Friday, January 30, 2015

Friday, January 30, 2015

BOB
https://vimeo.com/116199976

Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist

Community in Meridian. Faith is a gift from God. It is not something we

earn or deserve. It is not something we draw up from within ourselves. It is

God’s gracious gift to each of us. We come to worship in order to increase

our faith. By hearing the faith stories contained in the Bible and those of

others around us who have been given great faith and used it to serve their

God we cause our own faith to grow, and God entrusts us with even more

faith. At Central we gather that we together might increase our faith and our

trust in Jesus as the one who will save us and lead us into greater faith, life

today in His kingdom of faith, and eternal life that comes as God’s gift to us

through faith. We know that faith is a way of living, not just another name

for religion. Come join us at Central as together we strive to accept God’s

gift of faith.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Thursday, January 29, 2015

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church. How often do you feel discouraged? Most people fight a

constant battle with discouragement. We become discouraged over

everything from missed opportunities to situations that may never happen

anyway.

It is easy to get discouraged, and as we read the Bible, many of our great

heroes faced and struggled with discouragement.

So, how do we overcome discouragement? The first step that we find in

Scripture is to realize that God is on our side. He is pulling for us, and it is

his desire for us to prosper and experience peace, love and joy.

Secondly we have to model this belief. There is nothing that lifts the spirit

more than a good word from another person. Just imagine that on your

worst day, what if everyone that you came in contact with encouraged you.

Our spirits would be lifted and our discouragement would fade.
So, why don’t you and I start the ball rolling and remind people that they

are loved by God. I invite you to visit us at Central UMC and live

encouraged.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

GLENDA

Good Morning:  as many of you know, I am the Director of the Children’s

Center at Central United Methodist Church.  We are a half day preschool

program serving ages 1 through 4.  Next month we will have registration for

the fall program, which will begin mid August.  If you or someone you

know is looking for a safe, secure, loving, learning environment, we are the

place for you!  We have an excellent teaching staff, a strong curriculum for

all ages, and, most of all, we are Christian based.

If you are interested in learning more about our program, please feel free to

drop by any morning, and I’ll be glad to give you a tour of our facility.  Or

you may call the church office and they will tell you how to reach me.  I’m

looking forward to hearing from you!  Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

SABRINA

Good Morning!  One of my favorite analogies is
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s

probably a duck.

But the truth is a duck is pretty easily identified. Not so with sin. Sin CAN

be dark and ugly, or it can be camouflaged to be VERY appealing and

beautiful. If gone unchecked, it drives us away from God, ruins our self

esteem, alienates us from others and breaks relationships.

God calls us to be holy people. God gives us the power to turn from sin if

we only turn to Him. When we work at building our relationships, we are

being holy. When we seek God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength,

and love our neighbor as ourselves...we are choosing to be Holy, made in the

image of God.

A duck is easily identified as a duck. Are WE easily identified as a child of

God or camouflaged in our words vs. our actions?  Begin today with Psalm

19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be

pleasing to you, O Lord, My rock and my redeemer.  Have a blessed day!

Monday, January 26, 2015

Monday, January 26, 2015

JIM CAIN

A week after Christmas, I needed a few things from Wal-Mart and with it

being early evening I didn’t think there would be much of a crowd. Once

there, I was amazed at the huge line of people all waiting to return things

they had gotten and weren’t satisfied with at Christmas. This reminded me

of the account in Numbers 11;4-6,”Now the rabble that was among them had

a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that

we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing,

the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our

strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”

There are few things in life more repulsive than ungratefulness. Remember

God’s provision of manna for the Israelites in the wilderness? This food

appeared every morning, except on the Sabbath, If the Lord had not

produced the manna, people would have starved.
Oddly enough, the people weren’t grateful. They bemoaned that the “fish

they ate in Egypt cost nothing”-nothing but their freedom.

Gratefulness should abound when we witness God’s provision in our lives.

Next time you are compelled to complain about something, like your job,

family, or anything in between, look at it in the light of God’s provision.

Don’t complain about your manna!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Friday, January 23, 2015

DENNIS

Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church. When was the last time you lost something very

valuable? It is in our human nature to be distracted and misplace an item. It

doesn’t really matter how careful we are; losing something is just a part of

being human. We will make mistakes, we will lose focus, and our minds

will wonder.

