SABRINA
You will not find Jane Taylor's name on any list of best known poets, but her poem has probably been recited by more that all of the powerful poems of Frost, Whitman, and Sandburg combined. What is it? “Twinkle, twinkle little star.” For most of us it is one of the first poems we learned.
Today when celebrity hype is at its peak, when sports stars, actors, and actresses are regarded as major role models, we need o remember that the primary influences in our lives were most probably obscure, uncelebrated people who, day by day shared the simple poetry of life through their examples to us.
Superstars have their place, but it is us, ordinary people who have the biggest opportunity to influence those around us. It is not a burden, but an honor. You are a role model for some child or adult. Remember it, live it, choosing your steps and words carefully, trusting in God's guidance.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning:
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, “Oh, my God! Help me!” At once, the ferocious attack scene froze in place, and as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds, “I thought you didn't believe in Me!” “Come on God, give me a break!” the man pleaded, “Two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness Monster either!”
That's a silly story, but aren't we Christians a bit like that sometimes? We forget about God until we find ourselves in trouble. Let this be the day that we each begin to remember that God is here for us in both the good times and the bad. In all things, give thanks to God. In all ways, let's give Him praise.
Have a wonderful, God centered day!
Good Morning:
An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. As the man sailed head over heels, he cried out, “Oh, my God! Help me!” At once, the ferocious attack scene froze in place, and as the atheist hung in mid-air, a booming voice came down from the clouds, “I thought you didn't believe in Me!” “Come on God, give me a break!” the man pleaded, “Two minutes ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness Monster either!”
That's a silly story, but aren't we Christians a bit like that sometimes? We forget about God until we find ourselves in trouble. Let this be the day that we each begin to remember that God is here for us in both the good times and the bad. In all things, give thanks to God. In all ways, let's give Him praise.
Have a wonderful, God centered day!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
If you were to select some of the most influential figures in the whole sweep of the ages, men and women who have affected millions of lives, what names would be on your list?
I think one name that would appear on all of our lists, without exception, would be the name of Jesus.
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world…” and “My words will by no means pass away.” He was making predictions that history has verified.
Jesus has undeniably been the world's most influential person, but has He impacted your life personally? Jesus is still miraculously alive.
Is Jesus your Savior and constant companion? If He isn't, He can be. Call on His name in faith and invite Him into your life. The name of Jesus will become to you the most precious of names.
Good Morning!
If you were to select some of the most influential figures in the whole sweep of the ages, men and women who have affected millions of lives, what names would be on your list?
I think one name that would appear on all of our lists, without exception, would be the name of Jesus.
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world…” and “My words will by no means pass away.” He was making predictions that history has verified.
Jesus has undeniably been the world's most influential person, but has He impacted your life personally? Jesus is still miraculously alive.
Is Jesus your Savior and constant companion? If He isn't, He can be. Call on His name in faith and invite Him into your life. The name of Jesus will become to you the most precious of names.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
One of my uncle's favorite saying was, “I see what you're saying” At times he meant this differently than how people took it. They might think he was agreeing when in actuality he was saying your actions and your words don't match!
It is easy for us to talk about Jesus even when our actions don't match our words. Paul was aware of this and encouraged true believers to stand strong; he did not want them to end up with empty lives similar to those who were “disqualified for any good work” Much like James who encouraged Christians in James 1:22 to “be doers of the word and not hearers only.”
Paul knew the importance of walking the talk. Christ had called him, like He calls all of us, to follow and love Him with both our lives and our words. God's standard is very clear. He doesn't want us to be examples of cheap talk. Rather, He desires that our lives and our words reflect a true relationship with Christ. Are you a talker or a doer? Is this the way others see you or the way you see yourself? As you go about your day today remember that God wants us to be doers of the word and not just talkers!
GOOD MORNING!
One of my uncle's favorite saying was, “I see what you're saying” At times he meant this differently than how people took it. They might think he was agreeing when in actuality he was saying your actions and your words don't match!
It is easy for us to talk about Jesus even when our actions don't match our words. Paul was aware of this and encouraged true believers to stand strong; he did not want them to end up with empty lives similar to those who were “disqualified for any good work” Much like James who encouraged Christians in James 1:22 to “be doers of the word and not hearers only.”
