In Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. For individual reading or group study, this insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "do no harm, do good, stay in love with God," calls us to mutual respect, unity, and a deeper relationship with God. “Every year I review the three general rules of the United Methodist Church with those who are being ordained. Now I have a wonderful ordination gift to give them in Bishop Job’s, Three Simple Rules, to start and deepen the conversation as they enter a new relationship with the church. Bishop Job has described “by attending upon all the ordinances of God” to be to “stay in love with God.” It’s a fresh language that speaks especially to long-time Christians and United Methodists.” Sally Dyck, Resident Bishop, Minnesota Area “Three Simple Rules is a new catechism for everyone wanting to follow Jesus Christ. These practices for holy living should replace the membership vows in every church! Don’t let the title fool you. Bishop Job writes, ‘The rules are simple, but the way is not easy. Only those with great courage will attempt it, and only those with great faith will be able to walk this exciting and demanding way.’” John Hopkins, Resident Bishop, East Ohio Area Table of Contents: Introduction The World In Which We Live First Do No Harm Do All the Good You Can Stay in Love with God A Guide for Daily Prayer
This six-week study introduces youth to John Wesley's General Rules, challenging them to find ways to apply the rules to their daily lives. The leader guide includes Scripture and excerpts from Wesley's writings and Rueben P. Job's original book Three Simple Rules. The guide provides commentary and gives youth ministers and study leaders detailed plans for each of the six sessions, discussion questions, activities, and worship ideas. For a free online copy of Three Simple Rules A Conversation Guide for Parents click here!
In Three Simple Rules, Rueben Job offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today's readers. For individual reading or group study, this insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God. This simple but challenging look at three commands, "first do no harm, do all the good you can, and stay in love with God," contrasts the simplicity of the phrases with the sharp, counter-cultural nature of Wesley's rules. Table of Contents: Introduction - The World In Which We Live - First Do No Harm - Do All the Good You Can - Stay in Love with God. Excerpt from the book: There are three simple rules that have the power to change the world. While they are ancient, they have seldom been fully put to the test. But when and where practiced, the world of things as they were was shaken until a new formation, a new world was formed. This new creation has happened in the past when these three simple rules were adopted as a way of living. We live in such a fast paced, frenzied and complex world that it is easy to believe we are all trapped into being someone we do not wish to be and living a life we do not desire to live. We long for some way to cut through the complexities, and turbulence of every day life. We search for a way to overcome the divisiveness that separates, disparages, disrespects, diminishes and leaves us wounded and incomplete. We know deep within that the path we are on is not healthy or morally right and that it cannot lead to a positive ending. We fear that there is no way out. This way of living was given to John Wesley in a time much like our own. He took this blue print, fleshed it out, taught it and practiced it. And he has passed it on to us. Now it is up to us to see if we will take it, teach it and practice it until it becomes our natural way of living. A way of living that will mark our life together and our lives as individual Christians. Some already practice this way of living and I believe many more are ready to try it. I invite you to read the following pages to see if you are ready for this radical change of direction that is marked by these three simple rules: DO NO HARM DO GOOD STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD
This small-group study by Jeanne Torrence Finley is based on Rueben P. Job's book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. Six sessions provide extended reflection for adults on three principles of Christian life: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. Each rule has a session to help you understand the rule and a session to help you explore ways to practice the rule. The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the 6-week study, including session plans, discussion questions, and other useful information for organizing, leading, and publicizing your study group.
There is no one secret to life. But there are three simple rules that have the power to change your life and your world. John Wesley taught and practiced these rules many years ago. Now it is up to us to practice this way of living. Do no harm, Do good, Stay in love with God...Not only can these rules change your life, they can change the world. This insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity, and a deeper daily relationship with God.
There is no one secret to life. But there are three simple rules that have the power to change your life and your world. John Wesley taught and practiced these rules many years ago. Now it is up to us to practice this way of living. Do no harm, Do good, Stay in love with God...Not only can these rules change your life, they can change the world. This insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity, and a deeper daily relationship with God.
