by | October 10, 2011 · 10:31 am

Even Though It’s Monday

No Time Off 

Many preachers/pastors take Monday off. I don’t. I can’t. So, Monday mornings around 5 a.m. I am getting ready to greet the dark with a smile.

This morning, like many Mondays, the last thing I wanted to do was get out of bed. I just wanted to stay covered up and deaf to any alarm that dared wake me.

Then, after getting up and on the bus, a thought crossed my sleep-deprived mind – even though it is Monday…

At Least I’m Not a Toy Monkey

No, I am not a monkey. Specifically, I am not a 25-year-old puppet monkey named Buddy. I am human…a man…a divinely created person. I am not a synthetic, stitched toy with a hand up my…well, you get it.

Even though it is Monday, and I have 2 weeks worth of work to do in 5 days, I am loved by God. Buddy the monkey is only loved by 3 people, maybe 4 or 5, depending on the mood of the day.

Even though it is Monday, and burdens weigh heavy on my heart, I do not carry them alone. Buddy, even though he has no burdens, has been secluded in a box more years than he has seen the daylight. Buddy doesn’t understand pain or heartache, but neither does he understand joy, love, worship, or fellowship.

Even though it is Monday, I was created by God. Buddy was made on a Chinese sewing machine.

Even though it is Monday, I can praise God for another day. Buddy, a toy monkey, knows nothing about praise. He’s just cute.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27

“LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!” Psalm 144:3

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24


			

	
	

		
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		by  | October 6, 2011 · 10:09 am	


	
In the News, 10/06/11
	

		


Steve Jobs shows off iPhone 4 at the 2010 Worl...
Image via Wikipedia




Steve Jobs – Dead


Steve Jobs – What a great example of how someone can take an idea and run with, make billions, and still make the world a better place. He will be missed. The sad thing is that no matter how much money you make, it won’t buy life.


A fellow blogger (The Seeking Pastor) mentioned this morning how that when he learned of Jobs’ death the thought crossed his mind, “I never prayed for him.” That was convicting, for neither did I. But right after that, the thought crossed my mind, “And even with all his riches and technology, he couldn’t live a day longer.”


The Psalmist said, “My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass”– Psalm 102:11 NIV. The wealthiest among us are no different than the poor. Let this loss be a reminder to us all that “death is no respecter of persons.” I hope Steve was ready. Our condolences to his family…and Apple.


Wall Street Protests


What a  great example of people who protest and complain without having the slightest idea what they are doing or how they’re being used.


The irony of all this is that they decry Wall Street and big corporations, but then rely on the very devices created by the genius of capitalism (i.e., iPhones, Blackberries, and iPads) to promote and transmit their vitriol .


I love what Herman Cain said about these people, “Don’t blame Wall Street, don’t blame the big banks, if you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself. It is not someone’s fault if they succeeded, it is someone’s fault if they failed.” AMEN!


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2011/10/05/2011-10-05_herman_cain_to_occupy_wall_street_protesters_if_youre_not_rich_blame_yourself.html#ixzz1a0bWF2ag


Obama’s Job’s Bill


Oh, the irony is getting deeper.


Steve Jobs dies…People without the jobs they want protest the people who make jobs…President Obama promised jobs, and promised jobs, and promised jobs.


It seems that the only sure-fire way to create jobs is to raise him from the dead. Maybe Mr. Obama will suggest that in his next (one of a thousand) job-creation news conferences.

			

	
	

		
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		by  | October 4, 2011 · 10:22 am	


	
Technology Smechnology
	

		
The Old Days


Do you remember the old days? “Which old days?” you ask. The old days when a “cell phone” was what a wealthy, white-collar prisoner might have. The days when a telephone had a cord and an actual dial. The days when if you missed a number when your finger slipped, you had to start all over (God forbid it was a long distance number).


Do you remember the old days of cell phones? Do you remember when the coolest thing on earth came in a bag and had a 6 inch antenna? And oh, it had a cord, too. Those days were not that long ago.


