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by | March 13, 2019 · 8:53 am

Decaffeinated Christianity

Like vs. Love

I like coffee, but I wouldn’t say I love it. My wife and kids, on the other hand, are worth dying for. I love them. I only like coffee. I’m not going to jump in front of a moving train to save an espresso.

But there are times when I like coffee more than I like my wife. Every once in a while I want a cup of coffee more than a kiss or a hug. I still love my wife, but she won’t fit into the French press.

Now, it must be said that I also like tea. Thanks to the influence of certain English folk, my tea consumption has increased a thousand fold! Yet, tea is not coffee. Sometimes I want coffee more than tea. Sometimes tea needs to leaf me alone. There’s a big difference between loose-leaf anything and some medium roast Jamaican Blue Mountain. That’s real coffee, and I really like it.

What is Real?

But wait! That raises a question. What is real coffee? What is the difference between freshly brewed coffee and let’s say, uh, freeze-dried instant? Both are real, aren’t they?

Fake coffee. Whoever still drinks that stuff on purpose should be psychologically evaluated. Coffee is only coffee if it comes about as the result of gently ground coffee beans being caressed by steaming hot water. Chicory is of the Devil.

Instant coffee. It comes packaged in a jar, but it is made from real coffee. It may not taste as good as fresh-brewed, but it’s real, nevertheless. The worst instant coffee is still better than dandelion tea, believe me.

Nasty coffee. Even the stuff you find in a gas station, an army mess tent, or a crazy relative’s thermos is still coffee. Coffee is coffee, even if it tastes like road tar.

“Unleaded.” What I don’t understand is decaffeinated coffee. Sure, it tastes the same to most people, but why would anyone want it? Without the caffeine coffee is…well…it’s just not coffee. It has the look and taste, but no umph, no kick, no power.

Powerless

Decaffeinated Christianity is the same way. It looks like the real thing. It smells like the real thing. It tastes like the real thing. For crying out loud, it even outsells full-strength, real Christianity 10 to 1! People love it! They wear t-shirts promoting their favorite brand. Yet, decaffeinated Christianity is no better than decaffeinated coffee without the Power.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

What are you drinking?

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by | March 4, 2019 · 10:58 pm

Birthdays, Paintings, and Old Macs

Birthdays

Today we had a birthday party for our middle daughter, Katie. Today she is 23 years old, and it’s certainly hard to believe.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that she was just a baby, walking around on all fours with a bottle hanging from her mouth looking like a little elephant with a big smile.

Now she’s doing her student teaching, getting ready to graduate from college, and not too far from getting married, herself. No, there hasn’t been a proposal, but it won’t be long.

They grow up too fast, you know.

Paintings

So, for Katie’s birthday we had a painting party. It was going to be a Bob Ross kind of evening, but it went from regular paint to water colors. We couldn’t get together all we needed for a night with Bob.

But that was OK. Even though we weren’t able to paint any “happy” trees, we did get to pick an instructional video from YouTube to play on the television, and from that we gained inspiration to paint our own flowery artwork.

Haley and Katie painting in the living room. At one point we had 8 artists at work 🙂

Old Macs

To top it all off, my wife and I were finally able to find a used charging cord to plug in to this old MacBook! The last time I used it was in September of 2017, and only for a short time. I found it out on a loading dock being thrown away by our department of education. A friend of mine wiped it clean and charged it, and that was the last time it ran.

Now, sitting here in our living room, just about to get ready for bed, I’m using this 12-year-old piece of equipment that’s built better than just about anything in the house, including our other computers. I mean, this computer sat out in the weather for a couple of weeks with a bunch of other scrap about to be put into a dumpster!

The old MacBook spared from the dumpster.

I just wanted to break out the old computer and show it some love, but I haven’t been able to think of any biblical lessons to share. What about you?

Can you think of any spiritual applications I could make?

Y’all have a great evening! I’m going to bed.

