BOB RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
Today is the solemn day Christians observe as Good Friday. On this day we remember Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Today at Central, we offer a 3-hour worship event that begins at noon in our Sanctuary. You can stay for ALL of it or PART of it. Whatever you're able to do, we'd love to have you join us.
And this Sunday is EASTER - the day we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We'll offer 3 worship services that morning at Central:
at 8:30 in our 2nd floor Fellowship Hall
at 9:45, also in our Fellowship Hall
at 10:55 in our Sanctuary
If you are alone, or if you have a family - if you don't have a place to spend Easter morning, join us at Central.
We'd love to worship and celebrate this day together with you.
Make it a GREAT day!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
Tomorrow afternoon at Central, we will be hosting a three-hour Good Friday Observance service that we would love for you to attend. Pastors from across the community will be there as we remember the death of Jesus on the cross at Calvary and God's great love for all of us. This service starts at noon and continues until 3 PM. The service will be divided into 7 25-minute sessions, with prayer, music, and a message for about 12 minutes from different clergy. Each message will select one of the final words of Jesus on the cross. You are not expected to attend the entire three hours. You will have an opportunity between each service to enter or leave as you please.
We also invite you to our Easter services on Sunday at Central as we celebrate the new life Jesus had from the grave! We will have three services at 8:30, 9:45, and 10:55!
Come join us as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! We would love to see you!
May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
Tomorrow afternoon at Central, we will be hosting a three-hour Good Friday Observance service that we would love for you to attend. Pastors from across the community will be there as we remember the death of Jesus on the cross at Calvary and God's great love for all of us. This service starts at noon and continues until 3 PM. The service will be divided into 7 25-minute sessions, with prayer, music, and a message for about 12 minutes from different clergy. Each message will select one of the final words of Jesus on the cross. You are not expected to attend the entire three hours. You will have an opportunity between each service to enter or leave as you please.
We also invite you to our Easter services on Sunday at Central as we celebrate the new life Jesus had from the grave! We will have three services at 8:30, 9:45, and 10:55!
Come join us as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! We would love to see you!
May God bless you!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
JIM CAIN
Good Morning!
For years my cousin, Nell, battled cancer. In her final days, her husband, and two stepchildren were in and out of her room, spending time with her sharing what little time they had left together. In one of the rare moments that Nell was alone, she slipped into eternity. After the family realized that she was gone, her young stepdaughter sweetly remarked, “Momma Nell snuck out.” One moment the Lord was with Nell here on earth; the next moment Nell's spirit was with the Lord in heaven.
Psalm 16 was a favorite Psalm of Nell's that she had requested to be read at her service. Nell agreed with the psalmist David who said that there was no treasure more valuable than a personal relationship with God. With the Lord as his refuge, King David also knew that the grave does not rob believers of life. He said, “You will not leave my soul in the grave”.
Neither Nell nor anyone else who knows Jesus as Savior will be abandoned in death. Because of Jesus' own death and resurrection, we too will rise one day and find that “at God's right hand are pleasures forevermore”
Good Morning!
For years my cousin, Nell, battled cancer. In her final days, her husband, and two stepchildren were in and out of her room, spending time with her sharing what little time they had left together. In one of the rare moments that Nell was alone, she slipped into eternity. After the family realized that she was gone, her young stepdaughter sweetly remarked, “Momma Nell snuck out.” One moment the Lord was with Nell here on earth; the next moment Nell's spirit was with the Lord in heaven.
Psalm 16 was a favorite Psalm of Nell's that she had requested to be read at her service. Nell agreed with the psalmist David who said that there was no treasure more valuable than a personal relationship with God. With the Lord as his refuge, King David also knew that the grave does not rob believers of life. He said, “You will not leave my soul in the grave”.
Neither Nell nor anyone else who knows Jesus as Savior will be abandoned in death. Because of Jesus' own death and resurrection, we too will rise one day and find that “at God's right hand are pleasures forevermore”
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
RAY DURDEN
1 Corinthians 13:4 states "love does not envy"
When we have love welling up within us, we do not look at what others have. When we have love, we only look up to God and look within to God. With love within us, we are always satisfied with what we have, because we are always full of thanksgiving.
