"Others, let this my motto be” says an old hymn. That song somewhat captures the focus of this verse from Philippians; "Look out for one another's interests, not just our own." (Philippians 2:4; GNT) That is what the Good Samaritan did. He put the other persons first. The Priest and Levite put their interests first.
Rick Warren, in one of his “Purpose Driven Connections” wrote on this passage, “In other words, if you want to connect with people, you’ve got to start with their needs, not your own.” That is what the Good Samaritan did. He saw the needs of this wounded man. He put aside his personal agenda and focused on the needs of the wounded man.
We are in the Lenten Season, a time when we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross. Jesus certainly put our interests, our needs first. In fact, we are Jesus’ personal agenda. He lived, died and rose again for you and me. How can we claim to follow such a Savior and live selfishly?
Living for others is living against the trends of our culture. Almost everything in our culture tends to train us to think ‘me first.’ Because of that, we often find ourselves in the role of the Priest and the Levite in Jesus’ parable. We miss even seeing persons in need as we rush through life focused on our own needs.
I suggest three questions Sunday morning for you to consider throughout this week. How are you doing with them? They were…
What need(s) do I see?
How do I need to pray about this need?
What action can I take to help?
This week I’ve witnessed people living in a counter-culture way. The servants who make the Kingdom Kids Consignment Sale happen have chosen to act for others. Saying “yes” to serving always involves “no” to something else. Monday morning as I arrived here at the church campus about 7:00 am, some of these servants were already here ready to receive items for the sale. When I left the church about 9:00 pm following the Cub Scout Blue-Gold Banquet, some of those same servants were still in the gym making sure everything was in order for the Consignment Sale. Last night, Tuesday night, the sale for the sellers closed a little after 8:00 pm. Some of those servants had been here most of the afternoon evening. Then this morning, Wednesday, some of the same servants were here as shopping opened to the public. Why do they do it? One of the leaders put it well in her final words before the Sellers came to shop last night – “Remember – It’s about Jesus.” We serve because Jesus first served us.
This Sunday I will continue the message series, “START Becoming the Good Samaritan.” http://www.juststart.org/ We will look at the wounded man. Who are the wounded that we need to connect with?
Those who serve with the Royal Family Kids Camp feel called to connect with some wounded kids. Presently, there is a real need for men counselors. Because of the nature of the camp, counselors serve specifically with one or two campers. Prayerfully consider becoming a counselor for the week of May 31 through June 4. For more information, contact Pam Ansardi - pansardi@alabamabroadband.net or Paul Wiegert – pwiegert@gmvumc.org
You’ve probably seen the announcements about the Passover Seder Meal with Messianic Rabbi Eric Walker. The Seder Meal marked the beginning of the Jewish Passover. The instructions for the Passover were given to Moses as a way for the people to remember God’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery, especially the night of the Passover Lamb.
It was this meal that Jesus celebrated with His Disciples the night before he went to the cross as our Passover Lamb. We traditionally call that Thursday Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy meals “command.” That night Jesus commanded His Disciples to remember Him by means of the bread and the cup. The bread and the cup were part of the Seder Meal, which Jesus took and applied to Himself, the Lamb of God.
This year we have a unique opportunity to experience what the disciples experienced that Thursday night as they celebrated the Passover Seder with Jesus. Be sure to get your tickets for the meal, for space is limited. You can get them in the Church Office.
Tonight, Wednesday, February 24, some new “START Becoming a Good Samaritan” Small Groups get started. I encourage you to get in a group.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Reflections from Bro. Rudy –
February 3, 2010
Who is a Missionary?
This morning in Chapel, I asked the children, “What is a Missionary?” A Kindergartener raised her hand and gave this answer, “Someone who tells others about God.” I couldn’t have given a better answer. A missionary is essentially a witness for Christ.
Today we kick off our Global Impact Celebration. When we first began the annual Celebration I imagine that many of us thought of missionaries as persons who accept God’s call to go somewhere else in the world to bear witness to Christ. I believe that understanding is changing. We are all called to be missionaries where we are. In fact, in Jesus’ marching orders He told us to begin bearing witness in our Jerusalem, which is the place where we are.
The signs at the exits to our campus, remind us that the mission field begins right here in the North Jefferson area. We are to be missionaries in our neighborhoods, our civic clubs, our place of work, our schools, even our homes. Remember what a missionary is – “Someone who tells others about God.”
Tonight, Wednesday, February 03, 2010, we will hear a powerful message from one who has a real vision for missions, The Rev. Paul E. Smith, from Mandeville, La. Under his leadership, Life Church has been instrumental in starting over 50 churches throughout North, Central and South America. It is going to be a great night of worship.
