June 11, 2014

Today is the one day this week predicted to be rain-free. With it raining every day, the vegetation is happy. Audrey and I will hit the packing hard, from dawn to setting sun. The party the staff threw for us yesterday was really good, and their gift to me was an outfit that left me looking like a hipster from top to bottom. They insisted that I model it, and from the Tom’s shoes to the Warby Parker glasses (on loan for photo only!) I am ready to expand the way I dress for work.

II Sam 6

David gathered 30,000 men to go with him to Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God. As I read this account this morning, a story with which I am fairly familiar, I am struck by the way God is described: “which is called by the Name, the very name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim.”  In this modern era, the Name is not as respected nor adored is God has been, and will be at the end of time. I need to honor the Name in every way through my life.

Lord, guide me today as I turn to packing up our earthly belongings in this house in Springfield as we prepare to move to Cape Girardeau. Thank you for the Wesley staff and their love expressed through the lunch and going away gift. This is the day which You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

June 9, 2014

I was up at 4:00 am, read Psalm 100 and Proverbs 9. Rode the Kawasaki to the grocery for coffee, milk and tooth paste, grabbing a box of ice cream cones just for fun. On the way home crossed the James River toward Nixa just to extend the ride. Now at home in the family room to write and read. 

Yesterday I started the morning at Wesley at 7:30 meeting with the hospitality team, and then attended the teaching session of Annual Conference as Adam Hamilton taught about preaching and worship. I met Audrey for brunch at 10, we attended Wesley Downtown for Kerner’s last Sunday. We split a sandwich and then enjoyed Adam’s teaching session from 2 -3:30. We stood in line to buy his recent book Making Sense of the Bible and to have him sign it. While in line we had several nice conversations. He inscribed our book “Blessings, I am grateful for you!” Upon arriving home, we packed until 9:15. All in all, a very good day.

This morning I will head to the final session of Annual conference, with the bishop explaining the appointment process, then the final business session, then the moving. Ron Watts is staying until the end of Conference, just to receive me at the La Croix table.

I am Your servant, most Holy Lord. Use me today as You see fit, I surrender my life, vocation, relationships, hobbies, hopes and dreams to the benefit of Your kingdom. 

Goodbye Wesley faith community from Bruce and Audrey

It is with hearts filled with gratitude that we say good-bye to the people of Wesley United Methodist Church. During the worship services this past Sunday, and at the reception in the Moore Gathering Area we experienced hundreds of heart-felt expressions from members and friends with whom we have shared joys and sorrows, highs and lows, mission trips and musicals. Mel Prouty and Margaret Lindsey blessed us with prayer, public commendations and a generous check from the church.  Rochelle Collette and the worship arts teams presented Audrey with jewelry and both of us with a clock made in 1905 similar to the clock in the Pastor’s Office at Wesley. (Glen Sanders has restored both the clock given to the church for the pastor’s study, and the one given to us this weekend.) We also received many kind and moving written messages of love in your cards and in the memory book at the reception.

Having said our public farewells, we now turn to the details of handing off the leadership of Wesley to the Rev. Scott Bailey-Kirk, and the packing up of our earthly belongings as we move to Cape Girardeau. Between now and June 26 I will be the lead pastor of Wesley as the needs for daily ministry and service continue. The staff will continue to perform their excellent service in leading the ministries of this church. On Sunday, June 8, The Rev. Mark Struckhoff will be preaching in the sanctuary and the youth will be leading the worship service in the gym at 10:40, as they return from their choir mission trip. On June 15 the Rev. Dwight Chapman will preach at all 4 worship services on the south (Republic Rd.) campus. On June 22 the Rev Mi Hyeon Lee will preach at all 4 services.

At the Wesley Downtown St. Paul Campus the Rev. Ron McIntire preached his final sermon this past weekend and will begin his retirement (again!) having previously retired as a public school superintendent. The Rev. Matt Kerner graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary over Memorial Day weekend, and will conclude his ministry with Wesley as he preaches both the 9:30 and 11:30 worship services downtown on June 8. Beginning June 15 there will be a single worship service at the Wesley Downtown St. Paul campus at 10:30 and held in a large Sunday School room as renovations proceed with the sanctuary.

Audrey and I give thanks to God for the seven years we have been privileged to sojourn among this community. May our Lord richly bless each one who became part of our lives during this season.

May 17 - its been a while since I have blogged!

This will be a long blog. It has been since mid-April that I have posted a blog. These have been interesting and eventful weeks. I was a final candidate to become the next president of Saint Paul School of Theology, making a 2 1/2 day visit to the campus for interviews etc. I learned on Good Friday that I had been released as a candidate. During this candidacy, my friend Ron Watts in Cape Girardeau had been discussing with me the possibility of joining him on the staff of La Croix UMC as executive pastor if I was not selected for Saint Paul. In the last couple of weeks he and I have finalized this position and the bishop has made the appointment official. It was announced to the Wesley congregation two weeks ago. Audrey and I have a contract signed to purchase a house in Cape, and we are beginning to say our good byes. This has been quite the whirlwind, and God has been guiding each step of the way.

