December 31, 2012

The USA is hours away from the “fiscal cliff,” when tax hikes and spending cuts automatically take effect. On the stock exchange it is the last trading day of the year. It could be that stocks will fall for the 6^th straight day, although the market is up 6 percent for the year. The regular NFL season is over, and the playoffs begin. Today is the last day of Bethany’s visit as she heads back to LA this evening if her flight does not face a weather delay. It has been great to have her here in Springfield. She sang in all the sanctuary services yesterday.

Hebrews 1

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.” (Verses 1-2) These “last days” have now extended almost 2,000 years. God still speaks in Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit, God the three-in-one. We are fellow heirs as sons and daughters of God, and as this world is passing away, our inheritance is forever, world without end, amen.

It is sustaining to know that we are heirs of God, “joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod.” I gave to Audrey for Christmas the first season of Downton Abbey, a British PBS series about life on an estate in the early 1900s. One driving issue involves the heirs. Two were killed on the Titanic, a distant cousin is next in line, etc. Whatever happens in this life, we know that for eternity we belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords. And, there is more room in God’s estate, room for everyone we could bring to the table in the years that remain. Also, in God’s economy, those who serve are at the top, those who live for themselves are at the bottom.

It is the season for organizing one’s life. I received the forms from our tax preparer to get ready for the 2012 returns. I always intend to do a thorough job of organizing at the end of the year, then end up doing just the minimal required for reporting, etc. It would be helpful to prepare a balance sheet and a record of all important aspects of family business. I also need to update our will, which we prepared in 1987.

On this last day of 2012, and the first day of the rest of my earthly life, guide my steps Lord. I honor You and submit to Your will and purposes. Empower me to do that which furthers Your kingdom and maximizes the stewardship of my life.

December 30, 2012

Cliffhangers is the new series we begin today at Wesley. Kerner will preach this first installment on the financial cliff, teaching about stewardship and life in Christ. Having preached 9 times this past week I am ready for a break, and a Sunday to simply hang out and encourage folks. I expect a somewhat lighter attendance today.

Psalm 98

“O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.” (Verse 1) The 9 verses of this Psalm are admonitions to praise God, to shout joyfully to the Lord, because He has won the victory, and He will come to judge the world with righteousness. I will sing joyfully to Him this morning in 4 worship services. This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Bethany and I shared a father-daughter dinner last night at Rebecca’s Grill downtown. We ate delicious food and enjoyed good conversation.  I spent most of yesterday working on 2013 Spring Training material, and will work on it as much as possible today. The Cherokee is still not operational, so the flight this afternoon with Hiram has to be postponed.  

My soul blesses the Lord this morning. Thank you Lord for your word,  and for this chapter of my life. May I praise you and point people to “the rock that is higher than I” as you are the King and Lord of all. I am your servant, ready to do your will. Guide my hands, heart, mind and feet today that I might minister your grace to many.

 

December 29, 2012

The fiscal cliff looms large! Congress is back in Washington and has until Monday to make a deal. Our new sermon series is called Cliffhangers and capitalizes upon the publicity. I do not think very often or very deeply about politics, economics and national strategies; however it seems to me that the reason we have this financial cliff results from the congress recognizing that something must be done about our spiraling national debt, and nobody wants to make the hard decisions to raise taxes and cut spending. So the republicans advocate cutting spending, and the democrats push raising taxes. The incredible national debt will crush future generations in America. Very few people have the courage to legislate in ways that cause pain to constituents now, to correct the system providing for future financial health.

On a personal level, every one of us is faced daily with decisions that will either bring current satisfaction or future benefit. For example, to eat a piece of candy now is pleasant, and it contributes to weight gain which is costly. To take on a second job or additional hours is demanding and difficult, and results in income and resources to benefit in the future. A person can be obsessive in either direction. My goal is to be balanced, mindful of the implications of all my actions. There is a place for the enjoyment and reward of a piece of candy. There is a time to work harder and longer. Finding the balance is the key.
 
Acts 10

Cornelius, a centurion at Caesarea, is a man “who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to God continually.” (Verse 2) In a vision he saw an angel who told him that his prayers and alms had “ascended as a memorial before God.” He was told to dispatch some men to Joppa and find Peter. As the men approached Joppa, Peter was praying on a rooftop before a meal, and as he was hungry he saw a vision of unclean animals being lowered on a sheet. To the voice which told him to kill and eat he replied “by no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” (Verse 14) The voice then said, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.”

Peter was greatly perplexed, just as the men from Cornelius knocked on his door. He went with them, asked Cornelius what he wanted, then shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. The Holy Spirit fell upon them as he spoke, and they spoke in tongues. “And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also.” (Verse 45) Peter then ordered them to be baptized, and they invited him to stay on for a few days.

This chapter reminds me of several things: God speaks to people with visions; God directs people to take action; God honors obedience; God surprises people with new insights; the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is unpredictable and recognizable.  The application of this for me today: Be open to how God will lead me; work diligently in the direction he is leading me (spring 2013 material – The Basics of Grace) Remember that God honors prayers and alms and families that honor Him. Lead the church in greater fields of witness and fruitfulness.

Guide me today, Most Holy Lord! I am yours. My path is under your direction. I know your eye is upon me, your hand is guiding my steps. Guard me from distraction. Use me as your servant.

December 28, 2012

Winter has fully arrived! It is one of my favorite seasons! I especially enjoy inclement conditions, unless I have to travel. Today we have a funeral at Wesley, and then Brian and I will do some filming for the “Spring Training – The Basics of Grace” series. For the next few days this will be the focus of my work – writing, preparing, filming for this series for Lent, 2013.

Matthew 9:1-17

Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple, and then dines at his house with his friends and associates. The Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?” When Jesus “heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice’ for I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.’” How does this relate to the ministry to which God has called me? To the work of Wesley UMC in Springfield? To the United Methodist Church? It is so easy for religious movements to become institutions that exclude rather than reach out. May this never be true of those with whom I have influence.

Guide me today Lord as I write, think, plan and lead with your words for my life today fully in view.

December 27, 2012

Psalm 10

Before I read this Psalm, I closed my eyes and prayed. I mentioned to God how I have been through a season of not feeling his presence or hearing his voice directly. I then opened the Bible and began at verse one which says: “Why dost Thou stand afar off, O Lord? Why dost Thou hide Thyself in times of trouble?” I immediately had a sense of God’s understanding and watchfulness over me. This was not a coincidence. In my spiritual formation I have experienced seasons like this of pressing forward without any dramatic or visible signs or words from God, and then suddenly a clear indication that God knows exactly where I am, what I am thinking and He is leading me every step of the way, every inclination that I pursue.

I worked long and hard yesterday and it was fulfilling. In the morning at the office I developed sermons for Jan 27 and Feb 3, What the Bible says about friendship and romance. I made 2 hospital calls, led a worship planning meeting, and met with a couple about their February wedding. The day was capped off with dinner here at our house with the Collettes plus two boyfriends, Grayson (Shannon) and Charlie ( Lauren). I went to bed around 10 as the games were still going strong. I feel rested and ready for this day, which includes future oriented planning. Kerner and I will meet for breakfast downtown. This afternoon I will work with Brian on the Spring 2013 material.

Thank you Lord for Psalm 10 this morning. Guide me as I journey by faith into this day, seeking to follow your will, express your love, be your pastor in a dark and broken world. Lead me forward by faith as I serve you with joy.

December 26, 2012

This morning I have a fresh and new sense of the season. I have put the trash out, the great Christmas wrapping trash, and feel that we have had a very good Christmas celebration. It was great to host David and Danelle and Bethany is still visiting for a few more days. I am not preaching on Sunday, and will use this week and the New Year’s Day holiday to work hard on Spring 2013. I will also spend time clearing files and getting organized, something I annually intend to do at year-end, but rarely accomplish. We usually travel or entertain company during these days after Christmas, leaving me away from desks at office and home.

It is 4:50 am, and I have been awake for awhile feeling pretty rested and ready for the day. I will work today - in the office this morning, worship planning at 2, wedding consultation at 5. The Collettes will come over for dinner tonight, a late Christmas dinner, or as they call today in England, Boxing Day. 

