DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church.
A covenant is a contract between two parties, which binds the parties to specific terms and agreements. For example, when a person purchases a home, he or she will sign a contract detailing the terms of the purchases. Under normal circumstances, this contract is legally binding. However, we know that some of these contracts are broken.
Similarly, there was a time in our country’s history when a covenant was made with a handshake. This wasn’t legally binding of course. Instead, the two parties would keep to the agreement based on honor and honesty. A person’s word was considered their bond. We can also assume that these contracts were broken from time to time.
In our relationship with God, He too has made a covenant with us. His Word is His bond. The great news is that the contract is based on His grace. Because of grace, we are able to recognize that we are His children. So, the question for today is: How are you holding up your end of the contract? I invite you to recommit to it right now.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. Today is Memorial Day - a national holiday. It has come to be considered the non-official opening of the summer season. A three-day weekend to head off to the beach. But this was not intended as a day of frivolity but as a national holy day of remembrance.
It was first officially proclaimed on the 5th of May, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic saying: AThe 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or, otherwise, decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.
After World War I, the holiday was changed to remember all those who died in war. The ANational Moment of Remembrance@ resolution was passed in December of 2000, which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans: ATo voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps@.
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. Today is Memorial Day - a national holiday. It has come to be considered the non-official opening of the summer season. A three-day weekend to head off to the beach. But this was not intended as a day of frivolity but as a national holy day of remembrance.
It was first officially proclaimed on the 5th of May, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic saying: AThe 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or, otherwise, decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.
After World War I, the holiday was changed to remember all those who died in war. The ANational Moment of Remembrance@ resolution was passed in December of 2000, which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans: ATo voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps@.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Friday, May 27, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. These words are recorded by Paul for us in 1 Corinthians 9:27 “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
I have noticed that people who demonstrate spiritual strength in the most difficult situations of life is self-disciplined. Self-discipline is a difficult subject for many, because it forces us to implement a plan of action that is not based on feelings. If you base anything in life on feelings rather than a set of values, you will always live your life without stability nor a sense of accomplishment. If we are not careful, our feelings will tell us to give up, quit, and go home.
The enemy desires for you to cave to your natural emotions and crumble in the face of defeat. I know that emotions can make the hair stand up on your neck but, discipline will always win the day of battle. As Paul says, we must constantly discipline ourselves so that when others look toward us they are able to see the strength of Christ.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. These words are recorded by Paul for us in 1 Corinthians 9:27 “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
I have noticed that people who demonstrate spiritual strength in the most difficult situations of life is self-disciplined. Self-discipline is a difficult subject for many, because it forces us to implement a plan of action that is not based on feelings. If you base anything in life on feelings rather than a set of values, you will always live your life without stability nor a sense of accomplishment. If we are not careful, our feelings will tell us to give up, quit, and go home.
The enemy desires for you to cave to your natural emotions and crumble in the face of defeat. I know that emotions can make the hair stand up on your neck but, discipline will always win the day of battle. As Paul says, we must constantly discipline ourselves so that when others look toward us they are able to see the strength of Christ.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central – A United Methodist Community.
Trust and communication go hand-in-hand, and our relationships with one another are dependent upon the two – trust and communication - especially when life is difficult. Well, a scripture in Proverbs – a book of wisdom – tells us to learn to trust in the Lord…lean not on our own understanding. I believe we gain each others’ trust through communication, and, likewise, with God. If we are to continue growing in our faith as followers of Jesus Christ, then we must trust; we must communicate with Jesus, daily. When we’re unsure of our paths, we must remember that our relationship with Jesus and others – ones built upon trust and communication – will be our strength as we walk along the path.
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central – A United Methodist Community.
