JIM
Almost a decade ago, I stood in this very spot and said, “One day a man pulls up to an old country store on the outskirts of town, hops out of his automobile and asks the old man sitting out front,” How are the people in this town, old man?"
The old man looked at the stranger and asked,” How were the people in the town you just left?" The stranger smiled and answered,” They were warm-hearted and kind, always willing to help a person out. We hated to leave." The old man nodded his head and replied,” That is how you'll find the people in this town."
And for over a decade that is how we have found the people in this town warm, kind-hearted and easy to work with. And now it is time to pack the car and move down the road a little further.
As we were pulling into our new town the other day to find Union UMC where we would be serving, my youngest son, Doc, looked up at me and said, “How do you think the people in this town will be?” I hugged him tightly and answered, “How were the people in the town we just left?"
My son smiled and said, “They were easy going, friendly, and a lot of fun.” And with that, he hopped out of the Jeep and I said, “Have a blessed day, you’ll be glad you did!”
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
SABRINA
Today marks what is known as Holy Week. On Friday of this week, we remember the death of Jesus on the cross. We try to put ourselves in the disciples' shoes questioning ourselves. Surely we would not have played in the part of Jesus' followers as they fell asleep, betrayed, denied, fled. We will imagine what it was like for Jesus as he was arrested, whipped, humiliated, crowned with thorns, and hammered to a wooden cross.
We ask ourselves , "If this is Holy Week, what would an unholy week look like?"
Jesus chose the path of suffering and death so that we could be free of the punishment due us from sin. He took our place. There is no depth of despair to which we can ever descend that is lower than Jesus when he died under the weight of a world full of sin.
No matter how low we have been, or are at this moment, we know that this week serves as a reminder as we look toward Easter day, that Jesus would have walked the road of this week for just ONE of us. Let us never forget the price paid for us.
Today marks what is known as Holy Week. On Friday of this week, we remember the death of Jesus on the cross. We try to put ourselves in the disciples' shoes questioning ourselves. Surely we would not have played in the part of Jesus' followers as they fell asleep, betrayed, denied, fled. We will imagine what it was like for Jesus as he was arrested, whipped, humiliated, crowned with thorns, and hammered to a wooden cross.
We ask ourselves , "If this is Holy Week, what would an unholy week look like?"
Jesus chose the path of suffering and death so that we could be free of the punishment due us from sin. He took our place. There is no depth of despair to which we can ever descend that is lower than Jesus when he died under the weight of a world full of sin.
No matter how low we have been, or are at this moment, we know that this week serves as a reminder as we look toward Easter day, that Jesus would have walked the road of this week for just ONE of us. Let us never forget the price paid for us.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Friday, March 27, 2015
SUZANNE
Some things just should not happen. The fact that it is March and my
Christmas tree is still up is one of them! The Christmas decorations are
down, and we have been through a season of Mardi Gras where beads
decorated a tree topped with a feathered mask. Now we have a Holiday tree
decorated with a combination of stale candy canes, colored lights, and
beads, in need of being removed. We are not fooling anyone that our
Christmas tree hasn’t come down!
Isn’t that how sin penetrates our lives? Perhaps there is something that was
alright in the beginning - but has become something it shouldn’t -
Something that should obviously be removed. Yet we look at it and try to
disguise or decorate it. We call it something other than sin, and try to hide
it from God. Hebrews 4:13 tells us that nothing in all of creation is hidden
from His sight. Everything is exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must
give account.
Confess your sin, take down your Christmas trees, and live a life pleasing to
God the Father, creator of every good and perfect gift.
For Central United Methodist Church, I am Suzanne Cain.
Some things just should not happen. The fact that it is March and my
Christmas tree is still up is one of them! The Christmas decorations are
down, and we have been through a season of Mardi Gras where beads
decorated a tree topped with a feathered mask. Now we have a Holiday tree
decorated with a combination of stale candy canes, colored lights, and
beads, in need of being removed. We are not fooling anyone that our
Christmas tree hasn’t come down!
