3-8-11 Tuesday, 6:50 am Springfield, 41 degrees, raining.
I have a full week of work ahead, and I am rested and ready. We had a good trip home from O’Fallon and spent a relaxing evening watching a couple of movies here at home. Today I look forward to greeting kids as they arrive at our preschool, praying with the staff, leading the worship planning process, leading the Sunday task force, and leading the Baxter Life Group.
Isaiah 44
Verse 3: “For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants;” I made a note in the margin of this Bible “A promise to Bruce Baxter recognized on 8-20-84.” This would have been when Audrey was 4 ½ months along with David, who was born in January, 85. The theme of this chapter is comfort to the people of God, which speaks directly to the people who follow Christ in 2011.
Verse 2: “Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you, ‘do not fear, O Jacob My servant; and you Jeshurun whom I have chosen.’” Jeshurun is a term that indicates “informed affection”, that God holds His people in his heart (Oswald). It is comforting to know, that even as I hold my offspring in my heart on a daily basis, my creator holds me in His heart, and I am among the Jeshurun.
Water for a dry land is a promise of renewal, of which the people of God are in constant need. Even as I hear rain on the roof this morning, and think of my little garden plot in which I worked the dirt last week, I recognize that I am in need of renewal, and must live in the presence of the living water of God.
Guide me today Lord as I serve You with joy. May my thoughts be your thoughts, my words your words, my actions fully according to your will and purposes.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 7, 2011
3-7-11 Monday, 6:10 am O”Fallon, 33 degrees, cloudy
I have just awakened from a good night's sleep here at David and Danelle’s apartment, after a long and fulfilling day of ministry. Preaching at the three services at SunRise, lunch with the Blues, church reception from 2:30 – 6:00 and dinner with the Casillas involved great fellowship, wonderful reconnecting, and lots of memories. We drive home this morning, and then focus on a full week of ministry at Wesley.
Isaiah 44
In this chapter God reminds the people the difference between God the creator, and gods that are no gods at all, carved out of wood, or made by the blacksmith. “God, King of Israel, your Redeemer, God-of-the-angel-armies, says: ‘I’m first, I’m last, and everything in between. I’m the only God there is.’” (verse 6)
The church is of God and will remain until the end of time. Being at SunRise this weekend has reminded me of the power of God to birth a community, and the work of the Holy Spirit to sustain it. As the founding pastor, entrusted with the visioning process and the design of the body life, I am amazed at the work of God that is changing lives and “populating heaven”. This gives me even greater energy to be about the work of pastoring and shepherding the Wesley congregation.
Guide me today Lord, as I drive highway 44 and rest in preparation for a great week of serving you in the community called Wesley United Methodist Church, Springfield, Missouri, Amen.
I have just awakened from a good night's sleep here at David and Danelle’s apartment, after a long and fulfilling day of ministry. Preaching at the three services at SunRise, lunch with the Blues, church reception from 2:30 – 6:00 and dinner with the Casillas involved great fellowship, wonderful reconnecting, and lots of memories. We drive home this morning, and then focus on a full week of ministry at Wesley.
Isaiah 44
In this chapter God reminds the people the difference between God the creator, and gods that are no gods at all, carved out of wood, or made by the blacksmith. “God, King of Israel, your Redeemer, God-of-the-angel-armies, says: ‘I’m first, I’m last, and everything in between. I’m the only God there is.’” (verse 6)
The church is of God and will remain until the end of time. Being at SunRise this weekend has reminded me of the power of God to birth a community, and the work of the Holy Spirit to sustain it. As the founding pastor, entrusted with the visioning process and the design of the body life, I am amazed at the work of God that is changing lives and “populating heaven”. This gives me even greater energy to be about the work of pastoring and shepherding the Wesley congregation.
Guide me today Lord, as I drive highway 44 and rest in preparation for a great week of serving you in the community called Wesley United Methodist Church, Springfield, Missouri, Amen.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
March 5, 2011
3-5-11 Saturday, 7:15 am, 31 degrees, cloudy.
We have a nesting pair of bluebirds! This is the third year I have put out a bluebird house, and it is a little tricky to get a pair of the state birds to use it. Bluebirds are territorial, needing at least 300 feet of separation from each other. Sometimes sparrows beat them to it. Last night I saw the pair, and this morning I saw one of them fly from the house. There is something gratifying about providing a good habitat for these creatures. I placed a second bluebird house across the yard on my back fence, and in it a very proud pair of sparrows is building a nest.
