Author Archives: Anthony Baker

About Anthony Baker

Husband, dad, pastor, artist, and musician. Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2006 (no joke!). Loves coffee (big time), good movies, and sarcastic humor. Holds a Doctorate in Ministry. Most importantly, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. All glory belongs to Him! Matthew 5:16

by Anthony Baker | February 14, 2020 · 6:00 am

Love Is Love?

The following, posted in March of last year, holds profound meaning for a day like today.

Especially today.

Not long ago I was riding with my youngest daughter through the Nashville, TN area. We were visiting a couple of colleges that she is thinking of attending, one of them being MTSU.

Since I was the one riding, and since I wasn’t too afraid that Haley would get us killed, I felt more comfortable looking at the sights. One of the sights I saw was a little sticker placed on the back window of a vehicle in the lane next to us.

The first thing I did when I saw it was say out loud what I was thinking: “Love is love? What kind of definition is that?”

And that’s really the point of this little post (rant) of mine: What does it mean when you say “Love Is Love”?

Let’s change the words a little and see if the same way of defining love works with other stuff.

Rock is Rock.
Lamb is Lamb.
Bob is Bob.
Cola is Cola.
Dirt is Dirt.
Poison is Poison.
Hate is Hate.

As you can see, the words above are not as easy to define by stating that one is what it is. To say that a rock is a rock is to say a diamond is a piece of driveway gravel. To say that dirt is dirt is to equate what my flowers are growing in with stuff people dig up to smear politicians.

Is every Bob the same as every other Bob? Is Coke really as nasty as the generic stuff? Is a stuffed lamb in a toy store the same as the living, breathing, pooping animal capable of growing wool?

If “hate is hate,” then is it equally immoral to hate murder as I could hate my neighbor?

LOVE IS LOVE tells us nothing. All it does is confuse, belittle, elevate what is not the real thing, and degrade what is priceless.

Is there no standard for what love is supposed to be? Is self-love the same as sacrificial love? Stating that “love is love” doesn’t even clarify whether or not love is a verb or a noun?

That is why the Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle John to write (1 John 4:8,16): “God is love.”

What love is supposed to be is directly related to the nature of God. God is the standard. God is the Definer.

Love without God in the equation is a scary, vague, unstable, dangerous, self-serving, undefinable, always-changing emotional term that can be used to justify anything (which can be verified by doing a Google search of “Love Is Love” memes).

Poison isn’t just poison, but love without God is a poison that blinds the heart.

2 Comments

Filed under Culture Wars, General Observations, God, Love of God

Tagged as definitions, diversity, equality, love, Love is love, love of God, poison, words

by Anthony Baker | February 13, 2020 · 4:51 pm

How Badly Do You Want to Be Loved?

Jingles (not the bell kind)

Do you ever catch yourself singing commercial jingles for no apparent reason? Well, when I am driving, bored, and a little (or a lot) sleepy, I tend to start singing songs I learned as a child. In particular, one song is tops on my repertoire…

The Oscar Mayer Wiener Song.

Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / That is what I’d truly like to be ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / Everyone would be in love with me.

First appearing in 1965, this song has become boiled, grilled, steamed, fried, and even micro-waved into our memories. But recently it struck me…what in the world am I saying? Am I so desperate for the attention of others that I would be willing to become an unhealthy food source?

The Need for Love

There are many hurting people in the world who would wish for nothing more than someone to love them. They go to great lengths to be prettier, richer, more popular, or even more “available” – all to find love. But do you really think it’s a good idea to wish you were a hot dog?

What most people don’t know is that there was a second verse to the Oscar Mayer wiener song. In the 1965 commercial a truly intelligent boy quickly understood the true ramifications of the song’s wish and sang the following:

Oh, I’m glad I’m not an Oscar Mayer wiener / That is what I’d never want to be/ ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / There would soon be nothing left of me.

Sing it, brother! You tell ’em! Why would anyone want to be a hot dog? Do you really want to be loved so badly that you would sacrifice your humanity and allow yourself to be eaten? It’s not worth it, people…believe me!

