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Revivalists...

During these years to 1830 "phenomena began to appear in Scotland". Mary Campbell, an invalid, in Row, Gair Loch, Port Glasgow one Sunday in March, of 1830, broke out into speaking in tongues of an unknown language for about an hour. Margaret MacDonald, an acquaintance, was aided to health by her brothers, James and George MacDonald, of Port Glasgow. They wrote to Mary Campbell and the same thing happened to her. Erskine and friends, Robert Story, and Macleod Campbell, Ministers in the area, went to check out Mary Campbell's circumstances. Erskine, convinced, for the time being, put to paper "the gifts of the Holy Spirit" at the end of that same year. Erskine, later retracted his conviction that these happenings were identical to those mentioned in the book of Acts. Most interestingly, he did say "I still continue to think, that to anyone whose expectations are formed by, and founded on the declaration of the New Testament, the disappearance of these gifts from the Church, must be a greater difficulty than their reappearance could be".

Here we have an acknowledgement of a loss to some of the Christian practice of the New Testament and recognition that it was still required. He concluded more difficult to comprehend the loss of the gifts than the reappearing of them.

Revivalists ....back on the road again

The period of Revivalists is a period of interest to us even more so in these days as you read this brief history. Robert Murray McCheyne and Andrew Bonar, during their college years came "under the spell of the meteoric message of Edward Irwing before his excesses in doctrine had lead him far away from the beaten track" (whatever that means!).

This..challenged and stretched the Calvinistic views that prevailed

Irving had, as with Thomas Erskine and John Macleod Campbell been not far from the debates as they challenged and stretched the Calvinistic views that prevailed. In an era of all things mechanical, steam engines, bridges, and great advancements in construction, perhaps the Christian walk was not a simple tick box check-list, a system or procedure of sorts but something far more.

In an age where doctrine and understanding had primarily been handed over or handed down through Divinity Colleges, questioning the stance of the establishment was seen as weak faith or ungodly. Irwing, Erskine and Campbell, continued to debate the person of Christ, the nature and scope of Atonement, election and eternal punishment, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is evident that many Churchmen seeking the closer spiritual life saw something in Irwing that appealed to them, yet their education and influence did not allow them to enter in. 

Erskine: “The disappearance of these gifts from the Church, must be a greater difficulty than their reappearance could be...”

Around 50 people were meeting in Henry Drummond's house at Albury, to study the prophetic books of the Bible. Out of these meeting came, in time, the Catholic Apostolic Church. Two things that were in the forefront of concern at these meetings in Albury, were:

1. Gifts of the Holy Spirit as seen at Pentecost.
2. Expectation of the second Coming, in the near future.

Investment Missspelling

I am not going to talk of the pros and cons of Bitcoins and cryptocurrencies except to say the prices of bitcoins as dropped  by half since December 2017.


Those dealers and holders are still showing great optimism.

Hodl and rekt

The word "Hodl" came into being in 2013 as a reassurance to those getting concerned about the price of the coins. Hodl is a miss spelling of Hold and has now become part of the industry as a way of reassuring nervous investors. So Hodl   ...ride out the the price drop.!

There is also a word "rekt"  code for wrecked which is the expression used when enthusiasts lose large sums of money on their holdings.

Questionnaire

At the danger of being really boring and repeating my self , just to remind you I am looking for folks to fill in the questionnaire top right of blog for link.
Thank you all who managed to fill it in and ask others to do same.

Multi user video calls across continents, how easy on a Friday night?

With Windows 10  1803 update for 2018 08 available this week (KB4346783) I, while it downloaded and installed, started to consider the difficulties I had had last week.

Trying to have a video chat with more than 6 people including different continents turned out to be more of a challenge that first considered.

Skype claims 10 users possible
facebook messenger  (!?)
Google hang out 10
oovoo 12
Facetime is still generally one to one, but a version of Apples IOS ( 12) manages multi users. issued in US June 2018. Not out in UK yet. (no facetime for windows either)
Anymeeting 6 ( and you pay)
go to meeting 6( and you pay)

Now businesses can do a lot more but you have to pay for the facility.

So I am jobbing between messenger and hangouts as my best shot and a second attempt and engaging video, sound, several people and over more than one Continent. Make sure you do your own research.

Consider

• Your equipment 
• their equipment
• Operating systems
• Time of day
• User technical skills
• use of settings for plug in mic or ear phones. 
• What current users are using... familiarity to a system can greatly help.

If using Google hangout best all have a Google mail address. Invites to non Google accounts need to be also in the Google address book of the invitation sending person and the invitation needs to be accepted, before the transmission.

Shouting across the sea is not an option.

Sunday reflection

A friend has been telling me of his quest to use the psalms as a template for praying be it regular or specific situations.  You will find his comments on face book where he links his blog and find out more at The Message Works Trust ( A London Charity).  SU notes have been using psalms for Sunday reflections for some time.

Alex Salmon

Alex has resigned from his party! That is not a small step for him. Alex Salmon has resigned from his party so he can fight them in court. He has raised over £64,000 for his court fees etc. Nicola will be upset at this resignation. Nothing to date on his profile site Alexsalmon.

I admire this ex Banker who has had re returns and is a significant person in the Independent struggle. I suppose when you are in the limelight opinions can vary. The recent RT programmes did not help his cause or image.

We await the outcome of the court case in due course.

Inflation the scurge of the developing country

Have you noticed recently that only one country has severe inflation. currently at 61,000% and the authorities switching off electricity and water in a manner to save on costs.

