BOB RAMBO
Hi! I’m Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Halloween will soon be here, with all its focus on things that go “bump” in the night. Halloween has also become one of the most profitable times for businesses as costumes and parties cater to the season.
As Christians, we look forward to the day AFTER Halloween – All Saints Day. We pause to remember those who have died and entered God’s presence – but we also give thanks that through the Holy Spirit, we are mystically “connected” to those who are no longer present in the flesh.
On Sunday, November 6th, we invite you to join us as we celebrate “All Saints Sunday.” We’ll remember those who have died in the past year, but we’ll also give thanks to God for those who have united with us in the journey of faith. On November 6th, join us at Central – where everyone is welcome.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wesley
Newspaper columnist and minister, George Crane, tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me."
Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan "Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. "
For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, and sharing. When she didn't return, Crane called. "Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?"
"Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered I really do love him."
Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds.
Newspaper columnist and minister, George Crane, tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me."
Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan "Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. "
For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, and sharing. When she didn't return, Crane called. "Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?"
"Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered I really do love him."
Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
JIM CAIN
I had walked too far, ending up in a neighborhood unfamiliar to me. A glance at my cell phone told me the battery had long since died. The streetlights came on, and I hurried from one pale pool of light to the next, desperately searching for some familiar landmark.
Finally, admitting I was lost, I approached a house where the movement of a curtain in the front window suggested someone was home. Hoping for directions or the use of a phone, I knocked on the door.
The man who opened the door appeared strangely pleased to see me, as though he had been waiting on someone he didn’t know. With a smile he ushered me into the dimly lit room. Responding to my confession of being lost he said, “So, then no one knows you’re here.” And as he finished talking I heard a key turn in the lock.
Do you ever feel lost and afraid in this world? In John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”
I had walked too far, ending up in a neighborhood unfamiliar to me. A glance at my cell phone told me the battery had long since died. The streetlights came on, and I hurried from one pale pool of light to the next, desperately searching for some familiar landmark.
Finally, admitting I was lost, I approached a house where the movement of a curtain in the front window suggested someone was home. Hoping for directions or the use of a phone, I knocked on the door.
The man who opened the door appeared strangely pleased to see me, as though he had been waiting on someone he didn’t know. With a smile he ushered me into the dimly lit room. Responding to my confession of being lost he said, “So, then no one knows you’re here.” And as he finished talking I heard a key turn in the lock.
Do you ever feel lost and afraid in this world? In John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
jim wall
Good Morning!
A wise Bible teacher once said, “Sooner or later God will bring self-sufficient people to the place where they have no resource but Him – no strength, no answers, nothing but Him. Without God’s help, they’re sunk.”
He then told of a despairing man who confessed to his pastor, “My life is really in bad shape.” “How bad,” the pastor inquired? Burying his head in his hands, he moaned, “I’ll tell you how bad – all I’ve got left is God.” The pastor’s face lit up. “I’m happy to assure you that a person with nothing but God has more than enough for great victory.”
Are you in a position where all self-sufficiency is gone? As you turn your eyes on the Lord and put your hope in Him, you have God’s reassuring promise that you need nothing more.
Trust in God, and may God bless you this day!
Good Morning!
A wise Bible teacher once said, “Sooner or later God will bring self-sufficient people to the place where they have no resource but Him – no strength, no answers, nothing but Him. Without God’s help, they’re sunk.”
He then told of a despairing man who confessed to his pastor, “My life is really in bad shape.” “How bad,” the pastor inquired? Burying his head in his hands, he moaned, “I’ll tell you how bad – all I’ve got left is God.” The pastor’s face lit up. “I’m happy to assure you that a person with nothing but God has more than enough for great victory.”
Are you in a position where all self-sufficiency is gone? As you turn your eyes on the Lord and put your hope in Him, you have God’s reassuring promise that you need nothing more.
Trust in God, and may God bless you this day!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
BOB PEDEN
The letter to the Ephesians tells us that, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.”
Many in today’s world, even many who call themselves Christians, specialize in the negative. Whatever the topic or occasion they can tell us what won’t work, where it is irreparably broken, why we can never get it right.