The lyrics to this song could be re-written to expose what people are really saying. “Oh I wish I was something else instead of human / A tube of meat is what I want to be / I’d gladly die alone in boiling water / If you would only say that you loved me.“

in pot Look, there is no reason to want to become a hot dog (you might get eaten by one). Really, there is nothing to be gained by having your body boiled or grilled on an open flame; covered in chili, relish, mustard, and onions; then chewed repeatedly until you’re swallowed by someone who will forget you an hour later (unless the chili upsets them). Stay human. It’s better that way!

You ARE Loved!

Ironically, someone did become something He was not in order to die for love. The big difference is that He was God and became Human, not a hot dog. And what’s more, He didn’t die to be loved – He died because He loved. His name is Jesus, and He died for you.

“For God so love the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 KJV

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 NIV

You are VERY loved!

4 Comments

Filed under Food, General Observations, salvation, Uncategorized, Witnessing

Tagged as devotional, God, Hot dog, Humor, love, nobody loves me, Oscar Mayer

by Anthony Baker | February 12, 2020 · 6:30 am

Valentinerie’s Love Song

Today is my wife’s birthday!

She is ___ years old! (see what I did there?)

Unfortunately, I am not with her; she decided to go to Charleston this week to spend time with our granddaughter. But that doesn’t mean I can’t wish her a happy birthday via the world wide web, right?

Happy birthday, Valerie! I heart you!

Holiday Names

My wife’s name is Valerie. Is it any wonder? I mean, she was born just two days before Valentine’s Day (and, coincidentally, on the day my parents got married). Valentine > Valerie = Logical.

You have to admit, Valerie sounds a LOT better than Valentinerie.

Valentinerie… Now that’s a name worth passing around at the maternity ward!

Hmmm. That makes me wonder. What other names parents could name their daughter’s around this time?

Valentina?
Chocolatta?
Qishentyne?
Vilntin (pronounced Valentine)?
Lubnote?

Yeah, I think “Valerie” was the best choice.

The Lubsong ♥

Anyway, I wrote Valentinerie…excuse me, Valerie…a love song several years ago (You can be the judge of how much was truly autobiographical).

When I couldn’t figure out how to film myself doing a music video, I went to work with marker, paper, Monkey, and iPhone.

Here is the chocolate-covered fruit of my labor (I said labor…I’ve really got to get down to that maternity ward!).

“Try Me”

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

Just remember, the truest example of love is God’s love for us. May we love others with such extravagance (1 John 4:19-21).

4 Comments

Filed under Love of God, Monday Monkey, music

Tagged as Babe Ruth, Candy, Chocolate, love, Monday Monkey, Music, Valentine's Day

by Anthony Baker | February 11, 2020 · 8:45 am

Who’s Giving You Directions?

Today I thought I’d go back and see what I wrote in the first February of this blog. Unfortunately, I didn’t start writing until August of 2009, but then I stopped after only a few posts. I didn’t start back up until July of 2010, so my first February wasn’t until 2011.

I wanted to see what I had written 10 years ago, but this is the best I can do 🙂

“Blind Leading the Blind”

Do you know what a “small bus” is? Maybe you know it as the “short bus.” Either way, it is a bus on which the physically and mentally handicapped ride to school. Fun, fun, fun.

One day I was filling in on what was called a “Special Needs” route. Being that I was not familiar with where all the stops were, it would have helped to have someone on board, like an attendant, to give me directions. You see, even though drivers are supposed to write out directions, the ones that get left for the sub drivers aren’t always up-to-date. Attendants regularly help with the “rights and lefts.”

Oh, I’m sorry! You need to know what an “attendant” is, don’t you?

Usually, on all “Special Ed” routes, there is what is called an “attendant.” This is the person who rides along to watch the kids in the back, making sure they stay seated and buckled in, ensuring their safety. However, many times the attendant’s job consists of being cursed, spit on, puked on, drooled on, kicked, and even looked at “funny.”

Anyway, I did not have an attendant this special (pun intended) day. I had a list of directions, but they were pretty vague. I might has well been driving blind, cause I was totally in the dark. I needed a little help. Then, I pick up my first student…maybe she could help me? Nope….she was blind.

