Some of you may be new, so it would be good for me to remind everyone that this is not the only blog I publish. The other one I regularly publish is Proverbial Thought (Proverbialthought.com).
I would encourage you to check it out and consider it something to add to your quite time – at least from time to time. Go to the site and read the “About” page for a clear explanation of the site.
Here’s the link to the blog…Proverbial Thought: Your Daily Word of Wisdom from Proverbs.
Once again the Blogger’s Bed & Breakfast (well, more like Blogger’s Inflatable & Breakfast) was pleased to entertain guests from far-off lands. As a matter of fact, those who came to visit were from way out in Missouriland, a place up in the northern territory.
Amazingly, our guests had no problem adapting to our civilized ways. They socialized without insulting our genteel sensibilities even once (I mean, you never know how Yankees will react to Southern hospitality)!
Actually, we were pleased to have Everett, Heather, and Emerson Mertens stay with us last night. They were on there way to Florida (Southern Yankee territory) and it just made sense for them to stop here for a spell in Chattanooga.
Me, Everett, Nugget, Valerie (my wife), Heather, Katie (my daughter), Emmy, and Haley (my daughter)
Heather Mertens is a blogger that I met online several years ago, and I had the chance to meet them for lunch when they passed through once before. But what an awesome, fun time it was this time around to have them come have dinner with us, stay overnight, and then eat breakfast before heading back out.
Like I’ve written before, bloggers are real people; it’s wonderful when we can actually meet in person, set aside the keyboards, and talk face-to-face. And in this case, it was our whole families sitting around the table, sharing a couple of meals, and fellowshipping like Christians everywhere should do… over food 😉
There’s always an invitation!
Filed under blogging, Christian Unity, Food, Relationships and Family
The Lenovo has landed.
You guys have no idea how much I’ve hated not having my computer! I mean, I love the technology of hand-held devices, but there is nothing like sitting down to a computer and making the keyboard smoke! Booyah!
Anyway, I finally go my computer back from the “shop” and it is running like a fine-tuned machine…which is what it is. Now, if I can manage to manage my time and keep my wife and daughters’ eyes from rolling back and searching their brains each time I sit down in my chair, things will be great! Woo Hoo!
Now that I am back at the keyboard, I feel the temptation to comment on the many, many items in the news. However, there is just so much, and so many other bloggers – not to mention news sites – cover this stuff to the point of nausea. Therefore, I’ve got to choose my postings wisely.
Sure, I need to address a few issues floating about in the stormy media sea, but do I really need to comment on everything? Of course not. As a matter of fact, much of what is going on in the world right now is so depressing that I’ve begun to limit my exposure to it. For example, I’m going to vote in the next election, but I’m tired of politics; I’m only going to consume what I have to in order to get by.
Trump and Clinton are on my last nerve, and the election isn’t even in full swing.
Essentially, I only want to write about stuff that will allow me to express my uniquely unique writing style…nothing forced. Hopefully, if all goes well, those of you who read my posts will be encouraged to keep coming back. Hopefully, the stuff I unstuff from my brain will interest you, too.
Here are some things I do plan on covering in the near and dear future:
Enjoy one of my most favorite music videos and one of my most favorite songs – because I wrote it….and it’s funny.
Filed under blogging
There’s not much to say, other than watch the video. I recorded it today while sitting in our van, hence the title.
Filed under baptist, blogging, Christian Unity, legalism
Jared Bolstridge is not a blogger, nor does he play one on TV, but he is the Youth Pastor at our church. Jared wanted to help out during my break by submitting the following thoughts. As you may gather, Jared is an avid reader and loves Jesus. And to think, this young scholar is not as old as some of the clothes in my closet! – Anthony Baker
The Bible is a book that has changed my life. It remains at the center of it and guides my everyday life. I love the Scriptures, and tell anyone who will listen that the answers to life and godliness are clearly given within.
Besides the Bible, however, there are other books that have had a deep impact on my Spiritual walk. While commentaries, theology texts, books on the Christian walk, dating books and other Christian books have been well worth the time, another category continually rises above these.
Is this wrong? Should we reject these and say only Scripture should be read?
Never! For the truth is that in the lives of these faithful believers we see the Scriptures lived out again and again. We see God work in ways never expected and superhuman perseverance by the power of the Holy Spirit. In them we see the gospel played out!
