December 31, 2012

The USA is hours away from the “fiscal cliff,” when tax hikes and spending cuts automatically take effect. On the stock exchange it is the last trading day of the year. It could be that stocks will fall for the 6^th straight day, although the market is up 6 percent for the year. The regular NFL season is over, and the playoffs begin. Today is the last day of Bethany’s visit as she heads back to LA this evening if her flight does not face a weather delay. It has been great to have her here in Springfield. She sang in all the sanctuary services yesterday.

Hebrews 1

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.” (Verses 1-2) These “last days” have now extended almost 2,000 years. God still speaks in Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit, God the three-in-one. We are fellow heirs as sons and daughters of God, and as this world is passing away, our inheritance is forever, world without end, amen.

It is sustaining to know that we are heirs of God, “joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod.” I gave to Audrey for Christmas the first season of Downton Abbey, a British PBS series about life on an estate in the early 1900s. One driving issue involves the heirs. Two were killed on the Titanic, a distant cousin is next in line, etc. Whatever happens in this life, we know that for eternity we belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords. And, there is more room in God’s estate, room for everyone we could bring to the table in the years that remain. Also, in God’s economy, those who serve are at the top, those who live for themselves are at the bottom.

It is the season for organizing one’s life. I received the forms from our tax preparer to get ready for the 2012 returns. I always intend to do a thorough job of organizing at the end of the year, then end up doing just the minimal required for reporting, etc. It would be helpful to prepare a balance sheet and a record of all important aspects of family business. I also need to update our will, which we prepared in 1987.

On this last day of 2012, and the first day of the rest of my earthly life, guide my steps Lord. I honor You and submit to Your will and purposes. Empower me to do that which furthers Your kingdom and maximizes the stewardship of my life.

December 30, 2012

Cliffhangers is the new series we begin today at Wesley. Kerner will preach this first installment on the financial cliff, teaching about stewardship and life in Christ. Having preached 9 times this past week I am ready for a break, and a Sunday to simply hang out and encourage folks. I expect a somewhat lighter attendance today.

Psalm 98

“O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.” (Verse 1) The 9 verses of this Psalm are admonitions to praise God, to shout joyfully to the Lord, because He has won the victory, and He will come to judge the world with righteousness. I will sing joyfully to Him this morning in 4 worship services. This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Bethany and I shared a father-daughter dinner last night at Rebecca’s Grill downtown. We ate delicious food and enjoyed good conversation.  I spent most of yesterday working on 2013 Spring Training material, and will work on it as much as possible today. The Cherokee is still not operational, so the flight this afternoon with Hiram has to be postponed.  

My soul blesses the Lord this morning. Thank you Lord for your word,  and for this chapter of my life. May I praise you and point people to “the rock that is higher than I” as you are the King and Lord of all. I am your servant, ready to do your will. Guide my hands, heart, mind and feet today that I might minister your grace to many.

 

December 29, 2012

The fiscal cliff looms large! Congress is back in Washington and has until Monday to make a deal. Our new sermon series is called Cliffhangers and capitalizes upon the publicity. I do not think very often or very deeply about politics, economics and national strategies; however it seems to me that the reason we have this financial cliff results from the congress recognizing that something must be done about our spiraling national debt, and nobody wants to make the hard decisions to raise taxes and cut spending. So the republicans advocate cutting spending, and the democrats push raising taxes. The incredible national debt will crush future generations in America. Very few people have the courage to legislate in ways that cause pain to constituents now, to correct the system providing for future financial health.

On a personal level, every one of us is faced daily with decisions that will either bring current satisfaction or future benefit. For example, to eat a piece of candy now is pleasant, and it contributes to weight gain which is costly. To take on a second job or additional hours is demanding and difficult, and results in income and resources to benefit in the future. A person can be obsessive in either direction. My goal is to be balanced, mindful of the implications of all my actions. There is a place for the enjoyment and reward of a piece of candy. There is a time to work harder and longer. Finding the balance is the key.
 
