Friday, May 18, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. James 4:3 diagnoses one of the most insidious problems which always undermines and often devastates our prayer lives. The problem we’re told is a kind of selfish praying that eventually reshapes our prayer lists, turning our communication with God into little more than a personal “wish list” aimed at a less painful and a more enjoyable existence. As James boldly warns, it is that kind of praying, which God will purposefully choose to ignore. Such requests are a reflection of a kind of immature Christianity which wrongly sees life’s goal as happiness and not holiness; amusement and not ministry. God loves to answer our prayers, but he takes no pleasure in selfishness and greed. So, guard your prayer list from being overrun by selfish desires. Be sure to ask him for those things which will bring God glory and will make your life more useful for his cause. I invite you to connect with us at Central this Sunday.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

DENNIS Good Morning. I’m Dennis Gossett, with Central United Methodist Church. The Bible teaches that the light of Christ frees us. But have you ever wondered what we are freed from? First of all, it frees us from the fear of death. We are not talking about being scared of the process. It means knowing and being secured in what comes next. There was an ancient belief in a place of utter and complete silence called Sheol. It was the place where people went when they died. Hebrew maintained that when the Messiah comes he will rescue folks from Sheol. Jesus told a man named Nicodemus that he was in fact the long-awaited Messiah who has come to set the captives of utter silence free. Are you in a place of complete silence where you cannot hear God and you fear what is coming next? Let me assure you that Jesus has come to free us from the darkness of death. He came to tell us there is a purpose for all of this – the earth, life, and all that it contains. Listen to these words, “whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.” If you would like to be set free today, then put your trust in the one who saves, our Lord Jesus Christ. Have a very freeing day. God Bless.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

TIM Good morning I’m Tim Wise, Sanctuary Choir Director at Central. The number one enemy of Christianity today is religion. The same thing has been true from the beginning. Jesus did not offend sinners – he offended the religious men of his day. So how can you distinguish religion from authentic faith in Christ? First, religion loves ritual. Religion delights in the status quo. Change makes it uncomfortable. Religion is a commitment to a system of beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Second, religion responds to challenge with intimidation. Challenge religion, and it will attempt to intimidate you into submission. What does an attorney do when he suspects that truth may not be on his side? He buys time, attacks procedure and assassinates character. Religion is defended the same way. What about Christianity? Well, Christianity loves the truth. Aristotle defined the truth as “saying of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not.” In other words, truth has a standard, and is not relative. Also, Christianity responds to challenge with boldness. Why? Because knowing the truth and embracing it gives us courage. Don’t be afraid when your faith is challenged by religion. When this happens, the stage is set for a blessing, not defeat.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

SABRINA In teaching children of God’s love and plan for their lives, I always remind them that we are as much a part of God’s story, as Abraham, Moses, Daniel, David – we, as adults, often forget that! Henri Nouwen once wrote, “We seldom realize fully that we are sent to fulfill God-given tasks. We act as if we were simply dropped down in creation and have to decide to entertain ourselves until we die. But we were sent into the world by God, just as Jesus was. Once we start living our lives with that conviction, we will soon know what we were sent to do.” How different would our lives be if, each morning, we looked in the mirror and asked, “God, what would you have me to do today?” We each have a story, a call; a cause that is part of God’s plan for our lives and for the lives of those we touch. A plan that has been since the beginning of time. When we walk alongside those walking the paths that we have walked, we are indeed the hands and feet of Jesus – a part of God’s great story. It IS our greatest purpose in life. Go today, blessed by God, loved by God, and in service to God.

Monday, May 14, 2018

BENJI Be encouraged by these selected Sunday preaching notes allegedly from the diary of John Wesley. . . Morning, May 5 Preached in St. Anne's. Was asked not to come back anymore. Evening, May 5 Preached in St. John's. Deacons said, "Get out and stay out." Morning, May 12 Preached in St. Jude's. Can't go back there, either. Morning, May 19 Preached in St. Somebody Else's. Deacons called a special meeting and said I couldn't return. Evening, May 19 Preached on street. Kicked off the street. Morning, May 26 Preached in a meadow. Chased out of meadow as a bull was turned loose during service. Morning, June 2 Preached out at the edge of town. Kicked off the highway. Evening, June 2 Preached in a pasture. Ten thousand people came out to hear me. Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. Let God guide and direct you and be the source of your peace.

Friday, May 11. 2018

SABRINA Jesus entire time on this earth was a lesson for us in humility. He spent His time on earth among the poor, the needy, and the outcasts. Matthew 9 gives us insight into what Jesus cared about – the healing of the masses, both physically and spiritually. Jesus saw the multitude as sheep that were not being led, not those to stand in judgment of. The same is true today. Many, beaten down by the world and physical problems, do not have the spiritual knowledge that there is hope. For Christians, it is OUR job to show love and hope. To reach out to those in need, different than us. If today you are in a place where you feel alone and forgotten, there IS hope, there IS peace. It is found in a God who loves you beyond measure. Perfection is not a requirement for His love. If you are looking for a place to either FIND love and acceptance or to find a way to EXTEND Christ’s love, I invite you to Central where you will not find perfection but community that strives to be the hands and feet of Jesus, all while experiencing a love and grace that only God can give. Have a blessed day.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

BOB Good Morning! This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community here in Meridian. Henry Ware, Jr. wrote the words to "Happy the Home When God is There." As we approach Mother's Day this Sunday, we would be wise to think about the words of this great hymn. Is God in my home? Does love fill everyone there? Is prayer often heard in my home? Do we love the sacred Word of God? Is Jesus' name music to every ear? Is praise for God and for one another the most likely sound to be heard? Are we united in the love of God? If you would like to know more about this God who can help to make your home a happy one, I would invite you to Central United Methodist Church. We worship at 8:30, 9:45, and 10:55 each Sunday morning. Everyone is welcome!