JONATHAN
Hello, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministries at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. Forgiveness. It’s almost like a legal transaction. Someone breaks a code of conduct, law, or covenant, and someone else recognizes it. Forgiveness is the removal of the debt owed to pay the price of breaking the law. People hurt others, and yet, somehow we are asked to forgive. The one who owes debt may carry shame and guilt, and the person who can forgive has the power to remove that shame and guilt.
Humanity carried the weight of shame and guilt to the point of destruction. Jesus destroyed the power of guilt and shame by carrying it on the cross. Therefore, we have been forgiven. We have been freed of the debt owed to God because of God’s love for us. This freedom should elicit a response of gratitude. If you’re carrying the weight of guilt and shame, receive the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, live in the freedom of gratitude and show this same forgiveness to others who may have wronged you.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Thursday, September 8, 2016
SABRINA
We all have done it - What often starts out as an opportunity to serve and help others, becomes so bogged down in the details and desire that things go off without error that the original outreach intent is lost.
Many times it is in the call of doing something to allow others to see God in you or the work of God in the name of the church! Before you know it, human nature gets in the way and has overtaken our intent. I often remind CHILDREN that we are called to be the hands, feet, eyes, ears, and mouth of God in human form here on earth.
It is a reminder for each of us, whether in the workplace, home or church. If God is the focus of our work here on earth, we don’t have to control the situations. Let God handle that! And let us never be so busy with the WORK of the church, that we forget the LORD of it. We don’t have to be perfect in our work, we just have to be willing servants! Have a blessed day!
We all have done it - What often starts out as an opportunity to serve and help others, becomes so bogged down in the details and desire that things go off without error that the original outreach intent is lost.
Many times it is in the call of doing something to allow others to see God in you or the work of God in the name of the church! Before you know it, human nature gets in the way and has overtaken our intent. I often remind CHILDREN that we are called to be the hands, feet, eyes, ears, and mouth of God in human form here on earth.
It is a reminder for each of us, whether in the workplace, home or church. If God is the focus of our work here on earth, we don’t have to control the situations. Let God handle that! And let us never be so busy with the WORK of the church, that we forget the LORD of it. We don’t have to be perfect in our work, we just have to be willing servants! Have a blessed day!
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
TIM
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
In this world, there is a constant battle between good and evil. Within ourselves, that same battle occurs. We have to decide every day whether to do the right thing or the wrong thing.
The war inside is not an easy one to fight, and it may feel like the side of evil is winning.
I want to encourage you to keep fighting! While there may be a struggle to make the right choice, there is something worse. There could be no battle happening at all. So, if you feel there is a fight for right and wrong happening within, then praise be to God! You could be surrendering to the side of evil, but you are fighting! As long as you will remain in Him, the battle will continue and the Spirit will fight for and with you.
When the battle between good and evil is raging war inside you, don’t back down and don’t wave the white flag! Keep fighting. Focus on the spirit and fight the battle!
Good morning. I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central.
In this world, there is a constant battle between good and evil. Within ourselves, that same battle occurs. We have to decide every day whether to do the right thing or the wrong thing.
The war inside is not an easy one to fight, and it may feel like the side of evil is winning.
I want to encourage you to keep fighting! While there may be a struggle to make the right choice, there is something worse. There could be no battle happening at all. So, if you feel there is a fight for right and wrong happening within, then praise be to God! You could be surrendering to the side of evil, but you are fighting! As long as you will remain in Him, the battle will continue and the Spirit will fight for and with you.
When the battle between good and evil is raging war inside you, don’t back down and don’t wave the white flag! Keep fighting. Focus on the spirit and fight the battle!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. It is important to know what we believe and what we believe in. The reason belief is so important is due to the fact that what a person believes determines how they live. You see, 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. It is important to know what we believe and what we believe in. The reason belief is so important is due to the fact that what a person believes determines how they live. You see, 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.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Monday, September 5, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. How is your faith this morning? Is it strong, shaky, or non-existent? Perhaps today we all can be encourage as we are reminded that God really does exist, and he is continuing to heal, teach, and guide. All he wants us to do is make time and a place to be with him, so that he can have our undivided attention.
Jesus teaches that we should “go into our private room and with the door shut, pray to our Father.” Making special time and space for God give us hope when the world tells us there is none. The world tells us that we are doomed by terror. But in our time with God, we become aware of his power, grace, mercy, and love.
