Friday, July 29, 2011

Friday, July 29, 2011

BOB PEDEN

Robert Burns wrote many beautiful poems, but one that jumps out at me today is entitled “To a Louse” with the subtitle, “On Seeing One On a Lady’s Bonnet at Church.”  I can’t help but wonder how many people are like this Robert Burns. They go to a church service and spend their time focused on the people around them. I think we need to raise our vision. We need to accept that churches are made up of humans, with all their flaws.

Attending a church service should be more than seeing and being seen; our focus should be on the One who is unseen.

This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. If you have not found a Christ centered church home, I would invite you to join us at Central. Sunday morning worship happens at 8:30 and 10:55. We are striving to be a church that isn’t just about us; a church that is about the God who calls us together.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

JIM WALL

One of the most reassuring passages of scripture is Palms 103:12, which reminds us that our sins have been removed, “as far as the east is form the west” – a distance that cannot be calculated.  When missionaries first called upon the Eskimos, there was no word in their language for forgiveness.  A new word was coined meaning, “Not being able to think about it anymore.”  What an apt description of what God has done in our lives.

No matter what your situation, you can be thankful for the fact that you live in the greatest country in the world.  But, more importantly, thank God for his forgiveness, through Jesus Christ. That takes away all of your sin and remembers it no more.

Have a wonderful Day; and remember to thank God for your blessings.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

BOB RAMBO

Hi!  I’m Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.

About 70 years ago, an American scientist discovered that people who lived around the Mediterranean Sea – in countries like Greece, Italy, Israel – were healthier and lived longer than other people.  He traced their good health to their diet – which consisted primarily of good pasta, beans, fresh-baked bread, fresh vegetables with olive oil, occasional servings of fish or meat, good wine, and fresh fruit.  This scientist, Ancel Keys, was so convinced the “Mediterranean diet” was the key to good health that he began to eat it himself – and lived to be 101.

But here’s what’s interesting.  Doctors who treat the people living around the Mediterranean NOW report increasing rates of heart disease and obesity – because they are ABANDONING their traditional diet for hamburgers and French fries!

Sometimes we take for granted what has worked well and turn to other things that may or may not “deliver”.

Let’s not make the same mistake.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

SABRINA

Good Morning!

The other morning

as I stumbled into the kitchen to make my first cup of coffee for the day, I heard a cricket chirping right by the den door. Opening the door to

try to locate where exactly the sound was coming from, I was struck by the stillness of morning, dew on the ground and the sounds of wildlife beginning

to stir. Genesis 1:5 came to my mind. “And there was evening and there was morning -

the first day...”The first day...So many days have come and gone since that first day, yet each morning begins with the same still quiet miracles of creation.

We, in our insistence to jump out of

bed and begin our lists of things that have to be done, forget the simple daily

miracle of the sun rise, the creation of new life right outside our backdoor. I invite you to rise a little earlier one morning this week, and watch and listen to a miracle unfold...the miracle of a new day...and Be still and know that the God who created the universe, is your God. Go and have a blessed day.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Monday, July 25, 2011

GLENDA

Good Morning. Do you believe in angels? I do. Angels are mentioned many times in the Bible. There are four categories of angels: Winged angels like Cherubim and Seraphim who appeared to Ezekiel and Isaiah; The seven archangels without wings. We are given the names of four of them: Michael, Jeremiel, Gabriel and Raphael; Angels, again with wings who carry a message or do the will of God and make up God‘s Heavenly army; and fallen angels who fell to temptation and are now Satan’s angels. Often, in the Old Testament angels appear as ordinary men. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Thus, angels sometimes walk among us today.  With that thought in mind, be kind to everyone you meet today. Who knows, one of them could be an angel. Have a wonderful day!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011

BOB PEDEN 

This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. Jesus loved and invested in people ... all kinds of ordinary people. They gathered on the hillside to listen and marvel -- the oppressed, the sick, the outcast, the losers, the lonely and the powerless. They had been denied dignity, value, and hope. He looked into the eyes of friends and strangers alike and announced, "The kingdom of God belongs to YOU!"

They were blessed, not because of their condition, but in spite of it. Rather than telling them how they'd failed, he declared: "You are the salt of the earth." "But Jesus, we've been told we are the scum of the earth." "You are the light of the world." That's the God I follow. That is the God of love and grace and forgiveness. And that is Good News!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Thursday, July 21, 2011

GLENDA
 
Good Morning:

Here's a little poem by an unknown author that someone sent me and I think it's very good advice. It's called Taking Time:
Take time to think… it is the source of power.
Take time to play…it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read….it is the fountain of wisdom. 
Take time to pray…it is the greatest power on earth.
Take time to love and be loved…it is a God given privilege.
Take time to be friendly…it is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh...it is the music of the soul.
Take time to give…it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work...it is the price of success.
Take time to do charity...it is the key to Heaven.
And did you know that you are one of God's marvelous creations? The bible says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. So, that being said, I'll add one more "Taking Time" of my own:
Take time for yourself...you deserve it.
Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

JIM WALL

Good Morning!

