Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued the message series "This is us" looking at the mission statement of SSCC.
• Today's message focused on Making Disciples.
• Key Point #1, Disciple making comes through building a deep relationship with others.
• Key Point #2,  We must understand, Making Disciples is not a suggestion, it is a command. 
• The illustration regarding the Dust of the Rabbi was very powerful this morning.
• The illustration about the Creamed Spinach was not powerful, but will be remembered for a long time. Note to Self; Next time vent the package.
• I attended the funeral of a wonderful lady yesterday. She was a Proverbs 31 lady.
• Why are funerals like reunions?
• I am not sure, but I think I got a glimpse of a Florida panther last night.
• I enjoyed watching the NFL draft this week. It want be long before NFL and College ball starts back up.
• My granddaughter received her report card this week, she received all A's. It looks like she got her smarts from her Nana not her Papa, 
• Something to Chew on; Only a Disciple can make a Disciple ~ A.W. Tozer

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day... 

• I continued the series; This is us, looking at the mission and priorities of SSCC.
• Today's message; "The Most Difficult Priority, Loving like Jesus Loves"
• This is the kind of love that transforms our homes, our community and most of all ourselves.
• We are blessed to call SSCC our home.
• It is amazing what animals one sees on our RING doorbell each morning, the forest comes alive at night!
• Lori and I celebrate the birth of our 5th grandchild this week. GOOD TIMES!
• I will be attending the funeral of a wonderful lady Saturday, Oh how my heart aches!
• Something to Chew on; Let those who consider the brevity of life remember the length of eternity. ~ Thomas Ken

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I kicked off a new series this morning titled, "This is Us", looking at our mission and purpose as we minister in theForest.
• Key point this morning; To fulfill our mission we are to Love God completely.
• The illustration regarding the Sadducees and the Pharisees reminds us we will never measure up without God's grace.
• I enjoy writing sermons again.
• There is something about digging into God's word and bringing the text to life!
• Two dear friends have received their heavenly reward the past couple months.
• While saddened by their passing I know there will be a day when everything will be made new!
• It is always good to talk to people who value generosity.
• Something to Chew on;  In light of my friends who passed away recently; Starting Strong is Good, Finishing String is Epic ~ Robin Sharma (and they did, Well done good and faithful friends, well done!)

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I concluded the series the Power of the Cross with a sermon titled ALIVE! The message focused on the first visitors to visit the tomb on Resurrection Sunday.
• Key Point, The stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out but to let the witnesses in.
• Can you imagine how the angel must have felt when he was tasked with announcing Jesus had risen from the grave!
• There is something comforting about a choir singing on Easter Morning.
• It is inspiring seeing all the posts on social media regarding the victories on Resurrection Sunday.
• Cancer, Memory Illnesses, tragic accidents; I am so glad there is more to life than life on this earth!
• Yes there will be a day when every tear will be wiped away.
• This week's wildlife report; I saw 1 bear, 1 deer, 1 fox and 3 very big squirrels. I love living in the forest. 
• Wow, 1/4 of the year is over! 
• I got Michigan as my national champ tomorrow evening. i believe they will experience the one shining moment!
• Something to Chew on; The very first Easter taught us LIFE never ENDS and LOVE never DIES ~ Kate McGahan 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day

• I continued my series on The Power of the Cross this morning looking at the bystanders at the cross.
• Key point  today, Innocent bystanders can be transformed by the cross and become active participants in the scheme of redemption.
• The illustration of Mary at the cross reminds us how brutal the crucifixion was and what is cost our savior to pay for our sins.
• Our family came together  at my niece's funeral. Saturday was a tough day, but we had God's comfort and one another's encouragement that brought us through the day.
• Thank you for the prayers and messages.
• There is something about our family cemetery that reminds us of our family heritage. There are now eight generations buried in the cemetery.  
• Dollar General has become our go to IYKYK! 
• There is something about church potlucks that bring on naps on a Sunday Afternoon.
• Some of these teams in march madness are men among boys.
• I do not believe it, today is #800 of SNR.
• ...and the reflecting continues!
• Something to Chew on; Grief is the price we pay for love. ~ Anonymous 

Sunday Night Reflections - Reflecting on loss

When Tragedy Comes Home

There are times when life reminds us that we are fragile people who experience both pain and loss. For our family, that is what happened this past weekend. On Saturday evening, my brother called and asked me to pray for his family because his daughter had been in a tragic automobile accident that claimed her life. For 37 years she lived a full life. However, she was not finished writing her story.

When we are young, we expect a long life filled with victories, good times, and precious memories. When death enters the picture, we find ourselves going through a range of emotions—shock, inconsolable grief, anger, and sadness for a life that was not able to reach its full potential.

As someone who has walked through the horror of death, I can tell you that time will pass, but you will have a hole in your heart until we are reunited in heaven. So how do we move forward after such a tragic event?

1. Prepare for eternity. There is more to life than 70+ years. We are created to worship God and to have fellowship with Him. We prepare for eternity by putting our trust in Jesus. If you have not made Jesus Lord of your life, you are not prepared for eternity.
2. Remember that life is fragile. You are not promised tomorrow, so make sure you are ready to see Jesus in the twinkling of an eye. He and He alone will walk with you as you journey along this fragile path.
3. Remember that in this pain there is hope. There will be a day when God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more pain or sorrow. That is the day we all long for, and I hope it is soon. The longer I experience life, the more I look forward to seeing my Savior.

We may feel that today’s pain is unbearable, but I thank God that He is the God of all comfort. Put your trust in Him, and eventually your mourning will turn into rejoicing. Believe me—it will happen.

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Today I preached my first sermon as the minister of Salt Springs Christian Church.
• In preparation for Resurrection Sunday I began a series on the Power of The Cross.
• Today's message focused on the Roman Soldiers who found themselves Close to the Cross, but far from the Christ.
• Two reasons they were far from the Christ, they were too familiar with crucifixions and were too focused on the clothing of Christ not rather than focusing on what Christ was doing on the cross.
• Looking forward to part 2 of the series next week!
• Friday night we said good bye to our Life Group after 10 plus years of doing life together as a group it was difficult to say good bye.
• We have been through the deaths of 3 spouses, several cancer treatments,  great victories and heartbreaking losses and a whole lot of ice cream. We will miss this group of dear friends!
• Its time to fill out our brackets.
• Hopefully the Vanderbilt loss will wake up the boys from Gainesville. 
• Something to Chew on; Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. ~ Neale Donald Walsch