Good Morning! The sun isn’t up yet, but it is warmer than yesterday.  They say however, it is to get colder.  Mark goes back to Portland today if the airport is open.  They have had big storms in the NW.  Natalie continues to struggle with a pinched nerve, we are praying she improves.  The kids are off to WOW this weekend, keep them in your prayers. Live into the blessing today. 

PS:  Jenny Summers is having a BD party for the twins this Saturday at church and she ask that I remind you that the church is welcome to attend. 

The Kingdom of God is near.     Mark 1:15

I think most of us are familiar with this verse, but what does it mean?  What does it mean that the Kingdom of God is near?  Probably a good first step would be to ask ourselves what the Kingdom of God looks like?  It is more than a celestial place or some heavenly realm.  In fact it would help us to stop thinking of it as a place and think of it in terms of a lifestyle.  It is a life following a relationship with Christ in which we are in relationship with Him and those around us.  A live of grace and serving.  What can we do to bring the Kingdom closer?   Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: Where do you struggle with this verse?  Doubting that God will answer my prayers?  ( I promised not to throw you under the bus Sunday, so this is the first answer in, but we won’t announce the respondent.)   There is no winner today.

Today’s question: I used an illustration last night in my message.  Who remembers what the color purple represented?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! The sun is up, the wind is down, but it is cold.  A delayed message this morning because I caught in the office before getting this out.  It is Wednesday, so hope to see many of your for dinner.  We are watching the Northwest weather because Mark is to fly out tomorrow.  That may be an issue, only time will tell.  Stay warm and have a blessed day. 

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief    Mark 9:24

I have had some interesting conversations that last few days around this verse.  What do we ask for?  An important question, but another part of that is what do we really ask God or do we at the same time give God the answer we want.  I do believe God can do anything, but what does that look like?  It certainly isn’t about name it and claim it prayer.  The challenge is for us to ask and believe that God will provide for us as God directs.  The song says that God will take care of us.  Do we believe?   Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: What had the disciple’s been trying to do?   Drive out a demon  There is no winner today.

Today’s question:  Where do you struggle with this verse?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! What a change for Monday!  I found the church dumpster in the middle of the parking lot this morning.  The storm that hit around 5:00 was like a spring storm.  I guess it had been in the 60’s yesterday.  It certainly is reclaiming winter today.  Mizzou picked up a win last night, and Baylor lost, this is a crazy season.  Lots going on, busy day ahead.  Keep the faith and have a great day!

Everything is possible of one who believes    Mark 9:23b

We are talking about faith and grace.  We believe, but our inability to see how it might happen leaves us with doubts. Jesus tells us that everything is possible of one who believes.  What happens if we have a doubt?  Does it all unravel? How do we get past this?  The verse we talked about yesterday is key. We ask God to help our unbelief. Lord God we believe, help our unbelief?   Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: What we the man in the passage asking Jesus to do?   Heal his son.   There is no winner today.

Today’s question: What had the disciple’s been trying to do?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! The sun is up and they are talking about 60 degree weather today.  Before we get too excited they are saying tomorrow won’t get out to the 30’s.  We had a great trip and enjoyed the warmth and being away.  Thanks to everyone that pitched in to make that possible.  Today is Martin Luther King’s BD, hope we all take moment to remember his contribution to our world.  Enjoy the sun and warmth and have a great day!

I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.    Mark 9:23

I think this is such a powerful verse.  We believe right?  We do for the most part, but what about when the going gets tough?  What do we do with doubt?  This is a wonderful example of turning to God even when we have doubt.  Confess our belief, but also confess and ask for help with our unbelief.  That is the grace of God, the power to meet us where we are and lift us up.  Lord, today I believe, help my unbelief.    Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: What did the Magi, Pilgrims, and Pioneers have in common?   They had to leave things behind that we not essential to the trip.  There is no winner today.

Today’s question: What we the man in the passage asking Jesus to do?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! Wow!  It is sunny this morning!  The weather is supposed to be awesome the next couple of days.  I got all the outside Christmas put away yesterday, so it is all 2012 now.  We had a great turnout last night, a great way to start the new year’s Wednesday evenings.  It will be a busy day today, lots of odds and ends to finish. Bye the way, Mary Coffman and Marsha Odom, along with Marsha’s daughter Katie were on the Today Show today! Enjoy the sun and warmth and have a great day!

He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”  Matthew 2:8

We can point others to the Christ child, but in the end we have to find our own way.  Herod wanted to know where, but not because he wanted to seek after Him.  A part of the relationship comes in the effort to seek Him.  I love the folks that have sought Him to discredit Him, and because those seeking were earnest, they found Him.  It is in the earnest desire to find Christ that we find Christ.  However, no one can do it for us.  Have you earnestly sought the child of Christmas?    Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: Who were the group mentioned in Matthew 2:2?    Magi, astrologers    Pete Walter is our winners today.

Today’s question: What did the Magi, Pilgrims, and Pioneers have in common?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! It is lots warmer this morning.  We have a new leaf fire going, John has not given up on the battle of the leaves.  What about those Tigers?  A great conference opening win, 38 points!  We resume Wednesday activities tonight, and it looks to be a great night for it.  Hope to see many of your tonight. Enjoy and have a great day!