Isn’t that how sin penetrates our lives? Perhaps there is something that was
alright in the beginning - but has become something it shouldn’t -
Something that should obviously be removed. Yet we look at it and try to
disguise or decorate it. We call it something other than sin, and try to hide
it from God. Hebrews 4:13 tells us that nothing in all of creation is hidden
from His sight. Everything is exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must
give account.
Confess your sin, take down your Christmas trees, and live a life pleasing to
God the Father, creator of every good and perfect gift.
For Central United Methodist Church, I am Suzanne Cain.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Thursday, march 26, 2015
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Charles Allen was a great Methodist preacher who said that what was most important about himself was what he believed. There were those that challenged him and said that what you believe is not as important as how you live. Rev. Allen responded by saying it is what a person believes that determines how they live.
How true it is that what we believe determines the possibilities of our lives. The word belief is a big, strong, compelling word. It does not mean that we shut our eyes to the truth and cling to a dream. Instead, it is a conviction that we have that binds us and controls our every action and decision.
As Christians we believe in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This belief gives us hope; it presses us to love others and allows us to pattern our lives by the teachings of Jesus.
Whatever you believe is determining how you are living, come and worship with us at Central and live the Christian life with us.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Charles Allen was a great Methodist preacher who said that what was most important about himself was what he believed. There were those that challenged him and said that what you believe is not as important as how you live. Rev. Allen responded by saying it is what a person believes that determines how they live.
How true it is that what we believe determines the possibilities of our lives. The word belief is a big, strong, compelling word. It does not mean that we shut our eyes to the truth and cling to a dream. Instead, it is a conviction that we have that binds us and controls our every action and decision.
As Christians we believe in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This belief gives us hope; it presses us to love others and allows us to pattern our lives by the teachings of Jesus.
Whatever you believe is determining how you are living, come and worship with us at Central and live the Christian life with us.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
BOB
What is your secret? What is that thing which you are absolutely certain no
one knows? The great music composer, Ludwig von Beethoven's, secret was
that he was almost completely deaf. Keeping that secret caused Beethoven
to be considered extremely eccentric, irritable and hermit like. Yet, despite
this secret weakness Beethoven became one of the greatest composers of all
time. God has used his secret to bless the world through Beethoven's music
for centuries after his death.
Now, what was your secret? Know that God is aware of the most intimate
details of your life. And, that God is able to use even the secrets you keep
from everyone else to bless you and those around you. This is Bob Peden of
Central a United Methodist Community in Meridian. Go ahead. Keep your
secret from other people. But trust God.
What is your secret? What is that thing which you are absolutely certain no
one knows? The great music composer, Ludwig von Beethoven's, secret was
that he was almost completely deaf. Keeping that secret caused Beethoven
to be considered extremely eccentric, irritable and hermit like. Yet, despite
this secret weakness Beethoven became one of the greatest composers of all
time. God has used his secret to bless the world through Beethoven's music
for centuries after his death.
Now, what was your secret? Know that God is aware of the most intimate
details of your life. And, that God is able to use even the secrets you keep
from everyone else to bless you and those around you. This is Bob Peden of
Central a United Methodist Community in Meridian. Go ahead. Keep your
secret from other people. But trust God.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
DENNIS
Good Morning. Some of you may live in a house with teenagers, as I do, and
they love scary movies. The other night they wanted to watch a movie about
a young girl who was possessed. Honestly, I do not understand our cultures’
fascination with such things. There has been a lot of money spent on
making these films; not to mention all the books that have been written on
the subject over the years. Somehow, we have become intrigued with
sinister beings inhabiting people unawares, guiding their thoughts and
actions.
During this time of year of the church, we are reminded to invite the One
who came down so that we may be raised up, into our lives. Apostle Paul
wrote, “I no longer live, but it is Christ who lives in me. So, I live my life in
this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
himself for me.”
Today, we all can possess the One who possesses all things. I’m Dennis
Gossett, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Have a great
and blessed day.
Good Morning. Some of you may live in a house with teenagers, as I do, and
they love scary movies. The other night they wanted to watch a movie about
a young girl who was possessed. Honestly, I do not understand our cultures’
fascination with such things. There has been a lot of money spent on
making these films; not to mention all the books that have been written on
the subject over the years. Somehow, we have become intrigued with
sinister beings inhabiting people unawares, guiding their thoughts and
actions.