This morning I awoke around 3, stayed in bed til 3:40, went to my study, found on my shelf a book I had misplaced, loaned to me by Hiram Hill entitled A Glimpse of Glory by Rick East. I stood paging through the first four chapters, spellbound for half an hour. With fresh coffee I am now in my comfortable chair for morning devotions. The gas fire is burning, the birds are calling to one another, and my world has regained a sense of normalcy.

It was rocked yesterday at 2:15 pm when I returned home and could not find my cell phone. I had used it to call the Radon guy in Cape from the parking lot of Sams Club. Upon arriving home, Audrey was being helped by Pam, who was vacuuming the drapes in our bedroom. I cancelled my 3:15 tennis appointment with Elinton so I could address the lost phone.  I quickly retraced my steps to Sams, starting in the parking lot, then checking with customer service to no avail. I returned home and tried to figure out what app I had downloaded to find a lost droid. I could not remember or figure it out. I called Kerner. I went to the Verizon store, was assisted by the store manager who suggested I get on my computer and access “Plan B”. He also gave me a Sim card for my backup Droid Bionic phone (purchased used in fall of 2013, when Droid Razr was not taking a charge.) I could not get Plan B to work, it telling me it did not support the Droid Razr. So using My Verizon I switched my phone service to the Bionic, essentially losing any possibility of reaching the Razr remotely. I got on my bank’s website and changed my password to my accounts, since a person could have figured it out from my phone. I was glad to have my cell number back in service, checked my 6 voicemails and texts. I experienced a real disorientation from losing this phone. The sense of loss of photos, texts, and contacts, along with the vulnerability of a stranger accessing all my data was almost overwhelming.

Audrey and I attended the KOC graduation and were honored by the directors and a gift of a photo of the school with a huge thank you spelled out with colored noodles. From there we went to dinner at Red Lobster using a $25 gift card Audrey had found from years ago. Our server Sam did an excellent job, and we really enjoyed our meal and dining experience. Returning home shortly before 9 pm, we began to get ready for bed, feeding the cats, checking messages, etc.

Just before going to bed, I reached my hand down into the bottom of the large section of my 10 year-old backpack that I use for a briefcase, carrying my laptop and vital accessories to a from the office. In the bottom of that backpack I found my phone. I never put it there, don’t remember doing so in the Sams parking lot, and was mystified that I had located it. Overwhelming gratitude filled my heart as I carried it to the bedroom and turned it on along with the Droid Bionic that is now the working phone. It was as though a sense of completeness and well-being snapped into place in my emotions. From 2:15 til 9:15 I went through the hours of loss, desperate search, rearranging of schedule, being out of touch with communications, frustrated with lack of tracking app, and the agonizing decision to terminate phone service to the missing phone.

During those hours I was conscious of the impact upon my being of this lost phone. The disorientation, the sense of loss and hopeless combined with search initiative wrapped up with regret for not remembering the app to find it and the carelessness in losing it. I was aware that others experience much more significant and profound losses – the death of loved ones, the betrayal of a spouse, the horrible decisions of children and grandchildren. During those seven hours of loss I was aware that what I was feeling and thinking would be instructive as I come alongside others when they are in the midst of loss and disorientation.

Thank You Lord for walking with me through the hours of yesterday afternoon and evening. Use my experience as a tool to assist others and to grow in my manner and experience of ordering my life. Increase my compassion and availability for others, from those closest to me to those whom I have yet to meet. Speak to me from your Word this Saturday morning.

I Sam 10-12

Samuel anoints Saul, gives him specific instructions and tells him of the details he will encounter. Saul becomes a changed man, encounters the prophets, joins them, and returns to his father. Samuel calls all Israel together, announces that they have sinned by rejecting God. He promises that if they serve God with all their hearts, they and their king will be blessed. If not, God will fight against them.

Today I will serve God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. I will study, write my sermon, correspond, pack, exercise, fully giving away myself on this day, and living it for eternity. Thank you Lord for an early start, for writing and reflecting, for the experiences of yesterday, and the opportunities of today. I am yours. Use me this day. 

Palm Sunday

I awoke at 5:15, without the benefit of the alarm. Audrey and I returned home at 11:00 last night from attending the funeral of our friend Linda Hurst Locke near Memphis, TN. Linda was Audrey's last roomate before we married, and a servant of Christ who worked on the staff of several United Methodist Churches in Tennessee. Her funeral was a celebration of her life, and the gathering of her family and friends in our grief. My body is now still weary, but I got a good night’s sleep and am ready for this Palm Sunday. Rochelle will lead the musical, Micki Pulleyking will preach at 9:30 and 10:40. 

Scripture – Matthew 23:29-39

Jesus laments over Jerusalem, noting that the prophets are killed in that city. The current religious leaders build memorials to them and say they would not have killed them. God says to them “behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city.”