In love, hearts overflow rather than being in a state of want or need. Love blesses others and relishes in the prosperity of others. Love bubbles up out of our heart and love pushes us to inspire others and to lift them up regardless of their state in life.
When we are continually giving, we have no need or passion to take from others. Love fills the craving for material things and love helps us to make do with what we have. Love does not crave. Love overrides all of the desires tempting us from the darkness.
1 Corinthians 13:4 states "love does not envy"
When we have love welling up within us, we do not look at what others have. When we have love, we only look up to God and look within to God. With love within us, we are always satisfied with what we have, because we are always full of thanksgiving.
In love, hearts overflow rather than being in a state of want or need. Love blesses others and relishes in the prosperity of others. Love bubbles up out of our heart and love pushes us to inspire others and to lift them up regardless of their state in life.
When we are continually giving, we have no need or passion to take from others. Love fills the craving for material things and love helps us to make do with what we have. Love does not crave. Love overrides all of the desires tempting us from the darkness.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
SABRINA
Do you believe past mistakes have disqualified you from the opportunity of a good and happy life? If anyone could have thought that, it would have been the Apostle Peter. He's a perfect example of someone who blew it, but just like with each of us, God restored him.
Peter thought he was disqualified, after denying the Lord three times. How would you feel if in their greatest hour of need, you deserted your best friend? That is exactly how Peter must have felt. And that's why the angel, in Mark Chapter 16, after the resurrection of Jesus said, “go, tell His disciples -AND Peter- that Jesus is going before you…”
Today, no matter what you may have done, whatever you think disqualifies you from receiving God's love and forgiveness, the God who forgave Peter, forgives us all.
What wonderful peace in the knowledge that our past is just that - our past, not our present, and certainly not our future, all because of Easter morning over 2000 years ago.
Do you believe past mistakes have disqualified you from the opportunity of a good and happy life? If anyone could have thought that, it would have been the Apostle Peter. He's a perfect example of someone who blew it, but just like with each of us, God restored him.
Peter thought he was disqualified, after denying the Lord three times. How would you feel if in their greatest hour of need, you deserted your best friend? That is exactly how Peter must have felt. And that's why the angel, in Mark Chapter 16, after the resurrection of Jesus said, “go, tell His disciples -AND Peter- that Jesus is going before you…”
Today, no matter what you may have done, whatever you think disqualifies you from receiving God's love and forgiveness, the God who forgave Peter, forgives us all.
What wonderful peace in the knowledge that our past is just that - our past, not our present, and certainly not our future, all because of Easter morning over 2000 years ago.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
Owen Weddle
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
Tomorrow morning starting at 8 o'clock, runners and walkers from around the Meridian area will be racing at Central's Missions: Possible 5K race. People of all ages and athletics ability will be welcomed. We will be hosting a 5K run, a 2 mile walk, and a 1 mile fun run, so there are options for everyone. If you have not already registered, I would like to invite you to come by the church today or tomorrow to sign up. Registration will be open till 7:45 AM tomorrow. The 5K run and 2 mile walk cost $25 to register, and the 1 mile fun run costs $15. The fee includes a race t-shirt.
At Central, we believe God has given us a mission, and the mission includes supporting Meridian. As a result, proceeds from the race are going to support the great work of the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi here in Meridian.
This will be a chance for you to have some fun, get some exercise, visit with people, get a t-shirt, and help a great cause for Meridian with the Boys and Girls Club. I would love to see you there tomorrow!
May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
Tomorrow morning starting at 8 o'clock, runners and walkers from around the Meridian area will be racing at Central's Missions: Possible 5K race. People of all ages and athletics ability will be welcomed. We will be hosting a 5K run, a 2 mile walk, and a 1 mile fun run, so there are options for everyone. If you have not already registered, I would like to invite you to come by the church today or tomorrow to sign up. Registration will be open till 7:45 AM tomorrow. The 5K run and 2 mile walk cost $25 to register, and the 1 mile fun run costs $15. The fee includes a race t-shirt.
