GLENDA
Good Morning:
When Joshua was chosen to take Moses' place, his job primarily, was to lead Israel on a military campaign into hostile territory. Yet Joshua's preparation did not include the development of any military tactics. Instead God told him this: study and meditate on scripture. Obey all of my commandments, Be strong and courageous and remember, I will be with you and you will be prosperous and successful.
How do we apply this advice to our lives today? Simple: We must obey all of God's commandments and do what He expects us to do. The only way we can know God's will for our lives is to study his word--the Bible. We must be strong and courageous in following God and know that if we do all of this, God is with us. He has made that promise to us and God always keeps His promises. Have a wonderful day.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
BOB PEDEN
Good morning, this is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I am someone who is choosing daily to live in God's kingdom. Jesus Christ came proclaiming the kingdom was near to us. After his death and resurrection he promised to be with us always and by extension the kingdom is always close at hand. He taught us to pray for God's kingdom to come on earth and for God's will to be done. He would not have taught us to pray for that which we could not attain. His kingdom is not something far away and long into the future, something we can attain only after death or at the end of time. We can live in God's kingdom here and now. It is just a matter of our choosing. And choosing daily to live in God's kingdom and serve him makes all the difference.
Have you chosen to help bring about his good and perfect will in this world today? Are you living in the kingdom of God?
Good morning, this is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I am someone who is choosing daily to live in God's kingdom. Jesus Christ came proclaiming the kingdom was near to us. After his death and resurrection he promised to be with us always and by extension the kingdom is always close at hand. He taught us to pray for God's kingdom to come on earth and for God's will to be done. He would not have taught us to pray for that which we could not attain. His kingdom is not something far away and long into the future, something we can attain only after death or at the end of time. We can live in God's kingdom here and now. It is just a matter of our choosing. And choosing daily to live in God's kingdom and serve him makes all the difference.
Have you chosen to help bring about his good and perfect will in this world today? Are you living in the kingdom of God?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
Would you like to be a person who feels the awesome love of God when reading the Bible? You CAN feel God's presence and a biding love if you will only take time to read god's word often. And, when you read the Bible, take time to let the words fill your heart.
The actual words and thoughts of God are revealed in the Bible. Don't just read them and repeat them. Think them. Feel them. Ask the Lord to clarify them, to make them a part of your experience and to teach you.
When feeling lonely or afraid, get your Bible, open it, read it, and pray that God will reveal to you His mighty power and love.
Dr. De Haan prayed, “Lord, teach us from Your holy Word
The truth that we must know;
And help us share
the joyous news
Of blessings You
bestow.”
Let God's word fill your mind, rule your heart, and guide your tongue today.
Good Morning!
Would you like to be a person who feels the awesome love of God when reading the Bible? You CAN feel God's presence and a biding love if you will only take time to read god's word often. And, when you read the Bible, take time to let the words fill your heart.
The actual words and thoughts of God are revealed in the Bible. Don't just read them and repeat them. Think them. Feel them. Ask the Lord to clarify them, to make them a part of your experience and to teach you.
When feeling lonely or afraid, get your Bible, open it, read it, and pray that God will reveal to you His mighty power and love.
Dr. De Haan prayed, “Lord, teach us from Your holy Word
The truth that we must know;
And help us share
the joyous news
Of blessings You
bestow.”
Let God's word fill your mind, rule your heart, and guide your tongue today.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
SABRINA
Times are hard...there is no question about it. Gas, milk, bread...prices are going up everywhere you look. While, we obviously are the church, reaching out with God's word...we also know that as Christians we are to help and encourage each other.
Tonight, at 6.00 p.m. at Central, Anne Crowson Britt will be hosting a BeCentsable Workshop. This workshop is designed to help you learn how to save time and money, learning to properly use coupon and store incentives, virtual databases to find coupons, how to efficiently plan shopping trips and to shop on a limited budget. You will also have the opportunity to learn other strategies that can save you money without using coupons. The cost for the workshop is $10. You can visit our church website at www.cumcmdn.org for more information and to sign up ahead of time, or you may register at the door tonight! We hope to see you there. Have a blessed day!
