by | September 3, 2012 · 11:46 am

A Little Time Off

Change of Plans

I was in the process of writing a post for today, a post dealing with the U.S national holiday, Labor Day. But then I got a phone call, and plans changed.

Not long ago I received a phone call from my cousin. He told me that my uncle, my father’s brother, had passed away. This was a terrible blow.

So, if you, my readers, wouldn’t mind, I would like to step away from The Recovering Legalist for a little while. I will still work on preparing posts for ProverbialThought.com, however, being that it is a daily devotional.

William (Don) Baker

Most of you may have never met my uncle Don, but you would have liked him. He was a very gentle, Jesus-loving man. But this wasn’t always the case. Just like my dad was before his conversion, my uncle was a tough-as-nails, hard-living, straight-shooting outdoorsman with a proud moonshine-running past. He was a man without fear, considering at one point he kept in his living room nearly 200 deadly snakes (Rattle Snakes, Copperheads, etc.).

My father, Terry Baker, was my uncle’s younger brother. Terry became a believer in the 1960’s, and then accepted the calling to preach. He always prayed for Don and invited him to church, but to my knowledge only went with him one or two times. My dad never gave up on my uncle.

Then, just a few years ago, the man who wouldn’t have anything to do with God or church found himself at death’s door. Beside a hospital bed he gave his heart and life to Jesus, and the change in that old sinner’s life was dramatic.

The Mission Field

My uncle lived on a hill just above the Tennessee River in an area called Suck Creek. Our family had lived there for several generations. And it was there on the river that my uncle spent most of his time fishing and conversing with not only the Lord, but anyone who passed by.

The river was his “mission field.” He told me how that once his health declined to the point he couldn’t get around, about all he could do was ride his 4-wheeler down to the river bank. There he would sit and fish, feed the ducks, and witness miracles.

On more than one occasion, as he told me, he would be sitting there fishing when a total stranger would walk up to him. Many times the people would be feeling hopeless, considering divorce, or even suicide. Without having to go anywhere he would tell these people about how God changed his heart and gave him a love he never knew existed. He would tell them how Jesus loved them and could give them the same kind of peace he experienced. And in one case, even the town drunk came by – and got saved.

Shouting Down the Roof

One thing my uncle Don told me a couple of years ago was this: “The thing I regret most is that I didn’t get saved earlier…I could have heard Terry preach, and we could have shouted the roof down together.”

I sent my uncle cd’s of my preaching and singing. I know that he listened to me when I preached on the radio. But I know that it wasn’t the same. I am not my dad.

Joy Comes in the Morning

But all is not lost. Because of the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ we have Hope.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. … That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Rom 5:1-2, 21 KJV

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1Cr 15:51-57 KJV

I am looking forward to the funeral service this week. I don’t look forward to it because I have lost a loved one, but because of the hope we will all share. It will be a time to be reminded that this life is short and that tomorrow is never guaranteed. But it will also be a reminder that when the dark night is over, along with all the pain, “joy comes in the morning.”

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by | September 2, 2012 · 12:32 am

Luxembourg

The Top 10

Before we take a look at this week’s country, I want to do a shout-out to the top ten visitors to this blog. In other words, the following are the countries from which this blog has received the most registered views (aside from the United States) since February of this year (2012).

  1. United Kingdom
  2. Canada
  3. Sweden
  4. Philippines
  5. Australia
  6. Germany
  7. Ireland
  8. New Zealand
  9. India
  10. Brazil.

Thanks to all of you from these countries who have taken the time to visit The Recovering Legalist. I just wish I could visit every one of your countries to thank you in person.

Luxembourg

There are a lot of poor countries in the world. Many countries have a population that makes an average of just a few dollars a day. But not Luxembourg. According to those who know these things, Luxembourg is the second-richest country in the world (per capita), yet one of the smallest. The average income in Luxembourg is around $80,000. Wow.

This little country has been around for a long time, even since the Roman days. It is full of history and beauty. It is also a very modern and cultured country.

Luxembourg and Religion

When it comes to the religious atmosphere of Luxembourg, let me just quote a couple of paragraphs from Wikipedia…if you don’t mind…

Luxembourg is a secular state, but the state recognises certain religions as officially mandated religions. This gives the state a hand in religious administration and appointment of clergy, in exchange for which the state pays certain running costs and wages. Currently, religions covered by such arrangements are Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Greek Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Russian Orthodoxy,Lutheranism, Mennonitism and Islam.[94]

Since 1980 it has been illegal for the government to collect statistics on religious beliefs or practices.[95] An estimation by the CIA Factbook for the year 2000 is that 87% of Luxembourgers are Catholics, including the royal family, the remaining 13% being made up of Muslims, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Jews, and those of other or no religion.[96]

According to a 2005 Eurobarometer poll,[97] 44% of Luxembourg citizens responded that “they believe there is a God“, whereas 28% answered that “they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force” and 22% that “they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force”.

So, in other words, the government runs the churches. Personally, I don’t think that is a good idea. The idea that the state could have a hand in who leads a congregation in exchange for pay is a little (no, a lot) disturbing. I can imagine a thousand ways that could go wrong.

But the upside to it all is the statistic that says, essentially, 72% of those in Luxembourg believe there is something more to life than stark secularism. Either they believe that there is a God, or they believe that there is “something” out there. That’s good. At least there’s hope.

Pray

Pray for the people and churches of Luxembourg. I would guess they have all of the earthly things they need, but pray that they remember the words written to the church at Laodicea. Rich countries, like my country, tend to produce churches that think they have everything, but are lacking in what money cannot buy.

Because thou sayest, “I am rich, and increased with goods,” and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. – Revelation 3:17-18

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by | August 28, 2012 · 7:58 pm

Monday Monkey “What if You Cross a Monkey With Time?” (Episode 28)

A Little Late

I am sorry that this edition of Monday Monkey did not make it out on Monday, but life is not a picnic – or is it? Life is not a bed of roses – or is it?

Picnics have scavenging insects and flying blood-suckers, while roses are covered with thorns. If you were to lay on a bed of roses while out on a picnic without insect repellent, you could die from blood loss and starvation.

Yesterday was not a good day. Let’s just say my family and myself would appreciate your prayers.

A Little Different

This edition of Monday Monkey was done in black and white. Believe it or not, I had to take multiple videos with my Socialcam app in order to achieve the effect. I could not find a single app for my phone that would record in black and white the way that I wanted, especially for free.

It is also a little different because I made up an accent. I don’t know what it really is. Maybe it is a combination of French, Russian, and Romanian. I don’t know.

And believe it or not, I did everything by myself this time. I had no help in the “camera girl” department. I even did the music on an old Yamaha Clavinova.

A Little Controversy

Where’s the controversy? Well, one could say that it is the fact that I call a certain kind of bread “monkey bread,” when it isn’t. But the real controversy can be found in the fact that I make it perfectly clear where I stand with the issue of Creation and Evolution. It’s quick, but it’s in there.

I’m sure, based on previous experience, that some will come on this blog and challenge my beliefs. That’s OK. The last thing I want to be known for is cowering from expressing my beliefs.

A Little Encouragement

That brings me to a final thought. There is no reason for Christians (or those who just believe that the world did not just appear out of nothing or by accident) to cower under the attacks from evolutionists. Sure, a lot of those guys are smart, but that doesn’t mean they are right (I’m sure that won’t set well, either). If you have the truth, don’t be afraid to stand up for it. Just be sure you are able to defend your beliefs with something solid, not just tradition or feeling.

One well-known “scientist” was recently shown telling parents to stop teaching their kids about creation. He said, “We need them [to be engineers, scientists, etc.].” Immediately my mind recalled one of the greatest scientist this country has known, George Washington Carver (1864-1943). Carver said, “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”  – Brainyquote.com

“What if You Cross a Monkey With Time?”

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by | August 27, 2012 · 12:30 am

A Monkey is Coming – Beware

Prepare

If you are reading this early on a Monday morning, then you should be the first to prepare. You should be thankful that you have received this warning early.

Many will see this too late. Many will not have time to prepare.

“Prepare for what?” you may ask.

Prepare to see a video so shocking, so controversial, so unlike anything you have ever seen before. It will go down in history  – for something.

Pre-Share

Don’t wait till later to tell people what you are about to see. It is Monday. It could happen at any moment.

At any second the world’s most controversial video of a polyester-furred puppet monkey offending certain humans will hit YouTube and the world wide web. You need to get the word out NOW! Don’s just share, pre-share! They must be warned!

Be in Prayer

The truth will be shocking, upsetting, and unsettling. Some will become nauseated. Others will wish they were wearing adult diapers. But a large portion of the portion of the world whose claims are disproportionately larger than their actual portion will simply be offended and reply with hatred, vitriol, and jokes that aren’t that funny.

Be in prayer that the video to be released later on this day will go viral – at least as much as “Charlie Bit My Finger” – and actually make a point…without actually hurting anyone’s finger.