We Americans have been labeled by many in the world as “Neophiles,” which means lovers of the new.  Evidently, sales and marketing folks understand this.

Next time you are at the supermarket, notice how many products are touted as “new and improved.”  Does something become better simply because it is new.  Does novelty always mean improvement.

After Paul preached in the synagogue of Antioch, the listeners had a rather strange request:  “As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.”

The same sermon?  How many preachers get that kind of request today?

I like to be inspired each Sunday.  But I enjoy being reminded of the truths in the Gospel.  That never gets old to me. 

“I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.”

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

JIM CAIN

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

A Little girl came home from her first day of summer school and collapsed onto the living room couch declaring in a loud voice for all to hear, “Nobody loves me!” Her little brother, who was in the room playing video games, responded, “That's not true, Amber. I'm sure that there are a lot of people at school who don't even know you.”

The brother had a great opportunity to give some encouragement to his sister, but instead, he had only added to her frustrations.

If you want people to seek you out as a friend, then be an encourager. 

In today's world, it takes a unique person to see past people's shortcomings to find their good qualities and lift them up to God. Take a moment today and “lift someone up”. I promise you'll be glad you did!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Monday, July 18, 2011

SABRINA

I so remember when I was young, in love with my high school sweetheart, thinking life surely did not get any better....I married him, began a family, and once again thought....this has got to be the top of the mountain! 

Well...now there are six children (three by birth...3 by their marriages) six grandchildren....and once again...I can't imagine life any better...but then I am reminded...that as Christians we are promised an eternity with God...THAT is the pinnacle. 

Have there been hard times, dark days? Sure there have.  Psalm 16:11 reminds each of us...”You shall show me the way of life, granting the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.”

Each of our lives is a uniquely personal passage...a journey through time.  Wherever your step of the journey is today, whether it be the mountain or the valley...,we are promised that God goes with us...celebrating our joys...walking with us through the valleys. Go today thanking God for your journey...and find joy in today!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Friday, July 15, 2011

GLENDA
 
Good Morning:

See this recipe book. It's the one I used almost every day when George and I first got married. I wanted to prepare good, nutritious meals for my new husband and I needed help. I had to have a plan. I needed to know what ingredients I needed and how to use them. I couldn't do it on my own. So, this recipe book came in pretty handy.

Did you know that God has a recipe for us to follow? God has expectations of us and in order to know what those expectations are, we must go to God's recipe book. Here it is. The Bible. Did you know that statistics show that most every home has a Bible. I'll bet you do. But, does it sit on the table somewhere gathering dust or do you pick it up and read it? If you want to know the recipe for a good, loving, Christian life, go to God's Recipe book--the Bible. It's got all the ingredients you need for a successful and prosperous life. Have a wonderful day!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Thursday, July 14, 2011

JIM CAIN

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day” 2 Corinthians 4:16

Throughout the ages, women of wealth and privilege have spent their time and resources trying to turn back the clock and restore the beauty that the aging process has stolen from them.

Cleopatra is thought to have bathed in donkey's milk and Mary Queen of Scots bathed in wine. Novelist George Sans preferred to marinate himself in a mixture 3 quarts of cow's milk and 3 pounds of honey. Isabeau, queen of France in the late 12th century, used a beauty regimen that included rubbing her skin down with a salve made of donkey's milk, boar's brains, and the salt glands of a crocodile.

Thankfully, God does not look at our outward appearance when judging our worth but what's inside; our thoughts and feelings towards God and other people.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

BOB RAMBO

Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.

In his book In the Neighborhood, author Peter Lovenheim tells of living on a quiet street that is shattered by a terrible tragedy.  The tragedy exposes that ugly truth that these “neighbors” don't really know each other after all.  So Lovenheim conducts an unusual experiment: to get to know his neighbors by spending a night in their home and visiting with them. 

Lovenheim's experiment is, in reality, a search for “community” - meaningful, authentic relationships with those around us.  It's the kind of life the Bible says we are made for - life with God and others.

This month at Central, we are exploring the meaning of “community” and how to develop “community” with others.  If you are looking for authentic, meaningful relationships, why not join us at Central - where everyone is welcome.  Together, we'll seek and work toward true community.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

JIM WALL

Good Morning!

This has been called the “information age” - an era of unprecedented increase in human knowledge.  Yet is it still true that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing;” that is, just enough knowledge to get into trouble.

Because of the knowledge explosion, this is an era of increased specialization in learning.  Not many years ago, a leading university offered just one psychology class, and it was in the philosophy department.  Today that same school offers a full-blown psychology program with specializations in clinical, experimental, or educational psychology.

