RAY DURDEN
Good Morning!
Psalm 107:19 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from
their distress.
We aren't just thrown on this earth like dice tossed across the table. We're deliberately
and lovingly placed here. God has given us a purpose for our existence. We have a
reason to go on, even though that existence includes tough times.
Living through suffering we become sanctified, in other words, set apart for the glory
of God. We gain perspective. We grow deeper. We grow up!
Those who are "born again" in the Lord Jesus Christ have been promised a living hope
through His resurrection from the dead. So if you want to smile through your tears,
and if you want to rejoice through times of suffering, just keep reminding yourself
that as a Christian, what you're going through isn't the end of the story . . . it's simply
the rough journey that leads to the right destination!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
JIM CAIN
“They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be
remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.” Psalm 112:9
It had been a long hard day of school and work, and I wanted nothing more than to
have a hot shower and a warm dinner. The New Orleans traffic was terrible as usual,
so I decided to take a short-cut through a area of town that was in transition. As I
locked the doors to my car and sped up, I spied a woman and her child sitting under a
bridge eating what appeared to be bread. After I got home, I walked down to see my
neighbor, Ray; and after a brief conversation over what I had seen, we gathered up
some food, towels, and a couple of bars of soap and headed back down the road to find
them.
After we left our things with them, Ray said, “What those people really need is some
mosquito nets and sheets of plastic to cover the holes in their roof and windows.”
“There were others there to who need just as much as the lady, how will we ever help
them all,” I wondered out loud.
That week we returned with the nets. The next week, rolls of plastic. As the weeks
went on and my friends rallied to help the neighborhood, I began to say to myself over
and over, “Better something than nothing” we may not meet all their needs, but we can
meet some of them.
“They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be
remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.” Psalm 112:9
It had been a long hard day of school and work, and I wanted nothing more than to
have a hot shower and a warm dinner. The New Orleans traffic was terrible as usual,
so I decided to take a short-cut through a area of town that was in transition. As I
locked the doors to my car and sped up, I spied a woman and her child sitting under a
bridge eating what appeared to be bread. After I got home, I walked down to see my
neighbor, Ray; and after a brief conversation over what I had seen, we gathered up
some food, towels, and a couple of bars of soap and headed back down the road to find
them.
After we left our things with them, Ray said, “What those people really need is some
mosquito nets and sheets of plastic to cover the holes in their roof and windows.”
“There were others there to who need just as much as the lady, how will we ever help
them all,” I wondered out loud.
That week we returned with the nets. The next week, rolls of plastic. As the weeks
went on and my friends rallied to help the neighborhood, I began to say to myself over
and over, “Better something than nothing” we may not meet all their needs, but we can
meet some of them.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
SABRINA
I continually struggle over juggling many tasks at one time and my inability to put my
arms around them. Add to that the obstacles at home - the clutter, the need for deep
cleaning. I just can't seem to find the time, and when I do, it seems that I am simply
moving things from one room to another.
I always try to remember a tip given to me by a dear friend. Only touch it once. When
I pick something up, I am to decide whether it is to go in the trash or if I keep it. If I
keep it, I put it in its proper place at that moment. As I do this, I find that one of my
biggest problems is 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 in His hands are the proper place for them to be.
I encourage you to try this tip for both your home and your heart. Only touch it once!
Your house will be cleaner and your life more at peace! Have a blessed day!
I continually struggle over juggling many tasks at one time and my inability to put my
arms around them. Add to that the obstacles at home - the clutter, the need for deep
cleaning. I just can't seem to find the time, and when I do, it seems that I am simply
moving things from one room to another.
I always try to remember a tip given to me by a dear friend. Only touch it once. When
I pick something up, I am to decide whether it is to go in the trash or if I keep it. If I
keep it, I put it in its proper place at that moment. As I do this, I find that one of my
biggest problems is 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 in His hands are the proper place for them to be.