This is also true in our faith. There are times when each one of us will get

off track a tad. We are prone to focusing on the wrong things in life and we

lose sight of it.

Mary and Joseph lost something very important to them on their way back

from Jerusalem, JESUS. Can you imagine the feeling these two must have

had when they realized that their child was not with them?

This incident just proves that it can be easy to lose sight of Jesus when we

are distracted. It happens when we get comfortable and our attention is

focused elsewhere. If you find that you too have lost sight of Jesus, follow

the example of Mary and Joseph. Retrace your steps and find that he is still

with you. I invite you to Central, where we can help you get back on track.

God bless.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Thursday, January 22, 2015

BOB
https://vimeo.com/116031940

Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist

Community in Meridian, MS. This morning I am standing on the beach,

looking out across the Gulf of Mexico. A person of average height can see

just slightly less than 3 miles out to the horizon. Altitude helps, but even if

you were standing on top of Mount Everest and no weather or other

mountains were in your way you would still only be able to see about 200

miles. The earth is 24 thousand miles around. This illustrates how

incredibly short-sighted we are. God is not bound by these limitations.

God’s vision includes the whole world and not just the earth but the entire

universe for all time. As humans beings we have a very limited perspective

not only on the face of the earth but in all matters. We are people of the

earth and can never achieve God’s perspective but it is necessary  for us to

broaden ours that we might see others as God sees them.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

RAY

Good Morning
How do you show that you love someone?  Plenty of today’s most popular

songs claim it’s all about saying “I love you.”  But in the realm of faith,

obedience is what demonstrates that we love God.  Without this one

activity, our professions of love lose their meaning. 

Maybe you’re doubting his love for you.  Remind yourself: God created me;

that's why I’m here.  He loves me; that’s why Jesus died and rose again.  He

surrounded me with flowers, trees, birds, music, and an array of foods,

wanting me to have good things. 

Truly, evidence of his care is all around, so you can trust his requests of you.

 When He asks you to do something, you can respond with confidence rather

than fear and trembling.  We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. 

Grace covers that sin.  However, for our love to be meaningful, we must

obey. Do you love God?  Obey Him. Deuteronomy 11:1-7

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

GLENDA

Good Morning:  My Father was a hard working man, always providing for

his family.  He was kind and good.  He loved me very much and he showed

it every day.  He was also a disciplinarian…meaning, he expected us kids to

mind and if we didn’t, we paid the consequences.  The funny thing was, he

kept me out of a lot of trouble because I just didn’t want to disappoint this

wonderful man. 

That’s the way I see our heavenly Father…..kind and good; providing all our

needs; loving us more than we deserve; and disciplining us when we need

it.  I don’t want to disappoint him, either; but, because I am only human, I

often do.  And, like my own Father, when I truly say I’m sorry, he forgives.

You may not have the same kind of Father I had growing up, but, here’s

good news for you…you can have my Heavenly Father.  Just ask Him. 

Think about that and have a wonderful day!

Monday, January 19, 2015

Monday, January 19, 2015

SABRINA

Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King stood for equal

rights for African American people when no one else would. Because of that

dedication, our world is a better place.

Some of the dearest people in the world to me have a different skin tone

than mine. Years ago our paths would have never crossed. Anita Betts, our

Administrative Secretary, is African American. We are the same age, have

much in common, and genuinely love each other. We will refer to the other

one as a sister. One day my grandson, Hunter, was in the church office.

Anita and I were picking at Hunter telling him we were sisters. He was

insistent that it could not be. By this time, Anita had come around her desk,

and we were standing cheek to cheek, asking Hunter why he thought we

were not sisters. His response? Because your hair is different! He never saw

a difference in skin, simply different hair styles.

Dr. King, I am SURE would smile at that. How blessed we are to live in a

land, in a time, where we may still struggle with differences, but ARE most

assuredly making great strides.

On this day, let us not look at skin color, or racial profile, but instead look

to the Golden Rule. Doing unto others as we would have them do unto us!

