BOB RAMBO
Hi! I’m Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
During the month of October, we’re offering a new series of messages at Central we’re calling “TOTALLY COMMITTED.” For four consecutive Sundays, we’ll explore what it means to be totally committed to God in our lives. If you don’t have a place where you regularly worship, I invite you to join us at Central during October.
Also, on Sunday, October 7th, at 4:00 in the afternoon, we’ll be hosting a “Blessing of the Animals” in our parking lot on 23rd Avenue. Animals are one of God’s good gifts; we invite you to bring your pet that day, and we’ll give thanks with you for God’s gift. We also invite you that day to bring a donation of pet food, pet supplies, or money for EAST MISSISSIPPI ANIMAL RESCUE.
Make it a great day!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
Paul says in Ephesians: “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Saints.” Today starts a week of prayer for Christian Unity.
A young man had been wandering around the country for eight years without contacting his parents. After accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, he decided to call them. His mother said to him, “My dear son, you must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to heaven. Your father always prayed, “Lord, please save my poor wandering son.”
If you believe in the power of prayer, as I do, then pray this week for Christians all over the world. Pray that we would love, accept, and support one another. Pray that each of us would be guided by the Holy Spirit to be all that God has called and created us to be. I am praying for you!
Good Morning!
Paul says in Ephesians: “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Saints.” Today starts a week of prayer for Christian Unity.
A young man had been wandering around the country for eight years without contacting his parents. After accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, he decided to call them. His mother said to him, “My dear son, you must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to heaven. Your father always prayed, “Lord, please save my poor wandering son.”
If you believe in the power of prayer, as I do, then pray this week for Christians all over the world. Pray that we would love, accept, and support one another. Pray that each of us would be guided by the Holy Spirit to be all that God has called and created us to be. I am praying for you!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
SABRINA
When NFL running back, Arian Foster, recently signed a five year contract to the tune of more than 20 million dollars, he was interviewed concerning his success and about his early years when his mother sold her wedding band so he and his siblings would have food.
He was questioned about the prior year when his contract was a fraction of his teammates. His reply: "when you start comparing yourself to another man’s mirror, that is when negative thought begin to creep in. My journey isn't anybody else's journey."
How often do we measure our life and success by that of our neighbors or other family members? In today's world where success is measured in dollars and possessions, we often forget we are made "in the image of God." God knew us before our image was even yet formed. That should serve as a reminder to each of us of the importance and significance of OUR journey. Go today seeing yourself in God's mirror. Your journey is important. God thinks so...have a blessed day!
When NFL running back, Arian Foster, recently signed a five year contract to the tune of more than 20 million dollars, he was interviewed concerning his success and about his early years when his mother sold her wedding band so he and his siblings would have food.
He was questioned about the prior year when his contract was a fraction of his teammates. His reply: "when you start comparing yourself to another man’s mirror, that is when negative thought begin to creep in. My journey isn't anybody else's journey."
How often do we measure our life and success by that of our neighbors or other family members? In today's world where success is measured in dollars and possessions, we often forget we are made "in the image of God." God knew us before our image was even yet formed. That should serve as a reminder to each of us of the importance and significance of OUR journey. Go today seeing yourself in God's mirror. Your journey is important. God thinks so...have a blessed day!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
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.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
BOB PEDEN
We normally think of baggage as bad stuff… stuff that weighs us down and gets in our way. And while it's true that most of us have negative baggage, there is another kind of baggage that gets in our way as well: good baggage!
Good baggage is the stuff that we use to make us feel better about ourselves, stuff that makes us feel superior to others and gives us a sense of importance and identity. Good baggage can be degrees we've completed, cars we drive, neighborhoods where we live, the people who are our friends, the size of our bank accounts, where we vacation, or buildings with our names on them.
None of it gets us to God and to life that truly matters and to life that lasts in the face of death and decay. To gain that, we must give it all up build our lives on the truth that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. All that baggage is just holding you back.
We normally think of baggage as bad stuff… stuff that weighs us down and gets in our way. And while it's true that most of us have negative baggage, there is another kind of baggage that gets in our way as well: good baggage!