I encourage you to try this tip for both your home and your heart. Only touch it once!
Your house will be cleaner and your life more at peace! Have a blessed day!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning: When I was in school, my favorite teacher was Mrs. Hyde. She really
cared about every one of us. She not only taught us the things we were supposed to
learn as fourth graders, but was concerned about our spiritual life, too. Every morning
when she called the role, we had to answer with a Bible verse, and we couldn't repeat
what someone else said. The shortest verse, we learned, was “Jesus wept” and whoever
was called on first always said that verse.
Every night I would have to memorize several verses so I would have one that no-one
else said. Isn't it a shame that she would get in trouble if she were alive today and
asked our children to say a Bible verse? The times they are a-changing and I'm not sure
it's for the best. We're in trouble and it's because we are taking God out of our lives.
Today I ask you to pray for our country and pray for our children. We can make a
difference! Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: When I was in school, my favorite teacher was Mrs. Hyde. She really
cared about every one of us. She not only taught us the things we were supposed to
learn as fourth graders, but was concerned about our spiritual life, too. Every morning
when she called the role, we had to answer with a Bible verse, and we couldn't repeat
what someone else said. The shortest verse, we learned, was “Jesus wept” and whoever
was called on first always said that verse.
Every night I would have to memorize several verses so I would have one that no-one
else said. Isn't it a shame that she would get in trouble if she were alive today and
asked our children to say a Bible verse? The times they are a-changing and I'm not sure
it's for the best. We're in trouble and it's because we are taking God out of our lives.
Today I ask you to pray for our country and pray for our children. We can make a
difference! Have a wonderful day!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
SABRINA
I was sitting on the runway recently waiting for my flight to take off and the attendant
was going through the required rundown of passenger information - I admit I was
halfway paying attention; until I was suddenly struck by her instructions about the
oxygen mask, saying, "if a small child is with you, FIRST put on your oxygen mask
and then proceed to help your child."
As a parent wouldn't your first inclination be to save your child? Then it occurred to
me, in order to be able to fully take care of your child, you would have to have YOUR
oxygen.
The same is true for us in everyday life. We often forget that in order to reach out and
help others we first have to take care of ourselves. Jesus gave us the standard for this.
Repeatedly in the New Testament, we see where Jesus retreated from the crowd to be
alone. Jesus also shared His workload with 12 of his closest friends! Why then, do we
think we can do it ALL? Yes, we have been blessed to be a blessing, but we must also
take time to “be still and know that HE is God! Have a blessed day!
I was sitting on the runway recently waiting for my flight to take off and the attendant
was going through the required rundown of passenger information - I admit I was
halfway paying attention; until I was suddenly struck by her instructions about the
oxygen mask, saying, "if a small child is with you, FIRST put on your oxygen mask
and then proceed to help your child."
As a parent wouldn't your first inclination be to save your child? Then it occurred to
me, in order to be able to fully take care of your child, you would have to have YOUR
oxygen.
The same is true for us in everyday life. We often forget that in order to reach out and
help others we first have to take care of ourselves. Jesus gave us the standard for this.
Repeatedly in the New Testament, we see where Jesus retreated from the crowd to be
alone. Jesus also shared His workload with 12 of his closest friends! Why then, do we
think we can do it ALL? Yes, we have been blessed to be a blessing, but we must also
take time to “be still and know that HE is God! Have a blessed day!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
RAY DURDEN
Good Morning!
Galatians 6:10 says… So then, whenever we have the opportunity, let's practice doing
good to everyone.
When we are "'walking with Jesus," good deeds should come easily . . . because God's
goodness resides within us. As we feel God's presence, and see Him leading in our
life, our heart becomes filled with love and gratitude for what He has done for us.
We can't help but want to share Jesus with everyone we meet! We become inspired to
reach out to others and our hearts become tender for those who are suffering and less
fortunate.