But the Bible instructs us to focus on what is right, pure, lovely or admirable in the world not that which is wrong, spoiled, ugly or despicable.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I would suggest that in a day when so much around us trains us to find the negative in life, we Christians must aggressively think and pursue the character, the qualities, and the things of God's goodness.
The letter to the Ephesians tells us that, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.”
Many in today’s world, even many who call themselves Christians, specialize in the negative. Whatever the topic or occasion they can tell us what won’t work, where it is irreparably broken, why we can never get it right.
But the Bible instructs us to focus on what is right, pure, lovely or admirable in the world not that which is wrong, spoiled, ugly or despicable.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I would suggest that in a day when so much around us trains us to find the negative in life, we Christians must aggressively think and pursue the character, the qualities, and the things of God's goodness.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
BOB RAMBO
Hi! I’m Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. On the opening weekend of the NFL season, during a game between the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers, a stadium food server named Heather Allison was working the stands when she tripped. She spilled her food but also dropped all the money she had collected - about $1000 – which scattered everywhere. Allison, a mother of 4, was responsible for the money; but now it was blowing in the wind.
Now, if it starts “raining” money on YOU - what do YOU do? Human nature is to GRAB and STUFF our pockets. But fans who saw what happened shouted to the people all around: That’s the server’s money! Fans who saw others pocket the money told them: Give it back!
And people actually stopped watching the game to collect the money. Within 10 minutes, the entire $1000 had been collected - and the fans even kicked in an extra $170 to make sure she had enough!
The Bible speaks of “doing justice” as one of the things that pleases God MOST. To “do justice” is to do the right thing. Let’s “do the right thing” today.
Hi! I’m Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. On the opening weekend of the NFL season, during a game between the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers, a stadium food server named Heather Allison was working the stands when she tripped. She spilled her food but also dropped all the money she had collected - about $1000 – which scattered everywhere. Allison, a mother of 4, was responsible for the money; but now it was blowing in the wind.
Now, if it starts “raining” money on YOU - what do YOU do? Human nature is to GRAB and STUFF our pockets. But fans who saw what happened shouted to the people all around: That’s the server’s money! Fans who saw others pocket the money told them: Give it back!
And people actually stopped watching the game to collect the money. Within 10 minutes, the entire $1000 had been collected - and the fans even kicked in an extra $170 to make sure she had enough!
The Bible speaks of “doing justice” as one of the things that pleases God MOST. To “do justice” is to do the right thing. Let’s “do the right thing” today.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
The 7 sons of Sceva, a high priest, were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” But once when they tried it, a demon replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
The sons of Sceva were using the name of Jesus Christ as if the name alone had power, but they were NOT believers in Jesus Christ the person. They merely developed faith in His name. They believed the stories… but they didn’t have the faith in the PERSON.
Evil spirits didn’t cower at the name simply because it was said. It was the faith in the person behind saying the name that vanquished demons. For it says in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”
Join us this Sunday at Central in either the 8 am or 10:55 worship services to hear the Word of God!
GOOD MORNING!
The 7 sons of Sceva, a high priest, were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” But once when they tried it, a demon replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.
The sons of Sceva were using the name of Jesus Christ as if the name alone had power, but they were NOT believers in Jesus Christ the person. They merely developed faith in His name. They believed the stories… but they didn’t have the faith in the PERSON.
Evil spirits didn’t cower at the name simply because it was said. It was the faith in the person behind saying the name that vanquished demons. For it says in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”
Join us this Sunday at Central in either the 8 am or 10:55 worship services to hear the Word of God!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
BOB PEDEN
Good morning. We seem to live in a “dog eat dog” world; A “get ahead at all costs” society; A "don't look back because the competition is gaining on you" culture of self-promotion. But the Bible tells us in the book of James to “humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will lift us up.”
Humble ourselves? That almost sounds obscene in this world. Humility is a forgotten virtue. Often confused with weakness or timidity, humility is really about knowing our proper place in the world without flaunting it.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church saying, “Only God can exalt in a permanent way. The key is to know our place before him and let him put us in the place he chooses.”
