Monday, September 30, 2013

Monday, September 30, 2013

Jim Cain

Good Morning!

“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to

salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

Joe McKeever, the famous New Orleans cartoonist, once said he would not sketch babies when he was

doing caricatures. It wasn't that he had anything against babies but that life had not touched them yet

to the point that there was a significant difference one infant from another. They just weren't

“remarkable” in their definition.

I wonder how many of us never go beyond our “baby Christian” stage and go to heaven in an

“unremarkable stage” one no different than the other? Never realizing the incredible plans God has for

each and every one of us!

Friday, September 27, 2013

Friday, September 27, 2013

DENNIS

Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett from Central United Methodist Church. In his epistle, the Apostle

Peter writes of encouragement to all who find themselves in the middle of life's trials.

During these times, it is easy to become cynical, which robs us of all joy. Cynicism turns a deaf ear to

the Gospel that announces good tidings to the meek, liberty to captives, and the opening of the prison

to them that are bound.
There is hope and love available to us in spite of what life tries to throw at us.

In first Peter, the Apostle goes so far as to say that the trials of faith can even be precious. See, Christ is

our hope in all things; he is our peace that somehow passes all understanding. Thus, we can cling to

faith as we would a precious stone.

You are invited to be a part of the Central United Methodist Church family; a place where you will

receive the same encouragement spoken of in Scripture.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Thursday, September 26, 2013

GLENDA

Good Morning:

Recently I saw an article on the internet about questions Jesus might ask you. I can't list all of them

today, but here are a few:    If you never felt pain, then how would know that I am a Healer? If you

never had to pray, how would you know that I am a Deliverer? If you were never in trouble, how

would you know that I will come to your rescue? If I gave you all things, then how would you

appreciate them? If you were never broken, then how would you know that I can make you whole?

You get the idea. The point is that we do go through lots of experiences, both good and bad; and we

can't get through them alone. We need Jesus. Whatever you are going through today, Jesus is there for

you. Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Jim Cain

I was in the “library” reading on my iPad early one morning when my book disappeared & suddenly I

saw my own face, and the words Face Time appeared, and there was my youngest son smiling and

waving as he said in one long sentence “Morning Dad we are getting ready to go to VBS at

grandmother's church it should be fun then we're going to Bullet's to eat and if it isn't raining p..” And

then he paused and said awkwardly, “Uh, Dad where are you?” and before I could answer my

nephew's face popped up from behind Doc it hit me I was “reading” so I pointed the screen ceiling

ward and said, “Um, guys let me call y'all back. ”

In retrospect my 1st Face Time session was like the 1st time I prayed or “Face Timed” with God.

Though I couldn't see him I had been to VBS enough in my childhood to know that he could see and

hear me perfectly. The words of that prayer have long slipped through the drain that has become my

memory, but I know that it became easier to talk to God the more I gave over to Him. And that once I

learned he was more interested in what I was telling Him than where I was or what I looked like, then

those conversations became longer and frequent as the days went by. Have you “Face Timed' with God

today? Try it; I think you'll be glad you did.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

John Branning

Good Morning! I'm John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I will never

forget that while I was stationed at COB Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq, serving as the Battalion Chaplain for

Task Force Griffin, a Soldier came to me and asked me, “Chaplain, do we really have a purpose in

life?”

Most people, I believe, come to a point where we ask ourselves if there is a point for us being here. My

answer to that Soldier is the same that I give to you today. Yes, there is a purpose for us being alive at

this specific moment in time. However, it may not be so that you will win American Idol or become

President of the United States. Our purpose for being here is spiritual, to love God and one another. We

are to show compassion and mercy; doing all the good we can for so long as we can.

You have a purpose and I invite you to journey with us at Central United Methodist Church and live

your purpose today.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Monday, September 23, 2013

BOB

Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. New York Yankee Alex

Rodriguez recently said, "I'm fighting for my life," after his 211 game suspension from baseball for

alleged performing enhancing drug use.

