Wednesday, October 31, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. Today is Halloween, and tonight kids, of all kinds, will be going door to door eagerly anticipating treats. Now people of faith have all sorts of opinions about today, but I would encourage you to see the positive opportunities this day might hold. The chance to connect with your neighbors and turn strangers into friends. Set up at the end of your walkway or driveway, where parents are more likely to pass by. Introduce yourself and pass out glow sticks to help the kiddos be more visible and healthy; buy tasty snacks or small toys! Walking can be wearisome, so perhaps offer the parents a seat and some refreshment in the form of warm apple cider or cold bottled water, depending on this Mississippi weather. God made us relational, and with them coming to our door, we can authentically take God’s command to love our neighbors literally! Have fun, be safe, and God bless!

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Halloween is coming, and I am sure you have been decorating, buying costumes and candy, and preparing for the night of fun and fellowship in your communities. When I think of Halloween, the Jack-O-Lantern comes to mind and the process of making one. First you wash off the outside to get rid of the dirt and mud, then you cut a hole in the top and clean out the pulp and seeds (what many call the gunk or yucky stuff!). Then, you carve a face by cutting out the eyes, nose, and mouth. Then, you place a candle inside so the line shines through the eyes, nose, and mouth; then you put it out for everyone to see. This is a pretty good depiction of what Jesus does when we allow him to be present in our lives. When we invite Jesus in, he picks us up and cleanses our life from sin. Then, he removes all the nasty gunk from inside of us such as hatred, anger, and selfishness. Then, he puts a smile on our face and places a light inside of us. We are called to use this face and this light to shine into the darkness of the world around us. So, tomorrow night as you see all the Halloween decorations and costumes, and hopefully, a few jack-o-lanterns, I hope you will think about the light Jesus has shining inside of us and think about if we are showing that light to the world through our bright, shining smiles and faces.

Monday, October 29, 2018

BOB Good Morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. The gift of song is wonderful. It has sustained Christians under trial and persecution from the earliest days of the church until this very day. Long ago, the apostle Paul and his companion, Silas, were praying and singing hymns to God at midnight in Philippi. They had been beaten, thrown into jail, and placed in stocks. But, pain, threat, and persecution could not silence their voices nor interrupt their praise and prayer. They would allow nothing to keep them from singing praises to their God! So, like Paul and Silas, wherever you are and whatever you face, remember your God and celebrate your faith in him through song. No matter what has you in its grip, remember that the Father's grip is stronger and that he will carry you home. At Central our intention is just to keep on singing the praises of the holy one. You too, can join the song.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: Did you know that the robin is one of the few birds that sings as cheerfully in the dreary shower of rain as it does in the brilliant sunshine? When other birds are silent, its joyous notes can still be heard. We who trust in Christ as our Savior should learn to do the same. In Philippians 4:4, Paul calls upon Christians to “Rejoice in the Lord always!” He knew that a gloomy believer is completely out of character and is a poor example to the world. We all experience disappointments and sorrows that leave little reason for rejoicing. Yet, because of the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence, we can get through these difficulties with a radiant faith and a tranquil spirit. So, today, let’s do as Paul suggested. Let’s rejoice in the Lord! Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

MATT FARMER Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. I enjoy working with wood and trying to build things for my home and family. The only problem is that I’m not the best at doing those things. I often get in over my head by not planning things out properly before I begin a project. One time in particular, I started a project without having all the nails I needed. With my hammer in one hand, I combed through a bucket of nails looking for some that would fit my need. Once they were found, panic set in, because I had misplaced my hammer. I looked everywhere, except my right hand, which was still holding it tightly. Sometimes we do the same thing in life. We frantically search for answers to problems and look everywhere except to the answer – God. No matter what situations come our way, there is a God that knows the answer and will help us along the way. Don’t get so distracted by your problems that you forget to look to God for the answers. Look to Him and He will make your path straight

Monday, October 22, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Early African believers were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time, the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass grows on your path." Prayer is a time when we can be completely intimate with the Lord. We can share all our burdens, heartaches, situations, and life struggles; but sometimes, we need to get away into the thicket, alone, and be intimate with Him! The Lord loves to be intimate with us! He doesn't want a superficial relationship of recited prayers but a deep relationship with Him the One who loves us with a love that is everlasting! If grass has begun to grow on your path, take some time out and find your way to that spot in the thicket today. If you want a better life, come and follow Jesus with us at Central.

Friday, October 19,2018

GLENDA Good Morning: If someone asked me what my favorite story from the Old Testament is, I’d have to say the story of David. His life was one adventure after another, but one thing was certain—he was chosen by God. He was chosen as a boy to save his country by fighting the giant Goliath; he was chosen by God to bring comfort to King Saul with his soft, pleasant singing voice and his harp; he was chosen by God to be a great military leader and eventually to become king. But the best thing he was chosen for, in my opinion, was to lead his people back to God. What we need today is someone to lead our country back to God. In Psalms 33:12, David says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Let’s pray for our country! Have a wonderful day!

