KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
Who is God to you? Many of us today would have multiple answers to the nature of God. To me personally, God is love, faithful, and present. If you were to ask me about 5 years ago my answer would not have been a personal answer. There comes a time in our journey as followers of Jesus that God becoming real to us and not a story we learned as kids. Knowing God allows us to then know ourselves. We can never truly know ourselves if we do not know God and vice versa. The OT and NT view on God are very different. In the OT God was Holy, the Creator, the One True God. In the NT, God (through his Son) is loving, compassionate, patient, gracious. Our lead pastor as Central says, our view of grace determines our view of God. So what does grace mean to you today? Who is God to you personally?
Friday, November 18, 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016
BOB
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. The accuser appears many times in the Bible from Genesis, to Job to Revelation. Each time he appears to accuse people of not being faithful to God. He does so not to try and convince God, but rather to convince us that we have failed God, and maybe God will not be faithful and forgive us. In short, the accuser appears to create doubt and guilt in the hearts of humans.
Doubt and guilt are not gifts from God; they are the product of the work of the accuser. They serve to keep us at a distance from God. God=s gifts to us are faith and trust to counteract the doubt sown in our minds. And God gives us forgiveness to eradicate the guilt that has been placed in our hearts. Trust in God and accept the forgiveness God offers freely, then you will know the peace that can only come from God.
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. The accuser appears many times in the Bible from Genesis, to Job to Revelation. Each time he appears to accuse people of not being faithful to God. He does so not to try and convince God, but rather to convince us that we have failed God, and maybe God will not be faithful and forgive us. In short, the accuser appears to create doubt and guilt in the hearts of humans.
Doubt and guilt are not gifts from God; they are the product of the work of the accuser. They serve to keep us at a distance from God. God=s gifts to us are faith and trust to counteract the doubt sown in our minds. And God gives us forgiveness to eradicate the guilt that has been placed in our hearts. Trust in God and accept the forgiveness God offers freely, then you will know the peace that can only come from God.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
JONATHAN
Well, we’re making our way to the busiest time of the year, and some of you may have taken up some of those classic November challenges such as “no-shave-November” or “name something you are grateful for each day.” But today, I’ll invite you to do something different. I invite you to not only live with daily gratitude, but I invite you to do something about it! Today, do something good for someone else you don’t even know. Pay for their lunch. Open a door. Say hello and ask how they’re doing. Do something!
I’m thankful for a lot of things, but in order for others to know how thankful I am, I want to show them. So, for the rest of the month, do one good thing for a stranger. Are you up for the challenge? Have a great day!
Well, we’re making our way to the busiest time of the year, and some of you may have taken up some of those classic November challenges such as “no-shave-November” or “name something you are grateful for each day.” But today, I’ll invite you to do something different. I invite you to not only live with daily gratitude, but I invite you to do something about it! Today, do something good for someone else you don’t even know. Pay for their lunch. Open a door. Say hello and ask how they’re doing. Do something!
I’m thankful for a lot of things, but in order for others to know how thankful I am, I want to show them. So, for the rest of the month, do one good thing for a stranger. Are you up for the challenge? Have a great day!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
TIM
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
King Nebuchadnezzar ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be burned alive in a fiery furnace after they refused to worship an idol; yet, somehow, they were unharmed by this fire.
Often times, people around us will question our faith and our beliefs, and that’s understandable. A rationale, educated person should struggle to comprehend the reality of God. It doesn’t always make sense to a lot of us that do believe.
But look at what happens when we believe, even through the fire, we will not be burned. Our belief helps open the eyes of those around us who question.
Don’t shun someone who refuses to believe. Allow your faith to shine amidst unbelief. It’s when we remain faithful to God that those around see his presence, then the King Nebuchadnezzar’s in our lives will declare that no other god can rescue like our God can!
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
King Nebuchadnezzar ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be burned alive in a fiery furnace after they refused to worship an idol; yet, somehow, they were unharmed by this fire.
Often times, people around us will question our faith and our beliefs, and that’s understandable. A rationale, educated person should struggle to comprehend the reality of God. It doesn’t always make sense to a lot of us that do believe.
But look at what happens when we believe, even through the fire, we will not be burned. Our belief helps open the eyes of those around us who question.
Don’t shun someone who refuses to believe. Allow your faith to shine amidst unbelief. It’s when we remain faithful to God that those around see his presence, then the King Nebuchadnezzar’s in our lives will declare that no other god can rescue like our God can!
Monday, November 14, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
SABRINA
I LOVE this season of the year. Yes, it brings stress, but there is just something in the air, so I’m always a little sad when it has come and gone. I long for the joy and excitement of the holiday spirit throughout the year.
