8-30-10 Monday, 8:00 am Springfield
Audrey made it home safely last night from LA, and two other Wesley families were picking up travelers there at the airport. It was so good to see her after 10 days of her being with Bethany and assisting with her move and transition to her senior year of college. Today I am looking forward to some rest and recreation, and I will be doing some planning and preparation for the staff retreat tomorrow – Wed.
II Cor 4:1-12
Verses 5-6 “You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Pastors and teachers always must balance how much to include their own story as we preach that Jesus Christ is Lord. In these verses Paul describes this healthy tension of knowing the glory of God through the light shining in our hearts, and yet not going around “preaching about ourselves.” I struggle with this balance every week. Guide me Lord as I preach and teach at Wesley and in each place your hand leads me.
In verse 7 Paul describes how even as we have this light shining in our hearts, “we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.” Other translations will say cracked, or broken clay jars, implying that the light shines out through the cracks or the brokenness. Henri Nouwen used the term “the wounded healer”. I am sometimes frustrated with the fragile clay, or the cracks in this the vessel that is Bruce Baxter, and it is so good to remember that this is to God’s glory and His purposes.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
August 29, 2010
8-29-10 Sunday, 5:54 am Springfield
The house and lawn look nice and I am ready for the morning. Time on Sunday morning always seems to pass faster than on other days as the minutes tick away. The question I ask myself about my message today is “what is unique, what is the take away this morning?” As I read John 15, the key is being connected to Jesus, and historically the people of God gravitate toward becoming disconnected from God.
John 15
Jesus describes the oneness with Him as replicating the oneness he has with the Father. Characteristic of this oneness is love and obedience. This relates directly to Gal 5:22 and 23 which begins with love as the fruit of the spirit, and the fruits that follow are aspects of love. All of the fruits of the spirit are proven in relationships, and are not simply feelings.
Guide me today Lord as I walk with you through this morning of worship, leading hearers to a closer walk with you and a greater connection to the vine resulting in greater fruit.
The house and lawn look nice and I am ready for the morning. Time on Sunday morning always seems to pass faster than on other days as the minutes tick away. The question I ask myself about my message today is “what is unique, what is the take away this morning?” As I read John 15, the key is being connected to Jesus, and historically the people of God gravitate toward becoming disconnected from God.
John 15
Jesus describes the oneness with Him as replicating the oneness he has with the Father. Characteristic of this oneness is love and obedience. This relates directly to Gal 5:22 and 23 which begins with love as the fruit of the spirit, and the fruits that follow are aspects of love. All of the fruits of the spirit are proven in relationships, and are not simply feelings.
Guide me today Lord as I walk with you through this morning of worship, leading hearers to a closer walk with you and a greater connection to the vine resulting in greater fruit.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
August 28, 2010
8-28-10 Saturday, 8:15 am 70 degrees, clear, calm, beautiful morning on my deck in Springfield.
Last night I got the front tire mounted on the motorcycle with the help of my neighbor Jim. He has the same type of bike and is very mechanical. I was struggling with the wheel and tire when he walked by. Today I will write on my sermon in the morning, go to lunch with Mel, finish my sermon work in the afternoon, and then work around the house in the evening, mowing, trimming, sweeping, mopping, getting ready for Sunday, and for my beloved Audrey’s return from LA tomorrow evening.
II Cor 2:12-17
Paul had opportunity to preach the good news in the city of Troas, but because Titus had not yet arrived with word about the church at Corinth, he had no peace of mind and went on to Macedonia. This bit of autobiography is interesting. With an open door to preach in Troas, why did he leave? I can imagine the inner turmoil of wondering where Titus was, and what was happening in that church he to which he had just written.
Verse 14 is powerful: “But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.” Yesterday during a hospital visit, I had the privilege of sharing Christ and leading a man in a sweet prayer of faith and reception to the saving blood and sanctifying spirit of Christ.
These verses would make a great three points:
• He has made us his captives
• He continues to lead us in Christ’s triumphal procession
• He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere
In verse 15 he metaphorizes after-shave lotion as he says that “our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” He explains that to those who are perishing, it is like a “dreadful smell of death and doom,…but to those who are being saved, … a life-giving perfume.” Lately several people have asked me when I will preach a “fire and brimstone” sermon. Even my new acquaintance the atheist closed his email with “give ‘em hell”. Perhaps I will work on a message that to some will be sweet, and to some will seem like the stench of doom. Paul closes this powerful paragraph with the question “and who is adequate for such a task as this?” (verse 16b)
I ponder this question often. Who is adequate for this task? I daily am aware of my inadequacies. Almost each Sunday I stand amazed at what God is doing in and through my ministry. The truth is that no one is adequate for this task of spreading the knowledge of Christ everywhere, and each of us, pastors and lay Christ-followers must rely on the Holy Spirit for this task. As Jesus said, we must abide in Him and He in us to bear much fruit. (text for tomorrow’s sermon)
Lord, as I follow in Your triumphal procession, guide me as I serve you and rely upon your spirit to use my inadequacies to be fruitful in extending your kingdom on earth. Thank you for Wesley UMC, for each person through whom you are working a powerful witness of love and grace. I am your captive Lord. Today I live for you, and die to myself.