Life without this kind of time can easily become destructive. It becomes possessive and defensive; it looks on with contempt to our fellow human beings. It keeps everyone at a distance. You see, God’s voice can break down all of those things that keeps us up at night and give us ulcers. So, how is your faith in God? I pray that it will grow stronger daily and you will draw closer to God who loves you. Have a blessed day.
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. How is your faith this morning? Is it strong, shaky, or non-existent? Perhaps today we all can be encourage as we are reminded that God really does exist, and he is continuing to heal, teach, and guide. All he wants us to do is make time and a place to be with him, so that he can have our undivided attention.
Jesus teaches that we should “go into our private room and with the door shut, pray to our Father.” Making special time and space for God give us hope when the world tells us there is none. The world tells us that we are doomed by terror. But in our time with God, we become aware of his power, grace, mercy, and love.
Life without this kind of time can easily become destructive. It becomes possessive and defensive; it looks on with contempt to our fellow human beings. It keeps everyone at a distance. You see, God’s voice can break down all of those things that keeps us up at night and give us ulcers. So, how is your faith in God? I pray that it will grow stronger daily and you will draw closer to God who loves you. Have a blessed day.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Friday, September 2, 2016
KRISTINA
Good Morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree, Minister of Spiritual Formation at Central United Methodist Church. What do you think of when I say “the call of God”? What does it mean to have a call? Do I have a call? Do only certain people have a calling in life?
These are the many questions that automatically rise up within us when we think about the call of God on our lives. First, we are all created in the image of God so in a sense we all have the same calling to bear his image into the world but at the same time God has made us all unique in that he lives through us through our callings.
The call of God is not a reflection of our own nature or our own personal desires. If we dwell on our own qualities and traits and think about what we are or are not suited for, we will miss the call of God on our lives. I don’t want you to miss God’s call in your life. God loves you and wants to live through you to this hurting world. Now go, live, as God has made you. Have a great day!
Good Morning! My name is Kristina Crabtree, Minister of Spiritual Formation at Central United Methodist Church. What do you think of when I say “the call of God”? What does it mean to have a call? Do I have a call? Do only certain people have a calling in life?
These are the many questions that automatically rise up within us when we think about the call of God on our lives. First, we are all created in the image of God so in a sense we all have the same calling to bear his image into the world but at the same time God has made us all unique in that he lives through us through our callings.
The call of God is not a reflection of our own nature or our own personal desires. If we dwell on our own qualities and traits and think about what we are or are not suited for, we will miss the call of God on our lives. I don’t want you to miss God’s call in your life. God loves you and wants to live through you to this hurting world. Now go, live, as God has made you. Have a great day!
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Thursday, September 1, 2016
JONATHAN
Hello, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministries at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. What comes to mind when I say, “perseverance”? I think perseverance is similar to running a race. It’s takes conditioning, practice, nutrients, and encouragement. A runner, or athlete, has to practice their sport, take in the right nutrients for strength, and even receive encouragement from teammates and coaches. As followers of Jesus Christ, we do the same thing. Hebrews says to run the race with endurance…or perseverance. We do all of these things because we desire what God desires…holiness. As the athlete trains, the athlete becomes better at his or her sport.
As we grow as followers of Jesus, we practice our actions of love, we read and pray for nutrients, and we worship God together for encouragement. We do this because we desire to love as God loves us. Let’s be honest, this takes a while, but God is continuing to work in and through us as though He is persevering, too.
Hello, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor of Student Ministries at Central – a United Methodist Community in downtown Meridian. What comes to mind when I say, “perseverance”? I think perseverance is similar to running a race. It’s takes conditioning, practice, nutrients, and encouragement. A runner, or athlete, has to practice their sport, take in the right nutrients for strength, and even receive encouragement from teammates and coaches. As followers of Jesus Christ, we do the same thing. Hebrews says to run the race with endurance…or perseverance. We do all of these things because we desire what God desires…holiness. As the athlete trains, the athlete becomes better at his or her sport.
As we grow as followers of Jesus, we practice our actions of love, we read and pray for nutrients, and we worship God together for encouragement. We do this because we desire to love as God loves us. Let’s be honest, this takes a while, but God is continuing to work in and through us as though He is persevering, too.
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