Times are hard...there is no question about it. Gas, milk, bread...prices are going up everywhere you look. While, we obviously are the church, reaching out with God's word...we also know that as Christians we are to help and encourage each other.
Tonight, at 6.00 p.m. at Central, Anne Crowson Britt will be hosting a BeCentsable Workshop. This workshop is designed to help you learn how to save time and money, learning to properly use coupon and store incentives, virtual databases to find coupons, how to efficiently plan shopping trips and to shop on a limited budget. You will also have the opportunity to learn other strategies that can save you money without using coupons. The cost for the workshop is $10. You can visit our church website at www.cumcmdn.org for more information and to sign up ahead of time, or you may register at the door tonight! We hope to see you there. Have a blessed day!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
For many congregations, summer means “Vacation Bible School.” Next week is “Vacation Bible School” at Central. Volunteers and staff will welcome children from across our city and we will play, sing, and share together, and we will teach them the stories of Jesus.
At the end of the week, everyone will be very TIRED - but very HAPPY too.
It's important that parents and churches work together not just during Bible School but EVERY DAY to plant the seeds of faith and allow God to nurture them into fruition. SOME KIND OF SEED WILL GROW IN EVERY LIFE; WHAT KIND OF SEED WILL IT BE? Our work is to plant the seed; as the Apostle Paul said: We plant and water, but God causes the growth.
Where are the places where you can plant “good seed” today for God's kingdom?
Have a great day!
For many congregations, summer means “Vacation Bible School.” Next week is “Vacation Bible School” at Central. Volunteers and staff will welcome children from across our city and we will play, sing, and share together, and we will teach them the stories of Jesus.
At the end of the week, everyone will be very TIRED - but very HAPPY too.
It's important that parents and churches work together not just during Bible School but EVERY DAY to plant the seeds of faith and allow God to nurture them into fruition. SOME KIND OF SEED WILL GROW IN EVERY LIFE; WHAT KIND OF SEED WILL IT BE? Our work is to plant the seed; as the Apostle Paul said: We plant and water, but God causes the growth.
Where are the places where you can plant “good seed” today for God's kingdom?
Have a great day!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
SABRINA
Good Morning!
Do you have regrets? How ridiculous is that question? We all have them. But we cannot live in the past. Granted we can learn from it, but to dwell on it serves no purpose. You can do nothing about yesterday and you only attract the future by what you do today. The Rev. Larry Van Dyke said, “Four things a person must learn to do. To think without confusion clearly, love his fellow man sincerely, act from honest motives purely, trust in God and heaven securely. He lived life by a 7 point creed that said.
Be true to yourself
Help others
Drink deeply from the Bible
Make friendship a fine art
Make each day your masterpiece
Build shelter against a rainy day
Give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance each day.
No we cannot change the past, but we can live a brighter today and a happier tomorrow. Pray for guidance and discernment, because after all, today is the only day that really matters!
Have a blessed one!
Good Morning!
Do you have regrets? How ridiculous is that question? We all have them. But we cannot live in the past. Granted we can learn from it, but to dwell on it serves no purpose. You can do nothing about yesterday and you only attract the future by what you do today. The Rev. Larry Van Dyke said, “Four things a person must learn to do. To think without confusion clearly, love his fellow man sincerely, act from honest motives purely, trust in God and heaven securely. He lived life by a 7 point creed that said.
Be true to yourself
Help others
Drink deeply from the Bible
Make friendship a fine art
Make each day your masterpiece
Build shelter against a rainy day
Give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance each day.
No we cannot change the past, but we can live a brighter today and a happier tomorrow. Pray for guidance and discernment, because after all, today is the only day that really matters!
Have a blessed one!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
AMY
Good Morning!
This week my husband, daughter, and I are moving away to be pastors in the communities of Hattiesburg and Richton. We have enjoyed four years in Meridian, but our time here has come to an end.
Today, I say “goodbye” to you, and I wish all of you the best.
Moving is part of the life of a pastor. There are many adjustments to be made- a new address, a different church and community, even a different parsonage with different furniture. We have to trust that God will lead us in the right direction and will use us as we begin ministry in a new place.
