10-31-10 Sunday, 5:45 am Springfield, 42 degrees, clear.
I am looking forward to all that this day has in store. From the four morning worship services, in which we will baptize and receive new members, to the new member luncheon, then the afternoon children’s party, and at the end of the day, the annual visitation of children and their parents “trick or treating”. My custom is to build a fire in my portable fireplace in the driveway, and greet visitors outside. Audrey has missed the last couple of Halloweens, and it will be good to have her here this year.
Hebrews 2:1-18
“So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.” (verse 1) This morning I will be teaching from the Israelite experience of 40 years in the wilderness through the lens of I Cor 10 where we are also reminded that “these things (wilderness experiences) occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did.” (10:6) My hope is to relate our real, everyday experiences to those of the people of Israel during their wilderness wanderings so that we might put God at the center of all we do, not commit sexual immorality, not tempt Christ (doubting his existence to make Him prove he is really present) nor complain. Guide me Lord as I speak your truth and apply your word to this generation.
Psalm 103 (Today’s Psalm in the One Year Bible) I love this Psalm, and reading it again here in this early hour of devotion it occurred to me that this might be the perfect Psalm to sum up the message today. “Let all that I am praise the Lord, with my whole heart, I will praise his holy Name. … May I never forget the good things he does for me – He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases, He redeems my from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.
Lord, with all that I am I praise you this morning! I desire to serve you fully today as your pastor in this generation. Fill me today with everything I need to minister among your people. In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
October 30, 2010
10-30-10 Saturday, 6:06 am Springfield, 40 degrees, clear.
It is good to be home – to make my own coffee, sit by the fire here in the family room. I had a very good trip this week, serving on the Missouri Conference Ordained Ministry Team, and the Asbury Seminary Alumni Association Council. Yesterday I stopped by the piece of property my dad purchased in 1972 near Aurora, KY. I chatted with Jimmy Sholar and then walked the woods for an hour. The pine trees we planted in those early years are now mature trees, and continue to grow. The log cabin David and I started in 1999 sits without a roof in a great secluded spot. It was good to pray, reflect, and hike.
I am looking forward to being back in the office today, meeting with folks about their baptisms, processing the accumulated mail, and preparing for this evening’s Eagle Scout presentation. Tomorrow is a big Sunday, with new members joining, being baptized, and reading the names of all who have died in the past 12 months. It will also be the first Sunday after the HCI consultation.
Hebrews 1:1-14
This opening chapter establishes the unique place that Jesus fills, above and different from the role of angels. As I prepare for my December series on Angels, I will study this chapter in more depth. This book is written to the growing Jewish Church, just months before the destruction of the temple and the end of offering sacrifices according to the “first covenant”. As I serve Christ under the “New Covenant”, I embrace and apply the teachings of this book of the Bible through Wesley United Methodist Church.
It is good to be home – to make my own coffee, sit by the fire here in the family room. I had a very good trip this week, serving on the Missouri Conference Ordained Ministry Team, and the Asbury Seminary Alumni Association Council. Yesterday I stopped by the piece of property my dad purchased in 1972 near Aurora, KY. I chatted with Jimmy Sholar and then walked the woods for an hour. The pine trees we planted in those early years are now mature trees, and continue to grow. The log cabin David and I started in 1999 sits without a roof in a great secluded spot. It was good to pray, reflect, and hike.
I am looking forward to being back in the office today, meeting with folks about their baptisms, processing the accumulated mail, and preparing for this evening’s Eagle Scout presentation. Tomorrow is a big Sunday, with new members joining, being baptized, and reading the names of all who have died in the past 12 months. It will also be the first Sunday after the HCI consultation.
Hebrews 1:1-14
This opening chapter establishes the unique place that Jesus fills, above and different from the role of angels. As I prepare for my December series on Angels, I will study this chapter in more depth. This book is written to the growing Jewish Church, just months before the destruction of the temple and the end of offering sacrifices according to the “first covenant”. As I serve Christ under the “New Covenant”, I embrace and apply the teachings of this book of the Bible through Wesley United Methodist Church.
Friday, October 29, 2010
October 29, 2010
10-29-10 Friday, 7:22 am Wilmore, Ky, 38 degrees.
Today I drive home to Springfield, travelling diagonally southwest through Kentucky. It is a beautiful day, and I am looking forward to the drive, and to being home.