At Central, we believe God has given us a mission, and the mission includes supporting Meridian. As a result, proceeds from the race are going to support the great work of the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi here in Meridian.
This will be a chance for you to have some fun, get some exercise, visit with people, get a t-shirt, and help a great cause for Meridian with the Boys and Girls Club. I would love to see you there tomorrow!
May God bless you!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
BOR RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. The season of Lent is quickly drawing to a close. For several weeks many of us have, in our hearts, been following the journey of Jesus to the cross that began on Ash Wednesday. All of this culminates with our observance of Good Friday and the celebration of Easter Sunday.
Next week is “Holy Week” - and on March 29th, Central will offer a 3-hour Good Friday Observance that begins at noon in our Sanctuary. Seven different area speakers will briefly reflect on one of the seven “words of Jesus from the cross”. This 3-hour event is divided into 25 minute segments that make it possible for people to attend the whole event, or slip in and out after each segment if necessary.
If you don't have a place to observe Good Friday and remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we invite you to join us at Central
Make it a GREAT day.
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. The season of Lent is quickly drawing to a close. For several weeks many of us have, in our hearts, been following the journey of Jesus to the cross that began on Ash Wednesday. All of this culminates with our observance of Good Friday and the celebration of Easter Sunday.
Next week is “Holy Week” - and on March 29th, Central will offer a 3-hour Good Friday Observance that begins at noon in our Sanctuary. Seven different area speakers will briefly reflect on one of the seven “words of Jesus from the cross”. This 3-hour event is divided into 25 minute segments that make it possible for people to attend the whole event, or slip in and out after each segment if necessary.
If you don't have a place to observe Good Friday and remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we invite you to join us at Central
Make it a GREAT day.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning:
There is a legend about a water bearer in India who carried two large pots each day to bring water from the stream at the back of his master's house. One of the pots had a crack in it. So each day, when he returned home with the water, only one pot remained full.
One day, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer and told him how sorry he was for not being able to carry his load because of the crack in his side. The water bearer pointed to the side of the path where the water leaked out every day. It was full of beautiful flowers. The other side had none. He told the pot that those flowers were there because of his flaw and without the pot being just the way it was, they would not have had all that beauty to enjoy.
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots, but if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to help make this world a better place. God uses us all just the way we are when we give our lives to him.
Have a wonderful day, flaws and all!
Good Morning:
There is a legend about a water bearer in India who carried two large pots each day to bring water from the stream at the back of his master's house. One of the pots had a crack in it. So each day, when he returned home with the water, only one pot remained full.
One day, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer and told him how sorry he was for not being able to carry his load because of the crack in his side. The water bearer pointed to the side of the path where the water leaked out every day. It was full of beautiful flowers. The other side had none. He told the pot that those flowers were there because of his flaw and without the pot being just the way it was, they would not have had all that beauty to enjoy.
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots, but if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to help make this world a better place. God uses us all just the way we are when we give our lives to him.
Have a wonderful day, flaws and all!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
BOB PEDEN
Good Friday morning. For most people it is Thank God it is Friday. For me it is Oh God, is it Friday already! I know I have at least 2 days of work to try and get done as quickly as possible in order to have everything ready for Sunday worship. Making sure the altar is straight that all the candles are tall enough. Getting the music and the projection equipment all set. There are a thousand things to be done. I want everything to be perfect for those who come to worship.
Yet, it is know in my heart that worship does not happen because of anything that I do. Worship happens because God himself shows up. And when God appears, we react with awe and worship. So as you come to worship at your church this Sunday, don't come expecting to hear your favorite hymn or the perfect sermon or anything else to make you feel right. Come expecting to meet God. If you do not have a church home, we would love for you to join us at Central United Methodist Church this or any other Sunday. Worship happens weekly at 8:30 and 10:55. Come and worship Christ, who will be present.