Good morning. We seem to live in a “dog eat dog” world; A “get ahead at all costs” society; A "don't look back because the competition is gaining on you" culture of self-promotion. But the Bible tells us in the book of James to “humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will lift us up.”
Humble ourselves? That almost sounds obscene in this world. Humility is a forgotten virtue. Often confused with weakness or timidity, humility is really about knowing our proper place in the world without flaunting it.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church saying, “Only God can exalt in a permanent way. The key is to know our place before him and let him put us in the place he chooses.”
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Jim Wall
Do you know someone who has had a stroke or someone who is the caregiver of a stroke survivor? If so, please let them know that there is a Meridian Stroke Support and Education Group that meets every third Tuesday.
This group is designed to provide education and emotional support for stroke survivors and caregivers. The group is supported by all sorts of doctors, therapists, social workers, and chaplains.
Each month, a speaker discusses an educational topic and points of interest. The meetings are free, including a light dinner, and there are no requirements to attend.
Remember, every third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the first floor Board Room at Anderson Hospital – South Campus.
For more information, you may contact Tom Maynor, the director, at 601-484-3585 or you may contact me, Jim Wall, at Central United Methodist Church.
May you be blessed with the presence of God’s Holy Spirit today.
Do you know someone who has had a stroke or someone who is the caregiver of a stroke survivor? If so, please let them know that there is a Meridian Stroke Support and Education Group that meets every third Tuesday.
This group is designed to provide education and emotional support for stroke survivors and caregivers. The group is supported by all sorts of doctors, therapists, social workers, and chaplains.
Each month, a speaker discusses an educational topic and points of interest. The meetings are free, including a light dinner, and there are no requirements to attend.
Remember, every third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the first floor Board Room at Anderson Hospital – South Campus.
For more information, you may contact Tom Maynor, the director, at 601-484-3585 or you may contact me, Jim Wall, at Central United Methodist Church.
May you be blessed with the presence of God’s Holy Spirit today.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Wesley
I read about a small boy who was consistently late coming home from school. His parents warned him one day that he must be home on time that afternoon, but nevertheless he arrived later than ever. His mother met him at the door and said nothing. At dinner that night, the boy looked at his plate. There was a slice of bread and a glass of water. He looked at his father's full plate and then at his father, but his father remained silent. The boy was crushed.
The father waited for the full impact to sink in, then quietly took the boy's plate and placed it in front of himself. He took his own plate of meat and potatoes, put it in front of the boy, and smiled at his son.
When that boy grew to be a man, he said, "All my life I've known what God is like by what my father did that night."
When God sent Jesus, He gave us a full plate more than we could ever deserve.
I read about a small boy who was consistently late coming home from school. His parents warned him one day that he must be home on time that afternoon, but nevertheless he arrived later than ever. His mother met him at the door and said nothing. At dinner that night, the boy looked at his plate. There was a slice of bread and a glass of water. He looked at his father's full plate and then at his father, but his father remained silent. The boy was crushed.
The father waited for the full impact to sink in, then quietly took the boy's plate and placed it in front of himself. He took his own plate of meat and potatoes, put it in front of the boy, and smiled at his son.
When that boy grew to be a man, he said, "All my life I've known what God is like by what my father did that night."
When God sent Jesus, He gave us a full plate more than we could ever deserve.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Monday, October 17th, 2011
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Fall is here and this month is full of spooky goblins, ghosts, witches, and all things scary. Halloween decorations are being seen all around our city…in yards, stores, and even on some cars.
At the Children’s Center, our Bible verse for the month is “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Psalms 56:3. This is the perfect time for us to teach our children the difference between make-believe and the real thing…God!
As an adult, David wrote that verse.
There were things that scared him too.
Do you have fears and troubles today. Well, try repeating that verse…and don’t just say it, really put your trust in God. He will help you through anything. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Have a wonderful day.
Good Morning:
Fall is here and this month is full of spooky goblins, ghosts, witches, and all things scary. Halloween decorations are being seen all around our city…in yards, stores, and even on some cars.
At the Children’s Center, our Bible verse for the month is “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Psalms 56:3. This is the perfect time for us to teach our children the difference between make-believe and the real thing…God!
