Wednesday, July 31, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central - a United Methodist Community. In 1779, former slave trader, John Newton, wrote, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found. Was blind but now I see." God's amazing grace does indeed come flooding in upon our lives as we begin our walk with Jesus Christ. But as we continue our walk, our lives are no less grace-filled. It is only by God's all-empowering grace that we are able to be the people God would have us to be. It is only by God's all-encompassing grace that we are able to reach others for Christ. And it is only by God's re-redeeming grace that our spiritual lives can be refreshed when our faith seems small and dry. And so, along with John Newton, I can sing of God's amazing grace saving a wretch like me. And I can also sing with songwriter, Keith Green, "O Lord, You’re beautiful, Your face is all I seek, For when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me."

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

SABRINA I am the worst at running on fumes in my car. It is not until I lose the miles to empty and am left with the blinking light that I realize the dire need for gas and feel some ridiculous satisfaction that I made it with only five miles left. Recently, standing at the pump I thought what if I had encountered bad traffic or had a call that dictated I make an unexpected detour? I would have been stranded. The same is true for us spiritually. Too often we just coast along, living on fumes from day to day, wondering why we have no joy. It never occurs to us that like our cars, when we neglect to keep our spiritual tanks filled. We are simply coasting through life. We refuel with quick prayers, a Bible verse or two, and a weekend church service, which isn’t enough. In Romans 12:1, we are reminded “in view of God’s mercy, to offer bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is our true and proper worship.” When we look to God and realize what He’s done for us, it will change how we approach Him and live our lives. That said, what if each time we fill our vehicles with gas, we use that time reflecting on our spiritual tanks and how to fill them to the fullest? Have a blessed day!

Monday, July 29, 2019

Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. Do you believe in the power of prayer? I do. I have witnessed and personally experienced God’s healing power through prayer. Sometimes it may not always come in the ways we expect or desire, but God honors our prayer. James 5 tells us about the power of prayer and reminds us to pray in every instance. And we shouldn’t be afraid of asking for others to pray for us. God wants us to pray and wants others to pray. As James tells us in verse 16, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Pray without ceasing. In all instances, pray. Pray for your friends. Pray for your neighbor. Pray for your enemy. Pray for yourself. Are you weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Jesus Savior is our refuge. Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Friday, July 26, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning! Things look pretty bad for us lately. Right? I follow the news pretty closely and the way people treat each other and the things they say about each other baffles me. I'm not just talking about on the National level. It's right here in Meridian, MS. We don't have to agree on everything, but what happened to kindness? What happened to civility? What happened to people listening to one another? What happened to loving one another even when we don't agree? What we need is a little more kindness in this world. In Ephesians 4:32, we are told how to treat one another: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you.” That's known as The Golden Rule. Let's all try practicing it a little more and, at least, make our little part of the world a better place. Have a wonderful kind-hearted, forgiving day!

Thursday, July 25, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist in Meridian. In 1975, John Molloy wrote a book called Dress for Success, which became the fashion guidebook for many people trying to climb the corporate ladder. Molloy’s advice centered on a basic premise—always dress like your boss. Every day, for work, school, or recreation, we all have to decide what to wear. But we must also make choices about another wardrobe—our attitudes and actions. If we claim to be followers of Christ, our spiritual apparel is of far greater significance than our physical clothing. God’s dress code for us as his followers is compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. When we clothe ourselves in these traits, we are dressed for success in the eyes of God and are ready to show the world around us what it means to live for Christ.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. John Wooden is perhaps the most respected coach in the history of college basketball. He won numerous national championships, but what he is probably more respected for is who he was and what he valued. John Maxwell tells the story about Hall of Fame player Bill Walton’s early years with Coach Wooden. It was in the early 70’s, and Walton had just started his college career under Coach Wooden at UCLA. As a young man, Bill Walton wore a beard. It has been said that Coach Wooden told Walton that players were not allowed to have facial hair. Walton, attempting to assert his independence, said that he would not shave off his beard. Wooden’s no-nonsense response was, “We’ll miss you Bill.” Needless to say, Walton shave the beard. For Coach Wooden, discipline and team focus were more important than individual demands. Respect and integrity were more important than wins or losses! We would love to have you as part of our Central family come visit us this week.

