Yesterday I was ambushed by a cold. Signs of its onset were visible on Tuesday, and it came over me in a big way yesterday. I am fighting back. I made myself run three miles yesterday afternoon. I took several zinc lozenges, Dayquil, drank lots of fluids and motored through the day. The evening Ash Wednesday service went well, and I worked in my office until after 8. I got sufficient rest last night. Today I have a regular schedule of work at the office, and a meeting tonight.
Acts 12
Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church. He had James, brother of John and one of Jesus’ closest three disciples killed with a sword (does this mean beheaded?). He also had Peter arrested, because he saw that he was pleasing the Jews. An angel rescues Peter from the prison, and after questioning the guards Herod had them led off to execution. Peter shared his story with those who were praying for him regarding his release. Herod was struck by an angel of the Lord when the people from Tyre and Sidon called him a god and he did not give glory to God. “But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.” (Verse 24)
Lord give me the courage and the faith of James and Peter. Guard me from any action that would not please you. May this day in Springfield, as I fight a cold and minister in your name be one that sees your Word continue to grow and to be multiplied.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
February 22, Ash Wednesday, 2012
The sun is rising on a beautiful first day of Lent in the Ozarks. Tonight we will share in a 6:00 pm worship service with the imposition of ashes at Wesley. This morning our youth and college aged students are gathering to receive ashes from their respective ministry leaders. For this Lenten season of preparation for Easter I will deny myself all forms of candy and all soda (pop according to those who are from Chicago!) I will be adding in a discipline to be used for spiritual fruitfulness and focus.
As I was pouring a second cup of coffee, I heard these words in my mind: “preach the word, be instant in season and out, reproof, rebuke exhort with all authority.” I think this was the spirit reminding me of Paul’s words to Timothy, and encouraging me to remain constant, daily doing the work of a pastor.
Acts 11
Peter is criticized by “those who were circumcised” for eating with gentiles (as recorded in Acts 10). He explains to them how he was led in a vision, and how the Holy Spirit was poured out on those gathered with Cornelius, in the same way that the believers experienced it on Pentecost. This satisfied the critics.
In verses 19-30 there is the description of the spreading of the gospel to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians”. Barnabas ministered in Antioch, rejoicing and encouraging the believers to remain true to the Lord with resolute hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Verse 24). I would be pleased if this were part of my epitaph – Bruce Baxter was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
Guide me today in Springfield, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy. Empower me to encourage the staff and all believers to remain true to You with resolute hearts. Guide and bless all who come to the Ash Wednesday service today.
As I was pouring a second cup of coffee, I heard these words in my mind: “preach the word, be instant in season and out, reproof, rebuke exhort with all authority.” I think this was the spirit reminding me of Paul’s words to Timothy, and encouraging me to remain constant, daily doing the work of a pastor.
Acts 11
Peter is criticized by “those who were circumcised” for eating with gentiles (as recorded in Acts 10). He explains to them how he was led in a vision, and how the Holy Spirit was poured out on those gathered with Cornelius, in the same way that the believers experienced it on Pentecost. This satisfied the critics.
In verses 19-30 there is the description of the spreading of the gospel to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians”. Barnabas ministered in Antioch, rejoicing and encouraging the believers to remain true to the Lord with resolute hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Verse 24). I would be pleased if this were part of my epitaph – Bruce Baxter was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
Guide me today in Springfield, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy. Empower me to encourage the staff and all believers to remain true to You with resolute hearts. Guide and bless all who come to the Ash Wednesday service today.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
February 21, 2012
Yesterday I flew to St. Louis, took my son David flying over O’Fallon and Lake St. Louis, and shared lunch with him. It is always good to spend time together. My flight home was smooth until I was near Springfield, where the leading edge of a front was passing through. The clouds looked angry, and with winds 24 gusting to 29 out of the southeast there was a warning for low-level wind shear. The landing was interesting, but uneventful.