Last night I read the daily reading from Bonhoeffer’s compendium and having just attended Linda Hurst Locke’s funeral, it was fittingly on death. He described the two deaths – one outer – from the bullet (or the gallows, or the knife or the blood clot, bacteria or who-knows-what.) The other death is the inner – dying to self every day, giving one’s life away, “losing one’s life that it may be found.”) Linda’s life was such an example, Bonhoeffer’s life was, and I desire for my life everyday to be such an example of the inner death of surrender, pouring it into the lives of others.

The prophets gave their lives away, saying hard and accurate words about God’s will and the people’s actions. There will always be a tension between what people want to hear, and how they will respond when God’s servants are obedient.

Guide me today, most holy Lord as your obedient servant, giving my life away on this day in April. 

Day 31 – Forty Days in the Word

Mission Blitz today!!!  I look forward to being present at both sites in both communities.   This is our seventh year to dedicate a Saturday in April for the Wesley UMC congregation to be out in ministry in the Springfield community. The sun is bright, though it is chilly. Six months of preparation have been focused upon today's efforts, and the follow-up which will ensue.       

Day 31 – Forty Days in the Word.

Philippians 2, especially verse 13

“For it is God who works in Bruce Baxter to will and to act according to his good pleasure.” To rewrite this verse, inserting my name as per the devotional plan for this week prescribed by Rick Warren is powerful. It is God who works in me. It is God working in me that adjusts my will – Psalmist – Lord give me the desires of my heart – ie cause my heart to desire what You desire. It is God working in my that directs my actions – “that I may do, what Thou wouldst do.” My actions today as I visit the two mission blitz sites and interact with all the people involved will be the result of God working in me.

As I consider my possible role in seminary leadership, it would be God working in me to will and act according to His good pleasure in the operations, outreach, design, implementation and funding of the work of educating and training pastors. This gives me great confidence. I am not alone. What I will and do is not self-generated. My life is hidden in Christ, filled with the Spirit of Christ and directed to the purposes of Christ. As I preach and prepare messages, it is God at work in me to speak the word of reconciliation, of love, of life with hope, joy and peace.

Thank you Lord for this scripture from the pen of Paul and from his heart. My prayer this morning is that You would more fully and powerfully be at work in Bruce Baxter to will, desire, and plan to act according to all that pleases You and extends Your kingdom on earth, even as it is in heaven. 

Day 26 – Forty Days in the Word

On this Monday morning my body is recovering from the exertion of leading the faith community called Wesley United Methodist Church through its Sunday ministries. Audrey and I will be traveling for the next couple of days and I am preparing for that trip. It is good for me at this early hour to simply open the 40 Days in the Word Workbook, turn to day 26 and begin to study the scriptures.

James 3:13

NASB – “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.”

Bruce’s paraphrase – If any of you has wisdom and deep understanding let it be shown in your actions – deeds of good behavior performed with gentle wisdom.

Application – wisdom is borne out in actions – a wise person is identified by what is done, not just what is thought. Of course Jesus observed that evil deeds come from sin that is in the heart, and what is done springs from what is thought.

Guide me today, most holy Lord as I move forward with developing relationships with the gentleness of wisdom.

Day 25 – Forty Days in the Word

I am looking forward to leading worship today at Wesley! We will celebrate communion, make a last appeal for Saturday’s Mission Blitz, and baptize one of our young adults. My message is about Bible study with the text being from the Gospel of John, chapter 15.

Day 25 – Forty Days in the Word

Rather than use the scripture suggested by the workbook, I will use the paraphrase method on the scripture from which I will be preaching this morning.

John 15:4 –5

Live in me, as I live in you. Just as the branch cannot produce grapes unless it draws its source from the vine, neither can you produce the life of God unless you draw your source from Me. I am the vine, the central source of life, you are the branches, living in me. Those who live in me and I in them are exceptionally fruitful, but separated from me you can do nothing. (Bruce Baxter’s Paraphrase)

Paraphrasing these verses is not easy. Working on it is a discipline that gives me greater insight into the meaning. Reading my paraphrase increases my desire and my intention to live completely in Christ, allowing His life in me to make my life exceptionally fruitful. There is an invisibility at work here. My experience is with blackberries. I pruned my four bushes in December, and cut off a few dead branches. I always feel sorry for the dead ones, and wonder what caused their death. I wince when I prune the living branches, and trust that pruning them will produce greater fruit.

God has been at work pruning me during the last several months. I look forward to the fruitfulness that will follow, as I completely live in Christ, draw my strength, my life from Him, and expect my life to be fruitful as He works in me that which I could not work in myself.

Paul wrote in Romans 8 – “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (8:38-39)

Guide me on this precious sabbath morning, most Holy Lord as I live in you and you live in me. Speak through me, comfort through me, encourage through me, baptize through me. This is the day that You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Day 24 – Forty Days in the Word

James 1:22-25

During this week the assignment is to paraphrase the daily scripture. Here is my paraphrase –

"But be examples of those who act upon what the word says, and not merely those who study it but never implement its teaching thus fooling themselves that they are faithful. For if anyone studies the Bible but does not implement its teachings, that person is like one glancing at the face in the mirror, but moves on forgetting what was just seen. But anyone who really studies the complete Bible, the Word of grace, and adopts it into one’s life, not simply reading and forgetting what it says, but effectively putting it into practice will be blessed in the doing."

