Meridian Messages

December 17, 2017December 17, 2017

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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December 10, 2017December 13, 2017

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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December 3, 2017December 4, 2017

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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November 26, 2017November 27, 2017

Thankful Hearts

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

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

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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November 19, 2017November 19, 2017

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.

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

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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November 12, 2017November 12, 2017

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.

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

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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November 5, 2017November 6, 2017

A Better Ending 01: Deeper

You have probably wondered something like, “Where was God when…(something painful happened)?” What if when we feel wounded and alone, we are closer to being less alone than we ever thought possible.

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

“Yeah, things are bad every place.” – Spanky

Genesis 37:18-20 They saw (Joseph) coming, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. They said to one another…”Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him…”

Genesis 37:24 And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty, and there was no water in it.

1 Kings 19:3 he was afraid…

1 Kings 19:4 And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough: now O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

1 Kings 19:10 I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.

Isaiah 53:3-5 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

1 Kings 19:12
And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.

1 Kings 19:18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Corrie ten boom – “However deep the pit, God’s love is deeper still”

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October 29, 2017October 29, 2017

Counterfeit 05: The Protestant Reformation: 500 Years Later

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the church doors in Wittenberg, Germany sparking the Protestant Reformation. 500 years later on the other side of the Atlantic, protests are in the spotlight of American consciousness. This message looks at some words written 2,000 years ago to a group of people in Rome trying to figure how to deal with people of differing convictions.

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

Romans 14:1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

James 4:6 Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 3:34 To the scorners (God) is scornful, but to the humble He gives favor.

Romans 14:2-3 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

“In the essentials, unity. In the non-essentials, liberty. In everything, charity.”
–Rupertus Meldenius

Romans 14:6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

John 17:21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

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October 22, 2017October 22, 2017

Counterfeit 04: Not My God

Money problems are often at the heart of our anxiousness. In his most well-known sermon, Jesus gave advice on how we can be set free from the financial worries that weigh us down.

Use the following to follow along with the message.

Matthew 6:19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

Matthew 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

Matthew 6:23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

“You’re Not My God” Keith Urban

It’s just a piece of paper
It says in God we trust
A little sure felt good
But a lot was not enough
Everybody loved me
When I was on a roll
And I thought I had everything
When I held the gold
But you’re not my God
You’re not my friend
You’re not the One
That I will walk with in the end
You’re not the truth
You’re a temporary shot
You ruin people’s lives and
You don’t give a second thought
You’re not my God

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

”Just the very act of letting go of money, or of some treasure, does something within us. It destroys the demon greed.”
-Richard Foster