September 30, 2012

“No one is so empty as he who is full of himself.” This quote and others go through my head as I contemplate the topic of humility and my message today. Last night in my dreams I pictured an outfitter, someone who equips and sends out people into the wilderness, perhaps on horses. The outfitter is the expert, and his orientation is completely to the other, the people he for whom he is providing. His goal is not to prove that he is right, but to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for others. Philippians 2 Jesus emptied himself (literally in the greek “poured out himself”) taking the form (status) of a slave… and being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. (Message – He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death – and the worst kind of death at that – a crucifixion.”) “Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth – even those long ago dead and buried – will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.” (9-11) This morning the question for Bruce Baxter is: how do I empty myself as Christ emptied himself? • Be filled with the knowledge and presence of God • Be attentive to the needs of others • Become obedient even to the point of death • Expect God to be the one who lifts me up (He doesn’t need my help!) Help me today, most Holy Lord, to be filled with your presence as I attend to the needs of others, obeying you in all things even to the point of death as I trust that you will raise me up in your time and according to your purposes.

September 29, 2012

The 43rd chapter of Isaiah begins with God stating through the prophet “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” I read this chapter and take it very personally. In verse 21 it is said “The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare my praise.” In the margin of my Bible I have written “Yes Lord, I am one of those, and will declare your praise! 11-28-85; amen 3-6-89; Yes! 9-27-02; Again in 3-5-11. I continue to recognize that I am one of the people formed by God and I declare His praise. In 1985 I was pastoring Shiloh and Defiance, David was 11 months old and Bethany was not yet conceived. In March of 89 David was 4, Bethany was 6 months old, and I was pastoring in Wellsville and Middletown. In September of 2002 I was in my 12th year of pastoring SunRise, David was a senior in High School and Bethany was in 8th grade. In March of 2011 David and Danelle had been married for 2 years, Bethany was about to graduate from APU, and I was pastoring Wesley. These few notes in this Bible that Audrey gave me as an engagement present in 1982 have affirmed my love for God through several seasons of my life. This has been a busy week of pastoring! I have asked each of our staff to keep a time log for these last two weeks in September, which are pretty typical weeks. This is proving to be very helpful to me as I analyze my use of time and my priorities. Last night we had the children’s Fall Festival at Wesley from 5:30 -7:30 which provided a great opportunity for me to mingle and meet parents and grandparents of our Kids of Creation. I went to the gym and worked out afterward, first time for me to be there on a Friday night. Audrey and I had a late lunch date, and then were on our own for dinner. Last night she had dinner with our niece Lauren and they watched “so you think you can dance” over here at our house into the wee hours of the night. Today we have a funeral at Wesley led by Jim Massey, and I need to write and produce the teaching portion of the Spring 2013 Basic Grace material, complete my sermon, and sketch the outline for Oct 7 sermon and the series it begins. Steve and I will work on the LHS this afternoon, replacing some bushings under the carriage that holds the engine. I will take my day off on Monday to ride motorcycles with other United Methodist Pastors from around the state, and then will participate in the Mission Council of the annual conference led by the Bishop on Tuesday. Audrey is in her 7th week of teaching the college age Sunday school class, and she is really enjoying it. God has given her the gift of teaching and she is a great speaker. Wesley provides a context for her ministry, and I picture it continuing to expand. Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I live the abundant life, declaring Your praise through this season of late middle age with an empty nest.

September 23, 2012

I walked out barefoot to get the paper, and even though the air is chilly (45 degrees) and I can see my breath, the ground is still fairly warm. We are in the time of transition. Today is the first official day of autumn. This afternoon we have the church golf tournament, which I always enjoy. Yesterday I sat in section CCC at the Plaster football stadium with many people from Wesley and watched the Bears play the Salukis from SIU Carbondale, with Jackson MacLachlan their kicker. He made two extra points after touchdowns, and hit the upright on his one field goal attempt. I learned yesterday morning as he spoke at our men’s breakfast that Riad’s brother was killed in Saudi Arabia this week. Last night I learned that one of our members, who sang in the choir died of an apparent blood clot. Pastor Jerry spoke with her husband by phone. James 3 God has designed humans with the capacity to speak, and words become our greatest tools. Words also become dangerous weapons. In this chapter the writer describes the power of words, for good and for evil. He states that the tongue is set on fire by hell itself. He also states that this should not be, and there is a better way. In verse 17 he says “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits …” I desire to continue walking and talking in the wisdom from above, making it the course of my life. Guide me today, most Holy Lord, that I may say the words that are healing, wholesome and that bring a harvest of righteousness sown in peace for those who make peace. Guard me from saying anything that is not from Your heart and according to your will. I desire to follow You and the example You set on earth in my speech, demeanor, actions and conduct. May it be so today. Amen.

September 17, 2012

As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee ( Psalm 42, verse 1, KJV from memory) Verse 2: “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?” These first two verses of this Psalm remind me of the human longing to connect with God, and my own personal desire to walk with God every day of my life. In October I will be preaching a series of messages entitled “Thirsting for More” and these two verses summarize the series. My weekly themes will be thirsting for more of God through prayer, through worship, through generosity, through serving, and through telling the story. It seems that there are many aspects to thirsting, and to finding that which quenches. Last night I was reading Mark Twain’s autobiography and he was describing the writing process, and that most stories tell themselves, and he usually has to take a break in the middle. He said that while writing Tom Sawyer he had to set it down for 2 years, his tank was empty and it needed to fill back up, which it did, and the story finished itself through his pen. I need to write, it is a calling and a desire, and it is so easy for me to put it off and never get around to. Daily writing in this journal is the discipline I have followed most of my life. It is the best place for me to start. What should I do with the rhythm of my week, and the process of writing? On Saturday, as I chaired the Board of Ordained Ministry lunch in Columbia, I experienced a great sense of purpose and call. The president of St. Paul School of Theology is a member of this committee, and I asked him to share about what is happening at the seminary, and he told about the changes in transitioning from a residential campus to utilizing one or more local churches for classrooms. This is exactly what I imagined 30 years ago as I pictured seminary education being best connected to the local church. I must support and encourage this process every way that I can. Guide me holy Lord as I walk through this day, thirsting after you and your will in my life.

September 15, 2012

Micah chapter 6 contains the verse (8) that inspires my next three sermons. It is a great moral question, and a powerfully clear, concise answer. “What does the Lord require of you – but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” My theme is “how to walk humbly with God during an election year.” The context of Micah 6:8 is a prophet who ministered from 740 until 703, speaking against the capitals and leaders of both Israel and Judah. They did took advantage of the poor, they worshipped false gods, and did not obey the God of their fathers. These prophetic words can be applied down through the ages to all generations of leaders. My hope is to be faithful and clear in my ministry to worship God completely, care for the poor, and to walk humbly, with strength and integrity all my days. Guide me most holy Lord on this rainy day in the Ozarks. Use me as I serve on the board of ordained ministry to encourage new pastors, protect me as I travel (thank you for preserving me last night on the motorcycle when the car pulled out on that rainy street!) and continue to prepare me to deliver your message tomorrow to your people who gather at Wesley. We need the rain that is gently falling this morning! I seeded the lawn last weekend and I am glad for the moisture, yesterday and today. My trip to Columbia this morning will not be on the motorcycle, but I will take the car. I am looking forward to this meeting with all members of all conference teams. I will lead the BOM over lunch with a get acquainted session. Yesterday I received the digital video camera which I ordered from Woot, an Everio made by JVC and so far I am very pleased with its $89 price tag, and its factory reconditioning. It records onto a 32 gb SD card. I will continue to record family events etc, and make ministry videos. Technology marches on so rapidly. My approach is not to stay right on the cutting edge, but just back far enough to get good value pricewise, while staying current with my abilities to use the latest advances in phones, computers, cameras etc. I am holding off getting a tablet, which might be my next foray into technology.