Acts 10

Cornelius, a centurion at Caesarea, is a man “who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to God continually.” (Verse 2) In a vision he saw an angel who told him that his prayers and alms had “ascended as a memorial before God.” He was told to dispatch some men to Joppa and find Peter. As the men approached Joppa, Peter was praying on a rooftop before a meal, and as he was hungry he saw a vision of unclean animals being lowered on a sheet. To the voice which told him to kill and eat he replied “by no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” (Verse 14) The voice then said, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.”

Peter was greatly perplexed, just as the men from Cornelius knocked on his door. He went with them, asked Cornelius what he wanted, then shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. The Holy Spirit fell upon them as he spoke, and they spoke in tongues. “And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also.” (Verse 45) Peter then ordered them to be baptized, and they invited him to stay on for a few days.

This chapter reminds me of several things: God speaks to people with visions; God directs people to take action; God honors obedience; God surprises people with new insights; the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is unpredictable and recognizable.  The application of this for me today: Be open to how God will lead me; work diligently in the direction he is leading me (spring 2013 material – The Basics of Grace) Remember that God honors prayers and alms and families that honor Him. Lead the church in greater fields of witness and fruitfulness.

Guide me today, Most Holy Lord! I am yours. My path is under your direction. I know your eye is upon me, your hand is guiding my steps. Guard me from distraction. Use me as your servant.

December 28, 2012

Winter has fully arrived! It is one of my favorite seasons! I especially enjoy inclement conditions, unless I have to travel. Today we have a funeral at Wesley, and then Brian and I will do some filming for the “Spring Training – The Basics of Grace” series. For the next few days this will be the focus of my work – writing, preparing, filming for this series for Lent, 2013.

Matthew 9:1-17

Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple, and then dines at his house with his friends and associates. The Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?” When Jesus “heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice’ for I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.’” How does this relate to the ministry to which God has called me? To the work of Wesley UMC in Springfield? To the United Methodist Church? It is so easy for religious movements to become institutions that exclude rather than reach out. May this never be true of those with whom I have influence.

Guide me today Lord as I write, think, plan and lead with your words for my life today fully in view.

December 27, 2012

Psalm 10

Before I read this Psalm, I closed my eyes and prayed. I mentioned to God how I have been through a season of not feeling his presence or hearing his voice directly. I then opened the Bible and began at verse one which says: “Why dost Thou stand afar off, O Lord? Why dost Thou hide Thyself in times of trouble?” I immediately had a sense of God’s understanding and watchfulness over me. This was not a coincidence. In my spiritual formation I have experienced seasons like this of pressing forward without any dramatic or visible signs or words from God, and then suddenly a clear indication that God knows exactly where I am, what I am thinking and He is leading me every step of the way, every inclination that I pursue.

I worked long and hard yesterday and it was fulfilling. In the morning at the office I developed sermons for Jan 27 and Feb 3, What the Bible says about friendship and romance. I made 2 hospital calls, led a worship planning meeting, and met with a couple about their February wedding. The day was capped off with dinner here at our house with the Collettes plus two boyfriends, Grayson (Shannon) and Charlie ( Lauren). I went to bed around 10 as the games were still going strong. I feel rested and ready for this day, which includes future oriented planning. Kerner and I will meet for breakfast downtown. This afternoon I will work with Brian on the Spring 2013 material.

Thank you Lord for Psalm 10 this morning. Guide me as I journey by faith into this day, seeking to follow your will, express your love, be your pastor in a dark and broken world. Lead me forward by faith as I serve you with joy.

December 26, 2012

This morning I have a fresh and new sense of the season. I have put the trash out, the great Christmas wrapping trash, and feel that we have had a very good Christmas celebration. It was great to host David and Danelle and Bethany is still visiting for a few more days. I am not preaching on Sunday, and will use this week and the New Year’s Day holiday to work hard on Spring 2013. I will also spend time clearing files and getting organized, something I annually intend to do at year-end, but rarely accomplish. We usually travel or entertain company during these days after Christmas, leaving me away from desks at office and home.

