JONATHAN
Today is Halloween, and there will be children dressed in many outfits collecting candy this evening. It’s so much fun to pretend to be something else, sometimes. But, October 31st is a special day in the life of the Church. Over four-hundred years ago, Martin Luther, nailed a document on the door of Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. He was fed up with the Church’s actions. In a way, the Church had grown corrupt, collecting money from the poor, promoting selfish desires, and in a way, just pretending to be something that it wasn’t.
When he nailed these statements to the church’s door, it sparked a revolution and a call to reform the church he loved. It’s easy to hide behind a costume or a mask and pretend like there’s no one else around, but we’re not called to do that, are we? Today, I encourage you to remove the masks of your life, and be real. Here at Central, we believe that life is better connected to God and to each other, and when we connect with God and each other, we begin to slowly remove the masks; we reform our lives around the God that is with and for us. So, we invite you to journey along with us.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
BOB
Good Morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. If you go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, you're a sitting duck! You buy everything you don't need. Doesn't matter if it's good for you, you just want to fill your tummy.
When you're lonely, you do the same C pulling stuff off the shelf, not because you need it, but because you're hungry for love. For fear of not fitting in, we take drugs. For fear of appearing small, we go into debt and buy the house. For fear of going unnoticed, we dress to impress. But all that changes when we discover God's perfect love.
The perfect love that the Apostle John says "casts out fear." You see fear: of loneliness, of not being popular, of insignificance, that drives us away from God and into the world. Cast out all fear in your life and turn instead to trust the God who is faithful, true, and loving. In God there is no fear.
Good Morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. If you go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, you're a sitting duck! You buy everything you don't need. Doesn't matter if it's good for you, you just want to fill your tummy.
When you're lonely, you do the same C pulling stuff off the shelf, not because you need it, but because you're hungry for love. For fear of not fitting in, we take drugs. For fear of appearing small, we go into debt and buy the house. For fear of going unnoticed, we dress to impress. But all that changes when we discover God's perfect love.
The perfect love that the Apostle John says "casts out fear." You see fear: of loneliness, of not being popular, of insignificance, that drives us away from God and into the world. Cast out all fear in your life and turn instead to trust the God who is faithful, true, and loving. In God there is no fear.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Thursday, October 27, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. What if you received word that you only have a few weeks to live? In that moment, what would become the most important thing in your life? I bet it will not be the bottom line on you balance sheet, or the size of your portfolio, your title, or the number of people that report to you.
What will be most important is relationships. A successful marriage depends upon the relationship between husband and wife. A peaceful home depends upon the relationship between parents and children. A prosperous business depends on the relationship between the employees and the customers. Ultimate peace in your life depends on your relationship with Jesus. Most people who are turned off by organized religion have been told or taught it is all about rules and regulations. However, Jesus is all about relationships and not regulations.
I want to invite you into a relationship with Jesus and our community of faith at Central. You will find that when you have a relationship with God and others, life is truly better.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. What if you received word that you only have a few weeks to live? In that moment, what would become the most important thing in your life? I bet it will not be the bottom line on you balance sheet, or the size of your portfolio, your title, or the number of people that report to you.
What will be most important is relationships. A successful marriage depends upon the relationship between husband and wife. A peaceful home depends upon the relationship between parents and children. A prosperous business depends on the relationship between the employees and the customers. Ultimate peace in your life depends on your relationship with Jesus. Most people who are turned off by organized religion have been told or taught it is all about rules and regulations. However, Jesus is all about relationships and not regulations.
I want to invite you into a relationship with Jesus and our community of faith at Central. You will find that when you have a relationship with God and others, life is truly better.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
SABRINA
This Sunday evening from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., Central will once again host a much loved fellowship time within our community of faith. Our seventh annual Trunk or Treat will take place on 10th Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenue in downtown Meridian. Our church family and friends decorate their cars and trunks, offering games and candy at each venue. Family friendly costumes, face painting, music, hamburgers, hotdogs, cotton candy, laser tag, jumpies – all the makings of a small town street carnival will fill the air in downtown Meridian.
We do this as a time of both fellowship and as an extension of God’s love within our community.
At Central we value family - whether you are a family of one or ten, we extend an invitation to you for both Trunk or Treat or to worship with us on any given Sunday. For more information about Central, or about this Sunday’s event, you can visit our website at www.cumcmdn.org! We hope to see you Sunday!
This Sunday evening from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., Central will once again host a much loved fellowship time within our community of faith. Our seventh annual Trunk or Treat will take place on 10th Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenue in downtown Meridian. Our church family and friends decorate their cars and trunks, offering games and candy at each venue. Family friendly costumes, face painting, music, hamburgers, hotdogs, cotton candy, laser tag, jumpies – all the makings of a small town street carnival will fill the air in downtown Meridian.
We do this as a time of both fellowship and as an extension of God’s love within our community.
At Central we value family - whether you are a family of one or ten, we extend an invitation to you for both Trunk or Treat or to worship with us on any given Sunday. For more information about Central, or about this Sunday’s event, you can visit our website at www.cumcmdn.org! We hope to see you Sunday!
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever wondered how someone learns the difference between right and wrong? Children should learn the difference from their parents. But, what about the parents? Better yet, what about society?
Some say the greater culture of a given society determines what is acceptable behavior. But, I believe God has placed a set of moral principles inside of every person. We somehow naturally know the difference between right and wrong. We know if we are hurting someone or not by our action. For the Christian, Jesus warned that if our righteousness did not exceed that of the Pharisees then we would not see the Kingdom of God (Mt. 5:20). The Lord was not talking about the kind of righteousness found in laws. Rather, it is found in the natural order of the human conscious.
The New Testament defines righteousness as doing what is good, fair, and honorable. When we combined this with a love for God and for neighbor, we are not far away from the Kingdom of Heaven.
So today, do those things that are good, fair and honorable. God Bless.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever wondered how someone learns the difference between right and wrong? Children should learn the difference from their parents. But, what about the parents? Better yet, what about society?
Some say the greater culture of a given society determines what is acceptable behavior. But, I believe God has placed a set of moral principles inside of every person. We somehow naturally know the difference between right and wrong. We know if we are hurting someone or not by our action. For the Christian, Jesus warned that if our righteousness did not exceed that of the Pharisees then we would not see the Kingdom of God (Mt. 5:20). The Lord was not talking about the kind of righteousness found in laws. Rather, it is found in the natural order of the human conscious.
The New Testament defines righteousness as doing what is good, fair, and honorable. When we combined this with a love for God and for neighbor, we are not far away from the Kingdom of Heaven.
So today, do those things that are good, fair and honorable. God Bless.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Monday, October 24, 2016
TIM
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
In Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus, he communicates the power behind unity. He encourages us to live as people worthy of the call we have received from God.
He tells us to conduct ourselves with humility, gentleness, and patience. He says to accept each other with love and make an effort to preserve unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties us together.
He gave us these instructions so that we might serve together and build up the body of Christ.
Let us not be tied to our titles of separation. Stop looking at each other as Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Catholic. Let us unite in our faith!
“There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all and in all.” Go forth and build the body of Christ on this sure foundation and message of unity.
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
In Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus, he communicates the power behind unity. He encourages us to live as people worthy of the call we have received from God.
He tells us to conduct ourselves with humility, gentleness, and patience. He says to accept each other with love and make an effort to preserve unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties us together.
He gave us these instructions so that we might serve together and build up the body of Christ.
Let us not be tied to our titles of separation. Stop looking at each other as Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Catholic. Let us unite in our faith!
“There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all and in all.” Go forth and build the body of Christ on this sure foundation and message of unity.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Friday, October 21, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Every time I drive through the mountains, I notice the signs warning vehicles of the dangerous decline ahead. The signs are a yellowish/orange color with a picture of a box-truck going down a steep decline. Also, I notice that ever so often there are run-a-way ramps for cars and big trucks to use in case their brakes fail.
Often, I wondered if the ramps had ever failed to stop someone. But, can you imagine a person ignoring the warnings and continues to head down the mountain knowing their brakes would fail and the run-a-way ramps wouldn’t stop them? In our own lives, how often do we ignore the warning signs? Warning signs are those hints that say if you continue down this road nothing good is going to come from it, or there is for certain disaster at the end. All too often, people want to travel down a wide and fast path with no regard to how damaging it will be to their souls. Jesus said that the safest route is the road that is narrow and less traveled. If you want to learn more about a safer road to travel, then come to Central where we are constantly seeking the narrow way.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Every time I drive through the mountains, I notice the signs warning vehicles of the dangerous decline ahead. The signs are a yellowish/orange color with a picture of a box-truck going down a steep decline. Also, I notice that ever so often there are run-a-way ramps for cars and big trucks to use in case their brakes fail.
Often, I wondered if the ramps had ever failed to stop someone. But, can you imagine a person ignoring the warnings and continues to head down the mountain knowing their brakes would fail and the run-a-way ramps wouldn’t stop them? In our own lives, how often do we ignore the warning signs? Warning signs are those hints that say if you continue down this road nothing good is going to come from it, or there is for certain disaster at the end. All too often, people want to travel down a wide and fast path with no regard to how damaging it will be to their souls. Jesus said that the safest route is the road that is narrow and less traveled. If you want to learn more about a safer road to travel, then come to Central where we are constantly seeking the narrow way.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Thursday, october 20, 2016
JONATHAN
One of the things I love about fall is the beautiful colors. The bright red, yellow, and orange colored leaves just leave me in a wonder. My wife and I love to travel and see different fall foliage mostly because we celebrate our wedding anniversary later this month. The transition season is beautiful in the beginning, but life gets real when winter hits. The colors are gone. It’s cold. Life seems to be absent, almost.
Have you just moved here from another area or town? The excitement of a new adventure may be waning, and now it seems like life is uncertain. Now is the time to do something. Now is the time to make a decision that will impact your future. Now is the time to prepare for the spring of new life after a winter. We invite you to join us on Sunday mornings at any one of our three services; 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55. Have a wonderful Fall Day!
One of the things I love about fall is the beautiful colors. The bright red, yellow, and orange colored leaves just leave me in a wonder. My wife and I love to travel and see different fall foliage mostly because we celebrate our wedding anniversary later this month. The transition season is beautiful in the beginning, but life gets real when winter hits. The colors are gone. It’s cold. Life seems to be absent, almost.
Have you just moved here from another area or town? The excitement of a new adventure may be waning, and now it seems like life is uncertain. Now is the time to do something. Now is the time to make a decision that will impact your future. Now is the time to prepare for the spring of new life after a winter. We invite you to join us on Sunday mornings at any one of our three services; 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55. Have a wonderful Fall Day!
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
What are we thankful for? Family, friends, jobs, vacations…We can say that we are thankful for a lot of things, but are we thankful in the difficult times. I was encouraged the other day by a story of a man whose daughter had just passed away two week prior to his speaking engagement. He did not cancel his speaking engagement but before he left he had a friend call him up in the weeks after his daughter’s death and asked him a simple question, have you thanked God yet? That might sound like a bazar question to ask when someone is grieving but just as Paul’s writing teach us, we are to be thankful even in the midst of hard times. It does not make the situation ok yet thanking God allows us to know that God’s goodness outweighs any hardship we encounter. So, have you thanked God yet? Thank Him today!
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
What are we thankful for? Family, friends, jobs, vacations…We can say that we are thankful for a lot of things, but are we thankful in the difficult times. I was encouraged the other day by a story of a man whose daughter had just passed away two week prior to his speaking engagement. He did not cancel his speaking engagement but before he left he had a friend call him up in the weeks after his daughter’s death and asked him a simple question, have you thanked God yet? That might sound like a bazar question to ask when someone is grieving but just as Paul’s writing teach us, we are to be thankful even in the midst of hard times. It does not make the situation ok yet thanking God allows us to know that God’s goodness outweighs any hardship we encounter. So, have you thanked God yet? Thank Him today!
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. There is a verse in the New Testament, the first Epistle of Peter actually that says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I like the imagery of taking the things that I'm worried about and throwing them on God. That's what the word "cast" means in the original language. Peter is telling his readers to throw their worries on God and let him take care of them.
Perhaps you think of throwing your worries as far away as you possible can. I know that no matter how far I throw them, they will eventually come back to me. Instead, I think of gently tossing my worries to Jesus who is walking beside me. I know that He will take my cares and hid them away so that they no longer control my life. In that simple act, I find the peace that God has promised to those who trust in Him. Try it! Cast your cares on God. He does care for you.
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. There is a verse in the New Testament, the first Epistle of Peter actually that says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I like the imagery of taking the things that I'm worried about and throwing them on God. That's what the word "cast" means in the original language. Peter is telling his readers to throw their worries on God and let him take care of them.
Perhaps you think of throwing your worries as far away as you possible can. I know that no matter how far I throw them, they will eventually come back to me. Instead, I think of gently tossing my worries to Jesus who is walking beside me. I know that He will take my cares and hid them away so that they no longer control my life. In that simple act, I find the peace that God has promised to those who trust in Him. Try it! Cast your cares on God. He does care for you.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
GLENDA
Good Morning: I read a poem by a man named Michael Josephson entitled “What Will Matter?” It's a beautiful poem about your life. It's too long to recite to you, but the basic idea is: At the end of your life, what will matter? Is it the “things” you have accumulated during your life? Is it wealth, fame, grudges, resentments, jealousies, ambitions, plans...you get the idea.
None of these will matter, what will matter is the way you have lived your life; it is the way people will remember you and miss you; it is your integrity, your compassion, your courage, or your sacrifices. It is not what you bought, but what you built. It is not what you got, but what you gave. It is not what you learned, but what you taught.
Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It is a choice. Jesus walked this earth and taught us how to live a life that matters. If we all made that choice, what a wonderful world this would be. Have a wonderful day today living a life that matters.
Good Morning: I read a poem by a man named Michael Josephson entitled “What Will Matter?” It's a beautiful poem about your life. It's too long to recite to you, but the basic idea is: At the end of your life, what will matter? Is it the “things” you have accumulated during your life? Is it wealth, fame, grudges, resentments, jealousies, ambitions, plans...you get the idea.
None of these will matter, what will matter is the way you have lived your life; it is the way people will remember you and miss you; it is your integrity, your compassion, your courage, or your sacrifices. It is not what you bought, but what you built. It is not what you got, but what you gave. It is not what you learned, but what you taught.
Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It is a choice. Jesus walked this earth and taught us how to live a life that matters. If we all made that choice, what a wonderful world this would be. Have a wonderful day today living a life that matters.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Friday, October 14, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I love laughter and a light heart. Here is a story about an eventful first Sunday for a new pastor. The church was packed and the minister hit a home run with his sermon. That evening the congregation provided him with a table full of food and homemade desserts. He noticed in the center of the table a center piece with the words written on it: “Rest in Peace.”
As he rested that night, he became more irritated about such a careless mistake by a florist that ruined a wonderful day. Monday morning, he called the florist to complain. The florist replied: “Pastor, you think your upset? Somewhere in town today there’s a funeral and at that funeral is a casket with flowers and a ribbon that says: Good luck in your new location.
Don’t take yourself to seriously today. Share a smile and a good word with others. Come and connect with us at Central where life is better lived connected.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I love laughter and a light heart. Here is a story about an eventful first Sunday for a new pastor. The church was packed and the minister hit a home run with his sermon. That evening the congregation provided him with a table full of food and homemade desserts. He noticed in the center of the table a center piece with the words written on it: “Rest in Peace.”
As he rested that night, he became more irritated about such a careless mistake by a florist that ruined a wonderful day. Monday morning, he called the florist to complain. The florist replied: “Pastor, you think your upset? Somewhere in town today there’s a funeral and at that funeral is a casket with flowers and a ribbon that says: Good luck in your new location.