Paul knew the importance of walking the talk. Christ had called him, like He calls all of us, to follow and love Him with both our lives and our words. God's standard is very clear. He doesn't want us to be examples of cheap talk. Rather, He desires that our lives and our words reflect a true relationship with Christ. Are you a talker or a doer? Is this the way others see you or the way you see yourself? As you go about your day today remember that God wants us to be doers of the word and not just talkers!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
BOB PEDEN
Yesterday, Central United Methodist Church welcomed Owen Weddle who began his time with us as an appointed clergy person.
Methodists, with our roots firmly planted in the circuit riders of the frontier who traveled from place to place preaching the gospel to whoever would hear, still move our preachers from place to place. It keeps pastors from becoming too settled in one place, too connected with one group of people. It helps to keep the church ever moving forward. But it also can serve as a reminder to each of us that we should not get too settled in on this earth. For this is not our home. We are here only temporarily. Our home is with the Father.
So we welcome Owen to the staff at Central, knowing that he will be with us for a season and then he will be appointed elsewhere. And we remember that we are each one here for a little while and then we will make the appointed journey to our eternal home.
Yesterday, Central United Methodist Church welcomed Owen Weddle who began his time with us as an appointed clergy person.
Methodists, with our roots firmly planted in the circuit riders of the frontier who traveled from place to place preaching the gospel to whoever would hear, still move our preachers from place to place. It keeps pastors from becoming too settled in one place, too connected with one group of people. It helps to keep the church ever moving forward. But it also can serve as a reminder to each of us that we should not get too settled in on this earth. For this is not our home. We are here only temporarily. Our home is with the Father.
So we welcome Owen to the staff at Central, knowing that he will be with us for a season and then he will be appointed elsewhere. And we remember that we are each one here for a little while and then we will make the appointed journey to our eternal home.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Next month [July], we at Central will try an experiment. For the five weeks of July, we're going to switch our regular morning worship schedule. We'll offer our TRADITIONAL worship service in the Sanctuary at 8:30 and our CONTEMPORARY worship service in the Fellowship Hall at 10:45.
If you don't already attend a church, we'd like to invite you to visit us during July at Central. We believe in a God who has made us and is saving us by grace, helping us each day to become more like our Heavenly Father. We believe that salvation is both an “event” AND a “process,” something that God continues to work out in our lives.
As summer moves on, don't forget to include worship of God in your daily and weekly schedules. And if you don't have a place to worship, join us during July at Central - where everyone is welcome.
Make it a GREAT day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Next month [July], we at Central will try an experiment. For the five weeks of July, we're going to switch our regular morning worship schedule. We'll offer our TRADITIONAL worship service in the Sanctuary at 8:30 and our CONTEMPORARY worship service in the Fellowship Hall at 10:45.
If you don't already attend a church, we'd like to invite you to visit us during July at Central. We believe in a God who has made us and is saving us by grace, helping us each day to become more like our Heavenly Father. We believe that salvation is both an “event” AND a “process,” something that God continues to work out in our lives.
As summer moves on, don't forget to include worship of God in your daily and weekly schedules. And if you don't have a place to worship, join us during July at Central - where everyone is welcome.
Make it a GREAT day!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
Coaches often tell players that the little things a player does add up victories when the game is tight; and no one player took this to heart more than Ty Cobb. When Cobb was with the Detroit Tigers he sharpened his spikes to hurt anyone who stood between him and the base in front of him. When Cobb reached 1st he would nervously kick the bag over and over. When asked if he was nervous. Cobb replied, “I wasn't nervous, but I discovered that if I kicked the bag enough times, I could move it a full 2 inches towards 2nd base, which gave me that much of a jump towards stealing second.
Two inches doesn't seem like much, but how many plays at 2nd seem to be a matter of inches? Right or wrong, it was amazing that a man of Cobb's abilities spent so much time looking at the little things.
The little things we do or don't do are investments in our character. Character is basically valuing truth over convenience. As believers we have an opponent looking to destroy us in the devil. Look for any small advantage that you can find over your enemy and use it. For it states in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
GOOD MORNING!
Coaches often tell players that the little things a player does add up victories when the game is tight; and no one player took this to heart more than Ty Cobb. When Cobb was with the Detroit Tigers he sharpened his spikes to hurt anyone who stood between him and the base in front of him. When Cobb reached 1st he would nervously kick the bag over and over. When asked if he was nervous. Cobb replied, “I wasn't nervous, but I discovered that if I kicked the bag enough times, I could move it a full 2 inches towards 2nd base, which gave me that much of a jump towards stealing second.
Two inches doesn't seem like much, but how many plays at 2nd seem to be a matter of inches? Right or wrong, it was amazing that a man of Cobb's abilities spent so much time looking at the little things.