Rueben P. Job, author of Three Simple Rules, brings us a new insight on how to live a Christ-like life and explores the three most basic and profound questions at the center of our faith—questions that all major religions try to answer and around which there seems to be much confusion: Who is God? Who am I? Who are we together? In three brief and engaging chapters, readers will explore these questions and gain new understanding of the answers: Know that God is greater than you can imagine Believe that you are God's beloved child Be the love of Christ in the world They will also discover the greatness and goodness of God, the value of every beloved child of God, and the impact we can have in the world when we live as Jesus lived. Each chapter concludes with a simple spiritual practice to help readers remember and respond to what they have read, followed by a prayer. Now it is time for you to know, believe and become the answers. In its first paragraphs, Three Simple Questions triggered my hunger for hope. I hung on each word thereafter. By the time I finished my reading, I was filled to overflowing. I was drawn deeper by the notion of a God too small. Prayer as the place where we receive our identity was profound. I cheered with the truth that God loves all. I was intrigued by the imagery of my being a “holy chalice.” The three daily practices are refreshing and engaging. In short, the read filled me with grace. —Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher
This book, the fourth in The Upper Room's bestselling "Guide to Prayer" series, offers a simple pattern of daily prayer built around weekly themes and organized by the Christian church year. Each week follows this pattern: Affirmation Psalm Psalm Prayer Daily Scripture Readings Silence Daily Reading Reflection (Silent or Written) Prayers Offering of Self to God Blessing The daily readings are drawn from the history of Christian spirituality and feature such writers as Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Avila, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Sue Monk Kidd, Douglas Steere, Jan Richardson, Trevor Hudson, Wendy M. Wright, and many others. Beautifully bound in a leather-like cover, A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God makes a perfect gift and a reliable companion for anyone seeking to deepen a steady life of prayer.
Prayer is one of the most important areas of a Christian's life. Written in 2010 by spiritual formation leader, Bishop Rueben P. Job, When You Pray has reached over 20,000 readers since its publication. T his daily prayer guide offers a full year of readings and scripture and is an excellent tool to use in daily prayer time. Each four-page weekly segment includes daily office of scripture, prayer, offering of self and blessing plus a brief essay from the author and collection of quotes from well-known voices in spiritual formation. The new edition will include the same weekly scripture suggestions and essays with refreshed quotes and additional material and prayers. In addition, readers will find helps in the back of the book offer ways to explore prayer as a group or as a family.
Three Simple Rules for Christian Living by Jeanne Torrence Finley and Rueben P. Job This small-group study by Jeanne Torrence Finley is based on Rueben P. Job's book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. Six sessions provide extended reflection for adults on three principles of Christian life: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. Each rule has a session to help you understand the rule and a session to help you explore ways to practice the rule. Three Simple Rules for Christian Living includes a DVD that contains excerpts from an interview with Bishop Rueben Job and a CD ROM that contains a Leader Guide for the study sessions and other useful information for organizing, leading, and publicizing study groups. Your church can do a church-wide study of the three simple rules by using the youth resource, Three Simple Rules 24/7, and the children’s resource, Three Simple Rules for Following Jesus, along with this book. A leader guide and DVD for adult study groups are available. Parents who would like to discuss the three simple rules with their children can download a free list of suggested questions at Cokesbury.com (click below). Jeanne Torrence Finley is a clergy member of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, co-chair of the Virginia Conference Board of Church and Society, and director of Collegial Communications. She has worked as a campus minister, pastor, college English teacher, workshop leader, and communications consultant. Finley writes regularly for FaithLink. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Presbyterian History, Worship, The Mennonite, Christian Science Monitor, the Virginia Advocate, and Christian Social Action. For a free online copy of Three Simple Rules A Conversation Guide for Parents click here!
In an accessible, inviting format, this forty-day devotional experience weaves inspirational readings on faith and prayer with quotes and excerpts from John Wesley. Each selection offers a simple daily pattern of reflection with a prayer, scripture, a short reading, quotes from John Wesley, and a blessing to take with you through the day. Even those new to Wesley or a daily prayer guide will find this book an easy read for reassurance and inspiration during the Lent and Easter season. Those familiar with Rueben Job's writing will be delighted to find selections of his writing from the past two decades in a new format. Packaged in a flexible, soft-cover binding with a ribbon bookmark making it perfect for gifts.
Questions and conflict about homosexual practice and the church abound. We encounter media reports of same-gender unions and clergy trials. This leads to talk in congregations and district preacher's meetings, in the hallways at district, conference and general church gatherings, and in the deliberations of the Council of Bishops where we hear prayers, questions, and an outpouring of conviction or anguish. We observe The United Methodist Church grappling with issues of importance that divide and confound us. We hunger for our church to engage hard questions and decisions in a spirit of generosity, gracefulness, and mutual respect. This book could change the nature of the conversation. It encourages frank and constructive dialogue that will help us conference together and open ourselves to God's guidance. We seek faithful, fair, just, and loving resolution to issues that challenge our faith community. Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church is authored by several United Methodist bishops. These writers enunciate and clarify pathways that represent faithful, responsible, and constructive ways forward through the current controversies. Each bishop articulates a prescription for moving through current conflict about homosexual practice, same-gender unions, qualifications for ordination, and maintaining the "good standing" of elders. Go to www.ministrymatters.com/FindingOurWay to read the introduction and to comment. Contents: Frame: An introduction about the guiding vision and theological framework as we seek together to be faithful to God and to our covenants. By Rueben P. Job, retired, from the Iowa Area, and by Neil M. Alexander, who is publisher for The United Methodist Church. Part One: Options Enforce (follow the Book of Discipline): The Discipline interprets scripture and contains the rule of law for UM congregations and elders. When sacred promises are violated, leaders must uphold the spirit and letter of the law and follow the process defined by the Discipline. By Gregory V. Palmer, who serves the Ohio West Area. Emend (work to change the Book of Discipline): The General Conference legislative process must be engaged to emend the Book of Discipline -- or not. This is the responsible and thoroughly United Methodist way of moving through disputes and reaching consensus. By Hope Morgan Ward, who serves the Raleigh Area. Disobey (biblical obedience): Scripture and the sanctity of love are a higher authority than the Book of Discipline. Therefore, the current impasse must be broken by loving acts of conscientious fidelity to higher principles. By Melvin G. Talbert, retired, from the San Francisco Area. Disarm (suspending conflict between personal and social holiness): In many kinds of conflicts, in marriage and in war, the conflicted parties drop their weapons or grievances, agree to a cease fire, and search for a peaceful way to resolve their disagreement. By Kenneth H. Carter Jr., who serves the Florida Area. Part Two: Responses Order (supporting our covenant): Our sacred trust depends on keeping our promises. By J. Michael Lowry, who serves the Forth Worth Area Unity (dwelling in God's church as a family of Christ followers): When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. By John K. Yambasu, who serves the Sierra Leone Area. Diversity (coexisting with differences). By Rosemarie Wenner, who serves the Germany Area and is current president of the Council of Bishops. Part Three: Steps Trust God (discernment): Immerse ourselves in an intense process of prayerful discernment. This approach pleads for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and asks all to open themselves without condition or pre-judgment to the insight and inspiration that comes through deep prayer and listening. By Rueben P. Job, retired, from the Iowa Area.
Prayer is one of the most important areas of a Christian's life. In When You Pray, Bishop Rueben P. Job explores the daily practices of living a prayerful life with this thoughtful devotional. When You Pray is an excellent tool to use in daily prayer time and, while linked to the Revised Common Lectionary, non-lectionary users will feel comfortable reading this as well. This stand-alone devotional can also be used for churches participating in Becoming A Praying Congregation as the leader, team members, congregation, small groups, families and individuals will be encouraged to use this resource in their prayer time.
Becoming a Praying Congregation is designed to help leaders teach, inspire and example deeper prayer life for the entire congregation through worship, study, ministry teams and individual devotion. Using ideas and examples from congregations with active prayer ministries, leaders will be inspired to develop deeper prayer practices in: worship decision-making groups prayer ministry team age-level classes households Tools include: worship prayer activities DVD planning ideas for Sunday School or small groups for children, youth and adults guidelines for building or reviving a prayer ministry team help for special services like healing prayer services, meditations, prayer for the church and its mission Rueben Job's When You Pray can be used as a daily devotional for individuals and small groups participating in the program.
Prayer is one of the most important areas of a Christian's life. Written in 2010 by spiritual formation leader, Bishop Rueben P. Job, When You Pray has reached over 20,000 readers since its publication. T his daily prayer guide offers a full year of readings and scripture and is an excellent tool to use in daily prayer time. Each four-page weekly segment includes daily office of scripture, prayer, offering of self and blessing plus a brief essay from the author and collection of quotes from well-known voices in spiritual formation. The new edition will include the same weekly scripture suggestions and essays with refreshed quotes and additional material and prayers. In addition, readers will find helps in the back of the book offer ways to explore prayer as a group or as a family.
Leading a small group on prayer can be daunting. After all, it’s not easy to be an expert on the subject. When You Pray as a Small Groupis a resource that will help leaders guide their groups through developing a deeper prayer life. Used in conjunction with Rueben P. Job’s When You Pray, leaders are provided with prayer activity ideas, example sessions, and five session templates for groups with different needs and interests: Discussion-based groups Activity-based groups Introspective groups Arts-focused groups Habit Breaker groups Through this study, not only will your group be encouraged as a whole, each individual’s prayer life will be enriched and strengthened.
In today's world, families lead busy lives, with barely a minute to spare for one another. In all the juggling of schedules, one thing should remain constant - praying together. Based on the prayer guide When You Pray by Rueben P. Job, this 52-week devotional guide is designed to bring your family together as you explore Scripture, share and listen to each other, and pray. Each week, you and your children will begin to develop a practice of prayer that will lead to a lifelong journey with God.
In Spiritual Life in the Congregations: A Guide for Retreats, Reuben P. Job answers the questions: How can a church prepare for a retreat? What is the difference between preparing and planning for a retreat? And what happens after a retreat?
Rueben P. Job, author of Three Simple Rules, brings us a new insight on how to live a Christ-like life and explores the three most basic and profound questions at the center of our faith—questions that all major religions try to answer and around which there seems to be much confusion: Who is God? Who am I? Who are we together? In three brief and engaging chapters, readers will explore these questions and gain new understanding of the answers: Know that God is greater than you can imagine Believe that you are God's beloved child Be the love of Christ in the world They will also discover the greatness and goodness of God, the value of every beloved child of God, and the impact we can have in the world when we live as Jesus lived. Each chapter concludes with a simple spiritual practice to help readers remember and respond to what they have read, followed by a prayer. Now it is time for you to know, believe and become the answers. In its first paragraphs, Three Simple Questions triggered my hunger for hope. I hung on each word thereafter. By the time I finished my reading, I was filled to overflowing. I was drawn deeper by the notion of a God too small. Prayer as the place where we receive our identity was profound. I cheered with the truth that God loves all. I was intrigued by the imagery of my being a “holy chalice.” The three daily practices are refreshing and engaging. In short, the read filled me with grace. —Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher
What can we learn from John Wesley that will help us to better know and serve God in Christ? Rueben Job answers that question in this 26-week devotional experience. Each week, a major theme in John Wesley's writing is explored through scripture, carefully selected Wesley quotes, and a reflection by the author. These elements are woven into a pattern for daily prayer and reflection. While the book is intended as a personal spiritual resource, those who teach and preach will find the brief, thematically selected Wesley quotations worthy of repeated reference.
Embracing the Journey: The Way of Christ focuses on an exploration of spiritual formation as an individual and corporate journey toward wholeness and holiness through the grace of God. This book is the first segment of a five-volume study of the original 28-week Companions in Christ resource. The five-piece participant series is designed for groups who will take breaks between the other four volumes: --Feeding on the Word (scripture) --Deepening Our Prayer (prayer) --Responding to Our Call (vocation) --Exploring Spiritual Guidance (spiritual companionship)
In an accessible, inviting format, this forty-day devotional experience weaves inspirational readings on faith and prayer with quotes and excerpts from John Wesley. Each selection offers a simple daily pattern of reflection with a prayer, scripture, a short reading, quotes from John Wesley, and a blessing to take with you through the day. Even those new to Wesley or a daily prayer guide will find this book an easy read for reassurance and inspiration during the Lent and Easter season. Those familiar with Rueben Job's writing will be delighted to find selections of his writing from the past two decades in a new format. Packaged in a flexible, soft-cover binding with a ribbon bookmark making it perfect for gifts.
A Guide To Retreat is designed to assist you in a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal. The resources included are intended to help you turn more fully towards God, to drink more deeply of God, and to prepare you for faithful ministry. The author examines facing the desert times in our lives, explores personal identity and its meaning in ministry, and much more. A book for conducting one's own ministerial/spiritual retreat, facing such concerns as "When All I Hear is Silence," "The Tension Between Doing and Being," and "Who Really Calls and Sends?
A number of years ago, friends and coauthors Bishop Rueben P. Job, Perry Bramlett, and Norman Shawchuck created together a spiritual reader pairing a collection of quotes from beloved author C.S. Lewis with their own unique spiritual reflections. After their deaths, their work was recovered and Abingdon is excited to share this story and this beautiful book posthumously with those looking for daily inspiration from excellent and thoughtful Christian writing. 30 Meditations on the Writings of C. S. Lewis combines three strong spiritual voices writing on topics of grief, joy, fear, loss, salvation, and love for today’s readers inspired by quotes from C.S. Lewis. The collection of thirty devotions begins each day with a short quote from Lewis followed by a reflection from Job, Bramlett, or Shawchuck in a beautifully designed book. This collection is perfect for starting any time of the year and is an excellent gift for the C.S. Lewis fan in your life.
Becoming a Praying Congregation is designed to help leaders teach, inspire and example deeper prayer life for the entire congregation through worship, study, ministry teams and individual devotion. Using ideas and examples from congregations with active prayer ministries, leaders will be inspired to develop deeper prayer practices in: worship decision-making groups prayer ministry team age-level classes households Tools include: worship prayer activities DVD planning ideas for Sunday School or small groups for children, youth and adults guidelines for building or reviving a prayer ministry team help for special services like healing prayer services, meditations, prayer for the church and its mission Rueben Job's When You Pray can be used as a daily devotional for individuals and small groups participating in the program.