Good Friday morning. For most people it is Thank God it is Friday. For me it is Oh God, is it Friday already! I know I have at least 2 days of work to try and get done as quickly as possible in order to have everything ready for Sunday worship. Making sure the altar is straight that all the candles are tall enough. Getting the music and the projection equipment all set. There are a thousand things to be done. I want everything to be perfect for those who come to worship.
Yet, it is know in my heart that worship does not happen because of anything that I do. Worship happens because God himself shows up. And when God appears, we react with awe and worship. So as you come to worship at your church this Sunday, don't come expecting to hear your favorite hymn or the perfect sermon or anything else to make you feel right. Come expecting to meet God. If you do not have a church home, we would love for you to join us at Central United Methodist Church this or any other Sunday. Worship happens weekly at 8:30 and 10:55. Come and worship Christ, who will be present.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
JIM CAIN
Good Morning!
My wife had a serious knee injury that resulted in her having total knee replacement surgery back in November. The doctors did a great job, but the road back to total health involved a lot of pain and hard work. Watching her suffer was a helpless and horrible feeling for me, and there were days when it felt as if God were not hearing our prayers.
One evening, while I was reading my Bible, my eyes landed on the first verse in Isaiah 43. “Fear not,” it begins, and ends with “you are Mine.” Suddenly, the Holy Spirit made the words personal. The way God addresses Israel reminded me of His attention to us too: “When you pass through the waters . . . through the rivers . . . through the fire” Each phrase rose up in crescendo, from the pages to my heart .My comfort in that hour came not from promises of healing or miracles, but from knowing we were never alone.
God used His words to comfort us and prepare us for those harder moments! Let these words be a reminder to us all that we are never alone. At times, our fears may loom so large, we long for proof that God is near;
It's then our Father says to us, “Have faith, My child, and do not fear.” Never forget in the darkness, what you know to be true in the light.
Good Morning!
My wife had a serious knee injury that resulted in her having total knee replacement surgery back in November. The doctors did a great job, but the road back to total health involved a lot of pain and hard work. Watching her suffer was a helpless and horrible feeling for me, and there were days when it felt as if God were not hearing our prayers.
One evening, while I was reading my Bible, my eyes landed on the first verse in Isaiah 43. “Fear not,” it begins, and ends with “you are Mine.” Suddenly, the Holy Spirit made the words personal. The way God addresses Israel reminded me of His attention to us too: “When you pass through the waters . . . through the rivers . . . through the fire” Each phrase rose up in crescendo, from the pages to my heart .My comfort in that hour came not from promises of healing or miracles, but from knowing we were never alone.
God used His words to comfort us and prepare us for those harder moments! Let these words be a reminder to us all that we are never alone. At times, our fears may loom so large, we long for proof that God is near;
It's then our Father says to us, “Have faith, My child, and do not fear.” Never forget in the darkness, what you know to be true in the light.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
BOB PEDEN
Good morning. One day Jesus entered the synagogue, opened the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and read aloud to everyone there, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come.”
Then Jesus claimed that this scripture was fulfilled in his time and for all time.
This is a difficult saying for us to understand in our wealthy, freedom at the expense of others who might threaten our freedom, confident in our own vision, culture. But at Central United Methodist Church, we are at least trying to undertake our role in fulfilling God's will of release for captives, sight for the blind, and hope for the poor.
This is Bob Peden, and I would invite you to come join us at Central in discerning God's will for us all.
Good morning. One day Jesus entered the synagogue, opened the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and read aloud to everyone there, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come.”
Then Jesus claimed that this scripture was fulfilled in his time and for all time.
This is a difficult saying for us to understand in our wealthy, freedom at the expense of others who might threaten our freedom, confident in our own vision, culture. But at Central United Methodist Church, we are at least trying to undertake our role in fulfilling God's will of release for captives, sight for the blind, and hope for the poor.
This is Bob Peden, and I would invite you to come join us at Central in discerning God's will for us all.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
OWEN WEDDLE
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
I would like to invite all of you to participate in our upcoming Missions: Possible run on March 23. Central will be hosting a 5K, fun run, and
a walk starting at 8 A.M. We will have rewards for the 5K for different gender and age groups. Whether you are a top-tier runner, like to run
as a hobby, or just want to get some exercise, we would love to see you.
