It seems to me that the only “justice” the rioters, the looters, the lawless, the race-baiters, and the opportunistic politicians in Ferguson, Missouri will accept is the public execution of a white man.
Evidently, the public execution of a Jew wasn’t good enough.
“Father, Forgive” by Gustave Doré
Would somebody please remind the “Reverends”?
Filed under America, Christian Maturity, Culture Wars, current events, General Observations, places, politics
My earliest memories of Robin Williams are of him battling with Fonzi on “Happy Days.” Later, I always wanted to have some rainbow-colored suspenders (before rainbow-colored things took on a whole new meaning), just like Mork from Ork, the character Williams brought to life on the hit TV show “Mork and Mindy” (btw, I had a crush on Pam Dauber, too).
Mork, evidently, was the quick-thinking, ultra-intelligent alter ego of Robin Williams. It was difficult to tell whether or not Mork was Williams, or if Williams really was an alien from outer space. He was brilliant.
Losing Robin Williams was a kick in the gut. I mean, he has been part of our culture for over three decades, 30+ years! Even though some may righteously brush his death off as just another celebrity gone from the stage, he was a genuine human being with a truly God-given talent to make people laugh.
I have lost money before. Once I lost a $100 bill. Oh, I cried, but I never felt a piece of me get yanked out soul. Even though I lost that $100 bill, there were others like it in the world. Robin Williams, however, was exquisitely unique, a singular work of art formed by the Master. There will never be another like him.
It seems that for years Robin Williams battle depression. For many, especially those who have never had to go to counseling, they think of this battle as insignificant. But I have been there, and believe me, I have the t-shirt. As a matter of fact that “demon” still bites at my heels from time to time.
Apparently, Robin Williams committed suicide. He has been called a “coward” by a few. But what’s most concerning for me is that some in the Christian community (of which I belong) have been all too quick to attribute Williams’ suicide to a Hollywood lifestyle, drugs and alcohol, or just a life of sin.
Here’s a shocker: even Christians can become depressed AND commit suicide.
There were two times in my life when I came close to suicide, the closest being when I was a teenager – I literally had the weapon in my mouth when my dad knocked on my bedroom door to see if I was OK (can you say “divine intervention”?).
Depression can come upon one unexpectedly, even when life seems perfectly fine and happy. Now, I ultimately believe that depression is a tool Satan uses, but I don’t believe it is simply a creation of his. The onset of depression can be the simple result of overworking, too much pressure, poor diet, or physical pain. Depression is NOT a Hollywood demon that attacks the godless.
And when it comes to suicide, all it takes is one getting to the point where he/she feels hopeless and out of control. It can even be the cry for attention from someone who only wants others to recognize his or her pain. I am not quoting a text book; I am speaking from experience.
What is the answer? Is there any help for those suffering with depression or considering suicide? Of course! Frankly, one doesn’t necessarily require biblical counseling or direction founded in a Christian worldview to find help. However, I personally feel that when we look to the Bible we can find more than enough strength for the weak, more than enough comfort for the hurting.
Let me just stay that it is unfair to judge Robin Williams when we don’t know what was in his heart. All we can say at this point is that regardless of circumstances, there is always hope in Jesus Christ. Despite our self-evaluations, His sacrifice proves our immeasurable worth. Despite our earthly circumstances, the purpose and future He offers can fill us with hope and expectation. However, we don’t know, at this point, from what well Robin Williams drew his strength, his hope, and whether or not he ever drank of the Water of Life.
“At times I wondered how a perfect God could ever understand
The pain I feel when I know I’ve failed time and time again
I wondered how my Lord could know all the loneliness I feel
He never felt this painful shame, no wounds of sin to heal
But that was what the cross was for!
There, in love, He opened Heaven’s door.
His own Father had to turn His face from the sin our Savior bore.
What He never knew, there He became,
And all the guilt He bore the same.
How could He understand the sinner’s place?
That was what the cross was for.”
– Anthony Baker
A final note…
There is an Enemy, the father of lies, who loves to bring pain through heartache and loss. Never forget that even though suicide may be the result of our own faulty perceptions, Satan loves to be the one distorting reality. Remember, he is like a roaring lion, roaming about, always on the prowl, seeking whom he may destroy.
Never underestimate a powerful enemy, but rest in the victory won through an empty tomb.
Filed under current events, Do not judge, Life Lessons, Struggles and Trials
Let’s get real for a moment, shall we? The world seems to be coming apart at the seams right now. Russia and Ukraine are fighting; Israel and Hamas are fighting; ISIS is trying to take over the world; airplanes are crashing or being blown out of the sky; new diseases are popping up everywhere; and more former Disney child stars are choosing to cry out, “I don’t want to be a role model!” while exposing their bare behinds.
