Sunday Is Coming

Good morning,

We are fast approaching the end of this year and the beginning of a new one. I pray all is well with you and may God Bless you in the coming year.

We hear of people making New Year resolutions but seldom do they keep them. So, this year I have a suggestion for a New Year’s resolution that we ought to be able to remember and keep. It is kind of broad & very general, but here it is - let’s promise ourselves & God that we will make a change for the better. One change is seeing others as God sees them.

I was reading this morning and came upon the following it's a little long but so worth the read.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don


F. Jim Cymbala preaches at a church in the slums of New York. He tells the following story:

It was Easter Sunday and I was so tired at the end of the day that I just went to the edge of the platform, pulled down my tie and sat down and draped my feet over the edge. It was a wonderful service with many people coming forward. The counselors were talking with these people. As I was sitting there I looked up the middle aisle, and there in about the third row was a man who looked about fifty, disheveled, filthy. He looked up at me rather sheepishly, as if saying, “Could I talk to you?” We have homeless people coming in all the time, asking for money or whatever. So as I sat there, I said to myself, though I am ashamed of it, “What a way to end a Sunday. I’ve had such a good time, preaching and ministering, and here’s a fellow probably wanting some money for more wine.”

He walked up. When he got within about five feet of me, I smelled a horrible smell like I’d never smelled in my life. It was so awful that when he got close, I would inhale by looking away, and then I’d talk to him, and then look away to inhale, because I couldn’t inhale facing him. I asked him,

“What’s your name?”

“David.”

“How long have you been on the street?”

“Six years.”

“How old are you?”

“Thirty-two.”

He looked fifty- hair matted; front teeth missing; wino; eyes slightly glazed.

“Where did you sleep last night, David?”

“Abandoned truck.”

I keep in my back pocket a money clip that also holds some credit cards. I fumbled to pick one out thinking; I’ll give him some money. I won’t even get a volunteer. They are all busy talking with others. Usually we don’t give money to people. We take them to get something to eat. I took the money out. David pushed his finger in front of me. He said,

“I don’t want your money. I want this Jesus, the One you were talking about, because I’m not going to make it. I’m going to die on the street.”

I completely forgot about David, and I started to weep for myself. I was going to give a couple of dollars to someone God had sent to me. See how easy it is? I could make the excuse I was tired. There is no excuse. I was not seeing him the way God sees him. I was not feeling what God feels. But oh, did that change! David just stood there. He didn’t know what was happening. I pleaded with God,

“God, forgive me! Forgive me! Please forgive me. I am so sorry to represent You this way. I’m so sorry. Here I am with my message and my points, and You send somebody and I am not ready for it. Oh, God!”

Something came over me. Suddenly I started to weep deeper, and David began to weep. He fell against my chest as I was sitting there. He fell against my white shirt and tie, and I put my arms around him, and there we wept on each other. The smell of His person became a beautiful aroma.

Here is what I thought the Lord made real to me: If you don’t love this smell, I can’t use you, because this is why I called you where you are. This is what you are about. You are about this smell.

Christ changed David’s life. He started memorizing portions of Scripture that were incredible. We got him a place to live. We hired him in the church to do maintenance, and we got his teeth fixed. He was a handsome man when he came out of the hospital. They detoxed him in 6 days. He spent that Thanksgiving at my house. He also spent Christmas at my house. When we were exchanging presents, he pulled out a little thing and he said,

“This is for you.”

It was a little white hanky. It was the only thing he could afford.

A year later David got up and talked about his conversion to Christ. The minute he took the mic and began to speak, I said,

“The man is a preacher.”

This past Easter we ordained David. He is an associate minister of a church over in New Jersey. And I was so close to saying,

“Here, take this; I’m a busy preacher.”

We can get so full of ourselves.

Sunday's Coming

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21


Good morning,

LaVon and I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas! We pray you are warm and healthy and want to thank you for your prayers, calls and gifts. May God bless you richly.

Each December we celebrate Christmas for the birth of Jesus. Then, in the spring, we celebrate Easter for Jesus’ death and resurrection. But really, these two parts of the story of Jesus’ life cannot be separated. Christmas would lose its meaning without remembering what Jesus did during His life.

Jesus lived to reveal God to us. He was crucified and rose again to pay the penalty for our sins, to invite us into relationship with God, and to offer us eternal life.

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King"
(from Hark! "The Herald Angels Sing")

So what is Christmas, at its worst? It is a crass, commercial, empty, exhausting, and very expensive event that drags on for months at a time. And what is Christmas, at its best? It is a glimpse of something that is coming: the beauty . . . the wonderful music . . . the adoring angels . . . the love . . . the warmth . . . the promise . . . the hope. Because when you get down to it, Christmas is a promise. It is a promise of things to come.

We celebrate Christmas not only for Jesus’ birth, but also for His life, death and resurrection. Through Him, we have a real reason to celebrate. We have our sins forgiven!

Merry Christmas!

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I pray all is well with you yoday. I want to thank you for your prayers this past week. I would not have been able to preach Sunday if not for your prayers. I am still having problems, but am getting a little better each day. Thanks, again, for your continued prayers.

In my reading this morning, this was a devotional I read and I would like to share it with you.

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26

In Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch suffers from having a small heart. The source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the meaning of Christmas. As the story goes, the Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end, he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes! This heart change makes a big difference in his life.

I’m not sure what Dr. Seuss’ intentions were when he wrote the story back in 1957, but it certainly comes across as a Christian parable to me that parallels the change that takes place in a person’s life when he or she comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, who was born to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns upon the heart of a person, God replaces the old heart of stone, with a new, fleshy heart – and a new person emerges. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Welcome Christmas – While we stand – Heart to heart – And hand in hand.”

It might just make all the difference in the world.

O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in;
Be born in us today!
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
(from O Little Town of Bethlehem)

We celebrate Christmas because of the power Jesus brought to change our hearts.

May you have a Merry Christmas!
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning,

I pray you are safe and warm. It is 36* as I write this, but is to warm to the 60's.

Last week at Men's Bible Study, we came together and anointed with oil and prayed for one of our men that was diagnosed with something the doctors could do nothing for. I read the text below and believe that God is going to do a powerful work.