Trust and communication go hand-in-hand, and our relationships with one another are dependent upon the two – trust and communication - especially when life is difficult. Well, a scripture in Proverbs – a book of wisdom – tells us to learn to trust in the Lord…lean not on our own understanding. I believe we gain each others’ trust through communication, and, likewise, with God. If we are to continue growing in our faith as followers of Jesus Christ, then we must trust; we must communicate with Jesus, daily. When we’re unsure of our paths, we must remember that our relationship with Jesus and others – ones built upon trust and communication – will be our strength as we walk along the path.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
GLENDA
Good Morning: Remember we talked about blooming where you are planted a few weeks ago? Well, here's another story to think about. Esther was a beautiful Hebrew young woman. She was taken from her home and was entered into the first beauty pageant that we know of. She won! The prize was that she got to become one of the king's wives. It was not a place she wanted to be. But because of the situation she found herself in, she was able to go to the king and save a whole nation of people......hers.
God is not mentioned in this book of the Bible, but the implication is there. God placed her there just so she could intervene. She bloomed where she was planted. Are you blooming today? I hope so. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: Remember we talked about blooming where you are planted a few weeks ago? Well, here's another story to think about. Esther was a beautiful Hebrew young woman. She was taken from her home and was entered into the first beauty pageant that we know of. She won! The prize was that she got to become one of the king's wives. It was not a place she wanted to be. But because of the situation she found herself in, she was able to go to the king and save a whole nation of people......hers.
God is not mentioned in this book of the Bible, but the implication is there. God placed her there just so she could intervene. She bloomed where she was planted. Are you blooming today? I hope so. Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
SABRINA
As we reach this time of year where we are inundated with celebratory news of high school and college graduations, weddings - new beginnings - you can’t help but reflect back to those times in your own life. The joy in the faces of those embracing the future - a future of unknown magnitude.
But it is really the same for us, no matter our stage in life. We wake up every morning with the opportunity for a new beginning and happiness. It is when we realize, “True happiness is not made in getting something. True happiness is becoming something.
We cannot become something without commitment. All too often, we ask God to use us, but what we really want is for God to use us, if it suits us, without our having to give up anything or put forth much effort.
When we are committed to being what God intended us to be, we are often used outside of our comfort zone - and it is then that we are in awe of what true happiness is; being an unlikely vessel used to God’s glory. So today, graduate from your comfort zone-be committed-become what God intended...and find true happiness!
As we reach this time of year where we are inundated with celebratory news of high school and college graduations, weddings - new beginnings - you can’t help but reflect back to those times in your own life. The joy in the faces of those embracing the future - a future of unknown magnitude.
But it is really the same for us, no matter our stage in life. We wake up every morning with the opportunity for a new beginning and happiness. It is when we realize, “True happiness is not made in getting something. True happiness is becoming something.
We cannot become something without commitment. All too often, we ask God to use us, but what we really want is for God to use us, if it suits us, without our having to give up anything or put forth much effort.
When we are committed to being what God intended us to be, we are often used outside of our comfort zone - and it is then that we are in awe of what true happiness is; being an unlikely vessel used to God’s glory. So today, graduate from your comfort zone-be committed-become what God intended...and find true happiness!
Monday, May 23, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
KRISTINA
Good Morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree, and I am the minister of Spiritual Formation at Central United Methodist Church.
As followers of Jesus, we know that one of the conditions that God has upon us is found in Galatians 6:2. It says, “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Now if you are a believer, you know very that the law of Jesus was very different than the Law of Moses. Jesus has given us personal conditions as followers to be in relationship with one another.
One way in which we can carry each other’s burdens is by prayer. Have you ever had anyone ask you for prayer? When they asked you for prayer, they are very much exposing vulnerability, sorrow, or fear in their own lives and have come to you asking you to take the burden for just a bit.
Praying for others is a daunting responsibility. My one questions for us today is: do we actually pray for those who ask or do we just say we will and then forget? If someone ask you to pray, I challenge you to stop and take the burden for them to the Lord. Have a great day!
Good Morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree, and I am the minister of Spiritual Formation at Central United Methodist Church.
