GLENDA
Good Morning: The Bible Verse for this month at Central’s Children’s
Center is “Love One Another.” This is a commandment from God, and the
rest of that verse is to love one another as I have loved you. He says this is
the greatest commandment.
Can you imagine what this world would be like if we did what God
asked…love one another. If we loved one another, we wouldn’t hurt each
other. A beautiful song sung by Louis Armstrong says, “I see friends
shaking hands, sayin, “How do you do”…They’re really saying “I love you”
and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.” We can have that
wonderful world if we just love each other. So, let’s try it…from this day
forward, let’s love a little more. And remember, God loves you and so do I.
Have a wonderful day!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wednesday, Febuary 25, 2015
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. I have had the privilege to lead a United Methodist
congregation for the past 20 years. In that time, I have noticed that we attend
churches but we really don’t connect. We sit in our rows or our pews from
week to week, and we desire to have a better life, but we are not sure how.
I have a suggestion to make to you if that is the way you feel today. How
about stepping out of your row and into a circle? You see, life is about
relationships and connecting to one another, and there is no better place to
do that than in a small group. Life is better when we have a greater intimacy
with God and a deeper relationship with one another. It takes a step from
all of us to go from rows or pews to circles, but I assure you that it will
make life better.
If you don’t have a circle to be a part of then I invite you to connect with us
at Central and to live the better life in 2015.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. I have had the privilege to lead a United Methodist
congregation for the past 20 years. In that time, I have noticed that we attend
churches but we really don’t connect. We sit in our rows or our pews from
week to week, and we desire to have a better life, but we are not sure how.
I have a suggestion to make to you if that is the way you feel today. How
about stepping out of your row and into a circle? You see, life is about
relationships and connecting to one another, and there is no better place to
do that than in a small group. Life is better when we have a greater intimacy
with God and a deeper relationship with one another. It takes a step from
all of us to go from rows or pews to circles, but I assure you that it will
make life better.
If you don’t have a circle to be a part of then I invite you to connect with us
at Central and to live the better life in 2015.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tuesday, Febuary 24, 2015
RAY
Good Morning. As Christains,when we think about the consequences of our
sin, we are quickly and
thankfully reminded of the saving work of Christ in our lives and how we
won’t have to pay this penalty. Through his saving grace, Christ
demonstrated an incredible love for us.
Christ is also incredibly patient toward us. Some of us spent years running
away from Him, some of us stumble into sin on a regular basis, and others
struggle with faith.
Nevertheless, Christ continues to patiently wait for us, helping us overcome
our hurdles and drawing us closer to Him. With Christ’s patience
demonstrated in our lives, shouldn’t we be stirred to demonstrate patience
toward those around us? How can we who have received such loving
patience not look kindly and graciously toward those who have offended
us?
Our Christ-infused heart should stir within us a deep and abiding love for
others.
FATHER HELP ME TO DEMONSTRATE THE SAME PATIENCE
TOWARD OTHERS THAT YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED TOWARD ME.
Good Morning. As Christains,when we think about the consequences of our
sin, we are quickly and
thankfully reminded of the saving work of Christ in our lives and how we
won’t have to pay this penalty. Through his saving grace, Christ
demonstrated an incredible love for us.
Christ is also incredibly patient toward us. Some of us spent years running
away from Him, some of us stumble into sin on a regular basis, and others
struggle with faith.
Nevertheless, Christ continues to patiently wait for us, helping us overcome
our hurdles and drawing us closer to Him. With Christ’s patience
demonstrated in our lives, shouldn’t we be stirred to demonstrate patience
toward those around us? How can we who have received such loving
patience not look kindly and graciously toward those who have offended
us?
Our Christ-infused heart should stir within us a deep and abiding love for
others.
FATHER HELP ME TO DEMONSTRATE THE SAME PATIENCE
TOWARD OTHERS THAT YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED TOWARD ME.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Monday, Febuary 23, 2015
DENNIS
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Since the age of enlightenment, society has taught us to
dispel all mystery. However, there are still mysteries that cannot be
explained. For example, is there life in some distant galaxy? And, does
Bigfoot really exist? Perhaps we will never know.
