Friday, September 28, 2018

Friday, September 28, 2018

SABRINA Does this morning find you feeling forgotten by God? Do you find yourself wondering where He is while you are in the midst of battle, struggle, hurt, and disappointment? Are you praying for God’s help, but not sure your prayers are getting through? During days of anxiety and sorrow, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that it will always be this way. We settle into the mindset that life will never get any better. When these times continue for long periods, there is the potential to lose hope. We can find much comfort in the Psalms. The prophet David struggled with despair and rejoiced in the realization of God’s unfailing love. In Psalm 13 he cries out to God in despair, then suddenly remembers God’s promise of unfailing love for him. That's the power and test of our faith and what can happen when we draw near to God. If we bring it all to Him and leave it there, through His grace and mercy He will rescue us. Know today that you will sing again, joy does come in the morning. In this moment feel God’s presence and love for you today. Rest on His shoulders, for you will find rest and peace. Have a blessed day.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Thursday, September 27, 2018

BOB Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community, in downtown Meridian. Some people feel a deep anxiety when they think about God. Did I get everything right? Have I made amends for each of the bad things I've done? Have I done enough good things? Did I say the right words, go to the right places, think the right thoughts? If you feel nervous when you think about standing before God on the Day of Judgment, you might be surprised at something the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Christians at Rome: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Peace? Peace with God? How can we have peace with God when we have to constantly worry about getting everything right in order to please him? The answer to that question is, we can't. It is not about what we've done; it's about being saved through faith in the gift that God has to offer us. Remember, you don't have to get everything right – because Jesus gave himself, so that He could present you perfect in God's eyes.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. In one sermon, D.L. Moody held up a glass and asked, "How can I get the air out of this glass?" One man shouted, "Suck it out with a pump!" Moody replied, "That would create a vacuum and shatter the glass." After numerous other suggestions, Moody smiled, took out a pitcher of water, and filled the glass. "There," he said, "all the air is now removed." He used this simple demonstration to explain that living a victorious life is not accomplished by "sucking out something that is holding us back here and there," but by being filled with the Spirit of God. Later, he said, "I believe firmly that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and everything that is contrary to God's law, the Holy Spirit will fill every corner of our hearts. But if we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God. We must be emptied before we can be filled." Let's begin emptying ourselves today!

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. The Lord’s prayer is often said without thought or true petition of the heart. It can also be a divine force unleashing God’s glorious blessings. One may pray the words “Thy kingdom come” without any regard for the intent of Jesus, or one may pray it and the world itself can begin to change. But how is “thy kingdom come” a prayer that literally changes the world? Matthew 6:9-10 says, “Pray then like this: Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come…” To pray “Your kingdom come” is to be involved in a gospel conspiracy to take over the world in a positive light! It is a prayer for God to reign down on us the great power and wonder he has in store for us. When you pray, “Your kingdom come” you are inviting the Holy Spirit to move in your life and breathe into the lives of others. You are praying for new and eternal life, and that is how this prayer changes the world. It begins with both change of your own heart and change for the world around you. So, the next time you pray “thy kingdom come,” make sure you know and understand what you are asking for. Are you ready for that yet? I pray that God’s kingdom has come or is coming into your life. May it be so in each of us and in the world around us.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Monday, September 24, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Many of us are familiar with the first sin in the Bible, the decision to disobey God and give in to the temptation of the serpent. But are we aware of the second sin? The second sin may be one that is more important than the first because we can’t recover from the first sin as long as we are guilty of the second sin. So, what is the second sin? It’s the sin of excuses. It's our inability to face ourselves and confess our sins. Adam and Eve always had someone or something else to blame their first sin on. Adam blamed his decision on the woman and the woman blamed her decision on the serpent. Mistakes or sins aren’t what destroy us. It’s our inability to face ourselves. If a ballplayer can’t catch a ball, there is still hope for him if he says, “I must be doing something wrong” and asks for help. There is little hope for the ballplayer who diverts the fault to field conditions, the sun being in their eyes, or even someone else. The secret here is we must acknowledge our faults and be willing to learn from them. As long as we excuse our failure to learn, we destroy the learning process altogether. Whatever you do this day and in the days to come, don’t die making excuses. Acknowledge who you are, what you have done, and be willing to learn from your mistakes.

