Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thursday, November 27, 2014

JOHN

Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

Let me begin first by wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you in the

Meridian area. Today, many will gather with family and friends and

celebrate this holiday with plenty of food and laughter. We may even have a

little nostalgia today as we remember past Thanksgivings and the

wonderful memories that we have of the people and places that made it so

special. However, the true purpose of this holiday is for us to stop and give

thanks to our God for all the blessings that he has given unto us.

We have been blessed beyond measure, and I hope we are able to see all that

God has given us. I do hope that this year we will not hoard these blessing

for ourselves. We should share with others that have less than us. Let us

share a meal, a prayer, and a good word to those in need. We are commanded

to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. I invite you to come live a life

that is thankful with us at Central.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

BOB

Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist

Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. As Christians we are quick to

talk about the Kingdom of God or our Lord Jesus Christ. But as American

citizens we have very little experience of living in a Kingdom or under the

lordship of a ruler. God in his gracious love has given us the freedom to

choose whether we will live in his kingdom or not. And we make that

choice each and every day of our lives. And our choice today will reflect our

choice for eternity.  Unfortunately many of us would really like to have it

both ways. We would like to live for ourselves today and for the Lord in

eternity. But it does not really work that way. Choose today, whom you will

serve. I choose to live today in and for the Kingdom of God.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Tuesday, November25, 2014

GLENDA

Good Morning:

Thanksgiving Day will soon be here. For most of us, Thanksgiving is all

about food, family, and fun. Often, we get so caught up in the food and

family that we forget about God. Although, we should be thanking God

every day for all our many blessings, we forget.

Thanksgiving reminds us that we need to stop and give thanks. All of us, no

matter our situation, have things for which we are thankful. Psalm 62:1 tells

us "It is good to give thanks to the Lord." Psalm 100:4 says to come into His

presence with Thanksgiving. There are many verses in the Bible that tell us

to be thankful and to thank God. Count your blessings. Take the time to say,

Thank you, God. And then remember to thank God for something every

single day, not just on Thanksgiving. God, our Heavenly Father, loves to

hear from His children. Have a wonderful day!

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014

RAY

Good Morning!

Some Christians mistakenly think they have to be "perfect" before they can

come to Jesus! They believe they must stop sinning, before Jesus could

possibly love them. Stop smoking, drinking, cheating, lying, etc ... But the

truth is: we are all sinners and one sin is no different than another. If we

waited till we were "perfect" to come to Jesus . . . no one would ever get

there, because no one is perfect! 

Jesus accepts us with open arms! He doesn't wrinkle up His nose with

disgust at our stench! No! Instead, He covers us with His robe of

righteousness! Jesus LOVES the sinner, but hates the sin! In fact, He loves

each one of us so much that He gave His life for us! He has already paid the

price!  He is calling out to all His children,
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you

rest!"  Won't you come to Jesus today?

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

JIM CAIN

Good Morning!

Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people

of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We

remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the

melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried

up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Numbers 11:4-6

There are few things in life more repulsive than ungratefulness. Whether

it’s a spoiled child screaming for more or an adult who is unappreciative of

another’s giving – ungratefulness is ugly! Remember God’s provision of

manna for the Israelites in the wilderness? This food appeared every

morning, except on the Sabbath, enough to feed the nation. If the Lord had

not produced the manna, people would have starved.

Oddly enough, the people weren’t thankful. They bemoaned that the “fish

they ate in Egypt cost nothing”-nothing but their freedom.

Gratefulness should abound when we witness God’s provision in our lives.

Next time you are compelled to complain about something, like your job,

family, or anything in between, look at it in the light of God’s provision.

Don’t complain about your manna!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

BOB

Good morning this is Bob Peden of Central - A United Methodist

Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. As Christians we are quick to

talk about the Kingdom of God or our Lord Jesus Christ. But as American

citizens we have very little experience of living in a Kingdom or under the

lordship of a ruler. God in his gracious love has given us the freedom to

choose whether we will live in his kingdom or not. And we make that

choice each and every day of our lives. And our choice today will reflect our

choice for eternity.  Unfortunately many of us would really like to have it

both ways. We would like to live for ourselves today and for the Lord in

eternity. But it does not really work that way. Choose today, whom you will

serve. I choose to live today in and for the Kingdom of God.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Monday, November 17, 2014

DENNIS

Good Morning. I am Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor of Central United

Methodist Church.

In the bible, Jesus tells the story of 10 young bridesmaids waiting on the

groom to return home with his bride. Five of them were prepared to greet

the new couple, but the others were not. These five did not take enough oil

to keep their lamps lit during the delayed return of the groom. So, they had

to leave in search for more. But, when they returned, it was too late.

In our fast-pace world, we tend to overlook the necessary things in life,

while focusing on the less important. Jesus warns us to not become

negligent in our walk of faith.

One commentator said, “We can ensure that our lamp is always full of oil by

living humbly, being a comfort to others, being merciful, seeking justice

and insisting on peace.”

Do you see areas in your life where you have been negligent? What can you

do this day to ensure your lamp is full of oil?

Central wants to help you in your walk of faith. I invite you to come and be

a part of our community. Worship times are 8:30, 9:45, and 10:55. See you

Sunday. God Bless.