Friday, August 31, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. I like to have a cup of coffee or two in the mornings. Sometimes it’s out of habit, sometimes it’s because I enjoy it, and other times it’s out of necessity to get my morning caffeinated. Maybe you have a morning pick-me-up or routine, whether it be coffee or tea, or perhaps radio show or a morning jog to wake you up and get your day started, and without it, you’re not at your best. There was a man just like this who went to the doctor because he got a sharp pain in his eye at the same time each morning. The doctor asked his routine at that time, and he said that he would pour a cup of coffee, put sugar and cream in it, stir it, and then POW there was the pain. The doctor just smiled and recommended he remove the spoon from his cup before enjoying his coffee. Maybe your week needs a pick-me-up, so let us help you start it off right! Join us this Sunday morning at Central for one of our three services, at 8:30, 9:45, and 10:55.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. I read a story not long ago about a man who was slowly losing his memory. After a lengthy examination, the doctor said that a risky operation on his brain might reverse his condition and restore his memory. However, the surgery would be so delicate that a nerve could be severed, causing total blindness. The surgeon asked, "So, which would you rather have, your sight or your memory?" The man pondered the question for a while and replied, "My sight because I would rather see where I am going than remember where I have been." Our enemy is always trying to dig up the past and keep us all bound up in our failures. But be encouraged! Today is a new day! Today and every day we have a choice to 0make! In Philippian’s Chapter 3, Paul says that he has learned to forget those things which are behind and reach forth unto those things which are before. Like Paul, we must choose to press forward and put aside our past. We must purpose to keep our eyes on the Lord, not on our successes or failures, but upon on what can we do for Him today! It’s time to live free from our past.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister, and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. August 29, 2005, I was living in Long Beach, Mississippi, with my family, and like many of you in Meridian, we were hunkered down in our home for the storm of the century. Hurricane Katrina was leaving her mark on this day 13 years ago. The days following proved to be interesting. Food was scarce, electricity was nowhere to be found. Travel was nearly impossible. However, I learned of the great works done through the hands and feet of members at Central during that time. Central was used as a Red Cross shelter. Thousands of meals were served through the kitchen, hundreds of lives were reached, and God provided an opportunity like no other for both those who were in need and those were called to meet those needs. During the midst of tragedy and loss, God used people to provide a way for comfort, shelter, healing, and recovery. As someone who experienced the devastation on the coast, I appreciate the work of those called to lead in disaster response. Know that your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Praise be to God for those who were called to serve that day. Your work and your ministry did not go unnoticed.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

BOB Good Morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Towards the end of his life, the Apostle Paul writes to his younger friend Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have remained faithful.” We are witness to the faithfulness of Paul and others through the ages. His friend Timothy was faithful as were Benedict and Augustine. Jan Hus, Martin Luther, and John Wesley were faithful. We have each one been blessed by the lives of loved ones who remained faithful to God until their deaths. We know too, that God is faithful. The Psalmist tells us “For great is his love toward us and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.” The gospel writer, John, tells us, “God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” If God is indeed faithful to all and we are witness to those of many generations who have been faithful to Him, the only question remaining is: Will those who come after us find us to have been faithful?

Monday, August 27, 2018

SABRINA As the school year has begun, both students and teachers across our city and county face a new year. A family, of sorts, has been formed for the next nine months. One of the greatest challenges teachers face is not reading, math, or science, but how to teach students to manage and cope in what at times may be an unmanageable home life, or world around them. To help them find THEIR control in an often seemingly uncontrollable situation. Whether we admit it or not, we all struggle with control. We fear losing control means certain failure, when in fact, they are the moments we find our inner strength and learn where it comes from. We need to look into the faces of not only our children, but aging parents, friends and neighbors and support and encourage them. Life is hard. We need each other. This said, pray for teachers, not just today, but throughout this school year. They teach our children much more than the academics. Offer encouraging words to a teacher, and remember, our God is with us always, helping us manage in what often seems an unmanageable world! Have a blessed day!

Friday, August 24, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: Did you know that one of the symbols Christians used back in Bible Times was the fish? They used the drawing of a fish to identify one another without arousing suspicion. Sometimes they carved the fish symbol into the bottom of their shoe so it would make an imprint in the sand. Sometimes when they met someone they did not know was a Christian, they drew half the fish symbol in the sand. If the other person was a Christian, he knew to draw the other part. Anyway, the Greek word for fish is ICTHUS. The first letter (I) is the first letter of Jesus in Greek, the second letter(C) is the first letter of Christ in Greek; the (the) stands for the first letter in God in Greek; the letter (S) is the first letter of Savior in Greek. So, the word ICTHUS and the fish symbol stood as shorthand for Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Savior. Isn't that neat? So, now you know why you see a lot of fish symbols as stickers on cars or on jewelry. It is a sign of a Christian. Can people tell you are a Christian even without wearing a fish symbol? I hope so. Have a wonderful day!