Our Scripture verse for this race is Matthew 19:26: “With God, all things are possible.” God is able to reach out and do things we cannot
imagine, including reaching out to the city and community of Meridian. Because we believe this wholeheartedly at Central, all the money
raised by the race will be going forward to support local charities in Meridian to help our city and community.
If you are interested, feel free to call the church at 601.693.1521 or visit our website at centralunitedmethodistchurch.org for more information.
We hope to see God doing something great here in Meridian!
May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
I would like to invite all of you to participate in our upcoming Missions: Possible run on March 23. Central will be hosting a 5K, fun run, and
a walk starting at 8 A.M. We will have rewards for the 5K for different gender and age groups. Whether you are a top-tier runner, like to run
as a hobby, or just want to get some exercise, we would love to see you.
Our Scripture verse for this race is Matthew 19:26: “With God, all things are possible.” God is able to reach out and do things we cannot
imagine, including reaching out to the city and community of Meridian. Because we believe this wholeheartedly at Central, all the money
raised by the race will be going forward to support local charities in Meridian to help our city and community.
If you are interested, feel free to call the church at 601.693.1521 or visit our website at centralunitedmethodistchurch.org for more information.
We hope to see God doing something great here in Meridian!
May God bless you!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
David Heller interviewed hundreds of Christian and non-Christian children and asked them questions about the bible. He recorded their
responses in a book.
On why the first man was created before the first woman, a seven-year-old boy said, “God was more sure of how the man would look, but
ladies were still a mystery to Him.”
An eight-year-old girl said, “God had to wait for her because He hadn't invented makeup yet.”
Do you have small children? Are they in church learning of the glories of God, the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the wonderful truths of
the Bible? I hope so.
If you do not already have a church home, we invite you to visit Central, a children friendly church. Bring your family to worship services at
8:30 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Sunday School is at 9:45 am.
May God bless you and your family.
Good Morning!
David Heller interviewed hundreds of Christian and non-Christian children and asked them questions about the bible. He recorded their
responses in a book.
On why the first man was created before the first woman, a seven-year-old boy said, “God was more sure of how the man would look, but
ladies were still a mystery to Him.”
An eight-year-old girl said, “God had to wait for her because He hadn't invented makeup yet.”
Do you have small children? Are they in church learning of the glories of God, the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the wonderful truths of
the Bible? I hope so.
If you do not already have a church home, we invite you to visit Central, a children friendly church. Bring your family to worship services at
8:30 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Sunday School is at 9:45 am.
May God bless you and your family.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
OWEN WEDDLE
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
For many of our teachers and children, this is “Spring Break” week - a welcome pause in the semester, a “break” from studying, taking tests,
and grading tests.
Everyone needs a “break” every now and then. In fact, the idea of a weekly “pause” is very biblical. It's called the Sabbath. In the very
beginning, God established a Sabbath day so people could experience “re-creation” - not “recreation” necessarily, but a day to stop from labor
and be renewed.
One thing I've learned through the years is that EVERYONE needs a “Sabbath”. One person's Sabbath day may NOT be the same as another's
[I WORK ON SUNDAYS!] - but everyone needs a Sabbath.
Find your Sabbath. And if you don't have a place to be “re-created” each week - join us at Central, where everyone is welcome! Make it a
GREAT day!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
For many of our teachers and children, this is “Spring Break” week - a welcome pause in the semester, a “break” from studying, taking tests,
and grading tests.
Everyone needs a “break” every now and then. In fact, the idea of a weekly “pause” is very biblical. It's called the Sabbath. In the very
beginning, God established a Sabbath day so people could experience “re-creation” - not “recreation” necessarily, but a day to stop from labor
and be renewed.
One thing I've learned through the years is that EVERYONE needs a “Sabbath”. One person's Sabbath day may NOT be the same as another's
[I WORK ON SUNDAYS!] - but everyone needs a Sabbath.
