The Recovering Legalist

by Anthony Baker | February 21, 2016 · 10:37 am

Prayer for My Wife

This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

It is a good day, and it doesn’t matter what is going on – God made this day! And, for that matter, He makes every day, and what He makes is good.

How, then, can one reconcile the truth of Psalm 118:24 with the fact that my wife is in the hospital and doctors can’t figure out what is wrong with her? God is Sovereign, Holy, and by nature He is Good; therefore, I will trust Him.

photo (28) Nevertheless, I would ask that you intercede for my wife, Valerie, with prayer. Lift her up before the throne of God. Petition our Father for her healing, if it be within His will. Pray that God enlighten the doctors’ understanding so that that they may be able to diagnose her pain. But whatever the case, make sure you pray that through all our struggles and unanswered questions Jesus Christ receives the glory!

Remember, because many within the hospital community never go to church, sometimes God has to put the church in the hospital.

Thank you!

Update: Dear friends and subscribers, your prayers and encouragement have meant a lot. Thank you so much for your caring kindness.

Valerie was discharged from the hospital this evening (2/22) with instructions to follow up with her regular doctor and a cardiologist. Unfortunately, while at the hospital, they were unable to find the reason for her pain. What also became obvious was her inability to stay awake for any length of time, actually falling asleep after only 30 seconds on the telephone (she does take meds to stay awake, but without them she is useless – she wasn’t able to take them while in the hospital – and they can’t determine the cause).

Valerie is no longer in pain (it was severe) except when she tries to lie down – when she does she suffers from crushing pain and the inability to breath. With some fluid around her heart, one would think there are heart problems. However, multiple tests were done and the doctors concluded her heart was in good condition and there had been no heart attack, no blockages, or anything. So, what the heck could it be???

Un-diagnosed illnesses can cause a strain on family and relationships, not to mention work and family routines. The stress has a tendency to stretch our abilities to cope. What we need more than anything right now is prayer for our spiritual hearts – especially mine – that we will remain compassionate, caring, and hopeful, not cynical or accusatory. Frankly, when we’re tired and worn is when the Devil tries to flank us, to cut us off from our Supply. That’s why we need you interceding for us.

So, right now Valerie is in good spirits and not in much pain, unless she tries to lie down. Please pray that future visits to specialists will provide answers. In the meantime we will do our best, in God’s strength, to give thanks in all things, for He is worth of our praise.

17 Comments

Filed under Apologetics, Defining Marriage, Marriage, Relationships and Family, Struggles and Trials, worship

Tagged as Hospital, Illness, Marriage, Pain

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 | February 18, 2016 · 6:00 am

When You Vote…

Your VOTE should be more than a calculated bet.

Your VOTE should be more than a strategic move to benefit a party.

Your VOTE should be, if possible, more than a compromise; it should be a statement.

Your VOTE should be – it SHOULD be – your stamp of approval, one that signifies the person for whom you are voting is the best possible choice.

Your VOTE should NOT be based on statistics.

YOUR vote SHOULD be based on YOUR understanding, NOT public opinion.

vote Your right to VOTE is NOT a true right; it’s a PRIVILEGE. Certain inalienable rights are given by God (i.e., life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness); the privilege to vote was bought with human capital (the blood of our soldiers). DON’T waste the opportunity afforded to you by the lives of others!

Remember, our Forefathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor so that you could have a voice in who governs you. However, those for whom you vote these days have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Hold them accountable!

Your VOTE is a sacred trust. DON’T betray it.

Just the Sound of BB’s

This post was first published in 2013.

Now that it’s an election year, it’s time for a reminder.

The attached video is not graphic, but hopefully disturbing. It is not gross or disgusting, only sobering.

Please listen to the sound of BB’s in a tin can.

I agree with the author of this video – God help us!

Here is another video you should watch. It is of an abortion survivor. Very powerful.

But you know what, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that there is hope for those who have had abortions. Watch and listen to my friends (who I used to play bass guitar with), Adam and Kathy Glover (Adam is now a pastor). This was from several years ago.

We were at their home when this aired, and you should have seen the emails that flooded Kathy’s computer.

Kathy had abortions, but God has brought healing. Now they devote much of their time reaching out to those who struggle with the guilt of past and hidden sin.

Obviously Obvious

A Great Deal

Every once in a while a deal comes along that you just can’t pass up, like four suits for the price of one at Joseph A. Bank. I mean, that’s simply a once-in-a-lifetime steal!

And have you ever seen those commercials for…I don’t know…everything? How can you pass on buying something for $19.95 when you get a second whatever and ten additional gadgets for no additional cost? (Just pay separate shipping and handling, of course).

Well, one deal I saw the other day at Wal-Mart just took my breath away! It was awesome! It was more than awesome…it was OBVIOUS!

TWO – count them – TWO honey buns for just $1! Or, if you like, you could buy one for just 50 cents. What a deal!

Yeah. Right.

Obvious Stuff

Look, businesses don’t give things away for no reason; separate shipping and handling actually covers the cost of free items; and, getting two honey buns for the price of two honey buns isn’t exactly a great deal. Some people never put two and two together.

What are some other things that should be obvious? Let me start a list:

Watching church on TV is NOT as good as being there.
Your vote DOES matter.
Living together first is NOT the best way to start a marriage.
One’s actions DO have consequences.
Government is NOT the solution to every problem.
Believing God doesn’t exist doesn’t make Him go away.