May my life daily be an example of looking intently into the perfect law, the law of liberty, abiding in it. May I never become forgetful of God’s word, but instead an effectual doer (What does the Lord require of you…) and thus experience the blessing of God in what I do.

Today is Saturday, it is 7:37 am in Springfield, 35 degrees and clear, heading for a high of 55 and sunny.

I have an unusually blank calendar on this Saturday. I will work hard on writing projects – my sermon and my presentation for Tuesday. I got a good night’s rest last night, and my goal will be to get up at 5 am tomorrow rested and ready for the day. I am feeling inspired and prepared to think, write, discern, create. Yesterday on the recommendation of Dave Conley I purchased the Kindle version of Paul Taylor’s The Next America. It has great data and his interpretation of the “looming generational showdown.”

In his preface, Paul Taylor, who turns 65 this year, contrasts the America he remembers with the current reality. He states “Our political, social, and religious institutions are weaker, our middle class smaller, our cultural norms looser, our public debate courser, our technologies faster, our immigrant-woven tapestry richer, and our racial, ethnic, religious, and gender identities more ambiguous. As a society we’ve become more polarized and more tolerant – and no matter what we’re like today, we’re going to be different tomorrow. Change is constant.”

In his chapter entitled “Empty Cradle Gray World” he discusses declining birthrates and introduces the term “sub-replacement-level fertility.” For a human society to replace itself, each woman must give birth to 2.1 children. Japan’s is currently 1.4. The Japanese government’s worst case scenario is that its current population of  127 million will fall to 47 million by the year 2100. I see the direct correlation of this principle in the church – congregations often have a “sub-replacement-level fertility”! Few spiritual new births, members who have been followers of Christ for decades, and then a gradual decline. In any particular church the leaders can decide to focus upon developing more, new disciples. And just as in the culture, this takes energy and effort, an outward focus and a readiness to give one’s life away. Currently the mainline churches have a sub-replacement-level spiritual fertility rate!

Day 16 - Forty days in the Word

Day 16  Mark 9:33-35

This passage was the text for the sermon on Sunday at Bethany’s church in Baltimore. The pastor did a very good job developing a chart, which I recorded in my small notebook. I will read it specifically with the formula prescribed by Rick Warren for this week called Spacepets, of what to look for when studying a biblical text devotionally, 

I have used a simpler formula over the years which involved: sin to confess, command to obey, promise to claim, prayer to pray. Spacepets has so many more parts, and I will utilize it this week. 

Sin of grappling for greatness.

Promise – the last shall be first

Attitude – servant (last night Colin Powell prescribed an attitude of optimism is required for leaders.)

Command – receive the least of these in Jesus’ name

Example – Jesus took a child in his arms

Prayer – Lord make me an instrument of thy peace

Error to avoid – pushing to get to the top, stepping on people in the process

Truth – serving others is God’s way, it was Jesus’ way, and it is my way.

Something to praise – Thank you Lord for this passage, reminding me of the servant role, and for the sermon I experienced on Sunday in Baltimore.

What a long and fulfilling day was yesterday! When I got home at 10 pm from the Colin Powell lecture, I sat on the couch, talked on the phone to Audrey who is visiting friends in Lynchburg, Virginia. My day began with a 7 am breakfast at the Victory Mission's Cooks' Kettle, meeting with pastors from around the York Elementary School neighborhood. I met with people all day, involving 4 different restaurants! Last night after the PPR meeting I headed to MSU to hear Colin Powell, which was a very rewarding experience.  Today my task is to write my sermon for Sunday, and to work ahead as far as possible (along with two meetings). I might even start working on my Easter Sunday sermon which will kick off a series on miracles. 

Day 14 – Forty days in the Word

Mark 7:31-37

Having healed a Syrian woman’s daughter after she convinced him that even the dogs deserved the crumbs under the table and displayed her faith and humility, Jesus heads away from Tyre and Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and the Decapolis. “There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and who could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man.” (verse 32)

The reputation that Jesus was healing people spread quickly, and as he traveled people heard he was in their area and it spurred them to action. In this case “some people” (friends of the man?) brought him to Jesus. Often it takes the strong encouragement, even accompaniment of friends to move a person to a place where healing and wholeness is offered. A few weeks ago I had a friend strongly encourage me to telephone a famous pastor and he gave me the personal cell number. I had thought about calling this pastor, but my friend’s strong encouragement led me to do so, and a very helpful conversation ensued. These friends are similar to the friends of the lame man who lowered him down through the ceiling of a packed house in order to be near Jesus.

Jesus took this man aside, away from the crowds and ministered to him. Jesus used touch and even spit along with prayer and the command “be opened.” The man’s ears were opened and his tongue loosened, and he began to speak plainly. With the power of the living God, Jesus brought wholeness to this man. I can only imagine what this must have been like for the man, to have the son of God touch his ears, apply spit to his tongue and look up to heaven as he spoke the command “Ephphatha.” How long had he struggled with deafness? My mother lost most of her hearing as a young teenager, and struggled a lot. In her late 30s she underwent surgery with a new technology that restored most of her hearing. I remember how excited she was, and how it changed her life. This (unnamed) man receives this gift from the hand and the word of Jesus. If only we could track the rest of this man’s life, and see how it ended up!

“People were overwhelmed with amazement, ‘he has done everything well’ they said.” (37a) It was obvious to the people who were present that a miracle had occurred. They saw it, experienced it, spoke with the man and were amazed. In April and May I will preach a series of messages on “Miracles”, beginning with the resurrection, and continuing into Miracle May. I believe that in the presence of Jesus miracles occur, and when we can bring our friends into His presence, their lives will be changed for the good, with new possibilities and potential. During "Miracle May" we are asking people to give to Wesley from their financial resources Which will enable the church to pay down its debt in order to begin construction on new children's facilities that will make possible bringing more children to Jesus at Wesley!

Guide me Holy Lord as I walk with you during these 40 days, and experience the miracle of your presence and the gift of your Spirit leading my way. Use me as your shepherd this week. 

Day 13 – Forty Days in the Word

Mark 6:45-51

Jesus sent his disciples into their boat as He stayed behind to see off the multitudes. He departed to the mountain to pray. I can picture the miraculously fed multitude departing. Did they realize the extent of this miracle? Were they reluctant to leave, thus Jesus sent his disciples away as an example? What did Jesus pray about as he went to the mountain? What was it like for the disciples to leave, not knowing what Jesus would do next, how he would get across the lake?

Jesus saw the disciples straining at the oars at about the 4^th watch of the night. “He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were frightened. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, ‘Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.’” (verses 48-50)

This incident of Jesus walking on the water is one of the most vivid of the New Testament. The disciples were stressed by the weather, and they were frightened at the sight of Him. He tells them to “take courage.” This instruction was given to Joshua, David, and so many down through the scriptures. It is needed today – courage. Jesus confirms His identity – “It is I.” Confirming the presence of God among us is vital. When the winds of adversity blow, and human effort seems ineffective, practicing the presence of God is crucial. Hearing Jesus say “it is I” to his disciples echoes down eternity, and for me in the quiet of this morning I hear Him say “Bruce, it is I” was my day dawns and the tasks at hand loom large.

Jesus got into the boat with the disciples, they were greatly astounded, “for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.” The insight they could have gained was that God would supply their needs. They could have realized that Jesus was in the center of God’s will and was doing the work of the kingdom as He ministered. They could have realized that Jesus included the participation of the disciples in distributing the bread to involve them in the miracle, and He has their best interests at heart.

Guide me Holy Lord as I recognize Your presence in every aspect of life. Guard me from a hard heart and any lack of insight from your miracles and your provisioning. I want to see you more clearly!

Day 11 – Forty Days in the Word

Even as we set our clocks forward, and essentially lose an hour overnight, I got to bed early and feel rested at this extremely early hour (5 am). Last Sunday at this time I was on the phone with Bob Cassidy trying to decide whether or not to cancel church, which we eventually did and it was a great decision. That somehow makes this Sunday a little odd. Jesus’ words to the disciples after he calmed the storm in yesterday’s devotion continue to echo in my mind and speak to my heart “why are you so timid?” I will boldly proclaim the gospel this morning and lead with conviction the body of Christ called Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri.

Day 11 – Forty Days in the Word

Mark 5:21-43

Jesus, on the way to heal a twelve year old girl is touched by a woman with a twelve year hemorrhage. He feels power go out of him, and the woman confessed that she touched him. He states that her faith has made her well. He takes Peter and the brothers James and John into where the girl has been declared dead, speaks life to her and she gets up. I read this chapter in March of 1994, as noted in my Bible. Twenty years of ministry have transpired, and my children who were 9 and 5 are now 29 and 25. The power of Jesus to heal and give life is timeless, and I will walk in His power today.

Romans 12:1-2 (My text for today)

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Yield to God, do not give in to the world, but have your thinking renewed in order to know God’s will. Today, Lord, I yield to You, I resist the world, and my mind is shaped by your word and your spirit. Give me boldness today to minister in your name and according to your power.

Day 10 – Forty Days in the Word

Mark 4, especially verses 35-41.

The first 33 verses of this chapter contain Jesus’ teaching, in parables to the crowds, with explanation to his disciples. Most of the parables are agrarian. I was struck by one aspect of the familiar parable of the sower. What he is sowing is “the word.” As we spend 40 days in the word, the Wesley community is the soil being prepared and receiving what the sower has for each of us. In the midst of these parables, I remembered that I have baby plants sprouted in the basement and I need to water them. It is so easy for me to forget about them for 3-4 days, during which they can dry out. I must never go 3-4 days without God’s word watering my soul.

