Sunday's Coming

Good morning, from the RGV (Rio Grande Valley).

We had an interesting week... we had an ice storm here!  They say it was the worst in 20 years. It didn't last long but did give us a little winter.

We continue to stay active in the park.  There seems to always be something to do. Sunday afternoon they had a 50th Anniversary Celebration in which I volunteered to serve the couples along with another gentleman. We had a great time and what an honor to serve so many that have stayed married for 50 years.

My sermon this week is, REAL LOVE, 1 John 4:7-4:21.  Remember He loves you, so we need to show others that love. Happy Valentines Day!

A preacher during a revival message. The preacher shouted, "The good Lord can take us through every difficulty, every trial, every evil thing that comes at us and everyone who tries to hurt us.” He raised his arms in triumphant gesture and shouted,
"Hallelujah!"
But a deacon noticed a small pistol tucked in his jeans. After the service, he asked,
“Preacher, why the gun?”
“Well brother, that's to hold off the enemy until the Lord gets here.”

Our Lord is always with us. We don't have to wait for Him to show up. You see, He loves us and is there in every occasion. Nothing is ever so large that it is beyond His power, or so small that it does not concern Him.

“God is our reduge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps. 46:1

May God be with you in whatever is going on in your life today.

LaVon and I are truly thankful to God for each of you. Thank you for your continual support and interest in our ministry by investing yourself in many ways as partners with us: by prayer, e-mails, phone calls and your financial gifts. Without any of these we could not continue what God has called us to do and that is to share the living water with the world through the RV ministry.

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/