Michael Wallace Benson

The Sanctified Mind

"Finally beloved, whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is PLEASING, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if there is any EXCELLENCE and if there is anything WORTHY OF PRAISE, THINK about these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Here is a question so many men despise. When this question is asked by the fairer sex, it strikes fear in our psyche. It is THE dreaded question.  The odds are great that most women in relationships with men have asked this question of a man at least once if not dozens of times.

The Kingdom Experiment

The printing side of the Nazarene Publishing House has a new book imprint called The House Studio. You can access their site at www.theHouseStudio.com.  The House Studio is focusing on what they hope will be a new generation of resources that are authentic, relevant, and life changing. (What publishing venture doesn't hope to be relevant and authentic?) The plan for The House Studio to accomplish this is to publish the conversation of the church and, from that discussion, to learn what God is doing.

Publishing project number one is the book The Kingdom Experiment: A Community Practice on Intentional Living. The text centers around the preaching of Jesus commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. That sermon has long been recognized for its seemingly reverse-thinking by the Son of God. "You have heard it said, ‘Do not swear falsely'; but I say unto you, ‘Do not swear at all'." "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'." One cannot read the Sermon on the Mount and not see that all has been turned around for those who receive the Kingdom of God.

Let's Contemplate "Contemplation"

A current theme, popular among the new evangelicals today, is a return, of sorts, to practices and disciplines used for many years among the religious, mainly in Monasteries and Convents across Europe. It was, perhaps, Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline that set so many on paths of spiritual formation via the ancient practices. Who knows the span of influence that this work has had? Though first published in 1978, this book continues to gain new readers and to enjoy very good reviews among those new readers. It is not uncommon to find these kinds of assessments when looking to buy a copy of Celebration of Discipline:

• "Amazing book; it inspires me to continue on the journey. Very helpful in so many ways."
• "An excellent book. It helped to clear up some things that I learned over the years. One in particular, the discipline of meditation and the difference between Eastern meditation and Western meditation."
• "While other religions emphasize meditation, fasting, or simplicity, you will understand and be able to use these disciplines in your life as God intended with His people."
• "A must read for anyone who is ready to deepen their relationship with God."
• "Insightful, thought-provoking, concise and very practical. A marvelous guide for personal spiritual growth. Even more relevant in today's rushed, materialistic culture than when written 20 years ago."
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  Tags: Discipline