Technical Difficulties

I will not be posting until my laptop has been fixed. It is the only approved instrument for blog post making. Pray for her, she is a good machine.

Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately or immoderately upon them.
—John Flavel

In the meantime, I will, continue the Memoirs of Thomas Boston. I will also finish a sermon that I have been working on. I will have to break out the Greek lexicons, since I rely on Bible Works 7 for my lexicons. Time to sharpen some pencils.

 

Prayer and Praise: the Church in the Psalter

Part of my internship is leading the “prayer and praise” during summer Wednesday evenings. We gather at the home of one of our members and sing and pray. We use the United Presbyterian Psalter of 1912 in our congregation so the following numbers correspond with this book of praise. Last week we went through ‘the Church’ in the Psalter and looked at some of the ways that she is described as well as some of her duties. This discussion and Psalm sing led to some very good prayer for the church and her faithfulness. We will be looking at some other themes as the summer continues. If you would like to join us feel free to email me and I will give you further directions. I hope that the following copy of the handout can be helpful to your own family worship or private worship.

THE USE OF CHURCH IN THE PSALTER

50: Diverse, faithful, everlasting.

63: Redeemed from adversity.

69: Secure, peaceful, and happy.

125: Regal, loved, and wedded.

205: Christ’s inheritance, saved by grace.

224: Fought against by God’s enemies.

260: Rejoices over God’s work on earth.

368: Shouts with joy and is Christ’s glory.

373/374: Indwelt by God & sings His praise.

375: Praises and blesses God’s name.

403: Built, cared for, and blessed of God.

 

Thomas Boston as a Mentor

Mrs. Lanning, my pastor’s wife, has assigned a book for me to read as a part of my internship under her husband. I have been asked to read the Memoirs of Thomas Boston as a way to get a feel for what real ministry is like.

So far, I have seen pain and suffering as well as the occasional high point. Above all, I have seen the desire to please God above all things. I hope that in many ways, my ministry can reflect that of Mr. Boston’s. Thankfully though, my upcoming presbytery exams will not be like Boston’s- his were in Latin and Greek!

One quote that was helpful concerned how many Christians get caught up into things indifferent. Boston always fought against that and only tried to fight for that which was eternal and obvious revealed truth. We must always have the honor of Christ in mind when dealing with such things, and many Christians (including myself at times) are willing to go to war over ideas that are not worth dividing over according to the Scriptures.

I might not mix quarrels on my private interest with those I was engaged in for the honor of God. And this principle I have all along in the course of my ministry, aimed to walk by.
Memoirs, Thomas Boston, p.25

I am looking forward to finishing the book- as well as working through the rest of the works of Boston!