Tuesday, July23, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. As a young child all the way through my current adulthood, I remember my annual eye exam at the optometrist. As a young boy, I began losing quality vision and eventually transitioned into glasses. These glasses made great improvements in my ability to see, and to this day, I am thankful for my glasses. Proverbs 7:2-3 says, “Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” Just like we must take care of our eyes, we must guard our instructions found in scripture. We must take it to heart and apply what it says to our lives. When we guard and utilize scripture, it clears our faith vision and allows us to see, interpret, and understand what God says to us. So, remember to check your faith vision! Take care of your spiritual eyes.

Monday, July 22, 2019

SABRINA I think Waiting is a universal weakness but may be one of God’s best ways to get our attention. Noah waited for the rain. Daniel waited through the night with a den full of lions. Joseph waited 13 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for the arrival of their promised son, after waiting an entire lifetime to even get the promise in the first place. Moses waited 40 years to be called by God. Paul waited in prison. They were people just like you and me, trying to please God but often falling short. But think about it - While Noah waited for the rain, he got busy building the ark. As Daniel waited, he remained faithful in prayer and firm in his convictions. While Joseph waited in prison, he did his best with each small task given to him, and he stayed close to God. Likewise, Abraham, Moses, and Paul waited patiently and began the ministry God called each of them to do, caring for the people around them. You see, there is always work to be done while we’re waiting. Sometimes the work is physical and other times it’s a quiet journey of soul-searching. Sometimes the work is that of being alert and aware and sometimes it’s about being patient, loving, and present. But when we remember these moments are part of a larger story, the wait is never wasted.

Friday, July 19, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist in Meridian. Once a week, a truck moves slowly down our street, pausing at every house. Its purpose is to collect the oftentimes overflowing contents of the garbage bins at the end of each driveway. While it’s not a job that most of us think about too often, we are typically gratefully for its completion each week. But what do we make of the garbage that accumulates in our hearts and minds? This inner garbage is what the Bible calls sin. Some of our garbage— like hatred, gossip, bitterness, lust— is obviously foul. But even what looks like good deeds or upright behavior can reek like garbage if contaminated by our selfish pride. In 1 John 1:9, God’s garbage service is outlined: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Thank God, His sin-disposal service is available everywhere and every day, not just at church on Sunday. He wants to get rid of your garbage. Confess your sins today and let God clean up your life.

Thursday, July 18,2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. In Joshua Chapter 1, we see Joshua taking a position of leadership. God promised Joshua that he would be faithful to him. He promised he would be with Joshua and would not fail him or abandon him. Joshua 1:6-7 says, “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people…Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions. Do not deviate from them.” We must remember that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. May these words ring ever true in our hearts. May we view our lives as a leadership position, and may we find strength and courage in our days to come as leaders in this world. As followers of Jesus, our lives are to be a shining example, but we recognize we are imperfect. Take heed the words we find in Joshua. Ask for God’s guidance. Pray for strength. Obey all of God’s instructions. A time will come when we are to take charge as a leader of God’s people. May we learn from the example set by Joshua.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

SABRINA What is your calling? Webster’s definition of calling is “a profession or occupation,” but the one we most commonly think of is “a strong urge toward a particular way of life or career.” Christians identify God as the source of that strong urge, so the word calling sometimes seems too big for us. In Mark 10, however, we hear of a different calling. Jesus, after speaking to a large crowd, is on His way out of town when a blind man, Bartimaeus, shouted to Jesus to have mercy on him. Many tried to quiet him, but Jesus told his disciples to “call him.” They did as Jesus asked, and the blind man jumped to his feet and ran toward Jesus. Bartimaeus didn’t let anything deter him from Jesus’ calling. He didn’t let self-doubt about his social status or his physical hindrance stop him. He simply answered his master's call. Sometimes doubt keeps us stuck; wondering if we really heard God or just imagined it. We can even doubt God would want to use us. Another stumbling block to calling is self-doubt, feeling certain that someone else is better or more equipped. Comparison kills calling. Our first calling is to simply respond to Jesus and go to Him just like Bartimaeus did. While our faith leads us to accomplish good works, our first and highest calling is simply to be near to Jesus. When we do that, everything else — all the doing — begins to fall in place.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. Are you aware of God's presence right now? Whether you are aware or not, God is present in everything around you. In the singing of the birds and clanking of the kitchen dishes. In the beauty of the flowers around your yard, and in the trash in the neighbors. God is present in everything; it is just easier to notice his presence in those things that are beautiful and pleasing. Likewise, God is present in everyone you meet today, whether they are kind and pleasant or not. Make an effort to see God in everyone you encounter today. Also, look for God in yourself today. As you go through the everyday activities of work and play and family, think about making sure that it is easy for others to see God in you. Do your actions reflect his goodness and kindness and love for all people? I know God is present in everything - even you and me.