Philemon 1:1-25 (there is only one chapter of this short letter from Paul to Philemon)
This brief letter is written by Paul while imprisoned, to Philemon, a follower of Christ as a result of Paul’s ministry. The single topic is Paul’s request that Philemon receive his runaway slave Onesimus back and forgive him anything owed. This is because Onesimus has become a Christian and has greatly helped Paul while in prison. Paul was bold in this request, and the life of Onesimus hangs in the balance.
My application of this letter in my life is twofold – first, I am prepared to be asked for something costly by a fellow believer who also is sacrificing greatly for the gospel. Second, I will be courageous like Paul, and not shy away from asking others to make huge sacrifices for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Guide me in this application, most holy Lord.
Today I drive home to Springfield, travelling diagonally southwest through Kentucky. It is a beautiful day, and I am looking forward to the drive, and to being home.
Philemon 1:1-25 (there is only one chapter of this short letter from Paul to Philemon)
This brief letter is written by Paul while imprisoned, to Philemon, a follower of Christ as a result of Paul’s ministry. The single topic is Paul’s request that Philemon receive his runaway slave Onesimus back and forgive him anything owed. This is because Onesimus has become a Christian and has greatly helped Paul while in prison. Paul was bold in this request, and the life of Onesimus hangs in the balance.
My application of this letter in my life is twofold – first, I am prepared to be asked for something costly by a fellow believer who also is sacrificing greatly for the gospel. Second, I will be courageous like Paul, and not shy away from asking others to make huge sacrifices for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Guide me in this application, most holy Lord.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
October 28, 2010
10-28-10 Thursday, 6:30 am Wilmore, 55 degrees, partly cloudy
Our Asbury Alumni Association had a good day of meetings yesterday, culminated by dinner at the president’s house last night. He is just back from South Africa, the Lausanne Conference on Evangelism.
Jeremiah 52:
King Zedekiah reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He rebelled against the king of Babylon, who then surrounded the city and besieged it for 2 years. When all the food ran out, the king and the army left the city and were captured on the plains of Jericho. The scene that is described is unimaginable to me – Zedekiah was made to watch all his sons be executed, along with other officials, and then his eyes were gouged out. I cannot fathom what that would have been like. Truly this was extreme torture. The Babylonians then destroyed Jerusalem, demolishing the wall and the temple. The end of life as it was known for the people of Israel as they were hauled off into Babylonian captivity.
In this peaceful setting, a seminary and college community with a rich history of educating and training Spirit-filled servants of Christ, the violence and horror of war, torture, and killing is foreign. I know it is happening every day in some part of the world. The warfare of the spirit for the eternal souls of humans is being raged every day also, with eternal consequences. I must remain informed and vigilant to daily walk with God and put on the armor of the Spirit.
This meeting of the Alumni Association will conclude at noon, and then I will work on my sermon for the rest of the day. My heart yearns for the people of Wesley in Springfield to hear and practice the Word of God, this week about being in the Land between. Guide me Lord in all you ways, that I may please you today, and serve you faithfully all my days.
Our Asbury Alumni Association had a good day of meetings yesterday, culminated by dinner at the president’s house last night. He is just back from South Africa, the Lausanne Conference on Evangelism.
Jeremiah 52:
King Zedekiah reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He rebelled against the king of Babylon, who then surrounded the city and besieged it for 2 years. When all the food ran out, the king and the army left the city and were captured on the plains of Jericho. The scene that is described is unimaginable to me – Zedekiah was made to watch all his sons be executed, along with other officials, and then his eyes were gouged out. I cannot fathom what that would have been like. Truly this was extreme torture. The Babylonians then destroyed Jerusalem, demolishing the wall and the temple. The end of life as it was known for the people of Israel as they were hauled off into Babylonian captivity.
In this peaceful setting, a seminary and college community with a rich history of educating and training Spirit-filled servants of Christ, the violence and horror of war, torture, and killing is foreign. I know it is happening every day in some part of the world. The warfare of the spirit for the eternal souls of humans is being raged every day also, with eternal consequences. I must remain informed and vigilant to daily walk with God and put on the armor of the Spirit.
This meeting of the Alumni Association will conclude at noon, and then I will work on my sermon for the rest of the day. My heart yearns for the people of Wesley in Springfield to hear and practice the Word of God, this week about being in the Land between. Guide me Lord in all you ways, that I may please you today, and serve you faithfully all my days.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
10-27-10 Wednesday, 7:45 am Indiana, near Louisville Ky., 60 degrees, pre-sunrise dawn.
I am in route to Asbury Seminary where we will meet as an alumni board, beginning at 1:00 this afternoon. I have served on this group under various names since 2003 when it was called the Alumni Leadership Team. I look forward to what lies ahead today, especially the fellowship with other alums from around the country, under the leadership of Tom Harrison.
