December 15, 2012

Newtown Connecticut, Sandy Hook Elementary was the scene yesterday of a mass murder – 22 children, 6 adults including the principal. “Evil visited this community today” said the governor. A 20 year old former student of the school shot and killed his mother at their home, then drove to the school and around 9:30 am entered and massacred 28 people. Apparently he took his own life. This is unimaginable and the work of darkness and evil. Jesus Christ came to give his life, bearing on the cross the full brunt of the horrors of humanity, the sins of the world, including the murder of children. The news reports of this story remind me of the power of God’s love in the face of unmitigated evil.

Today I will visit a high-security prison in Licking Missouri to visit a man convicted of a crime whose victims still suffer from his actions. I will offer the presence of Christ and the power of God’s word to this man. I will be in the environment set up by our society to confine those convicted of criminal acts. Tomorrow I will preach about the birth of Christ. I will tell the story of his parents holiday travels, of his birth, and the visit from the shepherds. I will encourage all present to come and see the Christ, and from his manger to his cross to receive the grace of God.

Psalm 72 I read this in light of the tragedy in Newtown.
“Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.” (Verse 1)

The crime committed yesterday by a lone gunman taking innocent lives and then his own is so senseless. How can the afflicted ones be comforted with justice? The only possible relief, the only actual justice will be unseen, eternal. The souls of those children live on. The soul of the shooter lives on. It could be that the greatest agony for parents who lost children will be if they did not take the opportunity to lead those children into the arms of Jesus. I once looked into the eyes of a child who was dying of cancer. She knew the love of Jesus, and the possibility of eternity. I had the privilege of baptizing her. Her parents now have two additional children.

Verse 4 – “He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.” This verse refers to the injustice of oppression, by governments, systems, bullies, etc which leave people needy and afflicted. This does not address the question of random horrific mass murder. But it does lead to the question of why? How could God allow this if “He will defend the afflicted among the people”? I do not have an answer to the “why” question. I do think that it is related to God’s decision to give humans free will, and also to the real presence of evil on the earth.

“He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.” (Verses 13-14) Why did God not rescue these children at Sandy Hook Elementary, and save them from death? Why did God not save the child from cancer? I can live with the unanswered question of why. I have faith in the largeness of God, believing that He embraces my question of why, even though I likely will never know the answer. For all the parents and loved ones of children who die, the question of why is even so much stronger.
 
In the gospels Jesus says that not even a sparrow falls that God does not see. In this Psalm it is affirmed that the blood of those oppressed and victimized by violence is precious in His sight. O my Living Lord, guide me as I prepare tomorrow’s sermon about the birth of the Savior, and as I visit Licking prison today. May your presence sustain me as I walk hand in hand with You throughout this day.

December 14, 2012

This is my last morning in Kentucky. I will work on the January Cliffhanger series this morning, then head to the woods for lunch and dinner, cutting and loading firewood and oak timbers on the trailer. I will drive 3 ½ hours to Van Buren where I will spend the night at The Landing on the current river. Tomorrow I will work on Sunday’s sermon and visit Ron in Licking.

Romans 8 - I love Romans 8!

Verses 1-17 speak to me this morning around the topic of sanctifying grace. I wrote last night in the spring training 2013 material about sanctifying grace, and I will go back and add the gist of these verses. I continue to live in the freedom described herein, free from condemnation and with my mind set on the things of the Spirit, and not living according to the sinful nature. As Christ lives in me, my body is dead because of sin, yet my spirit is alive because of righteousness. And he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to my mortal body through His spirit, who lives in me! (Romans 8:5-11)

I also know that nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus – neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation! In all these things I am a conqueror through Him who loves me. (Verse 37-38) This is reality! This chapter of Romans clearly states the sanctifying power of God active in the believer who trusts in Him. It has been and is my experience. I face the future with hope, even as my body ages, my skin wrinkles, my knees buckle, my teeth chip, and my vision weakens! God is on the throne, He makes all things new! I will serve Him until I take my last breath, and then I will be ushered into eternity and the joy of the Lord of heaven and earth, whose name I proclaim!

John Ed Mathison sent me his new book, When God Redefines the Possible with the inscription “Bruce, thanks for allowing God to use you to redefine the possible! John Ed. I will use its 52 sections for reading in my daily devotions beginning today. Lord, use these chapters to guide my mind and heart into more fully living and doing your will, even as you “redefine the possible” for Bruce Baxter. May this day be full of your Spirit guiding my thinking, planning, writing as this pastor plans for 2013 and beyond.