Happy birthday, Katie! 

My little water color painting. Not bad for a beginner! What do you think?

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by | March 3, 2019 · 11:35 pm

I Hate to Brag

Love this from Mitch Teemley! Had to share it.

Unknown's avatarMitch Teemley

I hate to brag, but

I’m on a first-name basis with the world’s best-selling author.

1689183_10203235405546783_2053368477_n

I could introduce you to Him, if you like.

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by | February 28, 2019 · 2:36 pm

I’ll Tell You What I Want, What I Really, Really Want

Spice Girls

Do you remember the Spice Girls? Here today, gone tomorrow girl band from the U.K.? They were the ones that made famous the song “Wannabe” (I’ll spare you the video).

What was the catchiest part of the whole song? The part that went “Tell me what you want, what you really, really want. I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want.” As a matter of fact, just for fun, here’s a link from the movie Chicken Little. The pig and chicken characters do a pretty good cover.

Honestly, I am not totally clear as to what the Spice Girls wanted. I wouldn’t know a “zigga” from zagga. On the other hand, I bet what they wanted was not what poor Job (in the Bible) wanted, but we’ll get to him in a minute.

Heaven

Have you ever thought about what you would want to see most in Heaven? Assuming Heaven will be your home after this life (don’t assume – eternity is too long for a mistake of that nature), what would you want to see first? Tell me what you want, what you really, really want.

Do you look forward to walking on a street of pure gold? Are you excited about seeing things that can hardly be imagined, much less described? What about gates of pearl? An emerald sea? Do you really, really want to meet all the saints of old, including relatives who have gone on before. Angels? A mansion?

Job

Do you remember Job? He was the guy in the Bible (with the book named after him) that lost everything he owned, including his wealth, family, and health. He even lost his friends, especially if you consider all they did was accuse him of wrongdoing.

Job wound up in such a state that his own wife even begged him to just curse God and die (Job 2:9). Job was a miserable wreck of a man who had every reason to want to go to Heaven. Yet, what Job really, really wanted to see first was not golden, bejeweled, or even a thing…He wanted to see God.

Remember, what you want tells a lot about your heart. Instead of wanting to exchange his suffering for a new body; his poverty for wealth; his loneliness for a reunion with loved ones, all Job wanted was to see God with his own eyes, in his own flesh. This was his hope and desire all wrapped up in one.

For I know [that] my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this [I know], That in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. [How] my heart yearns within me! – Job 19:25-27 NKJV

What we fail to think about is that when we see God, all the other joys of Heaven will have to seem secondary! God, the highest of all that is good and lovely, the depth of Whose attributes can never be plumbed, will one day look into our eyes in a moment of total realization, understanding, and belonging. What else could compare? Sure, there will be other things in Heaven, but who will care if it takes a million years to get around to some of them?

Tell me what you want. What do you really, really want.

Do you want Heaven, or Him? There is a difference.

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by | February 27, 2019 · 7:18 am

Objectives for My Life

If a fruit fly was asked to submit a list of things he’d want to accomplish in life, it would probably be pretty short and sweet.

If he could write, it would go something like, “Eat, procreate, and die.”

I am not a fruit fly. Yet, back in 2012 while in seminary I was asked to provide a list of my personal ministry objectives. Wasting no opportunity, I wrote a blog post about them and even incorporated them into my resume (where they remain to this day).

But as I was reviewing them this morning, I realized they were points that defined something more than just ministry: they are my life!

Ministry (including preaching, teaching, counseling, etc.) is more than just a job, a career, or a chosen field of service; it is my calling, my personality, my way of life. It’s who I am.

The following “objectives” shouldn’t only describe the things I want to accomplish; they should be a description of the man God has molded me to be.

The only question, then, is how well am I being ME in the context in which I’ve been given?

When people say “Just be yourself,” it’s good to know who yourself is.