I cannot emphasize enough the role these stories play in the lives of a 21st century believer! If you have never read them before, read them and watch your world transform. If the names I have mentioned are as familiar as old friends, read them again, I certainly do. If you are a parent, pay careful attention, at all cost get these stories into the hands of your children and teenagers. Watch as their lives are transformed and rejoice as you see them dream big dreams for God!
The books that have had the most influence have been the stories of Jesus-followers who have come before me. Simple stories. Missionary stories, stories about the persecuted, stories of the great preachers of days gone by and stories about sinners being dramatically saved by the grace of God. These stories have changed my life.
What is it about a story? While one can never go wrong reading Tozer, Lewis, Swindoll or Bridges, the truths found in these fine theologians have never stuck with me the way stories have. I learned more about forgiveness from Corrie Ten Boom’s experiences than I ever did reading a book entitled “10 Truths About Forgiveness.”
I learned courage from the likes of Gladys Alyward and Richard Wurmbrand. I learned sacrifice from Hudson Taylor and Jim and Elizabeth Elliot, perseverance from William Carey, stubborn conviction from D.L. Moody and compassion from Amy Carmichael. These were my teachers and mentors among so many others. It was their stories that have inspired me and continue to do so today.
The gospel has been played out millions of times in the lives of those before us, it never gets old, worn or tired. It is new every time. Read, be inspired, go and do likewise!
A list of suggested works:
and so many more…
Filed under Bible Study, blogging, Christianity, Faith, Guest Posts
The following is a guest post written by Melissa Zelniker-Presser. She has a unique perspective on being Jewish and a Christian which makes this post a “must read.”. – Anthony Baker
My son has ADHD. He may very well be on the spectrum for autism. That has caused a lot of people not to understand him, to judge him or to treat him with scorn, malice and contempt. In the four years that I have ridden the roller coaster of a parent who has a child that is not “the norm,” it is the misunderstanding and opinions of others that are often times worse than the disorder itself. I have heard everything from:
This is just some of the commentary and ignorance that I deal with on a daily basis. And it has made me see his world in a whole different light.
Recently a friend of ours from church who has an autistic son gave me a book entitled, “Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew,” by Ellen Notbohm. I haven’t finished the book yet because I’ve stopped to pause and reflect on every page. The book is written from the perspective of the autistic child which is wholly unique. And although of course it can’t capture everything that child may be thinking or feeling, it is a valiant attempt at getting people to understand how that child feels.
I wasn’t even a couple of pages into the book when I thought about a recent series of questions I was asked about being a Jewish believer in Christ. These questions can oftentimes feel like science experiments, making me feel different and not so good about myself. Gentile brethren are oftentimes misguided and uninformed, asserting their theological opinions on who I am and what my journey to Christ may or may not look like. If I didn’t hold back, I’d want to shout from the rooftops, I am just like you! I am a Christian too!!! Why must you see me any different?
Reading the beginning of the book, the quick overview of the ten things that every child with autism wishes you knew, immediately sparked an idea in me to express to people the 10 things Jewish believers in Christ want you to know. Jewish believers are often polite and not forthcoming about their struggles, and I am hoping that by revealing some of my innermost thoughts, gentile brethren will understand where I am coming from as Jewish follower of Christ.
1. Please don’t expect that I know everything about the Jewish religion- Most Jews don’t.
We as Jews are oftentimes more cultural than we are religious. Being Jewish is part of our identity just as if someone was Hispanic. But this does not mean that we speak Hebrew, know the Old Testament or can recite an entire Passover Seder. There’s nothing worse than being called on or questioned about our Judaism in front of other believers.
2. Please don’t tell me I am no longer Jewish- Jewish people have a heritage and identity that resides deep within their souls. We bleed Jewish.
When we as Jewish women are pregnant, we are tested for Jewish specific diseases based on our ancestral heritage. Jesus was JEWISH. Jesus did not stop being Jewish when he was crucified and died, so neither do I. And please do not cite your authority for believing I am no longer Jewish as Galatians 3:28, you are misguided. Respect my heritage and who I am. Yes we are one body in Christ but I cannot change WHO I am. Being Jewish is part of who God made me and part of my identity.
3. Please don’t single me out amongst our brothers and sisters- There is nothing worse than having your well-meaning Christian brother or sister introduce you as a Jewish believer.
If it comes up in conversation fine. But please don’t shout across the room and draw attention to me. I want to be just like you, a Christian. I am saved and redeemed by the blood of the lamb just like you.
4. Don’t expect that I know other Jewish believers- This happens all the time, I expect because we are somewhat of an anomaly.