Being kind or doing good deeds is not something that as Christians, we have to 'force,'
but something that naturally spills out of us when we are filled with the love of Jesus!
It is the joyous privilege of being a child of God!
Good Morning!
Galatians 6:10 says… So then, whenever we have the opportunity, let's practice doing
good to everyone.
When we are "'walking with Jesus," good deeds should come easily . . . because God's
goodness resides within us. As we feel God's presence, and see Him leading in our
life, our heart becomes filled with love and gratitude for what He has done for us.
We can't help but want to share Jesus with everyone we meet! We become inspired to
reach out to others and our hearts become tender for those who are suffering and less
fortunate.
Being kind or doing good deeds is not something that as Christians, we have to 'force,'
but something that naturally spills out of us when we are filled with the love of Jesus!
It is the joyous privilege of being a child of God!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
JIM CAIN
“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.” Romans 12:8
Good Morning!
Several years ago now, I was living in Atlanta and had just gotten off work on a
Monday afternoon when I noticed a garbage truck filling up with gas on the pump
across from the one I was using to refuel my car. Three men standing behind me
shrugged out of drab olive coveralls as they washed their hands and faces in the water
faucet by the gas pumps. I finished before they did, so I decided to do something I had
never done before. Driving over to their truck, I spoke to the man who appeared to be
in charge. “Do you guys work on this truck?” Cautiously the guy nodded his head. His
two coworkers began listening to our conversation intently, their faces also displaying
a cautious demeanor, probably the byproduct of one too many complaints.
After another moment or two of conversation with their supervisor, I reached over and
grabbed three big bottles of coke I had just purchased inside and handed them to the
men saying, "Thanks for all you do towards keeping the city clean. Have a coke and a
smile on me.” The men thanked me and took the Cokes from my hands, and as I drove
off, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw that they were staring at each other in
confusion, wondering what had just happened.”
“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.” Romans 12:8
Good Morning!
Several years ago now, I was living in Atlanta and had just gotten off work on a
Monday afternoon when I noticed a garbage truck filling up with gas on the pump
across from the one I was using to refuel my car. Three men standing behind me
shrugged out of drab olive coveralls as they washed their hands and faces in the water
faucet by the gas pumps. I finished before they did, so I decided to do something I had
never done before. Driving over to their truck, I spoke to the man who appeared to be
in charge. “Do you guys work on this truck?” Cautiously the guy nodded his head. His
two coworkers began listening to our conversation intently, their faces also displaying
a cautious demeanor, probably the byproduct of one too many complaints.
After another moment or two of conversation with their supervisor, I reached over and
grabbed three big bottles of coke I had just purchased inside and handed them to the
men saying, "Thanks for all you do towards keeping the city clean. Have a coke and a
smile on me.” The men thanked me and took the Cokes from my hands, and as I drove
off, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw that they were staring at each other in
confusion, wondering what had just happened.”
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning: A few weeks ago my daughter's dog died. She had to break the news
to their 4 year old son, Shawn. She told Shawn that Miko (the dog) had died and was
in Heaven with God and Uncle Robbie. Shawn asked why the dog died and she told
him Miko was very sick. Later he came back to his mom and wanted to know why
Uncle Robbie had died. She told him he was very sick, too.
He went about his business but finally came back to her a third time. This time, he
asked “Is God sick, too?” In his mind, if everyone who was sick is in heaven, it made
sense that God must be sick, too.
Isn't it wonderful to know that God is alive and well and has a place for all who
believe in him? Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a
place for you.” Do you believe? Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: A few weeks ago my daughter's dog died. She had to break the news
to their 4 year old son, Shawn. She told Shawn that Miko (the dog) had died and was
in Heaven with God and Uncle Robbie. Shawn asked why the dog died and she told
him Miko was very sick. Later he came back to his mom and wanted to know why
Uncle Robbie had died. She told him he was very sick, too.