Today is “Shrove” Tuesday, with Lent beginning tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. As I was laying awake in bed from about 3:30 on I was thinking of all the things I need to do, all the people I need to contact, all the projects I must develop, and I was overwhelmed. I did not feel the spiritual weight of oppression I sometimes feel lying in bed (this usually happens on days I have a large responsibility, like Sunday morning) but instead a low level but overall sense of …. not failure, not discouragement, but something like “what’s the use”. I knew that if I got up and got going this sense would pass, and it has. Now I am leaning into this day which will include a hospital visit, staff prayer, worship planning, staff supervision, consulting with leaders, and exercise, plus the unknown opportunities God will bring across my path.
Acts 10
This chapter contains the amazing account of how God expanded Peter’s thinking about the church, and the inclusion of non-Jews. A man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian cohort, was praying one day and “he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come to him … and fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed he said, ‘what is it Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” The angel went on to tell him to dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon Peter to come.
As the men got near to where Simon was staying in Joppa, while he was praying he fell into a trance and saw a vision of unclean food being lowered down. He refused to eat because it was “unclean” but a voice spoke to him three times “what God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” Just at that time the gentiles sent by Cornelius knocked on his door, and he went with them. When they entered Caesarea, Cornelius had assembled his family and friends to listen to Peter, who spoke to them about Jesus. The Holy Spirit fell upon them, and they began speaking in tongues. Peter “ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.”
This chapter reminds me that God is always at work. God notices when people pray, and when they help the poor. I am aware that God is at work today, in my life, and will lead my steps to those whom He has prepared. Guide me today most holy Lord, guard me from any discouragement that would hinder my fruitfulness as your servant on this day in February in the Ozarks.
Today is “Shrove” Tuesday, with Lent beginning tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. As I was laying awake in bed from about 3:30 on I was thinking of all the things I need to do, all the people I need to contact, all the projects I must develop, and I was overwhelmed. I did not feel the spiritual weight of oppression I sometimes feel lying in bed (this usually happens on days I have a large responsibility, like Sunday morning) but instead a low level but overall sense of …. not failure, not discouragement, but something like “what’s the use”. I knew that if I got up and got going this sense would pass, and it has. Now I am leaning into this day which will include a hospital visit, staff prayer, worship planning, staff supervision, consulting with leaders, and exercise, plus the unknown opportunities God will bring across my path.
Acts 10
This chapter contains the amazing account of how God expanded Peter’s thinking about the church, and the inclusion of non-Jews. A man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian cohort, was praying one day and “he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come to him … and fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed he said, ‘what is it Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” The angel went on to tell him to dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon Peter to come.
As the men got near to where Simon was staying in Joppa, while he was praying he fell into a trance and saw a vision of unclean food being lowered down. He refused to eat because it was “unclean” but a voice spoke to him three times “what God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” Just at that time the gentiles sent by Cornelius knocked on his door, and he went with them. When they entered Caesarea, Cornelius had assembled his family and friends to listen to Peter, who spoke to them about Jesus. The Holy Spirit fell upon them, and they began speaking in tongues. Peter “ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.”
This chapter reminds me that God is always at work. God notices when people pray, and when they help the poor. I am aware that God is at work today, in my life, and will lead my steps to those whom He has prepared. Guide me today most holy Lord, guard me from any discouragement that would hinder my fruitfulness as your servant on this day in February in the Ozarks.
Monday, February 20, 2012
February 20, 2012
Acts 9
The persecution that Saul initiated, his Damascus road experience of conversion and his early ministry are described in this chapter. This reminds me that everything is possible with God, and anybody can be used by Him to accomplish His purposes. The chapter concludes with the account of Peter involved in the healing of Dorcas (Tabitha) in Joppa.
This morning I will fly to St. Louis and visit with David. I will take him flying over his neighborhood, and then we will share lunch. Audrey hemmed a pair of his dress trousers which I will deliver. It has been 2 ½ years since I have flown to St. Louis.
Guide me holy Lord on this the day which you have made! May your presence especially be guiding the surgeries of Danny and Janice on this president’s day.
The persecution that Saul initiated, his Damascus road experience of conversion and his early ministry are described in this chapter. This reminds me that everything is possible with God, and anybody can be used by Him to accomplish His purposes. The chapter concludes with the account of Peter involved in the healing of Dorcas (Tabitha) in Joppa.
This morning I will fly to St. Louis and visit with David. I will take him flying over his neighborhood, and then we will share lunch. Audrey hemmed a pair of his dress trousers which I will deliver. It has been 2 ½ years since I have flown to St. Louis.
Guide me holy Lord on this the day which you have made! May your presence especially be guiding the surgeries of Danny and Janice on this president’s day.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February 19, 2012
Jesus came to bring good news to the poor The best news anyone can receive is that they are forgiven
to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, (results from news of forgiveness with new eyes to see the world!)
to let the oppressed go free, There is freedom from the weight of guilt and condemnation
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. God’s grace is the favor he has for us!
Luke 4:14-21 is the text of my sermon this morning. I am not sure when the last time was that I preached on this section. I do so today as the first part of our “Change the World” spring series. I look forward to preaching on this passage, and to living it out in my life and the life of Wesley UM church.
This is the mission of Jesus, and somewhere the church has deviated from this mission. Many of us pastors are working hard to keep the focus of the church on “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (the mission of the church as stated in the 2008 Book of Discipline). To thoroughly grasp the mission of Jesus is critical to being one of his disciples.
Guide me today most Holy Lord as I teach from your gospel and encourage those congregating at Wesley to follow you in bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim the year of your favor! Amen.
to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, (results from news of forgiveness with new eyes to see the world!)
to let the oppressed go free, There is freedom from the weight of guilt and condemnation
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. God’s grace is the favor he has for us!
Luke 4:14-21 is the text of my sermon this morning. I am not sure when the last time was that I preached on this section. I do so today as the first part of our “Change the World” spring series. I look forward to preaching on this passage, and to living it out in my life and the life of Wesley UM church.
This is the mission of Jesus, and somewhere the church has deviated from this mission. Many of us pastors are working hard to keep the focus of the church on “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (the mission of the church as stated in the 2008 Book of Discipline). To thoroughly grasp the mission of Jesus is critical to being one of his disciples.
Guide me today most Holy Lord as I teach from your gospel and encourage those congregating at Wesley to follow you in bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim the year of your favor! Amen.
Friday, February 17, 2012
February 17, 2012
A nearby water main break left us briefly this morning without water. I used some from an emergency supply I keep in the basement to make coffee. Yesterday I was in Joplin with a couple of pastors and we discussed emergency preparedness. This minor interruption reminds me of the dependency we have on the systems of delivering water, electricity, natural gas, gasoline and food. They are so easy to take for granted until there is a failure. I am thankful that City Utilities responded promptly and restored water service. I desire to be personally prepared, and to make sure that the faith community Wesley is prepared to be a resource for the community.
Acts 8
Following the stoning death of Stephen, Saul began to fiercely persecute the church. This resulted in a scattering of Christians into various communities beyond Jerusalem and Israel. Philip, one of the seven new deacons, went to the city of Samaria, and many people believed on Jesus when they heard him teach and saw the signs and wonders he performed. A magician-sorcerer (Simon) believed and was baptized. The apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria, who taught about the Holy Spirit, and laying hands on the new Samaritan believers, who “were receiving the Holy Spirit.” (Verse 17)
The power and the presence of the Holy Spirit are essential for the life of faith. Now almost 2000 years later, it is possible to follow Christ, belong to a church, and yet experience little or no power of the Holy Spirit. There are those, like Simon, who seek to impart the Holy Spirit for personal gain, and who misconstrue God’s purposes concerning the Holy Spirit. My goal is to walk in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, to rely fully upon Him and not myself, and to teach and preach the full gospel of Jesus Christ.