James, the brother of Jesus, tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). When we face hard times, prayer can sustain us like nothing else—both the prayers of others and the continual prayers we offer for our own situation.

Perhaps one of the most effective ways to pray powerfully is to pray the words of Scripture. Just as Jesus responded to temptation with Scripture, so we can experience spiritual victory with the Word of God.

Pray God’s promises and ask for their fulfillment in your life. Pray that those close to you would follow God’s path for them. Pray for His Kingdom to come, His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. There can be no better words of comfort, strength, healing, love, and hope than the very words and thoughts of God as revealed in His Word.

Lord thank You for Your Word, which is powerful. I pray that my prayer life would become more powerful and effective. May my prayers move hearts and mountains. Amen.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday is Coming

And Mary gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.

Luke 2:7

I love this story about a second grade boy named Wally. I can’t remember where I got it, but I remember it being told to me that this actually happened in a small town in the Midwest.

Wally was 9 and in second grade. He should have been in 4th grade. Wally wanted to be a shepherd or an angel in the Christmas play but Miss Lumbard assigned him the “important role” of the innkeeper. I think it was because of his size and it had very few lines.

And so it happened that the usual large audience gathered for the town’s yearly extravaganza of beards, crowns, halos and a whole stage full of squeaky voices. No one on stage or off was more caught up in the magic of the night than Wally. They said later that he stood in the wings and watched the performance with such fascination that from time to time Miss Lumbard had to make sure he didn’t wonder onstage before his cue.

Then the time came when Joseph appeared, slowly, tenderly guiding Mary to the door of the Inn. Joseph knocked on the door. Wally the innkeeper was there waiting.

“What do you want?” demanded Wally, swinging the door open with a brusque gesture.

“We seek lodging.”

“Seek it elsewhere.” Wally looked straight ahead. “The inn is filled.”

“Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary.”

“There is no room in this inn for you.” Wally looked properly stern.

“Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife, Mary. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired.”

Now for the first time the Innkeeper relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. With that, there was a long pause, long enough to make the audience a bit tense with embarrassment.

“No! Be gone!” the prompter whispered from the wings.

“No!” Wally repeated automatically. “Be gone!”

Joseph placed his arm around Mary and Mary laid her head upon her husband’s shoulder and the two of them started to move away. The Innkeeper did not return inside his inn, however. Wally stood in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eyes filling unmistakably with tears. And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all others.

“Don’t go Joseph,” Wally called out. “Bring Mary back.” And Wally’s face grew into a bright smile. “You can have my room.”

This season let’s make room for the Reason we celebrate Christmas.

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
Bakers' Blessings blog
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/
Our sermons in audio from Sunscape RV Resort

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning from Arizona

We pray all is well with you on this eve of Thanksgiving. LaVon and I have much to be thankful for: a place to serve our Lord, food and shelter, but the most important is YOU. We thank God daily for each of you, for praying for us and just loving us. Today instead of thanking God for things in your life stop and thank Him for the people He has brought into your life. May God bless you and you have a great day.

Have you ever heard someone say have a great Turkey-day?
So why do some call Thanksgiving-day, Turkey-day?
The answer is simple and clear. Satan desires to remove all reference to God from any thing that is for the purpose of worshiping God. Satan wants to divert all worship to him alone, therefore, he begins by chipping away at the stones that seem less important. Yet the holy Scripture warns: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Ps. 11:3) The Devil slowly takes away some here and a little there and the Christian fails to see the importance of such building blocks. The fact is we seem to be “ignorant of his devices” (II Cor. 2:11), we willingly refuse to see the impact of his deceptions.

Satan doesn’t want people to realize that they are supposed to be worshiping God by giving thanks unto Him. Instead the devil desires to make humans worship the creature more than the Creator. Think about it! Just look at the difference in the meanings of the words.

1. Thanksgiving - to give thanks.
2. Turkey-day - popularizes the feast and times that are spent edifying the flesh (the enemy of God).

So we see that Thanksgiving tells us to remember to worship God and the term Turkey-day tells us to only think about the feast.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Humor for the day:
A large family sat around the breakfast table one morning. As the custom, the father returned thanks, blessing God for the food. Immediately after, however, as was his bad habit, he began to grumble about hard times, the poor quality of the food he was forced to eat, the way it was cooked, and much more.
His little daughter interrupted him,
“Dad, do you suppose God heard what you said a little while ago when you were giving thanks?”
“Certainly,” the father replied with the confident air of an instructor.
“And did he hear what you said about the bacon and the coffee?”
“Of course,” replied the father with a note of caution in his voice.”
Then his daughter asked, “Dad, which did God believe?”

Our prayer for you this Thanksgiving: http://www.blessyoumovie.com/if/.

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I pray all is well with you. I'm a little discouraged, have not heard from anyone this past week. Are you still there and are you still praying for us. We need your prayers, calls, emails and financial support.

I have started a preaching series on the "I Am of Jesus," from the Book of John. You can listen to this on our web page at Christian Resort Ministries, http://www.crmintl.org/

As I was reading this morning I came across this sermon illustration:

Can’t Get Rid of the Holes

Someone tells the story of a boy who was rebelling against his dad constantly. This boy was destroying his own life by his rebellion, but he refuse to heed his father’s words. One day, the dad said to the boy, "I want to show you what you’re doing to your life. I’m going to put a wooden post in our front yard. Every time you rebel, I will put a nail in this post. Every time you obey, I will pull out one nail."

The first thought from the boy was, "I’m going to do everything I can to fill that post with nails." And he did. In two months’ time, he filled that post with nails. But he also began to feel the damage he was doing to his own life and to his parents’ lives.

With true remorse, the boy began to obey his father. One by one, the nails came out. When the last nail came out of the post, the boy broke down in tears. The dad asked, "Son, why are you crying?"

And the boy replied, "I got rid of the nails, but I can’t get rid of the holes."

God the Father saw the nails and the posts of our lives, and He saw our helplessness against sin. So He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to gather the nails and the posts from those who would let Him. And because of His love for us, Christ allowed Himself to be nailed on the posts, where He willingly paid the consequence of our sin. Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the [consequences] of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." And this gift comes with God’s Spirit to train us to live holy lives.

