Matthew 6:1-24 (from the One Year Bible)
Jesus provides practical teaching on living a life that pleases God. His instructions include: how to give alms, how to pray, where to store your treasure so it is not ruined. In this section he teaches what is commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” He also states that “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” It just occurred to me that perhaps many people in my culture think often about retirement because they have retirement plans and accounts that are well-resourced, thus causing them to allow their heart to drift often to retirement. I know that I think about it now and then. It would seem better to regularly focus on heaven, one’s final retirement, and the treasures that one has stored up there.
Prayer is a regular part of my life. I record some of my prayers in the morning here in this journal which I publish daily as a blog, and then I pray throughout the day.I pray as I drive, as I work at my desk, when I think of a person and their situation. Because of reading this scripture this morning, I will be more conscious today of my prayer as Jesus modeled and taught.
Guide me thoughts, my steps, my study, my visits, my interactions throughout this day, holy Lord that I might represent you, obey you, follow you and lead others to a closer walk with you.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
January 6, 2012
I am looking forward to the work of shepherding today, as I work on my weekend message and follow up on correspondence, planning and pastoral concerns. Yesterday I had a good motorcycle ride (see detailed account at end of this blog.)
Psalm 6; Proverbs 1:29-33 (The One Year Bible)
Guide my steps today Lord as I serve You through the pastoral office. May the preparations I make, the people I speak with, the problems I address be according to your wisdom, always empowered by your unfailing love. Guard me from missteps, discouragement; lead me in Your righteousness, make my way plain, increase my courage and my love.
Four-state Motorcycle adventure:
I left yesterday morning about 9:15 heading south on 160. I crossed Table Rock Lake at Kimberling City, then into Arkansas at Blue Eye, stopping for gas at Berryville. Chatting it up with a truck driver I followed his advice and headed south on 21, then west on 412 to Siloam Springs. I ate my lunch of left over turkey in the city park of the Two Springs. I read from chapter 2 of Jefferson’s The Minister as Shepherd. I had a nice conversation with a fellow walking by named Emerson, executive director of a not-for-profit emphasizing wellness through diet and exercise. We chatted about his BMW 1100 and his accident last year. I headed into Oklahoma and then south on scenic 10 toward Tahlequah. Reversing course, I proceeded north on Oklahoma 10, joining 59 north to Miami. Riding the historic route 66 I got gas in Baxter Springs Kansas, and then picked up 400 east to 44, and then raced the twilight to Springfield. 354 miles, from 9:15 am till 6:00 pm, with a few stops along the way. I feel refreshed, renewed, aired out and ready for the next few days.
Psalm 6; Proverbs 1:29-33 (The One Year Bible)
Guide my steps today Lord as I serve You through the pastoral office. May the preparations I make, the people I speak with, the problems I address be according to your wisdom, always empowered by your unfailing love. Guard me from missteps, discouragement; lead me in Your righteousness, make my way plain, increase my courage and my love.
Four-state Motorcycle adventure:
I left yesterday morning about 9:15 heading south on 160. I crossed Table Rock Lake at Kimberling City, then into Arkansas at Blue Eye, stopping for gas at Berryville. Chatting it up with a truck driver I followed his advice and headed south on 21, then west on 412 to Siloam Springs. I ate my lunch of left over turkey in the city park of the Two Springs. I read from chapter 2 of Jefferson’s The Minister as Shepherd. I had a nice conversation with a fellow walking by named Emerson, executive director of a not-for-profit emphasizing wellness through diet and exercise. We chatted about his BMW 1100 and his accident last year. I headed into Oklahoma and then south on scenic 10 toward Tahlequah. Reversing course, I proceeded north on Oklahoma 10, joining 59 north to Miami. Riding the historic route 66 I got gas in Baxter Springs Kansas, and then picked up 400 east to 44, and then raced the twilight to Springfield. 354 miles, from 9:15 am till 6:00 pm, with a few stops along the way. I feel refreshed, renewed, aired out and ready for the next few days.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
January 5, 2012
Today I am aerating my calendar. I will hop on the Concours and head south to Arkansas for a day of riding, thinking, relaxing. There are no appointments on my schedule, and I need to get away. During the busy-ness of yesterday, the simple thought of getting away was refreshing! I have been working hard and pushing through the pressures of pastoral leadership. In the language of Solomon I tell myself that my labor is good and from the hand of God. Today I welcome the time and means to relax. I will take reading and study material with me, and stop at coffee shops and restaurants as needed through the morning. I will leave about sunrise, which today is 7:29.