35-41 Jesus calms a storm – Picture it method of devotional Bible Study

After a long day of teaching the disciples took Jesus in the boat heading for the other side. I can picture the logistics of this, many of the disciples being fisherman, familiar with boats. I can picture its sail, and probably oars. There arose a fierce gale, and waves were breaking over the boat and it was filling with water. Jesus was asleep on the cushion in the stern. The son of God was also fully human, with an earthsuit that needed recharging with sleep, the same need that I have on a daily basis. The disciples roused him out of concern that they would perish. He rebuked the wind and said to the sea “Hush, be still.” The elements obeyed his word. Jesus said to his disciples “Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?” 

This question in the midst of a storm has impacted me this morning as if Jesus was in this room, speaking directly to me – Bruce, why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?  I will ponder this question all day, and into next week.   Guide me today, most holy Lord in all I do, say, prepare, plan, and confront. 

Day 9 – Forty Days in the Word

Mark 3:1-6

“And He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there with a withered hand.” (verse 1)

I am picturing a synagogue – the gathering place of faithful Jews who are apart from the temple in Jerusalem. It is a local expression of the Hebrew faith, with readings from the Torah, Sabbath worship, teaching and social interaction. The local church in the New Testament era resembled the synagogue in many ways. So Jesus enters again – returns to this weekly gathering. A man is present with a disability. He has a hand that is “withered.”

“And they were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, in order that they might accuse Him.”  (Verse 2) Jesus is clearly facing a crowd of people in which several are hostile to him, just waiting to accuse him. What a difficult place to be, where those gathered are not seeking a closer walk with God, nor listening for a word of hope, but are ready to pounce on the one who brings (and is) the Word of God.

“And He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Rise and come forward!’” (Verse 3) Jesus calls upon the man with the disability. Did he like being singled out? Jesus is clearly heading down a path that will lead to conflict. Whether he does or does not heal this man, he has proceeded right to the center of the issue at hand.

“And He said to them, ‘Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?”  (Verse 4) Jesus always asked good questions. As a disciple of His, I need to be framing good questions to ask the community, including those are hostile, those who are neutral, and those who are supportive. When facing hostility, the normal reaction is to build one’s own case, and to become defensive. Jesus provides an example here of being confident in who He is and what he does. This question is the turning point.

“And after looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” (Verse 5) I am picturing what it would have been like to be present and to witness Jesus expressing anger in the way he looked at people. He is typically not portrayed with anger in His eyes. I can just imagine what this was like!

“And the Pharisees went out and immediately began taking counsel with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.” This points to the beginning of the religious leaders’ intentional plot to eliminate Jesus. They were stuck in the past, upholding the law. They could not see what God was doing in the present.

May I always be open to what God is doing now, and carefully guard against any internal resistance to what God is beginning to do through someone else, even if they do not have the proper credentials!!!!

Guide me today, most holy Lord in all I say, do, think, plan and with all the people with whom I come into contact.

Day 8 - Forty days in the Word

Mark 1, especially verses 40-45

Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, and a voice “came out of the heavens: ‘you are my beloved Son, in you I am well-pleased.” The Spirit then impelled Him to go out into the wilderness, where he was tempted for 40 days. John was arrested, and Jesus “came into Galilee preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

The rest of the first chapter of Mark describes the ministry of Jesus, including His calling the first disciples, casting out demons, healing Peter’s mother-in-law. Verses 40 – 45 describe His healing of a leper. Using the “picture it” method of devotional Bible Study I will put myself into this story.

“A leper came to Him”   This man who had been certified with a contagious and often fatal skin disease had heard about the healing power of Jesus, and took initiative to come to Jesus. As a leper, he was unclean, and anyone who touched him would become unclean. He took a huge risk, of being rejected, sent away, etc. We do not know how long he had been a leper, but he started out healthy like most people. I have come down with a cold these last few days, and I know I am contagious, and my sneezing and runny nose are a nuisance. Having a cold is nothing compared to leprosy. If there were a remedy for the common cold, I would go there.

The leper fell down before Jesus – he recognized the power and the authority in the person of Jesus

“If You are willing, You can make me clean.” The leper believed in what Jesus could do, and appealed to his generosity.

“And moved with compassion” Jesus was motivated, moved, with compassion – the sense of feeling another’s pain and struggle that motivates a desire to help. I am picturing the compassion of Jesus, not only toward this leper, but toward all people, even toward me, with this cold. I desire to grow in my own capacity to be moved with compassion (and always to avoid compassion fatigue.)

“I am willing, be cleansed.” Jesus states His willingness to heal, and then speaks the healing. This is a clear picture of the ministry of the savior, face to face with suffering, filled with compassion, speaking the words “be cleansed”.

There is more to this story, and I can picture it but have come to the end of my time for journaling. It is now on to the office for a day of pastoral servant leadership and ministry. Guide me holy Lord today as I follow you, filled with compassion. 

Day 7 – Forty Days in the Word

Philippians 4:14-23, especially the verse for this day:

“My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

The apostle Paul has affirmed in verse 13 that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him, and then he continues: “Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.” The participation of the Philippian believers in supporting the apostle was God’s way of supplying his needs. Paul observes that in supporting the work of Christ, the church and the individuals benefit through what is given. Paul describes this benefit in verse 17 “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”

I will apply the “Pronounce it” method of devotional Bible Study to verse 19:

My God – Paul personalizes his relationship with God. He does not say “the God of my fathers”, or “the higher power”, or the “god of the universe” but he claims his position in Christ and with Christ affirms his personal relationship to God.