As an adult, David wrote that verse.
There were things that scared him too.
Do you have fears and troubles today. Well, try repeating that verse…and don’t just say it, really put your trust in God. He will help you through anything. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Have a wonderful day.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Wesley
Good Morning!
I remember once when I was a teenager visiting the Amish community up in Ethridge, TN. My dad and I had gone to meet a man to see his molasses making operation. While we were there, this man and his family began the process of breaking a young draft horse to plow. The young horse, though a giant in size, was very skittish about being plowed for the first time. However, they hooked him up with several more experienced horses.
Even though there were times this young horse was confused and scared, he was guided by the other horses. When the owner gave the more experienced horses the command to stop, the young horse had no choice but to stop.
God has never promised to fix every problem we have, but He has promised to always be with us. He give us guidance in the scary times and celebrate with us in the good times.
Have a great Day.
Good Morning!
I remember once when I was a teenager visiting the Amish community up in Ethridge, TN. My dad and I had gone to meet a man to see his molasses making operation. While we were there, this man and his family began the process of breaking a young draft horse to plow. The young horse, though a giant in size, was very skittish about being plowed for the first time. However, they hooked him up with several more experienced horses.
Even though there were times this young horse was confused and scared, he was guided by the other horses. When the owner gave the more experienced horses the command to stop, the young horse had no choice but to stop.
God has never promised to fix every problem we have, but He has promised to always be with us. He give us guidance in the scary times and celebrate with us in the good times.
Have a great Day.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Someone wrote these words: I asked for strength and I was given difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom and I was given problems to solve.
I asked for prosperity and I was given a brain and brawn to work.
I asked for courage and was given obstacles to overcome.
I asked for favors and was given opportunities.
I asked for love and was given troubled people to help.
I received nothing I wanted but received everything I needed.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were allowed to go through life without any obstacles, we would not be as strong as we could have been.
So, live life without fear. Confront all obstacles and know that, through God, you can overcome them all. Have a wonderful day.
Good Morning:
Someone wrote these words: I asked for strength and I was given difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom and I was given problems to solve.
I asked for prosperity and I was given a brain and brawn to work.
I asked for courage and was given obstacles to overcome.
I asked for favors and was given opportunities.
I asked for love and was given troubled people to help.
I received nothing I wanted but received everything I needed.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were allowed to go through life without any obstacles, we would not be as strong as we could have been.
So, live life without fear. Confront all obstacles and know that, through God, you can overcome them all. Have a wonderful day.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, September 12, 2011
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
Americans are fortunate to be able to think independently of the government. However, not just free thinking, but spiritual thinking is the greatest need today. President Woodrow Wilson once said, “Our civilization cannot survive materially unless it be redeemed spiritually. It can be saved only by becoming permeated with the spirit of Christ and being made free and happy by the practices which spring out of the Spirit. Only thus can discontent be driven out and all the shadows lifted from the road ahead.”
While we can thank God for our freedoms, we must never become free of His guiding hand. In your prayer today, Praise God for His Word which serves as our road map to direct us upon life's way. May your journey be joyful.
Good Morning!
Americans are fortunate to be able to think independently of the government. However, not just free thinking, but spiritual thinking is the greatest need today. President Woodrow Wilson once said, “Our civilization cannot survive materially unless it be redeemed spiritually. It can be saved only by becoming permeated with the spirit of Christ and being made free and happy by the practices which spring out of the Spirit. Only thus can discontent be driven out and all the shadows lifted from the road ahead.”
While we can thank God for our freedoms, we must never become free of His guiding hand. In your prayer today, Praise God for His Word which serves as our road map to direct us upon life's way. May your journey be joyful.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
BOB PEDEN
In a story about Jesus, we read this: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3-5)
In Jesus' day washing guests' feet was a task that was performed by the lowest of the low, the slaves who did the dirtiest deeds. How could Jesus bring himself to perform such a filthy, humiliating task?
He knew where he was going. He wasn't defined by that task nor any of the tasks that he performed while on this earth. He was going somewhere.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church.
We can be like Jesus in that regard. We can know where we are going, and that knowledge can free us to do whatever needs doing in this world.