The bible predicts a vast increase of knowledge in the time before Christ returns.

Although few humans will ever master knowledge of the universe, anyone can have knowledge of the One who gives life eternal.  Do you have personal knowledge of God's Son who died for you?

Monday, July 11, 2011

Monday, July 11, 2011

BOB PEDEN

This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I have come to realize that Jesus never intended his followers to try to live their life of faith in isolation. He sent his disciples out two-by-two on their mission journeys. He often used inclusive family terms to speak about their life of faith ("our Father," "your brother").

This emphasis on community and family is carried over in the rest of the New Testament as we hear about house churches and our need to be there for each other.

The "one another passages" of the New Testament arise out of this background -- a recognition that we need each other to walk the Christian talk. We can't do it by ourselves and we were never intended to try to do it by ourselves. It takes a community to live and walk faithfully in the service of Jesus Christ.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011

JIM CAIN

GOOD MORNING!

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3

The persecution of Christians began in Alexandria during the reign of the Emperor Philip. One of the first believers to feel his wrath was Apollonia.  She is remembered as the patron saint of dentist and toothache sufferers. Philip had her tortured by pulling out all her teeth in hopes that she would renounce her Christianity. When this failed she was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Before this death sentence could be carried out, Appollonia saved the soldiers the trouble by leaping into the fire on her on accord. Her teeth and jaws are now on display at churches throughout Europe as a reminder of what a witness to the world we can be when we come under persecution for Christ sake!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Thursday, July 7, 2011

BOB RAMBO

Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.

While I like most sports, I love baseball.  There's nothing better than an afternoon at the ball park.  And if you know anything about baseball, you know that sometimes a batter will intentionally make an out in order to advance a teammate further around the bases.  It's called a “sacrifice”.  Sacrifices don't usually make the Sportscenter highlights or earn players million-dollar contracts - but they DO help teams score runs and sometimes win.

In life, “sacrifices” for others don't often make headlines either.  In fact, some people think doing things for others with no hope of personal reward is just plain stupid.  

But Jesus thought otherwise.  In fact, one day he told his disciples: Even I, the Son of Man, did not come to be served, but to serve others.

Jesus sacrificed his time and energy for others.  Today, how might we sacrifice for the good of others?  

Have a great day!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

SABRINA

We have just celebrated 4th of July...if you did not participate in the wonderful activities our city offered, you missed a wonderful opportunity to experience the hospitality and friendliness of the Queen City! We have a wonderful city, with wonderful opportunities....and a vast chasm of needs.

I would like to challenge you today to find out how God is working in Meridian...better yet...how can YOU do God's work in Meridian.  In Ephesians 2:10 we are reminded “God has made us what we are...and planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.  God is in Loves Kitchen, the Wesley House, Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army...and so many more places...not just behind our church doors.

Join God today in our beautiful City.  Be kind to the stranger, pick up trash, VOLUNTEER!!!We are, after all God's hands and feet!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

JIM WALL

Good Morning!

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”  said Alice to the cat in Alice in Wonderland.  “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the cat.  “I don't much care,” said Alice.  “Then it doesn't matter which way you go,” said the cat.

If we don't much care where we want to end up, it doesn't much matter which way we go; but, like Alice, we might end up having tea with the Mad Hatter. 

Our sense of purpose is set by where we are coming from and where we intend to go.  We are free up to the point of choice, then the choice controls the chooser.  Choose wisely, choose Christ!

If you do not already have a church home, please visit us at Central United Methodist Church.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Monday, July 4, 2011

GLENDA
 
Good Morning:

Today, as you all know, is Independence Day. Today honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. All over the United States, it's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American Flag. It's a day to say “I'm proud to be an American”.

Many members of our church will be joining with other members of our community by supporting the City's festivities planned for tonight. The fun begins at 6:00 p.m. at Bonita Lakes. There will be a concert at 7:00 p.m. and a wonderful fireworks display at 9:00. Best of all, it's free. It's a perfect time to spend with your family. So, pile your family into your car and come on out. Let's join together to say “Happy Birthday, America!”

Friday, July 1, 2011

Friday, July 1, 2011

BOB RAMBO

Hi!  I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.

Do you have a “purpose” in life - some over-riding mission that inspires and motivates you?  Something worth the best of your time and energy?  A few years ago, a best-selling book offered one description of what a “purpose-driven life” looks like.  

When Jesus came to this world, he was on a “mission”, too: to show God's love to people and to ask for a response.  That's a GREAT mission - one Jesus was willing to die for.  

And just before he returned to heaven, he passed that mission on to his followers: “… go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

God has a GREAT mission - and WE are invited to be part of it.  How will you live out this mission?

Have a great day!