BOB
He was called Basil the Great. Bishop of Caesarea in the fourth century; he was a
staunch defender of the idea of the Trinity. He stood his ground against all
opponents, even when the Emperor tried to exile him for his beliefs.
But, Basil may have been best known for his charity work. He built what many
consider to be the first hospital, a complex known as the Basiliad. It had room
for more than 300 patients. The poor could come and eat at a soup kitchen on the
grounds of the Basiliad.
The project was funded by wealthy ChristiansY including the very Emperor that
tried to exile Basil. The ruler disagreed with Basil on doctrine, but couldn't argue
with the things he saw Basil was doing.
The Archbishop of Constantinople, said about Basil: "His words were like
thunder because his life was like lightning."
Don't just talk about being a Christian; live like one! Live in such a way that you
won't have to tell people that you're a Christian; they'll be able to see it for
themselves.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
DENNIS
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever heard the saying, “Honesty is the best policy?” Most of us probably have been told that at one time or another. We all should want to be truthful, because we want others to tell us the truth. But, to be honest, telling the truth can be difficult at times.
There are all kinds of reasons why we sometime avoid being honest. For example: We don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. We just want people to like us. Or we don’t want to get into trouble.
Did you know that Jesus got into trouble for telling the truth? No matter how bad any situation was, Jesus was honest. More times than not it upset most people. However, no one could ever accuse him of lying. The reason he spoke the truth was not because he enjoyed hurting people’s feelings. But rather, it was because he loved them, even if it put his life in danger.
Jesus teaches us to always speak truth with love in mind. So, I challenge all of us today. When you are tempted to say something that is false to someone, think of the truth that Jesus spoke. And be strengthened to say what is true. God Bless!
Good morning everyone. I am Dennis Gossett with Central United Methodist Church. Have you ever heard the saying, “Honesty is the best policy?” Most of us probably have been told that at one time or another. We all should want to be truthful, because we want others to tell us the truth. But, to be honest, telling the truth can be difficult at times.
There are all kinds of reasons why we sometime avoid being honest. For example: We don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. We just want people to like us. Or we don’t want to get into trouble.
Did you know that Jesus got into trouble for telling the truth? No matter how bad any situation was, Jesus was honest. More times than not it upset most people. However, no one could ever accuse him of lying. The reason he spoke the truth was not because he enjoyed hurting people’s feelings. But rather, it was because he loved them, even if it put his life in danger.
Jesus teaches us to always speak truth with love in mind. So, I challenge all of us today. When you are tempted to say something that is false to someone, think of the truth that Jesus spoke. And be strengthened to say what is true. God Bless!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
GLENDA
Good Morning:
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” Here is a neat poem by Shirley Hile Powell based on that Bible verse: Let not your heart be troubled. Give your worries and cares to me. I am your Heavenly Father who suffered and died for thee. There are times throughout your earthly life when you are filled with doubts and fear. Always come to me in prayer and know that I am near. The love I have for you, dear child, can never be bought or measured. It's a gift I freely give to you. It is My most precious treasure. When sorrow or pain come your way and life seems to be unfair, Let not your heart be troubled....just come to me in prayer.
Have a wonderful day and Let not your heart be troubled.
Good Morning:
Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” Here is a neat poem by Shirley Hile Powell based on that Bible verse: Let not your heart be troubled. Give your worries and cares to me. I am your Heavenly Father who suffered and died for thee. There are times throughout your earthly life when you are filled with doubts and fear. Always come to me in prayer and know that I am near. The love I have for you, dear child, can never be bought or measured. It's a gift I freely give to you. It is My most precious treasure. When sorrow or pain come your way and life seems to be unfair, Let not your heart be troubled....just come to me in prayer.
Have a wonderful day and Let not your heart be troubled.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. As a parent, I often wonder what my children will be when they grow up. I want so hard for them to succeed in life and to love and be loved by others. However, I realize that I cannot deicide their lives for them, I can only guide them (as imperfectly as that is), in the hopes that they will make wise choices in life.
If you are a parent this morning, you need to know that God has allowed you to be in a very special position in the life of your child. They will observe the way that you speak, what you like to eat, and the things that you love most. That is why we are told in Scripture to lead them in the right path, so that when they are making choices for themselves they will choice wisely.
As a parent, you are leaving behind a legacy and it is through the life of your child. I pray that all of us would try much harder to guide them to a place of love, hope, and righteousness. If you feel the same as I, then visit us this Sunday at Central and begin your legacy with us.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning, Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. As a parent, I often wonder what my children will be when they grow up. I want so hard for them to succeed in life and to love and be loved by others. However, I realize that I cannot deicide their lives for them, I can only guide them (as imperfectly as that is), in the hopes that they will make wise choices in life.
If you are a parent this morning, you need to know that God has allowed you to be in a very special position in the life of your child. They will observe the way that you speak, what you like to eat, and the things that you love most. That is why we are told in Scripture to lead them in the right path, so that when they are making choices for themselves they will choice wisely.