In a story about Jesus, we read this: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3-5)
In Jesus' day washing guests' feet was a task that was performed by the lowest of the low, the slaves who did the dirtiest deeds. How could Jesus bring himself to perform such a filthy, humiliating task?
He knew where he was going. He wasn't defined by that task nor any of the tasks that he performed while on this earth. He was going somewhere.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church.
We can be like Jesus in that regard. We can know where we are going, and that knowledge can free us to do whatever needs doing in this world.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
George Patton, one of the greatest army generals this country has ever known, once said while addressing his troops, “Your job is not to die for your country but to cause others to die for theirs.” Whether we realize it or not, as Christians we are at war. The bible refers to us as soldiers who must fight many battles throughout the course of our lives.
This is not a time for believers to go “AWOL” on God. The good news is that we don't have to be afraid of any battle we face. God has given each of us an offensive weapon in our armor. It's called the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
It's time to stop admiring our sword, polishing it, and carrying it around like an ornament. We've got to use it! When we speak the Word of God boldly in faith, that mighty spiritual weapon cuts through every temptation or spiritual opposition that comes our way.
GOOD MORNING!
George Patton, one of the greatest army generals this country has ever known, once said while addressing his troops, “Your job is not to die for your country but to cause others to die for theirs.” Whether we realize it or not, as Christians we are at war. The bible refers to us as soldiers who must fight many battles throughout the course of our lives.
This is not a time for believers to go “AWOL” on God. The good news is that we don't have to be afraid of any battle we face. God has given each of us an offensive weapon in our armor. It's called the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
It's time to stop admiring our sword, polishing it, and carrying it around like an ornament. We've got to use it! When we speak the Word of God boldly in faith, that mighty spiritual weapon cuts through every temptation or spiritual opposition that comes our way.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
BOB RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. I have a friend who lives in the Mississippi Delta. He's almost 80 years old. His father was a pilot in World War I - in the days of biplanes, open cockpits, and leather helmets.
One day my friend asked his dad: When you were in the war, were you ever afraid there was a bullet out there with your name on it? His dad told him: I wasn't afraid of the bullet with MY name on it; if it's YOUR time, it's your time. But I was scared to death of all those labeled “To Whom It May Concern”!
We may not want to acknowledge it, but there's a LOT more “to whom it may concern” in life than we care to admit. Sometimes things happen and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to them.
But the Bible assures us that God is with us, and that God is working through all the events and circumstances of our lives to bring forth something good, positive, and life-giving.
Have a great day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. I have a friend who lives in the Mississippi Delta. He's almost 80 years old. His father was a pilot in World War I - in the days of biplanes, open cockpits, and leather helmets.
One day my friend asked his dad: When you were in the war, were you ever afraid there was a bullet out there with your name on it? His dad told him: I wasn't afraid of the bullet with MY name on it; if it's YOUR time, it's your time. But I was scared to death of all those labeled “To Whom It May Concern”!
We may not want to acknowledge it, but there's a LOT more “to whom it may concern” in life than we care to admit. Sometimes things happen and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to them.
But the Bible assures us that God is with us, and that God is working through all the events and circumstances of our lives to bring forth something good, positive, and life-giving.
Have a great day!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
SABRINA
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us…”To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Everything changes - technology, the stock market, our ecosystem--- and in a sense, everything in this world is fleeting. As hard as it often is to accept, earthly things just weren't intended to last forever. Like a flower, we SEE living things germinate, grow, bloom, and then begin the process of dying and decay. Even our lives are ruled by a time line- births and deaths, beginnings and endings. The cycles of change are inherent in our nature.
Have you thought about it…God isn't subject to any such phases or cycles. Immune from time, God's character is completely unchanging and God's nature is eternal. That is why as things start, finish, and change in your life, you can always place your cares with God. God will always be with you and faithful to you - today, tomorrow, and always. …and that is a wonderful peaceful thought for which to begin the day!