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is also a mystery we cannot explain. In the
Bible, Jesus said that when you do something for one of the least of people,
you do for him. For some unknown reason, when we care for others we are
actually caring for Christ! When we see the poor, we see Jesus. There is a
mystery at work when serving others. Jesus tells us that when we see others
as God sees them, we are in fact seeing him.
God choose to come down to us in the form of an actual living and
breathing person who knew what it was like to be hungry, thirsty, naked,
sick, in prison, and a stranger. Jesus came like us to die for, save, and
resurrect us. God sees every person in the world, regardless of their
placement in society, worthy of redemption.
I invite you to Central, so we can serve together in this great mystery we call
Faith.
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Since the age of enlightenment, society has taught us to
dispel all mystery. However, there are still mysteries that cannot be
explained. For example, is there life in some distant galaxy? And, does
Bigfoot really exist? Perhaps we will never know.
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is also a mystery we cannot explain. In the
Bible, Jesus said that when you do something for one of the least of people,
you do for him. For some unknown reason, when we care for others we are
actually caring for Christ! When we see the poor, we see Jesus. There is a
mystery at work when serving others. Jesus tells us that when we see others
as God sees them, we are in fact seeing him.
God choose to come down to us in the form of an actual living and
breathing person who knew what it was like to be hungry, thirsty, naked,
sick, in prison, and a stranger. Jesus came like us to die for, save, and
resurrect us. God sees every person in the world, regardless of their
placement in society, worthy of redemption.
I invite you to Central, so we can serve together in this great mystery we call
Faith.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday, Febuary 20, 2015
JIM CAIN
One of my favorite Disney movies is the Lion King. The Lion King tells the
story of Simba, a young lion who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as king.
My favorite scene in the film is when Simba is being born and Rafiki, the
Baboon that acts as the King’s advisor, brings him outside and holds him up
toward the heavens as the animal kingdom pays tribute to their future ruler.
This is how I felt 16 years ago on this day when my oldest son was born. I
held him up and thought about how much promise his life held and how
much I loved him, my namesake, my legacy. To this day he and his brother
are two of the most important things in my life.
So with that in mind I can only imagine how much God must love us, that
He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish, but have eternal life.
And yet, we squander these precious lives filling them with things God
finds wrong and hurtful. Often times turning our backs on Him altogether
until a crisis arises and we need a spiritual “bailing out.” Let me encourage
you to take stock of your life and the price that was paid for it and then go
out and do something meaningful with it giving God all the love he
deserves in loving us first!
One of my favorite Disney movies is the Lion King. The Lion King tells the
story of Simba, a young lion who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as king.
My favorite scene in the film is when Simba is being born and Rafiki, the
Baboon that acts as the King’s advisor, brings him outside and holds him up
toward the heavens as the animal kingdom pays tribute to their future ruler.
This is how I felt 16 years ago on this day when my oldest son was born. I
held him up and thought about how much promise his life held and how
much I loved him, my namesake, my legacy. To this day he and his brother
are two of the most important things in my life.
So with that in mind I can only imagine how much God must love us, that
He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish, but have eternal life.
And yet, we squander these precious lives filling them with things God
finds wrong and hurtful. Often times turning our backs on Him altogether
until a crisis arises and we need a spiritual “bailing out.” Let me encourage
you to take stock of your life and the price that was paid for it and then go
out and do something meaningful with it giving God all the love he
deserves in loving us first!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Thursday, Febuary 19, 2015
SABRINA
A few mornings ago I asked you some questions about why you do the
things that you do, what frightens you, inspires you. As I reflected on those
very questions, I asked myself why I never tire of being around children. I
think it is because I love to see the world through the eyes of a child.
Remember when you were a child? When you dreamed impossible dreams
and faced a life with a courage born of ignorance? Remember the joys and
wonder?
Many times as we grow up, we exchange dreams for reality, courage for
skepticism. Too often, we believe growing up means discarding all of the
wonderful qualities of youth. It does not have to be that way. We can be
adults and childlike at the same time. After all, we are children of God.
