JONATHAN
How do you rest? Exodus 20:8
Good morning! My name is Jonathan Crabtree. I’m the Pastor for Student
Ministry at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Do
you rest? I mean do you truly take a 24 hour period of rest?
In a culture that promotes constant and instant interactions, this actually may
be unheard of, but God’s Word to Moses in Exodus chapter 20 verse 8 says
something different. It’s a part of the Ten Commandments. “Remember the
Sabbath and keep it holy.” This commandment is the only of its’ kind
because the first three are commandments in loving God, while the final six
are about loving people. The only way to best love God and other is through
a proper understanding of Sabbath, or “rest.”
In resting once a week, we are able to reflect on our previous week, and look
forward to the coming one. But, we have to stop, and rest. Put down the
technology, sign out of social media, turn off the TV, and rest by joining
others in worship of God. Jesus tells us that Sabbath was made for humanity
and not humanity for Sabbath. So, do you rest?
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Monday, August 10, 2015
Monday, August 10, 2015
KRISTINA
Good Morning!
I am Kristina Crabtree and I am the Pastor of Mission and Evangelism at
Central UMC.
Have you ever found yourself, as a Christian, asking the questions, “Where
am I as a Christian, do I love God more now than I did years ago? I find
myself categorizing my spiritual life as if it is something to be measured.
Our society nowadays puts so much pressure on progress in family life, job
success, or even how many pew seats are filled each Sunday.
Oh how easily our spiritual journey with God can become performance
driven. When our spiritual journey starts becoming self-driven, we are
putting limitations to where we have been and where we are going. I
encourage you not to think of your spiritual journey as if you are taking steps
to becoming “a perfect Christian” but think of your journey as a
“movement.” A movement that takes our spiritual categorizing to our heart,
the core meaning to who we are.
I encourage you and challenge you to be involved in your local church or if
you do not have a local church, we would love to journey alongside of you in
your spiritual journey.
Good Morning!
I am Kristina Crabtree and I am the Pastor of Mission and Evangelism at
Central UMC.
Have you ever found yourself, as a Christian, asking the questions, “Where
am I as a Christian, do I love God more now than I did years ago? I find
myself categorizing my spiritual life as if it is something to be measured.
Our society nowadays puts so much pressure on progress in family life, job
success, or even how many pew seats are filled each Sunday.
Oh how easily our spiritual journey with God can become performance
driven. When our spiritual journey starts becoming self-driven, we are
putting limitations to where we have been and where we are going. I
encourage you not to think of your spiritual journey as if you are taking steps
to becoming “a perfect Christian” but think of your journey as a
“movement.” A movement that takes our spiritual categorizing to our heart,
the core meaning to who we are.
I encourage you and challenge you to be involved in your local church or if
you do not have a local church, we would love to journey alongside of you in
your spiritual journey.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Friday, August 7, 2015
BOB
This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in Meridian.
Much is made of revisionist history these days. The funny thing is when we
retell history, it always makes us look smarter, better, moral, right. But the
truth is there is only one who can revise history and His name in Jesus. And
here is how he makes your past different:
The blood of Jesus takes away the guilt of your sin. It is as if it never
happened.
Life in Jesus helps you to manage the consequences of your sin.
Relationships can be healed, your mess can become your message, and joy,
peace, hope, and purpose can be yours.
Jesus changes you. You can become a different person than you have been.
God’s forgiveness, following Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit can make
you into a new person.
If you would like to revise your past, contact me. My email address and
phone number are on the screen. I can share how Jesus did that for me and
countless others. And I can help you see how he can do that for you.
This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community in Meridian.
Much is made of revisionist history these days. The funny thing is when we
retell history, it always makes us look smarter, better, moral, right. But the
truth is there is only one who can revise history and His name in Jesus. And
here is how he makes your past different:
The blood of Jesus takes away the guilt of your sin. It is as if it never
happened.
Life in Jesus helps you to manage the consequences of your sin.
Relationships can be healed, your mess can become your message, and joy,
peace, hope, and purpose can be yours.
Jesus changes you. You can become a different person than you have been.
God’s forgiveness, following Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit can make
you into a new person.
If you would like to revise your past, contact me. My email address and
phone number are on the screen. I can share how Jesus did that for me and
countless others. And I can help you see how he can do that for you.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Thursday, August 6, 2015
SABRINA
This week marks the beginning of a new school year for most.
Whether you or a teacher or a student,
it’s always scary to start a new school year because you just don’t know what
you are getting.
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 your teachers or your students.
When you are tempted to complain, ask God to give you a positive attitude
and stay focused on seeing this year as part of His divine plan. God will give
you all the strength you need to fulfill His purpose for your life and the lives
of others around you. As for our community, let us remember our students
AND teachers, not just today, but throughout our school year!
This week marks the beginning of a new school year for most.
Whether you or a teacher or a student,
it’s always scary to start a new school year because you just don’t know what
you are getting.