Titus 2
The Apostle Paul guides Titus in his ministry to older men and women, and in turn the influence on younger men and women. Verse 12 is a culmination of this teaching: “We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life.” This morning actor Charlie Sheen is in the news for a drunken rampage in a New York hotel, illustrative of a godless, indulgent life. This current generation is increasingly godless and indulgent. Thus, the contrast of a God-filled, God-honoring life provides a witness and a source of hope for those trapped in the downward spiral.
Paul’s conclusion in this chapter to Titus is “Tell them all this. (That Christ offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness, verse 14.) Build up their courage, and discipline them if they get out of line. You’re in charge. Don’t let anyone put you down.” These are strong words to this younger, organizing pastor on Crete, who is responsible for appointing leaders throughout the region for the new and growing church.
Guide me today in this good, pure life, make me energetic in goodness, a person You can be proud of as I travel, meet, and serve on this team of leaders. Help me to be a leader who inspires others to action, taking on lives filled with your love and your spirit.
I am in route to Asbury Seminary where we will meet as an alumni board, beginning at 1:00 this afternoon. I have served on this group under various names since 2003 when it was called the Alumni Leadership Team. I look forward to what lies ahead today, especially the fellowship with other alums from around the country, under the leadership of Tom Harrison.
Titus 2
The Apostle Paul guides Titus in his ministry to older men and women, and in turn the influence on younger men and women. Verse 12 is a culmination of this teaching: “We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life.” This morning actor Charlie Sheen is in the news for a drunken rampage in a New York hotel, illustrative of a godless, indulgent life. This current generation is increasingly godless and indulgent. Thus, the contrast of a God-filled, God-honoring life provides a witness and a source of hope for those trapped in the downward spiral.
Paul’s conclusion in this chapter to Titus is “Tell them all this. (That Christ offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness, verse 14.) Build up their courage, and discipline them if they get out of line. You’re in charge. Don’t let anyone put you down.” These are strong words to this younger, organizing pastor on Crete, who is responsible for appointing leaders throughout the region for the new and growing church.
Guide me today in this good, pure life, make me energetic in goodness, a person You can be proud of as I travel, meet, and serve on this team of leaders. Help me to be a leader who inspires others to action, taking on lives filled with your love and your spirit.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
October 26, 2010
10-26-10 Tuesday, 6:00 am Columbia, 57 degrees, cloudy, dark.
(This is my 200th Blog post this year!)
I am looking forward to this morning’s meeting of the Board of Ordained Ministry, which will continue where we left off yesterday. I am a new addition to this board, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve in the tasks of credentialing, recruiting, empowering pastors. Steve Breon is an excellent leader, and he is leading us into the future well.
Sitting here at the desk in my room in the Hampton Inn, looking out my window at the traffic on hwy 70, I feel compassion for the travelers flying by, wanting each one to know the love and the relationship of God through Jesus Christ that is possible. Following this devotional time I will be reviewing The Land Between by Jeff Manion, and working on my sermon for Sunday, as the worship planning team meets in my absence this morning at Wesley.
Titus 1 (from the Gideon Bible, and from my Droid, my One Year Bible is still in the car!)
Verses 5-9 describe the type of leaders that Paul is instructing Titus to appoint. This chapter is so fitting for the work of the Board of Ordained Ministry! As I read from the King James version, and also from The Message, it is clear that leaders in the church must blameless, well thought of, faithful to spouse, whose children believe and are “not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient” (TNIV). “It is important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to – not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry.” This person must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, and have a good grip on himself! These are all characteristics that I seek to develop daily in my life, and have been developing since 1974. These are also the characteristics I would like to see in the man who my daughter will marry!
Guide me Lord today, as I serve you with joy and obedience. Guide me in growing in grace and fruitfulness, as I develop leaders who nurture and serve your church, your bride, your presence on earth.
(This is my 200th Blog post this year!)
I am looking forward to this morning’s meeting of the Board of Ordained Ministry, which will continue where we left off yesterday. I am a new addition to this board, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve in the tasks of credentialing, recruiting, empowering pastors. Steve Breon is an excellent leader, and he is leading us into the future well.
Sitting here at the desk in my room in the Hampton Inn, looking out my window at the traffic on hwy 70, I feel compassion for the travelers flying by, wanting each one to know the love and the relationship of God through Jesus Christ that is possible. Following this devotional time I will be reviewing The Land Between by Jeff Manion, and working on my sermon for Sunday, as the worship planning team meets in my absence this morning at Wesley.