Don’t take yourself to seriously today. Share a smile and a good word with others. Come and connect with us at Central where life is better lived connected.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Thursday, October 13, 2016
KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
The image of joy, I believe is an image that we all desire. We desire for joy to be present in our lives. We see it in other people and desire for joy in our lives. I believe desiring joy is a God given desires of our hearts as followers of Jesus. In John 15:11, Jesus speaks of his joy being our joy. How can that be possible? What was the joy that Jesus had? Oswald Chambers describes Jesus’ joy by saying, “The joy of Jesus was the absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice of himself to His fathers, the joy of doing that which the Father sent him to do.” Jesus even said, he delighted to do God’s will. Jesus’ joy did not come by success or understanding but through communion with God. Jesus joy came from always being in communion with his Father. May we today, desire the joy of being in communion with our heavenly Father.
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
The image of joy, I believe is an image that we all desire. We desire for joy to be present in our lives. We see it in other people and desire for joy in our lives. I believe desiring joy is a God given desires of our hearts as followers of Jesus. In John 15:11, Jesus speaks of his joy being our joy. How can that be possible? What was the joy that Jesus had? Oswald Chambers describes Jesus’ joy by saying, “The joy of Jesus was the absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice of himself to His fathers, the joy of doing that which the Father sent him to do.” Jesus even said, he delighted to do God’s will. Jesus’ joy did not come by success or understanding but through communion with God. Jesus joy came from always being in communion with his Father. May we today, desire the joy of being in communion with our heavenly Father.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here, in Meridian. Max Lucado asks: What would an X ray or an MRI of your soul reveal? Regrets over teenage relationships? Remorse over a poor choice? Sadness over spiritual missteps? Sorrow from moments of rebellion? You become moody, cranky. You're angry, irritable. Understandable, you have shame lodged in your soul. Interested in an extraction? Confess. Request a spiritual MRI.
David gave us the tool just for that:
>Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.=
We need a prayer of grace based confession: God, I've done what you say is wrong. Would you wash away my guilt and make me clean again? No chant or candle needed. Just an honest prayer of confession. Try it!
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here, in Meridian. Max Lucado asks: What would an X ray or an MRI of your soul reveal? Regrets over teenage relationships? Remorse over a poor choice? Sadness over spiritual missteps? Sorrow from moments of rebellion? You become moody, cranky. You're angry, irritable. Understandable, you have shame lodged in your soul. Interested in an extraction? Confess. Request a spiritual MRI.
David gave us the tool just for that:
>Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.=
We need a prayer of grace based confession: God, I've done what you say is wrong. Would you wash away my guilt and make me clean again? No chant or candle needed. Just an honest prayer of confession. Try it!
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. In a 2013 article, it was told that actor and comedian, Peter Sellers, played so many roles that sometimes he was not sure of his own identity. Approached once by a fan who asked him, "Are you Peter Sellers?" Sellers answered briskly, "Not today," and walked on.
Even though Sellers was joking, his remark is probably the way many people are feeling in our day. There is a lot of confusion about who we are. Modern trends suggest that your identity is found in whatever you desire it to be suggesting that somehow you are naturally flawed. This concept is confusing a lot of people. It is important to remember that each one of us was perfectly made in the image of the Father.
The Apostle Paul warns that humanity has a tendency to forego the image of God for something much lesser. Such confusion is unsettling. However, peace comes when we realize that we are a part of a bigger story. God’s story you were made at the right time, under the right circumstances, and perfect in his eyes.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. In a 2013 article, it was told that actor and comedian, Peter Sellers, played so many roles that sometimes he was not sure of his own identity. Approached once by a fan who asked him, "Are you Peter Sellers?" Sellers answered briskly, "Not today," and walked on.
Even though Sellers was joking, his remark is probably the way many people are feeling in our day. There is a lot of confusion about who we are. Modern trends suggest that your identity is found in whatever you desire it to be suggesting that somehow you are naturally flawed. This concept is confusing a lot of people. It is important to remember that each one of us was perfectly made in the image of the Father.