As followers of Jesus, we know that one of the conditions that God has upon us is found in Galatians 6:2. It says, “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Now if you are a believer, you know very that the law of Jesus was very different than the Law of Moses. Jesus has given us personal conditions as followers to be in relationship with one another.
One way in which we can carry each other’s burdens is by prayer. Have you ever had anyone ask you for prayer? When they asked you for prayer, they are very much exposing vulnerability, sorrow, or fear in their own lives and have come to you asking you to take the burden for just a bit.
Praying for others is a daunting responsibility. My one questions for us today is: do we actually pray for those who ask or do we just say we will and then forget? If someone ask you to pray, I challenge you to stop and take the burden for them to the Lord. Have a great day!
Friday, May 20, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday in the Christian year. Pentecost mean 50th day and is always 50 days after Easter. In the Jewish calendar, this is the Festival of Weeks when the Jews celebrate the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. The descending of the Holy Spirit, which occurred on this holy day 50 days after Jesus= resurrection transformed this special day.
Today, the church celebrates Pentecost as the coming of the Holy Spirit in wind and tongues of fire and the birthday of the church - the day when the disciples first began to openly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. That first Pentecost was a trans-formative day for those early disciples. It changed the meaning of their holy day, and it changed the direction of their entire lives. The question for us today is: Have we allowed the Holy Spirit to transform our lives that we may be living witnesses to the love and grace of Jesus Christ?
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday in the Christian year. Pentecost mean 50th day and is always 50 days after Easter. In the Jewish calendar, this is the Festival of Weeks when the Jews celebrate the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. The descending of the Holy Spirit, which occurred on this holy day 50 days after Jesus= resurrection transformed this special day.
Today, the church celebrates Pentecost as the coming of the Holy Spirit in wind and tongues of fire and the birthday of the church - the day when the disciples first began to openly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. That first Pentecost was a trans-formative day for those early disciples. It changed the meaning of their holy day, and it changed the direction of their entire lives. The question for us today is: Have we allowed the Holy Spirit to transform our lives that we may be living witnesses to the love and grace of Jesus Christ?
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Thursday, May 19, 2016
GLENDA
Good Morning: Have you ever heard this statement: “Bloom where you are planted”? That's means to be the best you can be no matter the situation you find yourself in. Do you know the story of Joseph? Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, he ended up in prison; but because he was the person God wanted him to be, he “bloomed where he was planted”. As a result, he found favor with Pharoah and became the 2nd most powerful person in Egypt. He could have moaned and groaned and felt God had forsaken him, but instead, he kept his faith and God rewarded him. So, today, no matter what life throws at you, stay true to yourself, and above all else, stay true to God and “bloom where you are planted.” Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: Have you ever heard this statement: “Bloom where you are planted”? That's means to be the best you can be no matter the situation you find yourself in. Do you know the story of Joseph? Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, he ended up in prison; but because he was the person God wanted him to be, he “bloomed where he was planted”. As a result, he found favor with Pharoah and became the 2nd most powerful person in Egypt. He could have moaned and groaned and felt God had forsaken him, but instead, he kept his faith and God rewarded him. So, today, no matter what life throws at you, stay true to yourself, and above all else, stay true to God and “bloom where you are planted.” Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church.
No matter what we do in life, there will always be conditions. Even in our leisure activities, there are certain guidelines we must follow. Take for example, rock climbing. A friend of mine in Texas has been into rock climbing for many years. One day, as we talked about his hobby, he said that a rock climber has to find the right line up the cliff. If not, then you put yourself at a greater risk of falling. He also uses the assistance of rope and metal holders to reduce the chance of injury.
Just like everything else in life, we need to become familiar with the conditions of our faith. Jesus says that the most important one to realize is love. Love is like finding the right line of our ascent. It is like using ropes and holders so we will not fall. Love is a necessary condition of being a disciple of Jesus.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus told his disciples to love one another. Many of us are missing out on this condition as we try to climb the mountain blindly, and take no regard to the path we are taking. Today, don’t take unnecessary risks, but instead, start loving one another.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church.
