Good morning from Arizona,
I pray all is well with you today. We continue to have a busy ministry here. A lot of sickness, surgery and even deaths(fifteen in this park since May)has followed us to the land of the sun. I have often referred to what Jesus said,"we are to love one another" and to do that we need to follow in His footsteps by having compassion for others. Pray for us as we reach out and encourage others to do the same.
Matthew 9:35-36 “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Jesus’ ministry was centered on helping hurting people. And when He saw people, he was quick to discern their hurts and helplessness. What do you see when you look at people? Do you look at the outer person only (the hair, the face, the clothes, etc.) or are you quick to perceive they’ve got a problem of some sort?
Jesus is the greatest example of all when it comes to compassion and sympathy. WE NEED TO FOLLOW IN HIS COMPASSIONATE STEPS!
Thanks again for your prayers, emails, phone calls and financial support; without these, we could not continue doing what we feel God is leading us to do.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
The “Discerning” Cowboy
Vacationing in Arizona, a group of British tourists spotted a cowboy by the side of the road with his ear to the ground. "What’s going on?" they asked.
"Two horses, one gray-one chestnut, are pulling a wagon carrying two men,” the cowboy says. "One man is wearing a red shirt and the other a black shirt. They’re heading east."
"Wow, You can tell all that just by listening to the ground?" says one of the tourists.
"No" replies the cowboy. "They just ran over me."
Contributed by: A. Todd Coget
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday Is Coming
Good morning!
Fall has finally made it to the Arizona desert. The high the next two days is going to be in the 60's.
I pray all is well with you. We have received several prayer needs and be assured that we pray when we receive them and then often until we here back from you.
The gentleman that took off a couple of weeks ago in his motorhome with the slides out and all utilities connected, is in the hospital with very little hope of making it. In fact, he was moved to hospice yesterday. Please add Art and his family to your prayer list.
Last sunday I preached on building Christian character. As I was reading this morning, David Jeremiah had this to say on that subject:
Two Newspapers
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. I Peter 1:13-16
On his way to work one morning, a man purchased his usual newspaper and went on his way. To his dismay, he discovered that he had accidentally taken two newspapers instead of one. He immediately got in his car, drove back to the store and returned the extra paper. About a week later, someone stole money from that same store, and when the grocer thought through the patrons who frequented his store, he immediately dismissed the man as a suspect, saying, "That man is really honest. He came all the way back here just to return a newspaper he took by mistake."
Everything we do in life becomes evidence of who we truly are. What does our life's evidence say about us? Does it say that we merely profess to be a follower of Christ or does it reveal our love and true devotion to Him? While our goal should not be a morally perfect life, we should strive to have a walk with the Lord that is consistently growing and changing to resemble the One whom we serve.
"A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. If his life and doctrine disagree, the mass of onlookers will accept his practice and reject his preaching." C.H. Spurgeon
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Fall has finally made it to the Arizona desert. The high the next two days is going to be in the 60's.
I pray all is well with you. We have received several prayer needs and be assured that we pray when we receive them and then often until we here back from you.
The gentleman that took off a couple of weeks ago in his motorhome with the slides out and all utilities connected, is in the hospital with very little hope of making it. In fact, he was moved to hospice yesterday. Please add Art and his family to your prayer list.
Last sunday I preached on building Christian character. As I was reading this morning, David Jeremiah had this to say on that subject:
Two Newspapers
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. I Peter 1:13-16
On his way to work one morning, a man purchased his usual newspaper and went on his way. To his dismay, he discovered that he had accidentally taken two newspapers instead of one. He immediately got in his car, drove back to the store and returned the extra paper. About a week later, someone stole money from that same store, and when the grocer thought through the patrons who frequented his store, he immediately dismissed the man as a suspect, saying, "That man is really honest. He came all the way back here just to return a newspaper he took by mistake."
Everything we do in life becomes evidence of who we truly are. What does our life's evidence say about us? Does it say that we merely profess to be a follower of Christ or does it reveal our love and true devotion to Him? While our goal should not be a morally perfect life, we should strive to have a walk with the Lord that is consistently growing and changing to resemble the One whom we serve.
"A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. If his life and doctrine disagree, the mass of onlookers will accept his practice and reject his preaching." C.H. Spurgeon
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sunday Is Coming
Good morning from Arizona,
I pray your week is going smoothly. LaVon is feeling some better. Thanks for your prayers and phone calls; you are such an encouragement.
This week, I have encountered the-love-your-neighbor issue several times, so let me share this with you:
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. --Matthew 5:44-45
There may be someone in your life who has hurt you, someone who has disappointed you. And you think because of that, you don't ever want to talk to them again, much less share the gospel with them. But as Believers, we are to overcome our personal prejudices and hang-ups. And instead of saying, "Never, Lord," we need to say, "Yes, Lord!" Be willing. See what God will do.
Maybe there is even someone right now whom you regard as an enemy. What can you do? You can share the gospel--and leave the results in the hands of God.
Nowhere did the Law teach hatred for one’s enemies. Passages like Exodus 23:4-5 indicate just the opposite! Jesus defined our enemies as those who curse us, hate us, and exploit us selfishly. Since Christian love is an act of the will, and not simply an emotion, He has the right to command us to love our enemies. After all, He loved us when we were His enemies (Romans 5:10). We may show this love by blessing those who curse us, doing good to them, and praying for them. When we pray for our enemies, we find it easier to love them. It takes the “poison” out of our attitudes.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/
I pray your week is going smoothly. LaVon is feeling some better. Thanks for your prayers and phone calls; you are such an encouragement.
This week, I have encountered the-love-your-neighbor issue several times, so let me share this with you:
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. --Matthew 5:44-45
There may be someone in your life who has hurt you, someone who has disappointed you. And you think because of that, you don't ever want to talk to them again, much less share the gospel with them. But as Believers, we are to overcome our personal prejudices and hang-ups. And instead of saying, "Never, Lord," we need to say, "Yes, Lord!" Be willing. See what God will do.
Maybe there is even someone right now whom you regard as an enemy. What can you do? You can share the gospel--and leave the results in the hands of God.
Nowhere did the Law teach hatred for one’s enemies. Passages like Exodus 23:4-5 indicate just the opposite! Jesus defined our enemies as those who curse us, hate us, and exploit us selfishly. Since Christian love is an act of the will, and not simply an emotion, He has the right to command us to love our enemies. After all, He loved us when we were His enemies (Romans 5:10). We may show this love by blessing those who curse us, doing good to them, and praying for them. When we pray for our enemies, we find it easier to love them. It takes the “poison” out of our attitudes.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sunday Is Coming
Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Mark 10:51
Good morning,
It is that time of the week.
We finally took LaVon to the doctor yesterday and was told she has severe allergies. We acquired several prescriptions and after taking them they made her even sicker. I'm praying that today she will start to feel better.
As we were driving and listening to KLOVE on the radio and they are having their fund raiser, it made me think maybe that's what we should be doing for our ministry. I am not good at asking for help but the scripture at the begining says "what do you want me to do", my reply is to take care of our needs while we serve you. Several of you have helped us this past year and without your help we could not continue. My prayer is that even more of you get involved.
We are reaching people for the Lord. For example, just Monday, I went to the hospital to see one of our residents and met a young lady that worked there. She asked if I needed help and when I told her the room number she told me that she would take me, as we were walking she said something and my reply was , "Praise the Lord." She asked if I was a Believer. When I said "yes" she said "I wish I could be." Well, she is now. We parted with her commitment that she is coming to church with us next Sunday. Pray for Janet.
Thank you for your support, your encouraging words by email, phone and visits, and for your prayers.
Have a great day,love you, pass it on,
Don
During the dark days of the American Revolution, when the Continental Army had experienced several setbacks, a farmer who lived near the battlefield approached Washington’s camp unheard. Suddenly his ears caught an earnest voice raised in agonizing prayer. On coming nearer he saw it was the great General, down on his knees in the snow, his cheeks wet with tears. He was asking God for assistance and guidance. The farmer crept away and returned home. He said to his family, “Its going to be all right. We are going to win!” “What makes you think so?” his wife asked. “Well,” said the farmer, “I heard General Washington pray out in the woods today—such fervent prayer I have never heard. And God will surely hear and answer that kind of praying.”
Good morning,
It is that time of the week.
We finally took LaVon to the doctor yesterday and was told she has severe allergies. We acquired several prescriptions and after taking them they made her even sicker. I'm praying that today she will start to feel better.
