11-30-10 Tuesday, 6:52 am Springfield, 29 degrees and very windy.
I am looking forward to this week. The schedule last week of closing the church office for Thursday and Friday provided a good break from routine. Sunday was the first day of Advent, and we are now into this season. The next three weeks will be filled with awe and celebration combined with ordinariness, pain, and loss. I am reading The Minister as Shepherd by Charles Jefferson. This is a collection of messages he delivered in 1912, and for me it is a great balance to what I have been reading on pastoral leadership and change.
Daniel 7:1-28
This is the chapter of Daniel’s great vision of the four beasts, representing world powers. This vision, its brief explanation he gets during the vision, and scenes from the book of Revelation give us glimpses into the end of time. I studied Daniel and the Revelation in a course at a local church in 1979, and I am continually fascinated by the visions. Many writers have tried to explain them, and I find most of these to be merely speculative. There is a spiritual reality that is profitable to ponder, and at the same time believers must accept the mystery of that which is unknowable for now.
I John1:1-10
The apostle describes the one who is the Word of Life, who was with the Father, and then revealed to us. Verse 6 states: “So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.” Zechariah and Elizabeth were holy and blameless before God. I am leading a faith community called Wesley to be like this couple, and to heed the words of John, for “if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his son cleanses us from all sin.” (verse 7)
On this last day of November, guide me as your servant among many who are seeking to usher in your kingdom. Through the regular work of worship planning, leadership development, supervision and being supervised, may this day in my life be lived fully for eternity.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
November 29, 2010
11-29-10 Monday, 7:22 am Springfield, 49 degrees, windy
One day following another, day by day, the calendar advances, and my life unfolds. Yesterday was a very good day at Wesley as we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent and I preached part one of my series on angels. Audrey fixed a wonderful lunch and we had great conversations with family and quests from Hayes, Kansas. In the afternoon I rested briefly, then back to church for meetings and ministry. Tomorrow I have my annual clergy evaluation at the district office, for which I need to prepare this morning.
II Pet 3:1-18
The apostle, in writing this second letter, intends to “stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory.” He wants his readers to pay attention to what the prophets have said, and to live, looking forward to the return of Christ. He warns that some will get weary of waiting, and give up on the hoped for return. But, he states that “a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.”
In verse 11 he makes the application, which echoes the first of my three applications yesterday – “since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along.” As I study about angels, which includes visions of heaven, I discover that the result in people’s lives of a vision of heaven or the end of time is usually a transformation in the way they live this life – with greater intensity and zeal for serving God and building God’s kingdom.
The apostle Peter certainly lived his life for eternity, enduring fierce opposition and ultimately execution for his testimony about his risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Guide me Lord as I serve you in this generation, as I journey in the wilderness, preparing for the promised land. May my life today be holy and godly as I rest on this “seventh day” of my weekly schedule.
One day following another, day by day, the calendar advances, and my life unfolds. Yesterday was a very good day at Wesley as we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent and I preached part one of my series on angels. Audrey fixed a wonderful lunch and we had great conversations with family and quests from Hayes, Kansas. In the afternoon I rested briefly, then back to church for meetings and ministry. Tomorrow I have my annual clergy evaluation at the district office, for which I need to prepare this morning.
II Pet 3:1-18
The apostle, in writing this second letter, intends to “stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory.” He wants his readers to pay attention to what the prophets have said, and to live, looking forward to the return of Christ. He warns that some will get weary of waiting, and give up on the hoped for return. But, he states that “a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.”
In verse 11 he makes the application, which echoes the first of my three applications yesterday – “since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along.” As I study about angels, which includes visions of heaven, I discover that the result in people’s lives of a vision of heaven or the end of time is usually a transformation in the way they live this life – with greater intensity and zeal for serving God and building God’s kingdom.
The apostle Peter certainly lived his life for eternity, enduring fierce opposition and ultimately execution for his testimony about his risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Guide me Lord as I serve you in this generation, as I journey in the wilderness, preparing for the promised land. May my life today be holy and godly as I rest on this “seventh day” of my weekly schedule.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
November 27, 2010
11-27-10 Saturday, 8:15 am Springfield, 35 degrees, clear and calm
I had an odd dream last night in which my mother, in her 80s with COPD was running a marathon. My dad, back at their hotel, needed me for several things. I tried to watch for my mom at the 6 mile mark, but couldn’t get there. She showed up back at the hotel, saying she got to the pizza amusement park, bought 6 tickets and rode some of the rides and decided to quit the marathon. I am not sure what this bizarre dream means, other than that I was thinking about my deceased parents during Thanksgiving, and somehow running the turkey trot and my mother in a marathon were connected.