THAT pretty much says all there is to say about what Dr. King stood for!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Friday, January 16, 2015

DENNIS

Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

In the bible, we are told of a young leader who is once more leading his

nation through a body of water. However, this time, circumstances are

different. They are not being pursued by an enemy. Instead, they are about

to begin pursuing theirs. In baptism, we have our very own journey through

the body of water. According to Scripture, it saves us from our enemies and

prepares us to do battle with them.

Jesus said that one of our main enemies is sin. Therefore, we should pluck it

out and cut it off from our lives. Historically, Christians called this the

“passions.” Not all passions are bad, but some of them can be influenced by

worldly corruption and even our greatest enemy Satan. So, we must go on

the inward attack.

Through the water, God grant us safe passage, we are given the weapons of

war against the wills of “passion.” All we need is faith to stand on the other

side!

Are you in need of strength? I invite you to Central to join the soldiers of

Christ who are marching toward that heavenly home. You can come to any

three of our Sunday Services: 8:30, 9:45 and 10:55. God Bless.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Thursday, January 15, 2015

DENNIS

Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

Well, we are in a brand new year. Every day is going to be filled with

opportunities. Some will be big, while others will be simple. Most likely,

we will all take advantages of the smaller ones that come our way. We will

take advantage of the opportunity to do simple acts of random kindness,

like letting someone into traffic or holding a door open for a stranger. But,

what about the bigger ones? Those opportunities that require more from us

than just being kind? At such chances, we often cringe and shy away

because it is asking too much from us. So, we allow those opportunities to

pass us by.

Granted, not every opportunity that comes our way is for us, but we will

never know unless we try. God has given us His Spirit of confidence so we

can go forward in the faith. Let’s take the opportunity to open up to the

movements of God. So, what opportunities will you take advantage of in the

New Year?

Maybe it is time to trust in God who has been calling you to follow Him.

This will be the most important decision you will ever make. I wish the best

of what God has planned for you in 2015.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

GLENDA

Good Morning:

Have you ever had these thoughts? I’m not perfect. I have all kinds of

problems. I have no ability. I have no gifts. I’m just not worthy. Why would

God want me? Well, did you know that Moses stuttered; Jacob was a liar;

David had an affair; Abraham was old; Timothy was young; Moses was a

murderer; Jonah ran from God; Miriam was a gossip; Gideon and Thomas

both doubted; Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal; Martha was a worry-

wart; and Noah got drunk. The list goes on and on. But God loved them and

used them anyway.

No, we’re not perfect, but God loves us and can use us no matter who we

are, where we’ve been, or what we have done. Isn’t that amazing? Think on

these things and have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Tuesday, January, 13, 2015

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist

Church.

As a parent, I often wonder what my children will be when they grow up. I

want so hard for them to succeed in life and to love and be loved by others.

However, I realize that I cannot deicide their lives for them. I can only guide

them (as imperfectly as that is), in the hopes that they will make wise

choices in life.

If you are a parent this morning, you need to know that God has allowed

you to be in a very special position in the life of your child. They will

observe the way that you speak, what you like to eat, and the things that you

love most. That is why we are told in Scripture to lead them in the right

path, so that when they are making choices for themselves they will choice

wisely.

As a parent, you are leaving behind a legacy and it is through the life of

your child. I pray that all of us would try much harder to guide them to a

place of love, hope, and righteousness. If you feel the same as I, then visit us

this Sunday at Central and begin your legacy with us.

Monday, January 12, 2015

Monday, January 12, 2015

RAY

Good Morning!

Many Christians chastise themselves when bad things happen, because they

think God would have answered their prayers if only they had more faith. A

child wouldn't have died, cancer would have been healed, a job wouldn't

have been lost – the reason that they just didn't pray hard enough.

Once a person starts reasoning like that, they take on the burden of

responsibility for the bad things that happen in life. The next step is guilt!

This is a dangerous slippery slope! Satan loves this, because it takes the

blame off of him, but the truth is, bad things are the result of sin, and Satan

is the originator of sin!

God doesn't command perfect faith before working miracles in our lives.

When you pray God always hears AND answers. You may not receive the

answer instantly, or the way you want it, but He does answer! And you can

trust that He always does what is best for us!

If you're struggling with guilt or doubt, pray "Lord, I believe; help my

unbelief."