I Sam 3:15-21 (A Guide to Prayer – week’s theme “I am yours)

Following his experience of hearing God’s voice but not recognizing it until Eli instructed him to respond “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening” Samuel lay down until morning. When questioned by Eli, Samuel was hesitant to reveal the vision God had given him yet due to Eli’s insistence, he told him. Upon hearing that his house would be severely judged “forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them” Eli responded “It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good to Him.” (Verse 18) This response is similar but very different from Mary’s response to Gabriel, as she said “behold the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.” (Luke 2:38)  Eli, aware of his misdoings, was acknowledging God’s sovereign power to judge; Mary, willing to yield and serve God in her future, was submitting to God’s will. As I preached on Christmas Eve, it is my prayer that I and all with whom I have influence will also say yes to God’s plan and His promises. 

Last night I began to read the biography of Einstein given to me by Bethany. It is interesting to begin thinking about physics and science as it applies to Einstein, and to have his biography on my nightstand. This is a new a fresh topic for me to consider, as I have been reading lately about World War I. This morning I will read a letter received recently from Ron Kessler. It is now 5:47 and all of a sudden my body is weary again. This sometimes is the result of arising early, but as I simply move forward through the day, my body adapts.

Guide me today, most Holy Lord, as I am your bond servant, ready to do your will. Guard me from distractions; use me to accomplish your purposes. Thank you for your word, and the gift of your Holy Spirit.

 

December 21, 2012

It is beautiful outside, with a dusting of snow that blew in yesterday. Bethany will fly here from Los Angeles this afternoon, as David and Danelle drive here from O’Fallon tonight. For me, it has been a slow adjustment over the 5 years that Audrey and I have lived in this house in Springfield that this is not “home” for my adult children. They do not live here. They did not grow up here. They come here to visit. Bethany has not been here for 12 months. Even though there is a room in the lower level with her furniture in it, her home is in California, she has a California drivers license and will pay taxes this year as a resident of California. And, this is all very good. I am pleased with how our children have grown up and are making their way in the world, which makes their visit this weekend even more special. 

Mark 9:1-13

Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain by themselves. “He was transfigured there before them; and his garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.” (Verses 2-4) This was a pivotal experience for this inner circle of three disciples. The reality that Jesus was the son of God, acknowledged by the law, represented by Moses, and the prophets, represented by Elijah  gave Peter, James and John the confirmation that would carry them to their deaths as confident witnesses to His person and assurance to the reality of their own salvation.

For John Wesley, the experience that transformed him was Aldersgate. For Billy Graham, it was when he made a commitment to trust the Bible as the word of God. For me, it was an August Saturday night in 1974 at the youth for Christ meeting on Anderson’s farm when I said “yes, Lord” and invited Christ to be born in me, that I might have eternal life and serve Him with my earthly life. I did not feel any emotional responses or see visions, but as I drove away from that farm I knew that there had been a significant change in Bruce Baxter, and that this would impact the rest of my life. It has. I joyfully look forward to the presence of God each day, and serving Him with all that I am.

On this the shortest day of the year, with the sun low in the southern sky, may I experience the Son rising in my heart, the transfiguration of a common life, now 56 years old into an uncommon follower of Christ, in a world in which darkness still prevails, but in which the Light of the World has come, born in Bethlehem, risen from the dead, and reigning in the hearts and lives of His servants around the world. Come Lord Jesus, come.  

December 20, 2012

Winter has returned to Missouri! Yesterday a team of 7 pastors, active and retired related to Wesley, deployed into the community of Springfield to share communion with homebound members. Last night our choir caroled at area nursing homes. Today our Children’s leaders will deliver items to students at York Elementary. God is working through the people called Methodists who serve through Wesley UMC here in windy, snowy, cold Springfield Missouri!

December 15, 2012

Newtown Connecticut, Sandy Hook Elementary was the scene yesterday of a mass murder – 22 children, 6 adults including the principal. “Evil visited this community today” said the governor. A 20 year old former student of the school shot and killed his mother at their home, then drove to the school and around 9:30 am entered and massacred 28 people. Apparently he took his own life. This is unimaginable and the work of darkness and evil. Jesus Christ came to give his life, bearing on the cross the full brunt of the horrors of humanity, the sins of the world, including the murder of children. The news reports of this story remind me of the power of God’s love in the face of unmitigated evil.

Today I will visit a high-security prison in Licking Missouri to visit a man convicted of a crime whose victims still suffer from his actions. I will offer the presence of Christ and the power of God’s word to this man. I will be in the environment set up by our society to confine those convicted of criminal acts. Tomorrow I will preach about the birth of Christ. I will tell the story of his parents holiday travels, of his birth, and the visit from the shepherds. I will encourage all present to come and see the Christ, and from his manger to his cross to receive the grace of God.

Psalm 72 I read this in light of the tragedy in Newtown.
“Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.” (Verse 1)

The crime committed yesterday by a lone gunman taking innocent lives and then his own is so senseless. How can the afflicted ones be comforted with justice? The only possible relief, the only actual justice will be unseen, eternal. The souls of those children live on. The soul of the shooter lives on. It could be that the greatest agony for parents who lost children will be if they did not take the opportunity to lead those children into the arms of Jesus. I once looked into the eyes of a child who was dying of cancer. She knew the love of Jesus, and the possibility of eternity. I had the privilege of baptizing her. Her parents now have two additional children.

Verse 4 – “He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.” This verse refers to the injustice of oppression, by governments, systems, bullies, etc which leave people needy and afflicted. This does not address the question of random horrific mass murder. But it does lead to the question of why? How could God allow this if “He will defend the afflicted among the people”? I do not have an answer to the “why” question. I do think that it is related to God’s decision to give humans free will, and also to the real presence of evil on the earth.

“He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.” (Verses 13-14) Why did God not rescue these children at Sandy Hook Elementary, and save them from death? Why did God not save the child from cancer? I can live with the unanswered question of why. I have faith in the largeness of God, believing that He embraces my question of why, even though I likely will never know the answer. For all the parents and loved ones of children who die, the question of why is even so much stronger.
 
In the gospels Jesus says that not even a sparrow falls that God does not see. In this Psalm it is affirmed that the blood of those oppressed and victimized by violence is precious in His sight. O my Living Lord, guide me as I prepare tomorrow’s sermon about the birth of the Savior, and as I visit Licking prison today. May your presence sustain me as I walk hand in hand with You throughout this day.

December 14, 2012

This is my last morning in Kentucky. I will work on the January Cliffhanger series this morning, then head to the woods for lunch and dinner, cutting and loading firewood and oak timbers on the trailer. I will drive 3 ½ hours to Van Buren where I will spend the night at The Landing on the current river. Tomorrow I will work on Sunday’s sermon and visit Ron in Licking.

Romans 8 - I love Romans 8!

Verses 1-17 speak to me this morning around the topic of sanctifying grace. I wrote last night in the spring training 2013 material about sanctifying grace, and I will go back and add the gist of these verses. I continue to live in the freedom described herein, free from condemnation and with my mind set on the things of the Spirit, and not living according to the sinful nature. As Christ lives in me, my body is dead because of sin, yet my spirit is alive because of righteousness. And he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to my mortal body through His spirit, who lives in me! (Romans 8:5-11)

I also know that nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus – neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation! In all these things I am a conqueror through Him who loves me. (Verse 37-38) This is reality! This chapter of Romans clearly states the sanctifying power of God active in the believer who trusts in Him. It has been and is my experience. I face the future with hope, even as my body ages, my skin wrinkles, my knees buckle, my teeth chip, and my vision weakens! God is on the throne, He makes all things new! I will serve Him until I take my last breath, and then I will be ushered into eternity and the joy of the Lord of heaven and earth, whose name I proclaim!

John Ed Mathison sent me his new book, When God Redefines the Possible with the inscription “Bruce, thanks for allowing God to use you to redefine the possible! John Ed. I will use its 52 sections for reading in my daily devotions beginning today. Lord, use these chapters to guide my mind and heart into more fully living and doing your will, even as you “redefine the possible” for Bruce Baxter. May this day be full of your Spirit guiding my thinking, planning, writing as this pastor plans for 2013 and beyond.

