One Year Ago, Today

I was just thinking about where I was a year ago, so I went to the archives. It was the day after a storm. Believe it or not, it was just Wednesday (yesterday) that storms came through again.

But the biggest thing is that I was feeling a little down today, and I was going to write about hiding in The Rock of Ages. Amazing, isn’t it? Storms come, storms go, but He remains the same. I’m glad I can rest in the security of His embrace.

“Till the Storm Passes Over”

Yesterday (Feb. 28, 2011) a strong storm front moved through our area around 2:25 p.m., EST. I was in the bus. NOT a good idea.

On a normal day, schools get out at 2:15. Yesterday, because of the coming storm, school dismissal was delayed until 2:30. That was a smart move. It would have been really dangerous to be on the road with a bunch of children and a tornado coming.

Because I knew that rain and high winds was on the way, I went outside of the school building and onto my bus to put up the windows. That was at 2:15……2:17, it was still calm……2:18, the storm hit like a bull catching a matador.

The following is what I posted on Facebook from my iPhone:

  • 2:18 pm “Storm is on us at lookout valley. In bus. Not good. Think was a bad idea.”
  • 2:21 pm “Laying on floor.”
  • 2:21 pm “Just a little scared.”
  • 2:23 pm “Hail.”
  • 2:24 pm “Hope somebody is praying.”
  • 2:30 pm “Whew! Bad stuff is over. Kids will be getting on bus soon. They held them in the school until the storm passed. Was scary.”

The reason I got down in the floor, as opposed to sitting in my seat, was because I was afraid that broken glass might start flying around. I also thought that I might be safer on the floor if a tree came looking for my head. Who knows? All I know is that while I was on the floor – while the bus rocked and the wind roared – I prayed.

I didn’t get off the bus because the wind was so intense, and opening the door would have been difficult, if not impossible. Not to mention, I had no idea if I would have been blown away or hit by a head-seeking oak branch. At least in the bus there was some metal protecting me. But on the other hand, it would have been a lot safer in the building. The bus was a bad idea.

As a result of the storm, there were hundreds of calls to the police for help. Trees were down everywhere, blocking roads, taking down power lines, and even crushing cars and damaging houses. As a matter of fact, I had to wait for nearly an hour for a power line to be cleared, just so my bus to get down a little back road. It was a mess.

Life Lesson

Sometimes storms come when you least expect them, even when you expect they will come. When they do, it is best to find shelter in a place that can weather the storm.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. – Psalms 18:2

When the storms of life hit, the best place to be is within our Saviour’s protective hand. The flimsy philosophies of this world are no better than a school bus in gale force winds. Till the storm passes over, resting safe within His arms is the best place to be.

“Sheltered in the Arms of God”

I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender.
They’re leading me in the paths that I must trod.
I’ll have no fear for Jesus walks beside me
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storm clouds rage high,
The dark clouds rise,
They don’t bother me;
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.
He walks with me,
And naught of earth shall harm me,
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.

– Dottie Rambo

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Hide Thou Me

I was thinking of the words to an old hymn, Hide Thou Me…

Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my life in vain,
I’m tempted oft to murmer, to grumble and complain;
But when I think of Jesus and what He’s done for me,
Then I cry, to the Rock of Ages, hide thou me.

There are times when the burdens of life get so heavy; when the struggles get so hard; when no matter what, we still worry; that we have to cry out to Jesus, “Hide me!” Thankfully, He does. Back around 1880 Vernon Charlesworth wrote, “The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide, A Shelter in the time of storm; Secure whatever ill betide, A Shelter in the time of storm.”

How different it is for the unbeliever.

Where does the atheist turn when his world is falling apart? When all friends forsake him? When the doctors say, “I’m sorry, but we’ve done all we can do?” When someone sings “The Sun Will Come Up Tomorrow,” but he knows he won’t see it?”