Please! After signing a 275 million dollar contract, and collecting most of it, his statement is an affront

to those who face real life and death issues on a daily basis.

Bishop Grant Hagiya reminded us in a recent blog of Logan Stevenson, the 2 year old cancer patient

who recently died just days after serving as the best man at his parents= wedding. A story such as

Logan's should put into perspective A-Rod's ridiculous claim.  Logan's story should make us realize

that all of life is a gift. None of us deserve this gift of life, but God constantly gives it simply out of

God's love for us. Logan Stevenson reminds us today that God doesn't really care who wins a ballgame

but only that we can all win at life itself.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Friday, September 20, 2013

JIM CAIN

Good Morning!

Now that summer is over and the class of 2013 is safely off to college, with thank you notes written for

graduation gifts received and senior parties given, it won't be long before the parties for the class of

2014 will begin.

But before it does, let's take one last look at the summer of 2013. Most of my friends were invited to the

last party of the summer, I, however, was not. I pretended it didn't bother me since I had plans on that

date anyway. Ironically, my son got invited by the younger brother of the party host. “Even though the

party is for my brother you should come,” the boy told my son. “After all, I'm sure your Dad will be

coming.” When my son relayed the message I snapped, “Your Dad most certainly will not be going,

your Dad wasn't invited!”

The day after the party, my nephew came slowly walking in with a stack of mail and said, “I put this in

Doc's room on Wednesday when we checked it, I'm sorry Aunt Suzanne.” And there in the pile of

misplaced mail was the invitation I had been waiting on.

Now the funny thing is many of us walk around pouting all the time feeling like we haven't been

invited to God's party because of the things we've done, when in reality God has issued an invitation to

anyone willing to open the door and let him come in!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Thursday, September 19, 2013

RAY DURDEN

Hebrews 12:14:  Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy.

Many influences of life separate you from God. When you are worried and full of doubt, life can seem

to have defeated you. However, you are defeated by life only if you have let yourself be separated from

God and His love. When you don't live with God's peace in your heart, you don't see God or feel His

presence within you.  To have Christ living and alive in your heart, you must seek His touch to heal

you from the wounds and hurts you suffer.

The touch of God helps you resolve conflicts and difficulties. The touch of God helps you persevere in

peace when the path of your life gets difficult to walk.  When you are persecuted, wronged, or slighted,

remain holy and next to God. When you remain holy and devout in spite of all the attacks of the

darkness against you, Christ wins and you win.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

DENNIS

Good Morning. This is Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Looking

back into the not so distant past, we find a wonderful Protestant saint named Corrie ten Boom who

suffered great trials during the Nazi occupation of Holland. The ten Boom family demonstrated the

love of Christ to all who were escaping the persecution of the Gestapo.

Eventually, their Christian love cost them everything. Both, her sister and father died in the Nazi

Concentration Camps.

The astonishing aspect of this entire story is what occurred after the occupation ended. Once Ms. Corrie

was released, she began constructing recovery centers for both victims and persecutors.

Jesus Christ came to set free all those who are oppressed and victimized. There is always an open

invitation at Central for everyone to come and experience the healing power of Christ.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

SABRINA

Recently, our five- year-old grandson, Brett, was learning his books of the Bible. Beginning with the

books of Law, here is how the conversation goes. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Ross. Ross??

No, it is Deuteronomy.  No I am going to call it Ross, Deuteronomy sounds ugly. We have no idea

where Ross came from, but I will never be able to say the books of the Bible again without Ross

coming to mind.