Whether you are new to town, are about to move, or you've been in the same place for decades, know that God is with you. God goes before you into places of uncertainty. God sustains you wherever you are, and God takes care of your loved ones when you move on.
So wherever you are in life, let God's Holy Spirit lead you onward and give you hope.
Good Morning!
This week my husband, daughter, and I are moving away to be pastors in the communities of Hattiesburg and Richton. We have enjoyed four years in Meridian, but our time here has come to an end.
Today, I say “goodbye” to you, and I wish all of you the best.
Moving is part of the life of a pastor. There are many adjustments to be made- a new address, a different church and community, even a different parsonage with different furniture. We have to trust that God will lead us in the right direction and will use us as we begin ministry in a new place.
Whether you are new to town, are about to move, or you've been in the same place for decades, know that God is with you. God goes before you into places of uncertainty. God sustains you wherever you are, and God takes care of your loved ones when you move on.
So wherever you are in life, let God's Holy Spirit lead you onward and give you hope.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
JIM CAIN
Good Morning!
“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
When confronted with a situation that calls for giving, we should give what we feel in our hearts, God does not want one penny from us that that we would rather keep for ourselves. It is not what we have but what we do with it that makes us truly rich.
Many wealthy people have been notoriously cheap.
President Franklin Roosevelt used to bum dollar bills off his valet to drop in the collection plate at church.
Oil magnet J. Paul Getty installed a payphone in his home to keep guest from making long distance calls at his expense
Billionaire John D. Rockefeller once gave his groundskeeper a $ 5 Christmas bonus that he later took out of his check when the man took Christmas day too to spend it with his family
Just because we may have a lot of money doesn't mean we will be generous with it. If we aren't generous now, chances are we won't be later. God said he will give to those who are givers. Let God use you to bless others today!
Good Morning!
“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
When confronted with a situation that calls for giving, we should give what we feel in our hearts, God does not want one penny from us that that we would rather keep for ourselves. It is not what we have but what we do with it that makes us truly rich.
Many wealthy people have been notoriously cheap.
President Franklin Roosevelt used to bum dollar bills off his valet to drop in the collection plate at church.
Oil magnet J. Paul Getty installed a payphone in his home to keep guest from making long distance calls at his expense
Billionaire John D. Rockefeller once gave his groundskeeper a $ 5 Christmas bonus that he later took out of his check when the man took Christmas day too to spend it with his family
Just because we may have a lot of money doesn't mean we will be generous with it. If we aren't generous now, chances are we won't be later. God said he will give to those who are givers. Let God use you to bless others today!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
BOB PEDEN
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. The Holy Spirit is perhaps the least talked about, least known, most misunderstood of the three co-equal, co-eternal, persons of the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit fills us with the power of faith, fills us with the great Love of God, gives us wisdom, and abundant grace, innocent purity, and everlasting peace. The Holy Spirit takes possession of ourselves, our bodies which are the temple of God, our minds, our wills, our souls, when we submit ourselves to God's presence. It is the Holy Spirit, which brings us the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and helps us to shine his light where there is darkness, brings his peace and joy where there is unhappiness, and teaches us to glorify Jesus by becoming His instruments of love.
It is through the Holy Spirit, the one we almost never mention, that we experience the healing and saving power of God for our lives.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. The Holy Spirit is perhaps the least talked about, least known, most misunderstood of the three co-equal, co-eternal, persons of the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit fills us with the power of faith, fills us with the great Love of God, gives us wisdom, and abundant grace, innocent purity, and everlasting peace. The Holy Spirit takes possession of ourselves, our bodies which are the temple of God, our minds, our wills, our souls, when we submit ourselves to God's presence. It is the Holy Spirit, which brings us the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and helps us to shine his light where there is darkness, brings his peace and joy where there is unhappiness, and teaches us to glorify Jesus by becoming His instruments of love.
It is through the Holy Spirit, the one we almost never mention, that we experience the healing and saving power of God for our lives.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
SABRINA
Our culture is embracing all things culinary...from the Iron Chef, to Paula Deen and Rachel Ray. A health initiative has been endorsed by the White House.