He went about his business but finally came back to her a third time. This time, he
asked “Is God sick, too?” In his mind, if everyone who was sick is in heaven, it made
sense that God must be sick, too.
Isn't it wonderful to know that God is alive and well and has a place for all who
believe in him? Jesus said, “In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a
place for you.” Do you believe? Have a wonderful day!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Friday, June 14, 2013
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
As you may know, I am going to be moving from Meridian and Central very soon. But
a new associate pastor will be taking my place. His name is Dennis Gossett, and
Meridian is going to be truly blessed to have him and his family move here. You will
get a chance to see and hear him in the near future at Central and here at this time of
morning. Show him the same warmth and hospitality you have shown me!
And let me say, the people at Central are a great and warm bunch of people. Even
though I am leaving, I would like to invite you to come to worship with this great
group on Sundays and come to know what it is like to be welcomed and loved, while
also hearing great Biblical truth.
And let me leave Meridian with these words to you: “May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power
of the Holy Spirit.”
May God Bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
As you may know, I am going to be moving from Meridian and Central very soon. But
a new associate pastor will be taking my place. His name is Dennis Gossett, and
Meridian is going to be truly blessed to have him and his family move here. You will
get a chance to see and hear him in the near future at Central and here at this time of
morning. Show him the same warmth and hospitality you have shown me!
And let me say, the people at Central are a great and warm bunch of people. Even
though I am leaving, I would like to invite you to come to worship with this great
group on Sundays and come to know what it is like to be welcomed and loved, while
also hearing great Biblical truth.
And let me leave Meridian with these words to you: “May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power
of the Holy Spirit.”
May God Bless you!
Friday, June 14, 2013
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
As you may know, I am going to be moving from Meridian and Central very soon. But
a new associate pastor will be taking my place. His name is Dennis Gossett, and
Meridian is going to be truly blessed to have him and his family move here. You will
get a chance to see and hear him in the near future at Central and here at this time of
morning. Show him the same warmth and hospitality you have shown me!
And let me say, the people at Central are a great and warm bunch of people. Even
though I am leaving, I would like to invite you to come to worship with this great
group on Sundays and come to know what it is like to be welcomed and loved, while
also hearing great Biblical truth.
And let me leave Meridian with these words to you: “May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power
of the Holy Spirit.”
May God Bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
As you may know, I am going to be moving from Meridian and Central very soon. But
a new associate pastor will be taking my place. His name is Dennis Gossett, and
Meridian is going to be truly blessed to have him and his family move here. You will
get a chance to see and hear him in the near future at Central and here at this time of
morning. Show him the same warmth and hospitality you have shown me!
And let me say, the people at Central are a great and warm bunch of people. Even
though I am leaving, I would like to invite you to come to worship with this great
group on Sundays and come to know what it is like to be welcomed and loved, while
also hearing great Biblical truth.
And let me leave Meridian with these words to you: “May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power
of the Holy Spirit.”
May God Bless you!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Thursday, June 16, 2013
BOR RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. This Sunday
June 16th will be my final Sunday at Central. I have been asked to serve another
congregation in another part of the state beginning next week.
Though there is always sadness in change, I am delighted that as I leave, a new Lead
Pastor will be coming to Central. He is Rev. John Branning, who comes to Meridian
from Crystal Springs. John will be the youngest Lead Pastor in the history of Central;
he will be a great leader for the congregation and a wonderful addition to the
community. I know that John and his young family will receive a warm welcome from
people at Central and throughout Lauderdale County.
John's first Sunday to preach will be June 23rd at the 8:30 contemporary and 10:55
traditional worship services. If you don't have a church “home,” I invite you to come
that day. It will be a “day of new beginnings” for John Branning and his family;
perhaps it can be one for you as well.
Make it a GREAT day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. This Sunday
June 16th will be my final Sunday at Central. I have been asked to serve another
congregation in another part of the state beginning next week.
Though there is always sadness in change, I am delighted that as I leave, a new Lead
Pastor will be coming to Central. He is Rev. John Branning, who comes to Meridian
from Crystal Springs. John will be the youngest Lead Pastor in the history of Central;
he will be a great leader for the congregation and a wonderful addition to the
community. I know that John and his young family will receive a warm welcome from
people at Central and throughout Lauderdale County.
John's first Sunday to preach will be June 23rd at the 8:30 contemporary and 10:55
traditional worship services. If you don't have a church “home,” I invite you to come
that day. It will be a “day of new beginnings” for John Branning and his family;
perhaps it can be one for you as well.
Make it a GREAT day!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
GLENDA
Good Morning: Sunday is Father's Day. You know, I had a wonderful father. Because
of the example my earthly father (my dad) gave me, it was easy for me to understand
God's love for me as my heavenly father. I used to give that example in my children's
Sunday School class until an older church member heard me one day. She reminded
me that some children don't have the example of a good earthly father. It might be
confusing for them to hear that God is like our own fathers. What a shock that was to
me! And how sad!
Fathers, what kind of example are you for your children? Can they see God in you? I
hope so. If not, it's never too late to change. Ask God to help you be the kind of father
your child needs and have a happy Father's Day this weekend.
Good Morning: Sunday is Father's Day. You know, I had a wonderful father. Because
of the example my earthly father (my dad) gave me, it was easy for me to understand
God's love for me as my heavenly father. I used to give that example in my children's
Sunday School class until an older church member heard me one day. She reminded
me that some children don't have the example of a good earthly father. It might be
confusing for them to hear that God is like our own fathers. What a shock that was to
me! And how sad!
Fathers, what kind of example are you for your children? Can they see God in you? I
hope so. If not, it's never too late to change. Ask God to help you be the kind of father
your child needs and have a happy Father's Day this weekend.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
SABRINA
Did you hear that the fair is coming to Meridian?
The week of June 24th - 28th the Everywhere Fun Fair is coming to Central United
Methodist Church. We will experience the love of Jesus, meet welcoming neighbors of
the Bible, and explore the everyday life of our neighbors from Japan, Zimbabwe, the
United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico.
This year's Vacation Bible School is open to children 4 years through 5th grade. We
will explore and experience Gods love through interactive Bible fun, great music,
super science, cool crafts, hands-on mission work, global games, not to mention great
food!
To be part of all of the excitement at the Everywhere Fun Fair, you may contact Central
at 693-1521, or sign up online at cumcmdn.org.
Did you hear that the fair is coming to Meridian?
The week of June 24th - 28th the Everywhere Fun Fair is coming to Central United
Methodist Church. We will experience the love of Jesus, meet welcoming neighbors of
the Bible, and explore the everyday life of our neighbors from Japan, Zimbabwe, the
United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico.
This year's Vacation Bible School is open to children 4 years through 5th grade. We
will explore and experience Gods love through interactive Bible fun, great music,
super science, cool crafts, hands-on mission work, global games, not to mention great
food!
To be part of all of the excitement at the Everywhere Fun Fair, you may contact Central
at 693-1521, or sign up online at cumcmdn.org.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
BOR RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
My wife and I are in our final days as residents of Meridian. Next week I will be
going to a new congregation to serve as pastor.
One of the hard parts of ministry is leaving people you have grown to know and love.
At the same time, one of the great joys of ministry is developing relationships with
new people who will also become friends.
Jesus' disciples once told him: We've left everything for your sake. Jesus' response was
this: If you leave everything for the sake of God's kingdom, it will be given back to
you a hundred times over!
My wife Susie and I have discovered this is true. Over 30 years ago, we left our
hometown and families to serve God. But we've discovered that everywhere along the
way, others became “family” for us.
Relationships in life change - constantly. But through it all, God's love for us NEVER
changes. This is what sustains us throughout all the changes of life.
Make it a GREAT day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
My wife and I are in our final days as residents of Meridian. Next week I will be
going to a new congregation to serve as pastor.
One of the hard parts of ministry is leaving people you have grown to know and love.
At the same time, one of the great joys of ministry is developing relationships with
new people who will also become friends.
Jesus' disciples once told him: We've left everything for your sake. Jesus' response was
this: If you leave everything for the sake of God's kingdom, it will be given back to
you a hundred times over!
My wife Susie and I have discovered this is true. Over 30 years ago, we left our
hometown and families to serve God. But we've discovered that everywhere along the
way, others became “family” for us.
Relationships in life change - constantly. But through it all, God's love for us NEVER
changes. This is what sustains us throughout all the changes of life.
Make it a GREAT day!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
For those of you who don't know, my time here in Meridian and at Central United
Methodist is coming near a close. My time here has been too short and I hate to leave!
It has been about a year since I moved into town. I am moving off elsewhere to
continue serving and ministering, but I will miss my time here.
I just want to say to everyone in Meridian and the surrounding areas: Thank you for
your hospitality! While I have not met most of you watching this morning, there are a
few who watch me who said hello to me when I was out in town. Many of you
entrusted me with your personal stories to me as we chatted in restaurants and saw
each other at different events. To have so many people treat me with such great
warmth and trust in such a short amount of time is a great compliment for me.
Whether I have formally met you or not, I feel like I have gotten to know you a bit. I
just wanted to say again to all of you, thank you for your warmth and trust!
May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
For those of you who don't know, my time here in Meridian and at Central United
Methodist is coming near a close. My time here has been too short and I hate to leave!
It has been about a year since I moved into town. I am moving off elsewhere to
continue serving and ministering, but I will miss my time here.
I just want to say to everyone in Meridian and the surrounding areas: Thank you for
your hospitality! While I have not met most of you watching this morning, there are a
few who watch me who said hello to me when I was out in town. Many of you
entrusted me with your personal stories to me as we chatted in restaurants and saw
each other at different events. To have so many people treat me with such great
warmth and trust in such a short amount of time is a great compliment for me.
Whether I have formally met you or not, I feel like I have gotten to know you a bit. I
just wanted to say again to all of you, thank you for your warmth and trust!
May God bless you!
Friday, June 7, 2013
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
For those of you who don't know, my time here in Meridian and at Central United
Methodist is coming near a close. My time here has been too short and I hate to leave!
It has been about a year since I moved into town. I am moving off elsewhere to
continue serving and ministering, but I will miss my time here.
I just want to say to everyone in Meridian and the surrounding areas: Thank you for
your hospitality! While I have not met most of you watching this morning, there are a
few who watch me who said hello to me when I was out in town. Many of you
entrusted me with your personal stories to me as we chatted in restaurants and saw
each other at different events. To have so many people treat me with such great
warmth and trust in such a short amount of time is a great compliment for me.
Whether I have formally met you or not, I feel like I have gotten to know you a bit. I
just wanted to say again to all of you, thank you for your warmth and trust!
May God bless you!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
JIM CAIN
“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead
me to the towering rock of safety.” Psalm 61:2
Good Morning!
While walking along the river walk in New Orleans one bright spring day, a homeless
man came up to me reeking of gin and borrowed cigarettes and asked me if he could
give me something. Surprised that he wanted to give me something rather than take
money from me, I blurted out a yes; and he handed me a rock, a heart shaped rock to
be more specific; and he told me it was his heart and that I should keep it and pray for
him.
I put the rock in my pocket after I prayed for him and spent the rest of the day looking
for heart shaped rocks. Some of the rocks I found looked freshly chiseled; some were
well worn but each “heart rock” now serves as a reminder that the Rock of all Ages is
fighting for me, And that he will bring me through the battles of my life victoriously.
“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead
me to the towering rock of safety.” Psalm 61:2
Good Morning!
