Sunday Night Reflections

 Two thoughts after a troubling week.

The damage from Hurricane Helene has been devastating. There has been wide spread destruction in FL, GA, TN, SC, and NC. As I watched the news I could only think it will take months and maybe years for people to get their lives back together. As I write my blog tonight, I could only think of two thoughts that ran through my mind this weekend.

First, seeing the devastation I coule not help but think about the fragility of life, last week we were talking about a Cat 1 hurricane and in less than 24 hours the intensity of the storm became a Cat 4. As a result, there was strong wind, rain which led to flooding, tornados, washed out roads, loss of lives, and city streets suddenly becoming waterways. Life changes quickly. I have friends who have lost homes, churches have lost their buildings and many have experienced property damage.Since life is so fragile we must remember to to seek God daily, for he is our refuge and our help in times of trouble.

Second, now is the time for the church to "be the church"by serving those who have experienced loss. This can be done in a number of ways; sharing resources, donating items, praying, listening to a neighbor who is going through a very difficult time, and helping neighbors clean up their property. In a country divided down political lines, Church this is our time to shine. 

Tonight, it is not about Oreos or college football or complaining about traffic.  Tonight is about praying, serving ,and asking others, "How can I help you?"

Something to Chew on; Guard My life and rescue me, do not let me be put to shame. For I take refuge in you. ~ Psalm 25:20  

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I preached at Port St. Lucie Christian Church this morning. Wonderful group of believers.
• Key Point #1 from today's message, if you want to have a deep relationship with God, you must have a deep prayer life.
• Key Point #2, A deep prayer life will give you intimacy with God. 
• There is something comforting about singing old hymns. 
• Intimacy defined In To Me See!
• One of my favorite items about traveling is finding the places the locals eat. we found a great mexican restaurant, but the salsa had bits of jalapenos in the mix. WOW!  So good, but so HOT to the taste!
• I saw my first Christmas commercial on TV this week!
• We made a quick trip to Knoxville last week to attend the inauguration of Johnson University's eighth president and to check in on our Florida kids.
• The inauguration service was very moving and our Florida kids are doing well.
• When the wife packs Oreos for the flight ,you know it is going to be a good trip!
• Something to Chew on; Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Babe ruth

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I preached at McIntosh Christian Church this morning.
• If you are curious, McIntosh is north of Ocala.
• The morning message focused on Intimacy with God through prayer.
• Key point #1 If you want a solid relationship with God you need pray like Jesus.
• Key point #2 Prayer is the lifeline connecting us to God.
• Following the worship service the church invited us to a Taco Bar! Good Times!
• McIntosh Christian Church was founded in 1899, I can only imagine the number of men who have stood in the pulpit proclaiming God's word through the years. 
• Once again I met some people from previous ministries. 
• I have now preached or represented Johnson University in 177 churches in Florida in the past 13+ years.
• So blessed by so many friends.
• We broke out the next to the last box of Oreos this week. Only 1 box left!
• The college football season is in full swing; some things have changed some things remain the same. Unfortunately, what has remained the same is bad news for Gainesville.
• Something to Chew on; Be decisive, the road of life is paved with flat squirrels who could not make a decision. ~ Anonymous  

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning. Jim preached a message from the Book of Acts on leaving the huddle.
• Too many churches are satisfied with staying in the huddle and never playing the game.
• Why do we remain in the huddle, God has called us to so much more.
• I know the songs we sing in worship are not for me, but this week we were able to sing some of my favorite worship songs. 
• It was great to see friends from the Tennessee campus today.
• We spent Saturday at Disney's Animal Kingdom. When you see the number of different animals at the park, you know God loves creativity.
• Ride the River Rapid Ride she said it will be fun, Well it was al least is was wet! Very wet! Good Times!
• Only two more weeks until Fall, but that means nothing to us Floridians.  #thankfulforAC
• We are two weeks into the College Football season and we are already seeing some upsets!
• Fans and fanatics need to remember, most of the boys on the fields are only 18 to 23 years old. 
• Speaking of Football, Fins Win! Is this the year?
• It is September, time to open another box of White Chocolate Oreos, Life is Good.
• Something to Chew on; The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. ~ Walt Disney

 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning. 
• Jim's message focused on the importance of work and rest. 
• The key to work and rest is to have balance.
• Why is it in our early years we spend our health to gather wealth and in our later years we spend our wealth trying to keep our health?
• We Lack Balance!
• Spent time tonight with our elder team praying for our congregation. Prayer is our strategy! 
• our Life Group is learning how to "Travel Light" by looking at an in depth study of Psalm 23. Last week we looked at why we need a shepherd. Without a shepherd we would be lost.
• So thankful the Lord is our Shepherd.
• I waited all year for College Football to start and what do we ft? Same old Stuff! It is is going to be a Looooong season.
• Can't we wait 25 more days until we are assaulted by Pumpkin Spice?
• Something to Chew on; Life is a journey, not a destination. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson