Never but Eternal

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Tom Bolton

Never to Forget

Never-ending words have been written in
heaven and deep in the foundation of earth;
Nothing less than eternal is this word,
written deep in my heart, etched on my soul.
Neatly in place is this word, your grace and faithfulness abound.
Nothing has toppled, even when we toppled it,
because all that matters is to be in service to our Lord.
Nevermore unhappy, but alive in the word,
I live in joy, and do not die this day in my
old, miserable way.
Never forget! Let me not forget what I once ran from–
precepts, guidance, directions to stay free–
Now free, I wrap my arms (and mind) around my new life.
Noted: toys and tools I thought I’d have
forever are ruined and long-gone,
But your word lives. My life is electric.
Not the wicked!
Not here to stop my walk down the lighted path.
Know that God doesn’t forget who he is:
His faith is everyday–he doesn’t skip any day.
Now let me count your faithful gifts to me today–
Joyful in the Word! Blessed!

(c) Tom Bolton. February 2013, Milwaukee

MH900401231

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Willfull

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Tom Bolton

Reading Acts 4.

                               Willfully Surrendered

English: folio 11 recto of the codex with the ...

English: folio 11 recto of the codex with the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And when they prayed,
in those early days, in that often-blessed city,
the place shook, and they knew it.
They were bold as they spoke.
Whether beneath a roof of thatch and green, as in Gospel,
or in open air,
or in some fortified Church,
evil fled, prayer was powerful.
In seeking God’s will, prayer engaged all–
everyone of them.
Not blessings, nor gifts sought, nor we-built-up,
but His will earnestly asked,
they moved to surrender.
Let us act on your word too.
Joy in the Word!
Let quiet, peace, fill us anew.

(c) Tom Bolton, 23 September 2013, in the Third ward

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My Soul Aches

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Tom Bolton

Back in 2011 and early 2012, I studied and wrote about Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible and a song that is all about reading the Bible. It is a Psalm that has not always been popular in the Church; it seems too legalistic for many Christians. But for me,
as with the whole Bible, as we read it, God speaks to us about many topics as we need to hear them, about our relationships as we need to grow. I’ve been re-posting individual stanzas this summer, and will continue that weekly or so. In late November, I plan to re-post the whole piece again for Thanksgiving.

M.  My Soul Aches to be Refreshed

My soul seemed weak for so long as I waited
for you–or did you wait for me?
My eyes were straining, bulging and blood-shot from looking
far and deep; I ask you again: How do I obey?
May I not be hung out to dry, not 
bursting as I am hung out in the heat of the day.
Move me from this brittle reality, these
tough times I built up in my life.
Make me joyful in your word, blessed!
Joyfully blessed!
Joyful in God’s word!
Much persecuted, I complain anew, but help me!
May I still not abandon your guiding wisdom.
Make my life new, God-of-Mercy,
Make me fresh and new,
May I obey.
May I still obey your commandments,
even when I complicate them beyond the simple.
Merciful God, make my life new today.

(C) Thomas Bolton, February 2012, Divine Intervention

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Hinterglasbild Psalm 119, 22 (Text) Hammerhof,...

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Bread for the World

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Tom Bolton

This video from Notre Dame seems to be appropriate accompaniment for thoughts about Bread for the World. http://www.bread.org/institute/
2013 Hunger Report

The Institute’s new report — Within Reach: Global Development Goals — calls for a final push to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets by 2015. Extraordinary progress has occurred in countries around the world, and it is possible to replicate these achievements elsewhere. The 2013 Hunger Report focuses special attention on the U.S. role in achieving the MDGs by 2015.

The 2013 Hunger Report explains why partnerships among governments around the world and between governments and civil society are crucial to achieving rapid progress against hunger and poverty. It discusses the challenges that must be overcome — challenges that can be met only with strong leadership.

By 2015, leaders are expected to decide on a new set of global development goals to succeed the MDGs. The 2013 Hunger Report urges leaders at the national and global levels, civil society partners, and others engaged in the debate over what comes next to set a bull’s-eye goal: to end hunger and poverty by 2040.

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A Limited Body

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Tom Bolton

upon reading Ephesians 1:22-23

     This Limited Body

This Church, this Body,
with Jesus at the Head,
each of us filled and of one body,
yet each day individual too.
All together, one body, and many parts,
what I know is so limited,
for I know only as one.
With this faith and understanding of neighbors–
a Canadian over here, Pakistanis here,
a Nigerian by me too,
and this man of Tennessee, and one of Illinois,
and Wisconsin folk all around and Texans too-–
my faith is newly enriched.
Some days I understand these others,
even as I struggle to understand me.
Some days the each or the together
lead me to Christ;
alone I could not find my way.
When I see that Christ is looking like me,
I know that my eyes have failed.
Fill me up that I may see.
Surround me with a strong body,
and I will know.
Fill me with the Spirit,
and surely I will know Him.

(C) Tom Bolton, 18 September 2013, Milwaukee Down Town

Jesus

Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Health Boards Video

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Tom Bolton

Important information about UMC and Health Boards!

http://www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/The-Advance
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Manna this Morning

Posted on September 17, 2013 by Tom Bolton

MANNA-005S

             Manna in My Life

Not so hungry in my belly, I still love
My morning manna.
Some mornings I put nut spread on my matzoh,
and taste and texture combine to thrill me.
And better than hard rolls in the morning,
We are made to be the yeast to raise the bread.
When the flour is whole and coarse and real,
The yeast works wonders in the bread.

Not so hungry in my belly,
Still I hunger in the morning.
The Word fills me in ways I feel deep in me.              MH900400134
Deep in me, my health surges.
Deep in my gray matter, my thoughts are vital.
Deep in my soul, I am eternal.
I am blessed to be filled each day.
Thank you for my daily bread.

(c) Tom Bolton, April 24, 2012, Milwaukee

On reading John 6

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