Beginning this coming Monday, June 20th, Central United Methodist Church will host a week of Vacation Bible School. Children 4 years - 5th grade are invited. Join us at the Shake it Up Café as we study God's recipe for a healthy life and the ingredients needed to be His followers. There will also be a mission emphasis on feeding the hungry in our community.
We will meet from 9:00 until noon each day.
We hope to make memories in a child's life that will stay with them, and one day, as an adult they can stand and say that their first memory of church was a special week of Vacation Bible School, where they learned of God's love for them and saw it in the eyes of those who taught them.
For more information on Vacation Bible School, you may go to our website www.cumcmdn.org.
Our culture is embracing all things culinary...from the Iron Chef, to Paula Deen and Rachel Ray. A health initiative has been endorsed by the White House.
Beginning this coming Monday, June 20th, Central United Methodist Church will host a week of Vacation Bible School. Children 4 years - 5th grade are invited. Join us at the Shake it Up Café as we study God's recipe for a healthy life and the ingredients needed to be His followers. There will also be a mission emphasis on feeding the hungry in our community.
We will meet from 9:00 until noon each day.
We hope to make memories in a child's life that will stay with them, and one day, as an adult they can stand and say that their first memory of church was a special week of Vacation Bible School, where they learned of God's love for them and saw it in the eyes of those who taught them.
For more information on Vacation Bible School, you may go to our website www.cumcmdn.org.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
BOB PEDEN
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. The Apostle Paul asks the question. What can separate us from the love of God? And he answers his own question. “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below.” But there is one thing that can separate us from God's love. We can.
We can when we choose not to follow his ways. We can when we disobey his rules for living. We can when we hide behind our habitual sin. We can when we decide to be unholy and unworthy.
But, if we choose to allow Jesus to redeem us, save us, make us Holy, affirm that we are worthy -- Then absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord!
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. The Apostle Paul asks the question. What can separate us from the love of God? And he answers his own question. “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below.” But there is one thing that can separate us from God's love. We can.
We can when we choose not to follow his ways. We can when we disobey his rules for living. We can when we hide behind our habitual sin. We can when we decide to be unholy and unworthy.
But, if we choose to allow Jesus to redeem us, save us, make us Holy, affirm that we are worthy -- Then absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
AMY
Good Morning!
As I observe and learn more about people, I'm finding that many people are intimidated by “church” or “ministry”. Some of us avoid church because we have been taught that we're not good enough or not worthy, because we're not perfectly put together.
I want to offer some encouragement here. Being a part of the church, being in ministry, and living out our commitment to God is not about getting everything right. We do not have to have everything figured out, and we do not have to be perfect.
Instead, loving God and being loved by God is about coming as we are, in all of our brokenness, opening ourselves and consenting to God's purpose.
I invite you to come as you are to Central United Methodist Church this Sunday for worship at either 8:30am or 10:55 am. Sunday School is at 9:45.
Remember that God is with you today, just as you are.
Good Morning!
As I observe and learn more about people, I'm finding that many people are intimidated by “church” or “ministry”. Some of us avoid church because we have been taught that we're not good enough or not worthy, because we're not perfectly put together.
I want to offer some encouragement here. Being a part of the church, being in ministry, and living out our commitment to God is not about getting everything right. We do not have to have everything figured out, and we do not have to be perfect.
Instead, loving God and being loved by God is about coming as we are, in all of our brokenness, opening ourselves and consenting to God's purpose.
I invite you to come as you are to Central United Methodist Church this Sunday for worship at either 8:30am or 10:55 am. Sunday School is at 9:45.
Remember that God is with you today, just as you are.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
For many congregations, summer means “Vacation Bible School.” Next week is “Vacation Bible School” at Central. Volunteers and staff will welcome children from across our city and we will play, sing, and share together, and we will teach them the stories of Jesus.
At the end of the week, everyone will be very TIRED - but very HAPPY too.
It's important that parents and churches work together not just during Bible School but EVERY DAY to plant the seeds of faith and allow God to nurture them into fruition. SOME KIND OF SEED WILL GROW IN EVERY LIFE; WHAT KIND OF SEED WILL IT BE? Our work is to plant the seed; as the Apostle Paul said: We plant and water, but God causes the growth.