Monday, September 24, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. Just because it’s a Monday, doesn’t mean it can’t be a fun day, so here is some inspiration to start your week. Something I know to be true is when we are faced with a problem, we should turn to the Lord for our answers. It may not be the answer we would hope for, but God is faithful and is most concerned with the needs of His children and loves when we go to Him with our troubles. A young man needed some supplies from a Sunday School cabinet that was rarely, if ever, used. It was secured with a lock and he didn't know the combination, so he asked the pastor to give it a try. Brother Jim placed his fingers on the lock's dial and raised his eyes heavenward for a moment. Then he confidently spun the dial and opened the lock. The young man was visually impressed with this demonstration of faith, but Brother Jim only smiled and confided, "The numbers are written on the ceiling." May you seek the Lord this week and find God Truth waiting for you.

Friday, September 21, 2018

Friday, September 21, 2018

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea with Moses and saw that God had defeated their enemy they gathered in song. When David won victory over his enemies, He sang Psalms. When Jesus and the disciples left the upper room to face his enemies, they sang a hymn. Paul and Silas sang in prison. The book of Revelation recounts the song that is sung in heaven at Christ's final victory over sin and death. In this spirit of singing, whatever our circumstances, you are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall at Central on the corner of 22nd Avenue and 10th Street this Sunday evening at 6 p.m. for the first of many Nights of Worship. The service will be led by Jonathan Quigley and others from Central and around the Meridian area. It will be an hour of singing, praying, and listening for the Word of God. Come join us this Sunday evening at 6 p.m. for Nights of Worship.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Thursday, September 20, 2018

SABRINA This is the time of year that both of my parents passed away. As the leaves change their colors and begin to fall, I am reminded, that we too have seasons of life but for a time on this earth. I don’t say this to be sad or gloomy. It is with the sweet remembrance this time brings, that I also realize, I am, in part, who I am today because of the legacy my parents left to me. Legacies that were passed to them. Legacy is the wisdom, convictions, experiences, and values that have been handed down to us from generations before us. It helps to shape us, providing wisdom and direction for the next generation. Legacy is powerful. It is a gift we are compelled to open, but after opening it, we are faced with challenges and choices. Will we accept it, share it, toss it, or rebel against it? How has your faith been impacted by the legacies of those before and how will you impact the faith of those to come? If you do not have a church home, join us at Central, where we share our faith, our struggles, our convictions, and yes, our legacies - All of this because, we believe Proverbs 27:17 As Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Join us as we come together, building each other up, deepening our faith, and writing our legacy.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

MATT FARMER Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. It is humbling to think God would choose to use us to do His work here on this earth, but the Bible tells us we were created to do just that. We’ve been charged to make disciples of those we meet along this journey we call life. So often people tend to think that “ministry” is for the church staff and the pastor alone, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. True ministry is living out our faith each and every day. It’s denying ourselves and looking for ways we can love and serve others. Our mission as believers is to show the love of Jesus Christ to all those we come in contact with and to spread the gospel wherever God has placed us – be it at home, in the office, at school, or at the grocery store - God has created you and placed you at this point in history to be a beacon of light in a world that seems to be growing increasingly dark. The mission field is all around us; how we choose to interact with it is what makes the difference.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: When my granddaughter was small, I took her to the mall with me. As we came around the building, there hanging low in the sky was the most beautiful full bright red sun that I had ever seen. When my granddaughter saw it, she said, “Who did that?” I simply said, “God.” She responded, “It’s beautiful!” Even a small child can see the beauty in God’s creations. It’s summer, evidence of God’s existence is all around us. How could anyone enjoy the summer and not believe in God? He’s there—in the bright warmth of the sunshine, the beautiful flowers and blossoming trees just waiting for fall, in the blue of the sky and the white of the clouds, even in the patter of rain. He’s in the smiles of our children, the wisdom of our parents, and the joy of our friendships. All that is good comes from God. Today as you go through your busy day, take time to see God and tell him “thank you” for all the wonders of His creation. Have a wonderful day!

Monday, September 17, 2018

Monday, September 17, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. You've probably heard of tennis champion, Boris Becker, but you may not know this. He had everything—talent, money, fame, and every other worldly pleasure one could want; yet, he still struggled with depression and frequent thoughts of suicide. "I had won Wimbledon twice before," he said. "Once as the youngest player. I was rich. I had all the material possessions I needed...It's the old song of movie stars and pop stars who commit suicide. They have everything, and yet, they are so unhappy. I had no inner peace. I was a puppet on a string.” The peace that we strive so much for is never found in awards and objects but in a relationship with the God that created you. If you want a better life, then I invite you to come and follow Jesus with us at Central. I know that sounds simple, but I promise you that the Jesus that we follow is irresistible and invites everyone to follow.

