November 30, 2012

It is the last day of November, Audrey’s favorite month. How did it evaporate so fast? What will December hold? Are all the months passing more rapidly as I age? I will seek to invest this last day of November in the healthiest way possible. My schedule has had a steady dose of meetings this week, all of them good and fruitful sessions of planning, preparation and supervision. Today my schedule will allow me to write Sunday’s message, catch up on the work stacked up on my desk, and make a couple of hospital visits. I do so enjoy the work of being a pastor, and it is a heavy responsibility. Tomorrow the men have their December meeting and the women have their Christmas party, as the Upward basketball season kicks off its first games tonight and tomorrow. Tomorrow evening we will attend the clergy district Christmas party at the Republic UMC.

John 12

Jesus explains to his disciples that “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal.” (Verses 24-25) As the month of November comes to a close, and the holiday month of December dawns tomorrow, I am very aware that if I love with possessiveness this life, I will lose it, and if I give away my life in this world I will keep it to life eternal. This is a great mystery, and a profound truth.

November 28, 2012

Today we will host the funeral of Gene Myers who died last Tuesday morning. Gene was a faithful member of Wesley and president of the Friendship Sunday School class.

Romans 14: (especially 10-12)

The theme of this chapter revolves around not condemning others for doing what you deem to be not appropriate. As Paul writes this, he is referring to Christians who have decided not to eat meat, or not to drink wine, or not to celebrate certain holy days for spiritual reasons. He ends the chapter by saying “The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Verses 22-23) In the margin of my Bible I noted “at age 50 I committed to no beverage alcohol for this reason.”

To summarize the teaching of this chapter I would conclude that Paul is encouraging believers to develop strong convictions about how they practice the faith, and at the same time to be careful not to judge the carefully discerned practices of others who are seeking to faithfully live out their lives before God. The Amish decided not to use automobiles or electricity. In verse 14 Paul says “I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” So, whatever a person has given up or taken on in devotion to Jesus Christ, that person should be fully convinced of the practice, and not judge those who have through faith adopted a different practice. In his essay on The Character of a Methodist, John Wesley concludes by writing “Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no farther question. If it be, give me thy hand. For opinions, or terms, let us not destroy the work of God.”

It is important for every believer to be careful in daily living and in spiritual disciplines. As the pastoral leader of a large faith community I am careful to attend to the personal spiritual practices which I have discerned, and I am very conscious of the different ways believers practice faithful living. Guide me today most Holy Lord as I live unto you, for whether I live or die I am yours. May my life shine as a beacon in a dark world.

Near Republic there is a house on fire in which a family of 6 escaped around 3 am this morning. The same family had a fire in the same house 5 years ago. The local news affiliate had graphic film of the house ablaze with firefighters from surrounding departments fighting it. I imagine what it is like for those men and women on this very cold morning to get the alarm at 3 am and arrive on the scene. There is also a fire in north Springfield this morning. I am praying for all who involved in these emergencies.

November 24, 2012

Tomorrow I begin a new series entitled “Unwrapping Christmas”. It begins with the scripture from Revelation 1:4-8 and the question “Who is really the king?” I look forward to developing this series and the regular weekly teaching about the real meaning of Christmas – the celebration of the birth of a king.

“Behold days are coming declares the Lord when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel…. I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (Jer 31:31-34) Yes Lord, those days are here, beginning with the birth of Christ and continuing through this present day, your law is written on the hearts of those who follow Christ, who are born again not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. We live under this new covenant and enjoy its benefits.

The theme developed by Job and Shawchuck for this week in their devotional A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God is “A New Beginning”. The scriptures are from the common lectionary for this week leading up to “Christ the King” Sunday, and their devotional writings are arranged around this theme.

A real cold front came through yesterday afternoon, dropping temperatures to the low twenties last night. I welcome the purging that comes with a solid freeze, the killing of weeds and insects. They will both emerge in the spring, but until then the frost has taken them. I like the crispness of a clear cold morning like today. It feels fresh and energizing. I have the privilege of officiating at a wedding this afternoon at the Elphindale chapel. Rochelle will be the musician.

