JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. “They will know you by your love.” This saying is often used in the church as we talk of reaching others for Jesus. A question we need to ask ourselves though is, “What does this love look like?” It can be helping those around us, giving to the needy, or just lending an ear to someone as they vent. But, what if showing love meant being a reasonable person?
Philippians 4:5 tells us to that people should see that we are reasonable. The Greek word for “reasonable” can also be translated to the word “gentle” with its definition: seemly, equitable, yielding. Does this sound like us? Too many times Christians can be looked at as a hard-headed group of people who will argue with everyone we don’t agree with. You know, that guy who wants to always argue and is never wrong. We aren’t going to change people by belittling their views and putting them down. We can only win them over with love. Remember that our arguments don’t change people, Jesus changes people.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
God has called us to take a journey with him. This journey began in Genesis at creation when he formed all of creation including us. The journey then becomes personal as God chooses his people, and upholds his covenantal promise to keep them safe and multiply them.
Eventually, it takes an awkward plunge into hard times. The journey takes them through the wilderness. Much like our own journeys, we cannot avoid the wilderness route. But, as God did with Moses and the Israelites in their escape from pharaoh, God will go with us and lead us and not depart from us.
It's not always easy to let go and give God the reigns, though. We want to do things our way rather than his way. We want to have control.
Moses explained to the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord which he will work for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
So, take a deep breath, and remember, the Lord is on our side even in the wilderness. We only have to be silent.
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
God has called us to take a journey with him. This journey began in Genesis at creation when he formed all of creation including us. The journey then becomes personal as God chooses his people, and upholds his covenantal promise to keep them safe and multiply them.
Eventually, it takes an awkward plunge into hard times. The journey takes them through the wilderness. Much like our own journeys, we cannot avoid the wilderness route. But, as God did with Moses and the Israelites in their escape from pharaoh, God will go with us and lead us and not depart from us.
It's not always easy to let go and give God the reigns, though. We want to do things our way rather than his way. We want to have control.
Moses explained to the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord which he will work for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
So, take a deep breath, and remember, the Lord is on our side even in the wilderness. We only have to be silent.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Traditions can be good things. They can often remind us of where we came from or help us to focus on Jesus during our church services. Unfortunately, they can also be a great cause of trouble and turmoil in the church. Churches have split because one group won’t let go of a tradition, while the other sees no need for it.
Why do churches split over traditions? It happens when we hold a tradition as a commandment from God that cannot be changed. The Pharisees looked at Jesus as a bad person because he was breaking their traditions. Their traditions seemed good and were meant to honor God, but they judged people by how well they kept the traditions and not how much they loved God.
Are there things you are judging others by that are not commandments of God? It might be what people wear to church, which version of the Bible that is used to teach, or maybe the music a church plays. If our traditions don’t point people to Jesus, then maybe we need to let them go.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Traditions can be good things. They can often remind us of where we came from or help us to focus on Jesus during our church services. Unfortunately, they can also be a great cause of trouble and turmoil in the church. Churches have split because one group won’t let go of a tradition, while the other sees no need for it.
Why do churches split over traditions? It happens when we hold a tradition as a commandment from God that cannot be changed. The Pharisees looked at Jesus as a bad person because he was breaking their traditions. Their traditions seemed good and were meant to honor God, but they judged people by how well they kept the traditions and not how much they loved God.
Are there things you are judging others by that are not commandments of God? It might be what people wear to church, which version of the Bible that is used to teach, or maybe the music a church plays. If our traditions don’t point people to Jesus, then maybe we need to let them go.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever wondered why we are encouraged to pray? I believe God desires us to pray to him more than we desire to pray to God. God is passionately pursuing each one of us, because he wants to have a good relationship with us. That is why he invented it for us. It was his initiative, not ours.
God is always knocking at our door asking us to open up. However, we feel so rushed that we simply reserve only five minutes or less to speak with him. We can become so rushed that we cannot hear His knocking anymore. That is why our hearts, minds, and conscience becomes seared and we convince ourselves that God is absent from our lives. But the truth is, we are more absent than he is.