During this time of year of the church, we are reminded to invite the One
who came down so that we may be raised up, into our lives. Apostle Paul
wrote, “I no longer live, but it is Christ who lives in me. So, I live my life in
this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
himself for me.”
Today, we all can possess the One who possesses all things. I’m Dennis
Gossett, Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church. Have a great
and blessed day.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
JIM
When I was in junior high school, we read fables from all over the world
one semester. I remember reading one from Russia about a servant and
master who went on a journey to a far away city. Many of the details have
been forgotten in time, but I remember the two men got caught in a raging
blizzard and lost their way, forcing them to be out in the elements
overnight.
The next morning rescuers found the master frozen to death face down in
the snow. The servant, however, they found alive trapped between the
ground and his master. Later he told his saviors that his master had
voluntarily laid over him so that he could live.
I hadn’t thought about that story in years until I thought about what Christ
did for us, for Jesus is the master who died for his servants. Only through
the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, do we survive and reach our goal.
He died so we can live.
When I was in junior high school, we read fables from all over the world
one semester. I remember reading one from Russia about a servant and
master who went on a journey to a far away city. Many of the details have
been forgotten in time, but I remember the two men got caught in a raging
blizzard and lost their way, forcing them to be out in the elements
overnight.
The next morning rescuers found the master frozen to death face down in
the snow. The servant, however, they found alive trapped between the
ground and his master. Later he told his saviors that his master had
voluntarily laid over him so that he could live.
I hadn’t thought about that story in years until I thought about what Christ
did for us, for Jesus is the master who died for his servants. Only through
the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, do we survive and reach our goal.
He died so we can live.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
SABRINA
With four grandsons, superheroes are an obsession around our house. Courage seems to be the defining characteristic for superheros, whether leaping from tall buildings in a single bound, being faster than a speeding bullet, or having the powers of a genetically modified spider.
For most of us “non-superheros”, however, fear, more than courage defines us, allowing insecurity to seep in: we are not good enough, smart, funny or eloquent enough. If we're not careful, we can let the voices that accompany fear define us.
Looking through scriptures, however, we are reminded superheros are regular people, born of God, not technology. Noah, Moses, Joshua, David, Mary, to name a few, were ordinary people, called by God.
The truth is, we can easily let ourselves be defined by perceived inadaquacies. We are reminded in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” God can use each of us - if only we are willing. Sometimes to lead, sometimes to walk alongside. The question then, do we have the courage to become that regular ordinary Superhero in God’s plan?
With four grandsons, superheroes are an obsession around our house. Courage seems to be the defining characteristic for superheros, whether leaping from tall buildings in a single bound, being faster than a speeding bullet, or having the powers of a genetically modified spider.
For most of us “non-superheros”, however, fear, more than courage defines us, allowing insecurity to seep in: we are not good enough, smart, funny or eloquent enough. If we're not careful, we can let the voices that accompany fear define us.
Looking through scriptures, however, we are reminded superheros are regular people, born of God, not technology. Noah, Moses, Joshua, David, Mary, to name a few, were ordinary people, called by God.
The truth is, we can easily let ourselves be defined by perceived inadaquacies. We are reminded in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” God can use each of us - if only we are willing. Sometimes to lead, sometimes to walk alongside. The question then, do we have the courage to become that regular ordinary Superhero in God’s plan?
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Thursday, March 19, 2015
JIM
Once there were two women who couldn’t get along to save their lives. A huge ditch separated their husbands’ farms, and as their distaste for one another grew, so did the size of the barricades separating their lakefront homes. First it was well manicured shrubbery, then a rock garden, and finally an eight foot tall wooden fence was constructed to keep the other out.
In time, the women couldn’t even remember what had begun their argument, but the fences with their locked gates remained. Finally, the sons of the two families met at college and became friends, even going into business together. As their catfish farming venture grew, so did their need for convenient access to one another’s property. So they tore down the walls their mothers had built and used the wood to build a bridge that would allow easier access to the lakes and ponds on their property.