May God Bless you and we thank you for being there with us so we can continue serving the Lord.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning again,

It is that time of the week. I pray all is well with you. If you want us to pray along with you, please let us know.

Today is a special day, one in which we honor those in uniform, past and present. We hope you had a special celebration ceremony to attend as we did here at Sunscape RV Resort. It was tremendous and very moving.

Our servicemen and servicewomen are our friends, laying their lives down for us. They know what they face going in, they know what they have to do. They are heroes to save us all.

“Don’t be a hero!” we say? These guys and gals who wear the uniform of the U.S. are heroes. Not only if they get medals. They are heroes because they go for us. Like our missionaries. We call them heroes because they go in our place, sacrificing all for a great cause! They know what they have to do.

So did Jesus...and He Rose to save us all!

John 15:13-14 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.


May you remember those in uniform, past and present. The Veteran's Day parade float built here in our park said it all: All gave some; some gave all!


Thanks again for your support of our ministry, without your encouragement there are days we would want to quit and return home.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

The Origins of Veteran’s Day
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor... These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as "Armistice Day".... Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of WW II and Korea, Congress was requested to make this day an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.... A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date...

Source: VFW: The Origins of Veterans Day.

May God bless American and may America bless God.

Sunday Is Coming

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

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

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/

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.”

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.

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?

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/

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

"This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

I'm a day late with Sunday's Coming due to the computer not cooperating with me yesterday morning. My apologies.

We will be in charge of two active grandchildren tonight and in the morning, so pray for us. Pray for safety for their parents as they fly to Baltimore today for a wedding.

Our days in Round Rock are swiftly coming to a close as we prepare to leave Monday. Thank you so much for your prayers for us. Many of you have email or called to let us know that you pray for us regularly. This encourages us.

We also thank you for your financial support. Traveling is costly and your response to God's prompting is also an encouragement to us. We could not do this ministry without you. God is using you as partners with us in this ministry and lives are being touched and changed. Rejoice!

LaVon and I often wake up on the "same page" and today, God has placed the same subject on both of our hearts. The following devotional reflects both of our hearts, written by LaVon and inspired by the love of the Lord. May it bless you and encourage you.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

IS A 'STORM' A BLESSING?

When a 'storm' strikes, when a situation or circumstance occurs in our life that feels like a storm, it causes us to take a step back and ask ourselves a few questions.

Have I given my life to the Lord, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Assuming the answer is "yes," then we are a new creation in Him. We are His child, His children.

We should be able to trust our earthly fathers and hopefully, we can, even though they have the challenges of being human and subject to failure. But, for sure, we know that we can trust our Heavenly Father. As believers in Jesus Christ, we trust. Period. We trust God. We trust Him with and in everything that happens. We trust Him in the storm.

What does our trust enable God to do? It enables Him.... get this... oooooo, it's good stuff. Our trust in God enables Him to SHOW UP on our behalf. A storm in our life and our trust in Him in that storm enables God to fight our battle for us, just as any good daddy would do. Does being a Christian have it's advantages? Absolutely! We have a Heavenly Father who whispers, "I've got your back."

As Believers and Followers of Christ, we are promised by God in His Word that His plans for us are good and to prosper us and not harm us.

When a 'storm hits,' we have the freedom to react differently. Oh, of course, we may at first have very human reactions, but we are God's children and that should cause us to stop and remember, "I'm a child of the King and this is just another opportunity for me to trust Him." We pray for wisdom and we go confidently forward in His care.

So, is a storm a blessing? I believe so because it's just another opportunity for us to trust God. Trusting God is always a blessing. It's another opportunity for us to learn. It's another opportunity for us to grow. It builds our faith.

Is a storm a blessing? Yes, because it gives God the opportunity to show Himself mighty, which is a testimony of His love for us and His desire to do the same for anyone who trusts Him.


Read Psalm 91 with your storm in mind.

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

It is that time once again. We are in Round Rock, Texas, visiting our daughter and family. I pray all is well with you and that God's blessing be upon you. This morning I went to a mens' Bible study at 6 a.m. There were 75 men there, so great to see so many men hungry for the Lord.
I was reading before the bible study and I came upon this; Click here >> We Have an Anchor

Priscilla Jane Owens who was a teacher in Baltimore, Maryland for almost half a century wrote one of the most beautiful and inspiring songs ever heard “We Have an Anchor”. She also taught Sunday school and wrote most of her hymns for her Sunday school students. I believe that this song came from the depths of her heart.

The words in this inspiring song have encouraged countless through the years. “We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” How I praise God for giving Jesus to us to be our anchor in the midst of the storms of life.

I don't know what you are going through today but what I do know is we have an anchor in Jesus. When I get to go fishing in a boat and come to an area where the fish are biting we just let down the anchor and it keeps me right there. When the wind gets up you can put the anchor down and it keeps the boat from floating away. I know when trials come my way I just drop my anchor and trust Jesus will keep me right where He is and won't let me drift away.

May the Lord be your anchor today.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

This is our last day in Oklahoma. We leave in the morning for Texas and then on to Arizona later in the month. Thank you for your prayers, emails and support financially.

This past week has truly been a hard one. So many of you our hurting. Several have lost love ones. This week, I have felt helpless. What can you do when you know that someone you love is hurting? You listen. You pray. You talk. You enlist others to pray. You spend time with them, if you can. (In our case, we are too far from you to do that.) You feel helpless.

Then, you realize you have done and are doing everything within your power. Then, you leave them with the Lord. You ask Him to do what only He can do. You trust Him. You believe that even though you are helpless, He is not. He can do "Immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine." You let Him.

With God, our words have power. With God, our listening makes a difference. With God, our presence means something. With God, we are not helpless.

Know we are praying with you.
Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

It is that time again.

I told LaVon before this month started that it would fly by and it has. We have a week left here then we are off, making our way back to Arizona with a stop in Round Rock, Texas for a visit with our daughter and family.

We want to thank all of you for your prayers, emails, phone calls and financial support; without any of these we could not continue.

Since my blog is about trials(Count It All Joy), I wanted to share with you a devotional by David Jeremiah this morning. May it touch your life as it did mine. May God bless you today!