Good baggage is the stuff that we use to make us feel better about ourselves, stuff that makes us feel superior to others and gives us a sense of importance and identity. Good baggage can be degrees we've completed, cars we drive, neighborhoods where we live, the people who are our friends, the size of our bank accounts, where we vacation, or buildings with our names on them.
None of it gets us to God and to life that truly matters and to life that lasts in the face of death and decay. To gain that, we must give it all up build our lives on the truth that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. All that baggage is just holding you back.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning: If my Mother were still living, I would be wishing her a Happy Birthday today. Instead, today is a day of remembering. It's not a sad day, because 1. I know where she is and 2. in remembering, I focus on all the positive things I learned from my Mother. She was very religious. She made sure we were in the church every time the doors opened. It used to drive me crazy!! Guess what!? That was one of the first things I did when our first child was born.
George and I didn't always get up and go to church, but when that first child came along, things changed. We got up on Sunday mornings and began to raise our children in the church. My Mom loved two things more than anything else: God and her family. That was something else I got from her. There are many other things I inherited from my Godly Mom, but nothing is more important than the Love of God and the Love of Family. That doesn't mean I never had problems, but it does mean that with God as the Center of my family, life surely is a lot easier.
Is God the Center of your family? I hope so. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: If my Mother were still living, I would be wishing her a Happy Birthday today. Instead, today is a day of remembering. It's not a sad day, because 1. I know where she is and 2. in remembering, I focus on all the positive things I learned from my Mother. She was very religious. She made sure we were in the church every time the doors opened. It used to drive me crazy!! Guess what!? That was one of the first things I did when our first child was born.
George and I didn't always get up and go to church, but when that first child came along, things changed. We got up on Sunday mornings and began to raise our children in the church. My Mom loved two things more than anything else: God and her family. That was something else I got from her. There are many other things I inherited from my Godly Mom, but nothing is more important than the Love of God and the Love of Family. That doesn't mean I never had problems, but it does mean that with God as the Center of my family, life surely is a lot easier.
Is God the Center of your family? I hope so. Have a wonderful day!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central.
Why is it that Christians go to church? Some might say it is to worship. And there is some truth to that. But people can worship in private. There is a much deeper reason why going to church is essential. Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “Let us think how to stimulate each other to love and good works. Do not neglect to meet together as some habitually do. Instead, encourage each other, even more so as you see the Day approaching.” Going to church is about encouraging and lifting each other up.
It can be hard to care for others when our jobs can put strenuous demands on us and we see all the evil in the news. We can't love by ourselves, but we need each other to love others. The hope is in going to church, we come to be encouraged.
While this is not the case at all places, unfortunately, there are many congregations that do encourage each other. If you don't have a church home or have been burned by churches, I encourage you to come to Central at either 8:30 or 10:55 on Sunday mornings.
May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central.
Why is it that Christians go to church? Some might say it is to worship. And there is some truth to that. But people can worship in private. There is a much deeper reason why going to church is essential. Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “Let us think how to stimulate each other to love and good works. Do not neglect to meet together as some habitually do. Instead, encourage each other, even more so as you see the Day approaching.” Going to church is about encouraging and lifting each other up.
It can be hard to care for others when our jobs can put strenuous demands on us and we see all the evil in the news. We can't love by ourselves, but we need each other to love others. The hope is in going to church, we come to be encouraged.
While this is not the case at all places, unfortunately, there are many congregations that do encourage each other. If you don't have a church home or have been burned by churches, I encourage you to come to Central at either 8:30 or 10:55 on Sunday mornings.
May God bless you!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
JIMMY CARLE
Good morning. This year, more than any other year, I’ve spent a lot of time wondering…. Exactly what is my purpose here in this world. You see, on January 29th, my wife’s heart stopped beating without warning while attending church. It took just over 1 hour, but a heartbeat was miraculously established again. This was only the beginning of a 26- day process to her amazing recovery.
