GLENDA
Good Morning:
Years ago when I was teaching 4th grade, I had a student who was a constant irritant to me. Constantly talking, constantly moving, constantly seeking attention, constantly disruptive to my class.
One day I'd had enough. I sent him to the office. As he left the room, another child came running to me and told me that if he were sent home, he would be violently disciplined by his parents. She told me that the reason he wore long sleeves and long pants everyday was to hide the scars from previous beatings.
Immediately, my attitude towards him changed. I brought him back to the room and our relationship from that moment on brought me great joy.
I lovingly called him “Mr. Jefferson” a name he delighted in.
I learned a valuable lesson that day. We don't always know what we need to know about a person. Behavior can be a mask to hide behind or a shield to ward off questions. We need to look for the good in people, recognize the bad and love them anyway. That is what Jesus would do. Have a great day!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
BOB PEDEN
What is your secret? What is that thing which you are absolutely certain no one knows? The great music composer, Ludwig von Beethoven's secret was that he was almost completely deaf. Keeping that secret caused Beethoven to be considered extremely eccentric, irritable, and hermit like. Yet, despite this secret weakness, Beethoven became one of the greatest composers of all time.
God has used his secret to bless the world through Beethoven's music for centuries after his death.
Now, what was your secret? Be sure that God is aware of the most intimate details of your life. And, that God is able to use even the secrets you keep from everyone else to bless you and those around you.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. Keep your secret from other people, but trust God.
What is your secret? What is that thing which you are absolutely certain no one knows? The great music composer, Ludwig von Beethoven's secret was that he was almost completely deaf. Keeping that secret caused Beethoven to be considered extremely eccentric, irritable, and hermit like. Yet, despite this secret weakness, Beethoven became one of the greatest composers of all time.
God has used his secret to bless the world through Beethoven's music for centuries after his death.
Now, what was your secret? Be sure that God is aware of the most intimate details of your life. And, that God is able to use even the secrets you keep from everyone else to bless you and those around you.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. Keep your secret from other people, but trust God.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
Jena's husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months. Things looked grim, but she was by his bedside every single day. One day as he slipped back into consciousness, he motioned for her to come close to him. She pulled the chair close to the bed and leaned her ear close to be able to hear him.
"You know" he whispered, his eyes filling with tears, "you have been with me through all the bad times. When I got fired, you stuck right beside me. When my business went under, there you were. When we lost the house, you were there. When I got shot, you stuck with me. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. "And you know what?"
"What, dear?" she asked gently, smiling to herself.
"I think you're bad luck."
Life is too valuable to trust it to luck. Instead do as the Psalmist wrote, “Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.”
GOOD MORNING!
Jena's husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months. Things looked grim, but she was by his bedside every single day. One day as he slipped back into consciousness, he motioned for her to come close to him. She pulled the chair close to the bed and leaned her ear close to be able to hear him.
"You know" he whispered, his eyes filling with tears, "you have been with me through all the bad times. When I got fired, you stuck right beside me. When my business went under, there you were. When we lost the house, you were there. When I got shot, you stuck with me. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. "And you know what?"
"What, dear?" she asked gently, smiling to herself.
"I think you're bad luck."
Life is too valuable to trust it to luck. Instead do as the Psalmist wrote, “Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.”
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
SABRINA
There are times when we find ourselves in a spiritual "dry" spell.
No rhyme or reason, just something that happens to us all. Some call it "depression," others just tired. uninspired.
Sometimes it is like being alone in the desert, nothing to drink or eat, not even knowing what it is we need. We just know that we need SOMEthing.
In those times we often do not even want to pray. The desert experience, however, can be a POSITIVE thing!
Spiritual growth takes place during these dry spells. It is during these times we are reminded of God's sovereignty and power in our lives.
If today you find yourself in the desert, know that you are not alone…God knows your innermost needs. If you do not have a church home to walk with you during this time, we invite you to come and worship with us. We have two services each Sunday. Contemporary worship is at 8:30 and Traditional 10:55. We offer Sunday school and small group experiences throughout the week. Come journey with us as together we are reminded of a God who loves us...who is with us every step...everyday.
There are times when we find ourselves in a spiritual "dry" spell.
No rhyme or reason, just something that happens to us all. Some call it "depression," others just tired. uninspired.
