Category Archives: America

by | May 13, 2012 · 5:00 am

Happy Mother’s Day ;-)

It’s Here

If you are one of the unlucky, unfortunate, or predestined to be elected to forget Mother’s Day, I’m sorry. Either by choice or design, you should have marked your calendar and set an alarm.

However, if you forgot, there may be hope (if you are a subscriber to this blog and read your email). Because this is being posted so early in the morning, you should have time to do some stuff before you see your mother (or your children’s mother), either at church, dinner, the nursing home, Wal-Mart, or place of incarceration.

A few last-minute suggestions…

  1. Get up right now, put down your smart phone, or stand up from your computer, and make her (your mother/wife) breakfast. You may even have time to brush your teeth before you say, “Good morning!” Or….
  2. Quickly sneak out of the house and drive to your nearest 24-hour gas station (that’s petrol, for you Brits). There you should locate a fine selection of plastic-wrapped silk roses (to keep them fresh), Doritos, lottery tickets, “genuine” lead crystal figurines, and NASCAR air fresheners. Or….
  3. Draw a hand-made card in an attempt to appear sweet and child-like to cover the fact you forgot to buy one. Then, when you give it to her, create a story about how you “can’t wait till she gets her surprise.” That will give you time to figure out where you are going to take her to eat, and how much you want to spend. OR….
  4. Learn the following song that I wrote just for mothers. She will love it. “Mother’s Day” 

But Seriously

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised (Prov. 31:30 ESV). May all mothers strive to fit that description.

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by | April 21, 2012 · 5:22 pm

In Memory of Chuck Colson (1931-2012)

If you have never heard of Chuck Colson, that’s a real shame. Please follow the link I have provided and become aquainted with him, however belated that aquaintance may be.

Click Here.

Chuck went home to be with his Lord this morning, shortly after 3 am. He will be sorely missed.

Because of the efforts of Mr. Colson, many prisoners have come to know Christ, freedoms have been preserved, ethics have been championed, atheists have been challenged, and politicians have been held to account. May God raise up others to take his place.

In his honor, please go to the box on the right labeled “Manhattan Declaration.” Please read the declaration and sign it. Make your voice heard in the fight for religious liberty in this country.

“One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that I don’t ever get up in the morning and wonder if what I do matters. I live every day to the fullest because I can live it through Christ and I know no matter what I do today, I’m going to do something to advance the Kingdom of God.”— Charles Colson

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by | March 24, 2012 · 1:11 pm

Atheists March While God Watches

Washington, D.C.

Today the mall in Washington, D.C. is being trampled by those who say there is no God. Below is a news article from Fox News.

Atheists and other nonbelievers are gathering Saturday on the National Mall for what organizers say may be the largest secular gathering in Washington’s history.

Thousands of atheists, humanists and others are expected to gather for the “Reason Rally,” featuring speakers, music and comedy. Organizers say they also expect to be challenged by religious groups.

The National Park Service says a permit calls for an estimated crowd of 15,000.

The American Humanist Society is one of the primary sponsors. Roy Speckhardt, the group’s executive director, says the rally will be a “coming out party” for humanists and atheists and a rally for political change.

Atheists held their first large gathering on the Mall in 2002. It was billed as “The Godless March on Washington.”

Two Points

There are just a couple of things that I would like to point out, and then I am done.

First, 15,000? Are you kidding? I am not a Joel Osteen fan by any means, but he has at least twice that many in his congregation on any given Sunday! And these people say they speak for the majority of Americans? Get real!

Secondly, I couldn’t help but think of all the monuments surrounding the National Mall. One in particular is worth noting: The Jefferson Memorial.

Atheists and humanist want to remove God from every public surface (including washing blessed roads – see below). The problem is that “God” has been deeply engraved in granite and marble for a long time. Consider the following excerpts from the panels surrounding the statue of Thomas Jefferson:

  • “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” – Panel 1
  • “Almighty God hath created the mind free…All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens…are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion.”  – Panel 2
  • “God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.” – Panel 3

One of key speakers at the Reason Rally will be Prof. Richard Dawkins. Speaking of this event, Dawkins says that our country is  “constantly under threat from people who would like to turn this country into some sort of a theocracy” (see story below). However, one would think that if America should have ever become a theocracy, it should have been early on, when our founding fathers were not afraid to speak of He from whom our liberties are granted.

So, while they march, while they sing, and while they laugh, God’s name surrounds them, engraved in stone, while His eye beholds their acts of reason.

_______________________________

I would encourage you to listen to all four parts of the following address by Dr. Ravi Zacharias.

