Yesterday I started with a 6:45 am hospital visit, and then drove to Columbia with Bob Casady for the Bishop’s peer mentoring group. I drove home with Matt Kerner, reflecting together on the presentation we heard about the way Church of the Shepherd is training young leaders. Last night I convened the second meeting of the Wesley Building Study committee and introduced Rusty as chair. After arriving home I changed the oil in the LHS.
Acts 17
Continuing Paul’s second missionary journey, he comes to Thessalonica and for three weeks he went to the synagogue of the Jews and reasoned with them, “explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying ‘this Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.’” (Verses 2-3) Some were persuaded to join Paul and Silas, and others became jealous and raised a mob in the market place to cause trouble for Paul and Silas.
The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, where “they received the word with great eagerness, examining the scriptures daily…” (Verse 11). But the Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea and stirred folks up, resulting in Paul being taken to the coast for his protection. While in Athens, he gets involved with those who spent their time “telling or hearing something new” (verse 21). He stood up in the Areopagus and made a great speech (Verses 22-31). Some believed, some said they would hear him another day.
As I read a chapter a day from Acts, I am mindful of the intentional ministry of Paul, which involved teaching, debating, and navigating through jealousy, politics, and the daily adventure of seizing opportunities as they arouse. Guide me today most holy Lord as I follow you in every way in the ministry of pastoral leadership here in Springfield.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
February 25, 2012
Acts 14
This chapter records the remainder of Paul’s first missionary journey. The preaching of the good news of Jesus is accompanied with signs and wonders, opposition, and the fruit of new disciples, some of whom become elders in the new churches. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch “from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished. And when they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they spent a long time with the disciples.” (Verses 26-28)
Yesterday I began to read two books – one assigned for the Bishop’s peer mentor group that meets next Tuesday Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley, and one that Audrey found while going through things in the basement, A Life that Really Matters, which is the story of the 40-day John Wesley “Great Experiment”. Both of these books are challenging and they encourage me to press forward in faith. It is a great privilege to be a pastor and to work today with leaders from the Stockton UM church around their vision and goals. Tomorrow I have the calling to preach the good news in the four worship services at Wesley, with the theme being “Welcome”, as week two of the “Change the World” series.
I am up with good energy after a restful night’s sleep. At 7:00 am I drive to Stockton and lead a visioning, goal-setting session. I will miss the United Methodist Men’s meeting at Wesley. The cold I have been fighting tooth and nail seems to have abated somewhat. My previous experience is that these things come back with another round after a couple of days. I have been drinking lots of fluids, getting good rest, and pushing myself relentlessly to work through the days. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy, equipping others to lead with confidence in the power of your Holy Spirit.
This chapter records the remainder of Paul’s first missionary journey. The preaching of the good news of Jesus is accompanied with signs and wonders, opposition, and the fruit of new disciples, some of whom become elders in the new churches. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch “from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished. And when they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they spent a long time with the disciples.” (Verses 26-28)
Yesterday I began to read two books – one assigned for the Bishop’s peer mentor group that meets next Tuesday Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley, and one that Audrey found while going through things in the basement, A Life that Really Matters, which is the story of the 40-day John Wesley “Great Experiment”. Both of these books are challenging and they encourage me to press forward in faith. It is a great privilege to be a pastor and to work today with leaders from the Stockton UM church around their vision and goals. Tomorrow I have the calling to preach the good news in the four worship services at Wesley, with the theme being “Welcome”, as week two of the “Change the World” series.
I am up with good energy after a restful night’s sleep. At 7:00 am I drive to Stockton and lead a visioning, goal-setting session. I will miss the United Methodist Men’s meeting at Wesley. The cold I have been fighting tooth and nail seems to have abated somewhat. My previous experience is that these things come back with another round after a couple of days. I have been drinking lots of fluids, getting good rest, and pushing myself relentlessly to work through the days. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy, equipping others to lead with confidence in the power of your Holy Spirit.
Friday, February 24, 2012
February 24, 2012
I had a very good night’s sleep after another day of fighting a cold. I fought it hard. I will keep fighting it hard! Today I will go in to the office a little later, and I have afternoon and evening commitments.
Acts 13
The church at Antioch had prophets and teachers. The Holy Spirit spoke to them while they were ministering and fasting to “set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Thus begins what we call “Paul’s first missionary journey.” Interestingly Barnabas is named first, and Paul is called Saul. There is a note in verse 5 that John (also known as John Mark) was along as a helper. They traveled to Patmos, and then up into modern day Turkey. They had significant ministry in Pisidian Antioch first at the synagogue, and then among the Gentiles. Verses 16-41 record Paul’s sermon, and it is a great summary of the message of Christ in the context of the work of God from the beginning.
I read this chapter in light of my conversation yesterday with Keith Jaspers, founder of Rainbow network. He was involved with the founders of Habitat for Humanity, and God gave him a vision of a comprehensive approach starting with community organizing and including education, health care, housing, and economic development. As I preach a series entitled “Change the World” I am impressed with the way the vision of Keith Jaspers is changing the world for 35,000 people.
Guide me today, most holy, sovereign Lord as I serve you with the gifts, experiences and opportunities you have given to me. May my energy be invested in ways that change the world.
Acts 13
The church at Antioch had prophets and teachers. The Holy Spirit spoke to them while they were ministering and fasting to “set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Thus begins what we call “Paul’s first missionary journey.” Interestingly Barnabas is named first, and Paul is called Saul. There is a note in verse 5 that John (also known as John Mark) was along as a helper. They traveled to Patmos, and then up into modern day Turkey. They had significant ministry in Pisidian Antioch first at the synagogue, and then among the Gentiles. Verses 16-41 record Paul’s sermon, and it is a great summary of the message of Christ in the context of the work of God from the beginning.
I read this chapter in light of my conversation yesterday with Keith Jaspers, founder of Rainbow network. He was involved with the founders of Habitat for Humanity, and God gave him a vision of a comprehensive approach starting with community organizing and including education, health care, housing, and economic development. As I preach a series entitled “Change the World” I am impressed with the way the vision of Keith Jaspers is changing the world for 35,000 people.
Guide me today, most holy, sovereign Lord as I serve you with the gifts, experiences and opportunities you have given to me. May my energy be invested in ways that change the world.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
February 23, 2012
Yesterday I was ambushed by a cold. Signs of its onset were visible on Tuesday, and it came over me in a big way yesterday. I am fighting back. I made myself run three miles yesterday afternoon. I took several zinc lozenges, Dayquil, drank lots of fluids and motored through the day. The evening Ash Wednesday service went well, and I worked in my office until after 8. I got sufficient rest last night. Today I have a regular schedule of work at the office, and a meeting tonight.
Acts 12
Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church. He had James, brother of John and one of Jesus’ closest three disciples killed with a sword (does this mean beheaded?). He also had Peter arrested, because he saw that he was pleasing the Jews. An angel rescues Peter from the prison, and after questioning the guards Herod had them led off to execution. Peter shared his story with those who were praying for him regarding his release. Herod was struck by an angel of the Lord when the people from Tyre and Sidon called him a god and he did not give glory to God. “But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.” (Verse 24)
Lord give me the courage and the faith of James and Peter. Guard me from any action that would not please you. May this day in Springfield, as I fight a cold and minister in your name be one that sees your Word continue to grow and to be multiplied.
Acts 12
Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church. He had James, brother of John and one of Jesus’ closest three disciples killed with a sword (does this mean beheaded?). He also had Peter arrested, because he saw that he was pleasing the Jews. An angel rescues Peter from the prison, and after questioning the guards Herod had them led off to execution. Peter shared his story with those who were praying for him regarding his release. Herod was struck by an angel of the Lord when the people from Tyre and Sidon called him a god and he did not give glory to God. “But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.” (Verse 24)
Lord give me the courage and the faith of James and Peter. Guard me from any action that would not please you. May this day in Springfield, as I fight a cold and minister in your name be one that sees your Word continue to grow and to be multiplied.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
February 22, Ash Wednesday, 2012
The sun is rising on a beautiful first day of Lent in the Ozarks. Tonight we will share in a 6:00 pm worship service with the imposition of ashes at Wesley. This morning our youth and college aged students are gathering to receive ashes from their respective ministry leaders. For this Lenten season of preparation for Easter I will deny myself all forms of candy and all soda (pop according to those who are from Chicago!) I will be adding in a discipline to be used for spiritual fruitfulness and focus.
As I was pouring a second cup of coffee, I heard these words in my mind: “preach the word, be instant in season and out, reproof, rebuke exhort with all authority.” I think this was the spirit reminding me of Paul’s words to Timothy, and encouraging me to remain constant, daily doing the work of a pastor.
Acts 11
Peter is criticized by “those who were circumcised” for eating with gentiles (as recorded in Acts 10). He explains to them how he was led in a vision, and how the Holy Spirit was poured out on those gathered with Cornelius, in the same way that the believers experienced it on Pentecost. This satisfied the critics.
In verses 19-30 there is the description of the spreading of the gospel to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians”. Barnabas ministered in Antioch, rejoicing and encouraging the believers to remain true to the Lord with resolute hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Verse 24). I would be pleased if this were part of my epitaph – Bruce Baxter was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
Guide me today in Springfield, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy. Empower me to encourage the staff and all believers to remain true to You with resolute hearts. Guide and bless all who come to the Ash Wednesday service today.
As I was pouring a second cup of coffee, I heard these words in my mind: “preach the word, be instant in season and out, reproof, rebuke exhort with all authority.” I think this was the spirit reminding me of Paul’s words to Timothy, and encouraging me to remain constant, daily doing the work of a pastor.
Acts 11
Peter is criticized by “those who were circumcised” for eating with gentiles (as recorded in Acts 10). He explains to them how he was led in a vision, and how the Holy Spirit was poured out on those gathered with Cornelius, in the same way that the believers experienced it on Pentecost. This satisfied the critics.
In verses 19-30 there is the description of the spreading of the gospel to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians”. Barnabas ministered in Antioch, rejoicing and encouraging the believers to remain true to the Lord with resolute hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Verse 24). I would be pleased if this were part of my epitaph – Bruce Baxter was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
Guide me today in Springfield, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy. Empower me to encourage the staff and all believers to remain true to You with resolute hearts. Guide and bless all who come to the Ash Wednesday service today.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
February 21, 2012
Yesterday I flew to St. Louis, took my son David flying over O’Fallon and Lake St. Louis, and shared lunch with him. It is always good to spend time together. My flight home was smooth until I was near Springfield, where the leading edge of a front was passing through. The clouds looked angry, and with winds 24 gusting to 29 out of the southeast there was a warning for low-level wind shear. The landing was interesting, but uneventful.
Today is “Shrove” Tuesday, with Lent beginning tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. As I was laying awake in bed from about 3:30 on I was thinking of all the things I need to do, all the people I need to contact, all the projects I must develop, and I was overwhelmed. I did not feel the spiritual weight of oppression I sometimes feel lying in bed (this usually happens on days I have a large responsibility, like Sunday morning) but instead a low level but overall sense of …. not failure, not discouragement, but something like “what’s the use”. I knew that if I got up and got going this sense would pass, and it has. Now I am leaning into this day which will include a hospital visit, staff prayer, worship planning, staff supervision, consulting with leaders, and exercise, plus the unknown opportunities God will bring across my path.
Acts 10
This chapter contains the amazing account of how God expanded Peter’s thinking about the church, and the inclusion of non-Jews. A man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian cohort, was praying one day and “he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come to him … and fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed he said, ‘what is it Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” The angel went on to tell him to dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon Peter to come.
As the men got near to where Simon was staying in Joppa, while he was praying he fell into a trance and saw a vision of unclean food being lowered down. He refused to eat because it was “unclean” but a voice spoke to him three times “what God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” Just at that time the gentiles sent by Cornelius knocked on his door, and he went with them. When they entered Caesarea, Cornelius had assembled his family and friends to listen to Peter, who spoke to them about Jesus. The Holy Spirit fell upon them, and they began speaking in tongues. Peter “ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.”
This chapter reminds me that God is always at work. God notices when people pray, and when they help the poor. I am aware that God is at work today, in my life, and will lead my steps to those whom He has prepared. Guide me today most holy Lord, guard me from any discouragement that would hinder my fruitfulness as your servant on this day in February in the Ozarks.
Today is “Shrove” Tuesday, with Lent beginning tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. As I was laying awake in bed from about 3:30 on I was thinking of all the things I need to do, all the people I need to contact, all the projects I must develop, and I was overwhelmed. I did not feel the spiritual weight of oppression I sometimes feel lying in bed (this usually happens on days I have a large responsibility, like Sunday morning) but instead a low level but overall sense of …. not failure, not discouragement, but something like “what’s the use”. I knew that if I got up and got going this sense would pass, and it has. Now I am leaning into this day which will include a hospital visit, staff prayer, worship planning, staff supervision, consulting with leaders, and exercise, plus the unknown opportunities God will bring across my path.
Acts 10
This chapter contains the amazing account of how God expanded Peter’s thinking about the church, and the inclusion of non-Jews. A man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian cohort, was praying one day and “he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come to him … and fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed he said, ‘what is it Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” The angel went on to tell him to dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon Peter to come.
As the men got near to where Simon was staying in Joppa, while he was praying he fell into a trance and saw a vision of unclean food being lowered down. He refused to eat because it was “unclean” but a voice spoke to him three times “what God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” Just at that time the gentiles sent by Cornelius knocked on his door, and he went with them. When they entered Caesarea, Cornelius had assembled his family and friends to listen to Peter, who spoke to them about Jesus. The Holy Spirit fell upon them, and they began speaking in tongues. Peter “ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.”
This chapter reminds me that God is always at work. God notices when people pray, and when they help the poor. I am aware that God is at work today, in my life, and will lead my steps to those whom He has prepared. Guide me today most holy Lord, guard me from any discouragement that would hinder my fruitfulness as your servant on this day in February in the Ozarks.
Monday, February 20, 2012
February 20, 2012
Acts 9
The persecution that Saul initiated, his Damascus road experience of conversion and his early ministry are described in this chapter. This reminds me that everything is possible with God, and anybody can be used by Him to accomplish His purposes. The chapter concludes with the account of Peter involved in the healing of Dorcas (Tabitha) in Joppa.
This morning I will fly to St. Louis and visit with David. I will take him flying over his neighborhood, and then we will share lunch. Audrey hemmed a pair of his dress trousers which I will deliver. It has been 2 ½ years since I have flown to St. Louis.
Guide me holy Lord on this the day which you have made! May your presence especially be guiding the surgeries of Danny and Janice on this president’s day.
The persecution that Saul initiated, his Damascus road experience of conversion and his early ministry are described in this chapter. This reminds me that everything is possible with God, and anybody can be used by Him to accomplish His purposes. The chapter concludes with the account of Peter involved in the healing of Dorcas (Tabitha) in Joppa.
This morning I will fly to St. Louis and visit with David. I will take him flying over his neighborhood, and then we will share lunch. Audrey hemmed a pair of his dress trousers which I will deliver. It has been 2 ½ years since I have flown to St. Louis.
Guide me holy Lord on this the day which you have made! May your presence especially be guiding the surgeries of Danny and Janice on this president’s day.
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