The little things we do or don't do are investments in our character. Character is basically valuing truth over convenience. As believers we have an opponent looking to destroy us in the devil. Look for any small advantage that you can find over your enemy and use it. For it states in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning:
You know we tape these Reflections several weeks in advance, so I have no idea what the weather is like today. But I do know that today is the first day of summer.
Maybe it's extremely hot, or rainy, or stormy, or maybe it's just right. It really doesn't matter, because if you believe in God then this could be the best day of your life.
David tells us in Psalm 118:24: this is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. When you remember those words, you can make this day any kind of day you want it to be.
Have a wonderful day!!
Good Morning:
You know we tape these Reflections several weeks in advance, so I have no idea what the weather is like today. But I do know that today is the first day of summer.
Maybe it's extremely hot, or rainy, or stormy, or maybe it's just right. It really doesn't matter, because if you believe in God then this could be the best day of your life.
David tells us in Psalm 118:24: this is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. When you remember those words, you can make this day any kind of day you want it to be.
Have a wonderful day!!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
BOB PEDEN
In Mark, Chapter 7 we read that, they brought to [Jesus] one who was deaf and they begged Him to put His hand on him ... Immediately his ears were opened.
What a beautiful display of power and love. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be deaf. What would I miss the most? The chirping of the birds at the break of dawn? The words "I love you" spoken by a dear friend? Or the songs of praise lifted up to God when Christians gather?
While I can't imagine not being able to hear any of those beautiful sounds, I can say, with sadness, that I don't always listen to those things that I have the ability to hear. I don't always listen to the cries for help that come from those in need around me. And I don't always listen to God as He speaks to me.
Sometimes I am distracted. Sometimes there is other "noise" which makes it hard to listen. But sometimes I keep my hands firmly over my ears to avoid hearing.
With a need much like the deaf man in Mark 7, I come begging Jesus to "put his hand" on me and to open my ears that I may truly hear.
In Mark, Chapter 7 we read that, they brought to [Jesus] one who was deaf and they begged Him to put His hand on him ... Immediately his ears were opened.
What a beautiful display of power and love. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be deaf. What would I miss the most? The chirping of the birds at the break of dawn? The words "I love you" spoken by a dear friend? Or the songs of praise lifted up to God when Christians gather?
While I can't imagine not being able to hear any of those beautiful sounds, I can say, with sadness, that I don't always listen to those things that I have the ability to hear. I don't always listen to the cries for help that come from those in need around me. And I don't always listen to God as He speaks to me.
Sometimes I am distracted. Sometimes there is other "noise" which makes it hard to listen. But sometimes I keep my hands firmly over my ears to avoid hearing.
With a need much like the deaf man in Mark 7, I come begging Jesus to "put his hand" on me and to open my ears that I may truly hear.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
SABRINA
Next week is a big week at Central. Operation Overboard, our Vacation Bible School begins. On Monday, June 25th, at 9:00 a.m. we will open the doors and our hearts to children 4 years - 5th grade.
One of my first remembrances of being aware of the church in my life was Vacation Bible School. I was probably about three years old, but I remember the excitement of that week. I remember making a cotton ball lamb and Mrs. Bagley was my teacher. Those memories still make me smile.
We invite you to bring your child to our church and help to make the important memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. One day they may stand and say that their first memory of the church was a special week at Vacation Bibles School, where they learned of God's love for them. For more information, visit our church website at www.cumcmdn.org.
Next week is a big week at Central. Operation Overboard, our Vacation Bible School begins. On Monday, June 25th, at 9:00 a.m. we will open the doors and our hearts to children 4 years - 5th grade.
One of my first remembrances of being aware of the church in my life was Vacation Bible School. I was probably about three years old, but I remember the excitement of that week. I remember making a cotton ball lamb and Mrs. Bagley was my teacher. Those memories still make me smile.
We invite you to bring your child to our church and help to make the important memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. One day they may stand and say that their first memory of the church was a special week at Vacation Bibles School, where they learned of God's love for them. For more information, visit our church website at www.cumcmdn.org.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
The Seven 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 Seven 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, June 14, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
SABRINA
Have you ever thought of how a choir best depicts how the body of Christ can work? A choir is made up of four different parts. There is the bass, tenor, alto, and soprano. With the exclusion of the soprano's, who usually sing melody, many of these parts, singing by themselves, may sound less than melodic, but when all parts sing together, beautiful music is made.