Monday, July 15, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Do you know anyone who is perfect? That’s an easy question to answer. We probably know someone who thinks he or she is perfect, but such a thought is immediate proof of his or her imperfection. I’ve often said it myself- “nobody’s perfect”! Yet, in the midst of consistently reassuring ourselves that no one is perfect, we hear the sobering words of Jesus of Nazareth “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” The word ‘perfect” in the Greek text is “telios,” and its translation helps us greatly. It means to be perfect as a hammer is the perfect tool for hammering a nail. Be the best you can be! Develop and be useful with all you have particularly been given. Fulfill your God-given potential and use what you have been gifted with to make a positive impact on the lives of others. So, be perfect, not in the sense of being without flaw or blemish but be useful as we make the most of what we have been given. We would love to have you visit our community at Central where we live as family.

Friday, July 12, 2019

MATT Good morning! I’m Matt Farmer, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Identity theft is a big problem in the age of credit cards and the Internet. It’s not hard for someone to retrieve your vital information and pose as you. If that were to happen, however, it would not change the essence of who you are. The thief would not steal your true identity—just some superficial information about you. Your identity goes much deeper than your ID numbers. In reality, you are who God says you are. Nothing really matters except whether or not you are identified as a child of God. That alone will dictate your eternal destiny, and that alone will indicate whether you can live life to the fullest. In 1 John Chapter 2, there are three identity qualifiers—truths that reveal we are followers of Christ: obeying His commands, walking as Jesus walked, and avoiding hatred toward others. Who are you? Do you know Jesus? If so, you will obey His commands, walk as He did, and love others. That identity is one that can never be taken from you.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

BOB This is Bob Peden of Central United Methodist Church. I have come to realize that Jesus never intended his followers to try to live their life of faith in isolation. He sent his disciples out two-by-two on their mission journeys. He often used inclusive family terms to speak about their life of faith ("our Father," "your brother"). This emphasis on community and family is carried over in the rest of the New Testament as we hear about house churches and our need to be there for each other. The "one another passages" of the New Testament arise out of this background — a recognition that we need each other to walk the Christian talk. We can't do it by ourselves and we were never intended to try to do it by ourselves. It takes a community to live and walk faithfully in the service of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

SABRINA I am sure it comes as no surprise to learn that many people are turning their backs on church because they think we think we are perfect in our walk, in our faith— wanting to be seen as shining examples to be lifted high. When is the last time you picked up a Bible and read Hebrews, Chapter 11? Some of our best-known men and women of faith are listed there. The lists include martyrs and prophets who helped to turn generations back to God. Abraham, Moses, Sarah, Joseph, Daniel. They all died believing in a promise they never saw fulfilled. Then there is Gideon, who never got over self-doubt, David - mmm. Adultery and murder. Rahab was a prostitute - they are ALL there listed in the “Faith Hall of Fame.” In all their human frailty, these ordinary human beings relied on an extraordinary God. These stories make the hall of fame not because their actors are famous, but because the actors lift up our faithful God. You see, we don’t have to be perfect, don’t even claim it. All we need to do is turn our lives over to the one who is perfection – and we have to do it over and over – every single day.

Tuesday, July 9,, 2019

GLENDA Good Morning. Well, this is my last reflection for this go round. I have tried and tried to come up with something cute and witty to say today, but I am having trouble. My brain has quit on me. I even looked on the internet to find something to say. Found plenty of ideas, but nothing fit. I looked through devotional booklets. Plenty there, too, but nothing jumped out at me. I have just drawn a complete blank. Have you ever had one of those days? Well, for the answer, I turned to the Bible. The same word kept jumping out at me....Joy! The word joy in one way or another is mentioned 244 times. That tells me that our happiness is important to God. So, maybe, that's what he wants me to tell you today. Smile! Be happy! Make those around you joyful. And when you can't find the answer to your problems, do what I did...turn to the Bible. God is there. Have a joyful day!

Monday, July 8, 2019

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community. Chris Lahr a pastor with Mission Year in Philadelphia Pennsylvania says, "No one does anything great!" He continues, "I am convinced that we do not need to do anything great, but simply do small things with great love. A radical following of Jesus is about the day-to-day grind of life—it is doing small things with great love. Then at some point in your life, you take a step back and you become amazed at all of the ‘greatness' that has occurred." As you prepare breakfast for yourself and your family this morning, do so with great love. As you drive to work or deliver children to their next event or run errands, drive with great love. And as you meet and interact with people throughout the day, just do so with great love. Loving God means loving people. If you will just do all that you would normally do, but with great love, you will look back one day and find greatness has happened in your life.

