Monday, July 16, 2018

BOB Good morning! This is Bob Peden of Central a United Methodist Community here in Meridian, Mississippi. In the 7th Chapter of Matthew: “Jesus told the crowds, ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.’” Have you heard from any false prophets lately? I am sure you can name a few. It is pretty easy to spot the false prophets in this world who are spouting off and saying things with which we disagree. But those are not the false prophet Jesus warns us about. No, the ones in sheep’s clothing who come like ravenous wolves are the ones who tell us what we want to hear. Those who call to our baser desires. Those who appeal to the lowest common denominator. So, how do you know which prophets are false? Stay in touch with the voice of Jesus Christ. Hear Him as he calls for us to be in unity with the least ones of this world. Hear Him as he calls to us in the cry of the needy, the forgotten, and the downtrodden. The true prophet calls us to deny ourselves and to follow him where we do not wish to go. False prophets are among us like ravenous wolves.

Friday, July 13, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Psalm 105:5 says “Remember His marvelous works which He has done.” On July 3, 1776, following the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams reflected on that important day. The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forever. You will think I’m transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even though we [may regret] it, which I trust in God we shall not. Today, let us celebrate the freedom God has authored for us.

Friday, July 13, 2018

BENJI Good morning! I’m Benji Riddle – Youth Director at Central United Methodist. With this time of year, there is a buzz in the air about celebrations and freedom and celebrations of freedom. We are right in the middle of summer, and the kids feel like school will never start and are feeling free, while parents see school supplies in the stores and celebrate! Yet, while we celebrate our freedom, I invite you to advocate for those who do not have the freedoms that you do and do not have the reasons that you do to celebrate. Support with your finances, prayers, and time by working with organizations that help with disadvantaged youth, the incarcerated, or people dealing with addiction. Reach out and share the love of God and you will see true freedom. If you are seeking a reason to celebrate and see true freedom, I invite you to join us at Central, at either 830, 945, or 1055, and see that life is better connected.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

TIM Good morning, I’m Tim Wise, Clergy for Senior Adults Ministry and Choir Director at Central. Matthew 7:13-14 says: Enter by the narrow gate. The gate that leads to destruction is wide and the way is easy. Those who enter through it are many. The gate that leads to life is narrow and the way is hard, and those who find it are few. Life is a journey with many paths. The difficult way is pleasing. It’s filled with things that we think are good for us, however, in the end it delivers nothing of lasting value. The other direction is narrow. It has a small entrance, because there is only one way to be reconciled to God—through faith in Christ. Traveling on this path requires a commitment to the Savior and a lifestyle of dependence, sacrifice, and trust. Reflect on whose path you are ultimately following. Is it the world’s path or is it God’s path for you? Each of us must choose which path to take: the wide one that ends in nothing of value or the narrow one leading to life everlasting. I pray you find yourself on the narrow path that leads to the loving arms of Jesus.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

GLENDA Good Morning: While walking through the forest one day, a farmer found a young eagle who had fallen out of his nest. He took it home and put it in the barnyard with his chickens. It wasn't long before the young eagle had learned to eat and behave like the chickens. Finally, the farmer realized the eagle did not know how to fly. He lifted him toward the sky and let him go. He just hopped back down to his chicken friends and began to eat with them. The farmer took him to the roof of the house and again tried to get him to fly, but once again, he jumped down to his chicken friends. Finally, the farmer took him to the top of a high mountain. The eagle looked around, back towards the barnyard and then up to the sky. Slowly, he stretched his wings and soared just as he was meant to do. That's God's plan for us. Don't be like everyone else. Don't do the things everyone else does. Don't be just another chicken. Discover God's plan for you and fly! Have a wonderful day.

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

JOHN Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of Central United Methodist Church. Psalm 32:10, 11 says, “The LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” Every day, little changes in schedule or small irritations occur. Every day we can choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God lovingly ordained them as small irritants to help us look to and rely on Him. For example, we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting in traffic as an opportunity to pray. We can complain, or we can rejoice. May we allow the knowledge that we are continually surrounded by God’s unfailing love to permeate our lives and chase away our complaints and fears. May this knowledge transform the way we experience life and offer love.

Monday, July 9, 2018

BOB This is Bob Peden of Central, A United Methodist Community in Downtown Meridian. I have come to realize that Jesus never intended his followers to try to live their life of faith in isolation. He sent his disciples out two-by-two on their missionary journeys. He often used inclusive family terms to speak about their life of faith ("our Father," "your brother"). This emphasis on community and family is carried over in the rest of the New Testament as we hear about house churches and our need to be there for each other. The "one another passages" of the New Testament arise out of this background — a recognition that we need each other to walk the Christian talk. We can't do it by ourselves, and we were never intended to try to do it by ourselves. It takes a community to live and walk faithfully in the service of Jesus Christ.