I remember the first cell phone I ever used and where I used it. It was in a Ford Racing team truck. It was attached to the floor of the truck and had a spin dial. It cost 25 cents a minute.


My first cell phone, back in the “old days,” was a bag phone. I could barely afford the minutes, so I didn’t use it much. On the other hand, I would drive down the road at night with the receiver up to my left ear. The buttons on the handset were on the outside, so the green glow could be seen by passing motorists. They only thought I was talking. I was way cool.


The greatest thing about a cell phone back then was the fact that one didn’t have to stop and use a pay phone. No one even dreamed about surfing the internet or emails. Most people had never even heard of something called GPS. For crying out loud, we weren’t too far removed from the “science fiction” flip phone communicator from Star Trek!


The New Days


Forget Star Trek. Captain Kirk would have been speechless if he had possessed a true Android. Spock would have become emotional if handed an iPhone4. Now, even the most technologically advanced iPhone 4 (my phone) is being relegated to the “has-been” stack of old technology. But geez, how much technology do we really need?


Today the iPhone 5 will be revealed. As of this writing, I have no idea what it will be like. Do I care? Well, maybe a little…but I shouldn’t. What more do I need in a phone?


Technology in Action


Right now, without a hesitation, I can use my little communicator to take HD pictures, check email, shoot quality video and post it to the web, play incredible games, surf multiple pages on the internet, and believe it or not, make a PHONE CALL! What more do I need?! REALLY?


We are progressing way too fast, people. Way too fast. Maybe we should really be thinking of the truth of Daniel 12:4 – “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” The end may be nearer than we want to admit.


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		by  | October 2, 2011 · 8:26 am	


	
Pulpit Freedom (First Video Blog)
	

		
Well, I am a little nervous, to say the least. I am posting my first video.


Yesterday I recorded this so that I could save some time. The problem is that I had no idea the difficulties I would have trying to get it uploaded. So, what was supposed to appear on Saturday afternoon is finally coming on line, now.


I apologize.


I also apologize for the quality of the video. I recorded it in HD, but it wasn’t uploaded that way. Better luck next time, I suppose.


Also, please forgive me for being a little nervous when this was recorded. My wife said I used “um” or “uh” too many times. I normally, uh, don’t, uh, do that.




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		by  | September 27, 2011 · 12:55 pm	


	
My Dream (Bucket) List
	

		
I have dreams…


Really, I do! And that is a good thing. Even though I just turned 44, which is 4 years over-the-hill and that much closer to assuming room temperature, I can still dream of things I would like to do while on this earth.


Now, there are some things on my list, or in my bucket, or however you want to say it, that could be considered serious and profound. On the other hand, there are some things that I would like to do, see, or acquire that are purely for fun. Check out the list below and see if you can tell which ones are realistic, serious, or just plain crazy.


I would like to…


    

  • be the next Billy Graham
    • 

  • fly in a vintage WW2 and/or jet-age fighter (especially a Spitfire or F86 Sabre)
    • 

  • drive a Shelby Cobra, a 1971 Jaguar E-type, a Ferrari, and a 007-like Aston Martin DB5
    • 



I would also like to…


    

  • see one politician act like Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
    • 

  • see prayer allowed in schools
    • 

  • see someone pray, like Daniel, in the public arena despite the threats of prosecution
    • 

  • see Ronald Reagan come back from the dead and say, “Everybody get off the stage, cause I’m running again.” Of course, I would be happy to see Lincoln, or Jefferson, or even JFK do the same.
    • 

  • hear one American president tell terrorist-sponsoring nations, “We’ve been nice with our ‘smart bombs,’ but we could go back to the way we did things in the 1940’s…ever heard of carpet bombing?”
    • 



I dream of going to…


    

  • Israel
    • 

  • London
    • 

  • Moscow
    • 

  • Disney World, again
    • 

  • Narnia
    • 



I would love to meet…


    