My ministry objectives:

  1. To bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ in all that I do,[1] and all I go through.[2]
  2. To “give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine,”[3] and “to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”[4]
  3. To affect future generations yet to come as children are grounded, parents become responsible, singles are emboldened, and the aged get a second wind.[5] [6]
  4. To be known as a humble and consistent husband and father whose household serves the Lord;[7] [8] a forgiven sinner who understands grace;[9] and a fearless soldier of the Cross[10] who never compromises the truth.[11]
  5. To promote the preaching and teaching of the Gospel in every part of the world.[12]

[1] Psa 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

[2] 1Pe 1:7 – That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

[3] 1Ti 4:13 – Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

[4] Act 6:4 – But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

[5] Jos 4:21-24 – And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What [mean] these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it [is] mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

[6] Pro 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

[7] Jos 24:15 – And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

[8] 1Cr 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

[9] 1Ti 1:15 – This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

[10] Mar 8:34 – And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

[11] 1Ti 4:16 – Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

[12] Act 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

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by | February 23, 2019 · 2:59 pm

Because I Love Her

I created the following picture on my iPad Mini for my sweet wife, Valerie.

Because I love her 🙂

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by | February 21, 2019 · 7:31 am

Humbling Request

I’m slightly humiliated to do this, but slightly desperate times call for slightly desperate (or at least unconventional) measures.

So, if you can, and don’t feel guilty if you can’t, would you consider donating a gift of any size? The link on the right will work, or just click the one below.

That’s all I’m going to say about it, but if you’d like details, message or email me. May God bless your socks off!

– Anthony

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=oaCyifA8MnQXoFynXJZzAC9lsuf0oVATDvYuL_s8UJ3Qk9QoeNC5ZT73SQRd3gvYPo681m&country.x=US&locale.x=US

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by | February 13, 2019 · 12:51 pm

Lean Not On Your Inner Counselor

I would encourage you to listen to the short sermon I just recorded for the radio. I posted it to Proverbial Thought, first. I’m sharing that post here for you.

Anthony Baker's avatarProverbial Thought

The following is a sermon I just recorded for radio. It will be broadcast on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 at 2:45 pm (Eastern).

I would appreciate your prayers, both for those who might listen and for myself.

God knows what we all go through, and just like the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, He is walking with us, whether we recognize Him, or not.

If you have a moment, listen to this short sermon covering Proverbs 3 and Psalm 13. If it is a blessing to you, share it with someone else who might be going through a difficult and trying time.

https://anthonycbaker.sermon.net/main/main/21329008

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by | January 23, 2019 · 3:14 pm

God Help You, New York

The governor of New York will answer to God for his vile leadership.

I will stand for the lives of humans – yes, humans – killed (murdered) in the womb.

Those who rejoice at this law are no less pathetic than the guilty mob who cried “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

They shed the most innocent of blood on Calvary. Now the next best thing is to lift up pink lights as they butcher boys and girls.

Yes, I’m angry. But I can’t do anything about it. Only God can.

And He will.

https://www.lifenews.com/2019/01/23/one-world-trade-center-lit-up-pink-to-celebrate-new-york-passing-bill-legalizing-abortions-up-to-birth/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-passes-abortion-bill-up-to-birth-due-date-if-mothers-health-is-at-risk-today-2019-01-23/

http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2019/01/new-york-has-finally-updated-its-archaic-abortion-law.html

UPDATE:

The above portion of this post was written on my iPhone after I read the first of the 3 attached articles. It made me so angry that I had to write something.

Now that I’ve had a few minutes to let things settle in, I’m more emboldened to use this platform to un-apologetically state my opinion on this whole issue – the issue of abortion.

As mentioned in the Intelligencer article above, this new law that Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed was meant to bring New York into the modern era by taking abortion off of the “illegal” list. It was celebrated as a victory for women’s reproductive rights and a slap in the face to President Trump.