Doctors cannot explain why this happened. No medical conclusion could be drawn. It is their belief that it was an act of God. I would have to agree. I believe it was a plan to draw everyone together. A plan to draw us closer to family, closer to friends, closer to church, and most importantly, closer to God. So, what is God’s plan for you? Are you searching for His answer? Are you listening to what He is trying to tell you? Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Good morning. This year, more than any other year, I’ve spent a lot of time wondering…. Exactly what is my purpose here in this world. You see, on January 29th, my wife’s heart stopped beating without warning while attending church. It took just over 1 hour, but a heartbeat was miraculously established again. This was only the beginning of a 26- day process to her amazing recovery.
Doctors cannot explain why this happened. No medical conclusion could be drawn. It is their belief that it was an act of God. I would have to agree. I believe it was a plan to draw everyone together. A plan to draw us closer to family, closer to friends, closer to church, and most importantly, closer to God. So, what is God’s plan for you? Are you searching for His answer? Are you listening to what He is trying to tell you? Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
SABRINA
Good morning!
Philippians 4:6 &7
states. “Do not worry
about anything, but in
everything by prayer
and supplication with
thanksgiving let your
requests be made
known to God. And
the peace of God
which surpasses all
understanding, will
guard your hearts
and minds in Christ
Jesus.
Anxiety and
worry. The kind of worry that saps your life of energy. It is easy to allow
ourselves to spend so much time worrying that we forget to focus on the answer to our worry...our
relationship with God.
Throughout the
scriptures God addresses our worries and fears. When God sent angels to both Mary and the shepherds, he began with “Do not be afraid.”Jesus told His disciples “do not worry about your
life, what you will eat,
or what you will wear.” We spend valuable time worrying about things that will never happen. When hard times do come, no amount of worry will change them...that is when God carries us through.
So today...turn your worries over to your God and have a blessed day!
Good morning!
Philippians 4:6 &7
states. “Do not worry
about anything, but in
everything by prayer
and supplication with
thanksgiving let your
requests be made
known to God. And
the peace of God
which surpasses all
understanding, will
guard your hearts
and minds in Christ
Jesus.
Anxiety and
worry. The kind of worry that saps your life of energy. It is easy to allow
ourselves to spend so much time worrying that we forget to focus on the answer to our worry...our
relationship with God.
Throughout the
scriptures God addresses our worries and fears. When God sent angels to both Mary and the shepherds, he began with “Do not be afraid.”Jesus told His disciples “do not worry about your
life, what you will eat,
or what you will wear.” We spend valuable time worrying about things that will never happen. When hard times do come, no amount of worry will change them...that is when God carries us through.
So today...turn your worries over to your God and have a blessed day!
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
JIM CAIN
Good Morning!
The other day when I was driving home from work listening to the news, a report came on about a mail carrier delivering mail on his route when a small, but loud barking dog proceeded to rush at him with visions of a leg sandwich. Before he knew it, the mail man had scooped the dog up by his back leg and threw him over a short fence into his owner’s back yard. Of course, the focus of the story was the lawsuit filed by the dog’s owner for abuse.
Now I don’t condone cruelty of any kind; animal or human, but I do see an interesting application to this story.
The devil has a lot of believers running scared as he barks and snarls out his threats when the Word plainly states that when we resist him, he will flee. The word flee means to “run in terror.” Why not start the week off right by putting the devil on the run today!
Good Morning!
The other day when I was driving home from work listening to the news, a report came on about a mail carrier delivering mail on his route when a small, but loud barking dog proceeded to rush at him with visions of a leg sandwich. Before he knew it, the mail man had scooped the dog up by his back leg and threw him over a short fence into his owner’s back yard. Of course, the focus of the story was the lawsuit filed by the dog’s owner for abuse.
Now I don’t condone cruelty of any kind; animal or human, but I do see an interesting application to this story.
The devil has a lot of believers running scared as he barks and snarls out his threats when the Word plainly states that when we resist him, he will flee. The word flee means to “run in terror.” Why not start the week off right by putting the devil on the run today!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
ASHLEY WREN
Hi, my name is Ashley Wren, and my family and I are members of Central United Methodist Church.
It seems that within our society today, schedules for both adults and children continue to be more demanding and hectic each year. With school, sports, dance, homework, and countless other extracurricular activities now underway, our afternoons and evenings are not as calm as they were throughout the summer months. Priorities begin to shift, and often family meals are on-the-go or in front of the TV. Although it will take planning and careful consideration, I encourage you and your family to try to sit down together for a meal at least two to three times per week. Sitting down together to eat with the TV, games, and cell phones off will encourage conversation and stability for the family. My family starts with a prayer, and then we each share our high points and low points of our day. Whether we are only able to schedule once a week or several times, it's something we all look forward to.
