Category Archives: the future

by Anthony Baker | February 19, 2016 · 9:12 pm

One Picture, Two Truths

Courthouse Queue

I don’t use United Kingdom words that often, but I will shine my torch on one this day: queue (I would spell it differently).

Yes, today I was standing in line, or, rather, I was in queue to register my daughter’s car at our county courthouse. While standing there, looking down and noticed something fairly profound and had to take a picture.

…and I sucked in my gut so you could see my feet.

Literally, there at my feet were two completely profound statements! One would have been enough, but two? Yes, two statements in one picture. Two thoughts worth pondering. Two very real truths.

First Truth

“Wait here until called for service.”

Now, I know that we should always be about the Lord’s work, serving as we go. But when I look at this all I can think of are those who rush ahead into something God never called them to do – or be.

Believe it or not, rushing ahead of the line (or cue), not waiting for God to give the go-ahead, can be devastating. How many have sold all to go to the mission field, only to find out later they were not meant to be there? How many have rushed to stand behind a pulpit without a firm confirmation of their calling?

People have done many things without waiting on God, from ministry to marriage, and have lived to regret their hastiness. Oh that we would be more like David when he said, “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope” (Psalm 130:5).

Maybe you have already been called, but asked to step back in line for a moment. Be patient! Wait upon the Lord as He renews your strength; lifts you up on eagles’ wings; so that you may once again run and not get weary; walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Second Truth

You are next.

Did you hear the one about the man who’s mother-in-law drove his brand-new truck off the side of a bluff? He had mixed emotions.

Knowing you are “next” is great if what you’re next in line for is a good thing. But what if you’re next in line for something bad to happen? Knowing you are next is not good news, is it?

Well, believe it or not, there are people reading this that are next. Next for what? I don’t know, but they should be ready. You might be next in line for a heart attack or cancer. You may be the very next one in your family to get married, or have a child. Or, you might be the next one to get a terrible phone call in the night.

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1

Either way, you are next for something, and only God knows what that is. Are you right with Him? Are you willing to follow where He leads? Don’t be afraid, just put your faith in Jesus Christ and let Him guide you through what’s ahead.

“Next!”

Update: Not six hours after publishing this, I had to take my wife to the Emergency Room. As of this moment (Saturday evening) she is still in unexplained chest pain. She is now in the hospital and I’ve been awake close to 40 hours.

What’s next? Nobody knows. But God is still good!

5 Comments

Filed under Faith, Future, Life/Death, the future

Tagged as future, hope, truth, waiting

by Anthony Baker | April 29, 2015 · 1:48 pm

My Predictions

I Listened

After listening to the arguments before the Supreme Court of the United States, I believe, unless God moves on the hearts of 5 of the Justices, same-sex marriage will become recognized as a Constitutional right. More Justices than not continually stressed that “marriage is a Constitutional right,” so why restrict it? One Justice – Kennedy, I believe – even suggested that not allowing a woman to marry a woman would be equal to “sexual discrimination.”

Because I believe the SCOTUS will rule against the States, based on what I would call nothing more than a “fairness” bias, there will be substantial immediate and long-term consequences for our culture, especially for Christians.

Predictions

The following are only the predictions that first come to mind. I am confident this list will not be all-inclusive.

Vulgar celebrations will commence. The in-your-face LGBT crowd will celebrate with exuberant joy, much like what happened in the spirit world when Christ breathed his last breath on the cross. It will be demonic, like most gay-pride parades are.

Marriage will be devalued forever. When this ruling comes, marriage will never be the same, for the whole purpose behind this movement is not simply to gain access to marriage, but to destroy it.

Litigation will go through the roof. After this ruling comes, one that declares marriage a fundamental right to whomever, every form of relationship will claim equal status. And because of that, trial after trial will ensue until multiple partners, animals, and farm equipment enjoy the same “equal protection under the law.”

Pastors will become prime targets. As much as some want to say this won’t happen, I believe it totally will. As with Christian bakeries, photographers, and florists, pastors who refuse to marry gay couples will be accused – no, convicted – of everything from sexual discrimination to hate crimes. Because it will come to the point where a pastor must violate his beliefs or go to jail, he will be targeted by those who have always wanted him to suffer for his beliefs. I predict this with utter confidence.

