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