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/