Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning
• Jim preached on a subject we do not hear much about these days; Holiness.
• Holiness is impossible for us to obtain when we depend on our ability alone. Our attempt at holiness is like filthy rags to a holy God.
• I had dinner with some VERY good friends Saturday evening, it has been way too long since we have been together. Good Times
• I was honored to officiate at a minister's funeral this past Monday. I am often amazed at the experiences I have had because I chose to follow God's leading into vocational ministry. 
• Our life group has been working through Craig Groeschel's book Dangerous Prayers. In this week's study, we learned a dangerous prayer is a prayer of faith that goes beyond the routine but actually stretches our faith! 
• Two of my favorite churches exceeded their mission goals this weekend. It is true, you simply cannot outgive God. Heaven will be fuller because the two churches stepped out in faith!
• I received a phone call this evening and once again I was reminded how cancer impacts my family! However, I am thankful this earthy life is not all the is to life, God has something planned for us that we cannot imagine!
• This Florida Weather is driving me crazy. The groundhog had better call it correctly this week. We do not need six more weeks of Florida winter! We need the Florida Spring! My sinuses are killing me!
• White Chocolate Oreos are gone; Now we must wait until December 2021. 
• Something to Chew on; Courage is the most important of all virtues because, without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently ~ Maya Angelou 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Preached at First Christian Church Babson Park this morning for the church's annual Faith Promise.
• Wonderful Day as the church exceeded its mission's goal by 29%.
• So exciting to see a church step out in faith especially in these troubling times.
• It was 10 years ago this month that I stepped away from the located ministry.
• 10 years ago I would never have imagined all the places I have preached or represented JUFL.
• The largest crowd I have spoken to; 3,400
• The smallest crowd I have spoken to; 9
• I am honored to officiate the funeral of a former trustee of the college tomorrow. Allan had a huge impact on so many in North Jacksonville. 
• The students are back at JUFL, so good to hear a noisy campus again.
• This week I have been rereading the life of Joseph from the book of Genesis. His life a wonderful example of how God will use us for His glory if we will remain faithful even in the most difficult circumstances.
• How do some people qualify for a driver's license?  
• Something to Chew on; The most courageous act is still to think for yourself, Aloud! ~ Coco Chanel 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Jim preached a message from Genesis 3 reminding us the consequences of sin. 
• People often forget the momentary pleasure of sin carries consequences. Sometimes there are temporary consequences to sin, but there are always eternal consequences for our sins.
• It was also good to catch up with some good friends, Bobby and Patsy Ann. Covid has truly made our gatherings difficult.
• We are designed for community, we are NOT designed for loneliness and isolation!
• Trusted friends are a gift from God!
• Our life group kicked off our new Bible Study Friday evening with a study on the dangerous prayers from the Bible.
• I am afraid we offer safe prayers to our Heavenly Father, yet He is waiting for us to offer up dangerous prayers.
• Here is a dangerous prayer; Search me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23 
• I celebrated my daughter's birthday yesterday - She has discovered a new Hibachi/Sushi restaurant in St. Pete - Good times! 
• One of my New Year's Resolutions is holding true, only snacking on 2 White Fudge Oreos each day! The struggle is real!
• Something to Chew on; Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts. ~ Winston Churchhill

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I preached at First Christian Church of Bradenton this morning.
• The message focused on "An Uncommon Place" Question, what makes a Christian University an uncommon place? 
• Answer; Mission, Faculty who see themselves as mentors, not just educators, and a desire to see the Kingdom of God expand throughout the world! 
• There are not too many Uncommon Places in our culture today!
• The members of FCC Bradenton enjoy singing the old hymns with Gusto! 
• I left home at 7:15 this morning and returned home at 6:20 this evening, needless to say, it was a long day.
• Special treat about traveling to Bradenton, Lunch with some of my best friends.  I am always blessed when I spent time with Guthrie and Barbara.
• I learned that one of the elders of the church I served in Anderson IN passed away last week, MIke thank you for your example of what a godly leader looks like! Well Done!
• I take great comfort in the knowledge God is aware of our hurts, See Psalm 56:8 regarding how God handles our tears.
• Lesson Learned from life group Friday evening; not all hotels put out the welcome mat for you.
• Our students return to JUFL later this week. Sure has been quiet without their presence on campus.
• This Florida boy is not liking this week's cold weather. Yep, turned the furnace on today!
• Last week, I shared my word for the year is Courage; To keep me focused on my word I will post a courage quote each week in my Something to Chew on space - This week...
• Something to Chew on; "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." ~ J.K. Rowling

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I preached at Orange Park Christian Church this morning on the subject of worship.
• Key thought #1, Worship is where we make space for God in our life.
• Key thought #2, Worship is where we meet God and God meets us.
• While it is important to prepare to worship God corporately, let us not forget it is vital we prepare personally to worship God each week.
• 3 years ago, my friend Suzy, introduced me to the concept of choosing a word to focus on and to live by for the upcoming year. There is power in words and just one word can inspire us to trust God and live out our faith each and every day. After a time of prayer and reflection, the word I have chosen for 2021 is COURAGE! 
• I am walking in faith to see how God will give me courage in a variety of ways this year.
• Thank you dolphins for giving us a run toward the playoffs, normally we had nothing to cheer for this late in the season.
• Are you getting tired of Zoom meetings? Be honest!
• Once again I was reminded how much I hate cancer. Yet we take comfort there will be a day when there will be no more pain, no more sorrow, and He will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
• To my public school teacher friends, yep, tomorrow you have to return to school. Hang in there, remember it is the SECOND semester!
• Something to Chow on; All of us are uniquely called and gifted for our part of His mission: to follow Jesus and to lead others to do the same. ~ Pastor Danny de Armas