We can face life with trust in our heavenly Father. We can dream and find
courage, be filled with joy and wonder. If you can’t seem to find that
wonder within yourself, spend some time with a child. Their unconditional
love and innocence will quickly remind you how beautiful is this world in
which we live. Have a blessed day!
A few mornings ago I asked you some questions about why you do the
things that you do, what frightens you, inspires you. As I reflected on those
very questions, I asked myself why I never tire of being around children. I
think it is because I love to see the world through the eyes of a child.
Remember when you were a child? When you dreamed impossible dreams
and faced a life with a courage born of ignorance? Remember the joys and
wonder?
Many times as we grow up, we exchange dreams for reality, courage for
skepticism. Too often, we believe growing up means discarding all of the
wonderful qualities of youth. It does not have to be that way. We can be
adults and childlike at the same time. After all, we are children of God.
We can face life with trust in our heavenly Father. We can dream and find
courage, be filled with joy and wonder. If you can’t seem to find that
wonder within yourself, spend some time with a child. Their unconditional
love and innocence will quickly remind you how beautiful is this world in
which we live. Have a blessed day!
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Wednesday, Febuary 18, 2015
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist
Church. Today we celebrate Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the
season of Lent. This is the day when Christians traditionally apply an ashen
cross on their foreheads. Marking with ash is a symbolic reminder that we
come from the dust and that so much of what we do, and are, will return to
dust one day.
Lots of people spend their time and wealth on building objects that they
hope will last beyond their life. Yet, the Scriptures teach us that all things in
this life are temporal no matter how much effort we put into making them
last.
Jesus said to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, which can never be
taken from you or destroyed. Today is a good day for all of us to add a few
more treasures to our chest in heaven. We should share a forgiving word
with others; tell people how much they mean to God, and to participate in a
random act of kindness. After all from dust you came and from dust you
shall return.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist
Church. Today we celebrate Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the
season of Lent. This is the day when Christians traditionally apply an ashen
cross on their foreheads. Marking with ash is a symbolic reminder that we
come from the dust and that so much of what we do, and are, will return to
dust one day.
Lots of people spend their time and wealth on building objects that they
hope will last beyond their life. Yet, the Scriptures teach us that all things in
this life are temporal no matter how much effort we put into making them
last.
Jesus said to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, which can never be
taken from you or destroyed. Today is a good day for all of us to add a few
more treasures to our chest in heaven. We should share a forgiving word
with others; tell people how much they mean to God, and to participate in a
random act of kindness. After all from dust you came and from dust you
shall return.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Tuesday, Febuary 17, 2015
DENNIS
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Have you ever experienced a time when you worked so
hard preparing for something, but ended up failing? This happens all the
time in sport competitions. No matter the sport there must be a winner and
a loser.
In life, there will be moments when our best efforts will not be good
enough. This is also true in our journey towards God. We can do all the
right things, say all the right words, and even embody all the virtues. Yet, it
is not good enough because of our sinful condition. Our best effort cannot
wipe away its affect. This is why Isaiah says: “But we are all like an unclean
thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.”
So, what can be done for this condition? We can only be acceptable to God
because of God. His action heals us and gives us the victory over our sinful
condition. God’s grace is eternal and is offered continually, even if we
refuse it – it is still there.
Take a moment today and thank God for not giving up on you. Thank Him
for His Son Jesus who is seeking you out.
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Have you ever experienced a time when you worked so
hard preparing for something, but ended up failing? This happens all the
time in sport competitions. No matter the sport there must be a winner and
a loser.
In life, there will be moments when our best efforts will not be good
enough. This is also true in our journey towards God. We can do all the
right things, say all the right words, and even embody all the virtues. Yet, it
is not good enough because of our sinful condition. Our best effort cannot
wipe away its affect. This is why Isaiah says: “But we are all like an unclean
thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.”
So, what can be done for this condition? We can only be acceptable to God
because of God. His action heals us and gives us the victory over our sinful
condition. God’s grace is eternal and is offered continually, even if we
refuse it – it is still there.