Face it, the world is going to hell in a hand basket and Toto has already jumped.
But seriously, as bad as the world is, it’s not like we have Nero for a president. Oh, but wait! America isn’t the only country in the world, you know, and Christians are being killed as often today as they were in the first and second centuries (along with anyone who refuses to yell “Allah Akbar!” as he beheads his sister).
But even as we look around at a world in turmoil, does that mean we must forget about living? Sure, the temptation might be to down a bottle of Prozac and curl up in a ball, all the while waiting for the first warhead to hit your town.
However, kingdoms rise and fall and nations come and go, yet children still need moms and dads, strangers still need a kind word, and the way we live is still important.
As a matter of fact, right before another group of people’s world was about to be turned upside down, Jesus Christ gave some timeless instruction on living from a hillside (The full text can be found in Matthew, chapters 5-7). His words still apply today. Below are a few excerpts:
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Jesus then concluded his sermon with the following encouragement…
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” – Matthew 7:24-25
Though the world might be falling apart, we don’t have to.
Filed under America, Christian Living, current events, the future
Good Thursday morning, everyone! It’s been a little while since I shared my thought on a Thursday, so here we go 🙂 Yay!
I just got back from a 45-minute walk with one of my daughters. At one point we jogged a little – downhill. I don’t jog very well – I jiggle, jostle, and jar. Let’s stick to walking, for now.
There used to be a day when companies would take pride in their products. Now is the day and age when companies put “pride” ON their products.
There are so many things that could be said about the rainbow-clad fat bomb that Burger King has introduced to the San Francisco area, things I’m sure you’d expect from a conservative Christian like me. There’s also a lot that could be said by those who hate the very existence of Chick-fil-A in response to nothing more than the owner’s personal beliefs, rants that can’t get through five words without using “bigot!” Well, I’m not going to go there.
Burger King is a business, people. Burger King doesn’t care a hoot about gays or straights, no matter how proud they are of their Whopper. It’s all about the money, folks.
On the other hand, Burger King’s Fernando Machado said of the campaign in California: “It showcases who we are as a brand. It shows how we, as a brand, believe in self-expression.” That’s evidently why they’ve changed their slogan from “Have It Your Way” to “Be Your Way.” Whatever… I will continue to be my way and stay away – who needs a 1300 calorie rainbow, anyway?
Unless you’re name is Jesus and you are from Mexico, Jesus was not a Christian. However, if you get your theology and history of religion from musicians with rose-colored glasses, then it would not be a shock to find out that Jesus was the first member of an all-inclusive, unifying, pluralistic, believe-what-you-will fan club.
Do you know why so many people are as messed up as Elton John (excuse me, Sir Elton) when it comes to theology? They don’t know the true Jesus. All Elton John would have to do is read Mathew 10 and John 8 to find out how in error his thinking of Jesus is.
Happy Birthday, America! Well, it’s only the third, but who cares?
Filed under current events, Food, General Observations
I know there are some of you, maybe a lot of you, who are “pro-choice;” therefore, I know you disagree with me on this. But that’s OK! It’s your choice (pun intended). I just think you’re wrong.
Some label the subject of abortion a “hot button topic” and avoid discussing it. Many Christians avoid it because they say it’s something that should be left up to the individual to decide. In reality, I think the majority of Christians are uninformed and therefore afraid to say anything.
Well, in the last couple of days I’ve been going back and forth with a foaming-at-the-mouth (in my opinion) abortion advocate (and atheist). The conversation has been taking place on another blog written by J. W. Wartick (click here for link). Even though I’m not the greatest pro-life apologist, I thought I’d at least speak my mind. More of us should.
I have not done much debate on the topic of abortion, so my resources and expertise are limited. Because of this, I have sought out those who HAVE been in the debate for a while.
Therefore, I would like to introduce you to a website that might prove as useful to you as it has for me.
I have added a widget on my secondary sidebar that will link you to a page on their website which offers strong arguments against abortion.
No, it’s not a fun subject, but it’s one I’m sure is close to the heart of God. Even the NIV-users and the KJV-only folks should be able to agree on that.
Filed under Abortion, America, Christian Unity, Culture Wars, current events
Did you ever have other kids make fun of your name when you were young? I did. They always made fun of me because of my last name – Baker.
Smart aleck (sp?) brats with more dirt under their fingernails than brains in their heads would say things like, “Hey, Tony Baker! Let’s call you Bony Taker! You gonna take my bones?” Others would make fun of my name by asking, “Hey, Anthony, why don’t you bake us a cake?”
