Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts From an Amazing Day...

• Reconnected with some dear friends today, we have known them for almost 30 years and it was so good to see them today.
• Worship and message was very good today at FCC Kissimmee.
• Jim asked a very pertinent question this morning, "What thief is stealing your joy?" Hint there are a lot of thieves in this world.
• Received some GREAT news from a friend who is fighting cancer, through God's help, it looks like he is winning!
• My daughter had a great time at her dance last night, she is dating a young man who I believe truly respects her. That is VERY important to me!
• One year ago today, I resigned as minister of Palm Bay Christian Church, over the past year God has surprised me over and over again.
• Do you want a good study on the providence of God, I suggest you study the life of Joseph.
• I was able to witness a young man be ordained into the ministry Wednesday evening, I still believe leading the local church is one of the greatest callings of this life.
• Hey Jim I agree, Christianity makes sense!
• Watching Undercover Boss this evening when this thought struck me, what would happen if our boss, Jesus went "undercover" in our life for a week?
• Something to chew on; The secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes. ~ Benjamin Disraeli 
  
  

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the FCC Kissimmee family today. 
• Jim did a great job with the the "State of the Church" message.
• Goals and plans that challenge us lead us to greater success - Amen!
• Our family is blessed to be a part of a thriving church.
• For every church that is thriving there are many that are fading or declining. This must break the heart of God. 
• Jim's morning message was great, but he really hit it out of the park this evening; as he spoke on the topic of guilt. 
• There are three weapons is Satan's "Guilt Arsenal"; comparison, catastrophe and criticism. 
• Loved this thought tonight; The church is the only institution designed to get people to heaven!
• Here is a great couple of verses to meditate on this week.
• Been thinking about my friend Dave and his battle with cancer when I came across this quote in my files; Cancer is so limited, it cannot corrode faith, shatter hope, kill friendships, cripple love, destroy peace, silence courage, suppress memories or conquer the spirit.
• After watching the final play of the broncos/steelers game, you can see why football is America's favorite sport.
• Something to Chew on; The real contest is always between what you have done and what you are capable of doing. You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else. ~ Geoffrey Gaberino, Olympic Gold Medalist. 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the church family at First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach this morning.
• Really enjoyed meeting a new group of people - they were very genuine and sincere.
• We sang a couple of hymns this morning including Blessed Assurance - I love that hymn!
• The last week has been a great break from the day to day routine, but I am looking forward to getting back on schedule! I have played way too hard!
• I saw a sign at Disney World this week that read; "Lock your car, buckle your seat belt, be aware of suspicious activity; Happy Holidays!"  Just made me smile.
• Kathy and I experienced movie and a menu at Downtown Disney last night, what a great treat!
• I am bummed that the college football season is about over - it is a long time to September 1, 2012, but in case you are wondering here is a schedule for the Gators. 
• How many resolutions did you make?
• One more holiday dinner tomorrow evening and then I am ready to take a break from all the festivities!
• Tomorrow I begin reading "Not A Fan" more details soon!
• Something to Chew On; Each of us has a fire in our heart for something. It is our goal in life to find it and keep it lit. ~ Mary Lou Retton.  

Reflections & Perspectives

It is almost over! In less than 12 hours we will close the book on 2011 and begin a new year. This is the time of the year we reflect on what we have and have not done and make a few resolutions, with the goal of improving our bottom line, our waistline or simply begin anew. 

As I look back over the past 12 months, I must say there have been many changes in our home...

• As 2011 began we were involved in a highly stressful situation that has turned out to be a what I believe an opportunity I would have never considered, but now I believe I have found my "Sweet Spot".
• We have moved from Palm Bay to Kissimmee, with that move has come new challenges and opportunities. 
• As many of you know Jeremiah 15:19 (nlt) is one of my favorite verses. However, Jeremiah 29:11 has become a very meaningful verse for me in 2011. It amazes me how words spoken 2,500 years ago can speak to us today ~ God's word is amazing!
• A good friend of mine has begun his cancer treatment this week. As I watch and his wife deal with cancer, I admire how the two of them walk by faith.
• My new position at Florida Christian College has given me a new perspective on the local church. I have had the privilege to speak in 15 different churches this year on Sunday mornings and have visited 120 churches during the week. I have witnessed different styles of worship and ministry as well as different personality in ministers, and I continue to marvel that after 2,000 years the Kingdom of God continues to move forward.
• I have completed my first year as chairman of the board of directors of Unconditional Love, an outreach to people struggling with HIV and AIDS. This small outreach ministry in Melbourne FL, is having an impact in Brevard County on a very limited budget, yet they are making a difference!
• We found a new church home in Kissimmee and while my schedule does not allow me to be there every week, I am always blessed when I am able to attend. By the way the staff at FCC Kissimmee are doing a great job taking the gospel to Osceola County.