Friday, September 14, 2018

Friday, September 14, 2018

SABRINA This Sunday evening from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., Central will once again host a much-loved fellowship time within our community of faith. Trunk or Treat will take place on 10th Street between 22nd and 23rd Avenue in downtown Meridian. Our church family and friends decorate their cars and trunks, offering games and candy at each venue. Family friendly costumes, face painting, music, hamburgers, hotdogs, cotton candy, laser tag, jumpies, all the makings of a small-town street carnival will fill the air in downtown Meridian. We do this as a time of both fellowship and as an extension of God’s love within our community. At Central we value family - whether you are a family of one or ten, we extend an invitation to you for both Trunk or Treat or to worship with us on any given Sunday. For more information about Central or about this Sunday’s event, you can visit our website at www.cumcmdn.org! We hope to see you Sunday!

Friday, September 14, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Failure is never a pleasant feeling. It isn’t enjoyable to lose a job, see a relationship falter, or fail a test. But the disappointment we feel when we face defeat can be turned to joy if we look at it the right way! Thomas Edison was busy working in his laboratory at 2 o’clock one morning when an assistant came into the room and noticed that the inventor was smiling broadly. “Have you solved the problem?” he asked. “No,” replied Edison, “that experiment didn’t work at all. Now I can start over again.” Edison could have such a confident attitude because he knew that the road to success is often paved with disappointments that serve to extend the road — not to block it. Each failure brought him a little closer to success. Living a life of victory is not about being perfect — because we are human — and will always make mistakes. The key is learning how to get up after we have fallen. It’s natural to make mistakes — but it’s supernatural to learn from those mistakes and move forward! The best news of all is God is with us even in the mistakes.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Thursday, September 13, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: Did you know that you have a special gift given to you by God? John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said it this way: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” In the Bible, Paul said it this way: From Romans chapter 12: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need and practice hospitality.” So today, use that special gift God gave you and serve others. They will feel better because of your care, but most of all, you will feel better, too. Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Kindness may pay greater returns than anything else we can do. Jane Adams, founder of Hull House in Chicago, liked to tell about the night she was walking alone when she was met by a man she feared meant to harm her. She said to him, “I’m alone and I am afraid. Would you do me the kindness to walk with me to my home?” The man silently walked beside her while she spoke to him about her work at Hull House. When they reached the building where she lived, she thanked him for his protection. Before he turned away, he said to her, “Lady, I was going to rob you, but you spoke to me so kindly that I have decided to not be a robber anymore.” How a word of kindness can change a person, and how it can return to bless the one who spoke it. William Blaine said: “Kindness is one thing that you cannot give away – it always comes back!” Speak a word of kindness, today.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. Today is Patriots Day and marks 17 years since this nation witnessed the events of 9/11. This event shook the world with such magnitude and grief, that we still feel the gravity of it nearly two decades later. I recall watching the situation unfold on the classroom television in Ms. Bostwick’s English class. And what struck me almost as hard as what I felt seeing this tragedy as it occurred was watching the incredibly good things that began to happen afterward. The outpouring of support and love to those affected; the spirit of unity that crossed racial, political, financial, and social lines. When people could not find answers to this event on earth, they returned to churches and faith communities and turned their attention heavenward and were met with God’s consolation, peace, and comfort. May we take time today to remember what happened before, and may it spur us onward to become people of love, faith, and hope; and may we no longer let manmade divisions keep us from being One Nation Under God.

Monday, September 10, 2018

Monday, September 10, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. As followers of Jesus, our ministry to the poor and outcasts is an important calling that I feel we often times neglect. We tend to take the mindset of negativity and have thoughts like, “Why don’t they go get a job,” or “Someone else can help them.” But this response is not what we are called to do. From as early as the Old Testament times, we are called to minister and work with the poor and lowly. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 guides us in this way. “If there is a poor person among you…you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted…instead you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has. Be careful that there isn’t this wicked thought in your heart…and you are stingy toward your poor brother and give him nothing. Give to him, and don’t have a stingy heart…for there will never cease to be poor people among you…you must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brother.” If you are blessed with more than enough, than why not share out of your abundance? And even when you think you don’t have enough to share, why not share out of whatever you have? You can go a day without your coffee or your new shoes or even those expensive groceries. How blessed you will feel when you surrender what you don’t need to someone who does and think about how much of a blessing you could be to that person.