September 13, 2012

It is good to be home. The previous three days and nights I spent on retreat with 10 other pastors. We golfed, and ate, played tennis, fished, watched baseball and talked, and talked, and talked! Twenty-one years ago we started meeting on Thursdays at 1 pm for conversations and reflection. Now the pastoral counselor is retired and the group no longer meets weekly. Half the group are over 60, 3 are retired with 4 more within 5 years of retiring. I was one of the youngest original members, with younger pastors added as the years went by. I am a better pastor, husband and father because of this group. We will continue to meet annually, driving from Floriday, Texas, Illinois and all parts of Missouri, and perhaps also hold a mid-winter gathering. I have not blogged in the days I was on retreat. I journalled once, using a blue tooth keyboard and my Droid Razor Max. Last night I co-led the New Membership class with Pastor Mi Hyeon. Audrey and I then attended our 8:30 pm worship service of college students called "the Green Room" downtown. My schedule today is ordinary, with 3 meetings spread morning, afternoon, and evening. I have today and tomorrow to write my sermon, as Saturday I will ride the motorcycle (or drive the car if the weather is inclement) to Colombia for a gathering of Conference leaders and committees with the Bishop. Then I will return to Springfield through Licking and visit a man at the prison there. Today I will order a Bible for a prisoner in Arizona, after CBD has had it on backorder since July. I will also call the young man who we met on the youth Choir Tour in West Virginia, who was scheduled to be released to his grandmother in Amarillo in August. The 59 verses of John chapter 8 are made up mostly of the teachings of Jesus. His dialog involves the scribes and Pharisees who doubt that he is the son of God, and repeatedly attempt to trip him up. They bring a woman caught in adultery, reminding him that the law of Moses commanded that she be stoned. Jesus responded that the person without sin should throw the first stone. They left, beginning with the oldest. He told the woman to go and sin no more. In verse 12 he said: “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” I have experienced the light of life, and since opening my heart to Jesus Christ I have been walking in the light of God. It is a wonderful life, to be free of condemnation and guilt, and to know the creator of the universe in a personal way. Guide me Holy Lord as I serve You today. Increase my faith as I obey your word and seek to live in your light. Guide my words, my decisions, my initiatives, my demeanor and my responses that you may be glorified, and this day may be lived for eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

September 9, 2012

John Ed Mathison from Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama will bring our morning message today at Wesley. He is a great servant of Christ, a delightful speaker, and a leader of the church at a national and international level. I am looking forward to his message today as he speaks about “When a Church Refines the Possible.” Yesterday was a very good day, as 58 leaders of Wesley gathered in the morning to hear my update of the ministry and vision and to experience John Ed’s teaching on leadership. In the afternoon I planted grass seed – Fescue in the front and Bermuda in the back. Planting Bermuda grass, which I have been fighting for 5 years felt like Romans chapter 1 in which it states that “God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity” (verse 24), as the fescue I have been trying to establish has been overrun in patches by Bermuda grass, which makes a nice ground cover. So I bought Bermuda seed and will just let it have its way in my backyard. I seeded the front with Fescue, still trying to give it a fighting chance! I was able to squeeze in a 15 minute run. In the evening 45 of us gathered for dinner at the Highland Springs Country Club and enjoyed dinner and an inspirational talk by John Ed on the eternal value of investing in the kingdom of God. This morning he will preach at all four services and sign books in the Gathering Area. Psalm 6 David cries out to God asking Him to “not rebuke me in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am pining away; Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed. And my soul is greatly dismayed; But Thou, O Lord – how long?” As I read this, I am aware that this is the common cry of the human soul – guilty, and longing for forgiveness and healing. This is the human need at which my Spring 2013 material is aimed. Today I am blessed to be living in the light of God’s love, as revealed in Jesus Christ, feeling the full power of His grace and my desire to share this good news with others who are where David is as this Psalm begins. This is one of the 7 “penitential” psalms (see also Psalms 32, 38, 51, 102, 130) George O. Wood has written a great devotional commentary called A Psalm in Your Heart and reminds us that in verses 8-10 David describes the relief and confidence he has that “the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord receives my prayer.” (Verses 8-9) I desire for many within the sphere of my ministry and influence to experience God’s grace, forgiveness, healing, and renewal. I puzzle over how I can best help folks respond to what God is doing in their lives. Guide me Holy Lord as I walk in the light of your love and forgiveness, ministering your grace to all I meet.