Last night I got the front tire mounted on the motorcycle with the help of my neighbor Jim. He has the same type of bike and is very mechanical. I was struggling with the wheel and tire when he walked by. Today I will write on my sermon in the morning, go to lunch with Mel, finish my sermon work in the afternoon, and then work around the house in the evening, mowing, trimming, sweeping, mopping, getting ready for Sunday, and for my beloved Audrey’s return from LA tomorrow evening.
II Cor 2:12-17
Paul had opportunity to preach the good news in the city of Troas, but because Titus had not yet arrived with word about the church at Corinth, he had no peace of mind and went on to Macedonia. This bit of autobiography is interesting. With an open door to preach in Troas, why did he leave? I can imagine the inner turmoil of wondering where Titus was, and what was happening in that church he to which he had just written.
Verse 14 is powerful: “But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.” Yesterday during a hospital visit, I had the privilege of sharing Christ and leading a man in a sweet prayer of faith and reception to the saving blood and sanctifying spirit of Christ.
These verses would make a great three points:
• He has made us his captives
• He continues to lead us in Christ’s triumphal procession
• He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere
In verse 15 he metaphorizes after-shave lotion as he says that “our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” He explains that to those who are perishing, it is like a “dreadful smell of death and doom,…but to those who are being saved, … a life-giving perfume.” Lately several people have asked me when I will preach a “fire and brimstone” sermon. Even my new acquaintance the atheist closed his email with “give ‘em hell”. Perhaps I will work on a message that to some will be sweet, and to some will seem like the stench of doom. Paul closes this powerful paragraph with the question “and who is adequate for such a task as this?” (verse 16b)
I ponder this question often. Who is adequate for this task? I daily am aware of my inadequacies. Almost each Sunday I stand amazed at what God is doing in and through my ministry. The truth is that no one is adequate for this task of spreading the knowledge of Christ everywhere, and each of us, pastors and lay Christ-followers must rely on the Holy Spirit for this task. As Jesus said, we must abide in Him and He in us to bear much fruit. (text for tomorrow’s sermon)
Lord, as I follow in Your triumphal procession, guide me as I serve you and rely upon your spirit to use my inadequacies to be fruitful in extending your kingdom on earth. Thank you for Wesley UMC, for each person through whom you are working a powerful witness of love and grace. I am your captive Lord. Today I live for you, and die to myself.
Friday, August 27, 2010
August 27, 2010
8-27-10 Friday, 6:24 am Springfield 57 degrees, clear
Another beautiful morning dawns in the Ozarks. Yesterday the Wesley staff had a very good trip to Tulsa and visit with the staff of Asbury UMC, led by Tom Harrison. In the evening I took my nephew Stefan shopping for his birthday. We had a really good time as he turned 14 and seems to be making good progress. Today I look forward to working hard on my sermon, the self-study and the pilot leadership training.
II Cor 1:12-2:11
In this section Paul directly communicates with the church at Corinth about his sincerity and his plans. There are things he will say in this letter that need their attention, and he has chosen not to visit them, but rather to write and then later to visit. There were carnal, professing Christians who were discrediting Paul’s ministry. In this letter, much of it autobiographical, “he demonstrates from his own ministry the impulse of all true Christian living and service – total dedication to God in all circumstances.” (From Jim Comb’s introduction to this chapter in the Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible.
This passage impacts me this morning as a pastor and leader of a healthy congregation of Christ-followers. My goal is to maximize the reach and fruitfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ in my generation. Reviewing the content and contributors to the Tim LaHaye Study Bible, I am inspired once again to write and publish. Guide me today Lord as I study, prepare, and encourage your people.
Another beautiful morning dawns in the Ozarks. Yesterday the Wesley staff had a very good trip to Tulsa and visit with the staff of Asbury UMC, led by Tom Harrison. In the evening I took my nephew Stefan shopping for his birthday. We had a really good time as he turned 14 and seems to be making good progress. Today I look forward to working hard on my sermon, the self-study and the pilot leadership training.
II Cor 1:12-2:11
In this section Paul directly communicates with the church at Corinth about his sincerity and his plans. There are things he will say in this letter that need their attention, and he has chosen not to visit them, but rather to write and then later to visit. There were carnal, professing Christians who were discrediting Paul’s ministry. In this letter, much of it autobiographical, “he demonstrates from his own ministry the impulse of all true Christian living and service – total dedication to God in all circumstances.” (From Jim Comb’s introduction to this chapter in the Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible.