It is 4:50 am, and I have been awake for awhile feeling pretty rested and ready for the day. I will work today - in the office this morning, worship planning at 2, wedding consultation at 5. The Collettes will come over for dinner tonight, a late Christmas dinner, or as they call today in England, Boxing Day. 

I Sam 3:15-21 (A Guide to Prayer – week’s theme “I am yours)

Following his experience of hearing God’s voice but not recognizing it until Eli instructed him to respond “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening” Samuel lay down until morning. When questioned by Eli, Samuel was hesitant to reveal the vision God had given him yet due to Eli’s insistence, he told him. Upon hearing that his house would be severely judged “forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them” Eli responded “It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good to Him.” (Verse 18) This response is similar but very different from Mary’s response to Gabriel, as she said “behold the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.” (Luke 2:38)  Eli, aware of his misdoings, was acknowledging God’s sovereign power to judge; Mary, willing to yield and serve God in her future, was submitting to God’s will. As I preached on Christmas Eve, it is my prayer that I and all with whom I have influence will also say yes to God’s plan and His promises. 

Last night I began to read the biography of Einstein given to me by Bethany. It is interesting to begin thinking about physics and science as it applies to Einstein, and to have his biography on my nightstand. This is a new a fresh topic for me to consider, as I have been reading lately about World War I. This morning I will read a letter received recently from Ron Kessler. It is now 5:47 and all of a sudden my body is weary again. This sometimes is the result of arising early, but as I simply move forward through the day, my body adapts.

Guide me today, most Holy Lord, as I am your bond servant, ready to do your will. Guard me from distractions; use me to accomplish your purposes. Thank you for your word, and the gift of your Holy Spirit.

 

December 21, 2012

It is beautiful outside, with a dusting of snow that blew in yesterday. Bethany will fly here from Los Angeles this afternoon, as David and Danelle drive here from O’Fallon tonight. For me, it has been a slow adjustment over the 5 years that Audrey and I have lived in this house in Springfield that this is not “home” for my adult children. They do not live here. They did not grow up here. They come here to visit. Bethany has not been here for 12 months. Even though there is a room in the lower level with her furniture in it, her home is in California, she has a California drivers license and will pay taxes this year as a resident of California. And, this is all very good. I am pleased with how our children have grown up and are making their way in the world, which makes their visit this weekend even more special. 

Mark 9:1-13

Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain by themselves. “He was transfigured there before them; and his garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.” (Verses 2-4) This was a pivotal experience for this inner circle of three disciples. The reality that Jesus was the son of God, acknowledged by the law, represented by Moses, and the prophets, represented by Elijah  gave Peter, James and John the confirmation that would carry them to their deaths as confident witnesses to His person and assurance to the reality of their own salvation.

For John Wesley, the experience that transformed him was Aldersgate. For Billy Graham, it was when he made a commitment to trust the Bible as the word of God. For me, it was an August Saturday night in 1974 at the youth for Christ meeting on Anderson’s farm when I said “yes, Lord” and invited Christ to be born in me, that I might have eternal life and serve Him with my earthly life. I did not feel any emotional responses or see visions, but as I drove away from that farm I knew that there had been a significant change in Bruce Baxter, and that this would impact the rest of my life. It has. I joyfully look forward to the presence of God each day, and serving Him with all that I am.

On this the shortest day of the year, with the sun low in the southern sky, may I experience the Son rising in my heart, the transfiguration of a common life, now 56 years old into an uncommon follower of Christ, in a world in which darkness still prevails, but in which the Light of the World has come, born in Bethlehem, risen from the dead, and reigning in the hearts and lives of His servants around the world. Come Lord Jesus, come.