Take a moment today and thank God for not giving up on you. Thank Him
for His Son Jesus who is seeking you out.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Monday, Febuary 16, 2015
GLENDA
Good Morning: Today is President’s Day. In the early 1800’s, people
celebrated George Washington’s Birthday on February 22nd. In the late
1960’s, the date was changed to the third Monday in February, primarily to
give working people a three day weekend. Since this new date fell between
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, most people began to
celebrate both of those great Presidents and, thus, the name President’s Day,
instead of George Washington Day and soon the day was spent celebrating
all Presidents.
A lot of Americans did not like calling this day “President’s Day,” because
they felt some Presidents didn’t need to be remembered! However you
prefer to celebrate this day, take a moment to pray for our country and for
President Obama. God bless the USA!
Good Morning: Today is President’s Day. In the early 1800’s, people
celebrated George Washington’s Birthday on February 22nd. In the late
1960’s, the date was changed to the third Monday in February, primarily to
give working people a three day weekend. Since this new date fell between
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, most people began to
celebrate both of those great Presidents and, thus, the name President’s Day,
instead of George Washington Day and soon the day was spent celebrating
all Presidents.
A lot of Americans did not like calling this day “President’s Day,” because
they felt some Presidents didn’t need to be remembered! However you
prefer to celebrate this day, take a moment to pray for our country and for
President Obama. God bless the USA!
Friday, February 13, 2015
Friday, Febuary 13, 2015
JIM CAIN
Good morning!
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and men everywhere are franticly
searching for that perfect gift to give their “true love” But what is true love?
A couple has been dating for several months. She says she’s in love. He’s
not sure, but he knows he feels different when he is with her. He wonders if
that is love. Maybe you have wondered this very same thing. Would you
like to know if it is really love, then ask yourself, “Do I encourage this
person to do what is right?” For true love takes no pleasure in other
people’s sins but delights in the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:6)
Often times when people are in a relationship, one person will ask the other
person to “prove their love” for them. This is not love. True love will never
ask or try to influence you into doing something that you feel in your heart
is wrong.
Demonstrate that love today be hugging someone who is unhuggable and
letting them know they are loved just the way they are!
Good morning!
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and men everywhere are franticly
searching for that perfect gift to give their “true love” But what is true love?
A couple has been dating for several months. She says she’s in love. He’s
not sure, but he knows he feels different when he is with her. He wonders if
that is love. Maybe you have wondered this very same thing. Would you
like to know if it is really love, then ask yourself, “Do I encourage this
person to do what is right?” For true love takes no pleasure in other
people’s sins but delights in the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:6)
Often times when people are in a relationship, one person will ask the other
person to “prove their love” for them. This is not love. True love will never
ask or try to influence you into doing something that you feel in your heart
is wrong.
Demonstrate that love today be hugging someone who is unhuggable and
letting them know they are loved just the way they are!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Thursday, Febuary 12, 2015
BOB
https://vimeo.com/116031940
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist
Community in Meridian, MS. This morning I am standing on the beach,
looking out across the Gulf of Mexico. A person of average height can see
just slightly less than 3 miles out to the horizon. Altitude helps, but even if
you were standing on top of Mount Everest and no weather or other
mountains were in your way you would still only be able to see about 200
miles. The earth is 24 thousand miles around. This illustrates how
incredibly short-sighted we are. God is not bound by these limitations.
God’s vision includes the whole world and not just the earth but the entire
universe for all time. As humans beings we have a very limited perspective
not only on the face of the earth but in all matters. We are people of the
earth and can never achieve God’s perspective but it is necessary for us to
broaden ours that we might see others as God sees them.
https://vimeo.com/116031940
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist
Community in Meridian, MS. This morning I am standing on the beach,
looking out across the Gulf of Mexico. A person of average height can see
just slightly less than 3 miles out to the horizon. Altitude helps, but even if
you were standing on top of Mount Everest and no weather or other
mountains were in your way you would still only be able to see about 200
miles. The earth is 24 thousand miles around. This illustrates how
incredibly short-sighted we are. God is not bound by these limitations.
God’s vision includes the whole world and not just the earth but the entire
universe for all time. As humans beings we have a very limited perspective
not only on the face of the earth but in all matters. We are people of the
earth and can never achieve God’s perspective but it is necessary for us to
broaden ours that we might see others as God sees them.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Wednesday, Febuary 11, 2015
SABRINA
If I asked you to sum up your life in one simple sentence, what would it be?
