Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued our series from the Book of James this morning.
• Today's topic asked the question, Is your faith genuine?
• Key Point #1, Does your faith meet needs?
• Key Point #2, is your faith equipped for action?
• Key Point #3, Is your faith authentic?
• Key Point # 4, Will your faith last?
• As I shared this morning, we may be a small church, however through our outreach ministries we are making a difference in our community and beyond.
• Our mid-week Bible Study got off to a great start Wednesday morning.
• It is official, we now have 4 bear cubs roaming around the woods behind our house.
• There are less than a 100 days until Christmas.
• Yesterday was a college football bonanza, there were some really GOOD GAMES.
• There were some good outcomes as well! IYKYK
• Something to Chew on; Only the guy who is not rowing has time to rock the boat, ~ Jean-Paul Sarte

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Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued our series from teh book of James this morning
• The topic of the message, Avoiding Favoritism!
• The unofficial title, Seeing People as God sees people.
• Key Thought, What would it look like if we all lived be the Royal Rule found in Scripture?
• Key Thought #2, God does not measure people by what they bring to the table, He measures us by how we treat people around His table.
• We had our first men's breakfast Saturday, a wonderful time for the men of our church to get together.
• Received word a good friend passed away this week. While we have not been together for a number of years, my heart aches for his family.
• Phil Wickham's song "Homesick for Heaven" is a great reminder this world is not our home, there is something so much better waiting for us.
• I blame the Buckeyes and the Longhorns for my lack of sleep last night!
• Once again we learned, College Football is a 4 quarter game!
• Something to Chew on;  From today's message; Favoritism is inconsistent with God's ways.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• This morning, we continued our series through the book of James.
• The focus of the message was on the importance of not just hearing God’s Word, but doing what God’s Word tells us to do.
• Key Point #1, The reason most people fail to do what God’s Word says comes down to one thing—the heart.
• Some people have a hard heart. Others have a troubled heart. Still others have a disinterested heart.
• The condition of our heart often determines how we respond to the truth of God’s Word.
• Key Point #2, God’s Word was never meant simply to inform us—it was given to transform us. The question is not simply, “Did I hear God’s Word today?” but “What am I going to do about it?”
• It is hard to believe this week it will be 25 years since 9/11.
• Writing sermons is bringing me a great deal of joy.
• College Football is back!
• Unfortunately, NIL, The Portal, and Lawsuits are a big distraction to a wonderful game. 
• One day next week the high temperature will be 89 degrees! Ahhhhh Fall in Florida.
• Something to Chew on; Question of the day - What is God doing? And am i willing to be a part of it?
  
  

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day... 

• Our series from the book of James continued today. We looked at the subject of temptation.
• Key Point of the message, Temptation is Universal, Temptations are to be Expected, and Temptation is Personal.
• To handle temptation we need to take hold of the wonderful promise from scripture.
• I am discovering the unique nature of serving in a small church, when called upon, so many people are willing to serve in the little aspects of ministry.
• We said good bye to a young lady preparing for Army Bootcamp today. It was great to see a number of veterans thanking her for her service.
• Our new Bible Studies begin next month, I am looking forward to the teaching opportunities.
• Lori and I had to travel to Apopka last week, I forgot how bad the traffic is in Central Florida.
• I was reminded horns are essential, and turn signals are non existent!
• It is back! IYKYK
• Something to Chew on; The key to discipling people is to bring then in, build them up, teach them how, and send them out!

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued our series from the book of James this morning, Focusing on Asking God for Wisdom.
• Key Point #1, Having information is not the same as having wisdom.
• Key Point #2, A divided heart produces an unstable life.
• A dear lady received her heavenly reward last week. The hospitality she gave, the many lessons she taught, and the loved she shared was amazing. Well Done, Mrs. Smith.
• I am still moved by the song, I can only imagine
• When your wife interrupts your blogging so you can see a bear in the backyard, you know you live in a forest.
• Watching exhibition football games is painful, watching the fins play exhibition games is extremely painful.
• We announced our Fall schedule this morning. Looking forward to our upcoming Bible Studies for the Fall.
• Something to Chew on; Wise people talk less, are silent more, and listen more than those lacking wisdom.

