12-26-10 Sunday, 6:15 am Springfield, 19 degrees, windy
I am looking forward to worship this morning. Bruce Boehmer will be preaching, and I will be in each service, doing the welcome, the morning prayer, the benediction. Ed is out sick today, as he was for Christmas Eve. Bethany is singing with Lauren and Rochelle, and Priscilla is playing the piano and leading some of the congregational hymns.
Yesterday, Christmas day was a wonderful holiday around the Baxter house. David and Danelle were with us, as was Bethany. We slept in until about 9, after the 5 Christmas Eve services. We opened presents until about noon, and then got ready for hosting the Collettes for dinner. After a beautiful ham dinner with all the sides, we enjoyed pie and coffee, fudge and candy as we watched from beginning to end “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Rev. 17:1-18
John is taken in the Spirit to see the great judgement of the harlot riding a scarlet beast with 7 heads and 10 horns. The angel leading John explains some of the judgement. Reading these verses reminds me of the unseen realities, and of the cosmic end times. I am living today in a period of relative calm but even so I understand the vulnerability of world power and the susceptibility of world rulers to corruption, etc.
Guide me today Lord as I lead the church called Wesley on this Sunday (boxing day in England), as we worship and adore your Holy Name, and offer our lives as your servants.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
December 24, 2010
12-24-10 Friday, 7:20 am Christmas Eve! 31 degrees, very light rain.
Today we expect 1700+ worshipers in the 5 services, beginning at 3:00. The pastors and worship team are prepared, and I am looking forward to each aspect of this peak day of ministry and outreach to those asleep in their faith, and those who are nominally churched, as well as the committed – fully devoted followers of Christ. I will work on my sermon here at home for a couple of hours this morning. I am feeling more prepared than usual for family gift giving tomorrow, as my presents are wrapped, and I have inserted surprises into stockings.
Psalm 143:1-12
I picture this could be the prayer of many who will come tonight – “losing all hope” (verse 4); “thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain” (verse 6); “my depression deepens” (verse7); “let me hear of your unfailing love each morning” (verse 8); “rescue me from my enemies” (verse 9); “may your gracious Spirit lead me forward” (verse 10) “bring me out of this distress” (verse 11); “in your unfailing love, silence all my enemies” (verse 12).
It is good for me to read this Psalm as giving voice to the cries of the hearts of those who will come tonight seeking something, and needing the unfailing love of God to fill and raise up and give hope for this life and the life to come. Guide me as I bring a message of hope and light for all the world.
Today we expect 1700+ worshipers in the 5 services, beginning at 3:00. The pastors and worship team are prepared, and I am looking forward to each aspect of this peak day of ministry and outreach to those asleep in their faith, and those who are nominally churched, as well as the committed – fully devoted followers of Christ. I will work on my sermon here at home for a couple of hours this morning. I am feeling more prepared than usual for family gift giving tomorrow, as my presents are wrapped, and I have inserted surprises into stockings.
Psalm 143:1-12
I picture this could be the prayer of many who will come tonight – “losing all hope” (verse 4); “thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain” (verse 6); “my depression deepens” (verse7); “let me hear of your unfailing love each morning” (verse 8); “rescue me from my enemies” (verse 9); “may your gracious Spirit lead me forward” (verse 10) “bring me out of this distress” (verse 11); “in your unfailing love, silence all my enemies” (verse 12).
It is good for me to read this Psalm as giving voice to the cries of the hearts of those who will come tonight seeking something, and needing the unfailing love of God to fill and raise up and give hope for this life and the life to come. Guide me as I bring a message of hope and light for all the world.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
December 22, 1010
12-22-10 Wednesday, 5:34 am Springfield, 25 degrees, windy, clear – Saturn bright in the eastern sky.
Yesterday was a full and fruitful day. The funeral lunch for the James family was so well done, the visitation and funeral of Louise James in the sanctuary went well and was well attended, and the graveside committal service was a meaningful conclusion to the process. Last night 40 staff and spouses gathered for the Christmas party at Riad’s restaurant, with great energy and good conversations around the tables.