Thursday, August 23, 2018

BOB Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. You often hear people ask: “Who is in control around here anyway?” Who or what is in control of your life? Have you abdicated control of your life to alcohol or drugs or some other addiction? Have you allowed someone else, parents, partner, or children to control you or are you controlling your own destiny? For me, I am giving control of my life over to God. I acknowledge that Jesus is not only my Savior but my Sovereign Lord as well. Sometimes that seems to be a very scary thing to do. It often looks like I can do a better job of taking care of myself than God can. But really, when I look back, I see that it was I who made the messes in my life, and it was God who brought about the successes I have enjoyed. I will continue to give full control of my life to God until, hopefully, one day I can say with the apostle Paul, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

SABRINA Good morning, I am Sabrina Williams, Director of Children and Family ministry at Central. Arguably one of the most difficult concepts in life to grasp is waiting patiently. When we are waiting for test results or treatments to be over, a troubled marriage to “make a turn,” a troubled child to find peace, a loved one to return home from overseas - waiting is oh so hard. Psalm 62 reminds us “For God alone my soul waits in silence. He alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.” Sometimes what we learn and who we become in the process of waiting is even more important than what we are waiting for. Not all desires and dreams will come true. Some will just teach us how to wait. These wishes bring us not an instant blessing, but a lifelong lesson. During the seasons of waiting, remember this: “the stretching of faith is immediate discomfort that results in ultimate gain, for it is in the waiting we become who we are meant to be, and our faith and trust in God becomes stronger and more intimate.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. In the 1970s when the Alaskan Pipeline was being constructed many Texans went to Alaska to work on the pipeline alongside the Eskimos, native Alaskans. However, Texans could only work a few hours in the frigid weather, while the Eskimos could easily work for hours on end. Some scientists decided to do a study to find out why the Eskimos could withstand the weather, while the Texans struggled. The study concluded there were no physiological differences between the Eskimos and the Texans. Then the scientists conducted a psychological study and discovered the difference. The Eskimos experienced the cold, but clearly understood that a job needed to be done. With that mindset, they focused intently on obtaining results rather than how the weather was affecting them. The Texans, on the other hand, were so focused on the cold weather it became their overriding experience of the situation, monopolizing their attention and energy and crippling their capacity to work. It is easy for any of us to focus on the external circumstances of life, and when they are not good, we become distracted. Paul tells us in the book of Philippians to focus on what is good even in a bad situation. When we do, our heart becomes lighter and we fulfill our task as a follower of Jesus.

Monday, August 20, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. Today is Monday, and for some of us, that’s enough to elicit a few groans, grumbles, and a snooze alarm or two. Sometimes it’s just so hard to find the motivation to get things going. If that’s you, I want to encourage you with these words from Jesus. In Matthew Chapter 11, Verse 28, Jesus says “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” What it does to my soul to hear that my Savior knows that this life’s toils can leave me weary and my tank on empty. Yet I can turn to Christ in these times and find rest. It’s not that my labors will disappear, but I will find the power to endure and overcome them, and that I will not be alone as I work, for God is with me. So, I pray that you would find strength and hope in these words of Christ and the perseverance needed to start this week off right.