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by | August 26, 2012 · 12:30 am

Slovenia

Narnia?

If you have ever read The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis, then you should be able to imagine what a real Narnia would look like. In the fictional Narnia there were beaches, green countrysides, forests, and mountains. Essentially, there was just about every kind of natural beauty in one place, and from Cair Paravel one could see almost everything.

Well, I have never been to Slovenia, but from the pictures I have seen, and from all that I have recently read, this little European country could be the nearest to a real Narnia anyone could ever find. Just go to Slovenia’s official tourism website and look at all the pictures! They are absolutely beautiful!

And if you remember descriptions of Narnia, tell me, doesn’t this description of Slovenia sound almost like the imaginary paradise?

Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forests, you can see the green plains below you. From upland meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country. – from http://www.Slovenia.info

Real World

But no matter how beautiful Slovenia is, she is still a nation of people that live in the real world. Hidden amid all the beautiful scenery is a people that have been through many years of turmoil and governmental changes. As a matter of fact, it was only in 1991 that Slovenia officially gained its independence from the former Yugoslavia. Up until then it had always been under the control of somebody else.

However, according to the U.S. Department of State website, the Republic of Slovenia is now a “vibrant democracy” with democratic roots that go back over 1,000 years. Believe it or not, it is said that the way “Slovene farmers contractually consented to be governed by the Duke [of Carinthia] influenced Thomas Jefferson’s drafting of the Declaration of Independence.”

Unlike many small countries, Slovenia is not exactly poor. They are doing well with their economy and have good trading relations with the rest of the world.

Real Need

But Slovenia does have one need, if nothing else. Slovenia needs to hear about the freeing grace of Jesus Christ. The International Mission Board reported recently that in the capital city of Ljubljana (pop. 300,000) there is only one Baptist church. Most other churches are either Catholic or Orthodox, but there doesn’t exist much evidence of personal faith.

I have had a few hits on my blog from Slovenia, but I would love to see more. But even more than visits to my blogs, my prayer is that more people in Slovenia would echo the words of John 12:21, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

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by | August 24, 2012 · 12:30 am

Anthony’s Appetite (Big Bob’s Bar-B-Q)

Bar-B-Q

I may have known in the past, but I have forgotten what Bar-B-Q stands for. I don’t know why it is spelled that way, or why other people spell it BBQ. Some people spell it out as Barbecue, but it’s all the same – good eat’n!

If you don’t know what BBQ is, then you may not be from the South…or West…or East…or anywhere animals are smoked and cooked and eaten with coleslaw and banana pudding. One thing’s for sure, if you have never eaten BBQ, you may not be American.

Decatur, Alabama

Not long ago we went to Decatur, Alabama, which is just a few miles southwest of Huntsville, the place with space and rocket museum. Decatur is also the home of Cooks Pest Control.

Back in the mid-90’s I worked for Cooks in Chattanooga, but had to train in Decatur for a month. While at the home office’s training facility, we were encouraged to go to Big Bob’s Bar-B-Q. We were told it was required of us, in order to be good employees, to eat one of Big Bob’s stuffed baked potatoes. We did, and I never forgot it.

That is why when I visited Decatur this time with my family, it was imperative that we go back and eat another potato. You, the reader, needed to hear about it.

Big Spud

Let me tell you, if you want to eat the best Bar-B-Q in the world, Big Bob’s is out to convince you theirs is it. If nothing else, they have the awards and the big-time recognition to back up their claims. But whether or not their BBQ is the best, they have a serious stuffed potato.

This huge potato comes with your choice of pulled pork, beef brisket, or chicken. Under that is cheese, sour cream, butter, and a few other goodies. Believe me, it is a meal and a half. Just don’t eat it if you are on a carb-free diet.

Overall

I won’t say that Big Bob’s is the best BBQ in the world, but it is pretty dang good. And if you want a potato that will hold a quarter of a pig, then Big Bob’s is a place you need to try at least once. You won’t regret it.

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by | August 22, 2012 · 2:18 pm

Mere Inkling Writes…

I just felt the urge to reblog this excellent post. It was a blessing to me. I hope it will be an encouragement to you, too.

robstroud's avatarMere Inkling Press

O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Surely a man goes about as a shadow! (Psalm 39:4-6, ESV).

I was reminded this week of that terrible cloud that hangs over all humanity . . . the brevity of our lives.