Where is the one who is born King of the Jews?    Matthew 2:2

Interesting that those that are looking for Jesus are not Jews, but what we would call pagans.  This is a group of stargazer that are in pursuit of the baby. I think there are many “pagans” looking for the baby.  They are no more sure of what it means than the ones that sought him so many years ago.  They are drawn however to this King of Kings.  They are not sure how it all works, but they want to know.  They don’t want religion, don’t get confused.  They want a relationship.  When you make the invitation, it is important to know the difference.  Will you help them find what they are looking for?    Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: What was different about the video last Sunday?  It was a video of SUMC         Natalie Stevens is our winners today.

Today’s question: Who were the group mentioned in Matthew 2:2?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! Great sunny day, but it is cold.  I like it better than yesterday because of the wind being down.  Mo seems to be better, still not his old self, but getting there.  Christmas decorations are about down, can’t say I like it, but so is life.  I am kind of a Christmas until Easter person.  Great football yesterday, and tonight the Tigers kick off conference play. Enjoy and have a great day!

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.    Matthew  5:16

Why do we do what we do?  There is this tension between bragging and letting your light shine.  We must be out and about in the world doing good.  We do it not for ourselves, but that others may know of the love of God.  It is because we love God and want to please God that we do what we do.  We must be ready to let people know that we do this because of the love and God and that God loves them.  Let your light shine today and everyday.   Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: Who led service on January 1 at SUMC?    Ken McGrail  Jimmy Cotner is our winners today.

Today’s question: What was different about the video last Sunday?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! The first Monday of a new year is underway.  We had a great New Year’s celebration with the Craig family as we celebrated Kendra’s wedding.  Carol and I were able to run in Forrest Park, do a bit of shopping, and celebrated the new year at the reception.  Thanks to all that helped make our getaway possible.  Looks like attendance here was good.  I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, God is doing wonderful things at SUMC.     Have a great day!

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.    Matthew  5:15

We have added a new position to our board this year.  Sharon Tubbs has joined us as a non-voting member responsible for communications.  She pointed out at our last meeting the importance of getting the word out about what we are doing as the body of Christ.  We have done many awesome things in the past, but we have sort of put them under a bowl.  It isn’t about us, but it is about Christ.  We want to get the word out about our ministry to let the light of Christ shine.  Join with the body of Christ in 2012 and let your light shine   Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: Name a ministry you want to help continue in 2012.   Serve2012   Ken McGrail is our winners today.

Today’s question: Who led service on January 1 at SUMC?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! It is another sunny day!  John almost finished the leaves last night, we now after the eternal pile of smoke. (burning leaves)  This is the last Morning Message of 2011, this is the New Year’s Weekend.  My friends I am happy to report we are within $1,225.00 of our funding need to finish the year.  If you could pray about this and possibly help bring the number to 0 that would be awesome. I would ask that you say a little pray for Mo, he is under the weather.  The vet prescribed some medicine, but we are waiting for it to kick in.  God has blessed us this year, and we are poised for a wonderful 2012.  May you and your family be richly blessed and Happy New Year.    Have a great day!

You are the light of the world.  A city built on a hill cannot be hid.   Matthew  5:14

How do you let your light shine.  This year SERVE2011 was an excellent time to be a light.  We saw yellow t-shirts all over town and people busy making a difference.  I had so many folks ask about the folks.  They wanted to know if they were doing community service.  I told them they were, but it was not court ordered, it was God inspired.  I pray that as we approach 2012 we can be the city on the hill.  Be blessed and Happy New Year.    Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: Name a way you were salt to others this last year.    Picking up trash    Roy and Lara Stevens are our winners today.

Today’s question: Name a ministry you want to help continue in 2012.

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! The sun is wonderful this morning.  I looked out to see a groomed lawn this morning.  John had been out all evening mulching leaves, the only chance the weather has provided in months.  Thank You!  Mo is under the weather.  Not sure the problem, but the vet is a part of the days plan.  Getting ready for a big wedding this weekend, should be great fun.  Don’t forget, we are trying to get the last dollars for this years budget, if you can help please do.  Thanks!!   Be blessed and have a great day!

You are the salt of the earth: but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?  Matthew  5:13

We are the salt of the earth.  We are to be salt to the earth, to the world around us.  The verse tells us that if salt would lose its taste what is to be done.  Our modern minds know that salt can’t really loose its saltiness because it is an element, but in the ancient world salt wasn’t pure, it was filled with impurity.  The impurity would cause it to lose its saltiness.  We can do the same thing.  Our lives filled with impurities will lose their flavor. What to do?  Allow the refiner’s fire to restore our purity.  In short, remove the impurity and we restore our saltiness.    Just a thought for today. 

Yesterday’s question: What was your favorite ministry of 2011?  Why?   SERVE 2011 We were engaging the community, changing lives, and bearing witness.   Ken McGrail is our winner today.

Today’s question: Name a way you were salt to others this last year.

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug