The Wesleyan Way

March 11, 2019

DAILY READING

1 John 2:1-6
This weekend’s reading: Mark 14:43-52

FIELD NOTES
 “If someone claims, ‘I know him well!’ but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words. But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.” (The Message)
 
In his book, Three Simple Rules, Bishop Rueben Job says; In our time, like in John Wesley’s, we need help to live a holy and good life in a world like ours. Wesley was fully aware that one could have all of the structures and systems right, but could lose the power of God that translates into a Christ-like life…a holy way of living that is constantly reforming and renewing the individual and community. 
 
Wesley was determined to foster the disciplined practices that would lead to faithfulness to the way of Jesus.  These practices were outlined in the “General Rules” and instructions in them and accountability to them was centered in the classes that formed the United Societies of the early Methodist Movement. The rules remain contemporary and well suited to our time, our culture and our needs today.

• Do No Harm
• Do Good
• Stay in Love with God

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

• In what ways can you imagine these ‘three simple rules’ to be easy?
• In what ways do they sound challenging?

PRAYER
“God of strength and power, enable us to live in such a way that we do not harm those whom you love and hold precious.  For it is our deep desire to live in ways that are pleasing to you, healing and helpful to our neighbor, transforming for the world, and fulfilling for ourselves.  Once again we offer our lives and our prayers to you in the name and spirit of Jesus.” Amen. [Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job]