As we were driving and listening to KLOVE on the radio and they are having their fund raiser, it made me think maybe that's what we should be doing for our ministry. I am not good at asking for help but the scripture at the begining says "what do you want me to do", my reply is to take care of our needs while we serve you. Several of you have helped us this past year and without your help we could not continue. My prayer is that even more of you get involved.
We are reaching people for the Lord. For example, just Monday, I went to the hospital to see one of our residents and met a young lady that worked there. She asked if I needed help and when I told her the room number she told me that she would take me, as we were walking she said something and my reply was , "Praise the Lord." She asked if I was a Believer. When I said "yes" she said "I wish I could be." Well, she is now. We parted with her commitment that she is coming to church with us next Sunday. Pray for Janet.
Thank you for your support, your encouraging words by email, phone and visits, and for your prayers.
Have a great day,love you, pass it on,
Don
During the dark days of the American Revolution, when the Continental Army had experienced several setbacks, a farmer who lived near the battlefield approached Washington’s camp unheard. Suddenly his ears caught an earnest voice raised in agonizing prayer. On coming nearer he saw it was the great General, down on his knees in the snow, his cheeks wet with tears. He was asking God for assistance and guidance. The farmer crept away and returned home. He said to his family, “Its going to be all right. We are going to win!” “What makes you think so?” his wife asked. “Well,” said the farmer, “I heard General Washington pray out in the woods today—such fervent prayer I have never heard. And God will surely hear and answer that kind of praying.”
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sunday Is Coming
Good morning from Arizona,
We had our first service Sunday and had a great day in the Lord. The people are still coming in but there was still a good group.
LaVon is still having health problems so keep her in your prayers that this will pass soon and that I don't get whatever it is.
As I was praying this morning I couldn't help but think of each of you, how God has put you in our lives. You will never know what you mean to us. You bless us so! You encourage us each day by your emails, phone calls and your financial support. Thank you and if we can be in prayer for you in a special way let us know.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts" 2 Corinthians 3:2
Each of us has a life story. Our stories include all of our experiences and all of the people who have been a part of our lives. Certainly, along the pages of our lives, there are people who for better or for worse have had a significant influence on us.
Like all stories, the pages that make up our lives are not just meant to be written, but to be read by others. The life and art of Christ-following is passed on, down the line, from person to person to person, from generation to generation. Christ-following is centered upon the content of the Bible. Yet, the application of that content is experienced in the trenches of everyday living. Someone has talked to you and shared the story of their life and how Jesus is a part of it. Others have been role models of the Christian life to you.
The Apostle Paul said, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Paul demonstrated that it is through our lives that the truth of the Gospel is made known to others, even as it has been made known to us.
We had our first service Sunday and had a great day in the Lord. The people are still coming in but there was still a good group.
LaVon is still having health problems so keep her in your prayers that this will pass soon and that I don't get whatever it is.
As I was praying this morning I couldn't help but think of each of you, how God has put you in our lives. You will never know what you mean to us. You bless us so! You encourage us each day by your emails, phone calls and your financial support. Thank you and if we can be in prayer for you in a special way let us know.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts" 2 Corinthians 3:2
Each of us has a life story. Our stories include all of our experiences and all of the people who have been a part of our lives. Certainly, along the pages of our lives, there are people who for better or for worse have had a significant influence on us.
Like all stories, the pages that make up our lives are not just meant to be written, but to be read by others. The life and art of Christ-following is passed on, down the line, from person to person to person, from generation to generation. Christ-following is centered upon the content of the Bible. Yet, the application of that content is experienced in the trenches of everyday living. Someone has talked to you and shared the story of their life and how Jesus is a part of it. Others have been role models of the Christian life to you.
The Apostle Paul said, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Paul demonstrated that it is through our lives that the truth of the Gospel is made known to others, even as it has been made known to us.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday Is Coming
Good morning from Sunscape RV Resort, Casa Grande, Az.
Yes we have made it and just let me say, It Is Hot!
LaVon is struggling with allergies, we think, so keep her in your prayers. Thanks for your prayers as we traveled. As always thank you for the financial support, emails and phone calls. Without the encouragement, we could not continue.
As I was reading this morning I read this devotional and felt it was appropriate.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. Matthew 10:42 (ESV)
Nothing quenches the thirst like water. Sports drinks, fruit juices, sodas and coffee provide the body with flavorful refreshment, but when the body thirsts, true satisfaction comes only from water. In the poignant reflection, A Severe Mercy, author Sheldon Vanauken candidly shares the story of the deep, bittersweet love he shared with his wife, Davy. In the beginning of their relationship, they defined a symbol of courtesy toward each other—a cup of water in the night—a courtesy that represented the selfless love one had for the other.
Giving a cup of cold water to another is both simple and inconvenient. If you are like me, you love the comfort of a warm bed. You likely have a favorite pillow, blanket or certain type of sheets that once wrapped around you are equal to a warm embrace. When I am this comfortable, I don’t like to get out of bed for a cup of water for myself, let alone for someone else. Yet the simple act of leaving your personal comforts to care for the needs of another demonstrates the love Jesus shared with us when He left the ultimate comfort and joy of heaven to live life here on earth.
In the above passage, Jesus explains that no act of kindness, no matter how small, goes unnoticed or unrewarded when it is done in His name. In the book of Matthew, Jesus shares the story of the sheep and the goats, illustrating the difference between those who care for the simple needs of others and those who choose to look away. In Eugene Peterson’s Bible paraphrase, The Message, he conveys Matthew 25:40 in this way, “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.”
Serving another person is often inconvenient. It takes time, energy, personal resources, and sometimes, personal discomfort. It is so much easier to look away and to assume someone else will do it. However, Jesus invites us to serve Him by caring for the needs of others. Today and everyday the invitation remains. How will you respond?
Yes we have made it and just let me say, It Is Hot!
LaVon is struggling with allergies, we think, so keep her in your prayers. Thanks for your prayers as we traveled. As always thank you for the financial support, emails and phone calls. Without the encouragement, we could not continue.
As I was reading this morning I read this devotional and felt it was appropriate.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don
And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. Matthew 10:42 (ESV)
Nothing quenches the thirst like water. Sports drinks, fruit juices, sodas and coffee provide the body with flavorful refreshment, but when the body thirsts, true satisfaction comes only from water. In the poignant reflection, A Severe Mercy, author Sheldon Vanauken candidly shares the story of the deep, bittersweet love he shared with his wife, Davy. In the beginning of their relationship, they defined a symbol of courtesy toward each other—a cup of water in the night—a courtesy that represented the selfless love one had for the other.
Giving a cup of cold water to another is both simple and inconvenient. If you are like me, you love the comfort of a warm bed. You likely have a favorite pillow, blanket or certain type of sheets that once wrapped around you are equal to a warm embrace. When I am this comfortable, I don’t like to get out of bed for a cup of water for myself, let alone for someone else. Yet the simple act of leaving your personal comforts to care for the needs of another demonstrates the love Jesus shared with us when He left the ultimate comfort and joy of heaven to live life here on earth.
In the above passage, Jesus explains that no act of kindness, no matter how small, goes unnoticed or unrewarded when it is done in His name. In the book of Matthew, Jesus shares the story of the sheep and the goats, illustrating the difference between those who care for the simple needs of others and those who choose to look away. In Eugene Peterson’s Bible paraphrase, The Message, he conveys Matthew 25:40 in this way, “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.”
Serving another person is often inconvenient. It takes time, energy, personal resources, and sometimes, personal discomfort. It is so much easier to look away and to assume someone else will do it. However, Jesus invites us to serve Him by caring for the needs of others. Today and everyday the invitation remains. How will you respond?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday's Coming
Good morning from the Hill Country,
We are still in Texas but we are on the road again today after a couple of days with a sweet couple we met our first winter in Arizona. It was great to catch up and laugh with them.
My prayer is that we can cross paths with you at some place across this country. Thanks again for your prayers, emails, phone calls and your financial help without any of these we could not continue.
We read this devotional yesterday and I wanted to share it with you. I think we get the wrong idea at times what being successful means. As we travel and meet more people may they see the love of the Lord in us.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
click here>May You Be Blessed
Don
CHOSEN TO BEAR FRUIT
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit” (John 15:16).