Confession does that for the soul. Confessed sin becomes the bridge that allows us to walk back into the presence of God. Is there a chasm between you and God? Is there a distance that seems insurmountable separating you from your Father? Are you keeping anything from Him? Tell God about it right now. Tear down the barricades and begin building a bridge back to Him today. You’ll be glad you did!
Once there were two women who couldn’t get along to save their lives. A huge ditch separated their husbands’ farms, and as their distaste for one another grew, so did the size of the barricades separating their lakefront homes. First it was well manicured shrubbery, then a rock garden, and finally an eight foot tall wooden fence was constructed to keep the other out.
In time, the women couldn’t even remember what had begun their argument, but the fences with their locked gates remained. Finally, the sons of the two families met at college and became friends, even going into business together. As their catfish farming venture grew, so did their need for convenient access to one another’s property. So they tore down the walls their mothers had built and used the wood to build a bridge that would allow easier access to the lakes and ponds on their property.
Confession does that for the soul. Confessed sin becomes the bridge that allows us to walk back into the presence of God. Is there a chasm between you and God? Is there a distance that seems insurmountable separating you from your Father? Are you keeping anything from Him? Tell God about it right now. Tear down the barricades and begin building a bridge back to Him today. You’ll be glad you did!
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
SUZANNE
I don’t know if you have ever been privileged to hear a live orchestra, but the experience is almost indescribable. When you think about the dozens of different instruments, and the hundreds of fingerings and techniques required for playing each of those instruments and the fact that it all happens at the same time to create something beautiful, it can be quite overwhelming. The process of tuning each individual instrument to the given pitch, played by an oboe, and each person playing with the right amount of breath blown through the horn or the right amount of tension placed on the strings all occurs to create a sound that is pleasing to the ear.
That tuning process creates a cacophony that until united, is merely noise. But there comes that moment when each individual sound begins to sound as one, and the melody begins. Each players’ instrument sounds in harmony with those in the section, and the sections then join together: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion all uniting to produce something beautiful.
Each individual person is a player in Gods orchestra. Just as the conductor waves his hands and the instruments follow, God directs our lives as part of His Master Orchestrated Plan. It is up to us as players to be in tune to His Music, creating something beautiful for His Glory.
For Central United Methodist Church, I am Suzanne Cain.
I don’t know if you have ever been privileged to hear a live orchestra, but the experience is almost indescribable. When you think about the dozens of different instruments, and the hundreds of fingerings and techniques required for playing each of those instruments and the fact that it all happens at the same time to create something beautiful, it can be quite overwhelming. The process of tuning each individual instrument to the given pitch, played by an oboe, and each person playing with the right amount of breath blown through the horn or the right amount of tension placed on the strings all occurs to create a sound that is pleasing to the ear.
That tuning process creates a cacophony that until united, is merely noise. But there comes that moment when each individual sound begins to sound as one, and the melody begins. Each players’ instrument sounds in harmony with those in the section, and the sections then join together: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion all uniting to produce something beautiful.
Each individual person is a player in Gods orchestra. Just as the conductor waves his hands and the instruments follow, God directs our lives as part of His Master Orchestrated Plan. It is up to us as players to be in tune to His Music, creating something beautiful for His Glory.
For Central United Methodist Church, I am Suzanne Cain.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
RAY
Good Morning! We can certainly express our love for someone by doing big things for our beloved, but faithfulness in doing the small things quickly adds up. The loyal husband of many years who still leaves love notes on his wife's pillow and comes home every evening to help her with the kids and household chores is as valued and appreciated as the one who dazzles his bride with expensive jewelry and presents.
This is especially true in our interactions with God. Not every Christian can do something stupendous for the Lord. There are very few people like Billy Graham, recognized for huge contributions to the faith; but plenty of us live for Jesus every day doing our little unnoticed pieces of obedience.
We can honor Jesus in what we do, no matter how insignificant it may seem, by doing it with all of our heart. God regards not the greatness of the work, but the love for him when we do even the smallest act of love or kindness.
Good Morning! We can certainly express our love for someone by doing big things for our beloved, but faithfulness in doing the small things quickly adds up. The loyal husband of many years who still leaves love notes on his wife's pillow and comes home every evening to help her with the kids and household chores is as valued and appreciated as the one who dazzles his bride with expensive jewelry and presents.