I encourage your family to try it this week, and try coming to Central this Sunday!!
Hi, my name is Ashley Wren, and my family and I are members of Central United Methodist Church.
It seems that within our society today, schedules for both adults and children continue to be more demanding and hectic each year. With school, sports, dance, homework, and countless other extracurricular activities now underway, our afternoons and evenings are not as calm as they were throughout the summer months. Priorities begin to shift, and often family meals are on-the-go or in front of the TV. Although it will take planning and careful consideration, I encourage you and your family to try to sit down together for a meal at least two to three times per week. Sitting down together to eat with the TV, games, and cell phones off will encourage conversation and stability for the family. My family starts with a prayer, and then we each share our high points and low points of our day. Whether we are only able to schedule once a week or several times, it's something we all look forward to.
I encourage your family to try it this week, and try coming to Central this Sunday!!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
OWEN WEDDLE
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Daily we are barraged with news from overseas and even within our country. The stories range from economic exploitation to racism. Or, maybe we aren't scared of anyone in particular; we are simply scared that we cannot find a job or won't keep our job with the way the economy has been. All of these things can be incredibly intimidating for many people.
The people of Israel were in similar circumstances to the news we hear. They endured a harsh slavery to the King of Egypt, Pharaoh. They cried out in agony over the injustice, but there seem to be no solution in sight. But then, with little advance notice, God raised up Moses and lead the Israelites out of bondage.
The abused, the forgotten, and the exploited are close to the heart of God. King David sings in Psalm 9, “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Remember that in tumultuous times, even if there is a delay, God is coming at the right time to protect you.
May God bless you throughout this day!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Daily we are barraged with news from overseas and even within our country. The stories range from economic exploitation to racism. Or, maybe we aren't scared of anyone in particular; we are simply scared that we cannot find a job or won't keep our job with the way the economy has been. All of these things can be incredibly intimidating for many people.
The people of Israel were in similar circumstances to the news we hear. They endured a harsh slavery to the King of Egypt, Pharaoh. They cried out in agony over the injustice, but there seem to be no solution in sight. But then, with little advance notice, God raised up Moses and lead the Israelites out of bondage.
The abused, the forgotten, and the exploited are close to the heart of God. King David sings in Psalm 9, “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Remember that in tumultuous times, even if there is a delay, God is coming at the right time to protect you.
May God bless you throughout this day!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Have you ever had these thoughts? I'm not perfect. I have all kinds of problems. I have no ability. I have no gifts. I'm just not worthy. Why would God want me?
Well, did you know that Moses stuttered and he was a murderer; Jacob was a liar; David had an affair; Abraham was old; Timothy was young; Jonah ran from God; Miriam was a gossip; Gideon and Thomas both doubted; Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal; Martha was a worry-wart; and Noah got drunk. The list goes on and on. But God loved them and used them anyway. He knows who we are and what we are and loves us in spite of ourselves. Satan says, “You're not worthy.” Jesus says, “So what? I am.”
No, we're not perfect, but God loves us no matter who we are, where we've been, or what we have done. Isn't that amazing? Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning:
Have you ever had these thoughts? I'm not perfect. I have all kinds of problems. I have no ability. I have no gifts. I'm just not worthy. Why would God want me?
Well, did you know that Moses stuttered and he was a murderer; Jacob was a liar; David had an affair; Abraham was old; Timothy was young; Jonah ran from God; Miriam was a gossip; Gideon and Thomas both doubted; Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal; Martha was a worry-wart; and Noah got drunk. The list goes on and on. But God loved them and used them anyway. He knows who we are and what we are and loves us in spite of ourselves. Satan says, “You're not worthy.” Jesus says, “So what? I am.”