Sometimes it is like being alone in the desert, nothing to drink or eat, not even knowing what it is we need. We just know that we need SOMEthing.
In those times we often do not even want to pray. The desert experience, however, can be a POSITIVE thing!
Spiritual growth takes place during these dry spells. It is during these times we are reminded of God's sovereignty and power in our lives.
If today you find yourself in the desert, know that you are not alone…God knows your innermost needs. If you do not have a church home to walk with you during this time, we invite you to come and worship with us. We have two services each Sunday. Contemporary worship is at 8:30 and Traditional 10:55. We offer Sunday school and small group experiences throughout the week. Come journey with us as together we are reminded of a God who loves us...who is with us every step...everyday.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
According to one little boy's definition, “Thinking is when your mouth stays shut and your head talks to itself.”
The way our head talks to itself tells a lot about how we are doing morally and spiritually. We need to guard our mind and keep out the influences that will hinder our walk with God. The Bible gives us clear guidelines about how Christians should think.
When we are dealing with the mundane aspects of life, we need guidance. Paul tells us that we should think about things that are noble, true, and pure. In our daily activities those words should govern what is on our minds. Let us think about what's good - what's noble, pure, and true. May God's word control our thoughts in everything we do.
Good Morning!
According to one little boy's definition, “Thinking is when your mouth stays shut and your head talks to itself.”
The way our head talks to itself tells a lot about how we are doing morally and spiritually. We need to guard our mind and keep out the influences that will hinder our walk with God. The Bible gives us clear guidelines about how Christians should think.
When we are dealing with the mundane aspects of life, we need guidance. Paul tells us that we should think about things that are noble, true, and pure. In our daily activities those words should govern what is on our minds. Let us think about what's good - what's noble, pure, and true. May God's word control our thoughts in everything we do.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
BOB PEDEN
Good Morning. This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. The Mardi Gras season ended last night at midnight. They rolled up the streets in New Orleans.
Today they are hauling away the tons of trinkets and trash left in the gutters.
Today begins the season of lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday. A day Christians focus on our need for repentance. Repentance not only for the excesses of Mardi Gras but also for the excesses of our daily lives. Lent is a time for us to examine our lives and root out that which keeps us from becoming fully committed disciples of Jesus Christ. It is a time to put down our burdens of keeping up with the Joneses and impressing the social elite and to take up our cross and follow Jesus. That is the only way to full and complete joy.
Good Morning. This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. The Mardi Gras season ended last night at midnight. They rolled up the streets in New Orleans.
Today they are hauling away the tons of trinkets and trash left in the gutters.
Today begins the season of lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday. A day Christians focus on our need for repentance. Repentance not only for the excesses of Mardi Gras but also for the excesses of our daily lives. Lent is a time for us to examine our lives and root out that which keeps us from becoming fully committed disciples of Jesus Christ. It is a time to put down our burdens of keeping up with the Joneses and impressing the social elite and to take up our cross and follow Jesus. That is the only way to full and complete joy.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Tuesday, Febuary 21, 2012
BOB RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Do you ever wish life were easier and filled with less struggle? Most people do. But struggle serves an important purpose. It helps us develop into people of patience, perseverance, and character.
There's a story of a man who found a cocoon and took it home to watch the moth inside emerge. One day a small opening appeared in the cocoon, and the moth began to come out. But at a certain point, it seemed “stuck;” it could go no further. So the man, wanting to help, took a pair of scissors and cut the cocoon to help the moth get free.
And it DID. But when the moth came out, its body and wings were twisted and shriveled. The man watched for some time, thinking it would assume its normal shape eventually.
BUT IT NEVER HAPPENED. It never happened, because the struggle to get out of the cocoon is nature's way of forcing vital fluids from the moth's body into the wings. And without the struggle, the moth never became what it was intended to be.
Trials and struggles aren't fun. But God can use them to help us grow.
Make it a great day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Do you ever wish life were easier and filled with less struggle? Most people do. But struggle serves an important purpose. It helps us develop into people of patience, perseverance, and character.
There's a story of a man who found a cocoon and took it home to watch the moth inside emerge. One day a small opening appeared in the cocoon, and the moth began to come out. But at a certain point, it seemed “stuck;” it could go no further. So the man, wanting to help, took a pair of scissors and cut the cocoon to help the moth get free.