Any other suggestions?

4 Comments

Filed under General Observations

Tagged as Advertising, Marketing, observations, Obvious, wisdom

by Anthony Baker | February 15, 2016 · 7:00 am

Happy President’s Day!

Happy President’s Day, for what it’s worth.

However you celebrate it, I hope your holiday (if you’re out of work or school) is not hampered by allergies. Allergies are unpatriotic.

Oh, by the way, I only realized I had the American Flag hanging improperly AFTER I made this video and deleted the original “film.” Oh well, you get the point. It’s been 3 years since I made this Monday Monkey video, so there’s no going back now.

Just a Loving Reminder

Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Love of God

Tagged as Holiday, love, Valentine's Day

by Anthony Baker | February 13, 2016 · 8:14 pm

A Tragic Loss

To the family of Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Antonin Scalia (3/11/36 – 2/13/16), you are in our prayers. May the God of all comfort bring you peace at this time of mourning.

Your nation mourns with you.

Justice Scalia was one of a rare breed of principled, God-fearing men, never afraid to speak the truth, even when public opinion might be drifting in a different direction.

Antonin_Scalia_Official_SCOTUS_Portrait Justice Scalia believed that the Constitution of the United States was not something to be twisted into an adulterated tool of political correctness. He also decried the current tendency of the Supreme Court to “make law” instead of simply interpreting it.

“Persuade your fellow citizens it’s a good idea and pass a law. That’s what democracy is all about. It’s not about nine superannuated judges who have been there too long, imposing these demands on society.” – Antonin Scalia

The First Amendment has lost a champion.

1 Comment

Filed under America, current events, Life/Death

Tagged as Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court

by Anthony Baker | February 13, 2016 · 11:49 am

5 Reasons for Being a Legalist

1. Ignorance

Some people don’t know any different.

When I was growing up, I did not know anything different than what I was exposed to in our small churches, missionary conferences, revivals, or Christian schools. Even though I believe that most of what I was taught was doctrinally sound, I was not allowed to examine different viewpoints, even those of other Baptists (specifically if they were anything other than “Independent, Fundamental,” etc.) Many are still in this situation. Tragically, they are content with their ignorance. They refuse to consider the fact that they may be wrong on a particular point.

Even when Scripture is plain and simple, because of the secluded nature of certain groups, legalists would rather stick their heads in the sand than risk being wrong. Being wrong might make someone else, even another denomination, right about something. Heaven forbid!

2. Indignation

Some came from an unholy lifestyle and now seek to redeem themselves (or their consciences).

Some people are so ashamed of their past that they go overboard in trying to live a life of holiness. They see in their past a link between so-called “worldly activities” and their fall into depravity. In an effort to show they are no longer the person they used to be, and in order to avoid temptation, they strictly avoid certain activities deemed “worldly.”

Sadly, even though they mean well, they project their own weaknesses onto others, therefore expecting others to abide by the same level of austere living or be seen as worldly. However, in many cases, appearances are not what they seem.

The very ones who are so legalistic in some areas of life wind up being the ones with the biggest weakness in that area. Their overbearing attitudes, in many cases, may only be the big doors hiding skeletons in their closet.

3. Immaturity

Some desire to be controlled, to be told what to do.

As strange as it may sound, some people don’t like to think for themselves, nor do they like being responsible for their own choices. It is sort of like people whom I have seen that were once under a totalitarian government: when they no longer had a dictatorial system telling them what to do, they either lost all control or had no motivation to do any good.

Legalistic churches provide the lazy or immature Christian a list of “do’s and don’ts” so that he/she doesn’t have to search the Scripture for guidance. It is much easier this way. If the pastor says something is wrong and that God would not approve, then that’s it – end of discussion. Having a list is safe and doesn’t require much thought. Essentially, the legalist would rather be a marionette than mature.

4. Inadequacies

Some want to control others.

Freedom is dangerous. Freedom allows for movement and change. Freedom allows for the individual to be led by God in a specific direction that may or may not be God’s will for another. Freedom takes power away from those who would want to control others for their own edification or gratification. On the other hand, legalism keeps the sheep under strict control by encouraging tattling and fear of being ostracized.

There are pastors, well-intended men, who would rather their people live under a specific set of guidelines than question long-held, man-made traditions. These leaders are afraid to lose their congregations to the world, but also to other churches. They may even find comfort in controlling others due to their own inadequacies. Much like emperors and dictators, they manipulate weak Christians in order to maintain their little kingdoms. Rarely do they admit weakness and often micro-manage every aspect of ministry. Legalistic leaders have to be in control.

5. Insecurity

Some people are more afraid of God than in love with Him.

So many people that I have known (and used to be like) were more afraid of losing their relational standing with God than anything else. Legalism tends to give some the assurance that God is pleased with them.

I wonder how it really was for Enoch as he walked with God. Many modern preachers are quick to make the application of Enoch’s walk with God to the way we act in this world, but they make little of the relationship implied by the narrative (Genesis 5:24). In reality, very few lists would even be needed if one had an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.

To the legalist, God is not a friend: He doesn’t laugh…He speaks in Old English…and He holds a grudge because of what it took to buy the sinner’s salvation. When one thinks of God as always looking for an opportunity to send judgment, then being legalistic is the safest way to go. No one wants to be hit with a lightning bolt, you understand.