Titus 1 (from the Gideon Bible, and from my Droid, my One Year Bible is still in the car!)
Verses 5-9 describe the type of leaders that Paul is instructing Titus to appoint. This chapter is so fitting for the work of the Board of Ordained Ministry! As I read from the King James version, and also from The Message, it is clear that leaders in the church must blameless, well thought of, faithful to spouse, whose children believe and are “not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient” (TNIV). “It is important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to – not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry.” This person must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, and have a good grip on himself! These are all characteristics that I seek to develop daily in my life, and have been developing since 1974. These are also the characteristics I would like to see in the man who my daughter will marry!
Guide me Lord today, as I serve you with joy and obedience. Guide me in growing in grace and fruitfulness, as I develop leaders who nurture and serve your church, your bride, your presence on earth.
Monday, October 25, 2010
October 25, 2010
10-25-10 Monday, 5:41 am Springfield, 61 degrees, dark.
I have awakened with energy and much to be done before I leave at 8:45 for Columbia. Today is my first meeting with the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, as a mid-quadrenium appointee. Tomorrow I will drive toward Wilmore, KY, where I will meet with the newly formed Alumni Board, chaired by Tom Harrison. I knew that October was tightly scheduled, and it feels like this last week will fall into place nicely and I will move into November with more open space on my calendar.
Yesterday we concluded the Healthy Church Initiative with a luncheon after the morning worship services. Bob Farr did a great job of reading and describing the report to the 140+ folks gathered. I was pleased with the level of participation all weekend, and the team did a great job guiding the Wesley congregation through this process. I will write my pastor’s pen article about the report and prescriptions, and post it on our web site. The five prescriptions, if adopted in November at the Church Conference, will guide us into a growing, fruitful future.
II Tim 4:1-22
This is the final record we have of Paul’s life. He was executed after this letter was written, and we do not know the details. A person’s last words always carry more weight, and Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in verse 2 is poignant: “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” I also receive these words as being God’s word to me this morning. I am looking forward to the next 3 weeks of messages, and will heed this admonition of the great apostle Paul.
During the rest of this chapter, Paul reveals his humanity, as he expresses loneliness, his need for his coat, and his papers, and his request that Timothy would come visit him before winter. Paul names the people who have abandoned him, and those who have supported him. He sums up his life in verses 6-7: “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” May these words be true also of the life of Bruce Baxter, whenever this race comes to the finish.
I am yours, Lord, and desire to run with endurance the race you have set before me. Thirty-six years now I have been your disciple, and the number of years remaining is a mystery. Use me today, this week, this season as I pastor and lead your people through this time of the journey. Thank you for Paul, and all others who have preceded me on this path.
I have awakened with energy and much to be done before I leave at 8:45 for Columbia. Today is my first meeting with the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, as a mid-quadrenium appointee. Tomorrow I will drive toward Wilmore, KY, where I will meet with the newly formed Alumni Board, chaired by Tom Harrison. I knew that October was tightly scheduled, and it feels like this last week will fall into place nicely and I will move into November with more open space on my calendar.
Yesterday we concluded the Healthy Church Initiative with a luncheon after the morning worship services. Bob Farr did a great job of reading and describing the report to the 140+ folks gathered. I was pleased with the level of participation all weekend, and the team did a great job guiding the Wesley congregation through this process. I will write my pastor’s pen article about the report and prescriptions, and post it on our web site. The five prescriptions, if adopted in November at the Church Conference, will guide us into a growing, fruitful future.
II Tim 4:1-22
This is the final record we have of Paul’s life. He was executed after this letter was written, and we do not know the details. A person’s last words always carry more weight, and Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in verse 2 is poignant: “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” I also receive these words as being God’s word to me this morning. I am looking forward to the next 3 weeks of messages, and will heed this admonition of the great apostle Paul.
During the rest of this chapter, Paul reveals his humanity, as he expresses loneliness, his need for his coat, and his papers, and his request that Timothy would come visit him before winter. Paul names the people who have abandoned him, and those who have supported him. He sums up his life in verses 6-7: “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” May these words be true also of the life of Bruce Baxter, whenever this race comes to the finish.
I am yours, Lord, and desire to run with endurance the race you have set before me. Thirty-six years now I have been your disciple, and the number of years remaining is a mystery. Use me today, this week, this season as I pastor and lead your people through this time of the journey. Thank you for Paul, and all others who have preceded me on this path.
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