No matter what we do in life, there will always be conditions. Even in our leisure activities, there are certain guidelines we must follow. Take for example, rock climbing. A friend of mine in Texas has been into rock climbing for many years. One day, as we talked about his hobby, he said that a rock climber has to find the right line up the cliff. If not, then you put yourself at a greater risk of falling. He also uses the assistance of rope and metal holders to reduce the chance of injury.
Just like everything else in life, we need to become familiar with the conditions of our faith. Jesus says that the most important one to realize is love. Love is like finding the right line of our ascent. It is like using ropes and holders so we will not fall. Love is a necessary condition of being a disciple of Jesus.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus told his disciples to love one another. Many of us are missing out on this condition as we try to climb the mountain blindly, and take no regard to the path we are taking. Today, don’t take unnecessary risks, but instead, start loving one another.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
KRISTINA
Good Morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree, and I am the minister of Spiritual Formation at Central United Methodist Church.
It is that time of year. Teachers are thriving off of only a view more days left of school. Summer is just around the corner. The kids can feel the excitement too. What about those seniors graduating in a few days.
Do you have a senior graduating high school or do you know one? It is such a special time. What if we took it a step further? If you haven’t gotten any graduation invitation in the mail, you will this week! I encourage you to not only support them financially and attending their graduation service, but by giving spiritual encouragement. They are living in a different time than any of us have ever lived and need spiritual encouragement from you. Write them an encouraging letter, offer a time of prayer at graduation, and invest in their lives even when they are away at college.
As Disciples of Christ, we are called to disciple others, maybe this is your opportunity to disciple a graduating senior. It’s never too late. Have a great day!
Good Morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree, and I am the minister of Spiritual Formation at Central United Methodist Church.
It is that time of year. Teachers are thriving off of only a view more days left of school. Summer is just around the corner. The kids can feel the excitement too. What about those seniors graduating in a few days.
Do you have a senior graduating high school or do you know one? It is such a special time. What if we took it a step further? If you haven’t gotten any graduation invitation in the mail, you will this week! I encourage you to not only support them financially and attending their graduation service, but by giving spiritual encouragement. They are living in a different time than any of us have ever lived and need spiritual encouragement from you. Write them an encouraging letter, offer a time of prayer at graduation, and invest in their lives even when they are away at college.
As Disciples of Christ, we are called to disciple others, maybe this is your opportunity to disciple a graduating senior. It’s never too late. Have a great day!
Monday, May 16, 2016
Monday, May 16, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church.
“As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
As a Lead Pastor and a Chaplain, I have felt at times that we embrace our weaknesses as a necessary part of life, rather than allowing them to identify areas in our lives that need work. It seems that we wallow in our weakness and ask others to wallow in theirs. I want to share with you a prophetic word if you are in this position. STOP IT! There is absolutely nothing to admire in a person that allows the challenges of life to trap them in a pit of despair. Jesus has not called you to accept your weaknesses but simply to identify them and allow him to turn them into strengths.
In the Army when you exercise and your muscles ache, they tell you it’s just weakness leaving the body. The more you turn your weaknesses into iron, the weakness will leave the body.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church.
“As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
As a Lead Pastor and a Chaplain, I have felt at times that we embrace our weaknesses as a necessary part of life, rather than allowing them to identify areas in our lives that need work. It seems that we wallow in our weakness and ask others to wallow in theirs. I want to share with you a prophetic word if you are in this position. STOP IT! There is absolutely nothing to admire in a person that allows the challenges of life to trap them in a pit of despair. Jesus has not called you to accept your weaknesses but simply to identify them and allow him to turn them into strengths.
In the Army when you exercise and your muscles ache, they tell you it’s just weakness leaving the body. The more you turn your weaknesses into iron, the weakness will leave the body.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
SABRINA
In the Book of Acts, the Scripture tells us that the sound of the blowing of a
violent wind filled the house where Jesus’ followers were praying, and they
were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to go into the streets telling of Jesus
to all those they met; and that following Peter’s sermon, many were baptized,
and the church began to grow.