Friday, July 5, 2019

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. A woman once asked John Wesley what he would do if he knew that he would die at midnight the next day. "Why, Madam," he replied, "just as I intend to spend it now. I would preach this evening at Gloucester and again at five tomorrow morning; after that, I would ride to Tewkesbury, preach in the afternoon, and meet the societies in the evening. I would then go to Martin's house...talk and pray with the family as usual, retire myself to my room at 10 o'clock, commend myself to my Heavenly Father, lie down to rest, and wake up in glory." So many people wonder what God's will is for their lives. John Wesley seemed to be quite confident that He was already walking in it! Maybe God has you right where he needs you most. All we have to do is to live his love to others. So today, let's offer our bodies, minds, and hearts again to the Lord and commit ourselves wholeheartedly to His perfect plan for our lives.

Thursday, July 4, 2019

GLENDA Good morning. Throughout the United States today, everyone will be celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The declaration begins: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Our founding fathers recognized that God played a role in the forming of our nation. So, the fourth of July should be more than a celebration of our independence. It should also be a day that we recognize God's participation in our nation's birth. We seem to be forgetting that in this day and age. Psalms 33:12 tells us “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” For our country to stay blessed, we must return to God. Celebrate and have fun today, but remember, we are only blessed as long as we have God as our Lord. Happy Fourth of July!

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

SABRINA For many years now, Readers Digest has featured a humor page entitled, “laughter is the Best Medicine. Many readers turn to this page first – just for the laugh. Laughter can act as a source of inspiration, comfort, and healing. In Psalms we are reminded how God restores the ancient city of Zion. In that memory there is laughter and joy that transforms a people and lifts the lives of others. The same holds true today. We can find healing and hope in laughter – in the positive attitudes that shape our relationships and circumstances. Even in times of deep sorrow, we can discover the comfort that comes from remembering the good, uplifting times. That is so often found, yes, at funerals, as people reminisce about their loved one. When we consider what God has done for us, how God has offered hope through grief, we often discover joy. Wonderful memories of God’s provision shape our faith. Today, consider what God has done for you. Count your blessings. Consider the joy of it all. Surely laughter can be a part of the equation. God is good. God is the author of joy.

Tuesday, July 2, 22019

BOB Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Are you in a rut? We live so much of our lives on autopilot! We often visit with the same people, drive the same way to work, watch the same TV shows; even get up at the same time each day. Most of this is not bad. Putting unimportant things on autopilot allows us to devote our energy and attention to new and important things. But we must turn off the autopilot in our relationships. When we stay on autopilot in our relationships, we catch ourselves not listening as we should, or expecting others to understand us being "just a little late" again or reading the paper (or watching TV) pretending to pay attention to them. Make a commitment to spend quality time with your family and friends. Really listen to them. Do something extra nice for those around you. Get out of your rut. After all, "A rut is simply a grave without ends on it."

Monday, July 1, 2019

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Senior Adult Minister, and Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. “Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others,” Jesus said in Matthew 6:1. In other words, check your motivation for why you are doing the good/kind/ generous things you do. The same goes for prayer. Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke a lot about prayer and in Matthew Chapter 6, He provided two examples of what prayer should NOT be about: Many religious leaders in Jesus’ day performed their prayers as actors on a stage – to be seen and applauded for their piety. It’s as if they were saying, Look at how spiritual I am! Look at how educated and righteous I am! Jesus said there is a big difference between being a Godly person through actions done for God’s glory versus actions done seeking the approval of others. So, what’s your motive? If you’re striving to “look” like the ideal Christian just for the sake of other’s approval, you need a motivation check. Jesus was referring to the Gentiles, who didn’t know the one true God when He spoke about praying empty prayers. Even Christians can fall into this trap. Instead of repeating words and phrases that sound “spiritual” in hopes of gaining God’s attention – pray honest and sincere prayers. It’s the content and the heart that God cares about. So, what’s your motivation when you pray? Do you pray simply to appear “spiritual” in group settings? Do you have words or phrases you repeat when your heart’s just not in it? We’ve all gone through the motions: blessing a meal, a prayer before bed – it’s easy for our prayer-life to become routine. But Jesus says that prayer is about our hearts connecting with God’s. Maybe it’s time you started praying that God would help your heart better align with His, because that is what prayer is all about.