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

The Oak and the Reeds
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
Psalm 119:71
Recommended Reading: Job 1


A very large oak tree was uprooted by the wind and thrown across a stream.
It fell among some reeds, which it thus addressed: "I wonder how you, who are so light and weak, are not entirely crushed by these strong winds." They replied, "You fight and contend with the wind, and consequently you are destroyed; while we on the contrary bend before the least breath of air, and therefore remain unbroken, and escape."

An unbearable storm arose in Job's life and his response was "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and… not accept adversity?" His wife told him to curse God and die (Job 2:9-10). She believed nothing good could come from their trials, but Job chose to believe that the goodness of God was greater than the intensity of the storm. And it was.

When we experience storms, we can either respond as the oak tree, fighting and contending and begging God to remove it from our life, or we can bend and sway as the reeds, allowing God to carry us through the wind, unbroken and ultimately stronger in the end.

When you face the perils of weariness, carelessness, and confusion, don't ask for an easier life. Pray instead to be a stronger man or woman of God.
Luis Palau


Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/

Good morning,

Once again, we were awakened to high winds, hail and rain. We thank the LORD for safety through the storms. These storms keep LaVon awake but for some reason I am able to just go back to sleep.

Our dear friends, Rick and Wendy, are back in Ohio going through a different type of storm... his father is dying. Thank you for joining together with us in prayer for them. James 4:8 in the Bible says "draw nigh to me and I will draw nigh to you." We must trust the Lord in all of our trials, as well as the blessings.

Thanks again to those of you who support our ministry financially; without you we could not continue. We have a need as we travel back to Arizona, but we trust the Lord will provide for us through those who are obedient to His Voice. He always does and we are always humbly grateful.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Wanted!
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” —Luke 9:23-26

MEN WANTED: FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY.
SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD, LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS, CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL. HONOUR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS.

What do you think? Would you sign up for this? Sir Ernest Shackleton, an Irish-born explorer, reportedly ran this advertisement to recruit men for an expedition across the Antarctic Continent in 1914. With no promise of success, twenty-seven signed up to join Shackleton on this journey.

Reread Luke 9:23-26. Jesus has asked us follow Him on a journey we call the Christian life. What does it mean to pick up your cross? Are you ready to be persecuted, mocked, ridiculed, spit upon? Christians are not promised great rewards on earth…but crowns in heaven. Like Shackleton’s journey, the Christian life doesn’t pay well, nor does it promise safety. You’ll experience darkness and danger. However, in the end, if you are willing to pick up your cross and persevere throughout the journey, there is eternal glory.

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning,

We had a great week and I truly believe the Lord used us. I met with three pastor and church leaders and told them about CRM and how God is using us to proclaim His word. I encouraged them to look at starting free medical clinics. One of these Godly men let me preach to his congregation Sunday evening. What a blessing!

I just cant say it enough: Thanks for your prayers, emails, phone calls and for those of you who have listened to the Lord and send financial help. We could not continue without any of these. The next month is going to be our hardest this summer. We will be traveling to Texas then on to Arizona. I urge you to keep us in your prayers and, if God instructs you, may you give to our ministry.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don


Where Are You?

By Mike DeVries

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

One day, I was watching the news on television. I saw a report about refugees. The images I saw were disturbing—millions of face, thousands dying daily from malnutrition and lack of basic medical care. A question ran through my mind: “God, if you’re a God of love, then where are You in all this? Have You forgotten your children?”

While watching the report, I wondered why situations like this happen if God is truly sovereign and in control. Either God is not completely in control, or He has somehow chosen to allow the atrocities that we see in this world to exist. Either way, it’s hard to understand.

As I wrestled with this, it occurred to me that the story of the Scriptures is about a God who is present and active in human history. God is not essentially somewhere else, but is active and present in this world. We see this in Jesus, do we not? The incarnation of God in Jesus sent a clear message, “I care. I have heard your cry, and I’m here to do something about it.”

As I was sitting on my couch watching those images and asking those questions, another thought came. Perhaps I was asking the wrong question. Rather than asking, “Where is God?”, the better question may be posed by God, “My people, where are you in the midst of all this?”

Paul taught this concept in 2 Corinthians 5:20. Take another look at today’s verse. We, the Church, are to be the physical representatives of God on earth. If the world wants to know what God is like, the first place it should look is the Church. We are to embody the message and spirit of Jesus. As His representatives, God is making His dream for this world through us, not apart from us. I guess you could say that the Church is not only supposed to proclaim the message, we are to live the message.

Perhaps the next time we approach a situation in life and ask, “God, where are You in all this?”, if we are quiet enough to hear the voice of God, His reply might be, “I’m right here in the middle of it. Where are you?”

May we be the kind of people who embody the message of God for the world, and who run to be God’s hands and feet, reaching out to others in His name.

Sunday's Coming

It's that time of the week, time sure is going by fast. We will be leaving here in a few weeks going to Texas for a couple of weeks then off to Arizona.

We have had a great summer and God has not only blessed us but has used us. I was privileged to preach in several churches and to share our ministry in several others.

I have a few meetings this week with pastors of some local churches to share what God is doing in our lives and hopefully plant the concept of free medical clinics.

As always I urge you to continue praying for us. Since my return from the Iowa trip I have been down, physically. The last few days, I am back on my feet so thanks again for your prayers.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:9-14

Ashley Smith had a very unusual day on March 12, 2005. She was returning from a convenience store in the middle of the night, when accused rapist and murderer Brian Nichols took her hostage. What happened in the next few hours was simply a “God-thing.”

As the night wore on, Smith remained calm and took the opportunity to get to know her captor by making conversation. At one point, she asked him if she could read aloud a book she had sitting out. The book was Rick Warren’s "The Purpose Driven Life."

In the midst of an unimaginable situation, Ashley Smith practiced what she preached. Perhaps she didn’t know it came from the book of Romans, but she showed Nichols a sincere, brotherly love as she talked with him about his family and his life. At the same time, she also was straightforward with him, suggesting he turn himself in and stop hurting people. She saw through his hardened eyes and saw a man who needed hope. Through her sincere kindness, love and peace, she was an example of Christ. Somewhere in the night Nichols looked at Smith and told her that she must be an angel and, according to People magazine (March 28, 2005), “that he was lost, and God led him right to [Smith] to tell him that he had hurt a lot of people.”