Friday, September 7, 2018

Friday, September 7, 2018

SABRINA Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” The lazy days of Summer are officially over, and Fall is just around the corner. Seasons - seasons in the year and climate, seasons in our lives. We all walk through seasons. Some are happier than others. Some are more productive than others. Some quieter, more restful. No matter the season you or your family are in, just remember that all seasons shift. Winter to spring, spring to summer, and so on. When you fight the seasons, you wear yourself out, and all to no avail. Time will pass, seasons will change. If you are walking through challenges of winter right now, know that it will be no more than a memory one day- spring WILL come. Until that time, look to God, knowing that we are not handling this alone - God walks through all of the shifting winds in the seasons in our life. If you do not have a church home, I would like to invite you to come and walk through the seasons of life with us. We have worship at 8:30, 9:45, and 10:55 on Sunday, and Wednesday night dinner and activities for all ages beginning at 5:00. We are not a perfect people, simply imperfect people, seeking God’s will in our seasons of life! Have a blessed day!

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Thursday, September 6, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. When we seek to earnestly live our lives for God, we find that this road isn’t always easy. We have times of incredible joy and indescribable happiness, and times of great difficulty and hardship, as well. We find that we cannot travel through life without encountering both good and evil. Even the late Billy Graham had difficult times. He said “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’ It’s in this sentiment we find something beautiful because even in the midst of these hard times, we can go to God and find our help. Jesus, in John Chapter 16, says that we will indeed face suffering in this world, yet we will also find peace through Christ, and we should take heart and be courageous because Christ has overcome the world. You are not alone. God is with you. Seek Christ today, in the midst of trials, and find peace.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: There was man who had a dream. He heard God speaking to Him. “Press hard against the rock,” God said. The man did not understand until he walked outside and saw a huge rock that had rolled down the hillside. He did as God told him and pushed and pushed against that rock, but he could not budge it. Days and weeks went by and he still could not move the rock. Finally, he went to God in prayer and said, “God, you told me to move the rock, but the task is impossible.” God spoke gently to him, “My son. Look at your strong arms and legs; look at the rippling muscles in your back; Look at your increased strength. Look what has happened to you. You are a different man. I asked you to press against the rock and this you have done. I never asked you to move it.” Everything God asks us to do is for our own good. Even if at the time, we do not see it. Think about that and have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. 1 Samuel Chapter 3 tells of a young boy named Samuel who kept hearing a voice call out to him in his sleep. He thought it was his mentor Eli calling. It was Eli that realized God was calling Samuel. Listening for God’s voice is an important skill. We have to remember that God is not silent. Our culture around us can be super noisy and hinder our ability to hear the voice of God, especially when we are so much more in tune to the voices of this world. Eli taught Samuel to respond to God’s voice by saying: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” God speaks to us in many different ways. He speaks through creation, through his Word, through leaders and mentors, through life situations and even through the Holy Spirit. How are you hearing God? Are you listening closely? May you become a person in tune with the voice of God. Seek his leadership in your life and listen for his direction. He will equip you if you listen and follow his direction.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Monday, September 3, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning, the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Did you know that the Labor Day holiday originally started in the late 1800’s? I can only imagine how excited the people were to take a day off from work. Some may have thought, “What a wonderful and new idea!” Created and implemented as a day of rest by those hardworking, blue-collar laborers in New York City, this day continues to be one, that we as a nation, look forward to every September. To put it rather loosely, Labor Day has become a man-made American Sabbath day. A yearly day of rest from our labor, to say goodbye to Summer, to go camping, to gather the family for a barbecue, and boy how do we Americans look forward to our Labor Day weekend! If you think about it, God has already created a special day for those of us who labor. As Christians, our very own Labor Day doesn’t come only once a year and it doesn’t only come on the first Monday of each September— that special day for us comes every seventh day of the week. If we are smart, we try very hard to honor it. Our bodies were made with Sabbath DNA. You need rest and spiritual renewal. Maybe today is a good start to becoming a person of Sabbath. I invite you to be a person of Sabbath with our Central community where life is better connected.