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We began a new series today, looking at the NT book of James.
• Today's message, Profiting from Problem from James 1:1-6
• Your attitude toward a problem is more important than the problem itself. John Maxwell.
• Key Point from today's message, we can rejoice in our problems for we have a God who cares for us and a church family that helps us.
• We had a wonderful dinner with Brian and Marie tonight. They are Johnson Reps sharing what is happening at the university.
• My heart  breaks for what is happening in Indiana, The flood waters are devastating.
• To get me ready for College Football, I am watching Saturdays in the South documentary. 
• It will not be long now!
• Something to Chew On; One way to look at a problem is to ask yourself will the problem matter a year from now? ~ Anonymous 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We wrapped up the sermon series Questions and Answers today looking at the question Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"
• Key Point #1, Peter got it right, The Son of Man is the Son of God.
• Key Point #2, The church's foundation is not based on a man but on what the man said about Jesus!
• Next week we begin our series developing a real faith from the book of James.
• There is something how an old hymn stirs one's soul
• So long Summer, School starts back this week.
• I believe public school teachers are missionaries in disguise.
• They can make a difference in the lives of their students.
• Just a few more weeks until the start of football season.
• This time of year all the teams are filled with optimism.
• We will soon know who are the contenders and who are the pretenders!
• Something to Chew on;  Just a reminder, Let everything that has breath, Praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued the series Questions and Answers,  today looking at the topic of Worry.
• The best definition of worry; Worry is wasting today's time to clutter up tomorrow's opportunities with yesterday's trouble.
• Key Point #1, Do not worry is not a suggestion but a commend.
• Key Point #2,  There is a difference between Worry and Concern, Worry paralyzes us, while concern motivates us to action.
• The cure for Worry is found in the acrostic "HOPE" He Offers Peace Everlasting
• Every week I am reminded  people are hurting and need Jesus.
• For a small church we are blessed with several talented singers.
• How can it be August already,  The Psalmist was right, we need to number our days.
• Something to Chew on; Worry in an indication we believe God cannot care for us. ~ Oswald Chambers

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued the series Questions and Answers. Today's focus from Luke 17 looking at the questions Jesus asked of the 10 lepers.
• Key Point #1, There are reasons we are not grateful, most of them focus on our wants and desires.
• Key Point #2, God's will is for us to be a grateful people. See 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
• It is a fact, generous people are the most grateful people.
• For the last 6 months I have been working for Johnson Univeristy on a limited basis. This week I turned in my resignation and I can now announce after 15 years and 4 months, I am officially retired from Johnson Univeristy. 
• While I have enjoyed the travel and visiting 177 churches in Florida. I now am returning to what I desire most, preaching weekly in the local church. 
• I am thankful for the opportunity Florida Christian College and Johnson Univeristy gave me this last 15+ years. I have met some wonderful people and have been blessed to see the generosity of so many.
• Today, one of our church members gave me the schedule of all of this years SEC football games - He gets me!
• It is almost time!
• Something to Chew on; Gratitude helps slow us down, pay attention, and recognize the beauty of simple everyday life. ~ Unknown 

 

Sunday Night Reflections

• After spending 2 weeks in Michigan, it is good to be back home.
• We continued our series, Questions and Answers this morning looking a question about eternity.
• The message focused on Jesus and His Raising of Lazarus.
• Key Point #1, Every day we live with the knowledge of Eternity is in the balance, so chose wisely.
• Key Point #2,  The power of the resurrection reminds us there is more to this life than 70+ years, therefore view life with an eternal focus.
• One day we will all be a part of the "The Club No One Wants to Join" IYKYK
• Every once and a while I get the urge to call my mom, but I can't. However, I will see her AND dad again.
• We attended the birthday party of a woman who was celebrating her100th birthday!
• Thank you Norma for your example of living faithfully for Christ.
• While in Michigan we celebrated the life of a lady who was celebrating her 90th birthday. Good Times
• While in Michigan, we were able to spend some time around Lake Michigan, A great place to vacation.
• In the small world department; In Michigan we had an unplanned dinner with some friends from my ministry at Palm Bay and on the flight back home we met a couple of friends at baggage claim also from Palm Bay. 
• You never know who you are going to see, so live wisely.
• We watched the World Cup final this afternoon, wow those guys are going to be sore tomorrow!
• Speaking of football; 39 days!
• Something to Chew on; Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you. ~ Shannon Alder