With the cost of a tyre being 3 times the monthly average wage it must be desperate to live in countries like Venezuela. People are being classified as "the walking dead".

Thursdays note

You have missed a few days. Let me explain.

Last week I had a contact from New York state about a possible family connection.
My Gran was a Pinkerton and the Family in American had no Idea about the Robertsons. Thats all of us.

She Jean married William Clarke Robertson ...But her Brother Alexander didn't know!

So as you can imagine there has been communications going around as people try and get an understanding of things.

I hope to have an on line "Chatparty" where we can establish who is who and where they fit in.
Interestingly this is only weeks after the post about " belonging" in a different context but still relevant. 

So we will get back to things shortly. In the meantime you could read other stuff in the blog.

Jean Middleton Pinkerton

Sunday reflection

Sunday. This is the day when we rush around to services and have big meals and generally do too much. 

As you take a few moments on your electronic gadget. Pause.

Dont read on yet. Just pause and say speak to me! 

Following on from yesterday's thought it is good we take some time to consider those in leadership and the challenges they have.
What might they be?

1. Keep the focus in organisational direction
2. Listening to God and the tuning in to his way
3. Winning over people who are not in agreement with an action or direction
4. Dealing with the many crises that come their way as they attend to the flock
5. Finding time for preparation in meeting preaching etc
6. Taking time out to reflect like you are doing now 
7. Then there is ordinary life aspects family etc

Take some time to read Psalm 107 10 to 32

 What things might cause darkness to a leader?

Read the passage again what verse is striking out to you?

What are the distresses or storms that leaders might have ( including missionaries) ?

Any wisdom coming to you from your reflection.

Write down in note form your reflection and any inspiration.

Now pray for the leaders of your faith organisation, then others in Churches who lead and for Christian leaders in faith organisations or other bodies. and for those who seek to help them in times of isolation or testings.

Thank you.


Lectio Divina is a reflective study. 

We are used to Exegesis stude text criticism language and commentaries try the more reflective Lectio Divina.

Needs of the Ministry , Pastors, Bishops and organisational leaders

Lauder hills last weekend.

It can be a lonely path

Those in ministry may relate to this in a way and also those in faith based organisations. It can be a lonely path!

There are challenges, disappointments, distractions, evil obstacles and personal tests all to be negotiated while looking after others. The positive aspects can be drowned in self afflictions come  from all corners and from nowhere to test the leader. I am about to join an organisation that is working to support in relationships those in leadership to help them work through little and big challenges in a prayerful manner. Please come back in a few weeks when i will tell you more and where you might help me. as well as covering those life crises we hope to provide support to reduce the risk of these crises coming around.  

Have a good weekend.

    

The money Charity monthly figures

 The Money charity figures for last month.Take a few on the site

Striking numbers  £19.97: The fall in Debt growth per adult in June 0.75%: The new Bank of England base rate £65m: The fall in Public Sector Net Debt per day in 2018. 106%: The average First Time Buyer deposit compared to average salary £2,650: The increase in net lending to individuals a day. 44: The amount of bankruptcies per day in June. 32: The amount of mortgage possession orders per day in June. 0.2%: The average Instant account rate (highest in almost 2 years). 1.4%: The increase in house prices on last month.

Managing risk the viewpoint

I remember the first time I had the opportunity to stand behind a shop till. It was a newsagents. I was a paper boy. An emergency took place and the shop manager said "you cover the counter while I deal with this situation." Apart from the buzz for a child to be in control of a shop, I had never dealt with cash before, I was terrified.

But the lasting impression about that situation was; I saw the shop from a different viewpoint.

Years of paper rounds delivering in the local village, leaning on the counter, several visits each day, I had got used to seeing the shop from one side the customer side.

Now I was seeing the other side. It was strange.

If you have lived in the same house for a long time and you haven't been in the garden of next door then when you do go and visit -its strange because you are seeing it from a different eye, a different perspective!

Looking at "risks" is to some extent looking from a different angle.

While you might have a insight, the rest of your team might not!
To move forward in risk management there is a need to have everyone increase their awareness.

With change like behaviour it might take time, but as you carry on, others will see this new perspective and what a benefit it could be. A disaster missed, a more efficient office, no loss or a catastrophe averted.  

kierkegaard meets the emerging Church

looking back to a post some years ago

Old post Kierkegaard meets the emerging Church



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Made it to Kelso

Yes we made it to Kelso a few days ago and it was dry. The locals were saying that they heard it had been a realy dry summer in Perth! I was taken by the Kelso sqaure and the locallity. Nice walk a long the river. Might try and make it back again.

Lauder hills and stunning countryside.

Great views at the week end as we walked the hills at Lauder near Whitlaw and Pitmuir farms.


Lauder has a caravan and camping site south of the town in the grounds of Thirlestane Castle.

Didnae make it.

 With the weather looking wet we half planned a trip to Dundee.  But at the last minute we headed south with the tent to Lauder.  We had a good few days of dry weather. This picture above is Dalkeith country park.

 Now look for the crane in this picture. (Kelso )

Still looking out..!

 
Still looking out for people who live in the Highlands to complete a small questionnaire. Thanks.

  Details with link top right of blog.

Sunday again

Hi 

Today is another rest day.

What ever comes from thee-Kierkegaard prayer, translated in to AV English.

What ever comes from thee

Father in heaven! Let us consider that whatever happens to us, this comes from Thee, and that of whatever comes from thee nothingis able to harm us, no, no, it can only be of benefit.