God wants to be heard. He wants to show us where to go and what path to follow. God wants each one of us to experience His divine love and presence. So, I challenge you to take more time out of each day to say, “Here I am God. Speak to my heart.” I also invite you to Central to learn how to hear the word of God speaking to you. God bless.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever wondered why we are encouraged to pray? I believe God desires us to pray to him more than we desire to pray to God. God is passionately pursuing each one of us, because he wants to have a good relationship with us. That is why he invented it for us. It was his initiative, not ours.
God is always knocking at our door asking us to open up. However, we feel so rushed that we simply reserve only five minutes or less to speak with him. We can become so rushed that we cannot hear His knocking anymore. That is why our hearts, minds, and conscience becomes seared and we convince ourselves that God is absent from our lives. But the truth is, we are more absent than he is.
God wants to be heard. He wants to show us where to go and what path to follow. God wants each one of us to experience His divine love and presence. So, I challenge you to take more time out of each day to say, “Here I am God. Speak to my heart.” I also invite you to Central to learn how to hear the word of God speaking to you. God bless.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Monday, July, 24, 2017
BOB
This is Bob Peden, of Central, a United Methodist Church here in Meridian.
I want to share with you some ideas from a book by Tim Muldoon, entitled Living Against the Grain. If there is one lesson that becomes clear when we look at the story of Jesus, not to mention men and women today whose desires lead them to lives of great generosity it is that a life mission begins with a desire to love authentically and truly. And this mission always blossoms in beauty, regardless of how great or small its fruits.
At first, it may be about learning small ways to practice generosity and compassion. But as our desire to listen to God grows, so too does our creativity and resolve in taking on new ideas and ways of serving the world God has made. Especially, those who need it most. Begin today, to practice generosity and compassion.
This is Bob Peden, of Central, a United Methodist Church here in Meridian.
I want to share with you some ideas from a book by Tim Muldoon, entitled Living Against the Grain. If there is one lesson that becomes clear when we look at the story of Jesus, not to mention men and women today whose desires lead them to lives of great generosity it is that a life mission begins with a desire to love authentically and truly. And this mission always blossoms in beauty, regardless of how great or small its fruits.
At first, it may be about learning small ways to practice generosity and compassion. But as our desire to listen to God grows, so too does our creativity and resolve in taking on new ideas and ways of serving the world God has made. Especially, those who need it most. Begin today, to practice generosity and compassion.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Friday, July 21, 2017
TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
Why do we tend to go on vacations? We all need to get away from everything back home for a while, to be refreshed in our zeal for life, right? We find it relaxing to sit on the beach, backpack across Europe, or ride thrilling roller coasters at an amusement park.
I want to encourage you to not give up church just because you are on vacation and cannot attend your regular church service. Christians on vacation should be able to find the “rest” of a worship service more enjoyable than a fish on the line or another two hours of sleep.
Christians on vacation can become as refreshed for their work as a child of God as they do for their job. In visiting other churches, you might find a church that is in need and you could find yourself performing “Christian labors of love” for another church, and find a new energy for Christ on vacation. We can return with new perspectives on our home congregation.
So, as you take your summer vacations this year, make time to visit other churches on Sunday mornings out of town. You might be surprised at the blessings you will receive. And don’t forget, “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
Why do we tend to go on vacations? We all need to get away from everything back home for a while, to be refreshed in our zeal for life, right? We find it relaxing to sit on the beach, backpack across Europe, or ride thrilling roller coasters at an amusement park.
I want to encourage you to not give up church just because you are on vacation and cannot attend your regular church service. Christians on vacation should be able to find the “rest” of a worship service more enjoyable than a fish on the line or another two hours of sleep.
Christians on vacation can become as refreshed for their work as a child of God as they do for their job. In visiting other churches, you might find a church that is in need and you could find yourself performing “Christian labors of love” for another church, and find a new energy for Christ on vacation. We can return with new perspectives on our home congregation.
So, as you take your summer vacations this year, make time to visit other churches on Sunday mornings out of town. You might be surprised at the blessings you will receive. And don’t forget, “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Thursday, July 20, 2017
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever tried to kick a bad habit? It can be very difficult. Just as difficult, is trying to start a good habit like exercising and eating right. But, if we stick with it long enough they become easier to do.
That also goes for developing a habit of prayer. The more we do it the more we desire it. If we make it a habit to pray, then we will find a growing desire to spend more time with God. This habit also creates in us a desire to see God working through people we meet and events we experience.