While walking along the river walk in New Orleans one bright spring day, a homeless
man came up to me reeking of gin and borrowed cigarettes and asked me if he could
give me something. Surprised that he wanted to give me something rather than take
money from me, I blurted out a yes; and he handed me a rock, a heart shaped rock to
be more specific; and he told me it was his heart and that I should keep it and pray for
him.
I put the rock in my pocket after I prayed for him and spent the rest of the day looking
for heart shaped rocks. Some of the rocks I found looked freshly chiseled; some were
well worn but each “heart rock” now serves as a reminder that the Rock of all Ages is
fighting for me, And that he will bring me through the battles of my life victoriously.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
OWEN
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
A philosopher once told a story where a schoolboy had refused to learn and just
wanted to play. Every time his teacher tried to help him get interested in school work,
the boy resisted and paid less attention than before. He just wanted to have fun.
Eventually the teacher said “Tell me what you want to do, and you can do it.” So the
boy said he want to draw a little bit, sleep some, and sometimes do nothing. And she
allows it. The boy got exactly what he wanted, but is it good?
Sometimes, when we pray we expect God to be like that school teacher; give us
everything we want. And when He doesn't, we wonder why. But the teacher starting
giving whatever the boy wanted is that she had given up on him! It is in fact good
news that God doesn't give us every single thing we want right now. Down the road,
the boy may have wished he had learned. He may regret getting what he wanted;
likewise, if God gave everything we wanted, we might regret it down the road. God
not giving us everything immediately is a sign that God hasn't given up on us, but is
still trying to lovingly teach and guide us.
May God bless you!
Good morning! I am Owen Weddle, the Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist!
A philosopher once told a story where a schoolboy had refused to learn and just
wanted to play. Every time his teacher tried to help him get interested in school work,
the boy resisted and paid less attention than before. He just wanted to have fun.
Eventually the teacher said “Tell me what you want to do, and you can do it.” So the
boy said he want to draw a little bit, sleep some, and sometimes do nothing. And she
allows it. The boy got exactly what he wanted, but is it good?
Sometimes, when we pray we expect God to be like that school teacher; give us
everything we want. And when He doesn't, we wonder why. But the teacher starting
giving whatever the boy wanted is that she had given up on him! It is in fact good
news that God doesn't give us every single thing we want right now. Down the road,
the boy may have wished he had learned. He may regret getting what he wanted;
likewise, if God gave everything we wanted, we might regret it down the road. God
not giving us everything immediately is a sign that God hasn't given up on us, but is
still trying to lovingly teach and guide us.
May God bless you!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
BOR RAMBO
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
It's been said that “the only people who enjoy “change” are babies who need a new
diaper. There's a LOT of truth in that statement. Most of us DON'T like change. We
LIKE things to STAY the same. And yet “change” is woven into the fabric of life.
There's not a day goes by that we don't experience SOME kind of change.
For the past few years, I've served as Lead Pastor at Central. However, effective June
17th, I have been asked to serve a new congregation in another part of the state. My
wife and I aren't looking forward to packing and moving, but we are excited to hear
God's call to new service and to follow it.
We have been blessed to share in these moments with you over the past few years. We
are confident that though life is ALWAYS changing - God's love for us never does.
Make it a GREAT day!
Hi! I'm Bob Rambo, Lead Pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
It's been said that “the only people who enjoy “change” are babies who need a new
diaper. There's a LOT of truth in that statement. Most of us DON'T like change. We
LIKE things to STAY the same. And yet “change” is woven into the fabric of life.
There's not a day goes by that we don't experience SOME kind of change.
For the past few years, I've served as Lead Pastor at Central. However, effective June
17th, I have been asked to serve a new congregation in another part of the state. My
wife and I aren't looking forward to packing and moving, but we are excited to hear
God's call to new service and to follow it.
We have been blessed to share in these moments with you over the past few years. We
are confident that though life is ALWAYS changing - God's love for us never does.
Make it a GREAT day!
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