I imagine most of us would have a very hard time doing that. But it does
make you think. What is the point of your life, what makes you tick? What
drives you? What worries you? Most importantly...what inspires you?
When we can answer these questions, we better understand ourselves and
why we do what we do. Being aware of the answers to these questions
allows us to make better decisions in our lives.
If the reality of a loving God who loves us, forgives us, challenges us to be
all that we can be, is the focus of our daily lives and decisions, then we find
it is easier to discover the true purpose of our lives.
Thankfully the answers to the questions I just asked are different for each
of us- there is no correct, cookie cutter answer. THAT is what makes this
world such a beautiful and diverse place!!! Go and have a blessed day!
If I asked you to sum up your life in one simple sentence, what would it be?
I imagine most of us would have a very hard time doing that. But it does
make you think. What is the point of your life, what makes you tick? What
drives you? What worries you? Most importantly...what inspires you?
When we can answer these questions, we better understand ourselves and
why we do what we do. Being aware of the answers to these questions
allows us to make better decisions in our lives.
If the reality of a loving God who loves us, forgives us, challenges us to be
all that we can be, is the focus of our daily lives and decisions, then we find
it is easier to discover the true purpose of our lives.
Thankfully the answers to the questions I just asked are different for each
of us- there is no correct, cookie cutter answer. THAT is what makes this
world such a beautiful and diverse place!!! Go and have a blessed day!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Tuesday, Febuary, 10, 2015
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist
Church. One of the common themes of movies and music in our culture is to
just let it go. The only problem is that it is easier said than done. Jesus
demonstrated this to us by ultimately leaving earth. After a lifetime of
preparation and only three years of implementation and training, he had to
look at the mission that he had started and turn it over to his followers.
Jesus had to let it go and trust in his disciples.
Jesus loved and believed in those that he had mentored, and he knew that
they would finish what he started. I wonder how often God is whispering to
us to “let it go.” We try to control so much in life, and we at times believe
that if we are not pushing the cart, no one else will.
In other instances we reach for things that we desire and prize, but we don’t
need them. In our hearts we can hear him telling us to let it go and
everything will still be ok. What do you need to let go of today?
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist
Church. One of the common themes of movies and music in our culture is to
just let it go. The only problem is that it is easier said than done. Jesus
demonstrated this to us by ultimately leaving earth. After a lifetime of
preparation and only three years of implementation and training, he had to
look at the mission that he had started and turn it over to his followers.
Jesus had to let it go and trust in his disciples.
Jesus loved and believed in those that he had mentored, and he knew that
they would finish what he started. I wonder how often God is whispering to
us to “let it go.” We try to control so much in life, and we at times believe
that if we are not pushing the cart, no one else will.
In other instances we reach for things that we desire and prize, but we don’t
need them. In our hearts we can hear him telling us to let it go and
everything will still be ok. What do you need to let go of today?
Monday, February 9, 2015
Monday, Febuary 9, 2015
DENNIS
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Have you ever struggled with finding your created
purpose? When was the last time you asked yourself, “What is God’s
purpose for my life?” If you find yourself at this point, you are not alone.
As a young boy, Jesus revealed His purpose to His earthly parents. He told
them that he must be in His Father’s house for worship and to learn His
ways, that is both the physical and spiritual teachings. What about us?
Throughout the New Testament, we are told to follow Jesus. Therefore, we
follow the example of His life. The major one is “take up your cross and
follow me.” We are told to worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. We are
told that those who believe are now the temple of the Holy Spirit and that
the Kingdom of God is inside of you.
When we take what Jesus told his earthly parents and compare them to the
demands and promises of God, we see that our purpose is to do exactly what
our Lord demonstrates.
If you feel that you have lost sight of worshiping God and learning of His
ways, then come to Central and revive your purpose in Christ Jesus.
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Have you ever struggled with finding your created
purpose? When was the last time you asked yourself, “What is God’s
purpose for my life?” If you find yourself at this point, you are not alone.
As a young boy, Jesus revealed His purpose to His earthly parents. He told
them that he must be in His Father’s house for worship and to learn His
ways, that is both the physical and spiritual teachings. What about us?