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by | March 17, 2012 · 10:52 pm

Graduation: 1963

While I was studying and doing research for a paper (the proposal is due Sunday night and I can’t even decide on the subject), my wife was going through some boxes. She found something very interesting.

I thought it was worth sharing.

My father, Terry L. Baker, graduated from Kirkman Technical High School on May 26, 1963. Would you like to make comparisons to baccalaureate services of today? Check out the parts that are underlined.

What would the A.C.L.U. say?!

The Program

Place of baccalaureate service: Red Bank Baptist Church

Prelude: “The Heavens are Telling“

Processional: “God of Our Fathers“

Invocation: Pastor Ralph Norton

The Invocation Response: G. P. da Palestrina

Solo: “Just for Today” (by a student)

Scripture Reading: by Class of 1963 President of the Miracle Book Club

Congregational Hymn: “O Worship the King”

Solo: “One God” (by a student)

Baccalaureate Message: The Rev. Dr. Ralph Norton

“The Lords Prayer”: (read by a student)

Bennediction: Dr. Ralph Norton

How much of this would be allowed today? Who would go to jail for these horrible crimes against humanity? Over 220 graduates and their families went to this service, and not one complained.

Amazing.

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by | March 7, 2012 · 3:13 pm

Election Season Vision

Every time an election season rolls around, I get a little blue, a little down, a little grumpy. You see, taking a stand on principle, especially when it goes against the mainstream, can be physically and emotionally draining. This time, however, I have the added pleasure of the flue to complicate matters, so you might find me acting a little “snippy.”

And, if you are a regular reader, you may have noticed there was no “Monday Monkey” video this week. Part of the reason has been a shortage of time (beyond normal), but there has also been a sick wife, daughter, and self. The thought of editing anything made my head hurt.

Yet, as much as I attempt to fight the good fight, be salt and light, and keep a roof over my family’s head, I must remember “this world is not my home, I’m only passing through.” As much as I may be tempted to stress over national and world economies, “my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” One day this world will pass away, even America. This is only a temporary stop, so I shouldn’t let it bother me too much.

One day I will go to a land where there will be no more elections, no more propaganda, no more political parties, no more special interests, only the High King of Glory reigning in righteousness and truth. That must be my focus, my vision, “whatever befall.”

“Be Thou My Vision”

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

 

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by | February 29, 2012 · 11:30 am

Based on a True Story

Here’s the Story

On this past Saturday I went to hear Rick Santorum speak. What I did not expect was to meet Bill Maher and Michael Moore in the lobby. Awkward.

“Hey, Anthony, what’s up, my brother,” asked Bill as he grabbed my hand to shake it. “Can I give you a hug, my friend? Good to finally meet you in person,” said Mr. Moore.

“What are you two doing here,” I asked, “and where do you know me from?”

Bill said, “HBO asked me to do some research on Christian bloggers, and when I found your site, well, you won me over!” He went on to say, “I was so blinded by my hatred of Christianity that I would never give it an honest chance; but then I read your blog. You changed my mind. Since then I have become a believer.”

Michael Moore’s story was similar. He said, “I was working on a new anti-Republican, anti-Evangelical documentary when I read your brilliant blog. The power of your intellect, combined with the non-conspiratorial power of the Holy Spirit, convinced me I was headed down a liberal road to destruction. I confessed my sins and became a believer. Did you read my comment on The Recovering Legalist?”

“Wow! Unbelievable! This is awesome news,” I said. “Are you here because you’re leaving the Democrat party?” “No,” they said. The reason they came to hear Rick Santorum was to seek wisdom which they could use to transform the liberal Democrat political machine.

Here’s the True Part

Last Saturday I went to hear Rick Santorum speak. That’s the truth. The above was based on a true story.

While visiting the hospital today (one of those pastoral things) I heard one nurse comment to another, “It’ll be a great movie, and it’s based on a true story.” Really? Makes one wonder what part is true.

John 8:31-32 … So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

“As a matter of honor, one man owes it to another to manifest the truth.” ~ Thomas Aquinas

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by | February 20, 2012 · 2:34 pm

Monday Monkey “President’s Day Message” (Episode 16)

This episode came a little late in the day. I apologize. Just too many things to do in a day, you know?

I don’t know if pollen is a problem where you are, but it is here. So, on President’s Day, Mr. Monkey has a message for everyone to hear.

“President’s Day Message”

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by | February 9, 2012 · 10:07 pm

Air Force Removes God

I just read about another disturbing developement within the United States military. The Air Force removed “God” from the logo on one of their patches.

