Using the sports metaphor of God as owner, manager and coach, tomorrow I will teach about the nature of God. Psalm 103 is a great place for a person to abide as we discover who God is, and what His “benefits” are.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless his holy name. … Who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit;”
Psalm 103 is one of my favorite Psalms. I memorized most of it 30+ years ago, and its hope for healing, deliverance and self-talk to bless the Lord is powerful for me to remember. Guide me today, most holy, healing, delivering God as I worship You, the One who has established Your throne in the heavens. I know that my days are like grass, and my lawn is fading fast. I live today blessing your holy Name and remembering all that you have done, are doing and will do.
Ninety-nine persons from Wesley bought tickets for last night’s Cardinal game, and even though the temperatures were extreme through the afternoon, the evening was almost pleasant. About 30 of us sang the National Anthem led by Carl Redmon to start the game. The 9 innings moved along quickly, with a grand slam homer by the Cardinals. Following the game the fireworks were exciting. Audrey and I enjoyed great conversations throughout the game. This morning at Wesley is the final dress rehearsal for tomorrow’s patriotic pageant. Around noon I will pick up my motorcycle from Republic where it is getting a new fuel petcock, additional running lights, and my new accessory cable tied to the frame under the gas tank.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
June 29, 2012
I am thankful for this day! Each day is a gift from God, and as I live forward I am thankful for June 29th. The last few days I hit somewhat of a funky wall, with the days seeming very vanilla. Yesterday was different, with many pastoral involvements in unrelated circumstances coming together in fruitful ministry. In addition to the sermon preparation, phone conversations, visits and meetings yesterday I was also able to get my new printer installed and working. Given the headaches I have had with my previous printer since 2007, this $99 new laser printer is a great improvement. Yesterday I also purchased a Bluetooth keyboard to use with my Droid, which I have desired for years. Now when I travel without my laptop I can write (for example in this journal and blog) using a keyboard. I also have installed Documents to Go on both Droid and laptop, to make Word documents available. Next I need to figure out how to manage these documents.
Today is the 5th anniversary of the release of the first I Phone, which has now sold 250 million units. It seems like it has been around longer than 5 years. The makers of Blackberry have now laid off 1/3 of their labor force, and are facing a bleak future, with the I Phone and Androids taking over the market once dominated by Blackberry. Life changes fast and technology is rapidly advancing. What will be next?
James 1 (from today’s Upper Room devotional)
We have a new women’s Bible study meeting on Fridays at church studying the book of James, using Beth Moore videos. I have always enjoyed the book of James, and I look forward to now reading this chapter and listening for God to speak.
The 27 verses of this chapter are spiritual food to be chewed upon and digested slowly. These are familiar verses to me, and so practical and applicable to situations and people with whom I am ministering.
Verses 2, 3: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” All pastors encounter various trials. For some it is arrest and execution, for others it is difficult people with unreasonable expectations, and every possible circumstance between these two extremes. Pastoring is a weighty spiritual responsibility, made possible by the calling of God sustained by the Holy Spirit and prayer. I desire to increasingly support younger and newer pastors in the various trials they encounter. First and foremost, I apply these two verses to my own life and ministry, remembering that the testing of my faith produces endurance!
Verse 19 instructs us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” Last night I attended our Stephen Ministries meeting. This is a group of faithful servants who are trained in how to listen with Christian compassion, and how to be slow to speak. I will be mindful today to implement this admonition.
Verse 22 expresses one of the main themes of James: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” This small epistle carries the huge message to implement God’s word and will, and to cease from being religious. It goes on to say that “pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, (is) to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I encounter various trials, am quick to hear and slow to speak, and as I prove myself a doer of the word, keeping myself unstained by the world. I live for You today in Springfield.
Today is the 5th anniversary of the release of the first I Phone, which has now sold 250 million units. It seems like it has been around longer than 5 years. The makers of Blackberry have now laid off 1/3 of their labor force, and are facing a bleak future, with the I Phone and Androids taking over the market once dominated by Blackberry. Life changes fast and technology is rapidly advancing. What will be next?
James 1 (from today’s Upper Room devotional)
We have a new women’s Bible study meeting on Fridays at church studying the book of James, using Beth Moore videos. I have always enjoyed the book of James, and I look forward to now reading this chapter and listening for God to speak.
The 27 verses of this chapter are spiritual food to be chewed upon and digested slowly. These are familiar verses to me, and so practical and applicable to situations and people with whom I am ministering.
Verses 2, 3: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” All pastors encounter various trials. For some it is arrest and execution, for others it is difficult people with unreasonable expectations, and every possible circumstance between these two extremes. Pastoring is a weighty spiritual responsibility, made possible by the calling of God sustained by the Holy Spirit and prayer. I desire to increasingly support younger and newer pastors in the various trials they encounter. First and foremost, I apply these two verses to my own life and ministry, remembering that the testing of my faith produces endurance!
Verse 19 instructs us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” Last night I attended our Stephen Ministries meeting. This is a group of faithful servants who are trained in how to listen with Christian compassion, and how to be slow to speak. I will be mindful today to implement this admonition.
Verse 22 expresses one of the main themes of James: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” This small epistle carries the huge message to implement God’s word and will, and to cease from being religious. It goes on to say that “pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, (is) to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I encounter various trials, am quick to hear and slow to speak, and as I prove myself a doer of the word, keeping myself unstained by the world. I live for You today in Springfield.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
June 28, 2012
A friend dialed me by mistake from Indiana yesterday. It was good to talk with him and catch up, as we had been single seminary students in the same dorm in 1980-1982. Last night I taught the fifth and final session of the summer semester of a basic course on Methodism at Wesley. It was a good class, but the material we purchased from Nashville was woefully inadequate. I have three days left in the office before being out for a while on vacation. Audrey and I are looking forward to July and the travels we will take.
I received my new odometer in the mail yesterday. In late May the clip on broke on my old one, rendering it impossible to wear. I find that not wearing an odometer made me more sedentary and less accountable to get a minimum of 7,000 steps in each day. Today I will exercise, probably at the gym with the machines in the air conditioning. It is pleasant out right now, and I could get a couple of miles in before getting ready for work. Hmmm.
Romans 12 (Upper Room devotional for today)
“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Verses 1-2)
This is a powerful admonition! It is comprehensive – present your bodies as holy to God, and be transformed by the renewing of your mind. What does this mean for me today? To remember that my body is not master by slave, and my mind and thoughts need continual transformation from the corruption of the world. I will exercise this morning, and steep my mind in scripture throughout the day, seeking God’s mind, the mind of Christ.
Guide me in sacrifice and transformation today, most holy Lord.
I received my new odometer in the mail yesterday. In late May the clip on broke on my old one, rendering it impossible to wear. I find that not wearing an odometer made me more sedentary and less accountable to get a minimum of 7,000 steps in each day. Today I will exercise, probably at the gym with the machines in the air conditioning. It is pleasant out right now, and I could get a couple of miles in before getting ready for work. Hmmm.
Romans 12 (Upper Room devotional for today)
“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Verses 1-2)
This is a powerful admonition! It is comprehensive – present your bodies as holy to God, and be transformed by the renewing of your mind. What does this mean for me today? To remember that my body is not master by slave, and my mind and thoughts need continual transformation from the corruption of the world. I will exercise this morning, and steep my mind in scripture throughout the day, seeking God’s mind, the mind of Christ.
Guide me in sacrifice and transformation today, most holy Lord.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
June 24, 2012
Grant Wistrom interview this morning – I will compare the Bible to a football playbook.
Ezekiel 2:9 – 3:4
The prophet is instructed to eat the scroll that was presented, and to go, speak to the house of Israel. There are other places where a person is instructed to eat a physical expression of God’s word. I desire to consume it on a regular basis. On Jan 5, 1977 I made a vow not to eat breakfast until I had read a portion of God’s word. I have kept this vow now for 35 years with only a few lapses due to unusual circumstances involving travel or emergencies.
Yesterday was a long a very good day. I started by attending the men’s breakfast meeting, and enjoyed Joe Himes’ presentation on Cuba. I ran 6 miles midday, and then attended the retirement event for Dwight Chapman. The evening was filled with the wedding festivities of Kelsey MacLachlan and Heath Melugin. I hosted as Pastor Darren Melugin officiated. The reception was at the Savoy. Returning home after 10 pm leaves me a little sluggish this morning. I am looking forward to preaching about “Life’s ultimate playbook – the Bible.”
Guide me today, most Holy Father as I teach about your word, its power, its light, its truth. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Ezekiel 2:9 – 3:4
The prophet is instructed to eat the scroll that was presented, and to go, speak to the house of Israel. There are other places where a person is instructed to eat a physical expression of God’s word. I desire to consume it on a regular basis. On Jan 5, 1977 I made a vow not to eat breakfast until I had read a portion of God’s word. I have kept this vow now for 35 years with only a few lapses due to unusual circumstances involving travel or emergencies.
Yesterday was a long a very good day. I started by attending the men’s breakfast meeting, and enjoyed Joe Himes’ presentation on Cuba. I ran 6 miles midday, and then attended the retirement event for Dwight Chapman. The evening was filled with the wedding festivities of Kelsey MacLachlan and Heath Melugin. I hosted as Pastor Darren Melugin officiated. The reception was at the Savoy. Returning home after 10 pm leaves me a little sluggish this morning. I am looking forward to preaching about “Life’s ultimate playbook – the Bible.”