First, my name is not Tony; it’s Anthony. Second, I don’t bake. Third, in a day when people are getting away with crazy stuff, don’t ask anybody to take your bones…not a good idea.”
Fortunately for me, Howard Baker came along.
Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (1925-2014)
On Thursday morning I learned of the passing of one of Tennessee’s more famous sons, former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker. He was 88 years old.
Politically speaking, Senator Baker (nicknamed the “Great Conciliator”) was not exactly a shining conservative star. But even though he was no Ronald Reagan, he was, however, a decent human being with the same last name as mine, and that alone made him a hero of mine when I was a child.
Yes, when some kids would make fun of my last name, asking who else would have a silly last name like mine, I’d just point them to Howard Baker, Senator, Reagan’s Chief of Staff.
Then came Jim and Tammy Faye…
Howard and I only have ONE “k” in our last name, thank you very much!
R.I.P., Senator Baker. Thank you for helping me survive elementary school.
Filed under America, current events
Believe it or not, there are many who swear that true wisdom can be found in the words of young children. Forget the need for a lifetime of experience, listen to the wisdom of those who just learned to wear pull-ups and cut their own meat.
If we did what the they wanted us to do – listen to the children – what would the world, or at least our country, be like?
* No one would ever work … except those who need to work so that others would not have to work.
* Every day would be Christmas, Halloween, and summer vacation … as long as someone else buys the gifts, provides the candy, and drives them to the beach.
* There would be peace on earth and no more wars … except when someone disrespects you or takes your candy.
* Everything should be available for the asking whenever it is wanted … as long as we don’t have to be the ones providing it for someone else.
* There would be no need for multiple television channels … only Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, and VH1.
* Everyone would have everything they always wanted, whether they needed it, or not … and still act like brats that never get anything they want and are always mistreated.
* No one would ever eat at home, only restaurants … then complain about their weight.
* Education, if desired, would be determined by what the child thought was important … like “Queer Translation (UC Berkeley 250)” and “The Sociology of Miley Cyrus: Race, Class, Gender, and Media (Skidmore College).”
* Teachers, Doctors, Policemen, School Teachers, and Ministers would be disrespected and maligned … while movie stars, rap and rock stars, and vulgar atheletes would be deified.
* Animals would be considered equal with humans … except when it came to leather clothing and Happy Meals.
* Hate would be outlawed … unless someone disagreed with you.
* Church would be nothing but fun and games – none of that judgmental, right/wrong stuff – with cookies for all to enjoy.
Source: Unknown
Filed under America, Culture Wars, current events, General Observations
Last night I had a nightmare which woke me from my sleep. Later, while I was awake – after I went ahead and took the dog out for an early potty walk – some blog post ideas came to mind. Then, because I didn’t write them down, I forgot what they were. Typical.
But what is more important, writing about some inconsequential idea, a loosely relevant theological concern, how coffee relates to living, or the life/death struggle of a Sudanese Christian mother?
Seriously, we writers get on our soap boxes and clutter up the internet with petty complaints about cat pictures and the latest trash (I’m sorry, “art”) from Hollywood, but how often do we rally together for the lives of the innocent?
Really, what is more important?
Let me just be as plain as I can: any government who would execute a young mother because she is Christian is satanic, sadistic, and worth of no respect. Let me also say that any government leader who has in his power the ability to stop the execution, either by way of threat or diplomacy, and does not, is equally satanically influence – if not simply an accomplice to murder. Bold enough?
The government of Sudan, after releasing Meriam Ibrahim from prison, arrested her again, today. At one point she was going to receive 100 lashes for having sex with her Christian husband, then be hung for apostatizing from Islam (even though she was never a Muslim). After enough people rose up in her defense, she was let go. However, they have once again arrested her, but for uncertain reasons.
What’s more, Meriam is married to an American, which makes her newborn son an American. Excuse me, but do we have a president, or not?
I am going to go out on a limb here. Many of you who read this are not from America, so please forgive me – I don’t want to offend. However, if I were the president of the United States of America, one of my first and foremost duties would be to make our enemies, including nations that imprison our citizens, fear what we might do.
For example, Mexico has one of our soldiers in prison, all because he accidentally crossed the border with three weapons in his vehicle. Even though he voluntarily turned himself over to border guards, Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi admitting he had misread road signs, instead of turning him around, they put him in prison. EXCUSE ME, but how many times do Mexican soldiers cross our border?! How man illegals cross our border every day and are allowed to stay? If I were president, I’d say, “Let our boy come home, or the next group of your guys to “get lost” crossing our border as they are protecting drug smugglers will meet with an untimely disappearance.