And it DID. But when the moth came out, its body and wings were twisted and shriveled. The man watched for some time, thinking it would assume its normal shape eventually.
BUT IT NEVER HAPPENED. It never happened, because the struggle to get out of the cocoon is nature's way of forcing vital fluids from the moth's body into the wings. And without the struggle, the moth never became what it was intended to be.
Trials and struggles aren't fun. But God can use them to help us grow.
Make it a great day!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday, Febuary 20, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning:
At Central United Methodist Church, we have one of the best pre-school programs in the area. It's called Central's Children's Center. It is open to children ages 1 through 4 and is a half day program.
We have an excellent teaching staff, small classroom groups, and a fun and educational faith-based curriculum.
When our four-year children graduate, they are ready and excited about entering kindergarten.
Registration for our fall program begins next Monday, February 27th. If you are looking for an exciting, safe, and loving environment for your child, try us.
Drop by for a visit any weekday morning or call the church office for more information. We'd love to have you as one of our school families.
I'd also like to remind you that today is President's Day. I hope you will remember to thank God for our Country and for the strong leadership both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln gave us. And, don't forget to pray for President Obama. Have a great day!!
Good Morning:
At Central United Methodist Church, we have one of the best pre-school programs in the area. It's called Central's Children's Center. It is open to children ages 1 through 4 and is a half day program.
We have an excellent teaching staff, small classroom groups, and a fun and educational faith-based curriculum.
When our four-year children graduate, they are ready and excited about entering kindergarten.
Registration for our fall program begins next Monday, February 27th. If you are looking for an exciting, safe, and loving environment for your child, try us.
Drop by for a visit any weekday morning or call the church office for more information. We'd love to have you as one of our school families.
I'd also like to remind you that today is President's Day. I hope you will remember to thank God for our Country and for the strong leadership both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln gave us. And, don't forget to pray for President Obama. Have a great day!!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
BOB RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Many of us have an interest in and fascination with THE BOOK OF REVELATION and its strange images and symbols. Many people have taught many things about how to interpret this unusual book.
In a few weeks, Central will welcome Dr. Ben Witherington III of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Witherington is the author of over 50 books and an evangelical scholar who is respected world-wide. He will teach at Central on the Book of Revelation on Friday afternoon, March 23rd, and Saturday, March 24th. Dr. Witherington will also preach at our morning worship services on Sunday, March 25th.
This event is open to the public, and we invite area pastors and lay people to sign up. If you register before MARCH 1st, the cost is $50.00, and this includes dinner Friday evening, a light breakfast on Saturday, and lunch on Saturday. After March 1st, registration will be $75.00.
We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about The Book of Revelation.
Have a great day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Many of us have an interest in and fascination with THE BOOK OF REVELATION and its strange images and symbols. Many people have taught many things about how to interpret this unusual book.
In a few weeks, Central will welcome Dr. Ben Witherington III of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Witherington is the author of over 50 books and an evangelical scholar who is respected world-wide. He will teach at Central on the Book of Revelation on Friday afternoon, March 23rd, and Saturday, March 24th. Dr. Witherington will also preach at our morning worship services on Sunday, March 25th.
This event is open to the public, and we invite area pastors and lay people to sign up. If you register before MARCH 1st, the cost is $50.00, and this includes dinner Friday evening, a light breakfast on Saturday, and lunch on Saturday. After March 1st, registration will be $75.00.
We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about The Book of Revelation.
Have a great day!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
I'm here to share some very important information with you. Please listen as I remind you of how God's tremendous and never-ending love is enveloping you at this very moment. God wants to give each of us encouragement as we face the unknown trails and joys we will find throughout today. God sends us His encouragement and love through the words of the Bible, through other people's acts of kindness, and through His own tender whisperings in our souls and minds.
We read in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Let us take time today to be still enough to acknowledge and listen to God's presence in and all around us as we take in the vivid colors of the sky, the smile of a friend, and the warmth of God's love within our hearts. Then we can be an encourager to others as we pass on our joy in the Lord.
Good Morning!