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued our series "Questions and Answers" looking at a question about His return.
• The focus of the message was to provide comfort in a world that is chaotic 
• Regardless what the newscasters say, we can take comfort Jesus will return and we shall see Him Face to Face.
• I can only imagine!
• Key Point #1, the Second Coming of  Jesus is in God's hands and His hands alone!
• Key Point #2, When one realizes Jesus is returning, one must come to grips with the Lordship issue regarding Jesus.
• On Tuesday we will officially be at the half way point of 2026, how are those New Year Resolutions going?
• Sunday Afternoon naps are enjoyable.
• Following worship this morning,We were able to enjoy some Mexican food at a restaurant. You may think that is not a Big Deal, but it was ourfirst Mexican dinner since we moved here in March! 
• That is life in the Forest.
• Something to Chew on; And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take to myself, that where I am you may be also. ~ Jesus

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day..

• I continued the series, Questions and Answers, looking at the Questions Jesus asked of people.
• Today's message was a question of values.
• Values do not just happen, values are learned and lived out as they are taught to our families.
• We have the capacity to gain the whole world, however it can come with a price. We can lose our soul.
• Our guest ministry is working! We are blessed to have a number of guest returning each week.
• Key Point #1, of all the titles we have for God, the word Father  is the most endearing. 
• Key Point #2, In the middle of the word obedience is the word DIE. This is a reminder of what Paul mentioned in Galatians 2:20.
• I am enjoying the crowds watching the World Cup games, even if their team does not have a chance to win, they have a passion for their team. Next to Team USA fans, the Scottish fans are the most fun to watch.
• How can there be only 1 Sunday left in June, 2026 is almost halfway over.
• When one of my kids visit it is always a good time.
• Something to Chew on, The best way to pass on our values is to model our values in front of our children and grandchildren. Let them see what is important to you. ~ From today's message

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued our series, Questions and Answers this morning looking at The question Jesus asked Peter. "Peter do you love me?" From John 21.
• This is probably the most important question Jesus asked in the gospels.
• Has Jesus ever asked you to fugitively "Lower Your Nets"and watch him do something marvelous? 
• Key Point of today's message; When you fail ,it is always easier to go back to the familiar rather than stretch your faith!
•  Cleaning up my mom's personal items is bringing back a lot of memories. 
• My brothers and I had a wonderful childhood, Thank you mom and dad!
• Lunch with my brothers is always a treat.
• One item mom left us was a diary to help us understand life when she grew up, Mom and Dad were overcomers.
• I have lived in Salt Springs for 3 months and I amazed how clear the skies are at night. So many stars!
• Something to Chew On; The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We began a new series this morning titled Questions and Answers.
• Today's question, Who is my neighbor? Looking at the Good Samaritan's actions.
• The Good Samaritan is a portrait of compassion.
• Th most compassionate thing we can do is tell others about Jesus.
• We kicked off our new guest ministry today. Good Stuff.
• This week we were going through my mother's items and came across a biography she had been writing before dementia interfered with her life.
• Growing up in the 40's and 50's was a different way of living.
• If i did not see it with my own eyes, I would not believe it, we had a monkey in our backyard this morning..
• With the wildlife in the forest, I seldom go out after dark.
• We are 82 days away from the beginning of the college football season.
• Something to Chew on; From today's message - Go and Do, two words, four letters, yet they have the ability to transform a church and a community. 