Friday, August 17, 2018

BOB Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. The Psalmist David says: “My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” What does it mean to spend a day in the courts of the Lord? It means living with a song of praise in your head and in your heart. It means listening to the promptings of God’s voice when you see someone in need. It means seeing the world through the eyes that God would have us see. If you would like to experience a little of what living in God’s house can be like with people who are attempting to live in his courts every day, we would welcome you at Central, located on 22nd and 23rd Avenues at 10th Street. Sunday morning worship begins at 8:30, and 9:45 In the Fellowship Hall and traditional worship at 10:55 in the Sanctuary. You are always welcome to be a part of the community at Central.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. As Christians, we are called to boast in the Lord and his mighty works. Jeremiah 9:23-24 says: “The wise must not boast in his wisdom; the mighty must not boast in his might; the rich must not boast in his riches. But the one who boasts should in this, that he understands and knows Me - that I am the Lord, showing faithful love, justice and righteousness on the earth.” Our God is awesome, and powerful, and mighty, and we should boast in Him. Not in the things we possess. Not in the money we make. Without him, none of it would be possible. True boasting in the Lord is actually boasting of the Lord—boasting of His great attributes, boasting of what He has done for us, of what He is still doing and of what He has promised to do. Whatever good may come from our ministry, we have no reason to boast, because, humanly speaking, we are “weak,” “foolish,” “lowly,” and “despised.” All the glory goes to God and God alone. Find joy in knowing that God is doing a good work in each of us and boast about it! Make his glory known so that others may see his glory as well.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: Today is a good day to be thankful! Today is the birthday of one of the greatest men I ever knew. That would be my earthly father, whom I lovingly called “Daddy”. He was a perfect example of what a father should be. He was kind. He was loving. He was Godly. He rarely raised his voice in anger. He never gossiped about others. He disciplined me with such love like it hurt him when he had to get on to me about anything. He never knew that he kept me out of a lot of trouble growing up because when I was tempted, the first thing I thought was “would my Daddy approve?” It was easy for me to learn about a heavenly father. I knew what God was like because of my Dad. He showed us how to be a Christian and how to love God. So today I say, “Thank you, God for giving me my Dad.” What are you thankful for today? Think about it and don’t forget to thank God. All your blessings come from Him. Have a wonderful day.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

SABRINA I am Sabrina Williams Director of Children and Family Ministry at Central. One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalms 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” That can be SO hard. We are often guilty, in the stillness, to grab this little electronic device and see what the weather is doing, who is on the beach, whose life makes us feel better about our own - you get it - we find it harder and harder to just “be still.” The other morning as I stumbled into the kitchen to make my first cup of coffee for the day, and yes, flip on Good Morning Meridian to see what I had missed, I was suddenly keenly aware of the stillness of morning. Genesis 1:5 came to my mind. “And there was evening and there was morning - the first day....” The first day...So many days have come and gone since that first day, yet each morning begins with the same still quiet miracles of creation. I invite you to rise a little earlier one morning this week and watch and listen to a miracle unfold-the miracle of a new day - and Be still and know that the God who created that first day, is your God.

Monday, August 13, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on in every person. He said, "My son, the battle is between two 'wolves'. One is evil -- it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is good -- it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson thought for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed." Let's start feeding ourselves with those thoughts which edify our spirit, our soul, and our minds that we might flourish for the Lord and do great things for Him -- and the God of peace shall be with you till the end of the age! Then we will influence people to follow the way of Jesus.

Friday, August 10, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. In the Gospel of John, we read about a young woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees try to trap Jesus by saying by Jewish law she should be stoned to death. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “What do you say?” They asked this to trap Him so they might have evidence to accuse him. Jesus responds in silence. He doesn’t say anything. He stoops down and begins to write in the sand with his finger. We don’t know what he wrote that day. Perhaps it was scripture. Perhaps he was writing “Where is the man?” Adultery requires another person, right? Or maybe he was writing down the sins of the Pharisees. While we don’t know what Jesus wrote that day, I believe his heart was aching for this woman. He was feeling her emotional distress. Finally, Jesus stands and says, “Let he that is without sin throw the first stone,” and one by one the Pharisees depart because they recognized none of them were sinless. Jesus transferred the humiliation from the woman to the religious leaders, but it doesn’t end there. Jesus offers compassion and grace and a message for us all to take away. Jesus says, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answers. And Jesus tells her, “Then neither do I. Go now and sin no more.” Just as Jesus did with this adulterous woman, Jesus does the same to us. He doesn’t condemn us. But he does offer us salvation. May you receive the forgiveness of our good, good father and go and sin no more.

Thursday, August 9, 2018

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. Max Lucado shared this online recently: A couple who resorted to do-it-yourself marriage counseling resolved to list each other's faults and then read them aloud. The wife gave her list and he read: You snore, you eat in bed... the list continued. When the husband gave her his list, she smiled. He’d written his grievances, but next to each he’d written: I forgive this. Instead of a list of grievances, the result was a tabulated list of grace. Imagine you are before the judgment seat of Christ. The book is opened, and the reading begins — each sin, each deceit, and each occasion of greed. But as soon as the infraction is read, Jesus says, "I forgive this!" Registered forgiveness! No humiliation! No shame! Why? Because in heaven, you will be in your sinless state — happy to let God do in heaven what he did on earth. He will be honored in your weakness!