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us…”To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Everything changes - technology, the stock market, our ecosystem--- and in a sense, everything in this world is fleeting. As hard as it often is to accept, earthly things just weren't intended to last forever. Like a flower, we SEE living things germinate, grow, bloom, and then begin the process of dying and decay. Even our lives are ruled by a time line- births and deaths, beginnings and endings. The cycles of change are inherent in our nature.
Have you thought about it…God isn't subject to any such phases or cycles. Immune from time, God's character is completely unchanging and God's nature is eternal. That is why as things start, finish, and change in your life, you can always place your cares with God. God will always be with you and faithful to you - today, tomorrow, and always. …and that is a wonderful peaceful thought for which to begin the day!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
With Meridian in the middle of another successful run of the Queen City Fair, it seems only fitting to take a moment and reflect on the fairs of our youth. Do you remember going to the fair and walking through the maze of mirrors? Some would make you look like Danny Devito while other's made us look as big as Shaquille O'Neal. Others just made you look plain weird and twisted.
To get a proper perspective on who we are, we have got to look into a mirror that will give us an accurate and truthful reflection. That mirror is the Word of God.
However, when we walk away from God's mirror, we have to remember what kind of person His Word wants us to be. That means when we look into God's Word, we've got to take more than a casual glance, we need to look with a penetrating focus.
GOOD MORNING!
With Meridian in the middle of another successful run of the Queen City Fair, it seems only fitting to take a moment and reflect on the fairs of our youth. Do you remember going to the fair and walking through the maze of mirrors? Some would make you look like Danny Devito while other's made us look as big as Shaquille O'Neal. Others just made you look plain weird and twisted.
To get a proper perspective on who we are, we have got to look into a mirror that will give us an accurate and truthful reflection. That mirror is the Word of God.
However, when we walk away from God's mirror, we have to remember what kind of person His Word wants us to be. That means when we look into God's Word, we've got to take more than a casual glance, we need to look with a penetrating focus.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
Did you know that there are some 800 “rejoicing texts” in the Bible reminding us to “Be glad in the Lord,” “Rejoice greatly,” and “Shout for joy”?
There are many reasons to rejoice and celebrate in the Lord, but sometimes we forget with the burdens of everyday life weighing us down and the seemingly hopeless world we now live in.
But the Lord says in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, meditate on these things.”
Count your blessings everyday, and remember all of the many reasons to rejoice and be glad in the Lord. If God took the trouble to tell us 800 times to rejoice, it must be important to Him that we do so.
Good Morning!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
Did you know that there are some 800 “rejoicing texts” in the Bible reminding us to “Be glad in the Lord,” “Rejoice greatly,” and “Shout for joy”?
There are many reasons to rejoice and celebrate in the Lord, but sometimes we forget with the burdens of everyday life weighing us down and the seemingly hopeless world we now live in.
But the Lord says in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, meditate on these things.”
Count your blessings everyday, and remember all of the many reasons to rejoice and be glad in the Lord. If God took the trouble to tell us 800 times to rejoice, it must be important to Him that we do so.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
BOB PEDEN
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I would love to be able to tell you that the Christian life was as easy and as fun as those people on the exercise equipment infomercials make exercising look; and promise you the results would be no problems, no worries, no pain, like those infomercials promise a body without an ounce of fat.
But the Christian life does not work like that. It is a call to a lifestyle that is radically different. Honestly, it is an invitation to a life that will still have trouble in this world. But it is an invitation to be in a relationship with the One who has overcome this world. So, to follow Jesus is not easy. It is not without pain and it is not without struggle. It does, however, work. It gives purpose and meaning in a world of confusion. It is real. That is the Christian life to which I invite you today.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I would love to be able to tell you that the Christian life was as easy and as fun as those people on the exercise equipment infomercials make exercising look; and promise you the results would be no problems, no worries, no pain, like those infomercials promise a body without an ounce of fat.
But the Christian life does not work like that. It is a call to a lifestyle that is radically different. Honestly, it is an invitation to a life that will still have trouble in this world. But it is an invitation to be in a relationship with the One who has overcome this world. So, to follow Jesus is not easy. It is not without pain and it is not without struggle. It does, however, work. It gives purpose and meaning in a world of confusion. It is real. That is the Christian life to which I invite you today.
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