  • A sitting president (two, if Obama was included)
    • 

  • Billy Graham
    • 

  • Rush Limbaugh (sorry, folks, I’m a conservative)
    • 

  • Lindsey Lohan (just to tell her there’s a better way to live)
    • 

  • Justin Bieber (to give me street cred with the middle-school set)
    • 

  • Roger Whittaker (and take my little girl, who is a huge fan)
    • 

  • A real stay-at-home mom (or dad) who made a fortune with a work-from-home business they heard about on a commercial.
    • 

  • Mel Gibson (to tell him that God still loves him)
    • 



I would love to play…




    

  • a Stradivarius
    • 

  • like Tommy Emmanuel (please watch), Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, or B.B. King
    • 

  • a game of chess with a computer – and win
    • 

  • the lottery (with money I found) – and win
    • 

  • a minor part in a movie with Sean Connery, Sylvester Stallone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger
    • 

  • In front of Simon Cowell and hear him say, “Others may have the X factor, but you have the ‘WOW’ factor! Paula, don’t you agree?…Paula…Paula?…”
    • 



I would love to have…




    

  • the ability to fly at will
    • 

  • a new suit that fits
    • 

  • Logos Bible Software (Platinum Edition) and a computer to run it.
    • 

  • a cheeseburger that doesn’t make me fat
    • 

  • hot dogs that tree-huggers wouldn’t complain about
    • 



But most of all, when all is said and done, my greatest wish, my greatest dream, is to hear God the Father say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Everything else – the memories of what I did, the places I saw, the people I met, the things I owned – will pass or fade away.  And that’s OK, because nothing will compare to the glory that awaits in the presence of my Savior, Jesus Christ.






In the meantime, if you happen to own a 427 Cobra, or extra tickets to the Holy Land, you could make a dream come true…call me anytime.

			

	
	

		
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		by  | September 23, 2011 · 1:09 pm	


	
How Badly Do You Really Want It?
	

		
Do you ever catch yourself singing commercial jingles for no apparent reason? Well, when I am driving, bored, and a little (or a lot) sleepy, I tend to start singing songs I learned as a child. In particular, one song is tops on my repertoire…


The Oscar Mayer Wiener Song.




Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / That is what I’d truly like to be ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / Everyone would be in love with me.




First appearing in 1965, this song has become boiled, grilled, steamed, fried, and even micro-waved into our memories. But recently it struck me…what in the world am I saying? Am I so desperate for the attention of others that I would be willing to become an unhealthy food source?


The Need for Love


There are many hurting people in the world who would wish for nothing more than someone to love them. They go to great lengths to be prettier, richer, more popular, or even more “available” – all to find love. But do you really think it’s a good idea to wish you were a hot dog?


What most people don’t know is that there was a second verse to the Oscar Mayer wiener song. In the 1965 commercial a truly intelligent boy quickly understood the true ramifications of the song’s wish and sang the following:




Oh, I’m glad I’m not an Oscar Mayer wiener / That is what I’d never want to be/ ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / There would soon be nothing left of me.




Sing it, brother! You tell ’em! Why would anyone want to be a hot dog? Do you really want to be loved so badly that you would sacrifice your humanity and allow yourself to be eaten? It’s not worth it, people…believe me!


The lyrics to this song could be re-written to expose what people are really saying. “Oh I wish I was something else instead of human / A tube of meat is what I want to be / I’d gladly die alone in boiling water / If you would only say that you loved me.“


Look, there is no reason to want to become a hot dog (you might get eaten by one). Really, there is nothing to be gained by having your body boiled or grilled on an open flame; covered in chili, relish, mustard, and onions; then chewed repeatedly until you’re swallowed by someone who will forget you an hour later (unless the chili upsets them). Stay human. It’s better that way! 


You are Loved!


Ironically, someone did become something He was not in order to die for love. The big difference is that He was God and became Human, not a hot dog. And what’s more, He didn’t die to be loved – He died because He loved. His name is Jesus, and He died for you. You are VERY loved!




“For God so love the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 KJV


“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 NIV

			

	
	

		
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		by  | September 22, 2011 · 11:47 am	


	
Barriers to Church Growth. #5 (Honoring Self)
	

		
A very revealing study was done, leading to a book detailing how 300 churches went from declining or dying, to growing. In Comeback Churches, written by Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson, there is a list of 30 different barriers to church growth. Having received permission from the publisher (B&H Publishing Group), I would like to discuss a different barrier each week.


“People do works for their own honor and not the glory of God (Matthew 5:16).”


“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 KJV


Why do we do good works? Why do we feed the poor, shelter the homeless, tend to the elderly, etc. Do we do these things so that our Father will be glorified, or do we do them in order to get glory for ourselves?


To be Seen.


Some people do good works for the sole intention of being seen and considered especially spiritual. Jesus said that “Everything they do is for show” (Mt. 23:5 NLT). Jesus spoke of those who wanted to be seen as pious and holy by wearing boxes containing Scripture on their foreheads or arms. The bigger the box the better. All this was in an attempt to say, “I am keeping the law better than you!” (See Deuteronomy 6:5-9)


Then there are other people who do plenty of good deeds without even acknowledging God. For example,  go to any charity ball held by your local “high society” club. There you will find plenty of people who willingly give thousands to worthy causes, but smile as big as they can when the magazine photographers come around.


They may even be members of local churches and give large offerings to the building fund (as long as it’s named after them); buy the pastor a new car; or pay for a youth mission trip. “And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the [congregation].” – Matthew 23:6 NLT


To be Accepted


Some people do good works in order to be accepted by God. They give away fortunes and spend their lives doing good deeds, but not to be seen of men. They want to be seen by God and thought of as worthy of His love. The only problem is that salvation is “not of works, lest any man should boast.” They work themselves to death in order prove their loyalty, thereby supposedly insuring a place in heaven. But the glory goes not to God, for attached to the works is an expectation of reward based on merit.


Soli Deo gloria


All glory should be to God alone. If our works are done in order to receive praise, then God is not getting the glory. If our works are meant to earn credit with God, then God is not getting the glory. If we work ourselves silly to meet the legalistic requirements placed on us by men, then God is not getting the glory. However, if out of a heart of love we do good works without expectation for reward, recognition, or acceptance, then God will receive the glory.


When all glory, honor, and praise is given to the Lord, He will draw all men unto Himself. Church growth will be unstoppable. Yet, if we expect credit for anything, then what should we expect but further decline? “For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.” – Isaiah 48:11 KJV


We want others to see our good works, but not for our own glory. May they “glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.”


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		by  | September 20, 2011 · 10:11 am	


	
Out of the Mouths of Babes
	

		
Why is it that so many place such a high premium on what children say? Why should we “listen to the children?” Sure, every once in while they say something cute or insightful, but on a regular basis? Get real. They may be short, but we’re not talking about Yoda. Youth is not a prerequisite to wisdom.


Buy Your Own House


This morning I was driving my bus full of children and one decided to share his “wisdom” with me. According to this young man, a fifth grader, it was better to not buy a house together, or share your money with your wife (if you get married). Why? “Because your wife may end up becoming a prostitute and kick you out and make you pay alimony.”


I can only pray for that poor boy. Where is he learning that stuff? Is this what he thinks of all women? Is this what he thinks of marriage? What kind of future do we have if kids like that keep growing up and taking over? He is definitely NOT a child I want to listen to.


If Children Ruled the World


But there are those who swear that true wisdom can be found in the words of young children. Forget the need for a lifetime of experience, listen to the wisdom of those who just learned to wear pull-ups and cut their own meat. If we did what the bleeding-hearts wanted us to do – listen to the children – where would we be right now?


* No one would ever work, except those that need to work so that others would not have to work.


* Every day would be Christmas, Halloween, and summer vacation.


* There would be peace on earth and no more wars – except when someone disrespects you or takes your candy.


* Everything should be available for the asking whenever it is wanted, as long as we don’t have to be the ones providing it for someone else.