Find your Sabbath. And if you don't have a place to be “re-created” each week - join us at Central, where everyone is welcome! Make it a
GREAT day!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
JIM CAIN
Good Morning!
“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the
beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4
For many Christians life is a series of how-to principles. How to pray, how to share our faith, how to read the Bible in a year, how to discover
our spiritual gifts…the list goes on and.
We seek magic formulas, shortcuts, cheat codes. Why?
Formulas are easier. If we just find the key, crack the code, or take the steps that will get us from point A to point B, then we'll be the people
we were meant to be, or so we think. The problem is God is not a formula. He's a living God who desires a relationship with us. Psalm 27:4
gives us a relational paradigm- not a how-to formula but a heart attitude that cultivates God's presence in our lives.
David wanted to be in the Lord's House to “seek” and “behold” The first is worship- adoration of the King. The second is prayer- pleading His
will. And in this case the order is important; love comes first, then asking. Don't rush into God's presence with a long list of requests and then
pout, because it doesn't seem like your prayers resulted in much. Relationships are more important than lists! Invest in His heart and see how
he responds.
Good Morning!
“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the
beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4
For many Christians life is a series of how-to principles. How to pray, how to share our faith, how to read the Bible in a year, how to discover
our spiritual gifts…the list goes on and.
We seek magic formulas, shortcuts, cheat codes. Why?
Formulas are easier. If we just find the key, crack the code, or take the steps that will get us from point A to point B, then we'll be the people
we were meant to be, or so we think. The problem is God is not a formula. He's a living God who desires a relationship with us. Psalm 27:4
gives us a relational paradigm- not a how-to formula but a heart attitude that cultivates God's presence in our lives.
David wanted to be in the Lord's House to “seek” and “behold” The first is worship- adoration of the King. The second is prayer- pleading His
will. And in this case the order is important; love comes first, then asking. Don't rush into God's presence with a long list of requests and then
pout, because it doesn't seem like your prayers resulted in much. Relationships are more important than lists! Invest in His heart and see how
he responds.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
BOB PEDEN
Jesus' life was intensely active. The gospels often say “He immediately left and went . . .” They often point out that people so crowded around
him that others, children, lame, short people, had trouble getting in to see him. His life must have been even busier than ours, yet he always
nurtured his communication with God in silence and solitude.
We are told often of Jesus, sending the disciples on ahead, disbursing the crowds, leaving others behind to spend time in the presence of His
Father. He needed to visit this wellspring to nourish his being. How about you? Is your life too busy, your schedule too hectic to take time for
silence and stillness in God's presence? Do you spend time regularly listening to God, telling him about your joys and concerns?
We are called to seek God among the poor, the lost, the forsaken, but we are also called to seek God in stillness, silence, and solitude. If Jesus
needed this balance, then why do we think we do not.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
JIM CAIN
Good Morning!
“Let me hear Your loving kindness in the morning; For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8
For many of us, every morning is a battle. Between the time the alarm clock rings and our feet hit the floor, our thoughts can spiral downward.
Today's to-do list combined with the leftover fatigue and frustration from the day before, conspire to overwhelm us and beat us down before
we ever get out the door. In a few very short minutes, our attitude can shift from hopeful to hopeless.
Though the morning battle is real for many of us, it isn't unwinnable. The way for us to defeat the morning blahs, is to invite Jesus into our
internal conversation as soon as we wake up. We must block everything else out of our minds and lie still in His presence. Utter some words
of gratitude and prayer. Feel the Lord's presence enveloping us. Let Him shape our internal environment before we get up to face your external
world. Make Him the Priority of the Day!
Good Morning!
“Let me hear Your loving kindness in the morning; For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8
For many of us, every morning is a battle. Between the time the alarm clock rings and our feet hit the floor, our thoughts can spiral downward.
Today's to-do list combined with the leftover fatigue and frustration from the day before, conspire to overwhelm us and beat us down before
we ever get out the door. In a few very short minutes, our attitude can shift from hopeful to hopeless.