Sunday Night Reflections

 A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We wrapped up the series on Grace Notes this morning.
• We focused on how to seek grace when we have given in to temptation.
• Our message focused on a dark period in David's life, his sin with Bathsheba and the consequences of that sin.
• Key Point #1, Sin is devastating
• Key Point #2, Sin has one purpose, to separate us from God.
• Thankfully Grace and Mercy make it possible to have a new start.
• So thankful for the many friends who joined us in celebrating my mom's celebration of life Saturday. I am blessed to have so many friends. 
• Good friends know distance does not matter! IYKYK
• I do not say it often enough by I blessed beyond measure.
• I am also blessed with a loving family. Saturday's family lunch has to be a glimpsed of what heaven will be like.
• Something to Chew on; He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for tehe old order of things has passed away. ~ Revelation 21:4

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued the series titled "Grace Notes" by looking at the attitude of the Older Brother in. Luke 15. 
• Key Point #1, It is hard to receive grace when you believe it must be earned
• Key Point #2, Bitterness blinds us to our blessings.
• Key Point #3, Withholding Grace is not an option.
• I take comfort knowing my mom is in heaven tonight.
• For the Christian, Death is a time of rest, a reunion, and a reward.
• SSCC is a wonderful caring church family and may be the best kept secret among the churches in Florida.
• The unofficial start of Summer begins now, That means College Football is just around the corner.
• Speaking of football who picked the Dolphins 2026 schedule? YIKES!
• Something to Chew on; You can pick up a piece of chalk and make it a dividing line or you can pick up an eraser and forgive the offense. It is your choice ~ Quote from this morning's message.
  
   

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• I began a new sermon series this morning titled "Grace Notes." 
• Today's topic, the sweet aroma of Grace.
• Ephesians 2 reminds us we have a Life worth leaving and a Faith worth obtaining; all because of Grace. 
• Over the last 6 weeks I have watched my mom's health deteriorate rapidily. Friday we made the decision to place her in Hospice care. 
• HEY, Call your mom tonight!
• I'm cherishing every moment.
• Something to Chew on; I know there will be a Day when every tear will be wiped away and every hurt will be erased.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Today's message focued on 3 women who made a difference in the Life of Moses. His Mother, his Sister and an Egyptian Princess.
• One gave him life, One watched over his life, and One opened the door for his life.
• Next week I begin a new series titled, Grace Notes; God's Agenda for Transforming the World.
• Writing new messages is energizing!
• I feel blessed to lead this small church.
• A good friend's mother passed away this weekend, she was definitely a Proverbs 31 woman.
• I am getting to the age where it seems every week another friend is experiencing loss. 
• Thankfully we have Jesus.
• Speaking of loss. Mother's Day can be very difficult for those who have lost a mother due to death or whose child is absent, Belief me I know from personal experience, remember God knows our tears.
• Something to Chew on; Mothers are the Gorilla Glue of the family. ~ Anonymous 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We finished the series "this is us", looking at the purpose of SSCC this morning. 
• Today we focused on serving others.
• Key Point #1 We are most like Christ when we serve.
• Key Point #2 In a period of 24 hours, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and made it possible to wash away our sins.
• The worship team did a great job this morning tying the songs and communion meditation with the theme the of message today.
• Tis the Season; Proms, Commencements and and summer vacations will soon be a part of our vocabulary. 
• Watching the MAGIC collapse was painful.
• I received mail this week informing me of my high school's 50th reunion. I wonder if I should wear my leisure suit?
• Maybe I should try to find a baby blue tux for the occasion.
• Something to Chew on; When we serve, we look like Jesus. ~ Quote from today's message.

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• We continued the message series "This is us" looking at the mission statement of SSCC.
• Today's message focused on Making Disciples.
• Key Point #1, Disciple making comes through building a deep relationship with others.
• Key Point #2,  We must understand, Making Disciples is not a suggestion, it is a command. 
• The illustration regarding the Dust of the Rabbi was very powerful this morning.
• The illustration about the Creamed Spinach was not powerful, but will be remembered for a long time. Note to Self; Next time vent the package.
• I attended the funeral of a wonderful lady yesterday. She was a Proverbs 31 lady.
• Why are funerals like reunions?
• I am not sure, but I think I got a glimpse of a Florida panther last night.
• I enjoyed watching the NFL draft this week. It want be long before NFL and College ball starts back up.
• My granddaughter received her report card this week, she received all A's. It looks like she got her smarts from her Nana not her Papa, 
• Something to Chew on; Only a Disciple can make a Disciple ~ A.W. Tozer