Where does the unbeliever hide? In drugs? Alcohol? Meditation? Sex? Nietzsche? Nature (which he believes is nothing more than the product of random chance and void of meaning)?

Scripture (Revelation 6:16) speaks of a day when men who chose to run from the Rock will “cry to the mountains and rocks” to “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne…” Ironic, isn’t it?

Oh, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.”

(Click HERE to watch GVB sing “Hide Thou Me.”)

And who would have thought that only 2 hours later I would find my family and myself seeking shelter as a tornado comes through (present tense – still waiting)?

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Based on a True Story

Here’s the Story

On this past Saturday I went to hear Rick Santorum speak. What I did not expect was to meet Bill Maher and Michael Moore in the lobby. Awkward.

“Hey, Anthony, what’s up, my brother,” asked Bill as he grabbed my hand to shake it. “Can I give you a hug, my friend? Good to finally meet you in person,” said Mr. Moore.

“What are you two doing here,” I asked, “and where do you know me from?”

Bill said, “HBO asked me to do some research on Christian bloggers, and when I found your site, well, you won me over!” He went on to say, “I was so blinded by my hatred of Christianity that I would never give it an honest chance; but then I read your blog. You changed my mind. Since then I have become a believer.”

Michael Moore’s story was similar. He said, “I was working on a new anti-Republican, anti-Evangelical documentary when I read your brilliant blog. The power of your intellect, combined with the non-conspiratorial power of the Holy Spirit, convinced me I was headed down a liberal road to destruction. I confessed my sins and became a believer. Did you read my comment on The Recovering Legalist?”

“Wow! Unbelievable! This is awesome news,” I said. “Are you here because you’re leaving the Democrat party?” “No,” they said. The reason they came to hear Rick Santorum was to seek wisdom which they could use to transform the liberal Democrat political machine.

Here’s the True Part

Last Saturday I went to hear Rick Santorum speak. That’s the truth. The above was based on a true story.

While visiting the hospital today (one of those pastoral things) I heard one nurse comment to another, “It’ll be a great movie, and it’s based on a true story.” Really? Makes one wonder what part is true.

John 8:31-32 … So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

“As a matter of honor, one man owes it to another to manifest the truth.” ~ Thomas Aquinas

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Simple Preacher

“Simple Preacher”

I’m just a simple ol’ preacher
I know what I know, I think
But when I’m around the scholars
I find that my knowledge stinks

They impress with their didactic polemics
And their proofs of amanuenses
But at the risk of sounding solipsistic
I know that I know I have Jesus

– Anthony Baker

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See Me at Work

My Official Pose

Ever wanted to know what I am like behind the pulpit – for real?

Here’s your chance.

  1. Follow the link below to the video archives of Mile Straight Baptist Church.
  2. Next, scroll down till you see the January 29 (pm) service entitled “In the Beginning, God.“

On Jan. 29th I was a guest speaker at Mile Straight. My daughter, Katie, sang before I preached.

Big Risk

Now, I know I’m taking a big risk, here. You may not like me after this, and that will make me sad. On the other hand, maybe you will see that there is more to me than “Monday Monkey.”

Oh, if you would like to have me as a guest speaker, feel free to give me a call or email me (especially if you are talking England – hint, hint).

NOTE: for some reason Mile Straight Baptist’s website is experiencing some trouble. If the link does not work, try again, later. I’m sure it will be back on line, soon. Sorry for the inconvenience. (this was posted Tuesday at 5:40 am, eastern)

As of 7:05 am it is working. However, it’s in Flash video, so sadly it won’t play on an iPhone, which is aggravating.

http://sites.radiantwebtools.com/index.cfm?i=8898&mid=18&g=18587

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New Page – Eternal Life

I just added something to my blog. It is a new page up top labeled “Eternal Life.”

You may or may not be a believer. On the other hand, you may be searching for answers. If you are the latter, then click on the Eternal Life page. It may provide you with what you’re looking for.