Thursday, October 18, 2018

MATT FARMER Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. Have you ever asked someone how they are doing when you really didn’t care to know the answer? If we are really honest with ourselves, we could probably all agree that we have. While there’s nothing wrong with being cordial and asking someone how they are, I often wonder what would happen if we really desired to know and care for our neighbors. The Bible tells us that our neighbor is anyone who crosses our path, but it also says that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. If our neighbors are anyone who cross our path and our job is to love our neighbors as ourselves, then maybe we should consider placing a little more heart behind our southern hospitality. Maybe instead of hoping for the generic “fine, and you” response when asking how someone is doing, we strive to make a real connection with that person so that we can be the vessel God uses to help our neighbor along the way.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. I want to get into better shape, and anyone who has made the same choice knows that it is not something that happens overnight. The same can be said of our spiritual strength. Working out and spiritual growth have some principles in common. As you dig into Bible study, Christian fellowship, you will see (I’m sorry to tell you) that there’s no 30-minutes-or-less, just-add-water routine for growing deeper in Christ. You may love fast food for its convenience, but there’s no such thing as a quick diet of Jesus. I know some people who have fast food faith, but typically their faith doesn’t last or make a difference in the world. If you’re going to grow and be a follower of Jesus, you’ll have to invest time and discipline. Spiritual growth requires something from you. But know this also, it is so worth it!

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

SABRINA In this very moment we come together as many things — parents, grandparents, community leaders, entrepreneurs, sinners, and saints. God only sees us as one thing: His beloved. Many of us struggle to truly believe this. Deep down there is self-talk we don’t always see driving many of our decisions and emotions; many of us, though grown, still carry around those voices deep within telling us that we’re not enough, we need to be more, do more, and be better. Theologian Henri Nouwen once gave a speech about this. He suggested the “beloved child” creed in which each day you look into the mirror and remind yourself: “I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved child of God. No one can take it from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust Jesus and share His love with the world.” We can let go of our fears of worthlessness and live every moment with joy and belonging, because we ARE children of God, and we DO belong! So, go into this day knowing no matter where you are in your journey, you ARE a child of God and are precious in His eyes!

Monday, October 15, 2018

BOB Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Can you imagine how frustrated Jesus must have become with His disciples? On their way to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Their answers must truly have amazed him – John the Baptist, Elijah, one of the prophets! Even after hearing his parables and observing him preach and work miracles among the people, his disciples were hesitant to say aloud, "…the Messiah." Finally, Peter answers him, "You are the Messiah." This scripture reminds us that we as Christians are often hesitant to acknowledge aloud Jesus as our Lord and Savior – our Messiah. Let us not be hesitant to sing, dance, preach, and declare the truth that Christ is, indeed, the Messiah, the One who loved the world so much that he gave His life that the world might have life. And may we always be ready to share with all people that great love and amazing grace which comes to us through Jesus Christ.

Friday, October 12, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. Os Hillman shares these thoughts about defining moments. Moments where God moved people outside their own comfort zones and boxes. And when He did, their lives were never the same. For Moses, it was the burning bush. For Peter, it was walking on water. For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, it was walking through the burning furnace untouched. For Paul, it was being blinded and spoken to by Jesus on the Damascus road. For Daniel, it was deliverance from the lions' den. For Joshua, it was parting the Jordan River and crossing into the Promised Land. There have been many defining moments in the lives of human beings that changed their lives forever. These defining moments often set the course for the balance of their lives. Once you have had a defining moment, you are never the same. I pray that you have eyes to see and ears to hear when our Lord brings a defining moment into your life and that you would have the support of fellow believers to support in that moment. I invite you to join us at Central this Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, or 10:55. You will experience community and see that life is better connected.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus teaches about the types of soil that seeds may fall into. The “path” soil is the hard and crusty soil that has no place for seed to fall and be planted. This soil represents closed minded people who refuse to let God’s word influence their life. The “rocky” soil is a thin layer of soil on top of some rocks that allows the seed to sprout, but it dies almost immediately because there is no way to produce a root system. Rocky soil people are only faithful on the surface but have no depth to their faith. They show a lot of faith but have little evidence of it in their lives. The “thorny” soil is good, fertile soil but is covered by thorns. The thorns are the plant that uses all the resources in the soil, and thus, it chokes the life out of the seed. Thorny soil people have great potential but have their priorities out of line. They only practice their faith when it’s convenient for them. Finally, there is the “good” soil which is fertile and full of nutrients. Its deep and rich and holds moisture. It has plenty of space for roots to grow and allows the plant to produce fruit. Good soil people absorb God’s word, allow it to be an active presence in their life and thus allowing them to produce fruits. So, with which soil do you identify? Find yourself planted in the good soil so you can produce good fruits!