Iran is holding an American pastor. Despite cries of protest from around the world, they continue to hold Saeed Abedini and torture him. If it were me, I’d say, “Let him go, or else – and you don’t want to find out what the “else” is.”
Gone are the days when a threat of retaliation from America was taken seriously. What would Harry S. Truman have done when Muslim terrorist were capturing our soldiers and contractors, holding them hostage, then cutting off their heads in Iraq? Anyone remember what Japan looked like in 1945?
You see, it’s like this – we still have the power, but no moral authority or guts in those with authority. If it were needed, today there would be no Normandy, Iwo Jima, or even Gettysburg; our leaders, even many of our citizens, aren’t willing to take a stand.
I am simply angry. I am furious. I am indignant. We have politicians who are cowards and a president who won’t do anything if the action may offend a radical, sharia-based government.
We have citizens who are genuinely suffering, possibly about to die because of their faith, and yet we release known killers in exchange for traitors.
A young mother and her family is fearing for her life, but our President won’t do anything about it – yet he goes to a summit complaining about a “war on women” in the United States. A young Christian pastor rots in an Iranian prison, but our President is considering working with Iran to fight ISIS. A young soldier languishes in a Mexican prison, but we continue to allow multiple thousands to cross our borders unchecked.
I’m ticked off, and I have every reason to be. We are no longer a sleeping giant our enemies don’t want to awake, but a weakened fat man with no locks on his doors.
Filed under America, current events, General Observations, politics
Seventy-two years have passed since the pride of the Allies, 156,000 strong, stepped out of landing craft and jumped out of airplanes into the mouth of a monster ready to eat them alive.
Seventy-two years have passed since young men from America, England, and Canada (and we must not forget Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Poland) landed on beaches called Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.
Seventy-two years ago, long before the fancy rock-climbing walls which are so popular in today’s health clubs and gyms, the 2nd Ranger battalion “led the way” up the 100 ft. cliffs of Pointe du Hoc.
Seventy-two years ago, on the 6th of June, 2,499 American and 1,914 from the other Allied nations, a total of 4,413, gave their lives for the sake of freedom.
Seventy-two years ago men were stepping on the backs of their comrades as they sloshed through red water, breathed in the mist of war, and wondered if they would live to see the ground only yards (meters) in front of them.
On June 6, 1944, seventy-two years ago, it was said of those who landed:
“They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate.” — President Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio broadcast, June 6, 1944
Seventy-two years later, would we do it again?
It is June 6, but are we a people with the stomach to liberate? If we were the ones living seventy-two years ago, where would we be today?
God help us.
Let me be very honest about several things.
Let me be very clear about some other things, too.
Glen Beck’s Response
In response to the criticism still being leveled at Liberty University for allowing the likes of Mitt Romney and himself speak to the students during graduation convocations, Mr. Beck said the following on his program (as reported in the Christian Post):
(Credit: Reuters)
“There is no difference between you and the people who are trying to run other people out of the square. See this is the reason why progressives are so frightening. This is why you lose a lot of people. This is why your churches are dwindling. You think you’re standing for something when instead you’re standing for hate and bigotry and I think Jesus was hanging out with prostitutes and sinners wasn’t he?”
My Response to Mr. Beck’s Response
In response to the above quote, I would first like to say I’m sorry, but hanging out with “prostitutes and sinners” in order to love them and show them a better way, THE Way to life eternal, is not the same as asking the “prostitutes and sinners” to promote their erroneous philosophies of life to young and impressionable graduates!
Also, it is no more “hate and bigotry” to seek to protect the gospel of Jesus Christ from those who would pollute it with poisonous error than it is “hate and bigotry” to protect a life-saving vaccine from those who would want to add a little arsenic in the name of “diversity.”
Lastly, I would rather see the Church lose “a lot of people” than have the Church be made up of people who are deceived into thinking they are actually a part. In order to be an orthodox Christian, one must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the one-and-only Son of the Eternal Father, not one of many celestial children born to one of a countless number of humans elevated to godhood.
Had Glenn Beck been around during the time described in John chapter 6, I wonder if he would have labeled Jesus a “hater,” or a “bigot?” I wonder if he would have ran after those who walked away and said, “Wait, don’t leave the square! Jesus didn’t know any better! He was just trying to stand for something!”
Hey, Glenn! I’m still available for lunch!
Filed under America, Apologetics, Christian Unity, cults, current events, God, politics, Theology
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The Recovering Legalist 