Reflections from Bro. Rudy –
February 17, 2010

Be Doers of the Word

Last night my “START Becoming the Good Samaritan” Small Group began our journey with the book. I wrote to the staff this morning that I wish every one could have heard the teaching/sharing on the DVD for the first session. It was powerful.

The session had some words from a variety of persons, many of whom will be on future lessons. One of the presenters referred to the book of James where James writes, “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” (James 1:22; NRSV)

Another of the presenters referred to a passage in 1 John, “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?” (1 John 3:17; NRSV)

Yet another presenter reminded us that we were created to serve.

We all know these things. The issue is doing. That was the case with the lawyer whose questioning of Jesus led to the parable we call the “Good Samaritan.” He knew what the law said: Love God and Love others. Jesus then told him “Do this, and you will live.” (Luke 10:28; NRSV)

His problem was not very different from ours. Most of us know the basics of what the Bible teaches. We know that we are to worship God and God alone. And we know that we are to serve others in the name of Jesus. It is the doing that we have problems with.

One of the reasons we have a problem with the doing is we have bought into our societies focus on the mighty “Self.” We have become a selfish people. That has poured into our church. We want the church to cater to our needs.

How can we expect to truly follow Jesus, the One who spent His physical life serving, and be self-centered? During this season of Lent, we hear again Jesus’ call, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24; NRSV)

Where are you denying yourself for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom?
What cross have you taken up in order to serve others in Jesus name? Remember, the cross for Jesus was something He committed Himself to for your sake and mine. What is the risk, the sacrifice you are making for others? What are you really doing to follow Jesus 24/7?

That’s one of the things last night’s lesson said to me. Being the Good Samaritan is not simply helping when we come across a stranded motorist. Being the Good Samaritan is having the heart and eyes of Jesus to see the needs of those around us, and then doing something.

If you are not in a “START Becoming a Good Samaritan “small group,” I encourage you to get in one. We have room for more in our group, which meets on Tuesday nights at 6:30 at Karen and George Smith’s house. There are several groups beginning next Wednesday night here at the church.

We talk about the importance of prayer. Today, Wednesday, February 17, 2010, begins our ACTS 29 Prayer Journey. If you did not receive yours by email, contact Amy Sizemore asizemore@gmvumc.org or Jennifer Lindholm jlindholm@gmvumc.org. If you want a hard copy, they are available in the Welcome Areas.

Here is another opportunity for prayer – Prayer Walk our Schools. First Priority is beginning this Sunday a weekly prayer walk around the schools here in North Jefferson County. The Prayer Walk will begin at 3:00 each Sunday afternoon, moving from school to school. The first Prayer Walk is this Sunday, February 21, 3:00 PM at Bragg Middle School here in Gardendale. The next Sunday, February 28, 3:00 PM, it will be at Gardendale High School.

Next week is the next Kids Kingdom Consignment Sale. There will be an opportunity to serve on Sunday afternoon setting up the gym, then on Monday in receiving the items. You can contact Valerie Maldonado valandfrankm@hotmail.com about serving. The biannual consignment sales are the two major fundraisers for our Volunteer in Missions Teams, including Royal Family Kids Camp.

This weekend many of our youth will be participating in a 30 Hour Famine. Students will be fasting for 30 hours on Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20. One of the purposes is to bring awareness to the reality of world hunger. According to the US Dept. of Agriculture, 17.3 million people live in insecure food households. You can sponsor a youth and the money raised will be used by World Vision to help feed the hungry. For more information about sponsorships contact Paul Turner pturner@gmvumc.org. If you would like to know more about the 30 Hour Famine check out www.30hourfamine.org

Tonight is our Ash Wednesday service, 6:30 PM. I hope to see you as we begin the journey of Lent.

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.