No, we're not perfect, but God loves us no matter who we are, where we've been, or what we have done. Isn't that amazing? Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
Our former Bishop, Jack Meadors, went to visit a lady who was celebrating her 103rd birthday. After wishing her a happy birthday, he asked how she was doing. With a deep sigh, she said, “Well, I can finally rest now.” “Why do you say that,” he asked. She said, “Well, I finally got all my kids settled into nursing homes.”
We find these words in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” How does Christ give rest? He offers transfer of yokes. Whatever your problems, share them and give them to Christ. The result is rest. With each turning toward Christ, the weary finds peace of soul. Not idleness of hands or spirit, but peace, the deep calming of one's heart.
Good Morning!
Our former Bishop, Jack Meadors, went to visit a lady who was celebrating her 103rd birthday. After wishing her a happy birthday, he asked how she was doing. With a deep sigh, she said, “Well, I can finally rest now.” “Why do you say that,” he asked. She said, “Well, I finally got all my kids settled into nursing homes.”
We find these words in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” How does Christ give rest? He offers transfer of yokes. Whatever your problems, share them and give them to Christ. The result is rest. With each turning toward Christ, the weary finds peace of soul. Not idleness of hands or spirit, but peace, the deep calming of one's heart.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
RYAN BUTLER
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 it tell us to pray at all times. At it's very best prayer is a conversation between us and God. Conversation requires talking and listening. As we talk to Jesus we also learn to be still and listen as it states in Psalms 46:10. We can picture the gentleness in his eyes and the smile full of love as he gazes on us. We can be totally honest with Jesus as we tell him of our worries and our cares. We can open up our hearts to him as we tell him of our fears and our doubts. We can ask him to help us to place ourselves fully in his care, to abandon ourselves to him, knowing that he always wants what is best for us. This is Ryan Butler of Central United Methodist Church. God wants to be in conversation with you. Will you spend a few minutes today telling him about your life, your hopes, and your needs, and more importantly listening to him tell you of His plans and His dreams for you? Take time for prayer today.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 it tell us to pray at all times. At it's very best prayer is a conversation between us and God. Conversation requires talking and listening. As we talk to Jesus we also learn to be still and listen as it states in Psalms 46:10. We can picture the gentleness in his eyes and the smile full of love as he gazes on us. We can be totally honest with Jesus as we tell him of our worries and our cares. We can open up our hearts to him as we tell him of our fears and our doubts. We can ask him to help us to place ourselves fully in his care, to abandon ourselves to him, knowing that he always wants what is best for us. This is Ryan Butler of Central United Methodist Church. God wants to be in conversation with you. Will you spend a few minutes today telling him about your life, your hopes, and your needs, and more importantly listening to him tell you of His plans and His dreams for you? Take time for prayer today.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
GLENDA
Do you know what this is? It's my Daddy's deer horn. He used it to train his dogs to come to him after a deer hunt. He was known for having the best deer hounds in the Mississippi Delta, and never lost a dog in the woods due to his good training. Those dogs were pampered, loved, and trained to obey all his commands.
This may sound funny, but my Dad raised us kids in much the same way. He showed us extreme love, pampered and spoiled us, and here's the best part…he made sure we were brought up in the church and trained in the teachings of God and Christ Jesus. He never knew this, but his love and training kept me out of a lot of trouble. When I found myself in a tough spot growing up, it was almost as if I could hear my Daddy blowing his deer horn for me to come back. Technically, it wasn't the deer horn, it was his amazing influence on me that made me remember what was expected of me. I saw God in my Dad every single day.
Can your children see God in you? Think about that and have a wonderful day.
Do you know what this is? It's my Daddy's deer horn. He used it to train his dogs to come to him after a deer hunt. He was known for having the best deer hounds in the Mississippi Delta, and never lost a dog in the woods due to his good training. Those dogs were pampered, loved, and trained to obey all his commands.
This may sound funny, but my Dad raised us kids in much the same way. He showed us extreme love, pampered and spoiled us, and here's the best part…he made sure we were brought up in the church and trained in the teachings of God and Christ Jesus. He never knew this, but his love and training kept me out of a lot of trouble. When I found myself in a tough spot growing up, it was almost as if I could hear my Daddy blowing his deer horn for me to come back. Technically, it wasn't the deer horn, it was his amazing influence on me that made me remember what was expected of me. I saw God in my Dad every single day.