December 12, 2012

Again this morning Job and Shawchuck (A Guide to Prayer) have me reading the first chapter of Luke, the account of Gabriel appearing to Zacharias. It is good for me to remember this again, under the topic of nagging questions. I especially appreciated the devotional writing of Brennan Manning included for this week. He says “The Christmas contemplative knows that hope is a gift, an undeserved gift of peace, but that it is also a call to decision-the decision to trust…”

As I am alone in Kentucky during these four days I am a “Christmas contemplative.” I had really good prayer time as I drove east on Hwy 60 for 4 hours yesterday afternoon. I benefit from silence. Ron Watts and I shared a delicious meal at an Italian restaurant in downtown Cape Girardeau as we caught up on family and discussed ministry in our two contexts. He described the children’s ministry facility that La Croix built, themed as a rain forest, which has one floor for little ones birth through 4 years old, and one floor for kids Kindergarten through 4th grade. The 5th and 6th grades are in a middle school area. They have large gathering areas for K and 1, 2 and 3, and 4th grade is by itself. The areas have stage and lights, and after 30 minutes of music, drama, and teaching, they break into small groups for discussion, application and prayer. He said that they will host 500 kids during their three weekend worship experiences – Sat evening, plus 2 on Sunday. He emphasized security, and need of parents to have trust in the systems.

We also discussed the issues facing our jurisdiction with the fiasco of Bledsoe and the two conferences without a bishop. Does the Jurisdiction Episcopal committee have the authority to appoint Bledsoe to New Mexico and Northwest Texas? Will the Jurisdictional Conference need to be reconvened? Will they decide to shuffle all the bishops? Interesting questions.

I have these four days for this retreat/planning session. This morning I will work on Sunday’s sermon and email. This afternoon I will spend time in the woods with my rifle and chain saw. Tonight I will work on 2013 material, and again tomorrow morning. I will also develop my outline for the Christmas Eve message, and begin to plan the Cliff Hanger series for post Christmas. Thank you Lord for this time away. Guide me thinking, planning, discerning. Speak to me afresh as I seek your presence. Anoint this Christmas contemplative with your spirit, as you have annointed those who have sought you down through the ages. Bless the work of Wesley as the daily ministries unfold.

December 10, 2012

The theme chosen by Job and Shawchuck (A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God) for this week is “Nagging Questions.” In Luke 1:18-20 is found the question asked by Zacharias, a priest who was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. While there, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, who told him that his petition had been heard, his wife Elizabeth would bear a son, and he would name him John. “Zacharias said to the angel, ‘how shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.’” (Verse 18)

What are the nagging questions of my life? I would like to think that there is no doubt in my heart about what God has said to me, through His word, through His Spirit, and through visions and promptings. I am not aware of any angelic appearances or messages. But I must search my heart and be honest in pondering if there are any nagging questions, and then deal with them. They probably center around what is next, in my leadership at Wesley, in the Annual Conference, in my ministry, and in what I might write. I hold these questions loosely, with faith and with hopeful anticipation. Zacharias’ famous doubt, and ensuing loss of voice until the baby was born instructs me not to question angels when they tell me what is about to happen.

I am heading into the woods of Kentucky to be by myself for several days. I feel close to God when I am there, and it has somewhat of a hermitage feel. I am looking forward to that time alone. Speak to me, most holy one, that I may know your will and live according to your plan. Guard me from doubt, insolence, selfishness, complacency. Use me up in giving myself away for the building of the kingdom.

In preparation for my days in Kentucky this week, I will work hard at church today. I have several meetings, and much preparation to do for this season and for the Spring Training material. I will hook up the trailer and bring it home this afternoon, to have the Explorer and trailer ready to go tomorrow morning. I have been gathering my gear, and will shop for food tonight. Given the frigid temperature and the forecast, I plan to spend Wednesday night in the woods, with the possibility of the lodge on Thursday and Friday. My other option is to spend Wed and Thur in the woods, leaving Friday, with the option of spending Friday night on the road so I can visit Ron Kessler in Licking on Saturday. I am looking forward to several days in the woods and with time to prepare for Christmas and beyond.

December 7, 2012

“To Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in Thee I trust, do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of those who wait for Thee will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

“Make me know Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, for Thou art the God of my salvation; for Thee I wait all the day.” (Psalm 25, Verses 1-5 NASB)

These verses speak the prayer of my heart as I lift up my soul to God this morning. I trust completely in Him. I desire to know His ways and to learn His paths. I am seeking His truth, waiting upon Him all the day, who is the God of my salvation. Next week I will spend a few days in retreat in Kentucky. I will roam the woods. I will read and study scripture, seeking God’s leading, His paths, His truth. I am looking forward to those days apart, to refresh, renew, refocus.