This morning I will join our team which welcomes students to York Elementary School. Later today we will meet to coordinate final details of Christmas eve services. Dave Synder is predicting 1-3 inches of snow on Christmas eve, with maybe some freezing rain. This developing weather could provide a great ambiance to the evening services, and could also impact attendance. There are television and radio ads inviting people to the five services. This evening David and Danelle will join us for dinner, and begin a visit that will last through Christmas afternoon. It will be great to see them again. Last year their Christmas visit was cancelled because of the inclement weather.
Rev 12:18-13:18
The beast with 7 heads and 10 crowns comes up out of the sea. A second beast with two horns and the voice of a dragon comes from the earth, builds a statue of the first beast, makes it speak, and causes everyone to worship the statue. In order to buy food, everyone must have the mark of the beast on their forehead or their right hand, its number is 666. This vision of the end times with the mark of the beast is the topic of much speculation. Could it be related to future use of bar codes or micro chip technology that is scanable and will be required for commerce? How close are we to these end times?
This morning I am convinced that the best way to live is with the expectation that the end times could be near at hand, and my life should be ordered accordingly. I do not think it is helpful to speculate about every detail, and which country or leader might be part of this vision. I realize that the world as I know it could melt away in a moment, and this fuels the intensity and focus of my journey today. Complacency is one of the most dangerous enemies of the church, and reading this chapter today compels me to zealously guard against it. Guide my steps, my words, my thoughts, my planning today in ways that bring honor to the King of kings and advance the Light of the world in this generation. Amen.
Yesterday was a full and fruitful day. The funeral lunch for the James family was so well done, the visitation and funeral of Louise James in the sanctuary went well and was well attended, and the graveside committal service was a meaningful conclusion to the process. Last night 40 staff and spouses gathered for the Christmas party at Riad’s restaurant, with great energy and good conversations around the tables.
This morning I will join our team which welcomes students to York Elementary School. Later today we will meet to coordinate final details of Christmas eve services. Dave Synder is predicting 1-3 inches of snow on Christmas eve, with maybe some freezing rain. This developing weather could provide a great ambiance to the evening services, and could also impact attendance. There are television and radio ads inviting people to the five services. This evening David and Danelle will join us for dinner, and begin a visit that will last through Christmas afternoon. It will be great to see them again. Last year their Christmas visit was cancelled because of the inclement weather.
Rev 12:18-13:18
The beast with 7 heads and 10 crowns comes up out of the sea. A second beast with two horns and the voice of a dragon comes from the earth, builds a statue of the first beast, makes it speak, and causes everyone to worship the statue. In order to buy food, everyone must have the mark of the beast on their forehead or their right hand, its number is 666. This vision of the end times with the mark of the beast is the topic of much speculation. Could it be related to future use of bar codes or micro chip technology that is scanable and will be required for commerce? How close are we to these end times?
This morning I am convinced that the best way to live is with the expectation that the end times could be near at hand, and my life should be ordered accordingly. I do not think it is helpful to speculate about every detail, and which country or leader might be part of this vision. I realize that the world as I know it could melt away in a moment, and this fuels the intensity and focus of my journey today. Complacency is one of the most dangerous enemies of the church, and reading this chapter today compels me to zealously guard against it. Guide my steps, my words, my thoughts, my planning today in ways that bring honor to the King of kings and advance the Light of the world in this generation. Amen.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
December 21, 2010
12-21-10 Tuesday, 6:20 am Springfield – 41 degrees, cloudy.
There is a lot to be done today! We have staff prayer at 9, worship planning at 10:15, a funeral lunch at 11:30, funeral at 2, and staff Christmas party from 6-9. Lord, give me the strength, wisdom and courage to do all that needs to be done to serve you with joy today.
Rev 12:1-17
This is a most interesting chapter. It involves the vision of a woman giving birth, and opposed by the dragon. Jesus is clearly the child that is born, and Satan is the enemy. There is great tumult, great conflict that ensues, with specific details. This chapter reminds me of the real and present conflict in this world of the powers and principalities warring against God and the people of the Way. I must never forget this unseen, but very present darkness, and struggle in every way, fully utilizing the spiritual power of the weapons described in Ephesians 6.
Dr. Jim Combs, (now attending Wesley) has written a study guide to Revelation entitled Rainbows from Revelation, which I find helpful. His interpretation of this chapter is that it is partly a flashback, and mostly a look into the future conflict during the tribulation. This is one among many interesting possibilities. This book of Revelation is so valuable for the believer to study, ponder, read, absorb. And, I observe that many people avoid this book of the Bible because of its complexity, and because of the conflict that it describes, still to come on earth.
Guide me Lord as I live out this season of my life, during this period of history on earth. Even as the moon was fully eclipsed by the earth last night, guard me from this present darkness, and may the light of Christ never be eclipsed by anything that would come between me and your eternal light. Amen.
There is a lot to be done today! We have staff prayer at 9, worship planning at 10:15, a funeral lunch at 11:30, funeral at 2, and staff Christmas party from 6-9. Lord, give me the strength, wisdom and courage to do all that needs to be done to serve you with joy today.
Rev 12:1-17
This is a most interesting chapter. It involves the vision of a woman giving birth, and opposed by the dragon. Jesus is clearly the child that is born, and Satan is the enemy. There is great tumult, great conflict that ensues, with specific details. This chapter reminds me of the real and present conflict in this world of the powers and principalities warring against God and the people of the Way. I must never forget this unseen, but very present darkness, and struggle in every way, fully utilizing the spiritual power of the weapons described in Ephesians 6.
Dr. Jim Combs, (now attending Wesley) has written a study guide to Revelation entitled Rainbows from Revelation, which I find helpful. His interpretation of this chapter is that it is partly a flashback, and mostly a look into the future conflict during the tribulation. This is one among many interesting possibilities. This book of Revelation is so valuable for the believer to study, ponder, read, absorb. And, I observe that many people avoid this book of the Bible because of its complexity, and because of the conflict that it describes, still to come on earth.
Guide me Lord as I live out this season of my life, during this period of history on earth. Even as the moon was fully eclipsed by the earth last night, guard me from this present darkness, and may the light of Christ never be eclipsed by anything that would come between me and your eternal light. Amen.
Monday, December 20, 2010
December 20, 2010
12-20-10 Monday, 8:19 am Springfield, 25 degrees, cloudy.
I am looking forward to this day. After a busy weekend I have this unscheduled time to practice sabbath. Regularly the days of the week roll by, and I am pleased with my investment of energy and time, with the ebb and flow of focused effort, and intentional rest. It is hard for me to stop working once a week, and with many things pending for tomorrow, including a funeral and a staff Christmas party, there is some work I must do (like a farmer with his livestock fallen into a pit).
Last night I took some groceries to the home of Skip and Tawnya, a couple I have been working with for about 18 months. He called me when he came out of prison and was homeless. He has committed his life to Christ, and is trying to make good decisions. They are living totally on the edge of survival, and when I can I help them with some food. They were living 40 miles out of Springfield in Everton, which made it hard to help. This month they moved back to town, and live around the corner from Broadway UMC, where he has attended the last couple of Sundays.
Psalm 139
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I am far away.” This is a beautiful prayer in a very special Psalm. It reflects how precious each human is to God, and thus the value we humans have in God’s sight.
Today, as every day, I commit my thoughts, actions, goings and comings to your will and purposes. Amen.
I am looking forward to this day. After a busy weekend I have this unscheduled time to practice sabbath. Regularly the days of the week roll by, and I am pleased with my investment of energy and time, with the ebb and flow of focused effort, and intentional rest. It is hard for me to stop working once a week, and with many things pending for tomorrow, including a funeral and a staff Christmas party, there is some work I must do (like a farmer with his livestock fallen into a pit).
Last night I took some groceries to the home of Skip and Tawnya, a couple I have been working with for about 18 months. He called me when he came out of prison and was homeless. He has committed his life to Christ, and is trying to make good decisions. They are living totally on the edge of survival, and when I can I help them with some food. They were living 40 miles out of Springfield in Everton, which made it hard to help. This month they moved back to town, and live around the corner from Broadway UMC, where he has attended the last couple of Sundays.