2 Peter 1:1-21
Peter explains why he is writing, that the Lord Jesus Christ has shown him that he must shortly leave this earthly life, and he wants to pass on the firm remembrance of his experiences. In verses 5-7 he describes a progression of faith that is a formula for spiritual growth. In my early 20s I spent a very fruitful weekend alone in a cabin in Kentucky studying these verses - … giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” (KJV) Verse 8 states the results: “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
As I contemplate “finishing well”, investing my remaining life in eternity, one central, recurring theme emerges, and that is discipleship, spiritual formation in myself and in others. I have been investing in discipleship since the summer of 1974, and “twill be my theme in glory”. I must refocus each day on how to apply this life work to the here and now. Peter is doing so as he writes this letter. Today as a pastor I will work hard on my message for tomorrow, on visiting, and on encouraging other leaders of the church in the ministries in which they serve Christ.
Guide me most precious Lord Jesus as I serve you today. Guide my diligence as I add to my faith virtue, and all the rest. It is for You that I live this day, in Missouri, as a pastor, husband, father, friend.
I had an odd dream last night in which my mother, in her 80s with COPD was running a marathon. My dad, back at their hotel, needed me for several things. I tried to watch for my mom at the 6 mile mark, but couldn’t get there. She showed up back at the hotel, saying she got to the pizza amusement park, bought 6 tickets and rode some of the rides and decided to quit the marathon. I am not sure what this bizarre dream means, other than that I was thinking about my deceased parents during Thanksgiving, and somehow running the turkey trot and my mother in a marathon were connected.
2 Peter 1:1-21
Peter explains why he is writing, that the Lord Jesus Christ has shown him that he must shortly leave this earthly life, and he wants to pass on the firm remembrance of his experiences. In verses 5-7 he describes a progression of faith that is a formula for spiritual growth. In my early 20s I spent a very fruitful weekend alone in a cabin in Kentucky studying these verses - … giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” (KJV) Verse 8 states the results: “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
As I contemplate “finishing well”, investing my remaining life in eternity, one central, recurring theme emerges, and that is discipleship, spiritual formation in myself and in others. I have been investing in discipleship since the summer of 1974, and “twill be my theme in glory”. I must refocus each day on how to apply this life work to the here and now. Peter is doing so as he writes this letter. Today as a pastor I will work hard on my message for tomorrow, on visiting, and on encouraging other leaders of the church in the ministries in which they serve Christ.
Guide me most precious Lord Jesus as I serve you today. Guide my diligence as I add to my faith virtue, and all the rest. It is for You that I live this day, in Missouri, as a pastor, husband, father, friend.
Friday, November 26, 2010
November 26, 2010
11-26-10 Friday, 8:55 am Springfield, 23 degrees, feels like 14, clear and sunny skies.
We had a great thanksgiving day! It began as I drove my niece and her college friend to the turkey trot. We ran, along with 7100 other participants. My niece finished fourth overall among women, and her friend from college won female first overall. I finished 1251 with a time of 28:47, 59th out of 179 men 50-54. The day was capped off by a wonderful meal followed by family games into the night.
Today I have no appointments and will use the time to work on my sermon and series on angels, rest, exercise, decorate around the house, and prepare for all that lies ahead.
Daniel 2:24 – 3:30
Daniel is used by God to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and is promoted in the government. He takes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with him. In chapter 3, the king builds a 90 foot statue to himself, and decrees public worship. The three Jewish men refuse, and are thrown into a super-heated furnace. The king peers in and sees the three joined by a fourth walking around in the furnace. In 3:28 the king praises the God of Shadrach et al and states that “He sent an angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him.”
This is a dramatic story, and one of many in which God’s servants are rescued. I think the key is that when facing this punishment for refusing to worship an idol, they stated “the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (3:17-18) Their resolve, come what may, is refreshing and defining in their lives. May this type of single-minded dedication to Christ be increased in this current generation, and through the ministries of Wesley UMC.
We had a great thanksgiving day! It began as I drove my niece and her college friend to the turkey trot. We ran, along with 7100 other participants. My niece finished fourth overall among women, and her friend from college won female first overall. I finished 1251 with a time of 28:47, 59th out of 179 men 50-54. The day was capped off by a wonderful meal followed by family games into the night.
Today I have no appointments and will use the time to work on my sermon and series on angels, rest, exercise, decorate around the house, and prepare for all that lies ahead.
Daniel 2:24 – 3:30
Daniel is used by God to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and is promoted in the government. He takes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with him. In chapter 3, the king builds a 90 foot statue to himself, and decrees public worship. The three Jewish men refuse, and are thrown into a super-heated furnace. The king peers in and sees the three joined by a fourth walking around in the furnace. In 3:28 the king praises the God of Shadrach et al and states that “He sent an angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him.”
This is a dramatic story, and one of many in which God’s servants are rescued. I think the key is that when facing this punishment for refusing to worship an idol, they stated “the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (3:17-18) Their resolve, come what may, is refreshing and defining in their lives. May this type of single-minded dedication to Christ be increased in this current generation, and through the ministries of Wesley UMC.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
November 24, 2010
11-24-10 Wednesday, 5:29 am Springfield, 42 degrees, windy, moist.
Overnight I heard the rain come hard for a few minutes. The weather reminds me of life itself, with periods of calm and delight, lows and highs, inclement and favorable. Life has its contrasts, its unpredictability, and its radical changes that are surprising yet somewhat predictable. I am so blessed in my station in life, and in my understanding of eternity with the perspective this gives me on uncertainties.
As I type the date at the beginning of each journal entry I am reminded of the passing of time. Day after day, night after night, all of us move forward chronologically as though we are on a ship together making a passage through space, as well as time. The twenty-fourth of November, 2010 is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and give thanks.
Ezekiel 47-48
A river will run from the temple into the Dead sea. It will be fresh water, and cause all sorts of fish to thrive in the Dead, and will support trees along its banks that constantly bear fruit for food and their leaves for healing. This reminds me of Jesus’ statement about “living water”.
I Pet 2:11-3:7
I referred to verse 11 in my sermon on Sunday, as Peter writes “I warn you as ‘temporary residents (KJV pilgrims) and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” All of us who follow Christ are really “pilgrims”, sojourners in this life on our way to eternity. Psalm 119:54 says “Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived.”
Guide me Lord as a pilgrim through time and space, en route to eternity and life on the other side of the river. Use this particular day to your glory and the advancing of your kingdom on earth. I pray in Jesus name, amen.
Overnight I heard the rain come hard for a few minutes. The weather reminds me of life itself, with periods of calm and delight, lows and highs, inclement and favorable. Life has its contrasts, its unpredictability, and its radical changes that are surprising yet somewhat predictable. I am so blessed in my station in life, and in my understanding of eternity with the perspective this gives me on uncertainties.
As I type the date at the beginning of each journal entry I am reminded of the passing of time. Day after day, night after night, all of us move forward chronologically as though we are on a ship together making a passage through space, as well as time. The twenty-fourth of November, 2010 is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and give thanks.
Ezekiel 47-48
A river will run from the temple into the Dead sea. It will be fresh water, and cause all sorts of fish to thrive in the Dead, and will support trees along its banks that constantly bear fruit for food and their leaves for healing. This reminds me of Jesus’ statement about “living water”.
I Pet 2:11-3:7
I referred to verse 11 in my sermon on Sunday, as Peter writes “I warn you as ‘temporary residents (KJV pilgrims) and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” All of us who follow Christ are really “pilgrims”, sojourners in this life on our way to eternity. Psalm 119:54 says “Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived.”
Guide me Lord as a pilgrim through time and space, en route to eternity and life on the other side of the river. Use this particular day to your glory and the advancing of your kingdom on earth. I pray in Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
November 23, 2010
11-23-10 Tuesday, 7:15 am Springfield, 33 degrees.
The temperature dropped like a rock last night, and it is clear and cold, feeling like it should in late November. Audrey and I cancelled our movie plans as a tornado warning was in effect at the leading edge of the storm generated by the cold front. We came home and watched “Master and Commander” on DVD, a very good movie set in 1800 onboard a British naval ship.
I have finished the biography of Asbury by Wigger, reading last night about his death in March of 1816 at a home in Virginia. He traveled and preached up to the very end, with the quality of his sermons declining, but his holiness of life shining brightly.
I Peter1:13-2:10
“You must be holy because I am holy.” (1:16) “So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.” (2:1-2) Asbury, Wesley, and all who have followed them have preached, taught and lived these verses. As I read them afresh this morning as part of the “God Sightings One Year Bible” I feel the impact of the urgency and the imperative of the apostle Peter directly to Bruce Baxter to daily choose holiness of heart and life through the power of Jesus Christ.