“We should not have a federal government that is trying to roll back women’s rights … This administration (of President Donald Trump) defies American evolution.” – Andrew Cuomo

Well, Mr. Cuomo, if this is “evolution,” then I hope I don’t live to see the day when we evolve into even worse animals.

Just this week I became the grandfather to an adopted little girl. Born premature, she weighed less than 4 pounds, but she was every bit a precious little baby as one born full-term weighing 9.5 pounds.

As I sat there in the hospital holding little Emma’s perfectly-formed features, the thought crossed my mind, “How could anyone rip this little girl apart limb by limb?”

That little granddaughter of mine had not even reached full term, the age which a baby is right before coming out of the birth canal, and yet, all because of “women’s health,” she could have been pulled apart like Thanksgiving turkey and used for spare parts by Planned Parenthood, and some of the same people approving of it would protest killing the turkey!

Folks, I am totally, 100% against legalized abortion on demand. Totally, 100% against it!

“But what about the health of the mother?” Yeah, about that. You know that’s nothing more than a season pass to “shouting out your abortion” festivities. “Oh, I might get depressed if I have to become a mother,” the woman might say. In reply the butcher says, “Well, dear child who will fund my next vacation, we wouldn’t want that living, feeling, human being inside you to affect your health, would we?”

People will always have to make choices of life and death, and it’s never going to be easy. Some parent is going to have to choose which child he can save from a sinking automobile while the other drowns. Some husband is going to have to decide on behalf of his comatose wife to sacrifice the baby they had been longing for in order to save the love of his life, and the both will have aching hearts for what had to be done. NEITHER OF THEM would be prosecuted or accused of murder!

But abortion is thinking to yourself as the car sinks, “I can afford to put one through college, but not all three, so….” THAT is MURDER! And YES, I believe it should be prosecuted.

Abortionists should go to jail.

A woman that willfully pays to kill her unborn child for any reason other than to spare her own LIFE (not her bank account or party life), should be prosecuted. Yes, I said it, and I mean it with all my heart.

Yes, I believe Roe v. Wade should be overturned. Period.

I’ve said before, and I say it again: The modern abortion industry is nothing more than a veiled, modern version of Moloch worship. Those who don’t consciously realize the demonic influence behind what they are doing may not recognize the religious similarities, but they are no less participating than the in-name-only Christian who attends church functions and gives to missions.

You may read this and think you have all kinds of arguments to shoot me down. You may want to bring up the “coat hanger” argument and how I want women to die. You’re either an idiot, brainwashed, or have never take the time to think through this while holding a premature baby.

Murder is illegal. People still murder people, even though murder is illegal. Should we change the laws so that back-alley murders would be less gruesome?

Abortion, if done out of convenience, especially the kind that women celebrate and “shout out” while cursing at churches and running nude down the streets, is murder. Yes, I said murder. Killing a human being that isn’t trying to kill you is MURDER. Killing a human being that has not been convicted of a capital crime or treason – and what crime has a baby done except inconvenience somebody – is murder. MURDER!

THAT is why I believe God is going to judge Governor Andrew Cuomo, the ministers who pray blessing over abortion clinics, the state legislators of New York, and Democrats and Republicans who support and promote abortion.

God offers mercy and grace, but only to those who repent. The unrepentant are running New York. God help you.

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by | January 18, 2019 · 12:50 pm

Spurs and Schedules

Friends and foes, I really wish I could sit down at my computer to write out all that’s going on in my life. Some of you would be excited, others could care less, but I hate long periods of silence.

Nevertheless, I’m currently on an extremely spur-of-the-moment trip out of town. It had to be taken now because of how my schedule is going to be changing starting February 1. On that day, after 13 months, I’m going to be driving a school bus again.

Believe me, between the reason for this trip and driving a school bus again, I’m going to have more stories to tell.

Maybe this weekend I’ll continue with my series on things to do in 2019.

It all depends on how the spur affects me.

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