December 12, 2012

Again this morning Job and Shawchuck (A Guide to Prayer) have me reading the first chapter of Luke, the account of Gabriel appearing to Zacharias. It is good for me to remember this again, under the topic of nagging questions. I especially appreciated the devotional writing of Brennan Manning included for this week. He says “The Christmas contemplative knows that hope is a gift, an undeserved gift of peace, but that it is also a call to decision-the decision to trust…”

As I am alone in Kentucky during these four days I am a “Christmas contemplative.” I had really good prayer time as I drove east on Hwy 60 for 4 hours yesterday afternoon. I benefit from silence. Ron Watts and I shared a delicious meal at an Italian restaurant in downtown Cape Girardeau as we caught up on family and discussed ministry in our two contexts. He described the children’s ministry facility that La Croix built, themed as a rain forest, which has one floor for little ones birth through 4 years old, and one floor for kids Kindergarten through 4th grade. The 5th and 6th grades are in a middle school area. They have large gathering areas for K and 1, 2 and 3, and 4th grade is by itself. The areas have stage and lights, and after 30 minutes of music, drama, and teaching, they break into small groups for discussion, application and prayer. He said that they will host 500 kids during their three weekend worship experiences – Sat evening, plus 2 on Sunday. He emphasized security, and need of parents to have trust in the systems.

We also discussed the issues facing our jurisdiction with the fiasco of Bledsoe and the two conferences without a bishop. Does the Jurisdiction Episcopal committee have the authority to appoint Bledsoe to New Mexico and Northwest Texas? Will the Jurisdictional Conference need to be reconvened? Will they decide to shuffle all the bishops? Interesting questions.

I have these four days for this retreat/planning session. This morning I will work on Sunday’s sermon and email. This afternoon I will spend time in the woods with my rifle and chain saw. Tonight I will work on 2013 material, and again tomorrow morning. I will also develop my outline for the Christmas Eve message, and begin to plan the Cliff Hanger series for post Christmas. Thank you Lord for this time away. Guide me thinking, planning, discerning. Speak to me afresh as I seek your presence. Anoint this Christmas contemplative with your spirit, as you have annointed those who have sought you down through the ages. Bless the work of Wesley as the daily ministries unfold.

December 10, 2012

The theme chosen by Job and Shawchuck (A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God) for this week is “Nagging Questions.” In Luke 1:18-20 is found the question asked by Zacharias, a priest who was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. While there, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, who told him that his petition had been heard, his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, and he would name him John. “Zacharias said to the angel, ‘how shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.’” (Verse 18)

What are the nagging questions of my life? I would like to think that there is no doubt in my heart about what God has said to me, through His word, through His Spirit, and through visions and promptings. I am not aware of any angelic appearances or messages. But I must search my heart and be honest in pondering if there are any nagging questions, and then deal with them. They probably center around what is next, in my leadership at Wesley, in the Annual Conference, in my ministry, and in what I might write. I hold these questions loosely, with faith and with hopeful anticipation. Zacharias’ famous doubt, and ensuing loss of voice until the baby was born instructs me not to question angels when they tell me what is about to happen.

I am heading into the woods of Kentucky to be by myself for several days. I feel close to God when I am there, and it has somewhat of a hermitage feel. I am looking forward to that time alone. Speak to me, most holy one, that I may know your will and live according to your plan. Guard me from doubt, insolence, selfishness, complacency. Use me up in giving myself away for the building of the kingdom.

In preparation for my days in Kentucky this week, I will work hard at church today. I have several meetings, and much preparation to do for this season and for the Spring Training material. I will hook up the trailer and bring it home this afternoon, to have the Explorer and trailer ready to go tomorrow morning. I have been gathering my gear, and will shop for food tonight. Given the frigid temperature and the forecast, I plan to spend Wednesday night in the woods, with the possibility of the lodge on Thursday and Friday. My other option is to spend Wed and Thur in the woods, leaving Friday, with the option of spending Friday night on the road so I can visit Ron Kessler in Licking on Saturday. I am looking forward to several days in the woods and with time to prepare for Christmas and beyond.

December 7, 2012

“To Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in Thee I trust, do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of those who wait for Thee will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

“Make me know Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, for Thou art the God of my salvation; for Thee I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25, Verses 1-5 NASB)

These verses speak the prayer of my heart as I lift up my soul to God this morning. I trust completely in Him. I desire to know His ways and to learn His paths. I am seeking His truth, waiting upon Him all the day, who is the God of my salvation. Next week I will spend a few days in retreat in Kentucky. I will roam the woods. I will read and study scripture, seeking God’s leading, His paths, His truth. I am looking forward to those days apart, to refresh, renew, refocus.