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 your teachers or your students.
When you are tempted to complain, ask God to give you a positive attitude
and stay focused on seeing this year as part of His divine plan. God will give
you all the strength you need to fulfill His purpose for your life and the lives
of others around you. As for our community, let us remember our students
AND teachers, not just today, but throughout our school year!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
DENNIS
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church.
In the dog days of summer our electric bill can get pretty expensive. The air
conditioner is always running, and with the kids being home, every light in
the house is on. If you are like me, we are constantly turning lights off in
every room. After all, who has money to burn? However, when it is dark, it’s
necessary to have light if you want to see. It would seem rather silly to hide
light bulbs from ourselves if we really need to see in a dark room. But
sometimes that is what we do with our faith.
Did you know that Jesus is the light of the world? He said that light can
come and live inside of each of us. So, if we have that light, we should not
put it in some place that we cannot see it. Imagine, if we were to hide the
lights in our home not only could we not see but others who are in the house
would be blind too.
Jesus let this light shine for the whole world to see. The light he is referring
to is love, compassion, mercy, grace, faith, obedience, and sacrifice. Such
things should be placed in its proper place. I encourage you to shine your
light today. Let other people see by your example. Also, I invite you to come
worship with us, as we kindle the light of the world in our hearts. God bless.
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church.
In the dog days of summer our electric bill can get pretty expensive. The air
conditioner is always running, and with the kids being home, every light in
the house is on. If you are like me, we are constantly turning lights off in
every room. After all, who has money to burn? However, when it is dark, it’s
necessary to have light if you want to see. It would seem rather silly to hide
light bulbs from ourselves if we really need to see in a dark room. But
sometimes that is what we do with our faith.
Did you know that Jesus is the light of the world? He said that light can
come and live inside of each of us. So, if we have that light, we should not
put it in some place that we cannot see it. Imagine, if we were to hide the
lights in our home not only could we not see but others who are in the house
would be blind too.
Jesus let this light shine for the whole world to see. The light he is referring
to is love, compassion, mercy, grace, faith, obedience, and sacrifice. Such
things should be placed in its proper place. I encourage you to shine your
light today. Let other people see by your example. Also, I invite you to come
worship with us, as we kindle the light of the world in our hearts. God bless.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
GLENDA
Good Morning: Irving Berlin was born in Russia. He didn't remember much
about those years except watching his home burn to the ground and then his
family fleeing the country.
By the age of 8, his family had made their way to America. His father died,
and he had to drop out of school and help with family finances by delivering
papers. Despite all those setbacks, he became one of the most famous
songwriters of all times.......a lot of them patriotic.....because, you see, he
knew how great America was.
“God Bless America”, written in 1938, was an expression of his feelings
toward the country to which he owed all that he had and all that he was. He
also knew this country would not be great without God's blessings. Today
we need God more than ever. As you pray each day, ask that God would bless
America again. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: Irving Berlin was born in Russia. He didn't remember much
about those years except watching his home burn to the ground and then his
family fleeing the country.
By the age of 8, his family had made their way to America. His father died,
and he had to drop out of school and help with family finances by delivering
papers. Despite all those setbacks, he became one of the most famous
songwriters of all times.......a lot of them patriotic.....because, you see, he
knew how great America was.
“God Bless America”, written in 1938, was an expression of his feelings
toward the country to which he owed all that he had and all that he was. He
also knew this country would not be great without God's blessings. Today
we need God more than ever. As you pray each day, ask that God would bless
America again. Have a wonderful day!
Monday, August 3, 2015
Monday, August 3, 2015
SUZANNE
Good Morning!, How are you doing?, Howdy!, What’s up?
Perhaps you might nod your head, or if you are driving down the road, you
might lift your hand from the steering wheel in order to wave to someone.
There are many ways that we greet people, but rarely are they as enthusiastic
as the Apostle Paul. Look for instance at the Second Letter to the Corinthians
: “To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints, Grace and
Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Allow me to encourage you to greet those around you. Let a simple heartfelt
“hello!” be a measure of love that you share with others. And, if you are so
inclined, share Paul’s energetic Corinthian greeting. Either way, share the
Grace and Peace of God with others. And have a great day!
For Central United Methodist Church, I am Suzanne Cain.
Good Morning!, How are you doing?, Howdy!, What’s up?
Perhaps you might nod your head, or if you are driving down the road, you
might lift your hand from the steering wheel in order to wave to someone.
There are many ways that we greet people, but rarely are they as enthusiastic
as the Apostle Paul. Look for instance at the Second Letter to the Corinthians
: “To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints, Grace and
Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Allow me to encourage you to greet those around you. Let a simple heartfelt
“hello!” be a measure of love that you share with others. And, if you are so
inclined, share Paul’s energetic Corinthian greeting. Either way, share the
Grace and Peace of God with others. And have a great day!
For Central United Methodist Church, I am Suzanne Cain.
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