Yesterday was a good day off / Sabbath. I rode the Concours to Buesik State Forest and hiked around for an hour or so. I made or took 4 church related phone calls as I hiked, clarifying that Bob Farr and Steve Cox are coming today, Tuesday, and not Monday as I had thought. Audrey and I will take them to dinner afterward. Audrey and I went to lunch together at Wendy’s, each having a fish sandwich. Then on the spur of the moment we went to Lowes, buying mulch and a medicine cabinet for my office. I went then to the house of a generous friend and avid motorcyclist, and for 90 minutes picked his brain about motorcycles, touring, and especially my Concours. He put it up on his lift, and solved my leaking fuel problem – it was not a carburetor issue as I had thought, but simply a leaking fuel line at the valve cock. He observed that I need new tires and offered to mount them if I brought them by, and we talked about lighting, electrical, top box, emergency tire repair, rain gear, jumper cables, fuses, first aid kit, and riding pants. Upon coming home I set about working on the yard, and planting tomato seeds in the basement.
Romans 8
“There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Verses 1-2) In 1979 I memorized this chapter which has benefitted me for 33 years. The freedom I have experienced in Christ is more significant that I can describe. I need to regularly reflect on this. Bruce Baxter is not condemned because of sin, but the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free!!!
“For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did; sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh…” (Verse 3) This is the Easter message - the resurrection changes the world from being under the law, condemned by sin, to being free and a new creation! Old things have passed away, all things have become new! Because I am free, I can freely give my life for others.
Guide me today, most holy, righteous, omnipotent Lord as I labor in the servant leadership of your great church called Wesley UMC here in Springfield. Guide my thoughts, actions, meetings, phone calls, writings and plans, that in everything You might be glorified and Your purposes accomplished. So be it!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 26, 2012
The news the broadcaster suggests that the weather will be so beautiful that today might be a good one to skip going to work - I have the privilege of this being my day off. I have so many possibilities open – flying, motorcycling, hiking, running, gardening, writing, personal finances, housework, and the list goes on!
I will begin with a chapter of scripture from Romans combined with a look at Martin Luther’s comments on the chapter.
Romans 7
Verse 4 “… that we might bear fruit for God.” Yes! This is the goal of the life in Christ. This is my opportunity as a pastor to identify, teach, lead, and be an example of bearing fruit for God.
Verse 5 “For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.”
Verse 6 “But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.”
Martin Luther describes Paul’s premise – the law refers to man’s heart and will, and not merely to his external works. “Sin and wrath come from the Law. Hence, no one dies to the Law who does not die to sin; and whoever dies to sin, dies also to the Law. As soon as a person is free from sin, he also is free from the servitude of the Law. So, then, when sin has dominion over us, then also the Law has dominion over us, and vice versa.” (P. 108, Mueller, 1954 Zondervan)
Paul continues his line of reasoning in verse 7: “What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law…” “For sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.” (Verse 11)
Throughout the rest of Romans 7 Paul describes the struggle he has, and every person has, with sin controlling his flesh, even as his mind serves the law of God. He will resolve this tension beautifully in the next chapter. One question Audrey and I have discussed recently is whether Paul was describing a struggle with the flesh that precedes one’s salvation in Christ, or whether he is describing an ongoing struggle within a believer until death. I see both possibilities. This morning I would describe the struggle with sin as being real both before and after salvation, but it takes on a different nature. The moment a person surrenders to the cross, and dies to self, rising with Christ there is an eternal victory over sin and its resulting death. And from that moment forward to glory, the believer participates with the Holy Spirit of God in the process of sanctification, becoming increasingly Christ like, more holy, less self-centered as part of the nature spiritual maturation.
Guide me Holy Lord today, on this “sabbath rest”, this day off, to enjoy You, experience re-creation, and bear much fruit in its season.
Yesterday was a good day of ministry, with 4 good worship services, each including Holy Communion, and an afternoon meeting of the building study committee. Last night Audrey and I saw the movie “Hunger Games”, mainly because it is such a cultural phenomenon. It was an interesting movie, even though I did fall asleep and snore loudly before being poked awake by my date!
I will begin with a chapter of scripture from Romans combined with a look at Martin Luther’s comments on the chapter.
Romans 7
Verse 4 “… that we might bear fruit for God.” Yes! This is the goal of the life in Christ. This is my opportunity as a pastor to identify, teach, lead, and be an example of bearing fruit for God.
Verse 5 “For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.”
Verse 6 “But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.”
Martin Luther describes Paul’s premise – the law refers to man’s heart and will, and not merely to his external works. “Sin and wrath come from the Law. Hence, no one dies to the Law who does not die to sin; and whoever dies to sin, dies also to the Law. As soon as a person is free from sin, he also is free from the servitude of the Law. So, then, when sin has dominion over us, then also the Law has dominion over us, and vice versa.” (P. 108, Mueller, 1954 Zondervan)
Paul continues his line of reasoning in verse 7: “What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law…” “For sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.” (Verse 11)
Throughout the rest of Romans 7 Paul describes the struggle he has, and every person has, with sin controlling his flesh, even as his mind serves the law of God. He will resolve this tension beautifully in the next chapter. One question Audrey and I have discussed recently is whether Paul was describing a struggle with the flesh that precedes one’s salvation in Christ, or whether he is describing an ongoing struggle within a believer until death. I see both possibilities. This morning I would describe the struggle with sin as being real both before and after salvation, but it takes on a different nature. The moment a person surrenders to the cross, and dies to self, rising with Christ there is an eternal victory over sin and its resulting death. And from that moment forward to glory, the believer participates with the Holy Spirit of God in the process of sanctification, becoming increasingly Christ like, more holy, less self-centered as part of the nature spiritual maturation.
Guide me Holy Lord today, on this “sabbath rest”, this day off, to enjoy You, experience re-creation, and bear much fruit in its season.
Yesterday was a good day of ministry, with 4 good worship services, each including Holy Communion, and an afternoon meeting of the building study committee. Last night Audrey and I saw the movie “Hunger Games”, mainly because it is such a cultural phenomenon. It was an interesting movie, even though I did fall asleep and snore loudly before being poked awake by my date!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
March 25, 2012
Life is a lot like Spring Break – you can go and serve others (like our team to North Carolina) or you can go and have fun (I will not name any names!) or you can sit around and do nothing! Today we wrap up the “Change the World” series with 4 great worship services at Wesley. We will have the family who is to receive the Habitat house in worship to address the congregation.
Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus has been teaching in Jerusalem during his final week. He has told his followers that they must be watchful and ready for the Son of Man to appear. He used the example of faithful and unfaithful slaves in charge of a master’s household. He told them a parable about 10 bridesmaids – 5 who were ready with plenty of oil for their lamps, and 5 who were not ready for the bridegroom to appear. Immediately preceding these verses Jesus tells the parable of the talents, in which one man was given 5 talents, one was given 2, and one fellow given 1 talent. When the master returned, he rewarded his servants based on what they did with their talents. The guy who simply buried his was harshly reprimanded and his talent was given to the one who multiplied his.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.” (Verses 31-33) Certain people will be invited to come and inherit the kingdom, and certain people will be sent away into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. The criteria used are whether or not people fed, clothed, gave a drink, welcomed, cared for and visited Christ. When the people inquired about this, Jesus explained that it was in the persons of the needy that He was present.
Guide me Holy Lord today as I teach from your scriptures and apply this truth to our lives in 2012 as we have the opportunity to meet the needs of a hungry, thirsty, hurting world.
Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus has been teaching in Jerusalem during his final week. He has told his followers that they must be watchful and ready for the Son of Man to appear. He used the example of faithful and unfaithful slaves in charge of a master’s household. He told them a parable about 10 bridesmaids – 5 who were ready with plenty of oil for their lamps, and 5 who were not ready for the bridegroom to appear. Immediately preceding these verses Jesus tells the parable of the talents, in which one man was given 5 talents, one was given 2, and one fellow given 1 talent. When the master returned, he rewarded his servants based on what they did with their talents. The guy who simply buried his was harshly reprimanded and his talent was given to the one who multiplied his.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left.” (Verses 31-33) Certain people will be invited to come and inherit the kingdom, and certain people will be sent away into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. The criteria used are whether or not people fed, clothed, gave a drink, welcomed, cared for and visited Christ. When the people inquired about this, Jesus explained that it was in the persons of the needy that He was present.
Guide me Holy Lord today as I teach from your scriptures and apply this truth to our lives in 2012 as we have the opportunity to meet the needs of a hungry, thirsty, hurting world.
Friday, March 23, 2012
March 23, 2012
This morning we have a 10:30 funeral for Charles Orr, a servant of Christ and true hero of the faith. Jim Massey will preside and I will assist, just as we did at Charlie Hoag’s memorial service yesterday.
Romans 5
As I read this chapter, it seems to me that this might be one of the most beautiful, balanced, perfect chapters of scripture. Beginning with “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and ending with “as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” these 21 verses speak to my heart this morning of peace, righteousness, hope, and eternal life.
In Martin Luther’s commentary on Romans, he makes this observation:
“The apostle sets forth a most apt antithesis (in four ways): first, he who is justified by faith has peace with God, but tribulation in the world, because his life is spiritual. Secondly, the unrighteous have peace with the world, but anguish and tribulation with God, because their life is carnal. Thirdly, as God the Holy Spirit is eternal, so also the peace of the righteous and the tribulation of the unrighteous will be everlasting. Lastly, as the flesh is temporal, so also the tribulation of the righteous and the peace of the unrighteous will be temporary.” (From Luther’s lectures 1515 – 1516, translated by J. Theodore Mueller, published by Zondervan 1954.)
Verses 3-5 develop this line of reasoning: “…tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Last night my perseverance was not easy, and I realize that it brings about proven character. This morning I will be with a family whose loved one has persevered through the trials and tribulations of this life, including being a medic in World War II in the Pacific theater, and is now reigning with Christ in eternal life.
Guide my steps today, most holy Lord, as I serve You, and live a life pointing to Your saving grace and eternal promises.
Romans 5
As I read this chapter, it seems to me that this might be one of the most beautiful, balanced, perfect chapters of scripture. Beginning with “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” and ending with “as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” these 21 verses speak to my heart this morning of peace, righteousness, hope, and eternal life.
In Martin Luther’s commentary on Romans, he makes this observation:
“The apostle sets forth a most apt antithesis (in four ways): first, he who is justified by faith has peace with God, but tribulation in the world, because his life is spiritual. Secondly, the unrighteous have peace with the world, but anguish and tribulation with God, because their life is carnal. Thirdly, as God the Holy Spirit is eternal, so also the peace of the righteous and the tribulation of the unrighteous will be everlasting. Lastly, as the flesh is temporal, so also the tribulation of the righteous and the peace of the unrighteous will be temporary.” (From Luther’s lectures 1515 – 1516, translated by J. Theodore Mueller, published by Zondervan 1954.)
Verses 3-5 develop this line of reasoning: “…tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Last night my perseverance was not easy, and I realize that it brings about proven character. This morning I will be with a family whose loved one has persevered through the trials and tribulations of this life, including being a medic in World War II in the Pacific theater, and is now reigning with Christ in eternal life.
Guide my steps today, most holy Lord, as I serve You, and live a life pointing to Your saving grace and eternal promises.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
March 22, 2012
A pair of robins is quickly building a nest on the railing of our deck. This is not the best place for a nest, but it is very visible and interesting to watch. I will leave it alone and see what happens. Later this summer I will power wash and reseal the deck. Audrey brought home a beautiful humming bird feeder and I will fill it with sugar water today. Each year I have fed the humming birds above the deck, but never this early.
Yesterday I meditated on one of the 15 characteristics named by Mannoia and Walkemeyer of effective pastors – love for God. The author asks himself “was my passion focused first and foremost on the person of God, personal intimacy with my King and the privilege of revealing His beauty to the broken world around me?” This is a great question for every pastor, me included, to ponder. Cultivating this love, keeping it fresh, not “losing the first love” is critical to being an effective shepherd of the sheep. This early morning time of reflection, reading the Bible, and prayer is part of my nurturing the love for God which I began to experience in 1974, and which has been the center of my life ever since.
Psalm 27
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Verse 1) “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple.” (Verse 4) These two verses remind me of David’s love for God, his trust in Him, and his delight in the One who saved him.
Today I will co-lead the memorial service for Charlie Hoag, a faithful servant of Christ. We will celebrate the resurrection. His family and friends will gather to grieve his passing, to worship God, and to remember his life.
Lord I love You with all my heart. My life is in your hands. May this day be well invested in serving You and leading others to follow You all the days of their lives.
Yesterday I meditated on one of the 15 characteristics named by Mannoia and Walkemeyer of effective pastors – love for God. The author asks himself “was my passion focused first and foremost on the person of God, personal intimacy with my King and the privilege of revealing His beauty to the broken world around me?” This is a great question for every pastor, me included, to ponder. Cultivating this love, keeping it fresh, not “losing the first love” is critical to being an effective shepherd of the sheep. This early morning time of reflection, reading the Bible, and prayer is part of my nurturing the love for God which I began to experience in 1974, and which has been the center of my life ever since.
Psalm 27
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Verse 1) “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple.” (Verse 4) These two verses remind me of David’s love for God, his trust in Him, and his delight in the One who saved him.
Today I will co-lead the memorial service for Charlie Hoag, a faithful servant of Christ. We will celebrate the resurrection. His family and friends will gather to grieve his passing, to worship God, and to remember his life.
Lord I love You with all my heart. My life is in your hands. May this day be well invested in serving You and leading others to follow You all the days of their lives.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
March 21, 2012
Today I plan to start three varieties of tomato seeds, enough for my small garden and to share with Rochelle.
Romans 4
Abraham is the topic of this chapter, his faith the example for us. The warning is from Paul not to trust in the law. Abraham “did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He had promised He was able also to perform. Therefore it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (Verses 20-23) Paul goes on to apply this faith to us who believe in the resurrection of Jesus, “delivered up because of our transgressions and was raised because of our justification” (verse 25).
Three funerals this week – two members and one son of a member – all men who died in faith and whose funerals will be a celebration of the resurrection. I am ever more firmly convinced of the resurrection, and the power of God evidenced through Jesus Christ.
I called Fred P. last night, whose dad was a coworker of my dad, and who was a friend of mine beginning in the 7th grade. He attended my mom’s funeral four years ago, and I have been wondering how he is doing. We had a great chat, catching up on family and each other. He has two infant granddaughters, and his mother is doing great at the age of 86 in Texas. It is good to keep in touch with friends from the l960s.
Guide me holy Lord as I serve you today. Establish me in the faith, confirm in me your promises and the hope of the resurrection. Use my words, my prayers, my preparation, my meetings, my conversations to further your kingdom on earth. Guard me from anything that would distract my obedience.
Romans 4
Abraham is the topic of this chapter, his faith the example for us. The warning is from Paul not to trust in the law. Abraham “did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He had promised He was able also to perform. Therefore it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (Verses 20-23) Paul goes on to apply this faith to us who believe in the resurrection of Jesus, “delivered up because of our transgressions and was raised because of our justification” (verse 25).
Three funerals this week – two members and one son of a member – all men who died in faith and whose funerals will be a celebration of the resurrection. I am ever more firmly convinced of the resurrection, and the power of God evidenced through Jesus Christ.
I called Fred P. last night, whose dad was a coworker of my dad, and who was a friend of mine beginning in the 7th grade. He attended my mom’s funeral four years ago, and I have been wondering how he is doing. We had a great chat, catching up on family and each other. He has two infant granddaughters, and his mother is doing great at the age of 86 in Texas. It is good to keep in touch with friends from the l960s.
Guide me holy Lord as I serve you today. Establish me in the faith, confirm in me your promises and the hope of the resurrection. Use my words, my prayers, my preparation, my meetings, my conversations to further your kingdom on earth. Guard me from anything that would distract my obedience.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
March 20, 2012
It has felt like spring most of the winter, with unusually mild weather. Yesterday Audrey and I went for a long walk on the Ward Branch Greenway and enjoyed the flowering trees which are in full bloom. I also got the lawn fertilized ahead of the rain. I started the day off by riding the Concours to the airport and getting four take offs and landings completed in the Cherokee. This week is spring break for the public schools and many colleges in the area. Life around the church will slow down a little as many people are traveling. I look forward to leaning into several items that need my attention. We will host a memorial service on Thursday for Charlie Hoag.
Romans 3
Paul continues his logical argument for faith in Jesus Christ. Verses 23-24: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;” I ponder the teachings of this chapter, and for some reason my mind wanders off seeking my friend David C. who lives in Florida. I have been thinking about him recently, and wondering how he is doing. When we were post-high school our faith was new and growing every day. He fell into a life apart from God’s will, and now is in poor health with limited means. I will contact him this week.
As I preached about “rescue” this past weekend I mentioned my friend from seminary Rob E., who rescued me by typing a paper on the day it was due. He still lives in Terre Haute, as a quick computer search revealed, and I shall attempt to contact him this week also.
Lord, my life is in your hands. Guide me today as I serve you through the pastoral office. May this day be invested for eternity and may my work be kingdom-building with fruit that lasts.
Romans 3
Paul continues his logical argument for faith in Jesus Christ. Verses 23-24: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;” I ponder the teachings of this chapter, and for some reason my mind wanders off seeking my friend David C. who lives in Florida. I have been thinking about him recently, and wondering how he is doing. When we were post-high school our faith was new and growing every day. He fell into a life apart from God’s will, and now is in poor health with limited means. I will contact him this week.
As I preached about “rescue” this past weekend I mentioned my friend from seminary Rob E., who rescued me by typing a paper on the day it was due. He still lives in Terre Haute, as a quick computer search revealed, and I shall attempt to contact him this week also.
Lord, my life is in your hands. Guide me today as I serve you through the pastoral office. May this day be invested for eternity and may my work be kingdom-building with fruit that lasts.
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