Without a doubt, prayer has to be the greatest gift that we can receive, because it changes us. It changes our minds about people; it changes our hearts, and it even changes our desires. Prayer strengthens our faith in an unseen God. It brings us into direct communication with the Creator of all things.
When it becomes a habit, prayer is like working with your friends all day but when evening comes it is nice to just be with them. If you are not a part of a community of faith, then I invite you to our community at Central United Methodist where we encourage each other through prayer. God bless.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever tried to kick a bad habit? It can be very difficult. Just as difficult, is trying to start a good habit like exercising and eating right. But, if we stick with it long enough they become easier to do.
That also goes for developing a habit of prayer. The more we do it the more we desire it. If we make it a habit to pray, then we will find a growing desire to spend more time with God. This habit also creates in us a desire to see God working through people we meet and events we experience.
Without a doubt, prayer has to be the greatest gift that we can receive, because it changes us. It changes our minds about people; it changes our hearts, and it even changes our desires. Prayer strengthens our faith in an unseen God. It brings us into direct communication with the Creator of all things.
When it becomes a habit, prayer is like working with your friends all day but when evening comes it is nice to just be with them. If you are not a part of a community of faith, then I invite you to our community at Central United Methodist where we encourage each other through prayer. God bless.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
BOB
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community. Do you ever feel forgotten? Forgotten by your acquaintances, your friends, your family. I can assure you that you have not been forgotten by God.
How can I be so sure that God has not forgotten you? God says in the 47th chapter of the book of Isaiah, See, I have engraved your name on the palms of my hands. With your name engraved in God's palms, he cannot possibly forget.
God cares for you. God loves you. God wants only what is best for you. There is nothing you can do that will erase your name from God's palm. It was engraved in his palms with the nails of the cross. He desires to save you from yourself.
Your name is engraved in the palms of God's hands. He will never leave you. He will never forget you. That is God's good news for you today.
Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community. Do you ever feel forgotten? Forgotten by your acquaintances, your friends, your family. I can assure you that you have not been forgotten by God.
How can I be so sure that God has not forgotten you? God says in the 47th chapter of the book of Isaiah, See, I have engraved your name on the palms of my hands. With your name engraved in God's palms, he cannot possibly forget.
God cares for you. God loves you. God wants only what is best for you. There is nothing you can do that will erase your name from God's palm. It was engraved in his palms with the nails of the cross. He desires to save you from yourself.
Your name is engraved in the palms of God's hands. He will never leave you. He will never forget you. That is God's good news for you today.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
SABRINA
I'm Sabrina Williams, Director of Children and Family Ministry at Central United Methodist Church. We have all had those times when we felt God was silent when we desperately needed answers, comfort, or direction. In Psalm 13, David cried out to God asking how long would He look the other way and ignore his anguish. Does today find you, like David, feeling God has turned His back? Are you in the valley of your life?
1 Peter 1:6 offers assurance in telling us there is wonderful joy ahead, even though you endure trials for a little while.
Romans 5:3 reminds us that it is during these trials we develop endurance, which builds character, and strengthens us.
Isaiah 55:8&9 reminds us that perhaps it's simply a sign that God's ways and wisdom are far beyond our understanding and many times what we call silence isn't really silence at all?
I also invite you to join us on Sunday mornings for worship, finding peace within our community of faith. Among us, you will find living, breathing proof that God does truly bring us from the valleys, renewing our faith in God and each other!
I'm Sabrina Williams, Director of Children and Family Ministry at Central United Methodist Church. We have all had those times when we felt God was silent when we desperately needed answers, comfort, or direction. In Psalm 13, David cried out to God asking how long would He look the other way and ignore his anguish. Does today find you, like David, feeling God has turned His back? Are you in the valley of your life?
1 Peter 1:6 offers assurance in telling us there is wonderful joy ahead, even though you endure trials for a little while.
Romans 5:3 reminds us that it is during these trials we develop endurance, which builds character, and strengthens us.
Isaiah 55:8&9 reminds us that perhaps it's simply a sign that God's ways and wisdom are far beyond our understanding and many times what we call silence isn't really silence at all?
I also invite you to join us on Sunday mornings for worship, finding peace within our community of faith. Among us, you will find living, breathing proof that God does truly bring us from the valleys, renewing our faith in God and each other!
