways.  God, I lift up Mrs. Mary Hallman to you for complete healing and health.  May she feel your presence today.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Play-doe to Transformers

 

Walking in the Word

Romans 12:1-2

 ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. ² Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

  

Responding to the Word

I love play-doh!  You can be as creative as you want and it even smells good.  The Bible doesn't talk any about "play-doh" but does talk about how we live our lives in the world.  This world will try to shape you.  Through TV shows, music we listen to and even the books we're encouraged to read.  If we're not cafeful, we will start walking, talking and acting just like everyone else.  What's the solution?  God's Word!  The Bible tells us how to live our life.  How to love one another and help in times of needs.  How to make good choices even when times are tough.  So don't think too much about the word "play-doh", but instead think about "transformers!"  Be "transformed" by the Word!

Praying through the Word

Father, your word tells us to live in this world and not of it.  That's pretty tough sometimes.  Please allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide each of us in our journey of life.  How I thank You and love You for your creation.  The land and sea and all that is in it.  But Father, I love You most of all.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Taking a Stand

Walking in the Word

Romans 10:9-10

⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

  

Responding to the Word

Pictured are some of the men signing the Declaration of Independence.  That document sits in Washington, DC today under some very impressive bullet-proof glass.  They even forbid photography!  Why?  Because it's the document that symbolizes our entire country.  It declares the our country's sole independence from all other nations.  Romans 10:9 is kind of like that for me.  Many people wonder how you can "know for sure" you're saved.  It's a declaration involving the heart and the mouth.  It's a declaration from God to His People.

Praying through the Word

Thank You Father for never having a shadow of turning.  You are the same Yesterday, today and forever and we praise You.  Thank you for your Word which gives light in this dark and sometimes uncertain world. Father I confess Your Son Jesus with my mouth and I BELIEVE You raised Him to life again.  I pray we're never ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the POWER of God to everyone who believes. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Do You Love Me?

Walking in the Word
John 21 : 15-17 

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”    <sup>“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
   Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
   He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
   Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
   Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things you know that I love you"

Responding to the word

That's one of the coolest stories in the Bible.  The Resurrected Jesus making breakfast for His disciples.  And did you see what He said to Peter?  He asked Him if he loved Him three times!  Peter was somewhat insulted.  He thought his actions may have proved it.  Even though he had denied Jesus three times, he had just jumped out of a floating boat to run to Jesus.  Be Jesus had his own purposes for that early morning visit.  He was there to restore Peter.  He was preparing Peter for upcoming days when Peter would be boldly preach the name of Jesus Christ and the life-changing message of the Gospel.  Sometimes we mess up too.  We may not "deny Jesus" but we do sin and fall short of God's standard.  Isn't it great to realize the Jesus offers forgiveness to all who ask.</sup>


Praying in the Word

Father, How I praise you this morning the third day of VBS.  Thank you for bringing every child to Vacation Bible School.  I pray we would bring Glory to You in everything we do.  Thank you for offering forgiveness for all who ask in the name of Jesus Christ.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

The Golden Ticket

Walking in the Word

John 12:21

²¹ Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

Responding to the Word

I loved the movie, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."  I am referring to the original version.  Remember the golden ticket?  Remember the joy and anticipation that erupted after a poor white child named Charlie found it?  I believe that same joy and anticipation filled the hearts of the Greeks who came and asked to see Jesus.  Those five words are life-changing.  "We wish to see Jesus!"  