Exactly, what IS this spirit? It is NOT simply found in the season. In Galatians 5:22 we are told:
love
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
gentleness and
self-control
the FRUIT of the spirit. This spirit is not just about the holiday season but a spirit we are offered throughout the year.
The holiday season is a time to be aware of the blessings bestowed upon us and give the same spirit to others. In fact, perhaps those undeserving - you know, those who have made poor life choices, who are hard to love, who have wronged us - those who are JUST like us - undeserving. What better time of year to mend hurts, reach out to those undeserving, have an awareness of needs around us. It is, after all, what God does for us, not JUST during the holiday season, but in ALL the seasons of our life!
I LOVE this season of the year. Yes, it brings stress, but there is just something in the air, so I’m always a little sad when it has come and gone. I long for the joy and excitement of the holiday spirit throughout the year.
Exactly, what IS this spirit? It is NOT simply found in the season. In Galatians 5:22 we are told:
love
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
gentleness and
self-control
the FRUIT of the spirit. This spirit is not just about the holiday season but a spirit we are offered throughout the year.
The holiday season is a time to be aware of the blessings bestowed upon us and give the same spirit to others. In fact, perhaps those undeserving - you know, those who have made poor life choices, who are hard to love, who have wronged us - those who are JUST like us - undeserving. What better time of year to mend hurts, reach out to those undeserving, have an awareness of needs around us. It is, after all, what God does for us, not JUST during the holiday season, but in ALL the seasons of our life!
Friday, November 11, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Today we celebrate Veterans Day. On this day, we remember those from every branch of service who have served in harm’s way to defend our freedom. As a combat veteran myself having served in Iraq from 2010-11, I know what must be sacrificed to earn the title of veteran. 21.5 million Americans can call themselves veterans, and of that number, 1.8 million are under the age of 35.
Men and women of every generation have risen to the task of being defenders of freedom. It is our duty as a nation and as the church to remember the sacrifice of those who have served on our behalf. I hope you take a moment today and share with a veteran that you know a thank you for their willingness to service.
As the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church, I want to personally invite all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airman and Veterans of every generation to worship with us and let us thank you for your service.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Today we celebrate Veterans Day. On this day, we remember those from every branch of service who have served in harm’s way to defend our freedom. As a combat veteran myself having served in Iraq from 2010-11, I know what must be sacrificed to earn the title of veteran. 21.5 million Americans can call themselves veterans, and of that number, 1.8 million are under the age of 35.
Men and women of every generation have risen to the task of being defenders of freedom. It is our duty as a nation and as the church to remember the sacrifice of those who have served on our behalf. I hope you take a moment today and share with a veteran that you know a thank you for their willingness to service.
As the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church, I want to personally invite all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airman and Veterans of every generation to worship with us and let us thank you for your service.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Thursday, November 10, 2016
KRISTINA
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
I want us to picture a river this morning. A river is persistent; it overcomes all barriers. Jesus refers to us, those believe in him, as rivers of living waters. Out of our lives flows his love, mercy, and grace to the world around us. Even though a river is consistent sometimes the river will drop out of sight for miles upon miles but will emerge into a grander body of water. Just like our lives sometimes we flowing through life or braking through a barrier. Sometimes we drop out of sight for a while but always return. No matter the flow God is always moving us passed a barrier or to a grander body of water. All we have to do as the rivers of living waters is to keep paying attention to the Source. God is always flowing through us we just have to become more aware of the source flowing through us. May we know that we are the rivers of living water to those around us today!
Good Morning, my name is Kristina Crabtree, minister of spiritual formation at Central United Methodist Church.
I want us to picture a river this morning. A river is persistent; it overcomes all barriers. Jesus refers to us, those believe in him, as rivers of living waters. Out of our lives flows his love, mercy, and grace to the world around us. Even though a river is consistent sometimes the river will drop out of sight for miles upon miles but will emerge into a grander body of water. Just like our lives sometimes we flowing through life or braking through a barrier. Sometimes we drop out of sight for a while but always return. No matter the flow God is always moving us passed a barrier or to a grander body of water. All we have to do as the rivers of living waters is to keep paying attention to the Source. God is always flowing through us we just have to become more aware of the source flowing through us. May we know that we are the rivers of living water to those around us today!
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
GLENDA
Good Morning: Have you ever had this thought: “Who Am I, Lord, that you would die for me?” There's a wonderful contemporary song that says these words: “I am a flower quickly fading...here today and gone tomorrow; a wave tossed in the ocean; a vapor in the wind. Still, you hear me when I'm calling; Lord, you catch me when I'm falling; and you've told me who I am…I Am Yours! Whom shall I fear? 'cause I am Yours!”