Monday, July 17, 2017
Monday, July 17, 2017
SABRINA
Recently our grandson, Brett, was playing with his cousin Miley, who was making jewelry. He suddenly called to me, telling me he told Miley all earrings did not have to match. At this point I realized he was making his mother a pair of earrings. I told him they could be however he wanted them to be.
I texted his mother to tell her she would be getting a mismatched pair of earrings. To MY surprise, they were for me. If you see me sporting a pair of mismatched earrings, you know the story.
It DID, however, make me start thinking of how my earrings are a lot like Christians. We want to think as Christians we should be matching sets, we are different. We come from different backgrounds, have different personalities and ways of dealing with things, yet we DO indeed make a set, a unique set, a set that completely fills God's purpose in His world.
While the Apostle Paul may have described us in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 as needed but different parts of the human body, my earrings from a sweet little boy will serve as my reminder of our unique, yet different parts of God's set, a set called to reach out to others telling of God's great love for everyone, no matter their differences.
Recently our grandson, Brett, was playing with his cousin Miley, who was making jewelry. He suddenly called to me, telling me he told Miley all earrings did not have to match. At this point I realized he was making his mother a pair of earrings. I told him they could be however he wanted them to be.
I texted his mother to tell her she would be getting a mismatched pair of earrings. To MY surprise, they were for me. If you see me sporting a pair of mismatched earrings, you know the story.
It DID, however, make me start thinking of how my earrings are a lot like Christians. We want to think as Christians we should be matching sets, we are different. We come from different backgrounds, have different personalities and ways of dealing with things, yet we DO indeed make a set, a unique set, a set that completely fills God's purpose in His world.
While the Apostle Paul may have described us in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 as needed but different parts of the human body, my earrings from a sweet little boy will serve as my reminder of our unique, yet different parts of God's set, a set called to reach out to others telling of God's great love for everyone, no matter their differences.
Monday, July 17, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever had a friend go through a hard time and you didn’t know how to comfort them? Sometimes we even quote a text from the Bible, thinking that it will make them feel better. We can’t stomach not having the words to say to someone who is hurting or confused. Our desire might be to explain why their situation is happening or give them words of comfort. We might even call them daily to see if their situation is improving.
The Old Testament tells of a man named Job whose friends were the same way. The majority of the book of Job consists of his friends explaining to him why his children have died, why his livestock is all gone, and why he has sores all over his body. Their words of comfort were really words of discomfort.
Sometimes God will use us to give a Biblical answer to the suffering a person is enduring, but there will still be instances when we have no idea what to say. Instead of spouting off religiously oriented phrases in these situations, we should listen, listen, and listen some more.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever had a friend go through a hard time and you didn’t know how to comfort them? Sometimes we even quote a text from the Bible, thinking that it will make them feel better. We can’t stomach not having the words to say to someone who is hurting or confused. Our desire might be to explain why their situation is happening or give them words of comfort. We might even call them daily to see if their situation is improving.
The Old Testament tells of a man named Job whose friends were the same way. The majority of the book of Job consists of his friends explaining to him why his children have died, why his livestock is all gone, and why he has sores all over his body. Their words of comfort were really words of discomfort.
Sometimes God will use us to give a Biblical answer to the suffering a person is enduring, but there will still be instances when we have no idea what to say. Instead of spouting off religiously oriented phrases in these situations, we should listen, listen, and listen some more.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Friday, July 14, 2017
TIM
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
Snakes are considered sly animals. We even use the phrase “snake in the grass” to refer to someone who is always being sneaky and conniving.
In Chapter 3 of Genesis, we see the account in the Garden of Eden with the snake and the woman. The snake assures the woman that what God had told her was false and convinces her to eat the forbidden fruit. When she did, her eyes were opened to see both good and evil.
When we look at this story, we see two things: the first opportunity to give into temptation and the fall of mankind, often times known as the original sin.
I urge you to be cautious of those people you surround yourself with because they could be leading you on a path away from God’s will. Even those closest to you, while although might mean well, can lead you astray unknowingly.
And last, and most importantly, don’t listen to talking snakes!
Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
Snakes are considered sly animals. We even use the phrase “snake in the grass” to refer to someone who is always being sneaky and conniving.