Today, you and I have privilege of meeting with and talking with Jesus on a daily basis.  We don't need to go to Philip and then to Andrew like the Greeks did in the Bible.  We don't even need to go to a Pastor or Teacher to talk with Jesus.  We simply bow our heads, clear our minds and talk with Jesus as if He's sitting right beside you.  
Praying in the Word

Father, Help us to talk with You as if You are in the room with us.  Please forgive any sin that interferes between our love for You.  Father, thank you for great night of Prayer-Walking last night.  I pray you bring several to the Kingdom and to VBS. In Jesus' Name, Amen 

Putting It In God's Hands

Walking in the Word
One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, ⁹ “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” John 6:8

Responding to the Word

The Bible tells us that Jesus knew what he was about to do the whole time.  He tested Philip when he asked the question, "How will we feed them all?"  But it was Andrew who came closer to hitting the bullseye.  Andrew also knew they didn't have the funds to feed everyone, but he did have faith enough to put the issue in Jesus' hands.  Sometimes we look at difficult circumstances and wonder how we're ever going to get through them.  The answer is to put it in Jesus'  hands.  He can to more than you can ever image.  The question is, "Do we trust him to do these things?" 

Praying in the Word

Father, I could not image the response of the people who where filled full of food that came from a little boys lunch.  All that we have Father, we put in your hands.  Would you please use us and vessels to do Your good and perfect will.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Best Water on Earth

Walking in the Word
¹³ Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”  

John 4:13-14

Responding to the Word

I love living in Plant City, FL.  I don't know about you but I always try to do any outside work in the morning or the early evening.  I just try to be smart about it and beat the heat.  So why was this women coming to the town well during the hottest part of the day?  She was an outcast!  She had done some pretty bad things in the town she lived in and didn't want to face the ridicule from the other women in the morning.  I love the way Jesus sat by that well and began a dialog that led to her incredible salvation!  And not only did it lead to her salvation, but also to her being an instant missionary.  Jesus is the living water.  He satisfies in ways we never thought possible.  He give peace to our hearts and joy to our lives.  He is everything to me.  Is He everything to you? 

Praying in the Word

Father, Forgive us when we search for the treasures of this world in order to fill our lives with  peace, joy and love.  Those things only come from above in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.  How thankful we are to know that Jesus satisfies every inch of our lives.  I pray we drink freely in Your love and assurance and that You in turn find us faithful to Your call.  In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen  

Right Side Up Values in a Upside Down World

Walking in the Word


John 3:30
³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease.


Responding to the Word


John the Baptist had a following.  That means that there were people who allowed John to baptize them and even followed and listened to him.  They learn about the Kingdom of God and enjoyed hearing John preach.   It would be only "human" to get a little "jealous" when someone else came on the scene and gathered more of a following than you.  But that was not John's reaction.  He knew that "someone" was none other than Jesus Christ and the larger the following became for Jesus, the happier He was.  John's assignment was to get the people ready for the Messiah - Jesus Christ.  We too must be careful to guard our hearts from this foolish type of pride.  When we sing in church, let's give all our attention to God and not on ourselves.  When we give, do so in secret so that God may bless your obedient action.  Jesus must increase and we must decrease.  Go ahead and give it a try, it's worth it.


Praying in the Word


Father, please teach us to allow Jesus to shine in our life.  Allow Him to shine in a dark and sometimes scary world.  Father thank you all the saints who came out last night for Faith Evangelism.  I pray their obedience produced much fruit for Your kingdom.  In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen  

Keeping It Fresh

Tebow sporting the coolest verse in the Word

Walking in the Word


John 3: 16-18
¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
¹⁸ “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.


Responding to the Word


Most of you all know John 3:16 by heart.  We learn in Sunday school at a very young age and see it plastered on signs, billboards and even under the eyes of some really cool football players.  But there is a danger in that also.  People have a habit of "ignoring" those things we see and do repeatedly.  I can hear it now.  "Yah, Yah, I know that verse.  I had to memorize and say it in Sunday school or Ra's."  But don't fall into that trap.  There is incredible power in in John 3:16-18.  It is the PROMISE from God where we find "everlasting life" in His Son Jesus Christ.  


Praying Through the Word


Father, How I thank you for an incredible night of prayer and worship Sunday night.  It was both powerful and humbling to hear the voice of God's saint praying for the World, our nation and for our families.  Help us to never the forget the powerful truth that Life is found in the Resurrected Christ.  In Jesus' Name, Amen