Today I will work on Sunday’s message on “Finding Real Peace.” The critical element is peace with God, and peace with one’s self. All other conflict is manageable and tolerable when one experiences the “peace I leave with you, not as the world gives…” that Jesus promised his disciples. To know who you are and whose you are prepares you for whatever happens.

Guide me today Lord as I seek your path and learn your truth. Guard me from being religious or callous, or selfish or anything else that limits your grace in my life.

December 4, 2012

Paul affirms that he is “not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘but the righteous man shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17) In this epistle, Paul systematically develops the themes of faith, righteousness, and the good news of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:18 -32 describe how God has been revealed to all humans through creation. He laments that humans have turned from worshiping God to worshiping the creation “For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator;” (Verse 25) Paul then gets more specific as he describes how God has given men and women over to degrading passions. He concludes in verse 32 “and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”

The book of Romans is a powerful teaching about God, developed logically and inspired by God’s Spirit through one of the great thinkers and witnesses to Jesus, the apostle Paul. Martin Luther studied this book and taught from it from 1510-1520 at Wittenburg. John Wesley was powerfully impacted by what Luther wrote in his introduction to the book of Romans when he heard a person reading from this introduction at a society (a small group meeting) on Aldersgate street, May 24, 1738.

As I prepare the content of the Life Group material for Spring Training, the Basics of Grace, I will draw from Luther’s intro to Romans, and his lifelong emphasis on salvation by grace through faith.

Guide me today Lord as I seek to grow in your righteousness, living by faith and not by sight. Use me as your shepherd of souls today, and every day on this journey toward eternity.

It rained overnight as a cold front is pushing down from the north. The rest of the day will be dry, and the temperature will rebound to 60, because this cold front is not artic but pacific. Yesterday I finished up with the outside lights, mowed the lawn for the last time, winterizing the mower, fired up the chain saw, cut some large walnut logs in half, and then sharpened the chain. Audrey and I started the day out to breakfast together, and then ran some errands. All in all, it was a good day off. Now I am ready for Tuesday, which is the first day of my work week. I will write the article for the pastor’s pen, prepare for worship planning, and after our meeting, I have the rest of the day to catch up on details, plan and prepare for the coming weeks and the new year.

December 2, 2012

Today is the first day of Advent, come Lord Jesus, come! A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God will be my devotional guide this morning, as I have been using it for the last few weeks, and today I have the privilege of turning to the very beginning and starting on page one. Thank you Lord for the beauty of this early morning. I am looking forward to this morning of worship, preaching and holy communion.

I Thessalonians 3 (especially verses 9-13)

Paul has sent Timothy to Thessalonica and has received a good report from him. He says that he prays night and day for the believers there, and he “pray(s) most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.” This morning I will see the believers at Wesley face to face, and in my morning message restore whatever is lacking in their faith, especially as it concerns the second coming of Jesus to judge and rule the earth. It is an awesome responsibility to stand before a congregation and preach the word of God. Guide me today Lord as I speak your words to your people called Wesley.

Yesterday was a full day of celebrating. For me it began in the morning at the Men’s breakfast which included great fellowship around the tables as 24 men gathered for delicious breakfast, and then a brief business meeting, adopting by-laws suggested from Nashville. The UMW (women’s group) met at 10 for brunch, and I said hello around the edges and helped with some details before it got underway. Upward basketball was in full swing and I had several interactions, including a great conversation with the executive director of Victory Mission, Jim Harriger, whose grandchildren participate in Upward. Audrey and I ended the evening by attending the bi-district Clergy Christmas party at Hood UMC in Republic. It was nice, and accomplished the purposes of such a gathering. We sat with Jerry, Bev, Mi Hyeon and a couple whom I met for the first time, Clint and Kim. He pastors a church outside of Bolivar, and will be coming before the board for commissioning interviews in March.

Lord, I am preparing for your coming. Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King. Whether in the climax of this world’s events, or in the death of my earthly body, I am looking forward to seeing you and living in your presence in the new reality of heaven. Guide me in this present reality to recognize your presence, in the breaking of the bread, in the faces of your people at Wesley, in the hands outstretched for the elements. I am yours Lord, today and every day until the end of time, even unto eternity.