You see, a small group of God haters (sorry, that’s what they are) called the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers complained about the wording on a patch that read (in Latin) “Doing God’s Work with Other People’s Money.” You see, atheists can’t be going around doing God’s work – that would just be un…un…human, I guess.

In response to the wishes of those who care nothing for the wisdom of our Founding Fathers (see last post), Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley approved the wording to be changed to “Doing Miracles with Other People’s Money.”

Doing Miracles?

  • First line from article in Wikipedia – “A miracle often denotes an event attributed to divine intervention.”
  • From Dictionary.com – “An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause…Such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.”
  • From Meriam-Webster.com – “An extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.”

It would seem to me that the choice of “miracle” was not just a compromise, but a statement. Coincidentally, it reminds me of another statement: “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” – Isaiah 14:14

Removing “God” and replacing it with “Miracle” is not exactly making things religiously neutral. No, all it is doing is exchanging one God for another god – self. For you see, men still believe the lie first told to Eve, “YOU shall be as gods.”

When our Founding Fathers pledged to each other “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor,” they did so with a “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.” What would they have to protect them today? A bunch of miracle-working atheists and freethinkers. Thank GOD they signed the Declaration of Independence when they did!

Take Action!

Please follow this link and send an email to Secretary Michael Donley insisting he restore the original wording on the RCO patch, then forward this to others.

http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/TakeAction.asp?id=420

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by | February 8, 2012 · 10:54 pm

The Oval Office Thermometer

I have written a lot, even when I should have already called it quits and gone to bed. But I have erased it all. Why? Because a simple message deserves a simple post.

In the near future our country will be going to the polls to elect a president. Who we elect will say a lot about the people of this nation, for one thing remains the same: we get what we deserve.

My prayer is that a God-fearing, honorable, trust-worthy, man of character will be elected. He doesn’t have to be a Christian, but it would be nice if he bore no animosity to my faith. It was none other than George Washington who said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.“*

Now, more than ever, especially with recent action taken by the Obama administration, our country has taken a turn toward complete secularism. The leaders of our country seem to think that religion, especially the Christian faith, is harmful, unfair, and destructive to our society. But it was another founding father, John Adams, who said: “[W]e have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. . . . Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.“**

But if history continues down the path it has been taking, I fear the next election will result in a further slide downward. It won’t be the president’s fault, either. It will be the fault of a people that put him in office. The reason is pretty simple: the type of president we elect is going to be a representation of the heart of the people who vote.

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people. – Proverbs 14:34

“We the people” are the thermostat. We elect a thermometer.

*(Source: George Washington, Address of George Washington, President of the United States . . . Preparatory to His Declination (Baltimore: George and Henry S. Keatinge), pp. 22-23. In his Farewell Address to the United States in 1796.)

**(Source: John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles Francis Adams, editor (Boston: Little, Brown, and Co. 1854), Vol. IX, p. 229, October 11, 1798.)

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by | January 9, 2012 · 12:45 am

Monday Monkey Tree House (Episode 11)

In this episode, Mr. Monkey and the Recovering Legalist team head off to Crossville, Tennessee.

What’s in Crossville? The worlds largest tree house, of course!

The Treehouse – The Way

If you want one, there are little business cards available with information. The business card has a picture of the tree house, and right beside are the words The Treehouse – The Way. What does The Way have to do with the Treehouse? Well, as I understand it, according the Horace Burgess, the builder/owner, God told him to build it.

No joke.

A lady we know heard of our trip to the tree house. She said she had been there, so I asked her what she thought. “It was all a bunch of nothing,” she said coarsely. She couldn’t understand why anyone would build such a thing, much less visit it. She saw no value in what Mr. Burgess was doing.

To be honest, saying that God told you to build the world’s largest tree house is quite unusual. But on the other hand, I am sure many thought the same as they made fun of Noah’s ark. Why couldn’t God instruct someone to build a tree house?

Some may joke about the man and the house, but the purpose of the structure is not a joke. As a matter of fact, instead of growing crops in an adjacent field, Mr. Burgess writes the Purpose for all to see – Jesus.

Encouragement

I hope this episode of Monday Monkey will encourage you in a several ways.

First, I hope it will encourage you to something creative, something weird, no matter how silly or strange, even if it means carrying a monkey puppet around in public. Don’t let naysayers squash your imagination.

Secondly, I hope it will encourage you to visit the tree house in Crossville, TN. While there, try to make a donation to help feed the abandoned horses.

Thirdly, I hope it encourages you to pray for Bro. Horace Burgess and his ministry, however strange. If nothing else, pray for those who will visit the tree house. Hopefully, because of one man’s vision, they will also see Jesus.

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