* There would be no need for multiple cable channels, only Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, ESPN, and The Twilight Channel.


* Everyone would be able to walk around and have everything, while complaining that they are mistreated.


* No one would ever eat at home.


* Education, if desired, would be determined by what the child thought was important.


* Teachers, Doctors, Policemen, School Teachers, and Ministers would be disrespected and maligned, while movie and rock stars would be deified.


* Animals would be considered equal with humans.


* Hate would be outlawed; that is, unless someone disagreed with you.


* Church would be nothing but fun and games, with cookies for all to enjoy.


Wait! Maybe the children are already in charge!

			

	
	

		
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		by  | September 19, 2011 · 11:05 pm	


	
Rewarding Good “Being”
	

		
Today I was given a coin. On the face of the coin was inscribed the following words:


“I Was Caught Being Good”


I don’t want to be hyper-critical. I don’t want to be too sarcastic. I don’t want to make anyone mad at me for thinking this through; but, I just can’t help finding this a little odd.


The Story


I was waiting in one of our schools for the children to dismiss for the bus when I overheard a teacher say, “…if you’re caught being good…” Immediately my interest was piqued. Three words were put together in a way that made no sense:  “caught” (which usually involves apprehension),  and “being good” (which usually involves being left alone). Why would anyone who is being good need to be caught? I thought that only happened to bad guys.


So, I followed the teacher (Mrs. Lauren Hensley – she said I could use her name) around the corner to ask if I’d heard her correctly. To my amazement, the enthusiastic Alabama fan explained that there is a whole program built around “catching” and rewarding children for “being good.” Believe it or not, she even gave me one of the coins the “caught” receive (I was good).


The Questions


Please pardon my sarcastic attempt at humor. Even though I think I understand the reason for the coins, I still have some questions. Maybe someone could clear this up for me.


1) Why do you “catch” someone for being good? Doesn’t “catch” give the impression that you have been hooked, snagged, arrested, or apprehended?


2) Why would you catch someone for “being?” What have they done?  The kids have to be there, don’t they? Shouldn’t all of them get coins?


3) What do you give the kids who actually DO good? Do they get their own coin? You see, being good is one thing, but doing good takes it to a whole different level. Maybe they should get a trophy.


4) Why is being good something that is rewarded? I have never had a Tennessee State Trooper pull me over and say, “Boy, do you realize you were doing 65 in a 65?  I guess I’m gonna have give you a little coin to help you remember.” Why should doing what is expected be elevated to a level of achievement?


The Reality


The difference between “being good” and “doing good” is about the same as the difference between “being in love” and “showing love.” One might involve a lot of internal emotion and good intentions, but the other is proof something is real.


From a Biblical perspective, we are taught to DO good, not BE good. As a matter of fact, Jesus didn’t just sit around Nazareth being good, He “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed…” (Acts 10:38). What’s more, Jesus said “No one is good but One, that is, God” (Luke 18:19 NKJV).


Have you ever heard of a person being arrested for being bad? No, only when he does something bad. It may be a matter of semantics, but being and doing are two different things. If we’re gonna catch somebody, I hope it’s in the act of doing, not just being?




BTW, thanks to all the teachers (including Mrs. Hensley) who do their best to make this world a better place! You deserve more than a coin – You deserve our respect.



			

	
	

		
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		by  | September 15, 2011 · 7:24 pm	


	
To My Subscribers
	

		
First, I just want to say, on my 150th post, thank you for taking the time to read the stuff I write, or at least let it clog your email.


Secondly, I have a new blog dedicated to pictures I take with my iPhone 4. Not only do a try to publish a picture every day, but along with the picture a devotional thought (most of the time). The address is i4Daily.wordpress.com. While you are there…here’s a thought…why don’t you subscribe?


Thirdly, spread the love. If you know of anyone who would be encouraged or challenged by anything I write, please share it. So far this blog (and i4Daily) has reached people all over the world with a little truth, hope, and grace. The more the better.


Again, thanks so much for reading.


Anthony Baker

			

	
	

		
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