Tonight I preach at SunRise on the twentieth anniversary of the first worship service. I am looking forward to bringing a 20 minute message on “Living Water”. Tomorrow there will be three services and then an afternoon reception. Pastor Jerry is preaching the 4 services at Wesley.
Isaiah 43
This is such a beautiful expression of God’s love and care for His people! “But now says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and he who formed you, O Israel, Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine!” (verse 1) “Do not fear, for I am with you” (verse 5) In verse 14 God refers to Himself as “the Lord your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” This chapter makes it clear that God has provided what is needed for the people of Israel, including what they (and we) need the most: “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” (verse 23)
This chapter also contains clear teaching about who God is: “... I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. I, even I am the Lord; and there is no savior besides Me ... Even from eternity I am He; and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?” (verses 10-13) On this cold, wet, morning in late winter it is so helpful for me to remember who God is, and what God does, recalibrating my human brain as it precesses toward thinking that I am in charge and that I could save myself. (precession is a mechanical process involving disturbing torque!)
Thank You Lord for this chapter of Holy Scripture. My steps are ordered by You, and I will serve you with joy and gladness today.
We have a nesting pair of bluebirds! This is the third year I have put out a bluebird house, and it is a little tricky to get a pair of the state birds to use it. Bluebirds are territorial, needing at least 300 feet of separation from each other. Sometimes sparrows beat them to it. Last night I saw the pair, and this morning I saw one of them fly from the house. There is something gratifying about providing a good habitat for these creatures. I placed a second bluebird house across the yard on my back fence, and in it a very proud pair of sparrows is building a nest.
Tonight I preach at SunRise on the twentieth anniversary of the first worship service. I am looking forward to bringing a 20 minute message on “Living Water”. Tomorrow there will be three services and then an afternoon reception. Pastor Jerry is preaching the 4 services at Wesley.
Isaiah 43
This is such a beautiful expression of God’s love and care for His people! “But now says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and he who formed you, O Israel, Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine!” (verse 1) “Do not fear, for I am with you” (verse 5) In verse 14 God refers to Himself as “the Lord your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” This chapter makes it clear that God has provided what is needed for the people of Israel, including what they (and we) need the most: “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” (verse 23)
This chapter also contains clear teaching about who God is: “... I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. I, even I am the Lord; and there is no savior besides Me ... Even from eternity I am He; and there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?” (verses 10-13) On this cold, wet, morning in late winter it is so helpful for me to remember who God is, and what God does, recalibrating my human brain as it precesses toward thinking that I am in charge and that I could save myself. (precession is a mechanical process involving disturbing torque!)
Thank You Lord for this chapter of Holy Scripture. My steps are ordered by You, and I will serve you with joy and gladness today.
Friday, March 4, 2011
March 4, 2011
3-4-11 Friday, 7:41 am Springfield, 50 degrees, sun through thin clouds, birds singing.
It is good to be home. The work of the board of ordained ministry is hard, and valuable to the church. Last night Audrey and I attended a concert at the James River Church, featuring Chris Tomlin and including Louie Giglio, founder of the Passion movement, and Passion Church in Atlanta. Formerly, he was leader of a college movement on the Baylor campus, and in Atlanta, a member of Andy Stanley’s church.
We so enjoyed the concert, which was much more an evening of worship and praise, with the packed auditorium singing Tomlin’s unique songs and inspired by Giglio’s teaching and energy for a God-centered life. Worshipping in that context reminded me of when I was 19 years old, a new, fully devoted follower of Christ, and worshipping in a large “box” church, praising God with the contemporary songs of 1975. I am inspired to invest all of my energy in pointing people to God and calling forth a people who will serve Him with their entire beings during this brief journey on planet earth.
Isaiah 42
“Behold, My Servant whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. … A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish.” (verses 1-3) This clear description of Jesus is beautiful. In various ways throughout the 66 chapters of Isaiah the Savior is described, promised, longed for and anticipated. Thus this book can be referred to as the “Gospel” of Isaiah! Verses 1-13 have blessed me deeply this morning.
Verse 8: “I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.” One of the significant problems of the people of God was (is) placing anything in the role of God in one’s life – money, hired armies, fame, health, happiness, etc. I must daily examine me life to make sure I am not doing so in this modern world context which I live and breathe. I desire for my response to be that of verse 10: “Sing to the Lord a new song, Sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it.”
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name! Let God arise, His enemies be scattered. Guide me today, most Holy Lord in all I think and speak and do as Your servant.
It is good to be home. The work of the board of ordained ministry is hard, and valuable to the church. Last night Audrey and I attended a concert at the James River Church, featuring Chris Tomlin and including Louie Giglio, founder of the Passion movement, and Passion Church in Atlanta. Formerly, he was leader of a college movement on the Baylor campus, and in Atlanta, a member of Andy Stanley’s church.