The Apostle Paul warns that humanity has a tendency to forego the image of God for something much lesser. Such confusion is unsettling. However, peace comes when we realize that we are a part of a bigger story. God’s story you were made at the right time, under the right circumstances, and perfect in his eyes.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
JONATHAN
How do you view others? As objects or as an actual person? Do you view others as a way to get something for yourself? Do you think relationships are just for advancing your own desires? When you look at a person, you don’t know, do you automatically make assumptions? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you might view people as an object.
But you and I both know that we’re not just objects; we’re people. We have feelings. We have desires, interests, hurts, and pain. We want others to know what it’s like to be in our shoes or in our situation. So, imagine that as you see a person and begin to view them as objects. Remember, they’re people too just like yourself. One of the simplest ways we can love one another is to view each other simply as a person. So today, view others as they are – a person loved by God.
How do you view others? As objects or as an actual person? Do you view others as a way to get something for yourself? Do you think relationships are just for advancing your own desires? When you look at a person, you don’t know, do you automatically make assumptions? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you might view people as an object.
But you and I both know that we’re not just objects; we’re people. We have feelings. We have desires, interests, hurts, and pain. We want others to know what it’s like to be in our shoes or in our situation. So, imagine that as you see a person and begin to view them as objects. Remember, they’re people too just like yourself. One of the simplest ways we can love one another is to view each other simply as a person. So today, view others as they are – a person loved by God.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Friday, October 7, 2016
TIM
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
Do you ever feel like a blind person wandering aimlessly with no sense of direction? You come to places in life and can’t seem to decide what is right and what is wrong?
You are NOT alone. Even some of the decisions in life that seem to be simple can be difficult when other options are available.
We have a guidebook that can help us with those decisions – the word of God. Psalm 119 says that His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. If we will utilize the Bible to guide us, then our path will become clear. His word will unveil our blinded eyes and illuminate our paths, and then we can go share that light with those around us so that their paths can be revealed as well.
“I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.”
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
Do you ever feel like a blind person wandering aimlessly with no sense of direction? You come to places in life and can’t seem to decide what is right and what is wrong?
You are NOT alone. Even some of the decisions in life that seem to be simple can be difficult when other options are available.
We have a guidebook that can help us with those decisions – the word of God. Psalm 119 says that His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. If we will utilize the Bible to guide us, then our path will become clear. His word will unveil our blinded eyes and illuminate our paths, and then we can go share that light with those around us so that their paths can be revealed as well.
“I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.”
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Thursday, October 6, 2016
GLENDA
Good Morning: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3. That's the Bible verse for the month of October at the Children's Center. During the next few weeks, children all over Meridian will be hearing about ghosts and goblins and all kinds of scary things. At the Children's Center, we stress the importance of having a good time during Halloween, but we also want them to learn about the difference between make believe and the real thing: God.
There's nothing wrong with pretending. In fact, most children learn a lot through play and in pretending. It's our job as adults to teach them what pretending is and give them an alternative. That alternative is the Love and Care of God for each one of us. So, if you have fears in your life, just repeat that Bible verse: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you” and teach that to your children. It helps when you are scared and feel all alone. It will remind you that you are not alone and through your trust in God, your fears can be relieved. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3. That's the Bible verse for the month of October at the Children's Center. During the next few weeks, children all over Meridian will be hearing about ghosts and goblins and all kinds of scary things. At the Children's Center, we stress the importance of having a good time during Halloween, but we also want them to learn about the difference between make believe and the real thing: God.
There's nothing wrong with pretending. In fact, most children learn a lot through play and in pretending. It's our job as adults to teach them what pretending is and give them an alternative. That alternative is the Love and Care of God for each one of us. So, if you have fears in your life, just repeat that Bible verse: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you” and teach that to your children. It helps when you are scared and feel all alone. It will remind you that you are not alone and through your trust in God, your fears can be relieved. Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Most people fear failure above all else, and it keeps them from living out their dreams.