My God and my King, I serve today at your command. Guide my steps, direct my thoughts, inspire my words, lead my heart ever closer to yours.

November 14, 2012

Last night Audrey and I hosted our 6th and final life group in the fall series. We have had a great group of 13 people who have met here at our house and at the home of the Bigelows. It is a combination of new members of Wesley, long-term members and persons considering joining Wesley. Last night I introduced Bishop Schnase’s work on the 5 Practices and related this to the 5 commitments of church membership – prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. At Wesley we pursue developing more fruitful disciples who worship, care and serve. I regularly need to keep this mission before all of us.

Acts 20: especially verses 31-38 on the theme of “claiming our inheritance.”

This chapter is a travel memoir, as Paul raps up his third missionary journey. Rather than stop in Ephesus, he summons the elders to Miletus where he addresses them with encouragement and exhortation. Acts 20:17-38 contains his words to them, which are golden to all pastors and church leaders. In verse 32 he says “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” I receive this commendation, and this morning I am built up and reminded of the inheritance to which I am heir along with all those who are sanctified.

My work today is among leaders. I will drive to Columbia to host a two-hour training session for superintendents and leaders of district committees on ordained ministry. Along with three others from the annual conference board of ordained ministry we will review the processes and procedures that the district committees undertake to shepherd those who are experiencing a call to pastoral leadership in the church. I relish this opportunity, and I recognize the weight of this responsibility. Now that I have been serving as a pastor for 30 years, with a healthy balance of involvement in academia, evangelism, church planting, missions and now the board of ordained ministry I have a confidence that God has been preparing me for this role, and I will live into it with faith and diligence.

I need to be writing. I am being pressed most appropriately with deadlines for our Spring 2013 material. I commend our pastoral staff for doing so, and I need to carve out time and prioritize this work, which I long to do, and which I am called to do.

I just wrote three paragraphs for the introduction. I am on my way in this resource. I will write early in the morning, and late into the night. Thank you Lord for this motivation and the gentle pressure of deadlines. Guide my work today as I lead in improving the process of the culture of call within our United Methodist connection.

November 13, 2012

I have a great day ahead, of pastoral work with leadership development and the hosting of our life group tonight. I look forward to getting to my office, organizing my desk and diving in to preparation, plans, praying, and pastoring. Yesterday Audrey and I went out for an early breakfast, worked around the house, then caught a late afternoon movie. We split a salad from Panera and invested the rest of the evening in study and correspondence.

Luke 12:32-34

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” This is great news of monumental proportions! God who has created everything, who owns everything, has chosen gladly, not begrudgingly to give us the kingdom. The devotional theme this week is “Claim Your Inheritance.” This verse reminds me of the spiritual inheritance that God has prepared for those who become a part of his flock. Even as I prepare to part with the LHS, which I inherited from my parents, along with their house and their estate, I am mindful of the inheritance my heavenly Father is providing. I must always remember that I am an heir of The King.

“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Verses 33-34)

The book of Proverbs, written originally for the sons of the nobles of Israel mentions inheritance several times, including the observation that an inheritance quickly gained is quickly spent. There are prudent ways to handle any earthly inheritance one receives, and these verses remind me that the healthiest focus of my daily life is to please God, and to store up treasure in heaven. I do this by giving my life and resources away. Living with wisdom, cultivating a generous spirit, observant of opportunities to invest time and resources in others is my goal. I have coined the concept of “cumulative living” which is a principle I have lived by, and will write about. It is living that adds up in a world that does not.

Guide me today, most precious, holy Lord as I “make for myself a purse which does not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven.” May this day reveal Your glory.

November 11, 2012

Today is Veterans Day, and I have asked the Rev. Jim Massey to preach. We will have lunch in room 32 and then church conference in the gym with the Rev. Dr. Bart Hildreth, our district superintendent leading. Yesterday our youth spent the day near Branson on an Alpha retreat, focusing on the Holy Spirit. We also had a “mini mission blitz” yesterday, with 120+ Wesley folks participating in a huge effort to pack food for the needy in a community-wide effort downtown.