Many sincere Christians think bearing fruit means simply to bring souls to Christ. But to bear fruit means something much larger even than soulwinning.
The fruit Jesus is talking about is Christ-likeness. Simply put, bearing fruit means reflecting the likeness of Jesus. And the phrase “much fruit” means “the ever-increasing likeness of Christ.”
Growing more and more into Jesus’ likeness is our core purpose in life. It has to be central to all our activities, our lifestyle, our relationships. Indeed, all our gifts and callings—our work, ministry and witness—must flow out of this core purpose.
If I am not Christlike at heart—if I’m not becoming noticeably more like him—I have missed God’s purpose in my life.
You see, God’s purpose for me can’t be fulfilled by what I do for Christ. It can’t be measured by anything I achieve even if I heal the sick or cast out demons. No, God’s purpose is fulfilled in me only by what I am becoming in him. Christlikeness isn’t about what I do for the Lord, but about how I’m being transformed into his likeness.
Go into a Christian bookstore and read the titles on the shelves. Most are self-help books on how to overcome loneliness, how to survive depression, how to find fulfillment. Why is this? It’s because we have it all wrong. We aren’t called to be successes, to be free of all trouble, to be special, to “make it.” No, we are missing the one calling, the one focus, that’s meant to be central to our lives, to become fruitful in the likeness of Christ.
Jesus was totally given to the Father and that was everything to him. He stated, “I don’t do or say anything except what my Father tells me.”
So, do you want to bear the “much fruit” that springs forth from becoming more like Christ? We fulfill our life’s purpose only as we begin to love others as Christ has loved us. And we grow more Christ-like as our love for others increases.
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love” (John 15:9). His command is clear and simple: “Go and love others. Give to others the unconditional love I have shown you.” We grow more Christlike as our love for others increases. Simply put, bearing fruit comes down to how we treat people.
Posted by David Wilkerson
Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/
We are still in Texas but we are on the road again today after a couple of days with a sweet couple we met our first winter in Arizona. It was great to catch up and laugh with them.
My prayer is that we can cross paths with you at some place across this country. Thanks again for your prayers, emails, phone calls and your financial help without any of these we could not continue.
We read this devotional yesterday and I wanted to share it with you. I think we get the wrong idea at times what being successful means. As we travel and meet more people may they see the love of the Lord in us.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
click here>May You Be Blessed
Don
CHOSEN TO BEAR FRUIT
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit” (John 15:16).
Many sincere Christians think bearing fruit means simply to bring souls to Christ. But to bear fruit means something much larger even than soulwinning.
The fruit Jesus is talking about is Christ-likeness. Simply put, bearing fruit means reflecting the likeness of Jesus. And the phrase “much fruit” means “the ever-increasing likeness of Christ.”
Growing more and more into Jesus’ likeness is our core purpose in life. It has to be central to all our activities, our lifestyle, our relationships. Indeed, all our gifts and callings—our work, ministry and witness—must flow out of this core purpose.
If I am not Christlike at heart—if I’m not becoming noticeably more like him—I have missed God’s purpose in my life.
You see, God’s purpose for me can’t be fulfilled by what I do for Christ. It can’t be measured by anything I achieve even if I heal the sick or cast out demons. No, God’s purpose is fulfilled in me only by what I am becoming in him. Christlikeness isn’t about what I do for the Lord, but about how I’m being transformed into his likeness.
Go into a Christian bookstore and read the titles on the shelves. Most are self-help books on how to overcome loneliness, how to survive depression, how to find fulfillment. Why is this? It’s because we have it all wrong. We aren’t called to be successes, to be free of all trouble, to be special, to “make it.” No, we are missing the one calling, the one focus, that’s meant to be central to our lives, to become fruitful in the likeness of Christ.
Jesus was totally given to the Father and that was everything to him. He stated, “I don’t do or say anything except what my Father tells me.”
So, do you want to bear the “much fruit” that springs forth from becoming more like Christ? We fulfill our life’s purpose only as we begin to love others as Christ has loved us. And we grow more Christ-like as our love for others increases.
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love” (John 15:9). His command is clear and simple: “Go and love others. Give to others the unconditional love I have shown you.” We grow more Christlike as our love for others increases. Simply put, bearing fruit comes down to how we treat people.
Posted by David Wilkerson
Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/
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