Where are the places where you can plant “good seed” today for God's kingdom?
Have a great day!
For many congregations, summer means “Vacation Bible School.” Next week is “Vacation Bible School” at Central. Volunteers and staff will welcome children from across our city and we will play, sing, and share together, and we will teach them the stories of Jesus.
At the end of the week, everyone will be very TIRED - but very HAPPY too.
It's important that parents and churches work together not just during Bible School but EVERY DAY to plant the seeds of faith and allow God to nurture them into fruition. SOME KIND OF SEED WILL GROW IN EVERY LIFE; WHAT KIND OF SEED WILL IT BE? Our work is to plant the seed; as the Apostle Paul said: We plant and water, but God causes the growth.
Where are the places where you can plant “good seed” today for God's kingdom?
Have a great day!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Whenever you feel stressed, worried or overwhelmed by things or people in this world, always put your hope and trust in our Heavenly Father. Have faith that He will guide you through the stumbling blocks that life has put before you! God says this through the prophet, Isaiah: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” So, never try to make decisions or fight the battles of life alone. Always ask God, in prayer, for the answers. He will then, not only provide answers and guidance, but will bless you as well.
Paul's prayer in the book of Romans is my prayer for you today: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
Whenever you feel stressed, worried or overwhelmed by things or people in this world, always put your hope and trust in our Heavenly Father. Have faith that He will guide you through the stumbling blocks that life has put before you! God says this through the prophet, Isaiah: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” So, never try to make decisions or fight the battles of life alone. Always ask God, in prayer, for the answers. He will then, not only provide answers and guidance, but will bless you as well.
Paul's prayer in the book of Romans is my prayer for you today: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Have a wonderful day!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
JIM Wall
Good Morning!
Problems are an essential and necessary ingredient of life. They can actually be good for you, although they may be painful at the time. All worthwhile achievements are the result of problem solving. Problem solvers are strong people, because they struggle to overcome difficulties. And the reverse is true: People who never have to face problems get soft, mentally and spiritually, just as people who never exercise get flabby physically.
When I hear a troubled person cry, “Why does God let this happen to me?” I often feel like saying, “Because God knows you will grow and be strengthened by your difficulty; God made us that way:
Psalms 138:7 states: Though I want in the midst of trouble, your preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
Good Morning!
Problems are an essential and necessary ingredient of life. They can actually be good for you, although they may be painful at the time. All worthwhile achievements are the result of problem solving. Problem solvers are strong people, because they struggle to overcome difficulties. And the reverse is true: People who never have to face problems get soft, mentally and spiritually, just as people who never exercise get flabby physically.
When I hear a troubled person cry, “Why does God let this happen to me?” I often feel like saying, “Because God knows you will grow and be strengthened by your difficulty; God made us that way:
Psalms 138:7 states: Though I want in the midst of trouble, your preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
JIM CAIN
Good Morning!
“Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10
A friend of mine, Donnis Martin, had been a park ranger in Mississippi for over 25 years.
Upon retirement he went to visit a friend in New York City. While they were having lunch downtown Donnis paused and said,” I hear a cricket.” His friend said, “You're crazy! It's noon, people are jammed on the sidewalks, cars are speeding by, the city is full of noise and you think you can hear a cricket?
I'm sure I did,” said the park ranger listening even more intently, walked to the corner, spotted a shrub in a cement planter, dug into the leaves, and pulled out a cricket. He said, “My friend, my ears are different than yours. It all depends what your ears have been tuned to hear.”
Are you hearing what the Lord is saying to you today? If not, maybe it's time to tune Him in!
Good Morning!
“Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10
A friend of mine, Donnis Martin, had been a park ranger in Mississippi for over 25 years.
Upon retirement he went to visit a friend in New York City. While they were having lunch downtown Donnis paused and said,” I hear a cricket.” His friend said, “You're crazy! It's noon, people are jammed on the sidewalks, cars are speeding by, the city is full of noise and you think you can hear a cricket?
I'm sure I did,” said the park ranger listening even more intently, walked to the corner, spotted a shrub in a cement planter, dug into the leaves, and pulled out a cricket. He said, “My friend, my ears are different than yours. It all depends what your ears have been tuned to hear.”