We so enjoyed the concert, which was much more an evening of worship and praise, with the packed auditorium singing Tomlin’s unique songs and inspired by Giglio’s teaching and energy for a God-centered life. Worshipping in that context reminded me of when I was 19 years old, a new, fully devoted follower of Christ, and worshipping in a large “box” church, praising God with the contemporary songs of 1975. I am inspired to invest all of my energy in pointing people to God and calling forth a people who will serve Him with their entire beings during this brief journey on planet earth.
Isaiah 42
“Behold, My Servant whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. … A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish.” (verses 1-3) This clear description of Jesus is beautiful. In various ways throughout the 66 chapters of Isaiah the Savior is described, promised, longed for and anticipated. Thus this book can be referred to as the “Gospel” of Isaiah! Verses 1-13 have blessed me deeply this morning.
Verse 8: “I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.” One of the significant problems of the people of God was (is) placing anything in the role of God in one’s life – money, hired armies, fame, health, happiness, etc. I must daily examine me life to make sure I am not doing so in this modern world context which I live and breathe. I desire for my response to be that of verse 10: “Sing to the Lord a new song, Sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it.”
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name! Let God arise, His enemies be scattered. Guide me today, most Holy Lord in all I think and speak and do as Your servant.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
March 3, 2011
3-3-11 Thursday, 5:45 am Columbia, 40 degrees, clear.
Today we finish up the work of the Board of Ordained Ministry as we meet through the morning. Jerry and I will ride back to Springfield together, with him driving as I work on sermon for the weekend at SunRise. Yesterday we met from 9:00 am until 8:30 pm, with two hour break for lunch. I was able to get in a 4 mile run, which felt great. If I exercise this morning, that will be three out of the four days here.
Isaiah 41
Verses 17-18: “The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I the Lord will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys…” These verses remind me of Jesus at the well in Samaria stating to the woman that he could give her living water, that she would thirst no more. I am preaching on this verse at SunRise, returning this weekend as the founding pastor to O’Fallon, on the 20th anniversary of the first worship service of that new church.
Verses 21-24 are a mocking of idols and false gods who cannot predict the future, and whose “work amounts to nothing”. Israel, along with people before and after, have or will encounter the temptation to trust in someone or something other than God. This is especially true in my generation. I fully trust in God, and intend to do so until He receives me home into His arms for eternity. Guide me today, Holy Lord, as I trust You, and am not afraid, as I look to You for the source of my strength, wisdom and discernment.
Today we finish up the work of the Board of Ordained Ministry as we meet through the morning. Jerry and I will ride back to Springfield together, with him driving as I work on sermon for the weekend at SunRise. Yesterday we met from 9:00 am until 8:30 pm, with two hour break for lunch. I was able to get in a 4 mile run, which felt great. If I exercise this morning, that will be three out of the four days here.
Isaiah 41
Verses 17-18: “The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I the Lord will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys…” These verses remind me of Jesus at the well in Samaria stating to the woman that he could give her living water, that she would thirst no more. I am preaching on this verse at SunRise, returning this weekend as the founding pastor to O’Fallon, on the 20th anniversary of the first worship service of that new church.
Verses 21-24 are a mocking of idols and false gods who cannot predict the future, and whose “work amounts to nothing”. Israel, along with people before and after, have or will encounter the temptation to trust in someone or something other than God. This is especially true in my generation. I fully trust in God, and intend to do so until He receives me home into His arms for eternity. Guide me today, Holy Lord, as I trust You, and am not afraid, as I look to You for the source of my strength, wisdom and discernment.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
March 2, 2011
3-2-11 Wednesday, 6:09 am 36 degrees.
The eastern sky shows the beginning of dawn, the crescent moon, and Venus (Neptune and Mars are below the moon and above the sun, but not visible to the unassisted eye). My body would like a little more rest, but I am up and at ‘um, with a long day of Board of Ordained Ministry work ahead. We will deliberate this morning, voting on all candidates who are eligible for ordination, and then in the afternoon and evening, we will interview all candidates eligible for commissioning.
Isaiah 40
What a great chapter! It marks the beginning of the second half of Isaiah, many call chapters 40-66 Deutero-Isaiah because it is so different from the first 39 chapters. I ascribe to the unity of the book, believing that the one author, the prophet Isaiah wrote the entire book.
“Comfort, o comfort my people, says your God (verse 1).