How many times do we as adults do the same thing in our lives?  WE decide how God intends for our

lives to be; WE make decisions based on what we want rather than putting our faith in God. WE put

names of justification on our actions, forgetting what instruction we find in Micah 6:8.  “The Lord has

shown you what is good.  He has told you what He requires of you.  To treat people fairly, love others

faithfully, and walk humbly with your God.”  We don't have to re-name, or justify anything.  God's

instruction is clear.  Go today and walk humbly with your God. Have a blessed day!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Monday, September 16, 2013

JOHN BRANNING

Good Morning! I'm John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever

wondered about the legacy that you are leaving behind? Most people have a desire to be remembered

after they are gone so they store up possessions to leave to those they love in the hopes that the next

generation will remember them through the gift.

What I have found through the years visiting many estate sales is that the items that you treasure so

much may not be treasured so dearly by those you leave them to.

Jesus said don't layup treasures for yourself here on earth where they can be destroyed and stolen or

even sold at a discount. Instead, layup for yourself treasures in heaven where they are remembered for

all eternity.

I hope all of our storehouses are full in heaven. I invite you join us at Central United Methodist Church

and begin storing up heavenly treasures.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Friday, September 13, 2013

JIM CAIN



"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Lately, everywhere you look there are posters or t-shirts with the words "Keep Calm and...." emblazoned on them and you fill in the blank depending on your mood or situation at the time. The original phrase was "Keep Calm and Carry On," which was on a poster issued in the UK as a morale booster during World War 2. I have even seen some that say "Keep Calm and Eat Cake" or "Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate". That's advice I can live by. The more I think about those sayings, the more I am reminded how much the Lord can keep me calm. It was at the beginning of the summer when I wrote down some of my thoughts, but now with all of the continuing violence in the Middle East and all the political unrest here in our own country, it makes me have a need to keep calm more than ever right now. I'm just so glad that I have the Lord to go to for that calming. The Lord grounds me and helps me to be able to "carry on". After all, He has "...overcome the world." John 16:33. 
So, how do you keep calm?

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thursday, September 12, 2013

GLENDA



Good Morning:



Have you ever heard this prayer? “Dear God, so far today, I've done all right. I haven't gossiped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over-indulgent. I'm really glad about that. But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help!” That could be all of us. We do need help each day to do what is right. To say what is right. To live the kind of life that God wants us to live and we can't do it alone. So, as part of our morning prayer, let's ask God to lead us. In Psalms 32:8, God says: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” God is there for you. Have a wonderful day.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

JIM WALL



Good Morning!



Would you develop a relationship with someone who could bring nothing to the relationship?  If it were all give and no take, would you even bother?



Now consider the fact that God's relationship with us is just that way.  God created everything.  There is nothing we can give that He doesn't already have.  That is what grace is all about.  It is unmerited favor.  God gives us what we do not deserve, knowing that we can never repay Him.  However, we can allow God to use us as His hand of grace extended to others.  That's one of the things we strive to do at Central.



If you do not have a church home, we extend to you the hand of God's grace and invite you to worship with us this Sunday.  Contemporary worship begins at 8:30 a.m., Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., and traditional worship at 10:55 a.m.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

SABRINA



In her book the “The 25 Hour Woman,” Sybil Stanton points out that “won't” power is as important as will power.  Every time you say yes to a goal, you say no to many more.  Every prize has its price.  The prize is the yes, the price is the no. If you have no purpose for your life, what you will do and won't do makes the difference.  If you know where you are going, the discipline of I will and I won't is the only way to get there.



Teenagers aren't the only age group hounded by pressure to conform. We never outgrow peer pressure. There was a clip on the morning news about parents who spend thousands of dollars on a birthday party for a five year old.  Why?? for their child, or to impress colleagues and friends?