Me: Good morning. How are you doing?

Girl: I am doing great! You don’t sound like our regular driver. You filling in for him?

Me: Yeah, and I wish he had left better directions to get where we need to go. I wish I had some help.

Girl: Don’t worry, I’ll keep you on track. (EXCUSE ME!!)

Me: (Puzzled) What are you going to do, whack me on the back of the head with that stick? (Yes, I said it.)

“Life Lesson”

When the “blind lead the blind,” nobody gets picked up; nobody rides; and the Destination is never reached.

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. – Matthew 15:14 KJV

Teachers of the Word, be mindful of your doctrine…

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. – 1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV

Followers of the Word, be mindful of your teachers…

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. – 2 Peter 2:1 KJV

2 Comments

Filed under Life Lessons

Tagged as Bible, Bus, children, First Epistle to Timothy, Special education, transportation

by Anthony Baker | February 10, 2020 · 3:35 pm

Having Fun With George

I posted the following video on YouTube and Facebook, but I just had to share it with you guys.

George is my little buddy 🙂

Jesus Is More than a Crutch!

Last night I was sifting through boxes of stuff in my office and I came across several notebooks in which I’d maintained somewhat of a diary.

I’ll be honest with you, it’s been a pretty difficult time around here, lately. Not only has my faith been tested on an hourly basis, but my own brokenness has been made clear over and over again. When I took a few minutes to flip through the pages of those old notebooks, all from over a decade ago, the truth that my broken condition is chronic became obvious.

But there was one page I found where I had written some encouraging words. However, they weren’t words of affirmation meant to build up my ego or make me feel better about myself; they were attestations to the fact that Jesus is more, so much more, than a crutch to me.

Below is a copy of the text…

You say you don’t need Jesus because you don’t need a crutch. If you don’t think you need him, then maybe you’re crippled to high for crutches.

Jesus is more than a crutch!

Throw away Jesus and take the Devil, but I choose Jesus.

Just think about it:

The Devil tries to burden me down
-Jesus says, “Cast your cares on me.”

“Forgiven” by Thomas Blackshear

The Devil wants me to sin.
-Jesus bore my sin.

Satan will try to weaken me.
-Jesus is my strength.

When Satan fires his arrows at me,
-Jesus is my Shield.

In the midst of the storm
-Jesus hides me in his hand.

Satan would see me defeated.
-Jesus fights my battles.

Satan would have me fall into despair.
-Jesus lifts me from the pit.

Satan would harm me.
-Jesus will heal me.

When darkness is all around and Satan would blind me,
-Jesus is my Light.

When Satan says, “There is no way,”
-Jesus says, “I AM THE WAY”

When Satan says I’m guilty,
-Jesus paid my debt.

When the Devil would lead me astray,
-Jesus is my Shepherd.

When the Devil would watch me fall,
-Jesus carries me.

“Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.” – Thomas A. Dorsey

He leads; He goes before; He walks beside; He holds me; He carries me; He helps me to stand; He gives me a race to run: He’s so much more than a “crutch” to me.

14 Comments

Filed under Christian Living, Christian Maturity, Depression, Faith, Jesus, worship, writing

Tagged as depression, devotional, faith, Jesus, journals, lists, walking, writing

by Anthony Baker | February 9, 2020 · 8:52 pm

The Illustrious Employments of Doctor Baker

Dear wonderful friends,

Please give me your opinion about something.

What would spark your interest…what would make you want to pick it up a book about my career choices?

It’s going to be a memoir, of sorts. But more than that, it’s a story of how the jobs I worked contributed to and made a way for what I am doing today.

Sound boring?

Fun facts:

I’ve held jobs in approximately 10 different industries
Licensed or certified in at least 5 different industries
I’ve nearly been crushed, shot, and bitten.
I’ve crawled under haunted houses, been stuck in killer radiation, and stared down hundreds of poisonous spiders.
I’ve worked in every form of weather, dodged multiple tornadoes, and done six-wheel drifts in a school bus full of elementary children.
I’ve built things, destroyed things, repaired things, designed things, and killed things.
All total, unless I’ve missed something, I’ve had 50 jobs, and I’m just 53.
And now I am the 50th pastor of a 230-year-old church, and this is my 50th job!