This passage impacts me this morning as a pastor and leader of a healthy congregation of Christ-followers. My goal is to maximize the reach and fruitfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ in my generation. Reviewing the content and contributors to the Tim LaHaye Study Bible, I am inspired once again to write and publish. Guide me today Lord as I study, prepare, and encourage your people.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
August 26, 2010
8-26-10 Thursday, 6:28 am, 55 degrees, clear (lowest temperature since May)
Thank you Lord for this morning!
I slept well yesterday, after such an early rising. Today our staff leaves the church at 7:30 bound for Asbury UMC Tulsa to learn about their ministries and meet with their staff.
II Cor 1:1-11
Paul states that God comforts us in all our troubles, and when others are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. He goes on to relate how when he was in Asia (modern Turkey) he and his companions were “crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endured”. As a result, they stopped relying upon themselves, and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. This is a great lesson for every believer, to rely upon God. Sometimes it is a hard lesson, as here in Paul’s case.
Lord I desire to rely upon you in every way, all the time. Guide me as I journey forward today, and each remaining day in this short life.
Thank you Lord for this morning!
I slept well yesterday, after such an early rising. Today our staff leaves the church at 7:30 bound for Asbury UMC Tulsa to learn about their ministries and meet with their staff.
II Cor 1:1-11
Paul states that God comforts us in all our troubles, and when others are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. He goes on to relate how when he was in Asia (modern Turkey) he and his companions were “crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endured”. As a result, they stopped relying upon themselves, and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. This is a great lesson for every believer, to rely upon God. Sometimes it is a hard lesson, as here in Paul’s case.
Lord I desire to rely upon you in every way, all the time. Guide me as I journey forward today, and each remaining day in this short life.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
August 25, 2010
8-25-10 Wednesday, 3:55 am Springfield, full moon shining through high thin clouds, 68 degrees.
Once every two or three months I will awake before 5 am with significant energy and initiative for the day. I know that some people make a practice of rising very early, most do not. I know that I need about 7 – 8 hours of sleep on a regular basis to function well, but I can make it on 5-6 hours now and then. Today is one of those days. As I lay awake at 3:30, my mind was energized by several thoughts – the workshop last night in which Bob Farr led nearly 100 leaders from Wesley through a session teaching about how the world is different from 1956, and that the church needs to work differently to reach this world for Christ.
I was also energized by the three new books that arrived from Amazon yesterday in the mail – American Saint by John Wigger, about Francis Asbury and the Methodists; The Land Between: Finding God in Difficult Transitions by Jeff Manion, a book I will use for at least one sermon in October, and Assaulting the Gates by Paul D. Borden subtitled Aiming All God’s People at the Mission Field. I love to get new books, and relish the thought of devouring them. I rarely get around to reading more than about 20 minutes in the evening, and this early rising today provides me time and space to do so.
My mind was also engaged around all that I will be doing in the next few days – praying with pastors this morning, hosting the District Ordained Ministry Team this afternoon, leading our staff to Tulsa tomorrow to visit Asbury UMC, and starting a new sermon series on Sunday entitled “Fruitful Living in a Toxic World.” This morning I do not need sleep, but action and preparation. With a fresh pot of coffee, I will launch into this beautiful early morning.
I Cor 16:1-24
This chapter is Paul’s personal and practical instructions to the church. He is writing from Ephesus (verse 8) where he has a “wide open door for a great work”, even though many oppose him. He gives instructions for the weekly collection for the offering for Christians in Jerusalem. He commends several leaders, including Aquilla and Priscilla, Stephanas and his household, along with Fortunatus and Achaicus.
Paul gives a simple encouragement “Be on guard. Stand firm in the Faith. Be courageous (in the Greek “be men”) Be Strong. And do everything with love.” (Verses 13-14). Joshua is told to be strong and courageous, David exhibits these qualities. Esther is encouraged by Mordecai to boldly go before the king on behalf of God’s people. This is needed by leaders of God’s people – watchfulness, firmness, courage, strength, love. I must continue to cultivate, live and lead with strength, courage, and love.
Holy Lord, guide me on this special day that you have made, as I seek to live today bearing fruit for your kingdom.
Once every two or three months I will awake before 5 am with significant energy and initiative for the day. I know that some people make a practice of rising very early, most do not. I know that I need about 7 – 8 hours of sleep on a regular basis to function well, but I can make it on 5-6 hours now and then. Today is one of those days. As I lay awake at 3:30, my mind was energized by several thoughts – the workshop last night in which Bob Farr led nearly 100 leaders from Wesley through a session teaching about how the world is different from 1956, and that the church needs to work differently to reach this world for Christ.
