Mt. Olivet UMC Charge: Recent Episodes
Mt. Olivet UMC Charge
Listen to weekly messages from the Mt. Olivet, Durham, & La Grange United Methodist Churches, with Pastor Brett Reith.
Christmas has come and gone but isn't meant to be shuffled aside. Christmas is the beginning of Christ doing something new in our lives and all Christ-followers pursuing the love of Jesus. Having prepared for and welcomed the guest in our lives, we must realize everything about who we are and what we do has changed. As ones who have come to know hope in Christ, we are to live full of God's grace and mercy, and give God praise and glory! We are to live a life of celebration until we all feast at the heavenly banquet with all Jesus and all the saints!
Wesleyan Covenant Prayer
*I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you,
Praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God,
Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,
I am yours, and you are mine, and I am yours.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
Let it also be made in heaven. Amen.*
Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14 (CEB)
It's Christmas Eve, and the company has arrived! Christmas isn't merely a celebration of Christ's birth, but an opportunity to experience year after year the indescribable gift of meeting grace and salvation in the flesh. Welcoming the guest with arms open wide means living a new way and allowing the Christ child to transform us from the inside out. This Christmas, we realize that the moment Jesus was born, everything changed for us and the world.
Scripture Reading: Titus 2:11-14 (CEB), John 1:1-14 (CEB)
God’s idea of home is different than ours. God chooses to make his home in ours and wants to reside in every aspect of our lives. Yet, so often, we get so busy and distracted that we forget to leave room for God’s presence in our lives. In the days leading up to Christmas morning, as we’re rushing to make everything just perfect, God is calling us not to run overload but to experience God’s palpable presence and unending room. Company is coming. Is there enough room for when the company arrives?
Having recognized there are messes and cleaned them up, what’s next to prepare for the coming company? That’s right—decorating! In a world full of desperation, God calls us to decorate the world with love, kindness, and service! Isaiah decorated with garland, oil, and mantles of praise. John did it with water and baptism. How can you shower the world with decorations? Where can you proclaim the good news of great joy and invite people to the Light of the World?
Having surveyed the mess around us, what are we going to about it? Advent is a call to action and proclamation to prepare the way for the Lord. An important way we prepare for Christ’s coming again is to acknowledge where sin is in our lives, confess our sins to God, and seek the wholeness of our hearts, minds, and souls. What confession do you need to offer today to the Lord? How do you need to make straight the pathway to wholeness in your life?
Throughout our lives, we often fall into complacency, and our watchful waiting falls by the wayside. Then the season of Advent suddenly hits us with a reminder that we are continually waiting and preparing for something. Despite our tendency to get off track and the many challenges, the year has presented, Advent is the time of year to start over. During this first week of Advent, we do the important task of self-examination, recognize the state of messiness our lives are in and remember the hope-filled promise of Christ’s return. Christ has come. Christ is come. Christ will come again!
It's that time of year again, when we're usually full of joy, laughter, eating, traveling, and expressing our gratitude. Yet, this year feels different, and the weight of all the world's challenges are heavy on people's hearts. Amid all the suffering, illnesses, death, hate, and divide currently surrounding us, is it possible to still give God thanks? Absolutely. However, it may take a different form. As people and followers of Christ, it's crucial to create a safe space to feel the feelings and lament before God. When we do, it draws us closer to the Living Water source and into a relationship of dependency. By feeling the feelings, we remember where our hope comes from and are led again to give thanks to our saving presence and our God.
We continue in our current series, “There Is Now,” by exploring Jesus’ Parable of Talents. Our call as followers of Jesus means nurturing our inward faith with spiritual oil and sharing that faith outwardly with the world. Each of us has graces and gifts which aren’t meant to be stored up for personal gain but to advance the Kingdom of God. We are called to be good stewards of the talents, resources, and grace given to us, and when we do enter into the joy of faithful service to the Lord.7
It’s three weeks before Advent, and as the current liturgical year comes to an end, we explore passages that inspire us to live each day aware of Christ’s reign and presence and acknowledge that all of us are closer to the One we follow than we realize.
This week in Matthew 25, we are reminded that every day presents us with the opportunity to prepare for Christ’s second coming by living faithfully in Christ. Each day we have an opportunity to trim our lamps and burn our oil.
On All Saint’s Sunday, we not only remember all those who have gone on before us but also of the hope we share. Amid all the great hardships of today, as followers of Christ, we share the hope of comfort and peace. Trials and tribulations are unavoidable on earth, but they do not define us. As followers of Christ, we are they who are known for the robes we wear.
This week we consider one of Jesus's parables in Luke 14. Jesus's parable reminds us that God offers an invitation daily to each of us at the table of grace. Too often, though, we come up with excuses to turn down that invitation and allow worldly ambitions, possessions, and pleasures to take priority over our spiritual life. In this message, we discuss the importance of taking our place at Christ's table every day while on earth, preparing for our place at the Heavenly banquet in life everlasting.