We have received the first “seed catalog” of the year! My dad used to look forward to getting January seed catalogs, an early sign that spring is just around the corner. For me gardening is more a concept than a reality. I have a garden spot; I sow a few plants, and fight a few weeds and bugs. But I have yet to invest time or energy sufficient to be considered a gardener. It is good each year for me to work the soil and to be in touch with the cycles of nature and the mystery of life.
Ecclesiastes 2
In this chapter Solomon describes many of the things he has accomplished – houses, vineyards, gardens, parks, forests, ponds, slaves, concubines, fame, and pleasure. In verse 11 he concludes “Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” In verses 12-17 he considers the wisdom with which he has ruled, and realizes that his fate is the same as the fool (death?)
Solomon expresses despair as he ponders how he must leave everything he has done to those who come after him, whether a wise man or a fool. “Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun.” (Verse 20) He reflects on his life in the third person “all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.” (Verse 21)
This chapter concludes with Solomon making some good observations about life in relationship to God and to wholeness. “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy…” (Verses 24-26a) Reading Ecclesiastes requires discernment and care how to take this skeptical wealthy wise guy. It does seem wise to enjoy the everyday pleasures of food, beverage and healthy work all from the hand of God. To have grandiose plans beyond this runs the risk of vanity.
Guide me today Lord as I journey through life, enjoying the country roads of Arkansas and the unseasonably warm weather. May my thoughts be your thoughts, my reflections clear and my intentions good and noble. Go before me and lead me in your righteousness.
We have received the first “seed catalog” of the year! My dad used to look forward to getting January seed catalogs, an early sign that spring is just around the corner. For me gardening is more a concept than a reality. I have a garden spot; I sow a few plants, and fight a few weeds and bugs. But I have yet to invest time or energy sufficient to be considered a gardener. It is good each year for me to work the soil and to be in touch with the cycles of nature and the mystery of life.
Ecclesiastes 2
In this chapter Solomon describes many of the things he has accomplished – houses, vineyards, gardens, parks, forests, ponds, slaves, concubines, fame, and pleasure. In verse 11 he concludes “Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” In verses 12-17 he considers the wisdom with which he has ruled, and realizes that his fate is the same as the fool (death?)
Solomon expresses despair as he ponders how he must leave everything he has done to those who come after him, whether a wise man or a fool. “Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun.” (Verse 20) He reflects on his life in the third person “all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.” (Verse 21)
This chapter concludes with Solomon making some good observations about life in relationship to God and to wholeness. “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy…” (Verses 24-26a) Reading Ecclesiastes requires discernment and care how to take this skeptical wealthy wise guy. It does seem wise to enjoy the everyday pleasures of food, beverage and healthy work all from the hand of God. To have grandiose plans beyond this runs the risk of vanity.
Guide me today Lord as I journey through life, enjoying the country roads of Arkansas and the unseasonably warm weather. May my thoughts be your thoughts, my reflections clear and my intentions good and noble. Go before me and lead me in your righteousness.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
January 4, 2012
I have a knot in my stomach this morning, similar to the one I went to bed with. It could be from the dinner I overate last night at Houlihans with Bethany and Audrey, and more likely it is from the stress of leadership. Today is booked pretty solid with staff meeting, staff worship, staff lunch and spring 2012 planning.
This morning Bethany leaves for L.A. on a jet plane, don’t know when she’ll be back again. However, in 4 weeks we travel there to see her as I run in the Surf City marathon. I am further along in my marathon preparation than ever before, with my 21 miles on Monday, and time for a 24 miler in twelve days. I have never trained beyond 18 miles previously. Today my legs seem to be doing well on this second day of recovery from a long run. The Galloway run-walk-run method seems to be working well for me.
Last night in Iowa were the presidential caucuses, and the results fill the news this morning. Romney won by 8 votes. Rick Perry will drop out, Michelle Bachmann will continue on after finishing last, and the race for the white house will move on to the next primary in New Hampshire.
Psalm 3
David writes this "Morning Prayer" as he flees for his life from Jerusalem. His son Absalom has usurped the throne, and many citizens have turned against him. I am strengthened this morning by this Psalm.
“Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.” Yes, He is the one who sustains Bruce Baxter. Through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus.
“Salvation belongs to the Lord; Thy blessing be upon Thy people!” (Verse 8) In leading the church, it is so important to remember this truth, that salvation belongs to the Lord. I serve You today, risen, conquering king. Guide my steps, my words, my actions as I serve you as a pastor today. May your blessings be upon your people called Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri.
This morning Bethany leaves for L.A. on a jet plane, don’t know when she’ll be back again. However, in 4 weeks we travel there to see her as I run in the Surf City marathon. I am further along in my marathon preparation than ever before, with my 21 miles on Monday, and time for a 24 miler in twelve days. I have never trained beyond 18 miles previously. Today my legs seem to be doing well on this second day of recovery from a long run. The Galloway run-walk-run method seems to be working well for me.
Last night in Iowa were the presidential caucuses, and the results fill the news this morning. Romney won by 8 votes. Rick Perry will drop out, Michelle Bachmann will continue on after finishing last, and the race for the white house will move on to the next primary in New Hampshire.
Psalm 3
David writes this "Morning Prayer" as he flees for his life from Jerusalem. His son Absalom has usurped the throne, and many citizens have turned against him. I am strengthened this morning by this Psalm.
“Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.” Yes, He is the one who sustains Bruce Baxter. Through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus.
“Salvation belongs to the Lord; Thy blessing be upon Thy people!” (Verse 8) In leading the church, it is so important to remember this truth, that salvation belongs to the Lord. I serve You today, risen, conquering king. Guide my steps, my words, my actions as I serve you as a pastor today. May your blessings be upon your people called Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield Missouri.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
January 3, 2012
Yesterday I completed 21 miles on the Katy trail, averaging 10:58 per mile. The temperature was 34 degrees with strong winds. The trail was empty except for a hiker from California and a bicyclist. I started at Weldon Springs, and stopped at the tavern in Augusta and bought a Gatorade to refill my water bottle. In the afternoon I picked up Bethany from the train station in St. Louis as she returned from Chicago. We had lunch at the City Diner next to the Fox. Tomorrow she heads back to L.A.
27 years ago today David was born in St. Luke’s hospital. He and Danelle have the day off work to celebrate his birthday. I enjoyed seeing them during the holidays, and spending Sunday night at their home as I delivered a bed and dining room table we had been storing in our house.
Today life in America returns to “normal”, with schools back in session, businesses open, etc. I will be at the office for staff prayers, worship planning, and work on Spring 2012 material. I am looking forward to getting back to a more regular schedule after the holidays.
Psalm 2
“Worship the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling…How blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” (Verses 11-12) Yes! I will worship You Lord with reverence, today, and every day until the end. May my steps be ordered by your word, and my way aligned with The Way. Guide my steps most holy Lord.
27 years ago today David was born in St. Luke’s hospital. He and Danelle have the day off work to celebrate his birthday. I enjoyed seeing them during the holidays, and spending Sunday night at their home as I delivered a bed and dining room table we had been storing in our house.
Today life in America returns to “normal”, with schools back in session, businesses open, etc. I will be at the office for staff prayers, worship planning, and work on Spring 2012 material. I am looking forward to getting back to a more regular schedule after the holidays.
Psalm 2
“Worship the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling…How blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” (Verses 11-12) Yes! I will worship You Lord with reverence, today, and every day until the end. May my steps be ordered by your word, and my way aligned with The Way. Guide my steps most holy Lord.
Monday, January 2, 2012
January 2, 2012
This morning I will head to the Katy trail and “trek” 21 miles. Given the “Gallaway” approach that I have adopted of run-walk-run at a pace 2 minutes per mile slower than marathon pace, I call this a trek rather than a run. I expect it will take me 4 hours to complete. Reviewing the Katy trail on the internet, I have decided to start at the Weldon Springs trailhead and head west to Augusta, which is 10.4 miles. This provides me adequate water resupply, and Defiance at the 3 mile, and 18 mile junctures. Winds are NNW at 7. This afternoon I pick up Bethany from the train station at 3 pm.
On the channel 5 News here in St. Louis they just ran a piece about Elliptigo, which is a low impact bicycle that looks interesting to me. It has no seat and the pedals resemble the elliptical machine that works well for me at the gym. The problem I see is that its price is $2,000. This does not seem to be wise stewardship of my resources, given that I can accomplish the same effect in other ways.
Psalm 1
I love this Psalm. Rather than read it on Jan 1, I deferred until today. These verses lift up the wisdom of delighting in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. The metaphor is being like a tree, planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit in its season, its leaves never withering. People who so delight in God’s word will “prosper in all they do.” (Verse 3) Yesterday in my sermon I rebutted the “prosperity gospel” and stated that bad things will happen to good and faithful believers. This morning I would affirm that verse 3 and my statement are not mutually exclusive. I envision a person prospering in all they do, and encountering difficulties, setbacks, tragedy, loss, and through it all being like that fruitful, well watered tree.