Questions and conflict about homosexual practice and the church abound. We encounter media reports of same-gender unions and clergy trials. This leads to talk in congregations and district preacher's meetings, in the hallways at district, conference and general church gatherings, and in the deliberations of the Council of Bishops where we hear prayers, questions, and an outpouring of conviction or anguish. We observe The United Methodist Church grappling with issues of importance that divide and confound us. We hunger for our church to engage hard questions and decisions in a spirit of generosity, gracefulness, and mutual respect. This book could change the nature of the conversation. It encourages frank and constructive dialogue that will help us conference together and open ourselves to God's guidance. We seek faithful, fair, just, and loving resolution to issues that challenge our faith community. Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church is authored by several United Methodist bishops. These writers enunciate and clarify pathways that represent faithful, responsible, and constructive ways forward through the current controversies. Each bishop articulates a prescription for moving through current conflict about homosexual practice, same-gender unions, qualifications for ordination, and maintaining the "good standing" of elders. Go to www.ministrymatters.com/FindingOurWay to read the introduction and to comment. Contents: Frame: An introduction about the guiding vision and theological framework as we seek together to be faithful to God and to our covenants. By Rueben P. Job, retired, from the Iowa Area, and by Neil M. Alexander, who is publisher for The United Methodist Church. Part One: Options Enforce (follow the Book of Discipline): The Discipline interprets scripture and contains the rule of law for UM congregations and elders. When sacred promises are violated, leaders must uphold the spirit and letter of the law and follow the process defined by the Discipline. By Gregory V. Palmer, who serves the Ohio West Area. Emend (work to change the Book of Discipline): The General Conference legislative process must be engaged to emend the Book of Discipline -- or not. This is the responsible and thoroughly United Methodist way of moving through disputes and reaching consensus. By Hope Morgan Ward, who serves the Raleigh Area. Disobey (biblical obedience): Scripture and the sanctity of love are a higher authority than the Book of Discipline. Therefore, the current impasse must be broken by loving acts of conscientious fidelity to higher principles. By Melvin G. Talbert, retired, from the San Francisco Area. Disarm (suspending conflict between personal and social holiness): In many kinds of conflicts, in marriage and in war, the conflicted parties drop their weapons or grievances, agree to a cease fire, and search for a peaceful way to resolve their disagreement. By Kenneth H. Carter Jr., who serves the Florida Area. Part Two: Responses Order (supporting our covenant): Our sacred trust depends on keeping our promises. By J. Michael Lowry, who serves the Forth Worth Area Unity (dwelling in God's church as a family of Christ followers): When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. By John K. Yambasu, who serves the Sierra Leone Area. Diversity (coexisting with differences). By Rosemarie Wenner, who serves the Germany Area and is current president of the Council of Bishops. Part Three: Steps Trust God (discernment): Immerse ourselves in an intense process of prayerful discernment. This approach pleads for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and asks all to open themselves without condition or pre-judgment to the insight and inspiration that comes through deep prayer and listening. By Rueben P. Job, retired, from the Iowa Area.
Becoming a Praying Congregation is designed to help leaders teach, inspire and example deeper prayer life for the entire congregation through worship, study, ministry teams and individual devotion. Using ideas and examples from congregations with active prayer ministries, leaders will be inspired to develop deeper prayer practices in: worship decision-making groups prayer ministry team age-level classes households Rueben Job's When You Pray can be used as a daily devotional for individuals and small groups participating in the program.
This book, the fourth in The Upper Room’s bestselling “Guide to Prayer” series, offers a simple pattern of daily prayer built around weekly themes and organized by the Christian church year. Each week follows this pattern: Affirmation Psalm Psalm Prayer Daily Scripture Readings Silence Daily Reading Reflection (Silent or Written) Prayers Offering of Self to God Blessing The daily readings are drawn from the history of Christian spirituality and feature such writers as Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Avila, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Sue Monk Kidd, Douglas Steere, Jan Richardson, Trevor Hudson, Wendy M. Wright, and many others. Beautifully bound in a leather-like cover, A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God makes a perfect gift and a reliable companion for anyone seeking to deepen a steady life of prayer.
Embracing the Journey: The Way of Christ focuses on an exploration of spiritual formation as an individual and corporate journey toward wholeness and holiness through the grace of God. This book is the first segment of a five-volume study of the original 28-week Companions in Christ resource. The five-piece participant series is designed for groups who will take breaks between the other four volumes: --Feeding on the Word (scripture) --Deepening Our Prayer (prayer) --Responding to Our Call (vocation) --Exploring Spiritual Guidance (spiritual companionship)
In today's world, families lead busy lives, with barely a minute to spare for one another. In all the juggling of schedules, one thing should remain constant - praying together. Based on the prayer guide When You Pray by Rueben P. Job, this 52-week devotional guide is designed to bring your family together as you explore Scripture, share and listen to each other, and pray. Each week, you and your children will begin to develop a practice of prayer that will lead to a lifelong journey with God.
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