Author: Meridian_Messages

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Simply Essential 02: A Place to Belong

As you listen to the podcast you can follow along at you versions events here or follow along below.

Mark 3:13 ESV

13 And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.

Mark 3:14 ESV

14 And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach

Peter, James, and John were with Jesus when:
Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter (Mk. 5:37, Lk. 8:51), Jesus was transfigured (Mt. 17:1, Mk. 9:2, Lk. 9:28), Jesus prayed in the Garden (Mt. 26:37, Mk. 14:33).
1 Corinthians 15:8
and last of all he appeared to me (Paul) also…
Acts 26:16 NIV

16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.

Romans 1:6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Matthew 18:20 ESV

20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Meridian Church of God

We worship together, work together, and live life together right here in your community.  We’re just average people working to raise our families, make ends meet, and continue growing our walk with Jesus.  We like to have new faces in our congregation, and hope to see those new faces come back again and again.  Our church doors are open to you.

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Simply Essential 01: Warm

As you listen to the podcast you can follow along at you versions events here or follow along below.

Sometimes ideas that seem so promising don’t turn out as we hope. Imagine if there is a simple way to a better life…

John 16:33 In this world, you will have trouble.

Matthew 6:34 Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes,for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

 

Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream,and does not fear when heat comes,for its leaves remain green,and is not anxious in the year of drought,for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

 

John 13:34-35  A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know you are my disciples if you love one another.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

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Freedom

B – Belief T – Thoughts E – Emotions A – Actions

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B-TEA

B – Belief
T – Thoughts
E – Emotions
A – Actions

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,  and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   Isaiah 9:6 NIV

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.”   Isaiah 9:2-4 NIV

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1 NIV

“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT

“…but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

When we know God, our beliefs align with the Truth.
Our thoughts are pure and create emotions that resemble: peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
When we operate out of these emotions, our actions come a place of wholeness instead of striving. And we, Church, walk in freedom.

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Making Memories 04: Heirlooms

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Luke 2:1-6 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:15-16 the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger.

Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

 

Luke 2:48 And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so?  Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”

Luke 2:49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me?  Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Luke 2:50-51 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.  And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in heart.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Presence is the present.
Let’s have present hearts.
Let’s seek to be present over perfect.
Let’s treasure what matters.
Let’s love.

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Making Memories 03: Comfort and Joy

Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. This message looks at how the “good news of great joy for all the people” in Luke’s Christmas story meshes with the dark aspects of Matthew’s Christmas story.

As you listen to the podcast you can follow along at you versions events here or follow along below.

Top 10 things people don’t like about Christmas

10. Cold weather
9. Over-commercialization
8. Awkward encounters with eccentric relatives
7. Excessive weight gain
6. Hearing songs like “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Holly Jolly Christmas”, & “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” over and over.
5. When kids don’t get what they want and throw a temper tantrum.
4. When adults don’t get what they want and throw a temper tantrum.
3. The pressure of trying to find the right gifts and wondering if you have enough money to buy them.
2. Over-crowded stores with long lines and irritable people.
1. The overall let down of unmet expectations.

Luke 1:14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Luke 1:44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Luke 1:46 “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”.

Luke 1:58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

Luke 2:10 “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

Matthew 2:10 When they (the wise men) saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

Matthew 2:16-18 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.” Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted,  because they are no more.”

“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

John Ortberg on the Strange arithmetic of sharing experiences:
When we share joy, it increases.
When we share pain, it decreases.

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

 

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

 

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Making Memories 02: Demotions

Life has a tendency to go differently than we expect, and it can be frustrating or disappointing for us when our expectations are not met. This message looks at how it is possible to be at peace when things are getting worse instead of better.

As you listen to the podcast you can follow along at you versions events here or follow along below.

   

Luke 1:26-27 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth…

Luke 1:26-27 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God … to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.  And the virgin’s name was Mary.

Luke 1:28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”

Zechariah 4:10 Do not despise these small beginnings.
(New Living Translation)

Luke 1:29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

Luke 1:11-12 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.  And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him and fear fell upon him.

Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

Luke 1:30-34 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;

Luke 1:35-37 therefore the child to be born will be called holy-the Son of God.
And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.  For nothing is impossible with God.”

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Luke 1:52 he (God) has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.

Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Demotion is the way to promotion.
Surrender is the way to freedom.
Less is the way to more.
Giving is the way to receiving.
Losing is the way to winning.
Dying is the way to living.

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Making Memories 01: Discovering Christmas

You have probably made a few discoveries over Christmases past that are now good memories. This message looks into how we can overcome potential disturbances and distractions that keep us from making good memories over the holiday season.

As you listen to the podcast you can follow along at you versions events here or follow along below.

Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?  We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:3  When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:4-6 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, (Herod) inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people.”

Matthew 2:11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.  Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 4:19 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Matthew 7:7 seek and you will find.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me.  When you seek me with all your heart.

Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

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Thankful Hearts

It’s the time of year we are we look at being thankful. Today we discuss having “Thankful Hearts”.

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Become people that are known more for what they stand For than what they stand against.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 22: 37-39 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.

What I stand for is love

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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Better Ending 03: Search For Meaning

Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? This message looks for meaning in the trials of life.

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Psalm 105:17-19 God sent a man (Joseph) ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:12-14 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trail, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 

Hebrews 12:11  For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 

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A Better Ending 02: Even If

If God is good and all-powerful, why do bad things happen to good people? This question takes a look at a couple of stories that speak into the question that never seems to go away.

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Hebrew 11:35-37 Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.  Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword.  and even chains and imprisonment.  They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—

“When you take a step of faith.  Your faith is not in the outcome you want.  It’s in the faithfulness of God.” -Craig Groeshel.”

“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.”
-Orson Welles

Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Daniel 3:17-18
But even if He does not,

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

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