Will – future tense helping verb

Meet – supply, match, provide

All – not just some, not most, but all

Your needs – not your wants, not your excesses, but your needs, what you truly require. I have discovered that people who find themselves in tight places realize that their needs are so different that what they thought they were when everything was plenteous and there was abundance.

According to – based upon, in direct relationship with

His glorious riches – the resources of God are available for God to use in meeting my needs. The Almighty owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10). God is not limited by lack of resources.

In Christ Jesus – God is one, and the Son of God rules heaven and earth! The riches of God in Christ Jesus are abundant, tangible and real.

This verse reminds me that as I pursue the will of God, from the riches in Christ Jesus all of my needs will be provided. This gives me hope, guards me from worry, positions me with joy, and confirms that as I step forward in faith, God will provide what is needed.

Thank you most holy Lord for this promise, for this reality, for this insight from the life of your servant Paul. Thank you for your servant George Mueller who trusted you completely in his care for orphans in England. May it be borne out in the life of your servant Bruce Baxter today and everyday.

Day 6 - Forty Days in the Word

I am up early (3:30 am) on the first day of March. There is a lot to think about with the winter storm approaching and its impact on Sunday worship and also the Board of Ordained Ministry interviews in Columbia on Monday and Tuesday. For my devotions this morning I will continue to follow Rick Warren's suggestions in his workbook for Forty Days in the Word. Today is day 6.

 

Philippians 4:8-13

Things to think about: whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, anything excellent and anything worthy of praise (verse 8). This is a great verse, with exceptional power to impact the thought-life of the Christ-follower.

Especially verse 13 “I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me.

Using the “pronounce it” method of Bible meditation:

I – Bruce Baxter

Can – it is possible

Do – action, not spectator, not watch, but do!

All – inclusive, total, lacking nothing

Things – everything, not imaginary but real

Through – not on my own

Him (Christ) – the key, the Way, the Truth, the Life

Who – not me

Strengthens – makes stronger, provides muscle, insures energy, fortitude, gumption

Me – Bruce Baxter

Given all that lies ahead, I need to be strengthened through Christ as I am in Christ seeking to do the will of God, build the kingdom of God, serve the purposes of God, plant the seeds of God, reap the harvest of God, prepare for eternity with God.

Today, Saturday March 1 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

 

Psalm 44:1-26 (One Year Bible for March 1)

This Psalm is attributed to “the sons of Korah”. It reflects upon the work God did in the “days of old” driving out the nations. “For by their own sword  they did not possess the land; and their own arm did not save them; but Thy right hand, and Thine arm, and the light of Thy presence, for Thou didst favor them.” (Psalm 44:3 NASB)

This understanding of God’s role in the time of Joshua and the conquest of the promised land fits well with the verse from Philippians “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  The Psalmist continues “You are my King, O God; … for I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me. But You have saved us from our adversaries, … in God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Your name forever.”   Yes!!!! It is in the strength of God, in the power of God flowing through obedient servants that great things are done. Sometimes this is the occupying of the Promised Land, sometimes this is standing up to evil even to the death (like Bonhoeffer). I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and though some trust in chariots, and some in horses, I will remember the name of the Lord my God!!!

Guide me today, most Holy One who strengthens me. In every conversation, every decision, every initiative, I am yours. It is not through my sword, or my computer or my phone, but your power that will accomplish your purposes through my life today. Bless the conversation over coffee this morning, and all that flows through this first day of March, in the face of a strong winter storm approaching tomorrow in the Ozarks.

 

 

Day 5 - Forty Days in the Word

Philippians 3:17- 4:7 including the verse for the day:
 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Paul reiterates in Chapter 4 his encouragement to “stand firm in the Lord…rejoice in the Lord always…let your forbearing spirit be known to all men…

Using the “pronounce it” technique of Rick Warren’s devotional Bible study method, I will take verse 6 bit by bit:

Do not be anxious  I just took my blood pressure, (a somewhat regular practice recommended by my doctor) and it is in the acceptable range. As I prepare to push the start button on the device, I take 10 slow, deep breaths so that I am “not anxious” as the cuff tightens around my arm and measures my blood pressure. It is a discipline for me to “not be anxious” and I will practice it today in every situation.

About anything This covers everything! I will not be anxious about my health, my job, my marriage, my adult children, the weather, my neighbors, the future, my cars, my finances, my next meal, …anything.

 

But in everything  See above list.

By prayer and petition Talking to God, making my requests known, spelling out everything that has the possibility of making me anxious.

With thanksgiving  The antidote to anxiety seems to be thanksgiving. Don’t worry, be thankful.

Present your requests This describes a formal presentation, an action with intentionality involving my personal requests.