Churches and Christian colleges and institutions will be forced to close. Let’s face it, this is one of the results many in the gay community are salivating over. When this ruling is passed, the next step will be to mandate that Churches and Christian colleges change their bylaws and guidelines or, at the least, lose their tax-exempt status. For many, this will force closure. For example, if my little church was forced to all of a sudden have to pay property tax on our sanctuary and gym and fellowship hall we would have to close the doors – we don’t bring in that much revenue. It will happen, believe me.

So, in a nutshell, those are a few of my predictions. However, the cultural ramifications are probably incalculable.

But on a positive note, God is still God, the Righteous Judge, and His law will stand long after Washington D.C. is dust.

Help us, dear God, to stand strong in love, but “having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13).

Update: Below is a link to a Wednesday evening service at my church where I preached a message based on the above post.

Click on the picture to hear the sermon.

8 Comments

Filed under America, Culture Wars, current events, Defending Traditional Marriage, Marriage, Relationships and Family, the future

Tagged as culture, Marriage, Predictions, Same-Sex Marriage, SCOTUS, Supreme Court

by Anthony Baker | February 2, 2015 · 1:21 pm

Don’t Wait for the Trumpet

There’s been a lot of debate in recent years over something called the “rapture.” Even good friends within the Church have slung a lot of harsh words as a result of arguments over dispensationalism. Frankly, I think much of the debate over end times (eschatology) has become a distraction from what’s most important: we all could meet our maker at any moment.

So, even though it’s ok to discuss what may or may not happen in the near or distant future, let us not forget that souls are being escorted into eternity every second.

As I sit here in the waiting room of a hospital, sitting with family from our church, not knowing what the next few hours will hold, my advice is simple… Don’t worry about the sound of a trumpet until you’re prepared for the unexpected horn of the truck that could run over you today.

3 Comments

Filed under Faith, Future, the future, Theology, Uncategorized

Tagged as death, faith, Rapture, Religion

by Anthony Baker | July 25, 2014 · 1:10 pm

Standing Sure In a Crumbling World

World Events

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).

Life Goes On

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.

1 Comment

Filed under America, Christian Living, current events, the future

Tagged as Christianity, current-events, hope, Jesus Christ, Peace, Russia, Ukraine, war

by Anthony Baker | May 9, 2014 · 12:40 pm

Life Lesson from the School Bus #9 (Making a Way)

This post is one in a series I did back in 2011. And yes, I drew the bus.

Trying to Merge

Have you ever tried to merge into traffic, only to find that everyone else is in a bigger hurry than you? Try convincing a bunch of motorists on their way home that your school bus needs to jump into the flow.

Every time people see my kid transporter attempting to enter traffic from a side street, they say to themselves, “Oh no! I can’t get stuck behind a bus!”

So, without any compassion for me and my nerves, they pretend that they don’t see me. Better yet, they hold up a hand, wave slightly, and give me a look that says, “Sorry, but my schedule is too hectic to let you in front of me.” Jerks.

Making a Way

That’s when a school bus driver has to be proactive…he has to make a way into traffic. By being assertive with 35,ooo pounds of deisel-powered intimidation, one can MAKE motorist slow down and be polite. Making a way into traffic is possible because of a simple fact of life – getting put on the local news for hitting a school bus full of children is NOT in one’s best interest.

Life Lesson

God can make a way, when there seems to be no way.

Isaiah 43:16, 20 KJV – [16] Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; … [20] The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

When God chooses to do something, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop Him. God can make a way. No decree of man or law of nature is an obstacle to the LORD of creation. If God has told you to go somewhere, do some work, or reach some person, even if the way seems impossible, He is God…He will MAKE a way. Are you going through a valley? Are you on a stormy sea and can’t see past the waves? Do you think that there is no hope, no way out of it this time? Trust in Jesus – He can make a way, where there seems to be no way. He can give rivers of hope in the midst of your wilderness.

Hope you enjoy this short video of a beautiful song by Don Moen.

Life Lessons from the School Bus #5 (therecoveringlegalist.com)
Life Lessons from the School Bus #7 (Try the Spirits) (therecoveringlegalist.com)
Life Lessons from the School Bus #3 (therecoveringlegalist.com)

3 Comments

Filed under General Observations, Life Lessons, the future, Uncategorized

Tagged as Bus, Christianity, Driving, God, Jesus, merging, Religion and Spirituality, rude motorists, School bus, traffic

by Anthony Baker | February 20, 2014 · 12:45 pm

Thursday Thoughts (Proverbial Speaking)

Proverbial Thought

In February of 2012 the Lord put on my heart the idea of a blog/devotional called Proverbial Thought. Then, with the help of several others, I launched that blog on April 1st, 2012. Today, nearly 700 days and 350,000 words later, we are done.

A total of eight other writers contributed to Proverbial Thought over the last two years. Some contributed more than others, but all were greatly appreciated.

The three generations of Welfords in England – David, Nick (David’s son), and Ken (David’s father) – made C. S. Lewis and C. H. Spurgeon proud. Daniel M. Klem, residing in Arizona, put in his fair share while attending college and seminary. Grady Davidson, a Presbyterian pastor in Chattanooga, “lent” his deep thinking to several posts. Chris Jordan, a Four Square pastor in Canada, already a prolific writer, had a great Spirit. Jason Sneed, a music minister in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, shared his fine-tuned perspective. And last, but not least, my own daughter, Katie Marie Baker, contributed our most youthful (and certainly our most female) wisdom.

The Next Steps

As was always the plan, two things are going to happen next. First, even though none of us will be regularly contributing to Proverbial Thought, starting in April the old posts will be re-posted each day on a regular schedule. Now, there will be some new stuff every now and then, because a few proverbs (verses) were missed. And, if any of the contributors feel the desire, they are always welcome to come along and add some additional thoughts, later. Nevertheless, starting in April, there will be re-runs.

Secondly, I will be attempting to edit this voluminous work in order to submit it to a publisher. For all I know, no one will want to turn Proverbial Thought into a published commentary, one unlike any other on the shelves. If that is the case, we may have to self-publish. Either way, my desire is to have the contributions to Proverbial Thought turned into a printed work that will honor God, even when the internet is down.

Prayers Needed

Pray for me, please! Pray that I will recognize the right window or door God may open. Pray that Proverbial Thought will continue to minister to people around the world, whether digitally or in print. And lastly, pray that God will continue to bless those who graciously accepted the invitation to help me with this awesome project.

“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” – 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 KJV

8 Comments

Filed under blogging, Christian Maturity, Christian Unity, Countries, ministry, Preaching, the future, wisdom

Tagged as blogging, proverbs, publishing, writing

by Anthony Baker | January 28, 2014 · 10:40 am

Going Home

A Change of Plans

This morning I had planned on writing about a silly dream analyst I saw on Dr. Oz (totally pathetic). I had even contemplated writing a piece actually defending …da, da, da… Joel Osteen (yes, I know that’s a shocker). But when I sat down at the computer and took a minute to scroll through recent posts on Facebook, I saw a video, and wept.

However, it is the reason for the tears that I wanted to share a video with you. Yes, I cried tears of happiness for all those little children, wives, and moms and dads who were reunited with their brave dads, husbands, and sons. But I also cried for another reason – the anticipated reunion I will have with my own dad.

Funerals

I have preached many funerals. I have seen many loved ones laid to rest in the cold earth. People have looked to me for comforting words as I have stood beside the lifeless body of a recently passed loved one. All I can tell you is this: the only hope I can offer is the hope found in Jesus Christ.

In the 1 Corinthians 15:19, the apostle Paul said, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” So, to put it another way, if trusting in Jesus is only good for this world, like for making you a better person, then what’s the point? Why follow a dead man to the grave?

Real Hope

But Paul adds in the next verse: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” In other words, trusting in Jesus means that this life is NOT all that there is…that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones…and Jesus’ resurrection is the PROOF!

It has been over 20 years since I last saw my dad face-to-face. I never had the chance (except in a dream) to say goodbye. So let me assure you, when I set foot on those celestial shores…when I breath that sparkling air…when I finally reach Home…there is going to be a celebration like this world has never seen.

That’s why I cried.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKyaif6lgjs

4 Comments

Filed under Christian Living, Faith, Future, salvation, the future

Tagged as Family, happiness, heaven, hope, joy, reunions, salvation, tears

by Anthony Baker | January 8, 2014 · 11:08 am

Vaccines and Veterans

Vaccines

Have you ever gotten a flu shot (vaccine)? I got one, yesterday. So far I have not come down with any complications, only a slightly sore shoulder. Will I die? Eventually, I suppose, but probably not from the vaccine.

I have had other vaccines, too. I’ve been vaccinated against polio, the mumps, whooping cough, tetanus, and many more I can’t think of right now. What would our world be like had there never been any? Scary to think about, isn’t it?

A Needed Vaccine

However, there is a disease which sadly affects billions of people worldwide, causing pain, suffering, and even death, for which there IS a vaccine, but few will accept it.

Like other vaccines, including the flu shot I received, there are a lot of people who think the vaccine is dangerous and can cause more harm than good, so they are very vocal in their opposition. Their opposition, which includes statistics, testimonials, and even mockery causes many to turn away from much needed relief.

What is the disease? It goes by several names:

Stupidity
Foolishness
Ignorance

What is the vaccine? Taken in any amount, the book of Proverbs (in the Bible) is capable of rooting out and eliminating the stupidity virus. And here’s the best part – NO needles!

The Veteran

But while I was at the pharmacy, I saw an old man wearing a hat that said, “WWII Veteran”. I decided to talk with him, to find out a little about him, and to thank him for his service.

George Palmer was his name. He joined the Navy in 1940 when he was 18. His first duty station was aboard the USS Texas, which is currently the last surviving battleship from the super dreadnought days of WWI. He was on the Texas when the War broke out and told me how he remembered being called to battle stations when the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor came.

Mr. Palmer later served on several other ships, including two destroyers, one of which was sunk underneath him. He saw naval conflict in both the Atlantic and Pacific, staying in the navy until 1946. He said, “The good Lord was watching over me.”

When I asked if I could have my picture taken with him, he smiled and graciously approved. When I pulled out my iPhone, he said, “Isn’t that amazing?! That’s just amazing!”

No, Mr. Palmer, it’s men like you that are amazing. Thank you for your service.

My Fear

Aside from needles, and getting too close to Miley Cyrus, my fear is that the world is creeping closer and closer to another conflict, but without the men and women of “the greatest generation” to bail us out.

We used to be a nation with a moral compass that set our course of action. Now we are a pluralistic, even godless nation with no sense of purpose, no sense of right and wrong, and no moral basis on which to stand against Tyranny in any form.

My fear is that the last of the vaccinated generation will soon be gone, and then the virus will consume us all. God help us.

Click here for a link to the USS TEXAS

3 Comments

Filed under America, Christian Maturity, Culture Wars, Life Lessons, the future, wisdom

Tagged as USS Texas, Vaccination, vaccine, veterans, wisdom, WWII

by Anthony Baker | December 5, 2013 · 1:30 am

Nevertheless, I’m Blessed

The following is from a study I did for my other blog, Proverbial Thought. Going into this weekend, knowing some difficulties my family is going to have to face (a prayer for provision would be appreciated), I really needed to be reminded of the goodness of God. Maybe you do, too.

Also, I just finished re-preaching a sermon I preached last night for the radio. The title of the message is “Praying for Those with Disease.” I needed it…we all need it. I hope it can be blessing to you.

“Praying for Those with Disease”

“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” – Proverbs 10:6 KJV

Nothing Stays

Have you ever heard the old adage, “Like water off a duck’s back?” The reason for that saying comes from the fact that ducks never get “wet,” just in the water (now that will preach!). You see, because of the oil in a duck’s feathers, the duck can be in the water, have water poured over it, etc., but never actually get wet. The water doesn’t soak in, but runs off.

My head is similar to a duck’s back. There is nothing on my head to make anything stay put. Everything just runs off, down my neck, and under my shirt, especially when it rains. The upside is that I never have to dry my hair when I get out of the shower.

Except Blessings

But the awesome thing is that no matter how slick my bald head is, God is able to heap blessing after blessing on top of it. My glasses won’t stay put; hats get blown off; I cant wear flowers; but the Lord can pile blessings as high as He wants. How is that? Must be a God thing.

I don’t deserve blessings. I don’t deserve anything from God. If you only knew me like I know me, you’d wonder how any blessing would stay on my head. Yet, my Lord is merciful. He is able to do what man and water can’t.

The Wicked

The mouth of the wicked, on the other hand, is covered up with violence. What that means exactly is debatable, but the idea implied is that one usually gets what he deserves. The wicked can be compared to a swimmer in wool clothing and a wool coat. When he gets in the water, he’s sunk.

In General

Generally speaking, this proverb tells us that there are consequences for our actions. The way we live will come back either to bless or haunt us. Right living brings peace, while wicked living never ends well.

Do you want to be thought well of? Live justly. Do you want to reap the rewards of righteousness? Live right. Otherwise, even though there may be some temporary benefits to living like the Devil, the end result of wickedness will have you covering your mouth in shame.

A Prayer

Jesus, even though I am not worthy, thank you for your blessings. My righteousness is in you. I am only “just” because “the just shall live by faith.” Thank you for your mercy, for when I was yet wicked, you saved me, cleansed me, and put a crown on my head. You are my glory, and I will praise you for your immeasurable goodness to me.

5 Comments

Filed under Christian Maturity, Faith, General Observations, God, Life Lessons, Love of God, Preaching, the future, worship

Tagged as Blessing, Christianity, faith, hope, Jesus, proverbs, Psalm, Sermon

by Anthony Baker | September 24, 2013 · 6:59 pm

School Bus Thoughts

There are days when driving a school bus can drive me crazy.

One day I asked a little boy, “Are you wearing socks?” “Yes,” he answered. “Then will you take one of them off and stuff it in your mouth?!”

On other days I have fun just aggravating the little crumb crunchers. For example, I keep telling two little girls that their neighbors are aliens (like from another planet, not Mexico). They say, “Nuh uh!” I say, “Uh huh!”

Last week I told kids to ask me what my favorite letter of the alphabet was:

Little Girl: “What is your favorite letter of the alphabet?”

Me: “Y”

Little Girl: “I don’t know, you told me to ask. What is it?”

Me: “Y!”

Little Girl: “You told me to ask you, so I’m asking you what your favorite letter is!”

Me: “Y!!”

Little Girl: “Uuuuggghhh! What is it?”

Then there are other days…

Elementary kids will tell their parents “good-bye” before they board the bus, then they will do it again once they find a seat. Almost without fail my first and second-graders will take ten seconds to hug and say “good-bye” at the stop, but then rush to lower the windows in order wave as they scream out as we pull away, “Bye! Bye, Momma! Bye!”

Later in the day, when I take these same children home, they talk and play with each other (sometimes too much) until they get close to their stop. They’re usually not thinking too much about getting off the bus, but the moment they feel the bus slow down they gather their things and move to the door. As soon as the door opens they see their mom, dad, or granny…then scream…then run to their side…then embrace … like it’s been forever.

I’ve noticed that no matter when death comes, it always comes as a shock…a surprise. Even when we expect a loved one to pass away from a long-term illness, the moment of death is like that moment on the bus when a child leaves: the time for departure has been expected, but that last “good-bye” is never enough.

But hallelujah! Praise God for homecomings!!

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking out the window. Yes, I’m enjoying the time I have with my friends and family down here, but home is just around the bend. Any moment the bus will be slowing down.

Are you looking for that door to open? Are your things in order? Can you sense the ride is coming to an end? Believe me, once it stops I’ll be jumping off and running to the House.