It is so much easier to show kindness and love to those who return our kindness and love. It is easy to go through the motions of etiquette and, speak kindly to someone or pretend to have compassion, when in reality our minds are elsewhere. God calls us to a higher standard. He calls us to genuinely love others around us. This kind of love requires deliberate action and personal involvement. It is this kind of love that brings people to their knees. It is this kind of love that helps people see Jesus in Christians. I believe it is this kind of love that helped save Ashley Smith’s life.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a person in your life who is hard to love. How can you spend time this week praying for him or her?
2. Why is it so important to be an example of Christ’s love to others?
(Jim Burns)

Sunday's Coming

Good morning, and it truly is.

We had a big storm come through last night, high winds, heavy rain and hail. We came through much better than many. We have a hole in one vent and had water blowing in one window, but throughout the park trees and limbs are down and several awnings are history. Praise the Lord, no one was hurt.

My trip to Iowa was a success. After all the meetings, we have at least one area working to open a clinic and have a few other places talking about it as well. So, to me it was a great week. Dennis Maloney and Bill Sisson are still trying to help put all the pieces together. I came home excited and very tired. It has taken all week for me to gain some sort of energy back.

We also met a young pastor working as a new church plant and his congregation are all people who are down and out. My heart aches for him and his ministry. He needs help in many ways from mission groups to help build and to do ministry, to people to come along side and pray with him and give financially. If you want details and phone numbers call or email me.

Thanks again for your prayers, emails and financial support, you can see by this posting it is bearing fruit. I read the following today and it encouraged me so I hope it does you as well.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Loving Servant
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:39
Recommended Reading
John 13:12-17


Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar of The Learning Channel's 18 Kids and Counting believe that teaching their 18 children to have a servant's heart is one of the most important goals of parenting. They want their children to become a representation of Christ to each other and everyone they meet, and they accomplish this by teaching the children to look for opportunities to serve others.
In the same way, the church should desire to show Christ's love by having a heart for others and being made up of servant-hearted people. So often though, churches begin to exist for themselves; and they lose sight of the very core of who Christ is… a loving servant.
During Christ's earthly ministry, He spent the majority of His time loving and serving brokenhearted, downtrodden, sick, and sinful people. He was setting an example for the churches that would be established after He returned to Heaven. He wanted to ensure that His followers would not merely strive to live holy lives separate from a world in need, but that they would accurately represent Him and His unconditional love by taking every opportunity to reach out and serve others as He did.
The church is a servant community in which those who hunger are to be filled; the ignorant are to be taught; the homeless to receive shelter; the sick cared for; the oppressed set free.
Anonymous

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning,

It's another beautiful week. I pray all is well with you but, if not, share with us so we can pray with you.

I am in Wayland, Iowa this week working with the director of CRM. He is leading churches in the area to start a free medical clinic. Keep us and this project in your prayers.

We are also meeting with people on the Mississippi river about starting a clinic and a preaching point for those who work on the river. God is at work please; pray for the churches that are willing to get envolved.

As always, thanks to each of you who support our ministry by prayer, your emails, phone calls and to that special part of you who support our ministry financially; without you, we could not continue this work.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don


The Lord Can Heal You

"To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners." - Isaiah 61:1

According to Isaiah 61:1, Jesus has His heart set on helping three different groups of people. See them there? The afflicted, the broken-hearted, the prisoners. Who are these people? They're us! If you haven't figured out that you're that person yet, then you're not ready to get what it is He has to offer. But if in your heart you're saying, "You're right - I see myself there," then hang on. Christ has something phenomenal to offer you.

He offers good things to humble people.

The first specific people in this passage that need help are the afflicted. Some translations say poor. A good translation from the original Hebrew would be humble. This humility thing isn't a surprise. In Matthew 5:3 Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," that is, people who aren't always 100% out for themselves. Are you the kind of person who lives your life for others and don't always think about what's best for you? You say, "Well I'd like to be, but then who is going to take care of me?" God is! This verse tells us that God takes care of the humble who will let Him meet their needs. Christ brings the good news - but you must be humble to hear it.

He offers healing to the brokenhearted.

Is your heart broken? This word describes people who have been hammered by some devastating blow. This difficult circumstance may have scarred you emotionally. There might be a profound sadness to your life because of something terrible that happened in your past. Isaiah 61:1 says that Christ came into this world to bind up the brokenhearted. Like a doctor attending a broken limb. Like someone ministering salve over an open sore to bring soothing and comfort to some emotional pain that's part of your life. Even here Jesus is "the great Physician." Now how great is that?

He offers to set the captives free.

If you've had a week of failure and feel trapped in a cycle of sin/confess and sin/confess and sin/confess then you know what it's like to be held captive. You are so tired of that same old sin. "When will that ever be gone from my life?" What you desperately need is some freedom. If you are chained to some sin, Christ wants to break that cycle in your life and bring release from that bondage and give you freedom. I tell you in Jesus' name that is what He came into this world to do - to bring freedom to those held captive to sin.

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

Each day, as I start my day, I ask God where He is going and may I go along. The journey has been quite rewarding. We have met some of the greatest people. Two of those couples we spent the weekend with and just had the best of times. Another of those couples joined us on Saturday. Thanks to these precious people for a relaxing weekend; one that I needed and will remember the rest of my life.

I read this story long ago but wanted to share with you. Seems to sum up my walk with God, or should I say my ride with Him.

Thanks to all of you who support our ministry, you know who you are and without you we couldn't make this ride. We just can't adequately express what you mean to us.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don


Bike Ride With God

When I first met Christ
It seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,
But it was a tandem bike,
And I noticed that Christ
Was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that
He suggested we change places,
But life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way,
It was rather boring, but predictable...
It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,
Up mountains, and through rocky places,
At breakneck speeds,
It was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,
He said, "Pedal"

I worried and was anxious and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,
And I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life
And entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed.
Gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy.
He said, "Give the gifts away;
They're extra baggage, too much weight."