To God Sitting here in my family room in the quiet of this Friday morning, it is important for me to remember and acknowledge that my prayer is a presentation to the creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of the Universe, the eternal all powerful, all knowing, ever present God. Wow!!!

Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer. I will endeavor to be anxious for nothing but in everything give thanks to You and present my requests before your throne. Today I rejoice and forbear.

Day 4 - Forty Days in the Word

Last night our Wednesday night Life Group Experience met in the gym. We had 35 adults seated around 5 tables, plus about 8 tables of youth who viewed the Rick Warren video together. During these 40 days, he is teaching 6 aspects of the “devotional” Bible study method. He is teaching and encouraging a personal devotional time. My day is shaped around my morning hour of scripture, prayer, reflection and application of God’s word.

Philippians 3:1-16

Paul has written this letter to the church at Philippi, and sent it to them with one of their members who has been travelling with him, Epaphroditus (2:25). He begins chapter 3 with “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.” He reviews how it is that he puts no trust in the flesh (unlike the false teachers, the judiazers who insist that Christians must follow all Jewish teachings in order to please God.) He reminds the Philippians that if anyone could put trust in the flesh, he could do so, born a Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin, circumcised on the eighth day, a Pharisee, zealously persecuting the church…

 

Paul summarizes that he “count(s) all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” He want s to “know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” He affirms that he has not already obtained this or become perfect – which leads to the verse for today:

“I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.”

 

I, Bruce Baxter, also press on – day by day moving forward. I am not going to coast, I am not preparing for a life of ease in retirement, I am pressing on – pushing forward against the pressures of the day, against the enemy of God who tries to hold me back. I press on, fighting undertows that would suck me down. I press on against the storms of life that are raging, against unexpected waves that  almost knock me down. I press on, into an uncertain future within the certainty of God’s redeeming love. I press on, even as the light of God’s word illumines only the next step. I press on, leading the way for others who are pressing on. I strive forward, keeping my eyes on Christ, who for the glory set before Him endured the Cross, despising its shame and is seated at the right hand of God. I press on, as the arrows of the enemy wound and the wounds from friends slow me down. I press on to the glorious salvation in Jesus Christ!!!

 

Guide me today, most holy Lord as one who is pressing on!!!!

 

Day 3 - Forty Days in the Word

On this cold February morning I turn to Day Three in the “40 Days in the Word” workbook for the scripture that will be my meditation throughout the day. The instructions are to read the book of Philippians this week, without a suggested reading guide, other than the single verses for each day. So I choose to read chapter 2, verses 1-18 as I focus on verse 13.

Philippians 2:1-18, especially 2:13 “for God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

For God  - I must consciously remember everyday that the unseen God is a reality.

Is working in you  - In the unseen reality, there is the power and presence of God working in me, Bruce Baxter to accomplish His purposes in this brief, earthly life. God is working in me – wow!

Giving you the desire – God is giving to me the desire – the longing – the orientation. As one surrendered to Christ the desires that emerge within me are from God. David stated in Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” God will create in the heart of those who delight themselves in God the actual desires. As a Christ-follower, I pay attention to the inner leanings, recognizing that they very likely come from God, and discerning which inner desires come from the flesh, the “old man” the evil one.

And the power – God gives the power, the ability, the natural and supernatural force to accomplish the holy desires. David against Goliath, Moses at the parting of the sea, Jesus on the cross, Peter on Pentecost, and Bruce Baxter in 2014.

To do what pleases Him – The ultimate goal in my life – to do what pleases God. With every breath I take, every plan I make, every person I speak with, every sermon I preach, every activity – my desire is to please God.

 

It is so refreshing this morning to remember that God is working in me, giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases God! It is important for me to remember that God is the source of my desire to please Him, and the source of my power. On this 26^th day of February, 2014 work in me, Holy One, giving me the desire and the power to do what pleases You as I pastor the Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri.

Day 2 - Forty Days in the Word!

This morning as I sit on my recliner with the gas fire warming the room I turn to the scriptures for Day 2 of our church-wide emphasis. The sky is getting lighter as the dawn develops, and I desire to experience the light of God through the Word this morning.

Philippians 1, especially 27a: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”  

Verses 9-11 provide great preparation for actually doing the above. “…that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless  until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

Whatever happens – anything can happen. I must anticipate the best, the worst, and everything in between as possible things that could happen.

Conduct yourselves – I have the choice of how I will conduct myself. There are many options – my conduct is important.

In a manner – so many different “manners” possible for conduct – in school conduct is evaluated separately from academic performance. I am aware that conduct matters!

Worthy – there are various unworthy ways to conduct oneself. Christ died for me at the hand of sinners who falsely accused him and thought they were getting rid of him. My conduct must be worthy of Christ’s death.

Of the Gospel of Christ – as a Christian and as a pastor, I represent the Gospel of Christ in what I do. This is my standard, this is the measurement of worthiness.

Lord, whatever happens today, may I conduct myself in a manner worthy of Your good news, of the life you have made possibly through your obedience. As others observe my life, may they see You in all I do, say, imply, suggest and affirm. This is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!