Guide me today, most Holy Father as I teach about your word, its power, its light, its truth. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Friday, June 22, 2012
June 22, 2012
O what a beautiful morning, O what a beautiful day… That line from the musical Oklahoma says it all as I step out on my deck and take a deep breath on this morning in June. My dad used to quote a line from a poem “what is so rare as a day in June?” Thanks to the internet I have discovered that it was written by James Russell Lowell. Over the years I have quoted that line, from the days when I was a house painter, into my days as a CPA, and over the years as a pastor when I have experienced a beautiful morning such as this.
Today I will ride the motorcycle to the office, and work on writing my sermon for Sunday, my remarks for the wedding tomorrow, and I will look at establishing the direction I will go for August (I want to have this in place before the beginning of July). There are also several phone calls I will make related to planning and meetings for the future. Tonight I have the rehearsal for the wedding tomorrow of Kelsey and Heath, in which I am assisting Heath’s cousin who is a pastor in Nixa. Tomorrow I have an early start with the Men’s group in which Joe Himes is speaking about Cuba, a retirement reception for Dwight, and the wedding in the evening.
Luke 15 (Scripture from the Upper Room devotional for today – also the chapter studied on Choir tour)
The lost coin, lost sheep, and lost son (prodigal) – There are so many ways that this chapter informs me in my faith. The context of these parables is the grumbling from the Pharisees and scribes who observe that “this man (Jesus) receives sinners and eats with them.” On the youth choir tour, one of the insights I gained concerns the older brother who is bitter toward his father and unwelcoming toward his brother. This was the condition of the Pharisees and scribes, and it often is the feeling of people who have been religious for a long time, arduously trying to keep all the rules, and miffed when a rule breaker is received with open arms. Julie warned the youth group to be careful to welcome back any members who have strayed, and to guard against ever having the attitude of the older brother. I extended this to a whole congregation, and even to a whole denomination of people who might unconsciously communicate resentment to people coming back to church. Julie asked, "If you were the younger brother, would you want to come back to the family where your older brother was bitter and resentful?"
Guide me today, most holy shepherd of the sheep as I serve as your under-shepherd among the flock called Wesley. Guide me as I prepare to teach this weekend about your word and its value for my life, and for each person who hears this message, that we might rely on scripture even more than a football player relies on the playbook. Ultimately, I rely upon You as you lead and open doors for fruitful service.
Today I will ride the motorcycle to the office, and work on writing my sermon for Sunday, my remarks for the wedding tomorrow, and I will look at establishing the direction I will go for August (I want to have this in place before the beginning of July). There are also several phone calls I will make related to planning and meetings for the future. Tonight I have the rehearsal for the wedding tomorrow of Kelsey and Heath, in which I am assisting Heath’s cousin who is a pastor in Nixa. Tomorrow I have an early start with the Men’s group in which Joe Himes is speaking about Cuba, a retirement reception for Dwight, and the wedding in the evening.
Luke 15 (Scripture from the Upper Room devotional for today – also the chapter studied on Choir tour)
The lost coin, lost sheep, and lost son (prodigal) – There are so many ways that this chapter informs me in my faith. The context of these parables is the grumbling from the Pharisees and scribes who observe that “this man (Jesus) receives sinners and eats with them.” On the youth choir tour, one of the insights I gained concerns the older brother who is bitter toward his father and unwelcoming toward his brother. This was the condition of the Pharisees and scribes, and it often is the feeling of people who have been religious for a long time, arduously trying to keep all the rules, and miffed when a rule breaker is received with open arms. Julie warned the youth group to be careful to welcome back any members who have strayed, and to guard against ever having the attitude of the older brother. I extended this to a whole congregation, and even to a whole denomination of people who might unconsciously communicate resentment to people coming back to church. Julie asked, "If you were the younger brother, would you want to come back to the family where your older brother was bitter and resentful?"
Guide me today, most holy shepherd of the sheep as I serve as your under-shepherd among the flock called Wesley. Guide me as I prepare to teach this weekend about your word and its value for my life, and for each person who hears this message, that we might rely on scripture even more than a football player relies on the playbook. Ultimately, I rely upon You as you lead and open doors for fruitful service.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
June 21, 2012
The first full day of summer! Even though it seems like summer weather starts in May, and Memorial Day weekend is the cultural kickoff, today is the technical first full day of summer, with yesterday at 6:09 pm being the astronomical solstice. Some cultures call this “midsummer” which seems more accurate. From today onward the days get shorter. The church has celebrated John the Baptist’s nativity on June 24, because scripture indicates he was born about 6 months prior to Jesus.
I awoke to this light rain gently caressing the roof, in an unpredicted occurance. It has a wonderful sound and smell and feel. The weather has been extremely dry so far this spring, and rain is welcomed. We have an in-ground watering system, which I have set to water 4 days a week. This seems like quiet the luxury, considering the economy of the world, to keep our lawn green through the summer months.
