Can I have your attention please!

Recently I was traveling from Kissimmee Florida to Indianapolis Indiana to attend the International Conference on Missions. As I traveled up Interstate 75, I was amazed at the number of billboards along the highway, as well as the vast array of messages on the advertisements. In Florida I was constantly reminded of the "World Famous Ron Jon's Surf Shop"  and there were cheap Disney tickets to be had if I would stop in and take a tour of some resort along the way. In Georgia I was invited to try pecans & sweet vidalia onions and to stop at "King Frog", In Tennessee I was told I had to see Rock City, Lookout Mountain and the Chattanooga Choo-Choo. Kentucky reminded me to stop in Cave City and see Mammoth Caves and the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. There was also an abundance of signs that read; Strippers; need we say more" (I had to wonder what young parents were thinking about as they saw the "stripper" signs - and if their children in the back seats of the SUV's wanted to know about the strippers). 

Now regardless of the messages, each sign had one thing in common; they were trying to get my attention. Some messages were inviting, some were provocative, but they were all trying to get my attention as I traveled along the way.  

Everyday we are bombarded with messages trying to get our attention, Buy this, you need this, we will help you with this or that - everyone is telling us we need to have their product or service. Over the next few weeks merchants will be trying to get our attention as they offer sales, rebates and perks all to entice each of us to buy that special gift.

Two thousand years ago, God was trying to get our attention as well, but He did not use billboards or products or services. Instead God simply sent his son to an obscure town known as Bethlehem. For the last 2,000 years He has been calling us back to Him through His son. Unfortunately like the billboards along the interstate other things are trying to get our attention as well. As we celebrate the Christmas season let us remember while there are many things that will scream for our attention this year, only one thing deserves our attention this Christmas season; Jesus Christ.     

   

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the folks at Ocala Christian Church this morning, you can tell when people are glad to be a part of healthy church - Roger is doing a great job leading this part of the kingdom!
• I am in a different church almost every week, and I can tell you one thing I have learned; a good sound guy is worth his weight in gold - Thanks Steve! I really appreciated your efforts this morning.
• Youth bands give me great joy.
• I am sad to see the college football season come to a close.
• I think I am going to enjoy this new role of grandfather.
• I know Christmas is special, but when it comes to family, there is nothing like Thanksgiving Day!
• Z88 has started the playing Christmas music - it seems like every year I get a new favorite song.
• Speaking of Christmas music, you would be hard pressed to find better than Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest Christmas Project.  
• I have 3 speaking dates in December - I love preaching about Christmas.
• Florida Christian College is performing their annual Christmas tradition NIGHT OF NOEL this Friday, if you are in the greater Orlando/Kissimmee area, you should come be a part of it. This a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season!
• I have been out of the office for almost two weeks, not looking forward to tackling a massive to do list!
• Something to Chew on; Gratitude begins where entitlement ends. ~ Steve Furtick

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at FCC Kissimmee today and though there were many glitches in the tech area, it was an incredibly powerful message and time of worship. Just goes to show you where the real power is when it comes to worship.
• Want to see how to react to peer pressure, check out Daniel 3
•  FCC Kissimmee is using a unique way to meet the benevolence needs of the community as well as give additional monies to missions giving. The $1 method could be used by many churches to enhance their benevolence ministry.
• It really is time to stop cursing the darkness and begin lighting candles!
• Had a great time at my dad's birthday party yesterday. I have such an amazing family! I love when we gather together for celebrations, there is always good food, but more than that the time we share together is precious.
• Big salute to our veterans today; many members of my family have served in the military, I am so proud of them!
• Wrapped up the Financial Peace University class this past week, this is my second time through; amazing how a refresher course can give you a renewed perspective. 
• The Gator game yesterday reminded us it better to be lucky than it is to be good.
• Still waiting to be a grandfather.
• Something to Chew on; God may not put you in a new place, but he can put a new you in the old place. ~ John Ortberg

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Preached at First Christian Church of Orange Park today, gotta say this is a real friendly church.
• Filled in for one of our alums this morning, judging from the attitudes this morning, I believe Jim is gong to have a great ministry at FCCOP. 
• This morning's topic; Can The Book Be Trusted? Short answer - YES!
• Favorite quote from the message this morning; The Bible is not a human book about God, the Bible is God's book about his relationship with humans. 
• Really enjoyed the worship this morning, Chris is doing a great job with his worship team.
• I am going to be a grandfather soon.
• Roundup was a great success this past Saturday, we surpassed our goal of $100,000; the day's total; $103,000.
• Lyle and Shane did wonderful jobs preaching on the values that are really important at FCC.
• How can the college football season be over half over?
• May dad turned 75 today!
• Did  I mention I could be a grandfather anytime now! 
• I wonder who will buy all the advertisement time on TV on November 7?
• I am really looking forward to the new Lincoln movie!
• Something to Chew on; We entertain angels unaware, have you ever looked back and wondered if you have met one? ~ Bethany Jett on Twitter