I was also energized by the three new books that arrived from Amazon yesterday in the mail – American Saint by John Wigger, about Francis Asbury and the Methodists; The Land Between: Finding God in Difficult Transitions by Jeff Manion, a book I will use for at least one sermon in October, and Assaulting the Gates by Paul D. Borden subtitled Aiming All God’s People at the Mission Field. I love to get new books, and relish the thought of devouring them. I rarely get around to reading more than about 20 minutes in the evening, and this early rising today provides me time and space to do so.
My mind was also engaged around all that I will be doing in the next few days – praying with pastors this morning, hosting the District Ordained Ministry Team this afternoon, leading our staff to Tulsa tomorrow to visit Asbury UMC, and starting a new sermon series on Sunday entitled “Fruitful Living in a Toxic World.” This morning I do not need sleep, but action and preparation. With a fresh pot of coffee, I will launch into this beautiful early morning.
I Cor 16:1-24
This chapter is Paul’s personal and practical instructions to the church. He is writing from Ephesus (verse 8) where he has a “wide open door for a great work”, even though many oppose him. He gives instructions for the weekly collection for the offering for Christians in Jerusalem. He commends several leaders, including Aquilla and Priscilla, Stephanas and his household, along with Fortunatus and Achaicus.
Paul gives a simple encouragement “Be on guard. Stand firm in the Faith. Be courageous (in the Greek “be men”) Be Strong. And do everything with love.” (Verses 13-14). Joshua is told to be strong and courageous, David exhibits these qualities. Esther is encouraged by Mordecai to boldly go before the king on behalf of God’s people. This is needed by leaders of God’s people – watchfulness, firmness, courage, strength, love. I must continue to cultivate, live and lead with strength, courage, and love.
Holy Lord, guide me on this special day that you have made, as I seek to live today bearing fruit for your kingdom.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
August 24, 2010
8-24-10 Tuesday, 6:55 am Springfield, 64 delightful degrees!
I am stiff, sore and moving slowly after a day of flying, working out, mowing the lawn, and working on the motorcycle. Yesterday was a great day all around. This week is shaping up to be a busy and fruitful week. On Thursday our staff travels to Tulsa to visit Asbury UMC, pastored by Tom Harrison. We will observe how they have organized ministry and have grown to nearly 3000 in weekly worship.
I Cor 15:29-58
The apostle continues to teach about the resurrection, even mentioning the obscure practice of people being baptized for those who are dead (a practice current with Mormons). His closing admonition is powerful: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (verse 58) I would like to include this verse in my fruitfulness series on the Sunday of “Risk-taking Mission and Service.” To work enthusiastically for the Lord is a daily opportunity for every believer. As one privileged to have my vocation in pastoring and church leadership, enthusiasm is critical. I have observed that some who lead churches grow weary, and with good cause. Today I am recharged and ready!
Psalm 39:1-13
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered – how fleeting my life is” (verse 4). This is a good prayer for every believer to pray each morning. I closed yesterday’s journal entry with the prayer “May my life today be an affirmation of the blessed assurance of life beyond death, the power of the resurrection.” I remembered that prayer through the day, even wondering if something unusual would happen.
Today I pray this from Psalm 39 and I Cor 15 “remind me that my days are numbered, and that nothing I do for You is ever useless!”.
I am stiff, sore and moving slowly after a day of flying, working out, mowing the lawn, and working on the motorcycle. Yesterday was a great day all around. This week is shaping up to be a busy and fruitful week. On Thursday our staff travels to Tulsa to visit Asbury UMC, pastored by Tom Harrison. We will observe how they have organized ministry and have grown to nearly 3000 in weekly worship.
I Cor 15:29-58
The apostle continues to teach about the resurrection, even mentioning the obscure practice of people being baptized for those who are dead (a practice current with Mormons). His closing admonition is powerful: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (verse 58) I would like to include this verse in my fruitfulness series on the Sunday of “Risk-taking Mission and Service.” To work enthusiastically for the Lord is a daily opportunity for every believer. As one privileged to have my vocation in pastoring and church leadership, enthusiasm is critical. I have observed that some who lead churches grow weary, and with good cause. Today I am recharged and ready!
Psalm 39:1-13
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered – how fleeting my life is” (verse 4). This is a good prayer for every believer to pray each morning. I closed yesterday’s journal entry with the prayer “May my life today be an affirmation of the blessed assurance of life beyond death, the power of the resurrection.” I remembered that prayer through the day, even wondering if something unusual would happen.
Today I pray this from Psalm 39 and I Cor 15 “remind me that my days are numbered, and that nothing I do for You is ever useless!”.
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