Anoint me today, most Holy Lord with the power and presence of your Holy Spirit. I am your servant. Like Stephen, I want to say and do what you instruct, even if it gets me in trouble with some. Guard me from being simply a people-pleaser, but rather my desire is to please You alone.
Acts 8
Following the stoning death of Stephen, Saul began to fiercely persecute the church. This resulted in a scattering of Christians into various communities beyond Jerusalem and Israel. Philip, one of the seven new deacons, went to the city of Samaria, and many people believed on Jesus when they heard him teach and saw the signs and wonders he performed. A magician-sorcerer (Simon) believed and was baptized. The apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria, who taught about the Holy Spirit, and laying hands on the new Samaritan believers, who “were receiving the Holy Spirit.” (Verse 17)
The power and the presence of the Holy Spirit are essential for the life of faith. Now almost 2000 years later, it is possible to follow Christ, belong to a church, and yet experience little or no power of the Holy Spirit. There are those, like Simon, who seek to impart the Holy Spirit for personal gain, and who misconstrue God’s purposes concerning the Holy Spirit. My goal is to walk in the power of God’s Holy Spirit, to rely fully upon Him and not myself, and to teach and preach the full gospel of Jesus Christ.
Anoint me today, most Holy Lord with the power and presence of your Holy Spirit. I am your servant. Like Stephen, I want to say and do what you instruct, even if it gets me in trouble with some. Guard me from being simply a people-pleaser, but rather my desire is to please You alone.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
February 11, 2012
There is something about the harshness of a very cold day that is energizing to me. The temperature has hit 10 degrees here in Springfield, and the sky is clear. Snow and ice are predicted for Monday. With adequate clothing, housing, transportation and food I am prepared for this day. I am mindful that in this community and around the world people lack the basics and suffer more when the weather turns adverse. I desire to be prepared and also to help others as their needs arise.
Acts 4
Peter and John are arrested after the healing of the lame beggar recorded in chapter 3. They spend the night in jail, and have a hearing the next day. They are instructed to speak no more about the resurrected Christ and the healing, to which they reply: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” (Verses 19-20). As witnesses of the power of God they could not be silenced by decree or threat of punishment. In this current day, the challenge seems to be this: there is a lack of observing the power of God, and thus a “ho hum” lack of witness. God’s power is manifest in a myriad of ways throughout one’s life, and my challenge is to cultivate an openness to this power, a recognition of it, and to readily witness to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.
In the news this morning was a piece about Mormonism. Due to the fame of Mitt Romney as a republican presidential candidate his Mormon religion is in the spotlight. People who are Mormon do not welcome being labeled a cult, but the facts are that given their beliefs and practice, they are a cult and not part of what historically and theologically is considered the body of Christ. I estimate that there are certainly Mormons who individually follow Christ, but outside of the official teaching of the cult, whose Christology is flawed.
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy, witness to the power of your resurrection, and live this season in the refreshing that comes from the presence of the Lord. Amen
Acts 4
Peter and John are arrested after the healing of the lame beggar recorded in chapter 3. They spend the night in jail, and have a hearing the next day. They are instructed to speak no more about the resurrected Christ and the healing, to which they reply: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” (Verses 19-20). As witnesses of the power of God they could not be silenced by decree or threat of punishment. In this current day, the challenge seems to be this: there is a lack of observing the power of God, and thus a “ho hum” lack of witness. God’s power is manifest in a myriad of ways throughout one’s life, and my challenge is to cultivate an openness to this power, a recognition of it, and to readily witness to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.
In the news this morning was a piece about Mormonism. Due to the fame of Mitt Romney as a republican presidential candidate his Mormon religion is in the spotlight. People who are Mormon do not welcome being labeled a cult, but the facts are that given their beliefs and practice, they are a cult and not part of what historically and theologically is considered the body of Christ. I estimate that there are certainly Mormons who individually follow Christ, but outside of the official teaching of the cult, whose Christology is flawed.
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy, witness to the power of your resurrection, and live this season in the refreshing that comes from the presence of the Lord. Amen
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