September 8, 2012

John Ed Mathison from Montgomery Alabama was delightful dinner company last night. He will be speaking at Wesley this morning, addressing a dinner tonight, and preaching all four services tomorrow. He is a man of great warmth and vision, and such a fruitful pastor, growing Frazier UMC from a small congregation to one of the strongest in our United Methodist connection. Matthew 22 Jesus teaches in parables about the kingdom of God. The Pharisees sent men to trap him, and said to him “teacher, we know that you are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for you are not partial to any. Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Ceasar, or not?” Jesus knew they were testing him, and with a denarius in hand he asked whose picture was on it. He then said “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Verse 21) As I prepare to preach a series of messages on the theme “Balancing Justice and Kindness” I am mindful that this scripture relates to the topic. I will work on this message this afternoon and tomorrow morning so that I can ponder it during the days I am away with the group of pastors next week. Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I live for You on this beautiful Saturday in the Ozarks, hosting Your servant John Ed Mathison and encouraging the leaders of Wesley.

September 4, 2012

The prophet Jeremiah blasts people who put their trust in mere humans, “who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert…” (17: 5-6) He then makes a comparison which is powerful, describing “those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit.” (7-8). These verses remind me of Psalm 1, and also have been illustrated in my backyard, as the dogwood tree planted high on a berm has withered leaves, and the maple tree planted lower in the yard (not by a stream, but where I water regularly) has endured this year’s drought wonderfully. Guide me today Lord as I trust in You and not human effort, especially not mine. Guide me as I choose to follow You, serve You, represent You and rest in Your fruitfulness in my life. Guard me from trusting in humans or being distracted from Your path. Amen.

September 3, 2012

The third chapter of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7) is rich with teaching. “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Verse 3) This has seemed to me to be one of the most universal conditions of humans – to be especially sensitive to imperfections in others that are present in their own lives. For example, parents will be hypercritical of their children when they evidence similar problems that the parents struggle with. A great application of this truth is to create an inner barometer that is tuned to notice the faults of others, as a means of examining self in those same areas. For example, if it bugs me that someone is late for a meeting or appointment, I need to examine my own approach to being on time. If it bothers me that someone is sloppy in appearance, than I need to examine my own approach to dress and grooming, etc. “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” (Verse 7) Jesus is teaching that “your Father who is in heaven [will] give what is good to those who ask Him (11). I must remember this today and everyday – God desires to give good gifts to His children. In verses 24 – 27 Jesus applies his sermon by telling his hearers that “everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock…” I desire everyday to build my life upon the solid foundation of the Word of God, of a life hidden with Christ in God. Guide me today on this national holiday to live in the light of Your truth and Your love. I desire to please You in everything I do today. I love You Lord. Thank You for this day which You have made, and the work and rest to which You have called me.

September 2, 2012

Work is good. This is my title of today’s message and I will examine several scriptures that describe work. I will start with Genesis and cultivating the garden, include Solomon’s wisdom from Ecclesiastes, and focus on Paul’s remarks to the II Thessalonians. Work is defined as physical or mental effort or activity directed toward the production or accomplishment of something. With this definition it is clear that every living human has work to do. All of us have the opportunity to work for the kingdom of God. Ephesians 4 Great chapter, written by Paul from a prison cell, encouraging the believers in Ephesus, where he planted a church, to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” He reminds them that God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers – “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” All the saints, the members of the body of Christ are called and equipped for “the work of service” – unpacking this phrase would be a good study. In verses 17-24 Paul admonishes the readers to set aside their former life, illustrated by the condition of those who live apart from God “because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.” This could be a good way to describe people who are not working for the kingdom of God. It would seem to be easy to slip into a lifestyle of greed and indulgence, where pleasure is the goal, and focused effort directed toward the production or accomplishment of something erodes into sensuality. Therefore, Paul uses this transition at verse 25 to describe the different life he expects from followers of Christ: laying aside falsehood, speaking the truth, no longer steal, but getting an honest job so you can help others who cannot work (laying up treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt.) He concludes this chapter with this strong directive: “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Yes Lord! A great reminder for all your children – to be kind to one another, forgiving each other. Yesterday I purchased Shame-Less Lives, Grace-Full Congregations by Karen McClintock who was our leader at the boundaries seminar. The title is great, and I believe she has a gift to give the church in how to be kind to one another, forgiving each other. So, my conclusion today is to shift from the focus of the company store and the domination of the employer, to orienting our days, nights, efforts, investments, energy and hope toward God’s coming kingdom, the work He calls us to, and the reality that this will all pass away, but eternity is real. One way we keep this focus sharp is through holy communion. St. Peter when you call me I am ready to go, I’ve been working today for the kingdom of God. Building up the body of Christ. Putting my treasure in heaven (Mat 6:20)