So I did, I gave them to the people we met,
And I found that in giving I received,
And still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, In control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;
But He knows bike secrets,
Knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
Knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
Knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up
and pedal in the strangest places,
And I'm beginning to enjoy the view
And the cool breeze on my face
With my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says... "Pedal."

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I pray you have had a great week. We have. It is busy at times but that's the way I like it.

I had the privilage of preaching in a small church last week and I thank God for answered prayers that He allowed me to be there. Yesterday, I had to turn down two pastors that asked me to preach for them the next two weeks, because I am already booked, praise the Lord!

Thank you for your prayers, for your emails and comments, and your financial gifts without these we couldn't go on. You will never know what you mean to us, the encouragement you give us. Thank You.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Two Horses
Author unknown

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop
your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....
Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner
has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing.
If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.
Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes
from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell.
It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends,
You'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse,
And that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk
To where the other horse is,
Trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns
To the shelter of the barn each evening,
It stops occasionally and looks back,
Making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses,
God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect
Or because we have problems or challenges.
He watches over us and even brings others into our lives
To help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse
Being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.
Good friends are like that ... You may not always see them, but you know they
are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.
And remember...

Be kinder than necessary-
Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly....and
Leave the rest to God

With thanks to Catherine Alexander

Sunday's Coming

It is that time of the week again, time sure flies when your having fun,huh?

I pray all is well with you today. We continue to receive prayer request, so I continue to ask that you lift our friends and their needs to the Lord.

Last week I did a funeral for the husband of a lady we had met while I was the pastor at a local church. There was tension among the family and after the service one daughter told me she was glad her father was gone. This led to a sermon on forgiveness which God was gracious to allow me a place to preach it. The text is Mathew 18:21-35. If you have someone in your life now that you need to forgive or ask them to forgive you, then pray and call or go see them. Don't let it end like this young lady, bitter even to the end. There is no way to say I'm sorry after they are gone.

I want to say thank you, again, to those of you who have given to our ministry again this month. Without you, we could not continue. You are such a part of our ministry. Your emails, phone calls, support and visits encourage us so that we can go on doing what we know God is leading us to do.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

The mother of four young boys often had difficulty curbing their energy, especially in church. But when her minister preached on "turning the other cheek," the boys gave him their undivided attention.

“No matter what others do to us,” he said, “we should never try to ‘get even.’”

That afternoon the youngest boy came into the house crying. Between sobs he said he’d kicked one of his brothers, who then kicked him in return.

"I’m sorry you’re hurt," his mother said. "But you shouldn’t go around kicking people."

Still choking back tears, he replied, "But the preacher said he isn’t supposed to kick me back."

[Jane Vajnar, Tampa, Kansas. "Lite Fare," Christian Reader.]

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

I pray all is well with you today. I have heard from some of you and the summer has been quiet a trial. Let us join together and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ now as the Lord leads. (Pray!)

LaVon's mother had cataract surgery yesterday and did very well. LaVon has been staying with her, so it gets a little lonesome here by myself. Pray for us for this time in our lives.

I have a funeral to do today, so I get to preach for a little bit. It will be outside in 100 degree weather, so please pray for me.

You know being on vacation for a few weeks is good but after that I really get bored and need something to do. Since I have no church to pastor it is hard to stay motivated. I read a quote from Zig Ziglar this week.
After a speech one day, Zig Ziglar was approached by someone in the audience who said:
"Zig, it was a great speech, but...motivation doesn't last."
Zig said, "Bathing doesn't either. That's why I recommend it daily!"

I need to be motivated just like everyone else, daily. God sees my need and inspires you to send an email or to phone. Thanks, it gets me going again.

I pray you have a great day and will be motivated today to do something for the Lord. Thanks for your support through your prayers, emails and financial support without any of these we could not stay motivated.

A sister and brother are talking to each other when the little boy gets up and walks over to his Grandpa and says, "Grandpa, please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "No."
The little boy goes on, "Please...please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "No, now go play."
The little boy then says to his sister, "Go tell Grandpa to make a frog noise."
So the little girl goes to her Grandpa and says, "Please make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "I just told your brother ’no’ and I’m telling you ’no’."
The little girl says, "Please...please Grandpa Make a frog noise."
The Grandpa says, "Why do you want me to make a frog noise?"
The little girl replied, "Because mommy said when you croak we can go to Disney World!"

This morning, what motivates us in our day by day living?

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

(Read John 21:15-17)

Sunday Is Coming

Good morning,

I pray all is well with you today and if it's not and you will share with me, LaVon and I will pray with you. I am still not preaching anywhere and I'm believing God is allowing me to get some much needed rest before our time back in Arizona. I ask that you keep us in your prayers.

We have been busy, even if I am not preaching somewhere. There are still people who need someone to talk and pray with. This week brought a lady that went to my church a few years back. Her husband was dying; she wanted to talk to me. LaVon and I drove to her house just after he had died and prayed with the family. I also prayed with her on the phone the night before. God uses us in many different ways. God is Good!

We are able to do this ministry because of you and your generous support. God has blessed us with some of the sweetest people in the world as ministry partners. So, today I want to say 'thank you' for listening to the Lord: for your prayers, emails and comments you leave on this post, and for your financial support. May God bless you!

Wanted!
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” —Luke 9:23-26
MEN WANTED: FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY.
SMALL WAGES, BITTER COLD, LONG MONTHS OF COMPLETE DARKNESS, CONSTANT DANGER, SAFE RETURN DOUBTFUL. HONOUR AND RECOGNITION IN CASE OF SUCCESS.

What do you think? Would you sign up for this? Sir Ernest Shackleton, an Irish-born explorer, reportedly ran this advertisement to recruit men for an expedition across the Antarctic Continent in 1914. With no promise of success, twenty-seven signed up to join Shackleton on this journey.

Reread Luke 9:23-26. Jesus has asked us follow Him on a journey we call the Christian life. What does it mean to pick up your cross? Are you ready to be persecuted, mocked, ridiculed, spit upon? Christians are not promised great rewards on earth…but crowns in heaven. Like Shackleton’s journey, the Christian life rarely pays well, nor does it promise safety. You’ll experience darkness and danger. However, in the end, if you are willing to pick up your cross and persevere throughout the journey, there is eternal glory.



Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

Sunday Is Coming

Good Morning,

It's been a busy week and I didn't take the computer with me so the posting this week is a little late.

Tuesday, I went to Eufaula, Oklahoma to visit the director of CRM medical clincs and also to see the clinic in action. Richard and I had a great time together and it was good to see his passion for what he does. He gave me a tour of God's Helping Hands, which is the food and clothing closet. God's Helping Hands also offers assistance for emergency needs. There are many volunteers that make this ministry happen.

Wednesday night, we went to Home of Hope, the free medical clinic. We had dinner together, furnished by a Sunday School class from the church next door. Richard led the devotional and then we had a time of prayer. Everything was going great until the storm knocked out the electricity. Being very resourceful, everyone opened their cell phones to light the way until candles were brought in. They never skipped a beat. If Satan intended to thwart the efforts, he failed.

As a chaplain, I got to be a part of seeing one of the patients and praying with her. Oh, what a mighty God we serve. I pray these people got to see Jesus in all of us that night and every day of our lives.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. - Colossians 1:27

Today, I am passing along a story (author unknown). It asks a powerful question, "Do people see Jesus in you?" After you read it, pray that everyone would see your Lord in and through you everyday!

I Saw Jesus

I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was up at the building we call our church; He was alone and working hard. For just a minute, He looked a little like one of the people who regularly attends our church. But it was Jesus. I could tell by His smile.

I saw Jesus Sunday. He was teaching a Bible class. He didn't talk real loud or use long words. But you could tell that He believed what He said. For just a minute, He looked like my Sunday School teacher. But it was Jesus. I could tell by His loving voice.

I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute He looked like a guy I saw at the worship gathering last week. But it was Jesus. I could tell by the tears in His eyes.

I saw Jesus this morning. He was in the kitchen fixing my breakfast and making me a special lunch. For just a minute He looked like my wife. But it was Jesus. I could feel the love from His heart.

I saw Jesus this afternoon. He was cutting the grass in the community where I live. He was smiling and waving at everyone who drove down our street. It made me feel special even if it was for only a moment. For a minute, I thought it was just another person we paid to keep our community clean. But it was Jesus. No one else could have that much joy.

I saw Jesus tonight. He was sitting out in the street looking for someone to help Him. For a minute He looked like just another homeless person. But it was Jesus. I could tell by the look of sincere suffering in His eyes.

I see Jesus everywhere. Taking food to the sick. Welcoming others to His home. Being friendly to someone who needs love. And for just a minute, I think He's someone I know. But it's always Jesus. I can tell by the way He serves.

May someone see Jesus in you today.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on,
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning once again,

Time sure flies doesn't it?

We continue staying busy and visiting with family and friends. We went to a church just up the road from us Sunday. It was a good experience. LaVon went back last night to take a women's class that I am sure she will share at Sunscape this winter.

Thank you for your emails, phone calls, visits and your financial support. Sunday nite we went to a church fellowship and Bible study; food and study were both great. The study was "How do you Handle Worry". I was asked how I handle worry. My reply was to trust God. He takes care of us by giving us not only what is good but what is best for us. This summer we are trusting God for our needs since right now we have no extra income to meet our expenses. God, through his great love for us, sees fit to bless some of you by encouraging you to give to our ministry. I can't say thank you enough, you are special to us.

This morning my heart is heavy for many of you, for your loss of loved ones, for the trials and health issues you are going through. Know we pray for you often and I know God is listening and He wants what's best for you as well. I read this devotional today that speaks to this or it did to me.

Beauty for Ashes

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

"…and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." —Isaiah 61:3

A friend of mine was asked by a young couple to perform a memorial at sea for their stillborn child. The three of them planned to spread the baby’s ashes at sea. The morning they chose was overcast and glum, reflecting their feelings of loss. They huddled together on deck, praying through swollen, tear-stained eyes while they pulled away from the shore. When the time drew near to spread the ashes, the young couple did not want to remove the ashes from the small satin box, but instead intended to throw the box overboard. The captain explained to them that it was better to open the box and release the ashes to the waves. With reservation and tears, the couple stood at the railing, releasing their baby’s ashes over the sea. They stood together watching the ashes float away and spread across the rolling sea.

At this moment, something unexpected happened. The clouds parted enough to let a beam of sunlight shine down where the ashes drifted. For an instant, the ash began to sparkle in the sunlight. As my friend shared her story with me, she described the moment as surreal. For what she saw in that moment was beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning and praise for despair. She understood a deep truth about the Lord.

Each of us hides pain inside. Whether it is a shameful past, a break-up, losing a loved one or bad decisions, we all have “ashes” hidden in a box. We try to cover our loss with a beautiful exterior, attempting to make what resides inside less painful than it is. Yet, to experience healing, we need to let those hidden things go. God sees our deepest parts and inmost thoughts. He wants to turn our mourning to praise and give us hope, but we can prevent this healing process from taking place if we hold on too tightly to our pain.

Like the young couple on the boat, we too need to be willing to scatter our pain into the Lord’s hands so He can make beauty of our ashes.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Sunday's Coming

Good morning again,


I pray all is well with you today. I have heard from many of you who are having trials in your life or your family. Thanks for sharing and know we are praying for each request.


We continue to seek God's direction for the summer months and we ask you to keep us in your prayers. Thanks again for your encouraging words by phone calls, emails or in person. I also want to say thanks to those of you who help us financially. Your gift, I know, is from the direction of God who knows our needs.

This morning, as I was reading, this caught my attention since the title of my blog is Count it All Joy:


Joy in Everything (by David Jeremiah)

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." James 1:2
Recommended Reading1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


No small amount of harm has been done by well-intentioned Christians who misquote a particular Bible verse when attempting to comfort the grieving: "Don't forget that Scripture says to, ‘Give thanks for all things.'" Actually, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 doesn't say, "For everything give thanks;" it says, "In everything give thanks." And there is a world of difference between those two small words.