The Psalmist David lived a long life. Yet, during it he experienced great trials, some of which he failed. In this Psalm, he describes the vast gap between God and his creation.

Even human beings, created in the Lord’s very image so that we might worship him and live in fellowship with him for all time . . . even we human beings, because of sin, are destined to perish. We…

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by | August 19, 2012 · 12:05 am

Madagascar

More than a Movie

I get a real kick out of the characters from the Madagascar movies. By far, my favorite are the penguins. Their can-do spirit; their ability to laugh in the face of danger; and their ability to use monkeys to piece together a crashed DC-7 and make it fly – well, they’re genius.

The third edition of the Madagascar movies (Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted) featured all the animals buying a circus to sneak across Europe. My favorite part, of course, was the part where Marty the zebra, made up like a clown, sang the “Circus Afro” song.  I want it for a ring-tone!

But Madagascar is more than a movie; it’s a country. And Madagascar is populated with talking people, not talking animals (as far as I know).

The Country

Madagascar is a beautiful, isolated island nation just off the southeast of Africa. Actually, Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world.

Even though I have never seen any talking animals, there may be some in Madagascar. Believe it or not, nearly 80% of the plants and animals found in Madagascar are found nowhere else in the world!

The People

But Madagascar is more than a movie or rare plants and animals. Madagascar is a place with nearly 21 million people, 69% of which live on less than $2 dollars a day.

It is a place with people who practice the veneration of ancestors, even digging them up for periodic reunions with family. But thanks to the London Missionary Society, 20% of the people are Protestant (while another 20% are Catholic).

It is amazing to me that anyone from Madagascar has viewed this blog. But it is even more amazing that Jesus knows and loves every person there. And because He loves them, we should love them, too.

Pray for the people of Madagascar. Pray that more may find the hope that can be found in One who was not dug up from the dead, but raised from the dead to bring them life.

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by | August 15, 2012 · 1:46 pm

Hypocrisy and Porn

Warning: the following article may not be suitable for young people.

Questions

Is it a double standard to say a thing is completely acceptable, and then criminalize the use of the thing?

Is it hypocritical to say something is protected as free speech under the law, and then prohibit someone from listening or viewing the “speech”?

If something is deemed simply natural, not immoral or subject to the restrictions of an objective moral code, then is it acceptable to restrict someone from doing or partaking in what is simply “natural”?

These are honest questions. They are not meant to be leading. They are simply questions which I have been asking lately, because the double standard and hypocrisy are evident in our laws.

No Internet

For a while I have had the opportunity to counsel with a paroled sex offender. He is trying desperately to rebuild his life. He is completely repentant and wants to be the man God wants him to be, including provide for his family. The problem is the internet.

Almost everything we do these days, from sending emails to filling out applications, is done online. There are hardly any cell phones for sale that are not internet accessible. Yet, in the case of this man, he is not allowed to be on the internet – period. No phone, no computer, no iPad – nothing that will allow him internet access. Why? Because he might view pornography.

Excuse me? I thought pornography was perfectly legal. I thought pornography was protected as free speech. I thought that porn was safe, even good for one’s marriage. I thought porn was supposed to be art. Was I wrong?

Evidently, a convicted sex offender on parole is prohibited from viewing pornography because it might cause him to want to do sexually illegal things. Really?

Told You So

Now wait a minute! Haven’t we Christians being talking about the dangers of pornography for a while? Haven’t we said Scripture advises against such things? Sure! And here are just a few applicable verses:

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5:28 NKJV

Marriage [is] honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. – Hebrews 13:4 NKJV

I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman? – Job 31:1 NKJV

Was the Bible wrong? Why is it that Christians and their pastors who preach the Bible are considered “Victorian” and backward? “The human body is a beautiful thing,” they say, “and you Christians are just prudes.”

No, God designed sex for marriage, not the gratification of anyone with internet access. And anyone who views pornography is not only lusting, which is a sin, but he is flirting with a ticking time bomb. Pornography IS dangerous. Pornography IS obscene. And pornography can lead a man to act out his fantasies when viewing them on a computer is no longer good enough.

My question is this: if it is so wrong for a sex offender to view it, all because it might tempt him to commit another sex crime, then why is it perfectly OK for everyone else to view it?

It’s called HYPOCRISY.

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by | August 13, 2012 · 10:01 am

Monday Monkey “Dark and Early” (Episode 27)

Today is the first full day of the school year in our town. That means that the days of sleeping in are over.

The only difference this year is that Mr. Monkey thought he could handle driving a school bus. I wonder how it turned out?

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