What will 2012 bring? I am not sure, I am just trusting in the words God gave to Jeremiah, knowing He knows what is best for me and He knows what is best for you as well!      

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the church at Englewood Christian in Jacksonville this morning. 
• Ken and Gayle did a wonderful job with the worship this morning, focusing on the "The Name" of Jesus.
• Christmas Eve service was great at ECC as well!
• I had a chance to reconnect with MY youth minister this morning - so good to see you Wayne!
• Spent Christmas day with my mom and dad and two brothers and their families - I am so blessed.
• My mom makes some great mac and cheese and no, does not come out of a blue box! 
• Traveling back to Kissimmee from Jacksonville it seemed like there were a lot of Christmas  Crazies on the road this evening. What happened to the Christmas spirit?
• The Christmas party at my cousin's home was great as well, thanks Greg and Joy for your hospitality, we really enjoyed our time with you guys.
• Enjoyed 3 days and 2 nights Bonnet Creek resort this past week, thanks to the generosity of some good friends, thank you Jim and Faith.
• I have been amazed by the people who have text me this past week with well wishes and thank you's.  I feel like George Bailey!
• I plan to enjoy the next 6 days off!
• College football bowl games really get started this week, I can't wait.
• I got three new books this Christmas season, so it looks like I have some real study time ahead of me.
• In 96 days (March 30), Florida Christian College hosts an evening with John Maxwell at our Imagine Banquet - it is going to be great! 
• Something to Chew on; He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under the tree. ~ Charlotte Carpenter

Responding to Christmas

Christmas is almost here! With just a few shipping days left, people are pouring into the malls trying to purchase those last minute gifts. Families are traveling across the country and the aroma of fresh baked cookies is filling many of our homes, all in anticipation of Christmas day. Christmas day will be here in 4 days! How are you responding to the news Christmas is almost here? Is there joy, panic, anxiety, anticipation? You may respond in a variety of ways, but no one responded more positively than Joseph did when he received the news about the “First Christmas”

 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24 

Notice how Joseph responded to the “First Christmas” Verse 24 tells us He woke up, He did what the angel had commanded him and he took Mary home to be his wife. Joseph responded by taking action. Joseph refused to passive regarding Christmas.

In the same way, we should be people of action during this Christmas season. Christmas is a time when people are more open to the spiritual side of life than any other time of the year. We have an opportunity to proclaim a message of hope and redemption to our friends and family members. This Christmas we would be wise to respond as Joseph did on that “First Christmas”…

1.    We need to wake up; this is not a time to be lethargic about our Christian walk. There are opportunities all around for each of us to share the good news of Christmas; that will cause great joy for all people, a Savior was born and his name is Jesus.

2.    We should do what the Lord commanded.

James 4:17, anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. What is God placing on your heart this Christmas? Joseph took Mary home to be his wife, this implies action. WHAT ACTION DO YOU NEED TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS?

·         Is there a person you need to talk to about the Lord?

·         Is there a phone call that needs to be made?

·         Is there a relationship you need to mend?

·         Is there a discipline you need to begin?

·         Is there a grudge you need to forgive?

·         Is there a habit you need to forsake?

·         Is there a sin you need to confess?

·         Is there a gift you need to give?

·         Is there a place you should go?

You may be saying to yourself, “This would be too difficult for me” But listen, If a righteous man named Joseph could take Mary home and care for her; even when it did not make sense to him, surely you can take action this Christmas as well.

Christmas is almost here, how will you respond to Christmas?

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped with the church at River Run Brevard today - Great worship and a great message.
• Dan reminded us the baby in the manger grew up to be the man on the cross who died for our sins, people sometimes forget that baby Jesus in the manger was born to die.
• The only people who enjoyed the first Christmas were the ones who were looking for it!
• Josh W. did an excellent job with worship; especially on Silent Night and Joy, Unspeakable Joy. Good stuff.
• Once again I was humbled by a friends who are facing a trial with amazing faith. I treasure their friendship.
• Question what guides your decision making? Seriously, think about your answer. Attended the River Run Brevard CC presentation of Characters of Christmas tonight, great performance and great message.
• I have been delivering poinsettias to people this week to people around the state and I have been so blessed by their kind words and actions.
• I find it interesting the discussions I am reading regarding having worship services on Christmas Day.
• Something to Chew on; Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts: the gift of God to man - his unspeakable gift of his son Jesus; and the gift of man to God - when we present our bodies as a living sacrifice and, like the Macedonians, first give ourselves to God. No one has kept or can keep Christmas until he has had a part in this two-way transaction. ~ Vance Havner