Psalm 127 (theme for this week in Job-Shawchuck “Claim Your Inheritance”)

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.” (Verse 1) This brief Psalm reminds me that the work we are about is God’s work and will be to the end of time. As a pastor I must never slip into thinking that shepherding a flock and extending the kingdom of God is anything but a partnership with our creator in His work and purpose in the world.

The Foundry, a new United Methodist Church will have its first regular Sunday Morning worship service today. Richard Fine is the pastor and they have rented an elementary school in the area. They are hoping to reach the Battlefield-Republic area of southwest metropolitan Springfield. Today is the anniversary of John Wesley preaching his first sermon in front of the foundry, a building he eventually purchased and used as a center for the Methodist movement in England in the 1700s.

David Petraeus resigned on Friday as the director of the CIA. It came to light on Wednesday that he had been having an affair with his biographer. What a huge loss. He seemed to be the right man for the job, with his great record commanding the military effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can only imagine how this moral failure is impacting him and his family today.

Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I labor in building your kingdom through the work of pastoring Wesley UMC here in Springfield. May the work be guided by your spirit, empowered by your love, and established according to your will. I am your servant, use me today.

November 9, 2012

Today is a beautiful day and a gift. I am aware of much pain and suffering in the world, and the possibility of healing and wholeness. Audrey and I are in the family room with the gas fire burning as we read and study scripture.

Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus sends the disciples across the lake in a boat while he dismisses the crowds, then gets alone to pray. During the fourth watch of the night, he comes to them walking on the water. Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water until he sees the wind and becomes afraid, calling out to Jesus “Lord save me!” Jesus stretched out his hand and said “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

This famous incident in scripture gives me much upon which to chew. I can picture the scene, and feel what the disciples felt. It is hard for me to imagine the how of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. I believe it happened, and was a miracle without explanation. I believe that miracles still happen. It is so important for me to listen for Jesus’ beckoning voice, and in obeying it to focus upon him and have no fear of the elements. This could be applied to pastoring, to marriage, to missions, to discipleship, and to every experience in life.

Being with Jesus, doing what he says, exercising faith and overcoming the doubts that naturally arise – this is the life that pleases God, which is my goal. Today, most holy Lord, may my life be lived in your presence, fully obedient and attentive to your word and will. Here in Springfield on a Friday in November, may faith bear fruit in my life and service to your kingdom.

I had a phone message yesterday from a family in another part of the state. I performed the wedding of husband and wife, and now with four children they are experiencing issues. My heart hurts for them and I desire to bring a word of hope and healing when we are able to talk today.

November 8, 2012

Mark 11:20-25

Peter points out the fig tree that previously Jesus had found with only leaves, and had spoken to the tree: “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Verse 14) It is withered from the roots up, and Jesus says “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.” (Verses 22-24)

The theme in the devotional guide by Job and Shawchuck for this week is “From doubt to belief.” This passage is a clear teaching of Jesus about the power of faith. In the last few decades there have been many pastors and teachers who have emphasized faith – from healing to prosperity, often this faith has had a self-centered aspect. I believe in the power of God and desire to walk by faith, and not by sight. This minor incident in the life of Jesus takes on major importance as an example of faith in God spoken directly to a created object.

Today I will be more conscious of the power of faith and the opportunities I have to speak against doubt, fear, brokenness, unfruitfulness, and sin. From a fig tree to a mountain, God acts on behalf of his people who pray. Guide me now most Holy Lord as I pray.

Yesterday I began a more serious search for my next car, as I visited a church member at the Honda dealer, then looked at their new and used Civics and Accords. I am pretty dispassionate about this search, simply recognizing the need for a more dependable car. There is what seems a great value in leasing a 2012 Civic. I like the looks of the Ford Fusion, and need to check it out. The Civic gets 39 mpgs on the highway. I must guard against being infatuated with a new car, and continue to search the used car market.