This is especially true in our interactions with God. Not every Christian can do something stupendous for the Lord. There are very few people like Billy Graham, recognized for huge contributions to the faith; but plenty of us live for Jesus every day doing our little unnoticed pieces of obedience.
We can honor Jesus in what we do, no matter how insignificant it may seem, by doing it with all of our heart. God regards not the greatness of the work, but the love for him when we do even the smallest act of love or kindness.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
JIM
I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:12
There are times in all of our lives when the one thing we want is the one thing we can’t seem to obtain: Whether it’s a job at Chick-fil-a, a date to homecoming, a new truck, or a clear map of our future. Any and all of these are things worth having, but for whatever reason, they might not quite fit into God’s plan for us at this time and place.
We pray and we pray but no word from God comes. We pray some more and wait and still it seems God doesn’t answer.
The question is, “What if God says no?” Or better yet what if the request is delayed or it seems like God isn’t even listening? How do we respond if God says, “I’ve given you my grace, and that is enough,” will we be content?
Content. That’s the word. A state of the heart where we are at peace even if God gives us nothing more than He already has. God has His reasons for saying no. Our job is, “being content in any and every situation” God’s grace is always enough. Remember God’s “No” is not a rejection, often it is a redirection.
I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” Philippians 4:12
There are times in all of our lives when the one thing we want is the one thing we can’t seem to obtain: Whether it’s a job at Chick-fil-a, a date to homecoming, a new truck, or a clear map of our future. Any and all of these are things worth having, but for whatever reason, they might not quite fit into God’s plan for us at this time and place.
We pray and we pray but no word from God comes. We pray some more and wait and still it seems God doesn’t answer.
The question is, “What if God says no?” Or better yet what if the request is delayed or it seems like God isn’t even listening? How do we respond if God says, “I’ve given you my grace, and that is enough,” will we be content?
Content. That’s the word. A state of the heart where we are at peace even if God gives us nothing more than He already has. God has His reasons for saying no. Our job is, “being content in any and every situation” God’s grace is always enough. Remember God’s “No” is not a rejection, often it is a redirection.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
RAY
As Christians we're not meant to be LESS human than other people, BUT
MORE HUMAN, just as
Jesus of Nazareth was more human.
This side of heaven, Christians don’t live perfectly, yet all Christians do
have a perfect standing before God, having received “the righteousness of
God through faith in Jesus Christ” (Romans 3:22). Our position in Christ,
however, does not always match our process of living like Christ. When a
saved saint acts less than saintly, those outside the church cry, “THE
CHURCH IS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES.”
Certainly, more often than should happen, Christians fail to live up to their
name. We never deny that we are still human and as such can sin like all
the rest of humanity. What makes us different is that we have the presence
of One in us who transforms us desire by desire, attitude by attitude, and
action by action. Through him we become more like Christ in our thoughts,
actions, and lives.
As Christians we're not meant to be LESS human than other people, BUT
MORE HUMAN, just as
Jesus of Nazareth was more human.
This side of heaven, Christians don’t live perfectly, yet all Christians do
have a perfect standing before God, having received “the righteousness of
God through faith in Jesus Christ” (Romans 3:22). Our position in Christ,
however, does not always match our process of living like Christ. When a
saved saint acts less than saintly, those outside the church cry, “THE
CHURCH IS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES.”
Certainly, more often than should happen, Christians fail to live up to their
name. We never deny that we are still human and as such can sin like all
the rest of humanity. What makes us different is that we have the presence
of One in us who transforms us desire by desire, attitude by attitude, and
action by action. Through him we become more like Christ in our thoughts,
actions, and lives.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
GLENDA
Good Morning: Can you believe it is March already? Where has the time
gone? I remember when I was young, time moved so slowly. Would
Christmas ever get here? Would my birthday ever get here? Would summer
ever get here? And now, as I grow older, time moves too fast.
We live in a busy “run here, run there” world and life gets crazy! We kind
of put God on the back burner and forget to do the important things that
God would have us do. When we start feeling the pressure and stress of this
busy, hectic world, that’s the time we need to slow down and turn to God.