As Christians we sometimes forget that God gives us all different talents and gifts. God made each of us special, and no matter what age, we can use our gifts and talents TOGETHER to God's glory. Speaking of choirs and music, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us at 6:30 tonight at Central as we welcome, Wings for the Lord, a choir from St. Mark United Methodist Church in Seneca, SC. Wings for the Lord is made up of 60 teenagers and young adults who and will be touring the South over the next several weeks. Join us tonight at 6:30. I promise you will be blessed.
Have you ever thought of how a choir best depicts how the body of Christ can work? A choir is made up of four different parts. There is the bass, tenor, alto, and soprano. With the exclusion of the soprano's, who usually sing melody, many of these parts, singing by themselves, may sound less than melodic, but when all parts sing together, beautiful music is made.
As Christians we sometimes forget that God gives us all different talents and gifts. God made each of us special, and no matter what age, we can use our gifts and talents TOGETHER to God's glory. Speaking of choirs and music, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us at 6:30 tonight at Central as we welcome, Wings for the Lord, a choir from St. Mark United Methodist Church in Seneca, SC. Wings for the Lord is made up of 60 teenagers and young adults who and will be touring the South over the next several weeks. Join us tonight at 6:30. I promise you will be blessed.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. For the past year, we at Central have been blessed to have on our staff Rev. Wesley Pepper as pastor of Mission and Evangelism and his wife, Johanna, as our Pianist.
Recently, Wesley received his Master of Divinity degree, and in a few days he will leave Meridian to become the new pastor at Cooper's Chapel UMC near Quitman.
We will miss Wesley and his wife, Johanna, and we wish them well. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Rev. Owen Weddle to our staff at Central.
Owen will soon be moving to Meridian, and like Wesley Pepper, he will focus on helping Central share the good news of Jesus Christ in our community and helping us engage in mission with the community and the world.
You'll soon be seeing his face on Reflections and around our community. Join us in welcoming Owen Weddle to Central and to Meridian.
Make it a GREAT day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. For the past year, we at Central have been blessed to have on our staff Rev. Wesley Pepper as pastor of Mission and Evangelism and his wife, Johanna, as our Pianist.
Recently, Wesley received his Master of Divinity degree, and in a few days he will leave Meridian to become the new pastor at Cooper's Chapel UMC near Quitman.
We will miss Wesley and his wife, Johanna, and we wish them well. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Rev. Owen Weddle to our staff at Central.
Owen will soon be moving to Meridian, and like Wesley Pepper, he will focus on helping Central share the good news of Jesus Christ in our community and helping us engage in mission with the community and the world.
You'll soon be seeing his face on Reflections and around our community. Join us in welcoming Owen Weddle to Central and to Meridian.
Make it a GREAT day!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
BOB PEDEN
You can read about Namaan in the book of 2nd Kings. He was a successful general in the Syrian army. But Namaan had a terrible disease - Leprosy. Someone suggested the Hebrew prophet Elisha might be able to help him. So Namaan traveled for many miles to visit Elisha. When he arrived Elisha would not even come out a speak directly to him. He just sent a message to Namaan to wash himself 7 times in the Jordan river. Namaan was insulted. Common sense told him that if washing could heal him the many baths he had already taken would have helped, and besides the Jordan was filthy.
Nevertheless, he did what Elisha suggested and was instantly healed.
At times, I am like Namaan. God wants me to do what? He wants me to go where? That doesn't even make sense! At some point, we have to decide who is going to rule our lives. Will it be God? Or will it be common sense?
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church, I want to encourage you to trust God, even when He doesn't make sense.
You can read about Namaan in the book of 2nd Kings. He was a successful general in the Syrian army. But Namaan had a terrible disease - Leprosy. Someone suggested the Hebrew prophet Elisha might be able to help him. So Namaan traveled for many miles to visit Elisha. When he arrived Elisha would not even come out a speak directly to him. He just sent a message to Namaan to wash himself 7 times in the Jordan river. Namaan was insulted. Common sense told him that if washing could heal him the many baths he had already taken would have helped, and besides the Jordan was filthy.
Nevertheless, he did what Elisha suggested and was instantly healed.
At times, I am like Namaan. God wants me to do what? He wants me to go where? That doesn't even make sense! At some point, we have to decide who is going to rule our lives. Will it be God? Or will it be common sense?