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Tuesday, January 8, 2015

BOB

Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist

Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. As Christians we are quick to

talk about the Kingdom of God or our Lord Jesus Christ. But as American

citizens we have very little experience of living in a Kingdom or under the

lordship of a ruler. God in his gracious love has given us the freedom to

choose whether we will live in his kingdom or not. And we make that

choice each and every day of our lives. And our choice today will reflect our

choice for eternity.  Unfortunately many of us would really like to have it

both ways. We would like to live for ourselves today and for the Lord in

eternity. But it does not really work that way. Choose today, whom you will

serve. I choose to live today in and for the Kingdom of God.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

JIM CAIN

Good Morning!

As we move into the heart of winter many of us have begun to feel the

effects of the different viruses and illness that seem to tag along with the

changing of the seasons.

With many of my co-workers having missed work because of a virus that

has been going around, I have tried to take extra precautions to avoid

catching it. Every time someone would come into my office, I would spray

Lysol disinfectant in the air after they left; and after shaking hands with

someone, I would try to use a hand sanitizer before going back to work.

After one particular encounter last week, I reached for the bottle of Germ-X

on my desk when the person I had shaken hands with said, “Oh, don’t

worry about that. I’ve been sick, but I’m not contagious because I caught it

from someone else.”

Unfortunately for many of us our faith can be described the same way. We

aren’t “infectious” because we never had a direct relationship with Jesus

Christ but have been living off the faith of others. Let me encourage you to

go straight to the source through prayer today and start a relationship with

the Savior that will be “infectious” to all those you come in contact with.

Catch it today, you’ll be glad you did!

Monday, January 5, 2015

Monday, January 5, 2015

GLENDA

Good Morning:

Tomorrow is the 12th and final day of Christmas. We call it Epiphany. It

represents the Wise men following the star and finding baby Jesus. The

Jews of that day knew that a Savior would come for them. But, the coming

of the Wise men from far away shows us that Jesus not only came for the

Jewish people of that day, but to all people...that means you and me.

They brought gifts of gold representing his divinity, his royalty;

frankincense which was used in worship in the temple and that represented

His holiness; and myrrh which was used for embalming and represented the

suffering he would go through as a mortal man.

So don't see tomorrow as just another day. Let it remind you that the wise

men recognized Jesus as the Holy divine Son of God brought to this earth

for all mankind. Rejoice that he came for YOU! Have a wonderful day.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Friday, Januray 2, 2015

JIM CAIN

Nehemiah’s countrymen, the Jews, were living in destitution. The once

powerful walls of Jerusalem were little more than scattered rubble and her

great gates that once protected the people and welcomed their friends were

reduced to char & ash.  This broke him, and he began praying earnestly for

God to work mightily on the Jew’s behalf. However, Nehemiah didn’t stop

there; rather, he started planning for the day when God would answer his

prayer.

Many of us wait for God to work and answer prayer, like Nehemiah, but

unlike him, we aren’t prepared for when he does. God uses that time of

waiting to prepare us, which he did with Nehemiah. Nehemiah served King

Xerxes as a cupbearer, a trusted position. The king, sensing his brokenness,

asked him, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick?” Nehemiah

didn’t retell the sad tale, but gave the king a well planned solution.

Are we preparing for the day when God moves? Have we been praying for

revival as a church, but not preparing ourselves for when it occurs? Start

planning for answered prayers today and then join us in worship this

Sunday at Central UMC!

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Thursday, January 1, 2015

JOHN

Happy New Year! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

Is it just me or did 2014 just fly by before our eyes. I was always told as a

kid that the older you get the faster time goes by. That is not entirely true. A

day is a day, 365 days are still a year, and it all goes by one minute at time.

The difference I believe is that we are choosing to live life at such a high

speed that we never stop to enjoy the moments. Maybe, we feel that if we

are overstretched and always busy that means we are a success.

I am like many of you, my schedule is always packed and there never seems

to be enough time to make it all happen. Yet, whether I get something done

today or not doesn’t mean that the day was wasted.

I am afraid that we are missing out on having spiritual influence on others,

because we are not slowing down enough to share our stories. God created

us to be in relationship, to be in community. I hope that will be a priority

for us this year.