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. A survey asked mothers to keep track of how many times they made both negative and positive comments to their children. The surveyed mothers admitted that they criticized at least ten times for every one time they said something favorable. Another survey taken in one city's schools found that the teachers were negative seventy-five percent of the time. This study concluded that it takes four positive statements to a child from a parent or teacher to offset the effects of one negative statement. Wow, when I think about how many times I've said negative things to people in my lifetime, I have some positive paying back to do! Many times, we justify our criticizing, hurtful words, and actions by thinking we're right in a matter. But, in fact, the only one who's all right is the Lord, and He has called us to be the encouragers of the world! Let us choose to share a good word and encouragement to others today and start a conversation of following the way of Jesus.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

MATT FARMER Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, associate pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. When I was younger, I was terrified of roller coasters that went upside down. I can remember being the only one in my youth group that wouldn’t ride them when we went on our summer youth trips. That is until my friends talked me into it. If it hadn’t been for them, I don’t think I would have ever had the courage to get on that rollercoaster. Once I did though, I had a blast. This story reminds me of our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. Often times, we face intimidating circumstances or situations that can keep us from stepping out and living our best life. However, when we have folks in our lives to encourage us, our fears and trepidations begin to fade. We were never meant to live this life alone and that's why being part of a faith community is so important. Belonging to a group of believers gives us encouragement for the journey. I hope you will consider plugging in at your church. If you don’t have a church home, I invite you to come and join us at Central, so we can encourage one another for the journey.

Monday, October 8, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: I heard a story about a plumber who had a very bad day. He lost an hour of work due to a flat tire; he broke his electric drill; then his ancient truck wouldn’t start. A friend drove him home, and he sat in stony silence all the way. When he got home, he walked by a small tree, touched it with both his hands, then walked into his home with a huge smile on his face, hugged his children, and kissed his wife. You see, that tree was what he called his “trouble tree.” He doesn’t want to take his troubles home, so he leaves them hanging on that tree and he asks God to take care of them. He picks them back up the next morning, but after turning them over to God the night before, they don’t seem nearly so bad. What a great idea! I think we all could use a “trouble tree”—but, remember, the secret is not the tree itself—it’s asking God to take care of things. Have a wonderful day!

Friday, October 5, 2018

MATT FARMER Good Morning! I’m Matt Farmer, associate pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian. There’s an old hymn that says, “count your blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings, see what God hath done.” When I think of the words of this old hymn, I begin to question whether or not we’ve been truly thankful for all of the many blessings that God has placed in our lives. So often in this life, we seem to be so intently focused on the next big thing that we fail to see all the blessings we have already experienced. I encourage you to set aside some time to reflect on the goodness of God and heed the words of that old hymn which say, “When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” May God bless you this day and may we take the time to realize those blessings.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning! I lost my son a few years ago. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. My heart was absolutely broken, and I felt more sadness than I knew was possible. It was a child who helped bring me back to life. My first day back to work after the funeral, one of my little 4-year-olds ran to me and said, “Where have you been? I missed you!” I told her my son had died and I was too sad to come to work. Without any hesitation, she smiled the sweetest smile at me and said, “I know! But it’s okay! You’ll see him again in Heaven.” Then she gave me a big hug and ran back to her friends. It reminded me that Jesus had promised, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” He kept His promise and sent a 4-year-old to fulfill that promise. I saw God in her face, heard him through her voice, and felt him through her hug. If God can use a 4-year-old, he can use you. Let someone see God in you today. Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

SABRINA Photo filters - you know - those great little apps on our smartphones that make you look 10 years younger, 15 pounds lighter -adorable! Editing shadows, softening blemishes or unsightly details has become the new “reality” in our Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook riddled culture. None of us like to post our flaws for all the world to see? But in truth, most of us put better filters on our selfies than we do on our heart. In Proverbs 4:23, we are reminded, "Above all else, guard your heart because everything you do flows from it." Everything. Actions, Thoughts, Feelings. Every. Single. Little. Thing. There is no filter for our heart. What we need to focus on is who and what we allow into our hearts. We are given a pattern for that in the Fruit of the Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. Go today reminded that while a filter may be fun for our selfies, what we allow into our hearts comes out for all the world to see - and THAT is the selfie that matters the most!

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

BOB Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. The 30th psalm written by King David says in part, "Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning." Indeed life in this world often seems to be full of weeping and sorrow. Sorrow for what we have lost. Sorrow for what we never had. Sorrow for what has been done to us. Sorrow for what we have done. But God assures us that "in that great wakin' up morning, when the Son of the living God descends and calls forth His children" we shall know eternal joy. In the book of Revelation, he promises, "I will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever." So, we remember in good times and bad that "joy comes in the morning." As you begin a new day at work, or school, or play, remember that the rising sun is but a faint reminder of the joy that will one day come for those who believe.

Monday, Oct 1, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Director of Youth Ministry at Central United Methodist. It’s Monday again! It seems they just keep coming around. Let’s kick off this week, and this month, the right way. The Bible is God’s Word to us, but sometimes we try to make it say something to fit our desires, turning it into Our Word. A young man had just gotten his license. He asked his dad if he could use the car. His father said, "I'll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut and we'll talk about it." After about a month the boy came back and asked. The father replied "Son, I've been really proud of you. You have brought your grades up, you've studied your Bible diligently, but you didn't get your hair cut." The young man waited a moment and replied, "You know Dad, I've been thinking about that. You know, Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Jesus had long hair!", to which his father replied, "Yes, you're right, and they also WALKED everywhere they went!" May we let the Bible give us direction and be encouraged that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and light to our path.