Elevated and Enlightened

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Tom Bolton

The fifth stanza of Word, Law and Life, my contemplation of the 119th Psalm, from early 2012.

E. Elevated, Enlightened

Enough! Again enough! Educated in your laws, I obey them to the end. Endless.
Enlighten me each day; fill my mind gently, and I will hold your heavenly edicts in my heart.
Encircling this earthly tabernacle on this rolling path, I am giddy now; keep me joyful, heavenly one.
Enjoying the rich, enriching edicts of your word, ground me, keep me here,
Ensnared not by these get-rich-quick schemes so frequent here.
Joy in the Word, Blessed!
Joy in your Word.
Entrust your word to me, deep in me, so that I can understand fear, and even then, love you.
Even now these harsh words of too many are drenching me, but
Evasion of word-heaps comes easily, secure in your righteous regulations.
Entering the quiet, cocoon space of your guidance, hearing your word deep in me,
Entering new life, I am right.

(c) January 2012, Tom Bolton, Milwaukee

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Urgent Ministry NEEDs

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Tom Bolton

This is from my missionary friend in Pakistan.

seedpakistan's avatarSEED Pakistan

Urgent Ministry NEEDs

We are deeply grateful to our faithful supporters who support us to bring precious Gospel to those crying and dying souls by their prayers and as a voluntary and financial support other more. We are not assured of next day or next year what will be happened. I encourage you to be part of this historic season as these incredible doors are opening to us in whole Pakistan and throughout the world and Nations. we are grateful to our heavenly father for that privilege
We need new partners in this essential ministry to finish the work before Lord Jesus the king of kings comes beck. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you about the work we are doing. we strongly invite you to join us as a partner to reach out to the people of Pakistan and throughout the world with the precious Gospel of Jesus Christ! It is such…

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Why are so many Christians Depressed?

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Tom Bolton

I’m really pleased to re-blog this thoughtful and important essay by Bill at Unshakable Hope–one of my very favorite blogs at WordPress.

Bill Sweeney's avatarUnshakable Hope

Depression, even among Christians, seems to be rampant today; it’s as if some kind of emotional black plague has crept into the Church.

I read several blog posts and articles every day, but last week was strange; virtually every day I found myself reading posts and articles written by or about Christians battling depression. But by far the most heart-wrenching news of last week (regarding the impact of depression on Christians) wasn’t found on a blog or in a news article; it was a phone call from a close friend telling us about a friend that had committed suicide.

The young man that committed suicide was named Jordan and he was a very talented artist and musician and, more importantly, he was a Christian. (You can see one of his music videos hereand his testimony video here). From what he says in the testimony video, Jordan had battled…

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Accountable Discipleship Groups

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Tom Bolton

Statue of John Wesley at Wesley's Chapel City ...

Statue of John Wesley at Wesley’s Chapel City Road, London. (January 2006) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am nearing the conclusion of a 6-week study of Accountable Discipleship: Living in God’s Household, by Steven Manskar, with four cohorts. This is my third time reading the book, which I think is excellent. Last night we discussed Chapter 5, a very energizing endeavor. Next week, we will conclude with additional exercises and final review of the book.
We hope to develop more covenant groups in our churches.
The description at Cokesbury captures the book well: “Accountable Discipleship is the foundational resource for persons involved in Accountable Discipleship ministries. Manskar provides a biblical, theological, and historical under-girding for this work. He explores a systematic approach for undertaking and accepting the challenge of personal discipleship for life. In addition, Manskar outlines a process for developing leadership that could help transform the life of the congregation.

I am interested in hearing from others about ways they have successfully introduced Covenant Discipleship Groups to a congregation.  What worked?  What didn’t work?  Did you use pilot groups?

Additional books by Manskar that I am adding to my reading list now:

A Perfect Love: Understanding John Wesley’s “A Plain Account of Christian Perfection”

A Disciple’s Journal

 

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On Word

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Tom Bolton

Continuing this piece based on Psalm 119, contemplating study of the Word, covenant today and life–life in hope.

On Word, Law and Life

D. Decreed to Live

Death, I am close to death.
Down, I am so down some days. Give me new life.
Done, it is done, and I told you all that I have done, and I am excited–you answered. Decreed to live, teach me the decrees.
Decrees do escape me today. Will you teach me gently?  
Do not dumb it down as I reflect on today’s miracles.
Drowning in my own tears, can it be? Down, down, grant me strength.
Divert my wandering eyes from idols of the world. Delight me in surprising ways with the Word. Yes, surprise me.
Descending not low, not now, I rise up in new height, with these decrees of life.
Dragging my Bible with me everywhere these days, digging in the decrees, keep me righteous Lord; don’t embarrass me.
Delighted, I am delighted when I understand your word. Not demands so much, your decrees work through me–my partner.

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What’s a Methodist? – Part 4 of 4

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Tom Bolton

Stripped image of John Wesley

We are in week 5 of studying Manskar’s Accountable Discipleship. This is a great post at his blog this week.

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Credit Unions v Banks

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Tom Bolton

This sign, displayed at all credit unions, inf...

This sign, displayed at all credit unions, informs members that their savings are insured by the NCUA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A concise article comparing banks and credit unions:
http://www.businessinsider.com/credit-unions-vs-big-banks-2013-4

It does look like the edge still goes to Credit Unions.

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