In Chapter 3 of Genesis, we see the account in the Garden of Eden with the snake and the woman. The snake assures the woman that what God had told her was false and convinces her to eat the forbidden fruit. When she did, her eyes were opened to see both good and evil.
When we look at this story, we see two things: the first opportunity to give into temptation and the fall of mankind, often times known as the original sin.
I urge you to be cautious of those people you surround yourself with because they could be leading you on a path away from God’s will. Even those closest to you, while although might mean well, can lead you astray unknowingly.
And last, and most importantly, don’t listen to talking snakes!
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Thursday, July 13, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church.
Our core theme at Central has been around the Ironmakers. This comes from Proverbs 27:17, which says that as iron sharpens iron so one man/woman sharpens another.
Today, you may be experiencing a troubling situation that you don’t think you can handle. I want to tell you that you have this. You are stronger than you think you are and there is no obstacle that can’t be overcome with an active faith that presses you to follow Jesus and a few Ironmakers in your life.
Followers of Jesus are never weak and they never give up. God is completely in love with you and believes in you. This is a message that we all need to be reminded of today. I invite you to Central this week and to take up the Ironmakers’ challenge for yourself. If you will take the challenge, I promise you that you will find you’re stronger than you thought. You are always welcome at Central.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church.
Our core theme at Central has been around the Ironmakers. This comes from Proverbs 27:17, which says that as iron sharpens iron so one man/woman sharpens another.
Today, you may be experiencing a troubling situation that you don’t think you can handle. I want to tell you that you have this. You are stronger than you think you are and there is no obstacle that can’t be overcome with an active faith that presses you to follow Jesus and a few Ironmakers in your life.
Followers of Jesus are never weak and they never give up. God is completely in love with you and believes in you. This is a message that we all need to be reminded of today. I invite you to Central this week and to take up the Ironmakers’ challenge for yourself. If you will take the challenge, I promise you that you will find you’re stronger than you thought. You are always welcome at Central.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church.
If you have ever made a camp fire, then you also have put one out. Most of the time sand is used to get the job done. You see, sand and fire do not mix. Just like sand to fire, there are things in our life that quench the fire inside of us.
This morning you may find yourself in that condition. The zest for life and the dream you once had has died. Wrong turns, bad choices, and unforeseen events all have a way of quenching our fire. However, God wants to rekindle that flame in you with the light of His Spirit. The spirit of grace manifests itself in the Christian life through various means, especially through repentance and faith.
The fire of God gives us our zest for life. He inspires us to works of charity, being devoted to Christian community, and spreading the Gospel.
The Book of Acts speaks of a man named Apollos. Apollos was said to be on fire for the Gospel. He had a burning in his spirit that propelled him to speak and teach about the Lord.
So, have you lost your fire and your passion for life? If so, seek the Father and ask him to show you how to remove the sand from the wood pile.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church.
If you have ever made a camp fire, then you also have put one out. Most of the time sand is used to get the job done. You see, sand and fire do not mix. Just like sand to fire, there are things in our life that quench the fire inside of us.
This morning you may find yourself in that condition. The zest for life and the dream you once had has died. Wrong turns, bad choices, and unforeseen events all have a way of quenching our fire. However, God wants to rekindle that flame in you with the light of His Spirit. The spirit of grace manifests itself in the Christian life through various means, especially through repentance and faith.
The fire of God gives us our zest for life. He inspires us to works of charity, being devoted to Christian community, and spreading the Gospel.
The Book of Acts speaks of a man named Apollos. Apollos was said to be on fire for the Gospel. He had a burning in his spirit that propelled him to speak and teach about the Lord.
So, have you lost your fire and your passion for life? If so, seek the Father and ask him to show you how to remove the sand from the wood pile.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
GLENDA
Good Morning: Did you know that most people get in trouble because they do not listen to God? You know, everything we do should be trying to follow God's will for us. Every major decision we make should only take place after we have asked God's direction and guidance.
Listening to God is a key to being used by Him. It's a lesson many of us find very hard to learn. Jesus said, “I can't do a solitary thing on my own; I listen, then I decide.” Even Jesus asked guidance from God, His father. So, who are we to think we can do things on our own if even Jesus acknowledged that he couldn't do it alone.