Scripture: Luke 14:15-24 (CEB)
In a time of strangeness and uncertainty, it's easy to feel discontent and anxiousness. Worry is a result of fear, and fear is a lack of trust and confidence in God. In the final section of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he says to be anxious about nothing and instead pray about everything. Despite the many hardships, unknowns, and opportunities for worry, Paul reveals he learned the secret to being content in all circumstances. What are you anxious or worried about? Living a life of faith in Jesus Christ leads us to trust entirely that God is in control, moves us beyond present circumstances, and into a life full of contentment and Contagious Joy.
Have we become reliant on traditions, religious practices, and following rules to achieve righteousness in God? This was a similar struggle for those in the early Church, whose world was turned upside down when Jesus established a new covenant defined not by the Law but by faith. The only thing we need to achieve righteousness is by having faith in Jesus Christ. Doing something with that faith leads to everlasting and Contagious Joy. How are you pursuing Jesus and following His lead?6
This week we continue exploring how to discover Contagious Joy through a survey of Philippians. Being recipients of God’s grace and love, we can share the love of Jesus with other people. As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for the Kingdom and to serve. Saved people serve people because the Savior served. Serving in the way of the Savior leads to Contagious Joy.6
How do we discover contagious joy? Where do we experience transformative relationships and love? This week we discuss the power of connection and the Church as we begin a new message series exploring the book of Philippians. As Paul begins his letter to the Church of Philippi, he moves past present circumstances and shares his joy in the faithful work that God is doing in him and from the relationships he had with other believers. Paul discovers contagious joy from doing life with other believers and being partners with the Philippians.
Does God feel distant or silent in your life? Have you been left wondering if God is there? You are not alone, and even the most faithful experience it. We often feel distant from God and can't hear God's still small voice because we don't create proper time and space. This week, we discuss the importance of making intentional time for silent prayer and reflection because it's in those moments we often hear God's voice.
This week we finish our conversation on the Three Simple Rules for everyday living. Though the first two rules, Do No Harm and Do Good, are essential, they are impossible without the third, Stay In Love With God. This rule is the foundation for a life of faithfulness and holiness. Without staying in love with God, we have little hope to be transformed as God's people or leading other people to Jesus Christ. A basic standard for staying in love with God is by attending to the spiritual disciplines in our life. This week, we are encouraged to focus on one spiritual practice to draw us more into God's love.5
As people who have received goodness and compassion by God, we should naturally offer acts of kindness to everyone we encounter. This week we continue a meaningful conversation on three simple rules for living with the second rule, Do Good. While it sounds like a simple concept, doing good the Jesus way, expects more than meets the eye. Doing good the Jesus way means putting the common good of others first and your own needs second. It also means extending goodness to everyone, regardless of whether they fit our category of being “worthy." It seeks out opportunities to Do Good, instead of waiting or opportunities to present themselves to us. In part two of our three-week message series, Back to Basics, we discuss the importance of “doing all the good we can” and are given a practical challenge to cultivate this rule.
Do No Harm. It’s the first of three simple rules in life. While it may sound simple, it’s often challenging to live out. Is it possible to live in a world full of discord, hate, and violence withoutdoing harm? For Christ's followers, not only are we able to, but it’s a basic expectation for Christian living. In part one of our three-week message series, Back to Basics, we discuss the importance of living out the rule Do No Harm and practical steps on how to achieve the simple rule.
From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORDturned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.
In the final message of our summer series, we realize that Joseph was a part of a plan much larger than himself. God had a higher purpose for Joseph’s life, and despite bad things happening to Joseph, God made something good and accomplished his plan. This week we consider what good the LORD is trying to make out of a season of darkness, chaos, and tragedy.
From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORDturned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.
From pit to palace, bottom to top, and reaching a pivotal moment with his brothers, Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers. After twenty years and having been painfully wronged by them, he offers reconciliation and forgiveness. As followers of Christ, we are called to practice forgiveness towards those who trespass against us, as Jesus forgives us our trespasses. Who is God asking you to forgive?
From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.
After facing several moments of tragedy, Joseph is now leading Egypt through a harsh famine for Pharaoh. Things are going well until unexpected visitors arrive seeking to buy some food. This week we come to a pivotal moment of potential restoration between Joseph and his family, but in his wisdom decides to conduct a series of tests before revealing himself to his ten older brothers. Likewise, we must test the truth to figure out what God’s will is—to know what is good, pleasing, and mature as followers of Jesus.
From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.