Today my schedule is such that I will make progress on sermon preparation and planning. One of my 2nd quarter goals is to have themes planned through the fall, and I will work on this today. I will also work on planning meetings and task forces for summer and fall. Last night I taught about the organization of the United Methodist church during week four of our summer semester, and today I will follow up on two folks who have been absent now for two weeks.
Psalm 103 (from today’s Upper room and also my text for Sunday, July 1)
Bless the Lord, O my soul…
I love this Psalm! I once memorized its 22 verses, and still have most of it readily available. It describes the nature of God: “pardons all your iniquities; heals all your diseases; redeems your life from the pit; crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle! (Verses 3-5) This Psalm also describes the nature of humans: “days are like grass, as a flower of the field, when the wind passes over it, it is no more and its place acknowledges it no longer.” (Verses 15-16)
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I live out this brief life in the arms of your lovingkindness and compassion.
I awoke to this light rain gently caressing the roof, in an unpredicted occurance. It has a wonderful sound and smell and feel. The weather has been extremely dry so far this spring, and rain is welcomed. We have an in-ground watering system, which I have set to water 4 days a week. This seems like quiet the luxury, considering the economy of the world, to keep our lawn green through the summer months.
Today my schedule is such that I will make progress on sermon preparation and planning. One of my 2nd quarter goals is to have themes planned through the fall, and I will work on this today. I will also work on planning meetings and task forces for summer and fall. Last night I taught about the organization of the United Methodist church during week four of our summer semester, and today I will follow up on two folks who have been absent now for two weeks.
Psalm 103 (from today’s Upper room and also my text for Sunday, July 1)
Bless the Lord, O my soul…
I love this Psalm! I once memorized its 22 verses, and still have most of it readily available. It describes the nature of God: “pardons all your iniquities; heals all your diseases; redeems your life from the pit; crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle! (Verses 3-5) This Psalm also describes the nature of humans: “days are like grass, as a flower of the field, when the wind passes over it, it is no more and its place acknowledges it no longer.” (Verses 15-16)
Guide me today, most holy Lord as I live out this brief life in the arms of your lovingkindness and compassion.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
June 20, 2012
Yesterday I visited Camp Galilee where many of our children and their parents are enjoying a church camp experience. It was good to see them, share a meal and hear their stories. The camp staff continues to do a great job with the facility. I rode my motorcycle up and back, which was a delightful ride, even though the temperatures were on the warm side. Today I have been invited on short notice to play in a golf tournament at Murder Rock with three pastors. My schedule was clear, so I have accepted. This morning we have executive staff meeting, including our self-evaluations for the 2nd quarter based on our missional job descriptions. Also this morning I will plan for the class I teach tonight on the organization of the United Methodist church. Cliff Crockett and I have talked about playing golf together for the 12 months he has been in Kimberling City. This will be our first opportunity. I always feel a tension of the use of my time when I agree to this type of outing that will take 5+ hours. Today I do sense it is the right use of time, and I will get to the office before 8 to get prepared for the day, and I will work late, teaching the course in our “summer semester”.
I Peter 4 (chapter related to today’s Upper Room)
This chapter begins with “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” The last verse of this chapter: “Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” (Verse 19) The apostle Peter, who will be crucified by the Romans for his faith in Jesus Christ, and who according to legend requested to be crucified upside down in his statement to be unworthy of the same death as his Lord, writes in this chapter about suffering. I am currently not suffering in the flesh. I do live every day for the will of God (verse 2) and in this season and political climate there is not much suffering on account of faith in Christ.
The message this morning to me is to be prepared always to deny self and suffer as an identification with Christ, suffering unto death if that is God’s will. It was for Bonhoeffer, for Jim Elliot, and countless others who denied themselves, picked up their cross and followed Christ. I will constantly die to self, and live unto Christ. Guide me today most holy Lord as I follow your steps, always in the shadow of the cross. Show me today what that means for Bruce Baxter.
I Peter 4 (chapter related to today’s Upper Room)
This chapter begins with “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” The last verse of this chapter: “Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” (Verse 19) The apostle Peter, who will be crucified by the Romans for his faith in Jesus Christ, and who according to legend requested to be crucified upside down in his statement to be unworthy of the same death as his Lord, writes in this chapter about suffering. I am currently not suffering in the flesh. I do live every day for the will of God (verse 2) and in this season and political climate there is not much suffering on account of faith in Christ.
The message this morning to me is to be prepared always to deny self and suffer as an identification with Christ, suffering unto death if that is God’s will. It was for Bonhoeffer, for Jim Elliot, and countless others who denied themselves, picked up their cross and followed Christ. I will constantly die to self, and live unto Christ. Guide me today most holy Lord as I follow your steps, always in the shadow of the cross. Show me today what that means for Bruce Baxter.
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