In John 10:27-28, Jesus says: “You are my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life.” and my favorite part of that verse is this: “No one can snatch them from my hand.” We are His.
That's why He would die for us. I am one of His sheep. I can say “Lord, I am Yours.” Can you? Have a wonderful day.
Good Morning: Have you ever had this thought: “Who Am I, Lord, that you would die for me?” There's a wonderful contemporary song that says these words: “I am a flower quickly fading...here today and gone tomorrow; a wave tossed in the ocean; a vapor in the wind. Still, you hear me when I'm calling; Lord, you catch me when I'm falling; and you've told me who I am…I Am Yours! Whom shall I fear? 'cause I am Yours!”
In John 10:27-28, Jesus says: “You are my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life.” and my favorite part of that verse is this: “No one can snatch them from my hand.” We are His.
That's why He would die for us. I am one of His sheep. I can say “Lord, I am Yours.” Can you? Have a wonderful day.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
TIM
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
What is it about our faith that makes us relevant to people around us?
In the book of James, we read about how our actions show our faith.
“Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat. What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!” What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs? In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.”
It’s good that you believe in God, but even evil believes in God. A person is declared righteous through faithful action and not through faith alone.
“As the lifeless body is dead, so faith without action is dead.”
Without action, our faith has no claim to fame to those around us. However, when we use our gifts to be the hands and feet of Jesus, then our faith is relevant.
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
What is it about our faith that makes us relevant to people around us?
In the book of James, we read about how our actions show our faith.
“Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat. What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!” What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs? In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.”
It’s good that you believe in God, but even evil believes in God. A person is declared righteous through faithful action and not through faith alone.
“As the lifeless body is dead, so faith without action is dead.”
Without action, our faith has no claim to fame to those around us. However, when we use our gifts to be the hands and feet of Jesus, then our faith is relevant.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Monday, November 7, 2016
BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. Tomorrow is election day, and I encourage you in earnest to fulfill your civic duty and to vote. But as you fulfill that duty, I encourage you as a Christian to consider how God would have you to cast that vote. We are often encouraged to vote for our own best interests, with the belief that if we all vote our own interest, the interests of the greatest good will be done. But I would encourage you to consider not voting your own interest but the interest of the least and last in our world.
Our God showed himself in Jesus Christ to always be on the side of the widows, the orphans, and the outcasts. For whom you vote tomorrow, I will leave for you to determine. But I encourage the Christians out there to cast their vote not for ourselves but for the least among us.
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS. Tomorrow is election day, and I encourage you in earnest to fulfill your civic duty and to vote. But as you fulfill that duty, I encourage you as a Christian to consider how God would have you to cast that vote. We are often encouraged to vote for our own best interests, with the belief that if we all vote our own interest, the interests of the greatest good will be done. But I would encourage you to consider not voting your own interest but the interest of the least and last in our world.
Our God showed himself in Jesus Christ to always be on the side of the widows, the orphans, and the outcasts. For whom you vote tomorrow, I will leave for you to determine. But I encourage the Christians out there to cast their vote not for ourselves but for the least among us.
Friday, November 4, 2016
Friday, November 4, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. I have heard that what Christ did for us is like a courtroom acquittal. We are the defendants who are before God, the judge, and the prosecutor, the devil. Jesus is our defense attorney who pleads our case, and we are then pronounced innocent, while the devil is defeated.
This courtroom drama is very helpful when we realize that we are guilty and do not have the ability to defend ourselves. However, if we stop the dramatization there, then we are sure to cut Jesus’ work short.
In our court system, the biggest reason for repeat offenders is due to the lack of adequate rehabilitation. It is important for people to be taught a better way and empowered to make better decisions. Jesus offers us a chance at spiritual rehab that is an alternative approach to life. Spiritual rehabilitation is an ongoing process. It is learning a new way of thinking, doing, and being. We are learning to resist the worldliness through the practice of faith, dedication, self-sacrifice, self-control, patience, and forgiveness. God Bless.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. I have heard that what Christ did for us is like a courtroom acquittal. We are the defendants who are before God, the judge, and the prosecutor, the devil. Jesus is our defense attorney who pleads our case, and we are then pronounced innocent, while the devil is defeated.
This courtroom drama is very helpful when we realize that we are guilty and do not have the ability to defend ourselves. However, if we stop the dramatization there, then we are sure to cut Jesus’ work short.