“You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (2:9) This verse was lifted up by Luther and was part of the reformation and the emphasis upon the “priesthood of all believers”. It relates directly to the holiness that Peter and sincere followers of Christ have lived and taught. Just as there was ritual cleansing for the priests to prepare them for service in the temple, so in Christ there is cleansing for all who follow and become his “royal priests, a holy nation.”
Guide me holy Lord as I live today as your very own possession. Direct my steps, empower me to grow continually into the full experience of salvation. Use me as a priest, a pastor, a friend and counselor as you choose. I am yours.
The temperature dropped like a rock last night, and it is clear and cold, feeling like it should in late November. Audrey and I cancelled our movie plans as a tornado warning was in effect at the leading edge of the storm generated by the cold front. We came home and watched “Master and Commander” on DVD, a very good movie set in 1800 onboard a British naval ship.
I have finished the biography of Asbury by Wigger, reading last night about his death in March of 1816 at a home in Virginia. He traveled and preached up to the very end, with the quality of his sermons declining, but his holiness of life shining brightly.
I Peter1:13-2:10
“You must be holy because I am holy.” (1:16) “So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.” (2:1-2) Asbury, Wesley, and all who have followed them have preached, taught and lived these verses. As I read them afresh this morning as part of the “God Sightings One Year Bible” I feel the impact of the urgency and the imperative of the apostle Peter directly to Bruce Baxter to daily choose holiness of heart and life through the power of Jesus Christ.
“You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (2:9) This verse was lifted up by Luther and was part of the reformation and the emphasis upon the “priesthood of all believers”. It relates directly to the holiness that Peter and sincere followers of Christ have lived and taught. Just as there was ritual cleansing for the priests to prepare them for service in the temple, so in Christ there is cleansing for all who follow and become his “royal priests, a holy nation.”
Guide me holy Lord as I live today as your very own possession. Direct my steps, empower me to grow continually into the full experience of salvation. Use me as a priest, a pastor, a friend and counselor as you choose. I am yours.
Monday, November 22, 2010
November 22, 2010
11-22-10 Monday, 6:36 am Springfield, 66 warm degrees, winds 20 mph from the south.
I really enjoyed the worship services at Wesley yesterday morning. The music was great, there was a wonderful spirit throughout the building, and I had several friends visiting, from Springfield and beyond. At the end of each service we brought our “estimate of giving” cards forward as a sign of our faith, and what a blessing to watch as folks made their way to the prayer rail with their commitment cards.
Audrey and I enjoyed lunch with friends visiting from St. Louis, and in the afternoon I visited my nephew at Boys and Girls town, we played the card game “Nine Hole Golf” and had good conversation. It was great to talk with our daughter Bethany in the evening, who is finishing her 7th semester at Azusa and planning for graduate school, taking the GRE this week.
I Peter 1:1-16
Verses 13-16 are a call to holy living: “Therefore prepare your minds for action, discipline yourselves, set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. … do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct.”
As I live today in obedience to your word and purposes, I set apart every action, every thought to your will, seeking to be holy, even as You are holy. Rather than being presumptuous, I desire to fulfill your admonition to “be holy, for I am holy.” Guide me into your holiness of heart and life, most precious Lord.
I really enjoyed the worship services at Wesley yesterday morning. The music was great, there was a wonderful spirit throughout the building, and I had several friends visiting, from Springfield and beyond. At the end of each service we brought our “estimate of giving” cards forward as a sign of our faith, and what a blessing to watch as folks made their way to the prayer rail with their commitment cards.
Audrey and I enjoyed lunch with friends visiting from St. Louis, and in the afternoon I visited my nephew at Boys and Girls town, we played the card game “Nine Hole Golf” and had good conversation. It was great to talk with our daughter Bethany in the evening, who is finishing her 7th semester at Azusa and planning for graduate school, taking the GRE this week.
I Peter 1:1-16
Verses 13-16 are a call to holy living: “Therefore prepare your minds for action, discipline yourselves, set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. … do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct.”
As I live today in obedience to your word and purposes, I set apart every action, every thought to your will, seeking to be holy, even as You are holy. Rather than being presumptuous, I desire to fulfill your admonition to “be holy, for I am holy.” Guide me into your holiness of heart and life, most precious Lord.
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