Though the morning battle is real for many of us, it isn't unwinnable. The way for us to defeat the morning blahs, is to invite Jesus into our
internal conversation as soon as we wake up. We must block everything else out of our minds and lie still in His presence. Utter some words
of gratitude and prayer. Feel the Lord's presence enveloping us. Let Him shape our internal environment before we get up to face your external
world. Make Him the Priority of the Day!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
JULIA GREEN
Good Morning.
I've got some good news! Did you know that in Matthew Chapter 19 Verse 26 it states, “But Jesus looked at them and said, 'For man it is
impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This scripture has inspired Central United Methodist Church to have its first annual 5k run
and 1 mile fun run for the kids on Saturday, March 23rd. All proceeds will benefit missions within our community. The pastor Rick Warren
reminds us, “We are only alive when we're helping others.” So please won't you join us on Saturday, March 23rd, at 8:00 a.m. for Central's first
annual Mission: Possible 5k. We promise a morning of fun and fellowship and the peace of knowing that you have helped out a neighbor in
need.
God Bless you and have a wonderful day.
Good Morning.
I've got some good news! Did you know that in Matthew Chapter 19 Verse 26 it states, “But Jesus looked at them and said, 'For man it is
impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This scripture has inspired Central United Methodist Church to have its first annual 5k run
and 1 mile fun run for the kids on Saturday, March 23rd. All proceeds will benefit missions within our community. The pastor Rick Warren
reminds us, “We are only alive when we're helping others.” So please won't you join us on Saturday, March 23rd, at 8:00 a.m. for Central's first
annual Mission: Possible 5k. We promise a morning of fun and fellowship and the peace of knowing that you have helped out a neighbor in
need.
God Bless you and have a wonderful day.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning: It's March and spring is in the air. You know we record these reflections ahead of schedule so I really don't know what the day
is like. If the trees and flowers aren't blooming, yet, they soon will be. If the weather isn't exactly just right, it soon will be. For God made all
the seasons, and they come and go no matter what we do just as God plans for them. The seasons remind me that God is in control; that God
has a plan; that God is greater than we are; and most of all, it reminds me that we can depend on God. To be truthful, I love all the seasons for
different reasons, but spring is special, because we see such beauty at this time of year: the flowers, the warm sun, the green full trees, the
warm rain and even afternoon storms sometimes. It reminds me of a song I learned as a child: Oh, who can make the flowers, I'm sure I can't,
can you? Oh, who can make the flowers, no-one but God, that's true! Look around you and remember that all the beauty you see, is a gift to
you and me right from God's own hands. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: It's March and spring is in the air. You know we record these reflections ahead of schedule so I really don't know what the day
is like. If the trees and flowers aren't blooming, yet, they soon will be. If the weather isn't exactly just right, it soon will be. For God made all
the seasons, and they come and go no matter what we do just as God plans for them. The seasons remind me that God is in control; that God
has a plan; that God is greater than we are; and most of all, it reminds me that we can depend on God. To be truthful, I love all the seasons for
different reasons, but spring is special, because we see such beauty at this time of year: the flowers, the warm sun, the green full trees, the
warm rain and even afternoon storms sometimes. It reminds me of a song I learned as a child: Oh, who can make the flowers, I'm sure I can't,
can you? Oh, who can make the flowers, no-one but God, that's true! Look around you and remember that all the beauty you see, is a gift to
you and me right from God's own hands. Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
BOB PEDEN
Good morning, this is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. Are you free? We Americans make much of our freedom and assume
that it is our circumstances that determine whether we are free or not.
A prisoner in the notorious Dachau concentration camp in Nazi ruled Germany, left these words scrawled on the wall of a cell. "Leave me here
freely all alone
In cell where never sunlight shone, should no one ever speak to me this golden silence makes me free." This man, locked away in the deepest
darkest parts of a miserable place where there was noone with whom to converse, knew that his freedom depended not on his circumstances
but upon his spirit.
As Christians we, too, should know that it is God, not our circumstances, who makes us free. And God frees us not from our circumstances but
within our situation. Should we never see the light of day or hear another human voice, we are free in the golden silence and the brilliant
darkness. May you choose freedom today.