Hey do you know Sally Jones, she is also a Jewish believer. No, no I don’t know Sally Jones. Why would I know Sally Jones? We are no longer living in the desert in close communion with one another. There are millions of us. Don’t expect me to know Sally.
5. Don’t put us down because we choose to keep our customs and traditions alive; this is not legalism!- Jewish custom and tradition is inherent for us.
We are rooted in the foods and holidays of our Jewish culture, and guess what, so was Jesus! People want to make Jesus a gentile, but he is not. He celebrated all of the Jewish festivals and grew up Jewish. Hello, the last supper was a Passover Seder! For many of us, these traditions bring us closer to Jesus and help our children understand who they are in Christ.
6. No we have not all been to Israel- I am American just like so many of you.
I have not been to Israel. Although I hope and pray that God will grant me that trip one day, I’ve never been as I am sure most of you haven’t either.
7. Stop telling me that my Jewish relatives will never make it to heaven unless they accept Jesus- You don’t know that and you don’t know whether someone has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Jewish people are shunned once they become Christians and many may not outwardly profess Christ, but you never know what’s in someone’s heart.
8. Be sensitive to the fact that I am new to Christmas and Easter- Three years ago was our first Christmas and Easter.
It was hard for us to figure out how to celebrate and what to do. We have no traditions or family meals since we are Jewish. Do the Christian thing-invite us to yours, especially when you know we are new believers. Help us to develop our own traditions to pass on to our own children.
9. Love me for who I am and stop trying to make me a Gentile- I will never be a Gentile.
Love me for me, just as you would love any believer for who they are in Christ. Respect where I am in my walk with Christ, and encourage me in that as a Jew, not a Gentile.
10. You as a Gentile will never know what it’s like to be Jewish- No amount of bible school will teach you that.
Don’t try to be like me or try to use your biblical knowledge to show me that. I’ll respect you more for the person that God made you, not the knowledge you have.
It is hard to be a Jewish believer in Christ. Friends and family will be sure to leave you. You are ostracized from your Jewish community and then many times inadvertently ostracized from your Christian one. We don’t fit in neatly, which is where you come in … to help us acclimate, to respect who we are, and to love us as Jewish believers in the Lord Jesus.
Filed under blogging, Christian Unity, community, Guest Posts, Uncategorized
As you well know – if you know anything about blogging – vacations, sabbaticals, and illnesses will absolutely KILL one’s stats! That is why it is mucho importento to find a way to keep those hits coming, even when you’re not able to post anything yourself.
But I need a break! I need to refill the imagination funnel! What do I do???
Logical Answer: Guest posts!
Starting tomorrow (Wednesday) The Recovering Legalist will be hosting several guest writers, a few of which are brand new to my audience. As a matter of fact, one blogger I just met this past weekend!
Be looking out for posts from the following friends:
Daniel Klem – Daniel and Caitlin Klem are about the cutest couple you’ll ever meet. I’ll never forget for as long as I live the couple of days they spent with us here in Chattanooga. They live in Arizona, so when we were disappointed one morning to not be able to see the valley from atop Lookout Mountain – because of the low clouds – Caitlin said, “Hey! It’s still water! That’s something we don’t see very often.” Sweet!
David Welford – David has been a blogging friend for a long time – one of my first. We’ve never met, but I hope we will one day this side of heaven. Maybe, just maybe, one day before I die, I’ll see just a fraction of the places around the world he’s visited.
Dawn Liz Jones – Inspriation with Attitude, what more needs to be said? I mean, I’ve never met Mrs. Jones, but I sense in her a kindred sarcastic spirit. Attitude, I’m telling ya’.
Madblog – I’ll let you try to figure out her name, but she blogs at Messages from the Mythical. I don’t think she’s a favorite of the non-complementarians, but that’s my opinion.
Melissa Zelniker-Presser – What can I say about Melissa? Let’s just say she ain’t Baptist; she knows about real law (not just Moses kind); and for heaven’s sake, don’t call her a Gentile. Melissa is also a friend – so be nice or I’ll “unfriend” you.
Rachel Smith – I met Rachel and Richard Smith at their booth at Jfest 2016, a Christian music festival in the Chattanooga area. What immediately caught my attention was the name of her ministry…Transformed Wife. Then, there on the table, I saw a t-shirt which I was later given; it said, “Transformed Husband.” Rachel hasn’t been blogging that long, so why don’t you subscribe to her site? This couple has a heart for saving marriages.
So, make sure you keep coming back the next several days…even though they don’t create monkey videos, I’m positive there’ll be some really great things to read! 😉
Seriously.
OH! Please check out each guest blogger’s blog, too!
OH! OH! … The Recovering Legalist (me) does not necessarily approve of everything on all the other blogs. So there, that’s my disclaimer.
That’s all. Seriously.
Filed under blogging, Guest Posts
The following was inspired by Dr. Dennis Culbreth and Alan Rogers, men who are obsessed with posting enumerated lists on Facebook.
If you are reading this – evidently you are – it is probably because you are on some form of social media, like Facebook or Twitter. it is also possible you received an email notification as a subscriber, or you were forwarded a message from a friend who said, “You’ve GOT to read this!”
On the other hand, you may be a blogger who was surfing recent posts from followed sites or “suggestions”form WordPress (or some other inferior blogging platform). Those of you in this group – the bloggers – will understand what I’m about to write; the rest need help.
The following list will be less of a shocker than an affirmation of what Christian (and some pagan) bloggers already believe about themselves or others within their “community.” Therefore, the following list is meant more for the casual Facebook reader, the neglected child with a school project due, and the wife or husband whose eyes roll more often than a bowling ball.
1. The ability to write is a gift from God; the ability to write well takes work. Every post, if it’s worth posting, should be well-written. A poorly-written post is a poor reflection on the message we have to share. Therefore, don’t get upset if we spend 3 hours crafting a 500-word work of art.
2. Blogging is a form of worship. I know, it may sound crazy, but blogging can be a very legitimate means of giving praise and honor to God. Christian bloggers regularly speak of the goodness of God, praise Him in the midst of struggles, and challenge others to trust Jesus. Christian bloggers LOVE to praise God through computer screens all over the world!
3. Christian bloggers are internet missionaries! You don’t have to travel the world to teach people with the Good News; you can do it from your kitchen! That’s right with a simple blog piece one person can instantly share relevant Truth in over 100 countries! Last time I counted, I’ve had readers in 126.
4. Everything is fodder for a blog post. That’s right, everything from one’s recent trip to the mall to one’s battle with cancer – it’s all worth writing about, especially to the one who sees God’s hand working everywhere.
5. Household chores will take care of themselves. Families of bloggers are usually the most stressed of housekeepers, but this need not be. Worse come to worse, dirty dishes, un-walked pets, and un-made meals can be used as writing topics (see point 4).
6. Blogging is reporting. All bloggers wish the world would give us more respect. I mean, seriously, we deserve Press credentials! If you write a well-written blog you should be allowed into all political events, meetings, and all concerts for free. As for me, I think every blogger is a potential food and restaurant critic – we should eat for free.
7. Christian bloggers don’t have selective hearing; we have selected focus. When I’m at the computer, don’t assume I hear anything you say. When I’m writing I’m in the “zone,” so voices outside the “zone” are muted. If you want my attention, offer food or show legitimate interest in what I’m writing. Otherwise, don’t assume I heard you tell me to pay that bill.
8. Donations are always welcome. Just because we Christian bloggers love doing what we do, that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t accept money. Money buys better computers, custom themes, and comfortable desk chairs.
9. The Christian blogging “community” is a real thing with real people. Honestly, some of my best friends are bloggers I’ve met online. Several of us have met in person, prayed with each other, and shared in genuine Christian fellowship and worship. Bloggers love bloggers 🙂
10. Christian bloggers come in all virtual shapes and sizes. Not every Christian is alike, and neither are our blogs. We are all unique and bring our own perspectives to the discussion of life. Don’t read just one.
So, what are your thoughts? Any points you’d like to share with the universe?
Kicked out of the house and in need of wifi, the Christian blogger will do anything to maintain his habit: changing the world one post at a time.
Filed under blogging, Christian Unity, Christianity, Humor
Would you like to write an original guest post for this blog? Then you need to let me know.
I am going to be taking some time away from the blog towards the end of the month (May 25 – June 2). It would be great to have you guys keep things humming along with some interesting, inspiring, motivating, mesmerizing, and downright awesome posts – you know, like what I write all the time 😉
If you are interested – and I hope you are – you can comment here, but you’ll also have to email me (that’s just how it works). Send a response to PastorACBaker@Yahoo.com. That should get the ball rolling.
Time is of the essence.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Anthony
Filed under blogging, Guest Posts
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