Sunday, March 29, 2020

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

  • Preached via Lifestream at First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach this morning. 
  • The message was from the parable of the Good Samaritan and focused on the need for compassion in difficult circumstances.
  • As we are focusing on Covid 19, it is was a good reminder of our need to be aware of the people around us who may be struggling during these difficult times. 
  • From this week's devotional; If you will immerse yourself daily in the word of God you will not be caught off guard when the crisis comes. 
  • Praying for my teacher friends as they begin the task of teaching online this week. 
  • Speaking of prayer, it was very encouraging to be a part of a virtual prayer meeting with my team from the Tennessee campus this past week. The prayer meeting was a reminder we are a spiritual enterprise training the next generation of Kingdom Workers.
  • I began reading a wonderful book this week; The American Miracle, Divine Providence in the rise of the Republic by Michael Medved. The book is very good, I recommend it without reservation. 
  • I must say my cooking skills have really improved over the past few years. I am not ready for my own cooking show, but almost everything I cook is edible. 
  • Just in case you are curious, I have Indiana University and the University of Florida heading to my fantasy Final Four! Yes, I know it is a fantasy, but a man can dream! 
  • Something to Chew on; God never calls His people to accomplish anything without promising to supply their every need. ~ Charles Swindoll


Sunday, March 22, 2020

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few thoughts from an Amazing Day...

  • Worshiped online again this morning
  • The message focused on Rejoicing in the face of problems from Philippians 4:4-7
  • Key thought #1, the more we worry the less we trust.
  • Key thought #2, One of the greatest witnesses to the world is to display peace in our troubling circumstances. 
  • I watched many of my preaching friends use tech this weekend to preach.
  • It is important to note, during these troubling times the gospel will be proclaimed. 
  • I spent a few days in Jacksonville this past week catching up with mom. 
  • She had two major projects for me, update her computer and update her phone, if all problems were as simple as updating tech, this would be a better world. 
  • While I was in Jacksonville, my dog Lily had several play days with her friends. 
  • Praying for my teacher friends who are transitioning to distant learning this week. They will face new challenges, but I am praying they will have new opportunities as well!
  • OK let's admit it, watching old sporting events on ESPN is not the same as watching a game live. 
  • I sure hope NFL football season is not canceled this Fall, there are some interesting trades being made making the 2020 season intriguing. 
  • Gas in Kissimmee is less than $2.00 a gallon, this is great, but now we have no place to go!
  • I still do not understand the toilet paper rush!
  • Just in case you are tracking, we would be down to the Sweet 16 today, #March Sadness!
  • I typed in March Sadness and auto-correct wanted to change it to March Madness, even computers are missing the brackets this year!
  • Something to Chew on; A frightened world needs a fearless church. ~ A. W. Tozer



Sunday, March 15, 2020

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

  • Worshiped online this morning. Pastor David of First Baptist Church Orlando had a great message on the Beatitude; Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 
  • Key thought #1 from the message, we must practice mercy, because we have received mercy from our Heavenly Father.  
  • Key thought #2, When you are merciful, you erase the debt of others.
  • Technology is amazing as over 4,000 devices were watching the sermon online this morning.
  • We live in a wonderful time for the gospel to go into all the world!
  • I cannot imagine the dilemma many churches had last week regarding the virus, do you hold public worship services or do you go online. I am sure there were many prayers asking God for wisdom this past week.
  • I celebrate my 9th year as Director of Advancement at Johnson University Florida today. Oh, the places I have traveled and the things I have seen!
  • Maybe I will write a book about all of my travels one day!
  • No March Madness this year, this is the ultimate Bracket Buster!
  • Driving to work in the dark is not fun! Who came up with Daylight Savings Time?
  • Something to Chew on; Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16


Sunday, March 8, 2020

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

  • Worshiped at Northeast Christian Church in Kissimmee this morning.
  • Justin preached a message from the Life of Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus. 
  • Very good message, I cannot recall if I have ever heard a message on the life of Judas.
  • Key Thought from today's message; It is possible to hear the message of Jesus and still not be moved by His amazing grace.
  • Judas heard the messages and saw the miracles Jesus performed, yet he was not moved by the Savior. May we never make that same mistake!
  • The second sermon of the day reminded me of the importance of hungering and thirsting for His righteousness!
  • Too often we look for other items to satisfy us, and that is just not possible. 
  • Wonderful time at Lake Aurora Christian Camp at the men's retreat. Great workshops and challenging messages.
  • It was also good to see my one of my sons attend the retreat, nothing thrills me more than to see my kids grow in their faith. 
  • JUFL men's basketball team is headed to the nationals this week. BTW JUTN is also in the nationals, this could get interesting!
  • Speaking of men's basketball, it is almost "Bracket Season"
  • When you find a klondike bar in the back of the freezer, you have discovered a hidden treasure.
  • Extra daylight this evening equals more time to walk and enjoy the outdoors - Blessed!
  • Savannah is in a play this week, time for Papa duty, yep, I will be there to see the play. I am sure it will be "Oscar-worthy"
  • Something to Chew on; Not all of us can do great things. but we can do small things with great love. ~ Mother Teresa 



Sunday, March 1, 2020

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

  • Great message from the Sermon on the Mount this morning focusing on the power of meekness.
  • Yes, there is power in meekness.
  • Meekness defined: Strength under control.
  • Key Thought #1, The sooner your life is the control of God, the better your life will be.
  • Key Thought #2, You are never stronger than when you are walking with God.
  • Watching the baptismal waters stir is always exciting.
  • Great time at a concert this afternoon promoting music scholarships at JUFL. Thank you, Ruth, for using your talents to establish a scholarship for our music students.  
  • Congratulations to the JUFL Men's Basketball Team, they won their regional and now they are off to nationals!
  • Oh my, we have to Spring Forward next weekend. Love the extended daylight, but not too crazy about losing the hour of sleep.
  • We are two weeks away from Selection Sunday for March Madness; is your team rising or falling?
  • There are times when I wish I could speak Chihuahua.  Life would be much easier!
  • I continue to be humbled by people's generosity.
  • Something to Chew on; Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die. Trust the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. ~ King David, Psalm 37:1-4