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: Did you know that God is crazy about you? If he had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every Spring. He sends you a sunrise every morning...and a sunset every evening. If God took vacations, He'd take His with you. He's with you every second of every day. He wrote His songs just for you and created birds to sing them. Whenever you want to talk, He listens...and He hears every word. He can live anywhere in the universe, yet He chooses your heart. After all, he made you and all creation, and after each and everything he created, he said, “It is good.” That's what he said about you. The only thing that can separate you from His love is you! Sometimes we forget that, don't we? Well, let's let today be the day that we remember how very much God loves each and every one of his creations, and let's live the life He wanted for us. Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

SABRINA Have you ever really though - How do babies learn how to walk, talk, sing? How do Children learn to read, do math? What about playing an instrument, singing, gymnastics? It begins with imitating those who are around us. Life constantly presents us with an opportunity to imitate. As teens and adults this can be dangerous. The popular kid who parties hard on the weekend, the co-worker who seems to have it all, yet has no time for family, the wife or husband who suddenly decides the grass may be greener, because of decisions a friend made, the need to “keep up with the Joneses.” And then, there are those who in the face of adversity, rise up, knowing their strength comes from God, offers kind words to everyone they come in contact with, constantly builds others up. 3 John 1:11 reminds us “do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” On the children’s floor we have a song that reminds us - “what goes in, will indeed, come out.” So, for this morning, stop and look at those you look up to and seek to imitate. Are they TRULY who you want to pattern your life after? And remember, God DID, in fact, send us the ultimate example. In following the examples of Jesus, we can never go wrong, and will surely find a peace found through no human! Have a blessed day.

Monday, August 6, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. It’s that time of year! School is starting back again – today even, for some, this week or the next for others. And while for many this is an exciting time of filing backpacks with fresh paper and new pencils and the start of a new year and new adventures, others of us may need some added motivation to get things going on the right foot. And this is true for students as well as parents of students, even educators and administrators. We get caught up in the worries of a new school year ahead of us, and we neglect to see the greatness in today. Corrie Ten Boom once said - “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.” I pray that you are able to embrace today and the coming weeks for the great things that they are, that this school year would be fruitful, safe, and fun, and that you would go into each new day knowing that God is with you and loves you.

Friday, August 3, 2018

SABRINA The next few weeks mark the beginning of a new school year for most. Whether you are a teacher or a student, it’s always a little unsettling to start a new school year. If you are a teacher, a nice group of children can make for an awesome year; one or two extreme behavior problems can be enough to run you down and ruin your attitude from now until June. If you are a student, you may have just found out that you have the “dreaded teacher” and already see the handwriting on the wall. Whether you are a student or teacher, let me encourage you to begin the year with a fresh start with your attitude. Don’t let comments from others taint your view of teachers OR students. It is a new year, a fresh start! I would like to invite you to join us this Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55 as we offer praise and prayers for this new school year for both teachers and students. Students are encouraged to bring their backpacks. A special prayer will be offered over the backpacks and a backpack tag will be placed on each bag. It is a wonderful way to begin this year, remembering that we have a God who loves us, cares for us, and will walk WITH us into this new school year! We hope to see you on Sunday!

Thursday, August 2, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Youth today seem to be overlooked a lot in the church due to their age and immaturity. They goof off and horseplay and don’t take worship and small group seriously. They embarrass their parents and get in trouble at school. Jeremiah was a youth when he was called to be a prophet of the Lord. And when Jeremiah resisted and told God he didn’t know how to speak since he was only a youth, God turned that idea upside down. Jeremiah 1:4-8 says: “Do not say: I am only a youth, for you will go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to deliver you.” God chose Jeremiah to be His prophet while he was in his youth. From the time Jeremiah was born, God had been planning out his life as a prophet. So, the next time you pass a youth in church, remember that they too could be a great prophet and leader of the church one day. Don’t discourage them! Encourage them! Invest in a relationship with them and do not be afraid to share your wisdom. I would not be where I am today in my walk with Christ if it weren’t for those wiser and mature individuals who invested in my faith.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. The public discourse seems to become more ugly, hateful, prejudicial, vile, vulgar, profane, and unfairly critical every day. Everyday opposing sides throw lower and lower blows to try to take out their enemy. Whatever happened to when they go low, we will go high? Proverbs says, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” No one today deflects anger with a gentle answer and tempers are definitely flaring. As Christians, we should answer provocations in the manner of Simon Peter, the hothead from the gospels, who suggests in his letter written many years later: “Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So, don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” A gentle answer deflects anger.