Like David in Psalm 31:14, we need to say, “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say
“You are my God”. My times are in your hands.” Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: Can you believe it is March already? Where has the time
gone? I remember when I was young, time moved so slowly. Would
Christmas ever get here? Would my birthday ever get here? Would summer
ever get here? And now, as I grow older, time moves too fast.
We live in a busy “run here, run there” world and life gets crazy! We kind
of put God on the back burner and forget to do the important things that
God would have us do. When we start feeling the pressure and stress of this
busy, hectic world, that’s the time we need to slow down and turn to God.
Like David in Psalm 31:14, we need to say, “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say
“You are my God”. My times are in your hands.” Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
SABRINA
We have all been guilty of it at one time or another. You know - a little
commiserating, self pity, critical whining. This, however, can quickly
become toxic. Why? Because it makes things look worse than they are. It
becomes a Habit; You get what you focus on; It favors negative people; It
promotes bad relationships; It creates cliques.
Pessimism is bad for us. It is not good for our health, and does not make us
fun to be around. We are reminded of this in Philippians 2:14-16. “Do
EVERYTHING without complaining and arguing, so that no one can
criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like
bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” In simple
terms?? Let us be refraining from complaining - in EVERYTHING - not
when life is fair, when things are going our way - ALL the time.
When we look toward the positive, we will SHINE! People will WANT to
be around us, WANT what we have within. THAT is our opportunity to be
Christ to others, showing them the love that shines within! Go forth today,
positive, shining, and LOOKING for the good! Have a blessed day!
We have all been guilty of it at one time or another. You know - a little
commiserating, self pity, critical whining. This, however, can quickly
become toxic. Why? Because it makes things look worse than they are. It
becomes a Habit; You get what you focus on; It favors negative people; It
promotes bad relationships; It creates cliques.
Pessimism is bad for us. It is not good for our health, and does not make us
fun to be around. We are reminded of this in Philippians 2:14-16. “Do
EVERYTHING without complaining and arguing, so that no one can
criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like
bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” In simple
terms?? Let us be refraining from complaining - in EVERYTHING - not
when life is fair, when things are going our way - ALL the time.
When we look toward the positive, we will SHINE! People will WANT to
be around us, WANT what we have within. THAT is our opportunity to be
Christ to others, showing them the love that shines within! Go forth today,
positive, shining, and LOOKING for the good! Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
JIM CAIN
Once there were a couple of farmers who couldn’t get along with one
another. Though their homesteads were right next to one another there was
a wide ravine separating their properties. So great was their disdain for one
another that each farmer built a huge wooden fence on their property to
keep the other out.
In time however, the daughter of one met the son of another, and the kids
fell in love and got married. Determined not to be kept apart by the hatred
of their fathers, they tore down the walls and built a bridge over the ditch
separating them.
Confession does that. Confessed sin becomes the bridge that allows us to
walk back into the presence of the Lord. Is there a ditch in your relationship
with God? Are you keeping anything from him? Bad behavior? Bad
attitude? Dishonesty? Doubt? Tell God right now. Tear down the fences and
build a bridge right back to Him. He’s waiting for you with outstretched
arms!
Once there were a couple of farmers who couldn’t get along with one
another. Though their homesteads were right next to one another there was
a wide ravine separating their properties. So great was their disdain for one
another that each farmer built a huge wooden fence on their property to
keep the other out.
In time however, the daughter of one met the son of another, and the kids
fell in love and got married. Determined not to be kept apart by the hatred
of their fathers, they tore down the walls and built a bridge over the ditch
separating them.
Confession does that. Confessed sin becomes the bridge that allows us to
walk back into the presence of the Lord. Is there a ditch in your relationship
with God? Are you keeping anything from him? Bad behavior? Bad
attitude? Dishonesty? Doubt? Tell God right now. Tear down the fences and
build a bridge right back to Him. He’s waiting for you with outstretched
arms!
Monday, March 9, 2015
Monday, March 9, 2015
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist
Church. I am always amazed at the power of words. There is nothing like
having a bad day and someone sharing a positive encouraging word with
you. It changes the way that you see yourself and the situation that you face.