November 6, 2012

Election day! Every 4 years we cast our votes for the president of the United States. I will vote as early as I can this morning. We have staff prayers at 9:15, worship planning at 10:15, and a field trip for the facility study team this afternoon, visiting 2nd Baptist and the Wilson Creek campus of James River Assembly. Audrey made it home safely last night, enduring a 2 hour delay in Los Angeles. It was so good to see her.

John 10:22-30

“From doubt to belief” is the theme for this week of devotional readings in Job and Shawchuck’s A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God.” This passage is set at the temple where the Jews are asking Jesus to tell them plainly whether or not he is the Christ. He responds that he has told them, but they do not believe, because they are not of his sheep. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” (Verse 27) Yes Lord! I hear Your voice and follow You. You have appointed me to lead a portion of your flock, and I do so with faith and obedience.

Yesterday I experienced a sabbatical day of rest. It began with a motorcycle ride to Lake Tannycomo and a visit to the state trout hatchery. I hiked a trail and explored along the lake (the damned up White River). As it began to rain, I donned my rain suit and headed home, riding through moderate rain from low clouds. I rested in the afternoon, then in the evening went to the grocery store and seminary library on my way to pick Audrey up from the airport. At the seminary I read an interesting article in the current edition of the Methodist Historical Journal about the dispute after John Wesley’s death of who had the rights to publish his biography and access to his papers.

Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I serve you with joy. May my words, my thoughts, my actions honor your name and bring increase to your flock. Bless our country as we exercise the privilege of voting in the democratic process of electing our leaders.

November 4, 2012

We gained an hour last night, as the time changed from Central Daylight Savings Time to Central Standard Time. In 17 weeks we will “spring forward” and return to daylight savings time. During these 17 weeks darkness will fall around 5 pm, and the sun will rise around 7 am. I always love this particular morning, because of the extra hour added. This morning the Bass Pro Marathon will take place in Springfield, even as the New York Marathon has been cancelled today due to the storm Sandy which has decimated the east coast.

I feel especially good about this morning of worship. I am looking forward to delivering the message which includes a testimony from the Smiths, a family that adopted an infant daughter. We will celebrate the names of members who have died in the past 12 months, and we will share in communion.

Psalm 146 (from lectionary in A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God)

“I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.” (Verse 2)
I meditate upon this verse and picture the rest of my life, whether I live to be 70, 80, 90, or if this is my last year. It is healthy to realize that I will not always be a steward of this earthly body entrusted with daily opportunities. I affirm the statement of the Psalmist, that I, Bruce Baxter will praise the Lord as long as I live!

“The Lord loves the righteous.” (Verse 8) This affirmation blessed me this morning, as I daily seek to live in God’s imputed and imparted righteousness. I have for 34 years, and will until the end of my days. I received a warmth and an encouragement to remember that the Lord sees and knows my life and my heart.

Guide me today Lord as I serve as a pastoral guide to others. Help me to bless many, and to appropriately celebrate the lives of those who are departed, and to teach all of us how to witness to others about Your blessed presence in our lives.

November 3, 2012

The presidential election occurs in 3 days, and the polls indicate that it will be very close. The future health of the United States is precarious. My trust is in God, and in Him the future is secure. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God! (Psalm 20:6-7)

Psalm 20

John 6:35-40
“Jesus said to them ‘I am the bread of life, he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.’” I have experienced the sustenance of the Lord. I believe and trust in Him. My needs are met.

Thank you most Holy Lord for the living Word. The scriptures this morning remind me that you are my source of strength and the foundation of my hope. I do not trust in government, politics, money or military might. I do not trust in my own strength or abilities. I trust in you, and your strong arm to protect and guide. Reveal yourself today as I listen and learn with a small team from Wesley. Bless Audrey and Bethany as they spend the next two days together in southern California.

Audrey arrived safely last night in Los Angeles for a three-day visit with Bethany, and I have gotten up before 5 am to lean into this Saturday. I will read scriptures, pray, get ready and then hit the gym and church on my way to the seminar with Jim Griffith on how to reach new people, hosted by Kingsway.