Can your children see God in you? Think about that and have a wonderful day.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
MARY WHITTLE
Good Morning!
Three friends die in a car accident and they go to an orientation in heaven. They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and family are talking about you, what would you like them to say?
The first guy says,” I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time and a great family man."
The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher, which made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow."
The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say ... Look, He's Moving!”
How is your life? Do you feel like one of the living dead just barely getting by or are you “moving”? I don't mean just going through the motions day after day, but really moving, getting the most out of life that you can.
If this is you, let me encourage you to get the most out of life that you can. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Don't know where to start? Join us this Sunday at Central UMC as we work together on this thing called life!
Good Morning!
Three friends die in a car accident and they go to an orientation in heaven. They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and family are talking about you, what would you like them to say?
The first guy says,” I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time and a great family man."
The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher, which made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow."
The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say ... Look, He's Moving!”
How is your life? Do you feel like one of the living dead just barely getting by or are you “moving”? I don't mean just going through the motions day after day, but really moving, getting the most out of life that you can.
If this is you, let me encourage you to get the most out of life that you can. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Don't know where to start? Join us this Sunday at Central UMC as we work together on this thing called life!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
OWEN WEDDLE
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Have you ever been around someone with an infectious smile, and you just can't help but smile back yourself? This reminds me of a Liberty Mutual commercial a few years ago where someone would do a good deed for someone else, and then the person who had been helped would turn around and help someone else. This chain continues on and on. It is almost like a contagious cold that spreads with contact; but instead of us getting sick, it brings joy.
The Apostle John reinforces that wisdom in telling us that we love one another, because God first loved us. God loved us by saving us from our sins, and in America, by blessing us with great prosperity. When we turn around and give and help others in need as God has given to and helped us, we bring joy in hearts of people in the midst of darkness. And they might just do the same for someone else. Compassion is contagious!
May God bless you throughout this day!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Have you ever been around someone with an infectious smile, and you just can't help but smile back yourself? This reminds me of a Liberty Mutual commercial a few years ago where someone would do a good deed for someone else, and then the person who had been helped would turn around and help someone else. This chain continues on and on. It is almost like a contagious cold that spreads with contact; but instead of us getting sick, it brings joy.
The Apostle John reinforces that wisdom in telling us that we love one another, because God first loved us. God loved us by saving us from our sins, and in America, by blessing us with great prosperity. When we turn around and give and help others in need as God has given to and helped us, we bring joy in hearts of people in the midst of darkness. And they might just do the same for someone else. Compassion is contagious!
May God bless you throughout this day!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
DOUG & MADDIE KENNEDY
Good morning. "Faith is the bird that sings, while it is still dark, in anticipation of the dawn." I am not sure where I first heard this or even who first said it, but this quote has stuck in my heart. Faith is the tenacity that believes when believing isn't easy and circumstances are hard.
Unfortunately, we often approach faith as something fully accomplished and mature or it is not true faith. We ask ourselves, "How can I believe when I still have some doubts?"
Yet in the real world in which Jesus lived, faith was challenging, hard, dangerous, and always in process.
This is Doug and Maddie Kennedy of Central United Methodist Church.
Lord, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! This is the struggle of real world faith -- faith that admits to some doubts, but hopes in the powerful grace of God, notices the incredible love of Jesus, and has tasted the presence of God's Spirit. I pray for that kind of faith for me and for you.
Good morning. "Faith is the bird that sings, while it is still dark, in anticipation of the dawn." I am not sure where I first heard this or even who first said it, but this quote has stuck in my heart. Faith is the tenacity that believes when believing isn't easy and circumstances are hard.
Unfortunately, we often approach faith as something fully accomplished and mature or it is not true faith. We ask ourselves, "How can I believe when I still have some doubts?"
Yet in the real world in which Jesus lived, faith was challenging, hard, dangerous, and always in process.
This is Doug and Maddie Kennedy of Central United Methodist Church.
Lord, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! This is the struggle of real world faith -- faith that admits to some doubts, but hopes in the powerful grace of God, notices the incredible love of Jesus, and has tasted the presence of God's Spirit. I pray for that kind of faith for me and for you.
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