This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church, I want to encourage you to trust God, even when He doesn't make sense.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
Someone once said, “If it's new, it isn't true, and if it's true, it isn't new.” We do need to be cautious in accepting new beliefs (especially in the spiritual area), measuring them all against the truths of God's word.
One idea that seems to work in this age of travel has to do with distribution of Bibles. The Belgian Bible Society has converted a vending machine from selling candy to distributing Bibles in various languages.
The machine, placed outside the society's office at a busy bus stop, was selling about one hundred copies of the books per month.
While this could never be the sole means of distributing the Bibles, it works well for people on the go in Brussels.
The means by which we present God's word may be flexible, but the message of God's saving grace is eternal.
Good Morning!
Someone once said, “If it's new, it isn't true, and if it's true, it isn't new.” We do need to be cautious in accepting new beliefs (especially in the spiritual area), measuring them all against the truths of God's word.
One idea that seems to work in this age of travel has to do with distribution of Bibles. The Belgian Bible Society has converted a vending machine from selling candy to distributing Bibles in various languages.
The machine, placed outside the society's office at a busy bus stop, was selling about one hundred copies of the books per month.
While this could never be the sole means of distributing the Bibles, it works well for people on the go in Brussels.
The means by which we present God's word may be flexible, but the message of God's saving grace is eternal.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Last month, one of the biggest banks in the country announced that it lost $2 BILLION in the first quarter of the year because of risky banking practices. This comes only 4 years after the most serious financial crisis in this nation in 80 years - a crisis caused in part by risky practices by large banks.
Why is it that people seem to repeat the SAME mistakes over and over again? Don't we ever learn?
Apparently not. The Bible tells us that when life is hard, we cry out to God and turn to Him. But when life gets good, we tend to FORGET God and live as if God doesn't exist.
Today, we are given a choice - to listen to God [and do what God wants us to do] or try to make it on our own.
I hope today I [and all of you] will listen for God's voice and walk with God.
Make it a GREAT day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Last month, one of the biggest banks in the country announced that it lost $2 BILLION in the first quarter of the year because of risky banking practices. This comes only 4 years after the most serious financial crisis in this nation in 80 years - a crisis caused in part by risky practices by large banks.
Why is it that people seem to repeat the SAME mistakes over and over again? Don't we ever learn?
Apparently not. The Bible tells us that when life is hard, we cry out to God and turn to Him. But when life gets good, we tend to FORGET God and live as if God doesn't exist.
Today, we are given a choice - to listen to God [and do what God wants us to do] or try to make it on our own.
I hope today I [and all of you] will listen for God's voice and walk with God.
Make it a GREAT day!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 012
JIM CAIN
GOOD MORNING!
One night, a group of thieves broke into a jewelry store downtown. But rather than steal anything they simply switched all the price tags. The next day, no one could tell what was valuable and what was cheap. The expensive jewels had suddenly become cheap, and the costume jewelry, which had been virtually worthless before, was suddenly of great value.
Customers who thought they were purchasing valuable gems were getting worthless fakes. Those who couldn't afford the higher priced items were leaving the store with valuable treasures.
In our world today it seems someone came in and switched all the price tags. It's hard to tell what is of value and what is not.
Great value is given to the accumulation of material wealth and the power that goes with it. But Jesus said those things are virtually worthless.
Take a personal inventory today and see what you place the value of your life in!
GOOD MORNING!
One night, a group of thieves broke into a jewelry store downtown. But rather than steal anything they simply switched all the price tags. The next day, no one could tell what was valuable and what was cheap. The expensive jewels had suddenly become cheap, and the costume jewelry, which had been virtually worthless before, was suddenly of great value.
Customers who thought they were purchasing valuable gems were getting worthless fakes. Those who couldn't afford the higher priced items were leaving the store with valuable treasures.
In our world today it seems someone came in and switched all the price tags. It's hard to tell what is of value and what is not.
Great value is given to the accumulation of material wealth and the power that goes with it. But Jesus said those things are virtually worthless.
Take a personal inventory today and see what you place the value of your life in!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
SABRINA
I struggle with always looking at the big picture and then getting overwhelmed at the many tasks ahead. I do this at work and at home. I just cannot seem to find the time to organize and clean; and when I do, it seems that I find myself often just moving things around. A friend gave me this tip, which I now try and implement. Only touch it once. When I pick up something, I am to decide whether it goes in the trash, or if I keep it, I am to put it in its proper place at that moment. When I first tried this, I found that I had the tendency to pick up the same things over and over again.