Because of this event, this Sunday Christian churches celebrate Pentecost “the
birthday of the church.” Without Pentecost, we wouldn’t have the church. If you
continue to read throughout the book of Acts, you see a passion for togetherness,
not individuality - an inclusion of ALL people through Christ.
The early Church was simple - repent, believe and be forgiven. No complex
theories, no threats of hellfire and brimstone as a motivation, because the gospel
is less about running away from something and more about running toward
God. God could have spread His message by doing it himself, but He takes the
slow, winding road of partnership with us. WE are His Church. HIS hands, HIS
feet. THAT is why we CELEBRATE Pentecost; God here AMONG us!
In the Book of Acts, the Scripture tells us that the sound of the blowing of a
violent wind filled the house where Jesus’ followers were praying, and they
were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to go into the streets telling of Jesus
to all those they met; and that following Peter’s sermon, many were baptized,
and the church began to grow.
Because of this event, this Sunday Christian churches celebrate Pentecost “the
birthday of the church.” Without Pentecost, we wouldn’t have the church. If you
continue to read throughout the book of Acts, you see a passion for togetherness,
not individuality - an inclusion of ALL people through Christ.
The early Church was simple - repent, believe and be forgiven. No complex
theories, no threats of hellfire and brimstone as a motivation, because the gospel
is less about running away from something and more about running toward
God. God could have spread His message by doing it himself, but He takes the
slow, winding road of partnership with us. WE are His Church. HIS hands, HIS
feet. THAT is why we CELEBRATE Pentecost; God here AMONG us!
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Thursday, May 12, 2016
BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist Community
in downtown Meridian. When God led the children of Israel through the
wilderness, he didn't just appear once a day and then abandon them. The pillar
of fire was present all night; the cloud was present all day.
Our God never leaves us! Jesus’ final promise in the gospel of Matthew is: "And
be sure of this: I am with you always...." Our faith takes a quantum leap when
we understand the perpetual presence of the Father. He never leaves us! Heaven
knows no difference between Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon. God
longs to speak as clearly in the workplace as he does in the sanctuary. He longs
to be worshiped when we sit at the dinner table, not just when we come to his
communion table.
You may go days without thinking of him, but there's never a moment when
God is not thinking of you! Take a moment and notice his presence right now.
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist Community
in downtown Meridian. When God led the children of Israel through the
wilderness, he didn't just appear once a day and then abandon them. The pillar
of fire was present all night; the cloud was present all day.
Our God never leaves us! Jesus’ final promise in the gospel of Matthew is: "And
be sure of this: I am with you always...." Our faith takes a quantum leap when
we understand the perpetual presence of the Father. He never leaves us! Heaven
knows no difference between Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon. God
longs to speak as clearly in the workplace as he does in the sanctuary. He longs
to be worshiped when we sit at the dinner table, not just when we come to his
communion table.
You may go days without thinking of him, but there's never a moment when
God is not thinking of you! Take a moment and notice his presence right now.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever watched a court trial unfold? It can be very confusing. Both the prosecutor and the defense are giving out so much information that it is hard to tell which one is the truth.
This also happens during elections. With all the mudslinging going on, it is hard to get the truth. During national debates, it seems the candidates will only tell you what you want to hear. However, when they are in office, things turn out quite differently.
Sadly, this type of confusion can also happen in the Christian faith. People can get so caught up on doctrinal stances and translation issues that the truth becomes obscured. So, what is truth? Well, the bible says that the world doesn’t know the truth because it doesn’t know Jesus. Jesus said that if we follow him, then we will be sanctified in truth. In other words, we will know the truth about God, his creation, his Son, his purpose, and his righteous judgement. Do you want to know the truth? If so, start prayerfully reading the bible. Then get involved in a church. If you don’t have a church home, come visit us. We would love to have you.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever watched a court trial unfold? It can be very confusing. Both the prosecutor and the defense are giving out so much information that it is hard to tell which one is the truth.