The Bible doesn't say we should rejoice and give thanks for the event that has caused our grief, suffering, or impatience—a lost job, the death of a loved one, or an unmet expectation. But it does say we should give thanks in (in the midst of) that situation. And why should we do that? Because giving thanks to God is an expression of our confident faith that He is aware of our situation and our need. The Bible is filled with expressions and promises that give us reason to trust God in the midst of trials and tribulations (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 11:11-13; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19).

Joy and thanksgiving in the midst of troubles are not normal in this world. But that is why we are exhorted to express them. Joy in the midst of trials is another sign that we are in, but not of, this world.

"Joy is the serious business of heaven." ( C. S. Lewis)

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/

Sunday's Coming

Well, it's that time again. We have been busy catching up with family. We went to Tulsa to see our oldest grandson graduate from high school, woohoo! My prayer, not only for my grandson, but all the others is they trust in the Lord and live their life according to the word of God.

We continue to pray for many of you, the ones who have called or emailed us as to the trials you are facing. I know God listens and He will meet our needs, just believe.

We still are not preaching anywhere, but I know God has something in store. Until then, we will pray and trust him for the outcome.

Thanks to all who email, call, pray and help us financially. Without any of these we couldn't continue this ministry. So thank you, have a great day, love you, pass it on. Don

The Perfect Mistake

My mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to orphanages in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what had happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen in one of the crates, which he had nailed shut.

His brand new glasses were heading for China! The Great Depression was at it's height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $50 for those glasses that very morning. He was upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this."

Months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithful- ness in supporting the orphanage. "But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my co-workers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top."

The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued, "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that." The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way.

There are times we want to blame God instead of thanking Him! Perhaps it is something we ought to try more often, "Thank you God for not allowing my car to start this morning." He may have been saving your life from a car accident. May God bless your day today. Look for the perfect mistakes.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

It is that time of the week again.

We have been catching up with our mothers and some of the family.

It is rainy and cool, quiet different than Arizona.

I still haven't heard what God will have us to do this summer but, what I do know is He wants us to do something. You see, I'm to be like Jesus, so each day I ask, "Lord, where are you at work , let me join You there." My life is not my own, I'm being transformed every day to be more like Jesus. I, like you, am but an ordinary person, but Jesus can use ordinary people.

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. "—Acts 4:13

Jell-O is amazing. It can be made into almost any shape and comes in almost any flavor. Spending time with Jesus has a way of turning the ordinary, common, everyday life into one that is dangerous, bold and courageous. Just as Jell-O takes the shape of whatever mold it is poured into, our lives begin to take the shape of the One in whom we pour ourselves. In all honesty, most of us are pretty ordinary. But, when we regularly spend time with Jesus, others will take notice, for there is no doubt that time with Jesus transforms us.
Today, maybe you feel like just another ordinary person living an ordinary life. The good news is that your life has the potential of being extraordinary. Spend time with Jesus and let him remold your life into something extraordinary.

Ask, "Where are you going, Lord, I want to go with you, change me to more like you today."

Thanks again for your prayers, emails, phone calls and financial support. Remember...
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/

Sunday's Coming

Good morning from Newcastle , Oklahoma.

We made our trip without any problems.

Even though we couldn't park where we normally do when we arrived, God said, "Not to worry." He had a plan and we will wait and see how He uses us where we are for His glory.

It's a pretty park, quiet and peaceful, not far from my mother and a short drive to LaVon's (about 15 miles).

I still dont know what we are going to do this summer. We still need income to live, but we will trust in God to provide what we need as He has done faithfully since we have been doing this ministry.

I want to thank each of you for your prayers, emails, phone calls and financial support. Oh, how you encourage us. A special thank you to all who wished me a happy birthday. You truly made it a special day. And, also, to those who sent us happy anniversay wishes, thank you.

Have a great day, love you, pass it on.

Don

The Reason We Are Stressed
"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Matthew 6:30

Do you know the reason we're stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, "Oh my goodness, I'm not going to have what I need!"

Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don't worry about what you are going to wear. He's saying only one thing is important -- His righteousness. These things don't even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don't find your satisfaction in Him, you're going to be stressed.

Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today.
By Arian Rogers

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Our Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/

Sunday's Coming

Good morning,

We are still in Arizona, but we are sight seeing on our way home. We ask that you keep us in your prayers as we travel these next few days.

Our season at Suncape RV Resort was a great experience can't wait to share with many of you in person how God used us and how this great park blessed us. I didn't feel good (physically) most of the time there, but God in all his glory strengthened me. Many times He used one of you when you called or sent an email to encourage me. I was able to continue God's work. This reminds me of a story. I know, that shocks you. It follows below.

Thanks for your prayers, emails, phone calls and your financial support.

Have a great day,

love you,

pass it on,

Don

How Much Music Can You Make?

Imagine this. A concert violinist is performing a difficult piece in front of a large audience.

Suddenly there is a loud snap that reverberates throughout the auditorium.

The audience immediately knows that a string has broken and fully expects the concert to be suspended until another string, or instrument, is brought to the musician.

But instead, the violinist composes herself, closes her eyes and then signals the conductor to begin again.

The orchestra resumes where they had left off and now the musician plays the music on three strings.

In her mind she works out new fingering to compensate for the missing string.

A work that few people can play well on four strings, the violinist with the broken string plays on three.

When she finishes, an awesome silence hangs in the room. And then as one, the crowd rises to their feet and cheers wildly.

The violinist smiles and wipes perspiration from her brow. When silence returns to the great room, she explains why she continued to play in spite of a broken string.

"You know," she says, still breathless, "sometimes it is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left."

We know what she means, don't we? Maybe we've lived most of our lives and we have only a little time left.

Can we still make music?

Maybe disease has robbed us of our capacity to work.

Can we still make music?

Perhaps a financial loss has left us impoverished.

Can we still make music?

Or maybe a meaningful relationship has ended and we feel alone in the world.

Can we still make music?

There will come a time when we all experience loss. Like the violinist, will we find the courage to discover just how much music we can still make with what we have left?

How much good we can still do?

How much joy we can still share?

For I'm convinced that the world, more than ever, needs the music only you can make.

And if it takes extra courage to make the music, many will applaud your effort.

For some people have lost more than others, and these brave souls inspire the rest of us to greater heights.

Just how much music can you make with what you have left?

Let the Music Begin.....

With thanks to KH Marolia