One of my favorite gospel songs says, “I can't even walk without You holding my hand.” So, just remember, don't try to go it alone. God is always there just waiting for you to turn to Him. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: Did you know that most people get in trouble because they do not listen to God? You know, everything we do should be trying to follow God's will for us. Every major decision we make should only take place after we have asked God's direction and guidance.
Listening to God is a key to being used by Him. It's a lesson many of us find very hard to learn. Jesus said, “I can't do a solitary thing on my own; I listen, then I decide.” Even Jesus asked guidance from God, His father. So, who are we to think we can do things on our own if even Jesus acknowledged that he couldn't do it alone.
One of my favorite gospel songs says, “I can't even walk without You holding my hand.” So, just remember, don't try to go it alone. God is always there just waiting for you to turn to Him. Have a wonderful day!
Monday, July 10, 2017
Monday, July 10, 2017
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community in Meridian, MS.
In the 4th and 5th chapters of Revelation, John describes a scene of heavenly worship. The song goes on night and day without ceasing. It is sung by the 24 elders, thousands and thousands of angels and every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They are all singing AWorthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!@
When we join with fellow Christians to worship the Lord, we
are not beginning a song - rather we are joining in on a song that goes on Aday and night without ceasing.@ Yet I assure you that God is listening for your voice - to be added.
I encourage you to join us at Central this Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 or 10:55, as we join that unending song.
In the 4th and 5th chapters of Revelation, John describes a scene of heavenly worship. The song goes on night and day without ceasing. It is sung by the 24 elders, thousands and thousands of angels and every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They are all singing AWorthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!@
When we join with fellow Christians to worship the Lord, we
are not beginning a song - rather we are joining in on a song that goes on Aday and night without ceasing.@ Yet I assure you that God is listening for your voice - to be added.
I encourage you to join us at Central this Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 or 10:55, as we join that unending song.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Friday, July 7, 2017
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, said that the Jesus movement hinged on how well we could love God and love one another. It seems that each time I log into a social media site or I read a line from the daily news, we don’t seem to be doing a really good job with loving God and one another. People seem to be angry at everyone and they choose to live divided.
I believe it is time for us to remember the teaching of Jesus and to fall in love with God and each other once again. It is time to defeat the fear that is surrounding us with the love of God and to live this out in relationship with each other. Life is better when we are connected. Let us smile at each other and show patience. Let us give a helping hand to those in need and show kindness. I encourage you today to live out the love of God to others. Remember that you are loved by God and are always welcome at Central.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, said that the Jesus movement hinged on how well we could love God and love one another. It seems that each time I log into a social media site or I read a line from the daily news, we don’t seem to be doing a really good job with loving God and one another. People seem to be angry at everyone and they choose to live divided.
I believe it is time for us to remember the teaching of Jesus and to fall in love with God and each other once again. It is time to defeat the fear that is surrounding us with the love of God and to live this out in relationship with each other. Life is better when we are connected. Let us smile at each other and show patience. Let us give a helping hand to those in need and show kindness. I encourage you today to live out the love of God to others. Remember that you are loved by God and are always welcome at Central.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Thursday, July 6, 2017
SABRINA
Proverbs 4:23 tells us “Be careful what you think because your thoughts will run your life.”. This passage was written by King Solomon for the benefit of his own sons. He didn’t focus on advising about royal matters like how to handle money, job responsibilities, or best tips for leading the kingdom. Instead, he spoke of things such as the value of controlling their thoughts, which determine how they felt and how they lived.
When disappointment crushes our dreams, when people hurt or anger us, or when problems seem overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught in negative thoughts and feelings. When we continually think negative thoughts, we feel negative feelings, leading to believing life is negative overall. When we intentionally change our thoughts, our perspective, and life changes as well.
Peace and joy is a choice, not a circumstance! Go today living Philippians 4:7, experiencing the peace (and joy) that transcends all understanding guarding your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us “Be careful what you think because your thoughts will run your life.”. This passage was written by King Solomon for the benefit of his own sons. He didn’t focus on advising about royal matters like how to handle money, job responsibilities, or best tips for leading the kingdom. Instead, he spoke of things such as the value of controlling their thoughts, which determine how they felt and how they lived.
When disappointment crushes our dreams, when people hurt or anger us, or when problems seem overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught in negative thoughts and feelings. When we continually think negative thoughts, we feel negative feelings, leading to believing life is negative overall. When we intentionally change our thoughts, our perspective, and life changes as well.