In our court system, the biggest reason for repeat offenders is due to the lack of adequate rehabilitation. It is important for people to be taught a better way and empowered to make better decisions. Jesus offers us a chance at spiritual rehab that is an alternative approach to life. Spiritual rehabilitation is an ongoing process. It is learning a new way of thinking, doing, and being. We are learning to resist the worldliness through the practice of faith, dedication, self-sacrifice, self-control, patience, and forgiveness. God Bless.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Thursday, November 3, 2016
SABRINA
There is nothing I enjoy more than simply WATCHING my grandchildren. Children have the ability to go with the moment; their imaginations seizing the opportunity of whatever little joys they happen upon. Nothing is too small or insignificant for their wonder. It can be as simply as a stick turned snake, a mud puddle to splash, or leaves blowing in the breeze. When I watch them, I am reminded that PLAY is their WORK.
The heart of a child seems to embody all that God finds best about humankind. Maybe that is why David likened himself to a child in Psalm 131. What greater image of contentment is there than that of a young child resting with complete trust on the shoulder of the one who loves them best?
As adults we often lose that wonderment, so caught up in the day to day struggles that we forget that the exact SAME joys are available for us - we just don’t take the time to recognize and enjoy it. Go today, and see the world through the eyes of a child - a child of God!
There is nothing I enjoy more than simply WATCHING my grandchildren. Children have the ability to go with the moment; their imaginations seizing the opportunity of whatever little joys they happen upon. Nothing is too small or insignificant for their wonder. It can be as simply as a stick turned snake, a mud puddle to splash, or leaves blowing in the breeze. When I watch them, I am reminded that PLAY is their WORK.
The heart of a child seems to embody all that God finds best about humankind. Maybe that is why David likened himself to a child in Psalm 131. What greater image of contentment is there than that of a young child resting with complete trust on the shoulder of the one who loves them best?
As adults we often lose that wonderment, so caught up in the day to day struggles that we forget that the exact SAME joys are available for us - we just don’t take the time to recognize and enjoy it. Go today, and see the world through the eyes of a child - a child of God!
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. November is a time that we focus upon Thanksgiving, and for most people, that is just one day in this month when they will get together and have a meal with family and friends. However, the Bible constantly talks about the attitude of a follower of Jesus being one that is always thankful.
Thankful people are able to see the beauty in the small things in life and to offer words of hope and encouragement to others. Thankful people are always able to find a blessing that they have received each and every day. Thankful people are those who realize that they deserve nothing and have been given everything.
In our society, we are taught to expect to live in nice homes, drive new cars, and travel the world. Yet, the real blessings of life are not the ones that you can buy, it is those that surround you every day. I hope today that you will count your blessings and name them one by one and know truly what God has done.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. November is a time that we focus upon Thanksgiving, and for most people, that is just one day in this month when they will get together and have a meal with family and friends. However, the Bible constantly talks about the attitude of a follower of Jesus being one that is always thankful.
Thankful people are able to see the beauty in the small things in life and to offer words of hope and encouragement to others. Thankful people are always able to find a blessing that they have received each and every day. Thankful people are those who realize that they deserve nothing and have been given everything.
In our society, we are taught to expect to live in nice homes, drive new cars, and travel the world. Yet, the real blessings of life are not the ones that you can buy, it is those that surround you every day. I hope today that you will count your blessings and name them one by one and know truly what God has done.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
GLENDA
Good Morning: “We give thanks to you, oh God. We give Thanks!” “It is good to give thanks to God.” “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless his name.” “Give thanks at the remembrance of His Holy name.” “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” These are just a few verses from the Bible that remind us that for all the ways we have been blessed, we are always to thank God.
November is the month for Thankfulness. A time for remembering that first Thanksgiving Day so long ago. It has become the month that we take time to thank God for all He has done for us. This is the month of Thanksgiving and that's good. But, how about the rest of the year? This November, let this be the start of giving thanks to God every day and all year long. After all, He doesn't just bless us in November. Count your blessings, give God the glory, and tell him simply, “Thanks, God.” Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: “We give thanks to you, oh God. We give Thanks!” “It is good to give thanks to God.” “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless his name.” “Give thanks at the remembrance of His Holy name.” “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” These are just a few verses from the Bible that remind us that for all the ways we have been blessed, we are always to thank God.
November is the month for Thankfulness. A time for remembering that first Thanksgiving Day so long ago. It has become the month that we take time to thank God for all He has done for us. This is the month of Thanksgiving and that's good. But, how about the rest of the year? This November, let this be the start of giving thanks to God every day and all year long. After all, He doesn't just bless us in November. Count your blessings, give God the glory, and tell him simply, “Thanks, God.” Have a wonderful day!
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