I want people to feel free, without pressure, to learn what I believe the Bible says about God’s gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus. No, it is not meant to be a theological and doctrinal masterpiece, but a simply worded offer to accept the Greatest Gift.

It is my prayer that it will be used to meet the needs of a few, at least. It’s there, for whomever wants to read it.

And to all my subscribers, thank you for being an encouragement.

Anthony

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Proverbial Thought, etc.

Not a lot of time this week to write much. At least not at this point.

So, here’s just a quick thing or two:

1) Some of you may know that I am in graduate school. If you didn’t, then let me tell you, it ain’t easy, especially when you are working on multiple projects and pastoring a church. Did I mention I have a family?

Because of this, and because of a particular class I am about to take, I will be swamped. That may mean that “Monday Monkey” may have to go into “reruns,” or something. We’ll just have to see. At least I may make it “Every Other Monday Monkey.”

2) But here’s something new. Starting on April 1st, check out ProverbialThought.com.

ProverbialThought.com

Proverbial Thought will be an on-line daily devotion based on the book of Proverbs. Each day will be a new proverb and a new thought. And what’s more, it won’t be only me doing the writing. It will be a collaboration of several, if not many, insightful, mature Christians who can apply each proverb to our lives. I hope you will subscribe to it, then pass it on to others.

Have a great week, folks.

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Monday Monkey “President’s Day Message” (Episode 16)

This episode came a little late in the day. I apologize. Just too many things to do in a day, you know?

I don’t know if pollen is a problem where you are, but it is here. So, on President’s Day, Mr. Monkey has a message for everyone to hear.

“President’s Day Message”

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Need a Lawyer?

Commercials

How many advertisements have you seen for lawyers, lately? A lot? Me too! They’re everywhere!

One of my favorites went something like this:

“Have you been inconvenienced by an unfortunate misunderstanding? Do you feel like the law was written for others, while you were left uninformed? Do you need to prove you’re really not the person the news paper says you are? Call Happy, Tayka, and Moola, today! We believe YOU!”

Then, there are all the adds that try to make you think you’re dying because of some medicine you’ve taken in the last 20 years:

“Have you taken any form of medication after eating a peanut butter sandwich? Well, you’re not alone! Thousands of others, just like you, have taken medication after eating a peanut butter sandwich and have gotten ill, even died! Have you gotten ill? Do you feel like someone should pay? Call the Bludsucher Law Firm, today! You could be entitled to millions in damages! Call today!”

The Real Deal

More than likely you know the difference between a legitimate lawyer, and one that promises you the moon. True professionals make few promises, even if they believe in your case. A good lawyer will be honest with you, never promising a guaranteed win. No attorney wins every case – except Jesus.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.” – 1Jo 2:1-2 KJV

Our Advocate

Those who trust in Jesus have the greatest defense attorney in the universe. He never loses a case. And when push comes to shove; when all the evidence is stacked against us; when the Accuser says “he’s as guilty as sin,” our Advocate looks to the Judge and says, “I’ve already paid the penalty with my life.”

“Case dismissed!” And the sound of the gavel sounds eerily like a hammer hitting a nail.

Call on Jesus before the trial. He’s waiting. (Hebrews 9:27; John 3:16; Romans 10:13)

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Monday Monkey “Valentine’s Day Song” (Episode 15)

Since I couldn’t get anyone to be my actors and actresses in Wally-Mart, I decided to just draw my video.

A few years ago I wrote this song, Try Me, for my wife, Valerie. I’ll let you figure out what parts are autobiographical, and which ones are just full of sugar.

Thanks for letting Mr. Monkey have a week off. He needed the rest.

“Try Me”

Oh, and by the way, my song IS protected under copyright laws, even though James Brown had a song by the same title back in the 1950’s.  If you would like to reproduce this song in any way, please contact me by email.

 

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Filed under General Observations, Humor, Monday Monkey, music, Relationships and Family, Uncategorized