Peace and joy is a choice, not a circumstance! Go today living Philippians 4:7, experiencing the peace (and joy) that transcends all understanding guarding your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
TIM
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
It’s very easy when thinking about God’s plan for our lives to be selfish and expect personal happiness all the time. Jeremiah’s message is quite different. He’s writing to a group of people who are being held captive and are in exile from their homeland. He’s writing to let them know that although they’re not where they would have expected, God still has a plan for their lives. Even in the midst of a difficult situation, God wants them to know His plans, and they are not just to benefit them personally.
God is letting them know they can move forward, because in the eternal picture, His justice will prevail.
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.”
Today, in the midst of difficult situations, God wants us to know He has a plan. He also wants us to know that as we submit to His plan that He desires to use us to bless the world around us.
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
It’s very easy when thinking about God’s plan for our lives to be selfish and expect personal happiness all the time. Jeremiah’s message is quite different. He’s writing to a group of people who are being held captive and are in exile from their homeland. He’s writing to let them know that although they’re not where they would have expected, God still has a plan for their lives. Even in the midst of a difficult situation, God wants them to know His plans, and they are not just to benefit them personally.
God is letting them know they can move forward, because in the eternal picture, His justice will prevail.
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.”
Today, in the midst of difficult situations, God wants us to know He has a plan. He also wants us to know that as we submit to His plan that He desires to use us to bless the world around us.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
BOB
Good morning, this is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community.
Today is a wonderful celebration:
fireworks, music,
good food, the fourth
of July. We are
indeed blessed to live
in a country of such
unprecedented
freedom.
I am especially thankful that I live in a country that allows each person to worship God as they see fit. We tend to take that for granted - but it has been the
exception rather than
the rule throughout
history and is not
universal by any
means today.
So today and in the
coming days, take
some time and
remember those
Christians throughout
history who have
suffered because of
their faith in Jesus
Christ. And pray for
those Christians
martyrs of today, in
China, much of the
middle east and other
places around the world who pay a
heavy price simply for
practicing their belief.
And then ask yourself
this question.
Would you and I be
willing to pay the
price if professing our
Christianity required
the sacrifice of our
status, our possessions or our
very lives. I pray so.
Good morning, this is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community.
Today is a wonderful celebration:
fireworks, music,
good food, the fourth
of July. We are
indeed blessed to live
in a country of such
unprecedented
freedom.
I am especially thankful that I live in a country that allows each person to worship God as they see fit. We tend to take that for granted - but it has been the
exception rather than
the rule throughout
history and is not
universal by any
means today.
So today and in the
coming days, take
some time and
remember those
Christians throughout
history who have
suffered because of
their faith in Jesus
Christ. And pray for
those Christians
martyrs of today, in
China, much of the
middle east and other
places around the world who pay a
heavy price simply for
practicing their belief.
And then ask yourself
this question.
Would you and I be
willing to pay the
price if professing our
Christianity required
the sacrifice of our
status, our possessions or our
very lives. I pray so.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Monday, July 3, 2017
GLENDA
Good Morning: Do you know how much God loves you? He loves you so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die for you. He loves each of us so much that He does not want any to be lost or forgotten. His love reaches to the skies, even for the lowest among us.
David writes in Psalm 57, “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” It's all about love. God's love, Jesus' love, and our love.
Our thoughts and actions should reflect God's love to the world. We are God's children. No matter where we are, who we are with, or what we are doing, we will always be a child of God, and everyone who meets us should be able to see that in the way we live our lives; in the way we treat others; in the way we help others; and in the way we love those around us.
Do others see God in you? Let's work on that! Have a wonderful day.
Good Morning: Do you know how much God loves you? He loves you so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die for you. He loves each of us so much that He does not want any to be lost or forgotten. His love reaches to the skies, even for the lowest among us.
David writes in Psalm 57, “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” It's all about love. God's love, Jesus' love, and our love.
Our thoughts and actions should reflect God's love to the world. We are God's children. No matter where we are, who we are with, or what we are doing, we will always be a child of God, and everyone who meets us should be able to see that in the way we live our lives; in the way we treat others; in the way we help others; and in the way we love those around us.
Do others see God in you? Let's work on that! Have a wonderful day.
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