More than just a collection of stories arranged in chronological order, I want this to be an ode to those who are in bi-vocational ministry. I want it to encourage the idea that all work is “sacred.” I want it to be a testimony to how God can use whatever we do to prepare us for the next step or the next call to ministry.

Would you think it interesting enough to read?

What if it was full of crazy stories, funny stories, heartfelt stories, etc.?

How do you think it should be arranged? What kind of format?

As a preacher, I really don’t need a book of illustrations – I have lived the illustrations!

What should be the ultimate connecting theme?

What are your thoughts?

1 Comment

Filed under writing

Tagged as books, Employment, ideas, Jobs, writing

by Anthony Baker | February 8, 2020 · 10:39 am

Grandparenting Suggestions Needed

I know I’ve already uploaded a post this morning, and I hope you’ll check it out – it’s a quasi-political post with a spiritual ending. Awesome stuff!

But this morning I received via text several pictures and and some video from our daughter in Charleston. They are pictures of our granddaughter, Emma, in her new princess pavilion (or whatever you call it).

Here’s the honest-to-goodness question: How’s a grandparent supposed to spoil a grandchild when the parents do things like this?

The only think I can think of is letting her get away with stuff that she’s not allowed to do when at home, like eat spoonfuls of sugar, drink coffee, play with matches, listen to three hours straight of Rush Limbaugh, etc.

If you have any suggestions, I’m happy to consider them. Thanks 🙂

15 Comments

Filed under Family, grandchildren, Parenting

Tagged as Family, grandchildren, Parenting

by Anthony Baker | February 8, 2020 · 7:00 am

Apologize For What, Exactly?

He Won’t Apologize!

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing: CNN reported that Trump would not apologize after being acquitted. I literally laughed out loud and asked, “Why would he?!”

Seriously, if you think I’m joking, here’s a screen shot I took of the headline…

Say what you want, but if I was one who was accused of something I swore I didn’t do, why would I stand in front of the world after I was acquitted and say I’m sorry for doing what I previously swore I didn’t do? If they wanted to paint Trump as insane, that would have been a good time to do it, because that would have been crazy!

Accused and Reminded

But as soon as I heard about this story and the stupidity of it all, I couldn’t help but think of what Satan does to you and me: he accuses, then he reminds.

The name “Satan” means “accuser.” That’s what he does all the time; he accuses us of all kinds of things, maybe even things we’ve done. Thankfully, one day he will be “cast down” and won’t be able to keep up the accusations.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. – Revelation 12:10

But Satan not only accuses us before the Judge, he tries to make us feel guilty for things for which we’ve already been forgiven. He wakes us up in the middle of the night, or puts something in our paths that will trigger a flashback of some sin we did, and then he revels in making us feel guilty and dirty all over again.

“You call yourself a Christian?” he’ll ask. “Then why did you do that?” “What makes you think God would really forgive you? How do you even know you’ve been forgiven?” And then, like what you did was just yesterday, you feel sick, nasty, and afraid God might not love you as much as He promised.

Before long we find ourselves begging God to forgive us for something long forgiven, questioning His Word, or else we feel too ashamed to even believe we can be forgiven, then wind up doubting our salvation.

Justified!

Folks, if Trump doesn’t think he did anything wrong, why on earth would anyone expect him to get in front of the cameras of his accusers and apologize?

But for you and I, what a joy it is – or should be – to know full well that what we have been accused of, we were guilty! Yet, through faith in Jesus Christ and His substitutionary atonement, we are not only forgiven, but we are JUSTIFIED (acquitted) by grace!

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: – Romans 3:24
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: … Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. – Romans 5:1, 9

So, if the Devil’s CNN ever questions you about some sin you may have committed in the past, some sin that might get God to change His mind about acquitting you, remind them that whatever they are trying, it won’t work: