July 16, 2012

Oh, where do I start? I have been away from journaling and blogging for several days now, as I have been camping in Kentucky with David. We had a good time, even though our plans were constantly shifting. We arrived in the dark on Thursday night, pitching our tents in the headlights of the Explorer. The field had been neatly mowed which was a tremendous blessing. We got up Friday morning and started on the cabin, first by clearing the immense overgrowth of saplings and weeds. I got into some serious poison ivy. Upon getting all the growth cut down, we opened the cabin and discovered there were no inhabitants. (I was expecting wasps, hornet, mammals or maybe even a raccoon.) As we analyzed the condition of the cabin, it became apparent that there is significant structural decay. In addition (or because of) the roof deterioration, the floor is soft in several spots. Two of the concrete piers which support the floor joists are tilting, and some of the floor joists are sagging. In the early afternoon we made the decision to abandon work on rehabbing the cabin, and that we would return the building materials to Murray.

The next two days of camping went very well, as the weather threatened rain and periodic showers fell. David and I had a good time as we shared memories of the various times we have camped on this property which is now called "Baxter Pines".
The drive yesterday to O’Fallon and then to Springfield was long. I arrived home last night after 11 pm. The trailer still needs to be unloaded, the gear cleaned, dried and put away, etc.

Matthew 19

Verse 30 describes the upside nature of the kingdom of God: “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” This chapter includes teaching on marriage and divorce, the blessing of children and their example for followers of Christ, and the question from the rich man of what he should do to have eternal life. This chapter is a key building block in the teaching of Jesus. Each of the three parts speaks to me this morning. First, on marriage: tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of my asking Audrey to marry me. Our marriage is such a blessing to me. Second, concerning the Kingdom of God which “belongs to those who are like these children” (Verse 14) I am reminded this morning of being always childlike in my faith and life before God. Finally, the rich man’s question reminds me that no earthly riches are permanent, and it is in following Christ, obeying him day by day with radical obedience that really matters for eternity.

Guide me today, most precious Lord as I work around the house, and walk humbly before you. Help me to remember the poor and to cultivate a childlike faith today.

July 12, 2012

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37, Verses 3-5) These beautiful verses speak to my heart this morning. I am preparing to replace the roof on a small cabin built by my father (with limited help from me) in 1974. In August of 1974 I experienced justifying grace, and my walk with Christ is the same age as this cabin. Though the cabin has been neglected, my walk with Christ has been kept fresh each day. New shingles for the cabin in about 1994 would have been helpful, but we did not do so. David and I have 2 ½ days to pull off the old rotting plywood and install the new 3/8” plywood, tar paper and brown shingles that I purchased at Lowe’s yesterday, and are loaded on my trailer.

This cabin has many memories for me, especially what I called the “Kentucky Bible Conference” of about 1977. My friend Greg and I planned to spend three days, including New Years day at this cabin, but his parents pulled the plug on his participation. I went alone, and had a great time of solitude and study, examining thoroughly 2 Peter 1:5-11. This morning’s passage from Psalm 37 reminds me that I have trusted in the Lord, I have been doing good, dwelling in the land (where I have been appointed) and I have been cultivating faithfulness. I do delight myself in the Lord, and have committed my way to Him.

Yesterday I was picking blackberries and marveling at their plump, abundant fruitfulness. I planted them 2+ years ago from 4 stalks Rochelle gave me from her patch. I have watered, mulched, battled Japanese beetles, pruned, and carefully wrapped the growing plants on the wires stretched between the poles I installed. Now they are bearing fruit, lots of it. It is work to pick them in the heat of July. I had the image of my life being like these plants, and this is the season of fruitfulness after 30 years of preparation for pastoring in this generation.

Guide me today Lord as I venture to Kentucky and extend the useful life of this cabin, sharing with my son in this light construction project. Today I will delight in you, trust You and commit my way to You as I have for 38 years.

July 11, 2012

Yesterday I was at the office by 7, and caught up on email, etc. I stained 2/3 of our deck, stained the trim around the garage door, and began rearranging my library and study. I had a book avalanche when a shelf gave way in the basement. Today I will be at church again by 7:30 as I pick up the trailer from out back, get my hair cut at 8, finish staining the deck, mow the lawn, purchase materials at Lowes for the cabin roof, load supplies and camping gear, purchase food and then finish out the evening at the Ozark flying club’s quarterly meeting. Yesterday and today is “hands on” work here around the house. Tomorrow will be travel, and then Friday – Sunday will be “hands on” work on reroofing the cabin and cutting firewood. My brain works from different areas as it plans and executes this work. It is a good break from what I normally am working on.

Isaiah 41 (from today’s Upper Room)

On July 22, 1986 I dated verse 10 in this Bible I am using this morning. I was 30 years old, Audrey and I had been married 3 ½ years, I had been pastoring Shiloh and Defiance for 3 years, and David was 18 months old. Today I am 56, Audrey and I have been married 29 ½ years, David is 27 ½ years old, married for 3 years, and Bethany is 23 and spending 6 weeks in France! This verse is as powerful to me today as it was then.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Yes Lord, I trust that You are with me. I am not anxious, for You are my God. You have strengthened me, You have helped me, and I know that surely You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. I have seen Your blessings down through the decades, and am living in your presence today, thankful for all that You have done and provided for me. Guide me steps today as I trust you, and look ahead for the future.

July 9, 2012

John and I completed our motorcycle trip last night at 10:40 pm, praying and saying good-bye at Wesley, right where we had started the trip. Six days, over 2300 miles and lots of adventure - the trip was all we hoped it could be. Today will be a day for unpacking, cleaning up, and getting ready for the next trip, which will be three days and nights with David camping in Kentucky. It is good to go on an adventure, and it is so good to be back home, with the comforts and familiarity of these surroundings. I almost don’t know where to start! Scripture is always a great place!

Colossians 4 (from today’s Upper Room)

In this concluding chapter of the letter written by Paul to the believers in Colossae he gives practical admonitions for Christian living. Masters are to be just and equal with servants. Believers are to continue in prayer, watching with thanksgiving. Christ’s followers are to “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (verse 5). His instructions to this 7 year-old church planted by Epaphras and Timothy also are so very pertinent to churches and believers today: “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (verse 6, KJV).

Paul commends to this congregation their founding pastor Epaphras, adding that he is “always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” (Verse 12) It is good for pastors to pray in this fashion for their congregations.

Guide me today on this unusual day of recovery, relief, and preparation. My heart is grateful for the adventure and the experiences of the last 6 days. I am Your servant, living Your will today and every day.

July 7, 2012

Ouray Colorado is a great place to wake up on a Saturday! Yesterday John and I rode 200 miles through some of the most beautiful mountains we have seen. We donned our rain gear as we were in and out of showers. Today we will head north through Gunnison and on to Pueblo as our route turns back east and toward home. Given the mechanical trouble we had with the Harley, we have extended our trip by one day, planning now to be home on Sunday night. I John 1 (from the Upper Room) This first chapter from John's first letter reminds me of the reality of the Gospel, as John reports as an eye witness the things he has seen and touched and heard concerning Jesus Christ.

July 3, 2012

This morning I will climb on the Kawasaki for a five-day motorcycle ride into the mountains of Colorado! I am looking forward to the adventure and the experiences of being on the road. Last year I traveled for 4 days on a similar ride. I felt the pressure all along the way of needing to be back by Wednesday at 6:30 to teach a Bible study at Wesley. This trip has no commitments on the backside, which leaves me very flexible. I will be riding with John, who will be on his Harley. We have never ridden together, even around town, but we have travelled to and from Honduras for a week. We will be a good team.

I Sam 16 (from the Upper Room Devotional)

In this chapter Samuel anoints young David to be the future king of Israel. God tells Samuel to go to Jesse of Bethlehem. “I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” (Verse 1) Upon seeing the first son Eliab Samuel thought he had identified the one. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘do not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (Verse 7) This truth resounds through the ages, to pay attention to the things of God, and to be careful not to be caught up in appearances and popular views. I will meditate on this as I ride today.

“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power.” (Verse 13) The rest of the chapter describes David being enlisted by Saul as an armor-bearer, and also as a musician to play when the troubling spirit disturbs Saul. I am reminded of the critical importance of the anointing by God for service.

Guide me today, and on this trip, most Holy God. Help me to see as you see, and to be anointed by your Spirit as I travel. Guide Bethany today as she travels by herself from Los Angeles to New York, and then on to France. We are yours; use us according to your will.

July 2, 2012

This is one of those wonderful mornings in which I wake up at 4 am ready to launch into the day. I am so glad I did not plan to leave today on the trip to Colorado! There is much to do, and I will make a list elsewhere. After scripture I plan to fire up the Concours just to experience the early morning on the bike, and to see how my new running lights light up the road.

Proverbs 4 (Upper Room for today)

“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.” (Verse 6) This chapter is essentially an exhortation to seek wisdom and understanding. “Exalt her, and she shall promote thee; she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.” (Verses 8-10) I am reading from my Thompson KJV Bible given to me by my parents on Christmas, 1975. Inscribed in the front in my mother’s hand: “May this bible assist you in the continuing search for truth, and may the grace and love of the Lord be with you forever. With our love to you, Dad and Mom”

As I read this chapter I am reminded of my yearning for wisdom and understanding from the summer of 1974 onward. During my 4 years of college, my 2 years of being a YUPPY (young urban professional – CPA) my 3 years of seminary, and now my almost 30 years of being a pastor – I have sought to know and embody God’s wisdom. In her separate journey, and now in our 30 year journey together, Audrey has sought God’s wisdom in all her life. Together we desire to live and follow God, and we continue to experience what is promised – our steps are straightened, and we have not stumbled (verse 12).

Living a life of faith is a daily exercise of obedience, discernment, judgment and faith. Today is no different from July 2, 1975, except that I am further along in the journey, and have the perspective of 56 years. Guide me today, most Holy Lord as I “get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not.” I commit this day to You and the advancement of your kingdom!”