How many times are we like that with our heartbreaks and concerns? We turn them over to God only to go back and pick them up again and again, never fully realizing that we have placed them in God's hands. I encourage you to try this technique both in your home and in your heart. Only touch it once. Your house will be cleaner and your life more at peace.
I struggle with always looking at the big picture and then getting overwhelmed at the many tasks ahead. I do this at work and at home. I just cannot seem to find the time to organize and clean; and when I do, it seems that I find myself often just moving things around. A friend gave me this tip, which I now try and implement. Only touch it once. When I pick up something, I am to decide whether it goes in the trash, or if I keep it, I am to put it in its proper place at that moment. When I first tried this, I found that I had the tendency to pick up the same things over and over again.
How many times are we like that with our heartbreaks and concerns? We turn them over to God only to go back and pick them up again and again, never fully realizing that we have placed them in God's hands. I encourage you to try this technique both in your home and in your heart. Only touch it once. Your house will be cleaner and your life more at peace.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
Here's a question to consider: How do I maintain my faith in God when God feels so distant? The answer: God is real, no matter how I feel.
Relationships are often tested by separation and silence. In my relationship with God I don't always feel close to God. But, I always praise and worship God in spite of the pain, thanking God during trial, trusting God when tempted, and loving God when he seems distant.
Philip Yancey states: Any relationship involves times of closeness and times of distance and in a relationship with God, no matter how intimate, the pendulum will swing from one side to the other.
God says, in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”
Good Morning!
Here's a question to consider: How do I maintain my faith in God when God feels so distant? The answer: God is real, no matter how I feel.
Relationships are often tested by separation and silence. In my relationship with God I don't always feel close to God. But, I always praise and worship God in spite of the pain, thanking God during trial, trusting God when tempted, and loving God when he seems distant.
Philip Yancey states: Any relationship involves times of closeness and times of distance and in a relationship with God, no matter how intimate, the pendulum will swing from one side to the other.
God says, in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”
Monday, June 4, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning:
How about a little Bible trivia this morning? Did you know that both the shortest chapter and the longest chapter in the Bible are found in the book of Psalms? The book of Psalms itself is in the center of the Bible.
The very center of the Bible is Psalms 118, verse 8. This verse tells us specifically what God's perfect will is for our lives. It says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
” So, if you want to know what God's will is for you, and you want to be in the center of God's will, go to the Center of the Bible: Psalms 118:8. Simply stated, “Trust God!”
Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
How about a little Bible trivia this morning? Did you know that both the shortest chapter and the longest chapter in the Bible are found in the book of Psalms? The book of Psalms itself is in the center of the Bible.
The very center of the Bible is Psalms 118, verse 8. This verse tells us specifically what God's perfect will is for our lives. It says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
” So, if you want to know what God's will is for you, and you want to be in the center of God's will, go to the Center of the Bible: Psalms 118:8. Simply stated, “Trust God!”
Have a wonderful day!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
SABRINA WILLIAMS
A friend of mine has a magnet on her refrigerator that states “Raising teenagers is like trying to nail jello to a tree.” For anyone who is raising or has raised teenagers, that statement speaks volumes of truth. Parenthood in general can make you feel that way. You often feel that no matter what you do, how hard you try, it s all in vain. God, however, does allow small windows of hope to shine through. Sometimes, for only a second, you catch a glimpse of the possibilities of that miracle that was bestowed upon you and you get your second wind and trudge forward. When you think of the miracle of life from birth to adulthood, it takes your breath away. Children are a gift from God. From the moment they are born, they begin the journey of learning to be independent. Will they make mistakes? Did you? Begin each day by committing those children near and dear to you to God. It will make both their journey and yours easier. Love them, cherish them, and thank God for them!
A friend of mine has a magnet on her refrigerator that states “Raising teenagers is like trying to nail jello to a tree.” For anyone who is raising or has raised teenagers, that statement speaks volumes of truth. Parenthood in general can make you feel that way. You often feel that no matter what you do, how hard you try, it s all in vain. God, however, does allow small windows of hope to shine through. Sometimes, for only a second, you catch a glimpse of the possibilities of that miracle that was bestowed upon you and you get your second wind and trudge forward. When you think of the miracle of life from birth to adulthood, it takes your breath away. Children are a gift from God. From the moment they are born, they begin the journey of learning to be independent. Will they make mistakes? Did you? Begin each day by committing those children near and dear to you to God. It will make both their journey and yours easier. Love them, cherish them, and thank God for them!
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