Good morning, this is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. Are you free? We Americans make much of our freedom and assume
that it is our circumstances that determine whether we are free or not.
A prisoner in the notorious Dachau concentration camp in Nazi ruled Germany, left these words scrawled on the wall of a cell. "Leave me here
freely all alone
In cell where never sunlight shone, should no one ever speak to me this golden silence makes me free." This man, locked away in the deepest
darkest parts of a miserable place where there was noone with whom to converse, knew that his freedom depended not on his circumstances
but upon his spirit.
As Christians we, too, should know that it is God, not our circumstances, who makes us free. And God frees us not from our circumstances but
within our situation. Should we never see the light of day or hear another human voice, we are free in the golden silence and the brilliant
darkness. May you choose freedom today.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
OWEN WEDDLE
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
There are some of us who have experienced traumatic events in our lives. Trauma can either be a point of growth or disorder. When we
experience trauma, we feel like we have no control. Control helps in our recovery. But if we continue to identify ourselves as victims long after
the traumatic episode has past, we act as if we are not in control.
Part of the wisdom of Jesus' Gospel is that our redemption from suffering does not come from just a passive trust in God. The Gospel also
entails actively seeking to control how we act, even in the face of crisis and the fear of it happening again, because we trust God. We learn to
develop a sense of control in our lives. The person of faith does not continue to see themselves as a victim; instead, trauma brings growth. This
is why James 1:3-4 says “Consider it joy when you endure various trials because it produces endurance.” Deep faith allows us to cast aside the
victim label and grow into the person God calls us to be.
May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist.
There are some of us who have experienced traumatic events in our lives. Trauma can either be a point of growth or disorder. When we
experience trauma, we feel like we have no control. Control helps in our recovery. But if we continue to identify ourselves as victims long after
the traumatic episode has past, we act as if we are not in control.
Part of the wisdom of Jesus' Gospel is that our redemption from suffering does not come from just a passive trust in God. The Gospel also
entails actively seeking to control how we act, even in the face of crisis and the fear of it happening again, because we trust God. We learn to
develop a sense of control in our lives. The person of faith does not continue to see themselves as a victim; instead, trauma brings growth. This
is why James 1:3-4 says “Consider it joy when you endure various trials because it produces endurance.” Deep faith allows us to cast aside the
victim label and grow into the person God calls us to be.
May God bless you!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning: A ship wrecked during a storm at sea and only two men survived. They swam to a small island. They decided to pray to God.
To find out whose prayer was most powerful, they agreed to stay on opposite sides of the island. To make a long story short, one of the men
got everything he asked for: food one day, house, clothing, and more food other days while the second man got nothing. One day, he prayed for
rescue. A ship came along, the man got on board, and did not tell the second man because he felt like the man was unworthy to receive God's
blessing. All of a sudden, a voice from Heaven asked him why he was leaving his companion? The man said, “My blessings are mine alone.
After all, I prayed for them.” But the voice from heaven said, “You are mistaken. He had only one prayer which I answered.” “Tell me,” said
the man,” what did he pray for?” and God answered, “He prayed for you that all your prayers would be answered.” Did you ever stop to think
that all the blessings that you have received might be because someone is praying for you? Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: A ship wrecked during a storm at sea and only two men survived. They swam to a small island. They decided to pray to God.
To find out whose prayer was most powerful, they agreed to stay on opposite sides of the island. To make a long story short, one of the men
got everything he asked for: food one day, house, clothing, and more food other days while the second man got nothing. One day, he prayed for
rescue. A ship came along, the man got on board, and did not tell the second man because he felt like the man was unworthy to receive God's
blessing. All of a sudden, a voice from Heaven asked him why he was leaving his companion? The man said, “My blessings are mine alone.
After all, I prayed for them.” But the voice from heaven said, “You are mistaken. He had only one prayer which I answered.” “Tell me,” said
the man,” what did he pray for?” and God answered, “He prayed for you that all your prayers would be answered.” Did you ever stop to think
that all the blessings that you have received might be because someone is praying for you? Have a wonderful day!
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