Likewise, there is nothing worse than someone using words to tear you
down and make you question your worth and self confidence.
It is true that nothing has the power like our words to build or tear down
others emotionally. I guess that is why in the book of James it says that the
tongue is a small piece of the body but it can do great damage. We need to
discipline our speech and to share words of encouragement and hope to one
another. If we do this then we will feel a greater piece in ourselves also.
Share a good word with someone today and see what happens. I hope you
will visit us at Central and live connected with us.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist
Church. I am always amazed at the power of words. There is nothing like
having a bad day and someone sharing a positive encouraging word with
you. It changes the way that you see yourself and the situation that you face.
Likewise, there is nothing worse than someone using words to tear you
down and make you question your worth and self confidence.
It is true that nothing has the power like our words to build or tear down
others emotionally. I guess that is why in the book of James it says that the
tongue is a small piece of the body but it can do great damage. We need to
discipline our speech and to share words of encouragement and hope to one
another. If we do this then we will feel a greater piece in ourselves also.
Share a good word with someone today and see what happens. I hope you
will visit us at Central and live connected with us.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
DENNIS
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Today is World Day of Prayer. The Bible is full of
reasons to pray and worship God. Psalm 100 says, "Shout to the Lord, all the
earth" (v1), calling the entire world to worship. However, it is obvious that
not everybody worships God, nor will they ever. Some will worship lesser
(false) gods, while others will deny His existence. So, how can the psalmist
demand the Whole Earth to shout to the Lord?
When Christians pray, we are not only offering prayers to God. We are also
offering prayers for those who cannot do it themselves. Scripture says that
through Jesus Christ, God has called "out of every tribe and tongue and
people and nation. And have made us kings and priests to our God.”
Therefore, He gives us knowledge of His mercy and truth. We also have the
ability to pray that all mankind will come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
So, the next time you pray consider the honor it is to come before the
Creator and Savior of the world. Then, sincerely offer up your praise and
prayers for those who cannot or do not for whatever their reason. God Bless!
Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United
Methodist Church. Today is World Day of Prayer. The Bible is full of
reasons to pray and worship God. Psalm 100 says, "Shout to the Lord, all the
earth" (v1), calling the entire world to worship. However, it is obvious that
not everybody worships God, nor will they ever. Some will worship lesser
(false) gods, while others will deny His existence. So, how can the psalmist
demand the Whole Earth to shout to the Lord?
When Christians pray, we are not only offering prayers to God. We are also
offering prayers for those who cannot do it themselves. Scripture says that
through Jesus Christ, God has called "out of every tribe and tongue and
people and nation. And have made us kings and priests to our God.”
Therefore, He gives us knowledge of His mercy and truth. We also have the
ability to pray that all mankind will come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
So, the next time you pray consider the honor it is to come before the
Creator and Savior of the world. Then, sincerely offer up your praise and
prayers for those who cannot or do not for whatever their reason. God Bless!
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
GLENDA
Good Morning: The Joy of the Lord is my strength. What does that mean?
To me, it means that our God is a joyful God. He wants the best for us. He
is joyful when we follow his commandments. He is joyful, when we are
successful. He is joyful, when we are happy. He is joyful when we show
love to one another. And, when we have the love of God in our hearts, we
are joyful. That joy in the Lord is what keeps us strong. That joy helps us to
face anything the world wants to throw at us. That joy makes us want to
live the life God intended for us. That joy helps us to get through grief,
sadness, or any kind of disappointments. When we have God on our side,
and we are joyful because of that, we are strong! I feel that joy every
day…..do you? Have a wonderful joy-filled day!
Good Morning: The Joy of the Lord is my strength. What does that mean?
To me, it means that our God is a joyful God. He wants the best for us. He
is joyful when we follow his commandments. He is joyful, when we are
successful. He is joyful, when we are happy. He is joyful when we show
love to one another. And, when we have the love of God in our hearts, we
are joyful. That joy in the Lord is what keeps us strong. That joy helps us to
face anything the world wants to throw at us. That joy makes us want to
live the life God intended for us. That joy helps us to get through grief,
sadness, or any kind of disappointments. When we have God on our side,
and we are joyful because of that, we are strong! I feel that joy every
day…..do you? Have a wonderful joy-filled day!
