Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at First Christian Church of Clearwater today.
• Mike's message was spot on, and very applicable to me personally and for the church as a whole. 
• Today's topic, The ability to make Godly decisions, in light of our past, present, and future. 
• Key thought from today's message; the wisest decision may not be the most popular, comfortable or easiest. However, the wisest decision always honors God and His kingdom. 
• When I think how far the university has come in 5 short years, I am amazed at what God has done through His people.
• Driving across the causeway on the way to church building was very peaceful. Every Church should have such a pleasant drive to their building.
• Have you thought about the word Redemption lately?
• I am sure the crowds in our church building were down today compared to last week, but the good news is Jesus is still ALIVE!
• Here is a good verse to meditate on this week; Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5;16
• Who are you praying for today?
• My chocolate bunny is slowly disappearing.
• Is it me, or is it just wrong to play baseball when it is snowing?
• Forty-four years ago today, Hank Arron his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth's long-held record.
• Something to Chew on; God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever. ~ Vance Havner

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning. 
• Jim did a wonderful job unpacking Luke 24; the two disciples on the road to Emmaus
• Penetrating question from today's message; what keeps you from recognizing Jesus?
• Still wrapping my mind around a very emotional week. 
• It truly has been a week of great sorrow and great joy.
• So proud of the many recent JUFL alumni who came together to honor and celebrate the life of one of their own. 
• If you have not seen the movie  "I can only imagine" you need to go see it this week! 
• While I enjoy singing today's worship music, it is hard to beat the hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" I mean read the words slowly from the old hymn, "And I love that old cross where the DEAREST and BEST for a world of LOST SINNERS was SLAIN."
• I have enjoyed reading all the victories of Resurrection Sunday on Facebook today. 
• I miss preaching on Resurrection Sunday.
• Can anyone stop 'Nova?
• Looking forward to the one shining moment Monday evening.
• How do you eat a 2-pound chocolate bunny? One bite at a time!
• I have some good friends celebrating a wedding anniversary this week, they are a great example of a godly marriage, Hey Dave and Linda, Thank you for your example and your friendship.
• Only 5 weeks left in the Spring semester, another academic year is almost over! 
• After a 3 week hiatus, I am back on the road next week.
• Something to Chew on; The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. ~ Matthew 28:5,6

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from a Difficult Day...

• I normally post reflections about the kind of day an or week I have been experiencing and most of the time it is a GOOD week. However, this week my reflection takes on a different theme. Yesterday, my daughter Bethany was involved in an auto accident. She is ok and the accident was not her fault. However, the devastating consequences of the accident reminded me of how fragile is this life.  
• The impatience of the one at fault has been devastating. Families have been impacted, a church family is grieving and lives will be forever altered.
• One of the consequences of living in a fallen world is the fact people are often guided by selfish motives, and they forget their actions can and do make a difference in other people's lives.
• I am also reminded there is nothing greater than the relationships we have with one another, so tonight, why not limit your "screen time" and spend some time nurturing a relationship with someone. 
• The only item God is rescuing from this planet is people, therefore we should value relationships with others more than our "stuff". 
• I am curious, what do people do in a time of crisis when they do not have the blessing of a Christian community, there is nothing like a body of believers to care for one another when crisis invades one's life!
• In times like today, this continues to be one of my favorite songs.   
• Something to Chew on; Look God's dwelling place is now among people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. ~ John the Apostle, from Revelation 21

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Worshiped at Kissimmee Christian Church this morning.
• Jim preached on a topic I have not heard in a long time - Purity
• What a great reminder, we are called to be holy because He is holy. 
• I wonder if we have forgotten one of the consequences of sin is its ability to enslave us. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit in our lives. 
• Wrapped up the Book; "When God Answers Prayer" this week. Now on to book 4
• Two favorite quotes from WGAP - Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure, Dwight L. Moody and Prayer does not fit us for greater works, Prayer is the greater work, Oswald Chambers
• Bracket Busted!
• Spring football practice began in Gainesville last Friday, YES!
• 3 day weekends are very enjoyable! I need more of them!
• My middle child turns 30 this week, so proud of the man he has become. How can he be 30? Happy Birthday Jonathan!
• Celebrated my 7th year at JUFL this week and the journey continues!
• I know parts of the country is still experiencing Winter, but I have to admit the weather here is wonderful! Living and Loving the Florida Life!
• Just realized most of my college classmates are turning 60 this year. WOW!
• Something to Chew on; One does not surrender a life in an instant, that which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime ~ Elisabeth Elliot 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Unfortunately, I did not make it to church today; Water Heater leak was the culprit.
• So thankful for 24-hour plumbers, they are the unsung heroes of the trades.  
• Spent the weekend with our Senior Saints retreat, Good to see so many old friends.
• Unveiled our new campaign for the Florida Commons, really exciting.
• Looking forward to the Commons grand opening in August!
• Tonight is the night we fill out our brackets - who ya' got?
• Who will wear Cinderella's glass slipper this year?
• Daylight Savings Time, love the Fall Back, not a fan of the Spring Forward. 
• The deeper the prayer life, the stronger the leader.
• Wrapping up my study on the life of Moses this week for Kissimmee Christian Church. I have enjoyed the teaching opportunity.
• Favorite Easter Candy; Gotta be the Chocolate Bunny, but it has to be the solid chocolate.
• Something to Chew on; Treasure your relationships, not your possessions. ~ Anthony J. D'Angelo 

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Preached at Okeechobee Christian Church today.
• Preached on the topic of Biblical Leadership and participated in the ordination of one of their leaders as a minister of the gospel. 
• In my opinion, the number one issue facing the church today is the need for the local church to practice sound Biblical Leadership.
• Biblical Leadership is not management, dictatorial or democratic in practice.
• Biblical Leadership is defined as Servant Leadership.
• We launched a new campaign last Friday at JUFL, truly exciting to watch what God is going to do over the course of the next few years through Johnson University Florida.  
• Every time I go see a play at Dr. Philipps I am amazed at all the work that goes into the production of the play. Last night was no different, the Lion King was VERY impressive!
• Question; when did 80's music become "Oldies". Sorry, but if it is not from the 60's and 70's it is not Oldies!
• You would think with the price of an iPhone, the charging cord would last more than a year.
• Dad passed away a month ago, I sure wish I could talk to him! I Miss Him!
• My Girl Scout cookies are gone, I should have hidden my stash!
• Something to Chew on; There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. ~ John Holmes

Sunday Night Reflections

A Few Thoughts from an Amazing Day...

• Preached at Vero Christian Church this morning. 
• The message focused on how to live when someone you know has passed away.
• One of the most timely topics I have preached on in a long time.
• According to scripture, there are three items the believer experiences at death; a release, a reward, and a reunion.
• Writing a new sermon always energizes me.
• I heard one of the most powerful communion mediations today I have heard in a long time. 
• I have a new appreciation for public school teachers, they do so much more than teach readin' written and arithmetic!
• We have gone from winter to summer, I need some beach therapy!
• What do I like about my job? Every week there is something different, no 2 weeks are the same. This past week I was able to rejoice with a church that has hired a new minister, have lunch with a longtime friend (Thank you, Tim), teach a couple of Bible Studies and drive some heavy equipment at the construction site at JUFL. Well, I was able to do 3 out of the 4, it is your guess as to which one I was not able to do!
• What do you mean next Thursday is the month of March! 
• I think it would be interesting if ice fishing was a Winter Olympic Sport.
• Something to Chew on; The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith ~ Billy Graham