Tag Archives: faith

Prayer Before Writing

While reading a required book for one of my seminary classes, I came across something that convicted me. It was a prayer.

Holy One, you wrote my name in the palm of your hand before time began. You commanded the prophets to write down your will for your people. Please let me, as I write, share your love and grace and wisdom through my words.” – Deborah Core

The Seminary Student Writes is a small book, but it is full of helpful instruction and insight for writing at the seminary level. However, the above prayer, or its equivalent, should precede not only research papers and dissertations, but blog posts as well.

Every time I sit down to write I should say a prayer. Before I hit the “publish” button I should be sure my words comply with His words. For you see, words are powerful. Words are tools. Words are weapons. Words should be used with the utmost care and wisdom.

It never fails to amaze me when I see how my words reach so many place all over the world. Most of the places my blog is read I will never visit. Yet, what I write here has the potential to minister in ways I could never imagine. With so much potential to influence lives in places only God knows, how much more should I ask Him to give me the words?

Do you pray before you write?

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Filed under book review, Christian Maturity, God, ministry, Witnessing

Monday Monkey “Safe and Sound” (Episode 18)

Monkey and I have been through a lot in the last couple of weeks. This video will help you understand why we did not do a video last week. Hopefully, everything will be getting back to normal.

Wait!….What’s normal? I don’t know if I like normal.

“Safe and Sound”

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Filed under Humor, Monday Monkey

Pooped Pastors

At first you may think it strange to combine the words “pooped” and “pastor,” but for many it is an every day reality. The fact is that there are more pooped pastors, ministers, elders, etc., than you can imagine. That is why I would like to introduce you to…PoopedPastors.com.

Loneliness Kills

Let me be as serious as I can be – being a loner is deadly. That is why it is so important for those in church leadership to have friends they can trust. However, what most people fail to understand is that pastors have a very hard time making close friends.

There are limits to what we can share, and with whom we can share it. The burdens we carry, many times, have to be held in the strictest confidence. Besides our Savior, there are some times we literally have no one else to talk to. This can lead to feeling isolated, alone, and depressed. Some have even committed suicide.

You may think, “Well, why don’t pastors just get some help?” It’s not as easy as you think, believe me. For instance, when a person needs encouragement, the pastor is there to offer Scripture, prayer, and hope. Who does the pastor go to when he is discouraged? The parishioner? Does the pastor want to discourage the very people for which he is burdened?

When the shepherd is lost, does he ask the sheep for guidance? Not usually. The sheep would run away! A pastor with a heart for souls will even find it hard to talk with a professional counselor for fear of turning that one person away from Christ. So, he stays silent. But there is hope…

PoopedPastors.com

Dr. Steve Brown and I at a fundraiser for Harvest USA

If you are a bona fide pastor or minister, there is a place for you to go and be yourself. You don’t have to worry about what others think when you express your frustrations, your worries, your fears, or your doubts. Pooped Pastors is a place where you can communicate with others who are walking down the same road. It is not meant to replace flesh-and-bone friends, but it can help. I have been a forum member for about 3 years, and I am eternally grateful for what it has meant to me.

Anonymous

What is so unique about Pooped Pastors? Well, Dr. Steve Brown (Key Life Ministries) started this site in order to encourage those who minister. There are many helps and links that are useful, but the hallmark of the site is the pastor’s forums. There, once you are confirmed to be who you say you are (they check), you are assigned a personal number (yes, you become just a number). Once you have your number, you can log into the forums and feel the refreshing breeze of freedom. You don’t have to worry about sharing what’s on your heart. You can be 100% honest, and no one will come asking for your resignation (but don’t go too crazy).

Pass the Word

If you are a minister, please go visit Pooped Pastors. If you are not a minister or pastor, tell your pastor about it. Let him know you are praying for him and that you want him to be encouraged. Write the web address down and give it to him, or, as you know, he’s likely to forget (I’m just say’n).

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Filed under Christian Living, Christian Maturity, Christian Unity, Do not judge, God, ministry, Preaching, Relationships and Family, Uncategorized

Election Season Vision

Every time an election season rolls around, I get a little blue, a little down, a little grumpy. You see, taking a stand on principle, especially when it goes against the mainstream, can be physically and emotionally draining. This time, however, I have the added pleasure of the flue to complicate matters, so you might find me acting a little “snippy.”

And, if you are a regular reader, you may have noticed there was no “Monday Monkey” video this week. Part of the reason has been a shortage of time (beyond normal), but there has also been a sick wife, daughter, and self. The thought of editing anything made my head hurt.

Yet, as much as I attempt to fight the good fight, be salt and light, and keep a roof over my family’s head, I must remember “this world is not my home, I’m only passing through.” As much as I may be tempted to stress over national and world economies, “my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” One day this world will pass away, even America. This is only a temporary stop, so I shouldn’t let it bother me too much.

One day I will go to a land where there will be no more elections, no more propaganda, no more political parties, no more special interests, only the High King of Glory reigning in righteousness and truth. That must be my focus, my vision, “whatever befall.”

“Be Thou My Vision”

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

 

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Filed under America, Christian Maturity, Culture Wars, Future, God, Life Lessons, Uncategorized, voting, worship

My Little Elf

You Are You.

Above is a link to a post from my daughter Katie’s blog, Shutter Elf. It impressed me so much that I wanted to share it with you.

You see, Katie is only 16 (on March 4th, tomorrow), but she loves the Lord and has developed a sense of wisdom like few her age. When I read this post (and saw her photograph), I said to my wife, “I’m done. She doesn’t need me anymore. I’ve taught her all I can. She’ll be fine.”

I hope you check out her photos and comments. She would be excited if you left a comment of your own. Maybe you could even wish her a happy 16th birthday?

And, if you want to know, she loves biology. Check out her post about the dandelion. 

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Filed under Apologetics, Christian Maturity, Life Lessons, Relationships and Family, Uncategorized

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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Filed under God, Life Lessons, salvation, worship

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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Filed under Christian Living, Future, God, music, salvation, the future, Uncategorized, World View, worship

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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Filed under America, Humor, politics, Uncategorized, voting

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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Filed under God, poetry, Preaching

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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Filed under God, music, Preaching, Theology, Uncategorized, worship