Proverbs 1:1-7 The value and substance of wisdom – instruction in discipline and sound choices for life.
These verses compliment Psalm 1 so very well. As I run along the Missouri river on the Katy trail I will meditate on God’s word, on God’s will, and the promise of Psalm 1:6 “For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.” Guide me today, most holy Lord.
On the channel 5 News here in St. Louis they just ran a piece about Elliptigo, which is a low impact bicycle that looks interesting to me. It has no seat and the pedals resemble the elliptical machine that works well for me at the gym. The problem I see is that its price is $2,000. This does not seem to be wise stewardship of my resources, given that I can accomplish the same effect in other ways.
Psalm 1
I love this Psalm. Rather than read it on Jan 1, I deferred until today. These verses lift up the wisdom of delighting in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. The metaphor is being like a tree, planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit in its season, its leaves never withering. People who so delight in God’s word will “prosper in all they do.” (Verse 3) Yesterday in my sermon I rebutted the “prosperity gospel” and stated that bad things will happen to good and faithful believers. This morning I would affirm that verse 3 and my statement are not mutually exclusive. I envision a person prospering in all they do, and encountering difficulties, setbacks, tragedy, loss, and through it all being like that fruitful, well watered tree.
Proverbs 1:1-7 The value and substance of wisdom – instruction in discipline and sound choices for life.
These verses compliment Psalm 1 so very well. As I run along the Missouri river on the Katy trail I will meditate on God’s word, on God’s will, and the promise of Psalm 1:6 “For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.” Guide me today, most holy Lord.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
January 1, 2012
The first day of the new year! I always enjoy making a first journal entry on January 1 and beginning to anticipate what the blank pages will contain. As Audrey and I reflected on the past year, we were thankful for God’s blessings and the many ways we experienced joy and fulfillment. Today I preach about God’s will as we begin a series asking “Why” concerning unanswered prayers, the suffering of innocent people, etc. Bethany is in Chicago, and returns by train tomorrow. I will drive to St. Louis this afternoon, delivering some furniture to David and Danelle, and then do a long run on the Katy Trail tomorrow morning.
Ecclesiastes 1
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Verse 2) This statement is made by King Solomon, describing himself as “the preacher” writing in his later years. He has achieved very much – expanding the kingdom of his father David, building the great temple in Jerusalem, developing all kinds of projects and relationships. He starts this book with what seems to be a cynical statement. I believe he is stating that possessions, accomplishments, relationships in and of themselves are vain and worthless apart from a genuine and authentic relationship with God.
In the last two verses of this book (12:13-14) he states “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep his commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” From the opening verses to the closing verses, this book is a great study as I start this new year. Apart from God, all of life is vain. Respecting and honoring God, keeping his commands, walking in his will is the best way to live every day. For me, as a preacher, pastor, leader, shepherd, there is so much opportunity.
Guide me today, this year, the rest of my life most Holy Lord as I live each day in the shadow of your wings. Speak through me your wonderful truths. Allow your love and care to flow from your heart, through mine to others. Guard me from anything that is not authentic; give me courage to risk and to act in faith. Thank you for this day, and for this new year which stretches out before my feet like an open road.
Ecclesiastes 1
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Verse 2) This statement is made by King Solomon, describing himself as “the preacher” writing in his later years. He has achieved very much – expanding the kingdom of his father David, building the great temple in Jerusalem, developing all kinds of projects and relationships. He starts this book with what seems to be a cynical statement. I believe he is stating that possessions, accomplishments, relationships in and of themselves are vain and worthless apart from a genuine and authentic relationship with God.
In the last two verses of this book (12:13-14) he states “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep his commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” From the opening verses to the closing verses, this book is a great study as I start this new year. Apart from God, all of life is vain. Respecting and honoring God, keeping his commands, walking in his will is the best way to live every day. For me, as a preacher, pastor, leader, shepherd, there is so much opportunity.
Guide me today, this year, the rest of my life most Holy Lord as I live each day in the shadow of your wings. Speak through me your wonderful truths. Allow your love and care to flow from your heart, through mine to others. Guard me from anything that is not authentic; give me courage to risk and to act in faith. Thank you for this day, and for this new year which stretches out before my feet like an open road.
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