“A voice is calling, clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness, make smooth in the desert a highway for our God… (verse 3)
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. (verse 8)
“Those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. (verse 31)
Guide me today Lord as I work as a pastor to comfort Your people, to clear the way for You in the wilderness, preaching and teaching Your eternal word, waiting upon you and receiving your strength!” From the middle of the United States, in these my middle-aged years, may I be in the center of your will today, and each day until eternity.
The eastern sky shows the beginning of dawn, the crescent moon, and Venus (Neptune and Mars are below the moon and above the sun, but not visible to the unassisted eye). My body would like a little more rest, but I am up and at ‘um, with a long day of Board of Ordained Ministry work ahead. We will deliberate this morning, voting on all candidates who are eligible for ordination, and then in the afternoon and evening, we will interview all candidates eligible for commissioning.
Isaiah 40
What a great chapter! It marks the beginning of the second half of Isaiah, many call chapters 40-66 Deutero-Isaiah because it is so different from the first 39 chapters. I ascribe to the unity of the book, believing that the one author, the prophet Isaiah wrote the entire book.
“Comfort, o comfort my people, says your God (verse 1).
“A voice is calling, clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness, make smooth in the desert a highway for our God… (verse 3)
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. (verse 8)
“Those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. (verse 31)
Guide me today Lord as I work as a pastor to comfort Your people, to clear the way for You in the wilderness, preaching and teaching Your eternal word, waiting upon you and receiving your strength!” From the middle of the United States, in these my middle-aged years, may I be in the center of your will today, and each day until eternity.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
March 1, 2011
3-1-11 Tuesday, 5:59 am , 26 degrees, clear
The first day of March! I always enjoy writing the new month for the first time, usually here in my journal. Typically this is the month known for strong winds and moderating temperatures, with always the possibility of snow. Gardening and yard work will increase, and the seeds I started on Saturday (tomatoes, zucchini, okra and marigolds) will sprout in the basement. April 15 is the average last frost for this area and I will plant them outside in my small garden.
We had good interviews yesterday with the board of ordained ministry. Our team has eight more interviews today, and 8 tomorrow. This is a somewhat grueling schedule, but necessary because of the cancellations forced by the blizzard 4 weeks ago. I remember well my board interviews in 1982 and 1985 as a seminary student and young pastor.
Isaiah 39
After his miraculous healing, Hezekiah entertains diginitaries from Babylon. He shows off all of his wealth. Babylon was encouraging countries to rebel against Assyria, and in this act Hezekiah falls into the temptation to trust human alliances and foreign powers rather than God. The prophet Isaiah pays an uninvited visit to the king, and rebukes him for his actions, prophecying that the wealth of Judah will one day be carried off to Babylon (Oswald observes “that which we trust in place of God will one day turn and destroy us”). Hezekiah accepts this prophecy, and seems glad that at least it will not happen in his day.
Guide me Lord as I trust completely in you. Thank you for this record of your dealings with the nation of Judah and its kings, prophets and people. Give me wisdom and discernment as a pastor in 2011 and as a member of the team which credentials pastors. Bless the flock called Wesley in Springfield, and especially those going through difficulties this week.
The first day of March! I always enjoy writing the new month for the first time, usually here in my journal. Typically this is the month known for strong winds and moderating temperatures, with always the possibility of snow. Gardening and yard work will increase, and the seeds I started on Saturday (tomatoes, zucchini, okra and marigolds) will sprout in the basement. April 15 is the average last frost for this area and I will plant them outside in my small garden.
We had good interviews yesterday with the board of ordained ministry. Our team has eight more interviews today, and 8 tomorrow. This is a somewhat grueling schedule, but necessary because of the cancellations forced by the blizzard 4 weeks ago. I remember well my board interviews in 1982 and 1985 as a seminary student and young pastor.
Isaiah 39
After his miraculous healing, Hezekiah entertains diginitaries from Babylon. He shows off all of his wealth. Babylon was encouraging countries to rebel against Assyria, and in this act Hezekiah falls into the temptation to trust human alliances and foreign powers rather than God. The prophet Isaiah pays an uninvited visit to the king, and rebukes him for his actions, prophecying that the wealth of Judah will one day be carried off to Babylon (Oswald observes “that which we trust in place of God will one day turn and destroy us”). Hezekiah accepts this prophecy, and seems glad that at least it will not happen in his day.
Guide me Lord as I trust completely in you. Thank you for this record of your dealings with the nation of Judah and its kings, prophets and people. Give me wisdom and discernment as a pastor in 2011 and as a member of the team which credentials pastors. Bless the flock called Wesley in Springfield, and especially those going through difficulties this week.
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