On Friday, February 5, 2010, we will have most of the missionaries we support here to share about what God is doing in their place of ministry. We will also have some additional missionaries, as we hope to add one or two other connections through our Faith Promise Offering. I hope you will be here Friday night for the “Taste of the World” event. You will have the opportunity to meet all of these missionaries. Even if you did not have the opportunity to sign up for an event, come on. Don’t miss out.
God is up to something. As He said through the Prophet Isaiah, even “now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19; NRSV) Let’s be a part of what God is doing.
Here is a schedule for this weekend:
Friday – 2/5/10
12:00 Noon Senior Luncheon
6:30 PM Taste of the World
Saturday – 2/6/10
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast
9:00 AM Family Project
12:30 PM Women’s Luncheon
6:00 PM Sunday School Socials
Sunday
The Rev. Richard Adams will be our preacher at each of the morning services.
Missionaries will be in most of our Sunday School Classes.
Sunday morning we will be making our Faith Promise commitments to missions. In Paul’s writing we find several places where he mentions this kind of second mile, beyond the tithe offering for missions. As the title suggest, this is a Promise you make in faith, trust God to provide. Our Faith Promise giving provides the support for all of our missions beyond our Conference and District commitments. If all of our over 600 giving families were to commit $500 to Faith Promise that would be $300,000.00 to missions. If 250 families would commit $500, that would surpass our $100,000 goal this year. Gina and I will be trusting God for more than $500 and I know others will be doing the same.
This Sunday night we will celebrate Holy Communion as part of our Healing and Wholeness Service. This morning’s Upper Room Devotional Scriptures was the healing that Peter and John offered the lame man at the Temple gate (Acts 3). God is still doing mighty acts of healing. This is a good time to bring persons who need God’s people to lay hands on them in prayer, according to James 5.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
February 3, 2010
Who is a Missionary?
This morning in Chapel, I asked the children, “What is a Missionary?” A Kindergartener raised her hand and gave this answer, “Someone who tells others about God.” I couldn’t have given a better answer. A missionary is essentially a witness for Christ.
Today we kick off our Global Impact Celebration. When we first began the annual Celebration I imagine that many of us thought of missionaries as persons who accept God’s call to go somewhere else in the world to bear witness to Christ. I believe that understanding is changing. We are all called to be missionaries where we are. In fact, in Jesus’ marching orders He told us to begin bearing witness in our Jerusalem, which is the place where we are.
The signs at the exits to our campus, remind us that the mission field begins right here in the North Jefferson area. We are to be missionaries in our neighborhoods, our civic clubs, our place of work, our schools, even our homes. Remember what a missionary is – “Someone who tells others about God.”
Tonight, Wednesday, February 03, 2010, we will hear a powerful message from one who has a real vision for missions, The Rev. Paul E. Smith, from Mandeville, La. Under his leadership, Life Church has been instrumental in starting over 50 churches throughout North, Central and South America. It is going to be a great night of worship.
On Friday, February 5, 2010, we will have most of the missionaries we support here to share about what God is doing in their place of ministry. We will also have some additional missionaries, as we hope to add one or two other connections through our Faith Promise Offering. I hope you will be here Friday night for the “Taste of the World” event. You will have the opportunity to meet all of these missionaries. Even if you did not have the opportunity to sign up for an event, come on. Don’t miss out.
God is up to something. As He said through the Prophet Isaiah, even “now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19; NRSV) Let’s be a part of what God is doing.
Here is a schedule for this weekend:
Friday – 2/5/10
12:00 Noon Senior Luncheon
6:30 PM Taste of the World
Saturday – 2/6/10
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast
9:00 AM Family Project
12:30 PM Women’s Luncheon
6:00 PM Sunday School Socials
Sunday
The Rev. Richard Adams will be our preacher at each of the morning services.
Missionaries will be in most of our Sunday School Classes.
Sunday morning we will be making our Faith Promise commitments to missions. In Paul’s writing we find several places where he mentions this kind of second mile, beyond the tithe offering for missions. As the title suggest, this is a Promise you make in faith, trust God to provide. Our Faith Promise giving provides the support for all of our missions beyond our Conference and District commitments. If all of our over 600 giving families were to commit $500 to Faith Promise that would be $300,000.00 to missions. If 250 families would commit $500, that would surpass our $100,000 goal this year. Gina and I will be trusting God for more than $500 and I know others will be doing the same.
This Sunday night we will celebrate Holy Communion as part of our Healing and Wholeness Service. This morning’s Upper Room Devotional Scriptures was the healing that Peter and John offered the lame man at the Temple gate (Acts 3). God is still doing mighty acts of healing. This is a good time to bring persons who need God’s people to lay hands on them in prayer, according to James 5.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
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