Are you hearing what the Lord is saying to you today? If not, maybe it's time to tune Him in!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
SABRINA
Good Morning!
The word character comes from a Greek term describing an engraving tool. Our character, like that of an engraving tool is etched as a set of distinctive marks, drawing a picture of who we really are. Everyone has character...whether good, bad, sturdy or shady. Have you ever seen river rocks, shaped by water an wind? No single wave, or burst of wind shaped the rock. It was a repeated force. So it is with us. Everything we do, every thought, choice - good or bad, is a wave with ripple effects. It is never easy to see the immediate effect. It is in the consequence that follows. It forms the core of our character. With every decision a groove is cut. Our reaction in every crisis, cruelty temptation, cuts a pattern in our character. It is in those moments of decision your destiny is shaped. How is your character? If it needs some carving out, help is only a prayer away. God can change what we never could on our own. We only have to ask.
Good Morning!
The word character comes from a Greek term describing an engraving tool. Our character, like that of an engraving tool is etched as a set of distinctive marks, drawing a picture of who we really are. Everyone has character...whether good, bad, sturdy or shady. Have you ever seen river rocks, shaped by water an wind? No single wave, or burst of wind shaped the rock. It was a repeated force. So it is with us. Everything we do, every thought, choice - good or bad, is a wave with ripple effects. It is never easy to see the immediate effect. It is in the consequence that follows. It forms the core of our character. With every decision a groove is cut. Our reaction in every crisis, cruelty temptation, cuts a pattern in our character. It is in those moments of decision your destiny is shaped. How is your character? If it needs some carving out, help is only a prayer away. God can change what we never could on our own. We only have to ask.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
As a pastor, I have the privilege of performing weddings for couples when they marry. Several weeks ago, much of the world paused for the “royal wedding” between England's Prince William and Kate Middleton - in fact, almost one in every 3 people on Earth watched this magical event.
Why such fascination? Because royal weddings are like fairy tales - everything is often “just right”.
But in reality, there are FEW things in life that are “just right”. Most of our lives are filled with events and relationships that are complicated if not downright confusing.
But the good news is that God is in the midst of life with us. Through the Holy Spirit, God lives within everyone who trusts him. And because of that, we can have a great day!
As a pastor, I have the privilege of performing weddings for couples when they marry. Several weeks ago, much of the world paused for the “royal wedding” between England's Prince William and Kate Middleton - in fact, almost one in every 3 people on Earth watched this magical event.
Why such fascination? Because royal weddings are like fairy tales - everything is often “just right”.
But in reality, there are FEW things in life that are “just right”. Most of our lives are filled with events and relationships that are complicated if not downright confusing.
But the good news is that God is in the midst of life with us. Through the Holy Spirit, God lives within everyone who trusts him. And because of that, we can have a great day!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
AMY
Good Morning!
About 600 years before the time of Jesus, the Israelite people were entering a place of uncertainty.
Because the people had continually been unfaithful and had worshipped other gods, God allowed the Babylonians to come into Judah, the southern part of the promised land, and conquer them, force them out of their homes and take them away into exile, into captivity in the foreign land of Babylon.
The prophet Jeremiah was sent to speak God's message to the people. Part of the message was that God had a hopeful future planned for the people, and one day they would return home again.
The power of the gospel that we proclaim is that now, not just heaven in the future, but now, we can have a new life.
Every day is a chance to start over. Whatever you have done that's in the past, leave it there and move on. If God can restore those who continually turned away and ended up in exile, then surely, God can and will restore us too and give us hope.
Good Morning!
About 600 years before the time of Jesus, the Israelite people were entering a place of uncertainty.
Because the people had continually been unfaithful and had worshipped other gods, God allowed the Babylonians to come into Judah, the southern part of the promised land, and conquer them, force them out of their homes and take them away into exile, into captivity in the foreign land of Babylon.
The prophet Jeremiah was sent to speak God's message to the people. Part of the message was that God had a hopeful future planned for the people, and one day they would return home again.
The power of the gospel that we proclaim is that now, not just heaven in the future, but now, we can have a new life.
Every day is a chance to start over. Whatever you have done that's in the past, leave it there and move on. If God can restore those who continually turned away and ended up in exile, then surely, God can and will restore us too and give us hope.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
AMY
Good Morning! This is the season for graduations. If you are graduating and entering a new phase of your life, congratulations! I remember graduating from high school and all the conflicting emotions I felt:
I was exited to be moving away from home. I was proud of my high school accomplishments yet happy that high school was over. I was sad to leave my friends and nervous about entering the uncertainty of a new place.
I was afraid “what if I pick the wrong school or the wrong major.” In hindsight, I don't believe that God has every little step of our lives predetermined. God has a very good general plan for our lives, and God gives us the freedom to make choices:
choices about our education, our jobs, who we will date and possibly marry. If you are uncertain about the future, be encouraged: You will make mistakes along the way, but if you are faithful and you seek God's will, you will be fine.
Go today into your hopeful future, letting God be your guide.
Good Morning! This is the season for graduations. If you are graduating and entering a new phase of your life, congratulations! I remember graduating from high school and all the conflicting emotions I felt:
I was exited to be moving away from home. I was proud of my high school accomplishments yet happy that high school was over. I was sad to leave my friends and nervous about entering the uncertainty of a new place.
I was afraid “what if I pick the wrong school or the wrong major.” In hindsight, I don't believe that God has every little step of our lives predetermined. God has a very good general plan for our lives, and God gives us the freedom to make choices:
choices about our education, our jobs, who we will date and possibly marry. If you are uncertain about the future, be encouraged: You will make mistakes along the way, but if you are faithful and you seek God's will, you will be fine.
Go today into your hopeful future, letting God be your guide.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air.” 1 Corinthians 9:26
In a boxing match several years ago, boxer Tyson Fury was growing more and more frustrated because his opponent, Lee Swaby, was dodging and running from his every move. So Tyson set himself to throw a knockout punch but when he delivered the awesome right uppercut he had swung with such force that the momentum brought the punch back around causing Fury to punch himself in the face. The blow staggered Fury, knocking him down. The referee administered the count, and pronounced Swaby the winner of the fight.
Do you ever feel like you are your own worse enemy? Do you keep yourself from succeeding? Maybe it's because you are trying to do it all yourself. The good news is God wants to help if only we will let Him, turn the fight over to Him today and feel the difference it will make!
GOOD MORNING!
“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air.” 1 Corinthians 9:26
In a boxing match several years ago, boxer Tyson Fury was growing more and more frustrated because his opponent, Lee Swaby, was dodging and running from his every move. So Tyson set himself to throw a knockout punch but when he delivered the awesome right uppercut he had swung with such force that the momentum brought the punch back around causing Fury to punch himself in the face. The blow staggered Fury, knocking him down. The referee administered the count, and pronounced Swaby the winner of the fight.
Do you ever feel like you are your own worse enemy? Do you keep yourself from succeeding? Maybe it's because you are trying to do it all yourself. The good news is God wants to help if only we will let Him, turn the fight over to Him today and feel the difference it will make!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
BOB PEDEN
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. I read a news article the other day that said this is to be the century of disasters. This certainly seems to be the case.
Tsunamis in the Indian Ocean and now Japan. Huge earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, New Zealand and Japan. The spill of millions of gallons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. One disaster after another. He listed a number of reasons why this will probably continue. Better reporting throughout the world, more people living in more densely populated areas, more reliance on technology that will potentially fail. But when you hear of another disaster, remember that God loves you and that he loves those who are victims of these disasters. He does not send these disasters, but He is able to use them to show his love and His grace, often through the acts of His people.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. I read a news article the other day that said this is to be the century of disasters. This certainly seems to be the case.
Tsunamis in the Indian Ocean and now Japan. Huge earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, New Zealand and Japan. The spill of millions of gallons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. One disaster after another. He listed a number of reasons why this will probably continue. Better reporting throughout the world, more people living in more densely populated areas, more reliance on technology that will potentially fail. But when you hear of another disaster, remember that God loves you and that he loves those who are victims of these disasters. He does not send these disasters, but He is able to use them to show his love and His grace, often through the acts of His people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)