This week we find Joseph interpreting dreams while imprisoned. As he interprets dreams for two prisoners, Joseph has a spark of hope that he’ll be released from prison after one speaks in favor of him to Pharaoh. That spark was extinguished after being forgotten and left in the dungeon. How much disappointment can one man take? How often are you faced with disappointment and tragedy in life? Someone needs to hear this: don’t let go and keep holding on!
Prayer of Presence
Loving God,
Who understands before I form my prayers,
Who hears when I call and translates my humble words
into beautiful hymns of gratitude and praise
And responds to my uncertain cry for help
with assurance, peace, and palpable presence,
Here I am as fully in your presence
as I am able to be,
Offering my fears, my needs, my hopes
my love, and my life,
For I am yours and belong to no other. Amen.
(Rueben P. Job)
From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, “Determined Dreamer,” we’ll be exploring Joseph the dreamer’s life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph’s determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.
In the next part of Joseph’s story, we discuss his rise and fall and see that in the face of temptation to sin, Joseph remains faithful and dependent on God. We were made to depend on God, but when we sin, it declares independence Sin is the separation of us from God. How are you trying to live independently from God? How are you trying to fill the natural void with wordy or inappropriate things? Acknowledge, offer it to God in prayer, and be freed by the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. #DeterminedDreamer #Dependency #Sin #Temptation
From dreams to destiny, the story of Joseph in the Old Testament is full of twists, turns, unpredictable obstacles, and unexpected outcomes. Throughout this summer message series, "Determined Dreamer," we'll be exploring Joseph the dreamer's life journey. Throughout his life, Joseph faced sibling rivalry, greed, slavery, sexual harassment, imprisonment, neglect, alienation from home, and even success itself. Despite these many challenges, Joseph's determination to remain faithful and obedient to the LORD turned a series of unfortunate events into greatness and redemption.
This week we begin our journey at the beginning of Joseph's story by quickly realizing that he had a target on his back from the start. Between being the youngest and odd-child of eleven brothers, the favored child in the family, and sharing his dramatic dreams, Josep's story quickly turns unexpected as his brothers turn against him and sell him as a slave. From the start of Joseph's rough road to glory, we learn the importance of always expecting the unexpected. Do this and be determined to remain faithful and courageous, no matter what the future holds.
Prayer: "Lord, increase my faith, wisdom, and courage to see and rejoice in your promises for my future.”
“Screens: The Gospel, Distraction Free” is a series that explores how biblical teachings can guide our media interaction. Screens are a part of daily life and have become increasingly vital than ever before these past several months. Screens influence how we see the world—both positively and negatively. The Biblical precepts that teach us about community loving our neighbor, obedience, and communicating the Gospel help us allow our faith to intersect with our technology use.
While screens can have a negative impact on our lives, they can also help us to advance the mission of Jesus Christ. This week we discuss the importance of engaging with culture, entertainment, art, and technology to stay connected with the world and unchurched. Culture can also help us to experience God and to grow as Christ-followers. How can you engage with culture and the world? How can the church become less isolated? How can we make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?
“Screens: The Gospel, Distraction Free” is a series that explores how biblical teachings can guide our media interaction. Screens are a part of daily life and have become increasingly vital than ever before these past several months. Screens influence how we see the world—both positively and negatively. The Biblical precepts that teach us about community, loving our neighbor, obedience, and communicating the Gospel help us allow our faith to intersect with our technology use.
This week we explore the importance of walking in light and love. Sometimes to walk in the light and love of Jesus we may need to give things up that distract us from God and people. This is especially true in a growing digital era, where screens prevent us from fully investing in our relationships with each other and God. What changes do you need to make to better balance your life and screen usage?
“Screens: The Gospel, Distraction Free” is a series that explores how biblical teachings can guide our media interaction. Screens are a part of daily life and have become increasingly vital than ever before these past several months. Screens influence how we see the world—both positively and negatively. The Biblical precepts that teach us about community, loving our neighbor, obedience, and communicating the Gospel help us allow our faith to intersect with our technology use.
This week Pastor Brett reminds us that how we treat others online reveals our heart toward God and neighbor. Our highest calling is to love God and love others well. How we love our neighbors shows our love for God. When considering whether to post, comment, text, or share information ask the questions below. #Screens #Technology #LoveYourNeighbor
- Will this post, text, or email do good or harm?
- What are my reasons for sharing this information?
- Is what I’m saying accurate, kind, and necessary?
- Does it advance or hinder the Kingdom of God?
Bonus tip: When in doubt, don't post or send it!
Our new message series, “Screens: The Gospel, Distraction Free” explores how biblical teachings can guide our media interaction. Screens are a part of daily life and have become increasingly vital than ever before these past several months. Screens influence how we see the world—both positively and negatively. The Biblical precepts that teach us about community, loving our neighbor, obedience, and communicating the Gospel help us allow our faith to intersect with our technology use.