Throughout the New Testament, we are told to follow Jesus. Therefore, we
follow the example of His life. The major one is “take up your cross and
follow me.” We are told to worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. We are
told that those who believe are now the temple of the Holy Spirit and that
the Kingdom of God is inside of you.
When we take what Jesus told his earthly parents and compare them to the
demands and promises of God, we see that our purpose is to do exactly what
our Lord demonstrates.
If you feel that you have lost sight of worshiping God and learning of His
ways, then come to Central and revive your purpose in Christ Jesus.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Friday, Febuary 6, 2015
BOB
https://vimeo.com/116199975
Good Morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist
Community in Meridian, MS. At Central, we take the Bible very seriously as
God's authoritative instruction for faith and for life. However, we do not
worship the Bible. The living Word of God whom we do worship is Jesus
Christ. E Stanley Jones, the noted Methodist preacher and missionary to
India, had this to say. "It is not said in the Book, ‘The Word became printer's
ink,' but it is said, ‘The Word became flesh.'
Had the Word become printer's ink,
we should have followed a code.
Instead our code is a Character. We follow a living mind instead of a fixed
letter." At Central we worship Jesus Christ who is alive and at work among
us. When we read the Bible, we do not read it as an end in itself. Rather, we
read the Bible as an open window to the only living Word of God, Jesus
Christ.
https://vimeo.com/116199975
Good Morning. This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist
Community in Meridian, MS. At Central, we take the Bible very seriously as
God's authoritative instruction for faith and for life. However, we do not
worship the Bible. The living Word of God whom we do worship is Jesus
Christ. E Stanley Jones, the noted Methodist preacher and missionary to
India, had this to say. "It is not said in the Book, ‘The Word became printer's
ink,' but it is said, ‘The Word became flesh.'
Had the Word become printer's ink,
we should have followed a code.
Instead our code is a Character. We follow a living mind instead of a fixed
letter." At Central we worship Jesus Christ who is alive and at work among
us. When we read the Bible, we do not read it as an end in itself. Rather, we
read the Bible as an open window to the only living Word of God, Jesus
Christ.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Thursday, Febuary 5, 2015
RAY
Good Morning. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit
and in truth. John 4:24. God wants us to worship Him in spirit. What does
that mean? It means we must be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We must be
born again. It also means we must worship Him sincerely, earnestly, with a
right spirit, with a sweet spirit.
Worship is not just the act of going to church because we always have to or
because it's the thing to do. It is not just putting your body in a pew while
your mind is elsewhere. It is not just smiling serenely on the outside while
on the inside you are filled with unconfessed sin.
We must base our relationship with Him on His Word, which is the truth.
And to worship Him in truth means to worship Him honestly, standing
open and transparent before Him.
Are you the kind of worshiper God wants?
Good Morning. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit
and in truth. John 4:24. God wants us to worship Him in spirit. What does
that mean? It means we must be indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We must be
born again. It also means we must worship Him sincerely, earnestly, with a
right spirit, with a sweet spirit.
Worship is not just the act of going to church because we always have to or
because it's the thing to do. It is not just putting your body in a pew while
your mind is elsewhere. It is not just smiling serenely on the outside while
on the inside you are filled with unconfessed sin.
We must base our relationship with Him on His Word, which is the truth.
And to worship Him in truth means to worship Him honestly, standing
open and transparent before Him.
Are you the kind of worshiper God wants?
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Wednesday, Febuary 4, 2015
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Life doesn’t always make since does it. For example:
Why do tugboats push their barges? Why do “slow down” and “slow up”
mean the same things? Why do we press harder on the buttons of a remote
control when we know the batteries are dead? If practice makes perfect, and
nobody’s perfect, why practice?
Life is filled with confusion. Jesus said that he had come to give us life and
to give it to us abundantly. This doesn’t mean that all of the confusion of
life ends when we become followers of Jesus. But it is sure good to know
that I can still live abundantly even if I don’t understand everything.