This also happens during elections. With all the mudslinging going on, it is hard to get the truth. During national debates, it seems the candidates will only tell you what you want to hear. However, when they are in office, things turn out quite differently.
Sadly, this type of confusion can also happen in the Christian faith. People can get so caught up on doctrinal stances and translation issues that the truth becomes obscured. So, what is truth? Well, the bible says that the world doesn’t know the truth because it doesn’t know Jesus. Jesus said that if we follow him, then we will be sanctified in truth. In other words, we will know the truth about God, his creation, his Son, his purpose, and his righteous judgement. Do you want to know the truth? If so, start prayerfully reading the bible. Then get involved in a church. If you don’t have a church home, come visit us. We would love to have you.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Monday, May 9, 2016
JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community. What does forgiveness mean to you? Does it mean saying “sorry” and receiving confirmation that all wrong-doing has been erased? Sure, it does. But, I think it also says something else: love. In Genesis, Joseph was beaten and sold to a group of foreigners by his brothers because of their jealousy. While in Egypt, Joseph uses his gifts for Pharaoh and is eventually promoted to second in command. When a drought affects his brothers, they come to Egypt for food – not knowing that they would encounter their brother.
The brothers plead for food, and Joseph gives them more than food. He forgives them. He doesn’t retaliate – although that would make sense after what they did to him. They recognize their brother and his forgiveness, and their love for each other binds them together. Don’t retaliate or seek vengeance upon someone; forgive them, because the power of love will do the best work of all!
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central – a United Methodist Community. What does forgiveness mean to you? Does it mean saying “sorry” and receiving confirmation that all wrong-doing has been erased? Sure, it does. But, I think it also says something else: love. In Genesis, Joseph was beaten and sold to a group of foreigners by his brothers because of their jealousy. While in Egypt, Joseph uses his gifts for Pharaoh and is eventually promoted to second in command. When a drought affects his brothers, they come to Egypt for food – not knowing that they would encounter their brother.
The brothers plead for food, and Joseph gives them more than food. He forgives them. He doesn’t retaliate – although that would make sense after what they did to him. They recognize their brother and his forgiveness, and their love for each other binds them together. Don’t retaliate or seek vengeance upon someone; forgive them, because the power of love will do the best work of all!
Friday, May 6, 2016
Friday, May 6, 2016
BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist Community
in downtown Meridian. None of us likes to wait. We want things in a hurry.
More than a microwave world, we navigate a micro-second culture. We expect
fast results. A Google search across hundreds of thousands of documents takes
microseconds. When we need a solution to a problem, we expect the fix to be a
quick one.
This "get-it-quick" mentality permeates our approach to discipleship.
Unfortunately, the important things of life and discipleship take time. We grow
into them rather than just tacking them onto our busy lives. If we truly want to
be connected to God and to one another, we cannot just take a moment out of our
busy lives. Rather, we must change our lifestyles so that relationship with God
and others becomes our reason for living. This takes time. It takes an eternity.
But if we make that our priority, we will have eternity. Think on these things.
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist Community
in downtown Meridian. None of us likes to wait. We want things in a hurry.
More than a microwave world, we navigate a micro-second culture. We expect
fast results. A Google search across hundreds of thousands of documents takes
microseconds. When we need a solution to a problem, we expect the fix to be a
quick one.
This "get-it-quick" mentality permeates our approach to discipleship.
Unfortunately, the important things of life and discipleship take time. We grow
into them rather than just tacking them onto our busy lives. If we truly want to
be connected to God and to one another, we cannot just take a moment out of our
busy lives. Rather, we must change our lifestyles so that relationship with God
and others becomes our reason for living. This takes time. It takes an eternity.
But if we make that our priority, we will have eternity. Think on these things.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016
KRISTINA
Good Morning! I am Kristina Crabtree, Minister of Spiritual Formation at Central United Methodist Church. Today is national day of prayer. Today is a day in which we recognize the power of prayer. Today is not the only day in which we pray for our country. I would like to think about today as being the day we look at what God has done in our country through our prayers.