This week Pastor Brett shares about the importance of face-to-face community and how technology can never substitute our relationships with others and Jesus. Being actively involved with the Church is important in the life of a disciple of Jesus. How can you become more actively involved and committed with the community and faith?
Jesus was chosen and precious so that we could be chosen and precious. This week we begin a new message series about Jesus and us. We celebrate the gift of Resurrection and the new life that it brings to us and the world.
We end the Easter season by turning back to the one who was “chosen and precious” first, except, He turns it back on us. Even when talking about Himself and His own glory, Jesus turns back to us. It’s amazing, really. In a moment you would think Jesus would be focused on Himself, we are the subjects of His attention and prayer. Jesus’s Final Discourse prayer is about bringing glory to the Father. As Jesus’ life gave glory to the Father, our lives are to show the glory of Christ. We are to be Christ’s representatives in the world.
This week we are challenged to follow Jesus’ example by being in prayer and to seek transformation in our life. The Wesley Covenant Prayer is a powerful prayer seeking God’s transformation in our lives. Pray it fervently and often.
Scripture: John 17:1—11 (CEB
The Wesley Covenant Prayer
I am no longer my own, but yours
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed by you, or laid aside for you,
exalted for you, or brought low by you;
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing:
I freely and fully yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I am yours and you are mine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be confirmed in Heaven. Amen.
Jesus was chosen and precious so that we could be chosen and precious. This week we begin a new message series about Jesus and us. We celebrate the gift of Resurrection and the new life that it brings to us and the world.
Being chosen and precious comes with the consequence of God working in our lives in the good and challenging moments of life. Our response in all circumstances is to offer God praise and thanksgiving and to share with others how God is at work in our lives. We share our stories and personal testimonies with others, so they too might come to know they are chosen and precious. How has God been at work in and through your life? Share that story with as many people who will come and hear!
Scripture: Psalm 66:8—20 (CEB)
Jesus was chosen and precious so that we could be chosen and precious. This week we begin a new message series about Jesus and us. We celebrate the gift of Resurrection and the new life that it brings to us and the world.
Continuing in the letter of 1 Peter, the writer speaks to the importance of moving from being new followers of Christ, to being transformed by God’s salvation and grace. The Resurrected Christ is our cornerstone and came to build His church into living stones. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to put our faith to action. We are to follow Jesus’ example and be living stones. We do this best when we engage in various “means of grace.” Practices that help us to engage with the grace of God and allows the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:2-10 (CEB)
Following on the heels of Easter, we sometimes lose the glory and power that is Resurrection. Throughout this series, we endeavor to live into the inheritance that is ours forevermore; and are encouraged to live anew as Resurrection people. During this series, we explore salvation, rebirth, mutual love, suffering, and sin as they are essential to our understanding of Resurrection faith. Come and claim faith anew, deeper and stronger, and able to hold on to Resurrection, even in difficult times. Revive us again!
This week we are encouraged to strengthen our faith by endurance. Endurance strengthens character and is a sign of faith. It demonstrates patience and faithfulness to God, which is something the Resurrected Christ exemplified well in His life. By His wounds, we are better able to hold on to hope and endure challenges, injustice, and trials in life.
Prayer of Presence: Faithful Guide and Companion, continue to speak to me the words of guidance, correction, encouragement, and love that I need. And send me to meet this day with your power and presence to go where Jesus leads me and live as your faithful disciple all day long. Amen. (Rueben P. Job)
Scripture:1 Peter 2:19-25 (CEB)
Following on the heels of Easter, we sometimes lose the glory and power that is Resurrection. Throughout this series, we endeavor to live into the inheritance that is ours forevermore; and are encouraged to live anew as Resurrection people. During this series, we explore salvation, rebirth, mutual love, suffering, and sin as they are essential to our understanding of Resurrection faith. Come and claim faith anew, deeper and stronger, and able to hold on to Resurrection, even in difficult times. Revive us again!
This week we claim faith anew as Resurrection people by setting our faith and hope in God. God is our rock and foundation and His love is everlasting. Because of this, we are now able to love like never before. We’re able to love others as Jesus loves us and to love others well.
Scripture reference: 1 Peter 1:17-23 (CEB)
Following on the heels of Easter, we sometimes lose the glory and power that is Resurrection. Throughout this series, we endeavor to live into the inheritance that is ours forevermore; and are encouraged to live anew as Resurrection people. During this series, we explore salvation, rebirth, mutual love, suffering, and sin as they are essential to our understanding of Resurrection faith. Come and claim faith anew, deeper and stronger and able to hold on to Resurrection, even in difficult times. Revive us again!
This week we begin living our faith anew as Resurrection people by claiming our faith found in the risen Jesus Christ. We do this by choosing joy in all things, especially in those moments in life that are anything but joyous. The power of Resurrection helps us with this, leading to experiencing “Indescribable and Glorious Joy.”