I'm here to share some very important information with you. Please listen as I remind you of how God's tremendous and never-ending love is enveloping you at this very moment. God wants to give each of us encouragement as we face the unknown trails and joys we will find throughout today. God sends us His encouragement and love through the words of the Bible, through other people's acts of kindness, and through His own tender whisperings in our souls and minds.
We read in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Let us take time today to be still enough to acknowledge and listen to God's presence in and all around us as we take in the vivid colors of the sky, the smile of a friend, and the warmth of God's love within our hearts. Then we can be an encourager to others as we pass on our joy in the Lord.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
BOB PEDEN
You can probably remember being in school and realizing that there were certain people next to whom no one wanted to sit during lunch. Even today, there may be certain people with whom many folks don't want to be seen. The kingdom of God, however, operates on exactly the opposite standard. In the kingdom of God no one of us is better than the other. We are all sinners, saved by grace or we are a sinner not yet saved by grace.
Jesus was a great example for us. He spent time with tax collectors, sinners, common people, diseased people, and prostitutes as well as religious leaders, teachers, disciples, and believers.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church suggesting that the next time we see someone excluded, shunned, or left out, let's go out of our way to befriend that person and show him or her the unconditional love of Jesus. Let's show them abundant honor. After all, they are of eternal value to God.
You can probably remember being in school and realizing that there were certain people next to whom no one wanted to sit during lunch. Even today, there may be certain people with whom many folks don't want to be seen. The kingdom of God, however, operates on exactly the opposite standard. In the kingdom of God no one of us is better than the other. We are all sinners, saved by grace or we are a sinner not yet saved by grace.
Jesus was a great example for us. He spent time with tax collectors, sinners, common people, diseased people, and prostitutes as well as religious leaders, teachers, disciples, and believers.
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church suggesting that the next time we see someone excluded, shunned, or left out, let's go out of our way to befriend that person and show him or her the unconditional love of Jesus. Let's show them abundant honor. After all, they are of eternal value to God.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
WESLEY
Good Morning! I am Wesley Pepper Associate Pastor at Central UMC.
The story is told that Andrew Jackson's boyhood friends just couldn't understand how he became a famous general and then the President of the United States. They knew of other men who had greater talent but who never succeeded. One of Jackson's friends said, "Why, Jim Brown, who lived right down the pike from Jackson, was not only smarter but he could throw Andy three times out of four in a wrestling match. But look where Andy is now." Another friend responded, "How did there happen to be a fourth time? Didn't they usually say three times and out?" "Sure, they were supposed to, but not Andy. He would never admit he was beat -- he would never stay 'throwed.' Jim Brown would get tired, and on the fourth try Andrew Jackson would throw him and be the winner." Picking up on that idea, someone has said, "The thing that counts is not how many times you are 'throwed,' but whether you are willing to stay 'throwed'." We may face setbacks, but we must take courage and go forward in faith trusting God.
Good Morning! I am Wesley Pepper Associate Pastor at Central UMC.
The story is told that Andrew Jackson's boyhood friends just couldn't understand how he became a famous general and then the President of the United States. They knew of other men who had greater talent but who never succeeded. One of Jackson's friends said, "Why, Jim Brown, who lived right down the pike from Jackson, was not only smarter but he could throw Andy three times out of four in a wrestling match. But look where Andy is now." Another friend responded, "How did there happen to be a fourth time? Didn't they usually say three times and out?" "Sure, they were supposed to, but not Andy. He would never admit he was beat -- he would never stay 'throwed.' Jim Brown would get tired, and on the fourth try Andrew Jackson would throw him and be the winner." Picking up on that idea, someone has said, "The thing that counts is not how many times you are 'throwed,' but whether you are willing to stay 'throwed'." We may face setbacks, but we must take courage and go forward in faith trusting God.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
If there's one thing men love, it's power. Whether it's a truck as big as an elephant, a power saw that can tear through wood like it was French bread, or a golf club that can smack a ball 200 yards down the fairway, having power in your hands is an exhilarating experience.
But sooner or later, we all experience a power failure.
Whether it's trouble in our marriage, a parent's failing health, or an unexpected change in careers, being powerless is every man's worst nightmare. In fact, most of us have been taught to fight failure with our entire beings before we were taught to walk.
However, when failure presents itself, we should do the opposite of what we've been taught to do, we should surrender. That's the key to surviving life's power failures. The amount of God's power in our lives is proportional to how much we surrender to Him.