What are your goals, what do you want others to see in you? It is your goal, your prize.  You are the only one who can answer. We must decide what we will not do, then we can act on what we should do!  Go and have a blessed day!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Monday, September 9, 2013

BOB



This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. The other morning I was watching news coverage of the latest natural disaster. A survivor looked into the camera and said, "It was just God's will that I was spared" "The Bible says 'everything happens for a reason,' and I believe that. I believe it now more than ever." Well, for starters, the Bible most assuredly does not say that everything happens for a reason. To the contrary, the Bible says there is a great deal of randomness in human experience. Look at Job, Jesus, and the Christian martyrs for examples. Not everything that happens in this world is God's will by any means. But, in everything that happens, we can seek God's will by continuing to trust, being faithful to what we know is right, and encouraging others to do the same. And by living into the promise that everything works together for the good of those who love the Lord.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Friday, September 6, 2013

JOHN BRANNING



Good Morning! I'm John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I grew up in Neshoba County on a family farm. As fall approaches each year, my mind returns to my youth and I begin to remember that this season was a time to hunt, spend time with family, and slow down in life just a little.



All of us now seem to be in a constant rush, always on the go and seemingly no time to rest. God said that we all need rest, so much so that he placed in the great commandments, that one day a week should be set aside for worship and rest; and for most of us, that day is Sunday.



I encourage you to honor this commandment, because in honoring the Lord's day not only will we get the rest that we need; but in worshiping God, we will not forget who he is to us and all that we have because of His blessings.



If you need a place to find spiritual rest, then please visit us at Central UMC and find a home with us.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Thursday, September 5, 2013

BOB



Good Morning. This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I feel confident that most of us want to do some great thing with our lives. But we labor under the illusion that authentically great things are reserved for a chosen few. Heroes. Martyrs. Saints. But not for you and me.



What if the greatest thing is not to go out in a blaze of glory, but to honor God with a life that seeks to do his will in the little things? Not to climb the highest mountain, but to stay on the uneven course that life has marked out for you? Not dying for your faith, but staying true to it over a difficult lifetime?



Time is the most valuable resource of your life. Spend it wisely -- in small increments of unselfishness here and there. Or you will lose it completely. This is the only September the 5th 2 thousand 13 you will ever have. You have already spent 7 - Use the remaining 17 hours well.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

JIM WALL



Good Morning!



Rich or poor, famous or unknown; who doesn't want to be admired?  Former British Prime Minister Lord Melbourne once criticized a London newspaper editor for not supporting him sufficiently.  In reply, the editor said he always supported Melbourne's party when he thought it was in the right.



Melbourne responded, “We don't want support when we are in the right - what we want is a little support when we are in the wrong!”



Whether we are right or wrong, we all need support.  Yet how often do we show kindness to those who most need encouragement, the outcasts of society?  Look for someone to encourage today - someone who needs the support only you can give.  And allow God to lead you as you share your time, attention, and love.  May God bless you today!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

DENNIS



Good Morning. Yesterday, our nation celebrated all men and women who have contributed to making America one of the most financially stable countries in the world. We recognized both our professionals and blue collared folks by allowing ourselves to relax with family and friends.



Today, we return to those jobs, as we roll up our sleeves and get back to work. In doing so, let's not forget all of the ones who have lost the means to provide for themselves and their families.



Even in the greatest country, there are millions of people who are in need of shelter, food, clothing, and means of income.



Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. And [we] should ask the Lord to send workers into the fields.”



The Church is called to send out disciples to show the love of Christ to the world. And here at Central, we are taking applications.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Monday, September 2, 2013

SABRINA



Happy Labor Day!

This day is set aside the first Monday of September in celebration of the economic and social contributions of America's workers; a day where we can truly appreciate how far we have come due to the effort others have put into the growth of our country.



Today, however, when we look at motivations for work, we often see some fairly shallow thoughts like: survival, to pay off debts, to get more/newer things.



The scriptures call us to a higher ideal- Col. 3:23 reminds us to love God and our neighbor. Loving God by working for the glory of God. Loving our neighbor as Ephesians 4:28 says, that we might have something to share for those in need. Work is not just for ourselves or for our own comfort, and most certainly not for our own self-indulgence. God gives us time. God calls us to labor - to labor for Him, to be His hands and feet. Let us take time to think on these things today!