I hope that you are following the one that helps make sense out of life. I
want to invite you to visit us at Central UMC at either our 8:30
Contemporary, 9:45 Connect service or 10:55 Traditional service and lets step
out of the confusion by connecting to God and one another.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Life doesn’t always make since does it. For example:
Why do tugboats push their barges? Why do “slow down” and “slow up”
mean the same things? Why do we press harder on the buttons of a remote
control when we know the batteries are dead? If practice makes perfect, and
nobody’s perfect, why practice?
Life is filled with confusion. Jesus said that he had come to give us life and
to give it to us abundantly. This doesn’t mean that all of the confusion of
life ends when we become followers of Jesus. But it is sure good to know
that I can still live abundantly even if I don’t understand everything.
I hope that you are following the one that helps make sense out of life. I
want to invite you to visit us at Central UMC at either our 8:30
Contemporary, 9:45 Connect service or 10:55 Traditional service and lets step
out of the confusion by connecting to God and one another.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Tuesday, Febuary 3, 2015
DENNIS
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Over the past holidays, I bet most of you have received a
few gifts. Did you misplace a few of those, or mistakenly throw them away?
Just like losing a gift, we can also lose something very valuable on our
journey of faith, a clear understanding of the Christian faith. This can be
brought on by tragic events in our lives or in the world around us. It can be
influenced by broken relationships.
In the bible, Luke tells of the time Joseph and Mary searched three days for
Jesus when he was 12 year old. When they found him they questioned
young Jesus as to why he left without telling them. However, they did not
understand the answer Jesus gave them. We too can have similar moments.
This does not mean we are hopelessly lost. It simply means we need to
regroup.
We are humans who often rely upon human understanding. So, what can be
done? When we finally recognize our loss, then we will each feel the need to
revisit our relationship with Jesus. You are invited to come worship with us
and revisit the one who came for you.
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Over the past holidays, I bet most of you have received a
few gifts. Did you misplace a few of those, or mistakenly throw them away?
Just like losing a gift, we can also lose something very valuable on our
journey of faith, a clear understanding of the Christian faith. This can be
brought on by tragic events in our lives or in the world around us. It can be
influenced by broken relationships.
In the bible, Luke tells of the time Joseph and Mary searched three days for
Jesus when he was 12 year old. When they found him they questioned
young Jesus as to why he left without telling them. However, they did not
understand the answer Jesus gave them. We too can have similar moments.
This does not mean we are hopelessly lost. It simply means we need to
regroup.
We are humans who often rely upon human understanding. So, what can be
done? When we finally recognize our loss, then we will each feel the need to
revisit our relationship with Jesus. You are invited to come worship with us
and revisit the one who came for you.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Monday, Febuary 2, 2015
JIM CAIN
An example of faith can be found on the wall of a WWII concentration
camp. On its surface a prisoner had carved:
“I believe in the sun, even though it doesn’t shine; I believe in love, even
when it isn’t shown. I believe in God, even when He doesn’t speak.” I close
my eyes and try to imagine the person who wrote those words. I can almost
see his skeletal hand gripping the broken glass or stone that he used to cut
those words into the wall.
I try to imagine his eyes, squinting through the darkness as he
carved out each individual letter. What kind of man had such conviction
and resolve.? What eyes could have seen God in the midst of such horror?
There is only one answer. Eyes that understood the words of Paul, “while
we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not
seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are
not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Do you see the unseen? Where do
you focus your vision? Let me encourage you to take a closer look today.
You’ll be glad you did!
An example of faith can be found on the wall of a WWII concentration
camp. On its surface a prisoner had carved:
“I believe in the sun, even though it doesn’t shine; I believe in love, even
when it isn’t shown. I believe in God, even when He doesn’t speak.” I close
my eyes and try to imagine the person who wrote those words. I can almost
see his skeletal hand gripping the broken glass or stone that he used to cut
those words into the wall.
I try to imagine his eyes, squinting through the darkness as he
carved out each individual letter. What kind of man had such conviction
and resolve.? What eyes could have seen God in the midst of such horror?
There is only one answer. Eyes that understood the words of Paul, “while
we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not
seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are
not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Do you see the unseen? Where do
you focus your vision? Let me encourage you to take a closer look today.
You’ll be glad you did!
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