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Nehemiah’s countrymen, the Jews, were living in destitution. The once
powerful walls of Jerusalem were little more than scattered rubble, and her
great gates that once protected the people and welcomed their friends were
reduced to char & ash. This broke him, and he began praying earnestly for
God to work mightily on the Jew’s behalf. However, Nehemiah didn’t stop
there; rather, he started planning for the day when God would answer his
prayer.
Many of us wait for God to work and answer prayer, like Nehemiah, but
unlike him, we aren’t prepared for when he does. God uses that time of
waiting to prepare us, which he did with Nehemiah. Nehemiah served king
Xerxes as a cupbearer, a trusted position. The king, sensing his brokenness,
asked him, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick?” Nehemiah
didn’t retell the sad tale, but gave the king a well thought out solution.
Are we preparing for the day when God moves? Have we been praying for
God to move in our lives? Start planning today for your prayers to be
answered, and prepare yourself to humbly receive the answer God gives
you!
powerful walls of Jerusalem were little more than scattered rubble, and her
great gates that once protected the people and welcomed their friends were
reduced to char & ash. This broke him, and he began praying earnestly for
God to work mightily on the Jew’s behalf. However, Nehemiah didn’t stop
there; rather, he started planning for the day when God would answer his
prayer.
Many of us wait for God to work and answer prayer, like Nehemiah, but
unlike him, we aren’t prepared for when he does. God uses that time of
waiting to prepare us, which he did with Nehemiah. Nehemiah served king
Xerxes as a cupbearer, a trusted position. The king, sensing his brokenness,
asked him, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick?” Nehemiah
didn’t retell the sad tale, but gave the king a well thought out solution.
Are we preparing for the day when God moves? Have we been praying for
God to move in our lives? Start planning today for your prayers to be
answered, and prepare yourself to humbly receive the answer God gives
you!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015
SABRINA
Our three-year old grandson, Weston, gets excited, words come tumbling
out. His mind is going faster than the words can be pronounced, and there
are complete sentences that become like one long stutter - over and over,
while his little brain continues to process the thought vs. the words.
Did you know that we can think at 1300 words a minute, but our normal rate
of talking is only 120 words a minute? It is no wonder, how, in the middle
of the night, we can lay awake and suddenly jobs, finances, relationships,
can become this big dark hole of doom. Ten minutes of worry adds up to
13,000 negative, sad, angry, and discouraging words.
How do we fight these negative thoughts? Replace them by looking at your
blessings - we ALL have them. Thank God for being with you in your
difficult times - you are NOT alone. Let God speak to you through the
scriptures. Psalms is a wonderful place to start - Psalm 30:2, 34:18, 143:6-8.
Surround yourself with a caring community. If you do not have a church
home, I invite you to Central. Call us or visit our website - you will quickly
find your place within our family. Begin right now, in the next minute with
1300 POSTIVE words and have a blessed day!
Our three-year old grandson, Weston, gets excited, words come tumbling
out. His mind is going faster than the words can be pronounced, and there
are complete sentences that become like one long stutter - over and over,
while his little brain continues to process the thought vs. the words.
Did you know that we can think at 1300 words a minute, but our normal rate
of talking is only 120 words a minute? It is no wonder, how, in the middle
of the night, we can lay awake and suddenly jobs, finances, relationships,
can become this big dark hole of doom. Ten minutes of worry adds up to
13,000 negative, sad, angry, and discouraging words.
How do we fight these negative thoughts? Replace them by looking at your
blessings - we ALL have them. Thank God for being with you in your
difficult times - you are NOT alone. Let God speak to you through the
scriptures. Psalms is a wonderful place to start - Psalm 30:2, 34:18, 143:6-8.
Surround yourself with a caring community. If you do not have a church
home, I invite you to Central. Call us or visit our website - you will quickly
find your place within our family. Begin right now, in the next minute with
1300 POSTIVE words and have a blessed day!
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