As a parent, you are leaving behind a legacy and it is through the life of your child. I pray that all of us would try much harder to guide them to a place of love, hope, and righteousness. If you feel the same as I, then visit us this Sunday at Central and begin your legacy with us.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
SABRINA
This year, 2016, is a Presidential election year. We hear the debates, the
accusations, the counter-accusations. We are confused and disillusioned. We are
a nation divided.
Whether in November you are happy or disappointed in the outcome of the race,
we have a lot to be thankful for - we have people willing to serve our country,
we have over 200 years of peaceful transitions in power, when in many countries,
power shifts cause chaos and war.
We live in a country where we have the “right” to vote and with it our hopes for
a better tomorrow. Be reminded, though, as citizens of God’s kingdom, we have
a God at work in the world no matter who leads our country. A God who wants
health, peace and plenty for all the people of the world. We are part of
something much bigger than one nation; we are citizens of Heaven and we work
on behalf of a much greater cause.
Today and going forward, let’s remember to pray for our country, our leaders,
and all who work to make a better world, remembering Matthew 19:26, “With
man, it is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.”
This year, 2016, is a Presidential election year. We hear the debates, the
accusations, the counter-accusations. We are confused and disillusioned. We are
a nation divided.
Whether in November you are happy or disappointed in the outcome of the race,
we have a lot to be thankful for - we have people willing to serve our country,
we have over 200 years of peaceful transitions in power, when in many countries,
power shifts cause chaos and war.
We live in a country where we have the “right” to vote and with it our hopes for
a better tomorrow. Be reminded, though, as citizens of God’s kingdom, we have
a God at work in the world no matter who leads our country. A God who wants
health, peace and plenty for all the people of the world. We are part of
something much bigger than one nation; we are citizens of Heaven and we work
on behalf of a much greater cause.
Today and going forward, let’s remember to pray for our country, our leaders,
and all who work to make a better world, remembering Matthew 19:26, “With
man, it is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.”
Monday, February 22, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
JONATHAN
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central United
Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Do you ever want to ask God,
“Why?” Perhaps you were taught not to ask God such questions; especially if the
rest of the question is about why did something terrible happen. My question
for us this morning: Why would we not ask God these types of questions? Do
our questions show our lack of faith in God? Do these questions mean we don’t
believe? A mentor once told me: Maybe it’s faith seeking more faith.
Perhaps our questioning is actually God working in us; showing us that this
world is not right. Bad things happening all the time. Jesus asked God, “Why
have you forsaken me?” while he was on the cross. He was quoting Psalm 22. It’s
a question that might be similar to yours. God can handle our tough questions. I
encourage you to ask those tough questions to God, and I invite you to join your
local church or Central and ask these tough questions with others. My final
question for you: Why not?
Hi, I’m Jonathan Crabtree, Pastor for Student Ministry at Central United
Methodist Church in downtown Meridian. Do you ever want to ask God,
“Why?” Perhaps you were taught not to ask God such questions; especially if the
rest of the question is about why did something terrible happen. My question
for us this morning: Why would we not ask God these types of questions? Do
our questions show our lack of faith in God? Do these questions mean we don’t
believe? A mentor once told me: Maybe it’s faith seeking more faith.
Perhaps our questioning is actually God working in us; showing us that this
world is not right. Bad things happening all the time. Jesus asked God, “Why
have you forsaken me?” while he was on the cross. He was quoting Psalm 22. It’s
a question that might be similar to yours. God can handle our tough questions. I
encourage you to ask those tough questions to God, and I invite you to join your
local church or Central and ask these tough questions with others. My final
question for you: Why not?
Friday, February 19, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
BOB
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community
here in Meridian. It is painful to realize but; somewhere through the centuries,
an idea has gained currency that says we can be Christians in the same way most
people are Democrats and Republicans, Rotarians, and Lions Club members. We
show up for meetings, pay our dues, and wear the insignia.
For the most part, however, it is acceptable to be "just like everybody else.@
We're devout Christians on Sunday, but we curse or cheat or tell racist jokes the
other six and a half days of the week.
We have so institutionalized the Christian faith that church membership has
come to count for conversion. It isn't just Vito Corleone of "Godfather@ fame
who could live as a criminal so long as he attended Mass and gave gifts to his
church.
How about you? Does your relationship with Christ influence anything other
than your Sunday mornings?
Good morning. This is Bob Peden of Central, a United Methodist Community
here in Meridian. It is painful to realize but; somewhere through the centuries,
an idea has gained currency that says we can be Christians in the same way most
people are Democrats and Republicans, Rotarians, and Lions Club members. We
show up for meetings, pay our dues, and wear the insignia.
For the most part, however, it is acceptable to be "just like everybody else.@
We're devout Christians on Sunday, but we curse or cheat or tell racist jokes the
other six and a half days of the week.
We have so institutionalized the Christian faith that church membership has
come to count for conversion. It isn't just Vito Corleone of "Godfather@ fame
who could live as a criminal so long as he attended Mass and gave gifts to his
church.
How about you? Does your relationship with Christ influence anything other
than your Sunday mornings?
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