Psalm 139
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I am far away.” This is a beautiful prayer in a very special Psalm. It reflects how precious each human is to God, and thus the value we humans have in God’s sight.
Today, as every day, I commit my thoughts, actions, goings and comings to your will and purposes. Amen.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
December 19, 2010
12-19-10 Sunday, 5:55 am Springfield, 31 degrees, partly cloudy.
This morning I will lead in worship as we wrap up the 4 week study on angels. The angels and the shepherds are a delightful incident in scripture, recorded in Luke for all generations. It is such a privilege for me to shepherd the flock called Wesley. I am thankful for this calling and for this congregation.
One of our members died last night, Louise James. She was 87 and a retired music teacher. She had been a big part of the Wesley choir and music program, and I hope that many of our choir will be able to sing at her funeral, probably on Tuesday at Wesley.
Last night as I was in my study, working on my sermon, I entered a familiar zone of prayer and deep meditation. I often emerge from this time with freshness and good ideas for the message I am preparing. The thought occurred to me that there might be a special unseen presence of angels in that room, as I develop the message that God is pressing upon me. Guide me today as your messenger, shepherd, watchman, guide and guardian. May my spirit, my physical presence, my whole being serve your holy purposes today, and every day until my home going or your return.
This morning I will lead in worship as we wrap up the 4 week study on angels. The angels and the shepherds are a delightful incident in scripture, recorded in Luke for all generations. It is such a privilege for me to shepherd the flock called Wesley. I am thankful for this calling and for this congregation.
One of our members died last night, Louise James. She was 87 and a retired music teacher. She had been a big part of the Wesley choir and music program, and I hope that many of our choir will be able to sing at her funeral, probably on Tuesday at Wesley.
Last night as I was in my study, working on my sermon, I entered a familiar zone of prayer and deep meditation. I often emerge from this time with freshness and good ideas for the message I am preparing. The thought occurred to me that there might be a special unseen presence of angels in that room, as I develop the message that God is pressing upon me. Guide me today as your messenger, shepherd, watchman, guide and guardian. May my spirit, my physical presence, my whole being serve your holy purposes today, and every day until my home going or your return.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
December 18, 2010
12-18-10 Saturday, 7:30 am Springfield, 19 degrees.
Bethany made it home from Los Angeles last evening. It was so good to see her and have her in our home for 10 days. She had a good 7th semester at Azusa Pacific University, and it is hard to believe she is half way through her senior year. We will have a great holiday visit with her and then she will be off to finish college. Today I will work on tomorrow’s sermon, develop the flow of January 16 worship, meet with an engaged couple, and exercise ( I have not logged 7000 paces, the minimum target, all week).
Habakkuk 1-3
This prophet has a vision and conversation with God. His main point is to ask why people more sinful than Judah would be used to punish them. God decries people who trust in their own strength (1:11). The last few verses of Habakkuk have inspired me throughout my walk with God. They are a commitment to be a disciple, essentially for better or worse, richer or poorer, etc. “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet …” (3:17-19 KJV)
Lord, even in this day of plenty and of peace in our land, I realize that many people are hungry and subject to violence, injustice, fear and disease. May I never trust in my own strength, but totally lean upon your power and your holiness. I am yours today.
Bethany made it home from Los Angeles last evening. It was so good to see her and have her in our home for 10 days. She had a good 7th semester at Azusa Pacific University, and it is hard to believe she is half way through her senior year. We will have a great holiday visit with her and then she will be off to finish college. Today I will work on tomorrow’s sermon, develop the flow of January 16 worship, meet with an engaged couple, and exercise ( I have not logged 7000 paces, the minimum target, all week).
Habakkuk 1-3
This prophet has a vision and conversation with God. His main point is to ask why people more sinful than Judah would be used to punish them. God decries people who trust in their own strength (1:11). The last few verses of Habakkuk have inspired me throughout my walk with God. They are a commitment to be a disciple, essentially for better or worse, richer or poorer, etc. “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet …” (3:17-19 KJV)
Lord, even in this day of plenty and of peace in our land, I realize that many people are hungry and subject to violence, injustice, fear and disease. May I never trust in my own strength, but totally lean upon your power and your holiness. I am yours today.
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