Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Preached at First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach this morning.
• A very gracious congregation, it is evident grace is a part of the DNA of the congregation.
• I have visited 167 churches as Director of Advancement for JUFL; I can say the variety of church experiences around the state reminds me there is no one way to "do church."
• FCC Cocoa Beach is truly playing to their strengths.
• A special bonus about visiting the coast today, I was able to have lunch with my oldest son and his family, Good times!
• I was also able to see a good friend today as well, so good to see you, Dave! 
• I attended a breakfast Saturday at JUFL to explore how diversity is impacting the church today. To be on the "ground floor" of this venture is exciting. 
• I had to visit the Genius Bar at the Apple store today, and yes are geniuses, I feel like I have a new computer.
• In one month it will be Christmas eve.
• But before we focus on Christmas, Let's remember Thursday is a to be a day of thanks for all of our many blessings.
• What do you mean we there are only a few days left to the regular college football season. 
• To my teacher friends, I hope you have a great break this week, you deserve it!  
• Something to Chew on; We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. ~ John F. Kennedy

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I preached at Southwest Christian Church in Ocala this morning on the topic of grace.
• The key point from the message, God always recognizes people of grace not by their words but by their actions.
• There is something comforting about old hymns, music truly is the language of the heart.
• Watched a man in a wheelchair serving the congregation communion this morning, what is holding you back from serving others?
• I also gave a University Update to a combined Bible School class this morning. There is something special about sharing our story with people unfamiliar with JUFL.
• Rekindled a friendship with a college classmate today, it is so hard to imagine we have known each other for over 40 years.
• Savannah turned 7 this week, time goes by so fast!
• I do not like the ending of daylight savings time, dark at 5:30 p.m., who thought that was a good idea? 
• Sometimes you just want a good doughnut! 
• School teachers are superheroes and by the way, they do not need capes or superpowers! 
• I visited my teenage home today, I wish I could say it was a pleasant experience, unfortunately, the neighborhood has changed and not for the better. Sad to see what has happened to the house my dad built.
• Wawa hot chocolate really hits the spot!
• Something to Chew on; He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~ Epictetus

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at Vero Christian Church this morning.
• Steve did a great job speaking on the subject of an ordinary day with an extraordinary God.
• Key thought from the message; Irritations can reveal our character, but we should use the irritations to experience the grace of God when we look to Him. 
• Communion thought; Forgiveness always has a price! May we never forget the price that was paid for our redemption. 
• I left Kissimmee this morning at 5:50, but God allowed me to see a wonderful sunrise, well worth the early morning drive! His use of colors is amazing.
• Just in case you are curious, there are no traffic jams at 5:50 in the morning 
• My annual visit to Vero Christian was encouraging, they are great friends of JUFL and it is always good to see what God is doing through the ministry of VCC.
• Celebrated my oldest son's birthday this weekend, how can he be 39 years old? I guess I blinked!
• The fins have a 2 games win streak, should I begin looking for playoff tickets?
• Question; How can you blow out a team by 56 points and drop in the polls?
• 28 of our students are traveling to Kansas City this week for the International Conference on Missions. Praying for safety as well as open hearts and minds as they seek mission opportunities.
• Tomorrow is Veterans Day, I want to thank my dad, his brothers and my brother for their service to our country. SALUTE!
• Something to Chew on; Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. ~ Winston Churchill, 1940

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• I witnessed the baptismal waters stir once again, this never gets old.
• The morning message focused on Gratitude from the small Old Testament book of Habakkuk.
• To recapture a spirit of gratitude one needs to focus on two "R's" Remember and Rejoice. Remember what God has done for you and Rejoice that he remains faithful in His love toward us.
• A second message I heard today focused on the life of Jonah. 
• The key point of the message, Jonah knew the heart of God, but he did not have the heart of God. 
• In our preaching, we must remember the goal is not information, but transformation! Keep that in mind and our preaching will be powerful.
• A friend sent me a picture of the white chocolate Oreos this past weekend - yes it is the most wonderful time of the year.
• Breaking News, The FINS won today, and it was not on local TV. Why?
• I watched the lighting of Cinderella's castle at WDW tonight via Lifestream tonight - I am making it a point to see it live during the Christmas season. 
• No one does the holidays like Disney!
• Oh no, only three weeks left in the college football season.
• 5:45 and it is dark!
• Something to Chew on; It is hard to convince people that a God they cannot see loves them when a church they can see does not seem to like them. ~ John Allen Turner