Prayer is a powerful thing! We might not see it when we turn on the news and see war and death but we can see it if we reflect on where our country has been and where it is going. The apostle Paul is urging us, even today, to pray always. But, sometimes I wonder, what do that even mean. Well, Henri Nouwen helped me see prayer in a different way. Did you know that to “pray always” actually means “come to rest”? This rest in God is not a rest that you would think of like going to the beach, getting away from the busy world to rest. It is a rest in God that is present in the midst of a struggle. You see, we can experience rest in God even in the midst of struggle. Pray today, as we should every day, for our country to know the powerful presence of God at work. Have a great day!
Good Morning! I am Kristina Crabtree, Minister of Spiritual Formation at Central United Methodist Church. Today is national day of prayer. Today is a day in which we recognize the power of prayer. Today is not the only day in which we pray for our country. I would like to think about today as being the day we look at what God has done in our country through our prayers.
Prayer is a powerful thing! We might not see it when we turn on the news and see war and death but we can see it if we reflect on where our country has been and where it is going. The apostle Paul is urging us, even today, to pray always. But, sometimes I wonder, what do that even mean. Well, Henri Nouwen helped me see prayer in a different way. Did you know that to “pray always” actually means “come to rest”? This rest in God is not a rest that you would think of like going to the beach, getting away from the busy world to rest. It is a rest in God that is present in the midst of a struggle. You see, we can experience rest in God even in the midst of struggle. Pray today, as we should every day, for our country to know the powerful presence of God at work. Have a great day!
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Over the past several years, the academic world has come to accept that Jesus was actually a historical person who lived in Ancient Palestine. Scholars have found evidence that suggests a Roman Governor serving in Jerusalem named Pontus Pilate had executed a man called Jesus from Nazareth. This information puts Jesus alongside any other historical figure such as Alexander the Great, King Tut, and Attila the Hun. However, the difference is that, unlike the rest, Jesus is still alive. And how do we know this to be true? Well, it is by the testimony of someone who has actually seen him, The Holy Spirit.
Once we have a desire to believe, the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Jesus’ actual presence. The bible calls the Holy Spirit the Helper, because he helps us in our faith. He brings us to greater and greater understanding of Jesus Christ. Do you want to know that Jesus is alive? If that is the case, I recommend that you pray and then come to Central where the Helper will teach you the things of faith. Have a blessed day.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Over the past several years, the academic world has come to accept that Jesus was actually a historical person who lived in Ancient Palestine. Scholars have found evidence that suggests a Roman Governor serving in Jerusalem named Pontus Pilate had executed a man called Jesus from Nazareth. This information puts Jesus alongside any other historical figure such as Alexander the Great, King Tut, and Attila the Hun. However, the difference is that, unlike the rest, Jesus is still alive. And how do we know this to be true? Well, it is by the testimony of someone who has actually seen him, The Holy Spirit.
Once we have a desire to believe, the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Jesus’ actual presence. The bible calls the Holy Spirit the Helper, because he helps us in our faith. He brings us to greater and greater understanding of Jesus Christ. Do you want to know that Jesus is alive? If that is the case, I recommend that you pray and then come to Central where the Helper will teach you the things of faith. Have a blessed day.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Monday, May 2, 2016
GLENDA
Good Morning! Did you know that you have a special gift given to you by God? John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said it this way: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
In the Bible Paul, said it this way: From Romans chapter 12: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need and practice hospitality.”
So today, use that special gift God gave you and serve others. They will feel better because of your care, but most of all, you will feel better, too. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning! Did you know that you have a special gift given to you by God? John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said it this way: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
In the Bible Paul, said it this way: From Romans chapter 12: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need and practice hospitality.”
So today, use that special gift God gave you and serve others. They will feel better because of your care, but most of all, you will feel better, too. Have a wonderful day!
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