Thomas Edison was one of the greatest inventors of all times. He had over 1,000 inventions and held more patents than any other person in the world – at least one every year for 65 straight years. He said that “Genius,” is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. He believed in hard work and perseverance. However, he failed at finding the right material for the incandescent light bulb thousands of times before he found the right combination. He said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
When you turn on your lights tonight, be thankful that Edison didn’t let failure stop him. Today, don’t let the fear of failure stop you from living life to the fullest. Also, don’t let a failure keep you from trying again. I invite you to come and connect with us at Central.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Most people fear failure above all else, and it keeps them from living out their dreams.
Thomas Edison was one of the greatest inventors of all times. He had over 1,000 inventions and held more patents than any other person in the world – at least one every year for 65 straight years. He said that “Genius,” is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. He believed in hard work and perseverance. However, he failed at finding the right material for the incandescent light bulb thousands of times before he found the right combination. He said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
When you turn on your lights tonight, be thankful that Edison didn’t let failure stop him. Today, don’t let the fear of failure stop you from living life to the fullest. Also, don’t let a failure keep you from trying again. I invite you to come and connect with us at Central.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
SABRINA
Life experiences, we all have them. Some are embarrassing, sad, shameful-some seem pretty insignificant, yet they are all props on the stage of our lives. We can change the props, paint them, re-upolster them, change their position, but they remain on our stage.
Each of these moments have the potential to be used, redemptively by God in the people whose paths cross ours. We don’t have to share our story with the WORLD, just be open to let God use our stories when the circumstances arise.
I feel this is what God has called us to do as followers of the One who has seen us through some of life’s darkest moments – to walk alongside, encourage, love, and show compassion. What if the boy who came to a Galilean hillside with his meager lunch had refused to relinquish it to the disciples? We wouldn’t have the marvelous story of Jesus feeding the multitude. Be willing to share YOUR past for God to use in feeding a soul. It could make an eternal difference in someone’s life!
Life experiences, we all have them. Some are embarrassing, sad, shameful-some seem pretty insignificant, yet they are all props on the stage of our lives. We can change the props, paint them, re-upolster them, change their position, but they remain on our stage.
Each of these moments have the potential to be used, redemptively by God in the people whose paths cross ours. We don’t have to share our story with the WORLD, just be open to let God use our stories when the circumstances arise.
I feel this is what God has called us to do as followers of the One who has seen us through some of life’s darkest moments – to walk alongside, encourage, love, and show compassion. What if the boy who came to a Galilean hillside with his meager lunch had refused to relinquish it to the disciples? We wouldn’t have the marvelous story of Jesus feeding the multitude. Be willing to share YOUR past for God to use in feeding a soul. It could make an eternal difference in someone’s life!
Monday, October 3, 2016
Monday, October 3, 2016
KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
Some days, as a follower of Jesus I find myself at lost for words to pray. Sometimes my heart is so heavy with the burdens of life and this world that there are no words that come to my mind. I find in those moments, instead of straining my mind and heart to say some words, I find myself simply just being in the presence of God, not saying a word. At first, I felt guilty but the more I sat with God the more I felt somehow the burdens of my heart were heard. So sit with God today. Sometimes, the words of your heart my not even come from you but God will use little children to speak to you. I was putting my daughter to bed and she said mom we have to say our prayers. I said, ok, you go ahead. The words that came from her mouth were in my heart. God is amazing! Today may we listen to the voice of children and learn to know God as children know God.
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
Some days, as a follower of Jesus I find myself at lost for words to pray. Sometimes my heart is so heavy with the burdens of life and this world that there are no words that come to my mind. I find in those moments, instead of straining my mind and heart to say some words, I find myself simply just being in the presence of God, not saying a word. At first, I felt guilty but the more I sat with God the more I felt somehow the burdens of my heart were heard. So sit with God today. Sometimes, the words of your heart my not even come from you but God will use little children to speak to you. I was putting my daughter to bed and she said mom we have to say our prayers. I said, ok, you go ahead. The words that came from her mouth were in my heart. God is amazing! Today may we listen to the voice of children and learn to know God as children know God.
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