Today I will work on Sunday’s message on “Finding Real Peace.” The critical element is peace with God, and peace with one’s self. All other conflict is manageable and tolerable when one experiences the “peace I leave with you, not as the world gives…” that Jesus promised his disciples. To know who you are and whose you are prepares you for whatever happens.

Guide me today Lord as I seek your path and learn your truth. Guard me from being religious or callous, or selfish or anything else that limits your grace in my life.

December 4, 2012

Paul affirms that he is “not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘but the righteous man shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17) In this epistle, Paul systematically develops the themes of faith, righteousness, and the good news of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:18 -32 describe how God has been revealed to all humans through creation. He laments that humans have turned from worshiping God to worshiping the creation “For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator;” (Verse 25) Paul then gets more specific as he describes how God has given men and women over to degrading passions. He concludes in verse 32 “and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”

The book of Romans is a powerful teaching about God, developed logically and inspired by God’s Spirit through one of the great thinkers and witnesses to Jesus, the apostle Paul. Martin Luther studied this book and taught from it from 1510-1520 at Wittenburg. John Wesley was powerfully impacted by what Luther wrote in his introduction to the book of Romans when he heard a person reading from this introduction at a society (a small group meeting) on Aldersgate street, May 24, 1738.

As I prepare the content of the Life Group material for Spring Training, the Basics of Grace, I will draw from Luther’s intro to Romans, and his lifelong emphasis on salvation by grace through faith.

Guide me today Lord as I seek to grow in your righteousness, living by faith and not by sight. Use me as your shepherd of souls today, and every day on this journey toward eternity.

It rained overnight as a cold front is pushing down from the north. The rest of the day will be dry, and the temperature will rebound to 60, because this cold front is not artic but pacific. Yesterday I finished up with the outside lights, mowed the lawn for the last time, winterizing the mower, fired up the chain saw, cut some large walnut logs in half, and then sharpened the chain. Audrey and I started the day out to breakfast together, and then ran some errands. All in all, it was a good day off. Now I am ready for Tuesday, which is the first day of my work week. I will write the article for the pastor’s pen, prepare for worship planning, and after our meeting, I have the rest of the day to catch up on details, plan and prepare for the coming weeks and the new year.

December 2, 2012

Today is the first day of Advent, come Lord Jesus, come! A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God will be my devotional guide this morning, as I have been using it for the last few weeks, and today I have the privilege of turning to the very beginning and starting on page one. Thank you Lord for the beauty of this early morning. I am looking forward to this morning of worship, preaching and holy communion.

I Thessalonians 3 (especially verses 9-13)

Paul has sent Timothy to Thessalonica and has received a good report from him. He says that he prays night and day for the believers there, and he “pray(s) most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.” This morning I will see the believers at Wesley face to face, and in my morning message restore whatever is lacking in their faith, especially as it concerns the second coming of Jesus to judge and rule the earth. It is an awesome responsibility to stand before a congregation and preach the word of God. Guide me today Lord as I speak your words to your people called Wesley.

Yesterday was a full day of celebrating. For me it began in the morning at the Men’s breakfast which included great fellowship around the tables as 24 men gathered for delicious breakfast, and then a brief business meeting, adopting by-laws suggested from Nashville. The UMW (women’s group) met at 10 for brunch, and I said hello around the edges and helped with some details before it got underway. Upward basketball was in full swing and I had several interactions, including a great conversation with the executive director of Victory Mission, Jim Harriger, whose grandchildren participate in Upward. Audrey and I ended the evening by attending the bi-district Clergy Christmas party at Hood UMC in Republic. It was nice, and accomplished the purposes of such a gathering. We sat with Jerry, Bev, Mi Hyeon and a couple whom I met for the first time, Clint and Kim. He pastors a church outside of Bolivar, and will be coming before the board for commissioning interviews in March.

Lord, I am preparing for your coming. Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King. Whether in the climax of this world’s events, or in the death of my earthly body, I am looking forward to seeing you and living in your presence in the new reality of heaven. Guide me in this present reality to recognize your presence, in the breaking of the bread, in the faces of your people at Wesley, in the hands outstretched for the elements. I am yours Lord, today and every day until the end of time, even unto eternity.