Our faith doesn't guarantee that every tragedy will end well, but God does promise to pour His power into our lives to the degree that we let Him. Once we accept this, it will help us survive every power failure we have to face.
GOOD MORNING!
If there's one thing men love, it's power. Whether it's a truck as big as an elephant, a power saw that can tear through wood like it was French bread, or a golf club that can smack a ball 200 yards down the fairway, having power in your hands is an exhilarating experience.
But sooner or later, we all experience a power failure.
Whether it's trouble in our marriage, a parent's failing health, or an unexpected change in careers, being powerless is every man's worst nightmare. In fact, most of us have been taught to fight failure with our entire beings before we were taught to walk.
However, when failure presents itself, we should do the opposite of what we've been taught to do, we should surrender. That's the key to surviving life's power failures. The amount of God's power in our lives is proportional to how much we surrender to Him.
Our faith doesn't guarantee that every tragedy will end well, but God does promise to pour His power into our lives to the degree that we let Him. Once we accept this, it will help us survive every power failure we have to face.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
WESLEY
Good Morning! I am Wesley Pepper associate Pastor at Central UMC.
In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery. "Your Majesty," said Prior Richard, "do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king."
"I understand," said Henry. "The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you."
"Then I will tell you what to do," said Prior Richard. "Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you." When King Henry died, a statement was written: "The King learned to rule by being obedient." When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be a good accountant or teacher or mother or father. Christ expects us to be faithful where he has placed us.
Good Morning! I am Wesley Pepper associate Pastor at Central UMC.
In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery. "Your Majesty," said Prior Richard, "do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king."
"I understand," said Henry. "The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you."
"Then I will tell you what to do," said Prior Richard. "Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you." When King Henry died, a statement was written: "The King learned to rule by being obedient." When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be a good accountant or teacher or mother or father. Christ expects us to be faithful where he has placed us.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
“John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.” Mark 1:6-7
John the Baptist's entire life was defined by his service to God and to God's Son, Jesus. His clothing, his food, and his tasks were all defined by his ministry -- to prepare the way for the Lord. How could he live his whole life for someone else? He defined himself as unworthy to even be the servant or slave of this someone else, this coming one who is so much greater than he.
Jesus comes to us and asks us to let Him define our lives as well. That's what it means to call Jesus Lord -- we see ourselves as unworthy to be his servants; yet, because of His mercy and grace, we are called his brothers and sisters. For such blessings, we offer Christ our lives in service to Him and his kingdom.
GOOD MORNING!
“John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.” Mark 1:6-7
John the Baptist's entire life was defined by his service to God and to God's Son, Jesus. His clothing, his food, and his tasks were all defined by his ministry -- to prepare the way for the Lord. How could he live his whole life for someone else? He defined himself as unworthy to even be the servant or slave of this someone else, this coming one who is so much greater than he.
Jesus comes to us and asks us to let Him define our lives as well. That's what it means to call Jesus Lord -- we see ourselves as unworthy to be his servants; yet, because of His mercy and grace, we are called his brothers and sisters. For such blessings, we offer Christ our lives in service to Him and his kingdom.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning:
When the family returned from Sunday morning services, the father criticized the sermon, the soloist, the organist, and just about everything else. But the subject was quickly dropped when junior said, “But it was pretty good for a quarter, don't you think, Dad?”
Isn't it funny how big one hundred dollars looks when you take it to church, but it's so small at the mall.
In Malachi 4, we read, “Will a man rob God? Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of haven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you.”
Trust God to do what He says He will do. Tithe your money, your time, and you talents, and you will be amazed at God's boundless blessings, joy, and peace, which will certainly flood your life.
Good Morning:
When the family returned from Sunday morning services, the father criticized the sermon, the soloist, the organist, and just about everything else. But the subject was quickly dropped when junior said, “But it was pretty good for a quarter, don't you think, Dad?”
Isn't it funny how big one hundred dollars looks when you take it to church, but it's so small at the mall.
In Malachi 4, we read, “Will a man rob God? Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of haven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you.”
Trust God to do what He says He will do. Tithe your money, your time, and you talents, and you will be amazed at God's boundless blessings, joy, and peace, which will certainly flood your life.
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