Michael Baker
@livingbylamplight.bsky.social
Read more at LivingByLamplight.Substack.com
I believe Donald Trump is a Russian sympathizer (at best).
Trump & Vance ambushed Zelenskyy. It was intentional. Near the end, Trump even said:
“I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. I think it’s very important. That’s why I kept this going so long.”
Trump & Vance ambushed Zelenskyy. It was intentional. Near the end, Trump even said:
“I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. I think it’s very important. That’s why I kept this going so long.”
March 1, 2025 at 6:58 PM
I believe Donald Trump is a Russian sympathizer (at best).
Trump & Vance ambushed Zelenskyy. It was intentional. Near the end, Trump even said:
“I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. I think it’s very important. That’s why I kept this going so long.”
Trump & Vance ambushed Zelenskyy. It was intentional. Near the end, Trump even said:
“I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on. I think it’s very important. That’s why I kept this going so long.”
Putin invaded Ukraine.
This fact is not up for debate or reinterpretation.
This fact is not up for debate or reinterpretation.
February 22, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Putin invaded Ukraine.
This fact is not up for debate or reinterpretation.
This fact is not up for debate or reinterpretation.
If the United States is going to be a city on a hill, a shining example for others, we cannot be led by a hypocrite.
An executive order contradicting the Constitution should be an impeachable offense. It breaks the Oath of Office to "support and defend" the Constitution.
See Amendment 14, Sect 1.
An executive order contradicting the Constitution should be an impeachable offense. It breaks the Oath of Office to "support and defend" the Constitution.
See Amendment 14, Sect 1.
February 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
If the United States is going to be a city on a hill, a shining example for others, we cannot be led by a hypocrite.
An executive order contradicting the Constitution should be an impeachable offense. It breaks the Oath of Office to "support and defend" the Constitution.
See Amendment 14, Sect 1.
An executive order contradicting the Constitution should be an impeachable offense. It breaks the Oath of Office to "support and defend" the Constitution.
See Amendment 14, Sect 1.
I finally deactivated my Twitter account.
I first decided to last month, then thought maybe I should stick around to be a voice of reason...
But I couldn't tacitly support that platform's owner any longer.
You can only find me here on Bluesky and Substack (LivingByLamplight.Substack.com).
I first decided to last month, then thought maybe I should stick around to be a voice of reason...
But I couldn't tacitly support that platform's owner any longer.
You can only find me here on Bluesky and Substack (LivingByLamplight.Substack.com).
Living by Lamplight | Michael M. Baker, PhD | Substack
This Substack helps Christians (and the Christian-curious) figure out how to navigate through this crazy, strange, and wonderful 21st-century world we live in; Subscribe for a free PDF of the 3-7-10 P...
LivingByLamplight.Substack.com
February 9, 2025 at 3:34 AM
I finally deactivated my Twitter account.
I first decided to last month, then thought maybe I should stick around to be a voice of reason...
But I couldn't tacitly support that platform's owner any longer.
You can only find me here on Bluesky and Substack (LivingByLamplight.Substack.com).
I first decided to last month, then thought maybe I should stick around to be a voice of reason...
But I couldn't tacitly support that platform's owner any longer.
You can only find me here on Bluesky and Substack (LivingByLamplight.Substack.com).
SuperFaith: Mission #4
open.substack.com/pub/livingby...
open.substack.com/pub/livingby...
SuperFaith: Mission #4
Use the power of your words for good
open.substack.com
February 4, 2025 at 12:56 PM
SuperFaith: Mission #4
open.substack.com/pub/livingby...
open.substack.com/pub/livingby...
Memory Verse #4
We should know why we can act boldy for Christ
open.substack.com
February 1, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Proverb a Day, January 31:
“We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives” (21:2, TLB).
We often "spin" everything we do - even if we'd judge someone else for doing the same thing.
Let's examine why we’re doing something.
Do our motives still line up with God’s?
“We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives” (21:2, TLB).
We often "spin" everything we do - even if we'd judge someone else for doing the same thing.
Let's examine why we’re doing something.
Do our motives still line up with God’s?
January 31, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Proverb a Day, January 31:
“We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives” (21:2, TLB).
We often "spin" everything we do - even if we'd judge someone else for doing the same thing.
Let's examine why we’re doing something.
Do our motives still line up with God’s?
“We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives” (21:2, TLB).
We often "spin" everything we do - even if we'd judge someone else for doing the same thing.
Let's examine why we’re doing something.
Do our motives still line up with God’s?
Proverb a Day, January 30:
“A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is” (18:2, GNT).
When we listen in order to understand another person’s perspective, we show them respect.
Understanding them does not = agreement.
“A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is” (18:2, GNT).
When we listen in order to understand another person’s perspective, we show them respect.
Understanding them does not = agreement.
January 30, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Proverb a Day, January 30:
“A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is” (18:2, GNT).
When we listen in order to understand another person’s perspective, we show them respect.
Understanding them does not = agreement.
“A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is” (18:2, GNT).
When we listen in order to understand another person’s perspective, we show them respect.
Understanding them does not = agreement.
Proverb a Day, January 29:
“The start of an argument is like the first break in a dam; stop it before it goes any further” (17:14, GNT).
This is important to remember, even in online communication. (See also 2 Timothy 2:23.)
“The start of an argument is like the first break in a dam; stop it before it goes any further” (17:14, GNT).
This is important to remember, even in online communication. (See also 2 Timothy 2:23.)
January 30, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Proverb a Day, January 29:
“The start of an argument is like the first break in a dam; stop it before it goes any further” (17:14, GNT).
This is important to remember, even in online communication. (See also 2 Timothy 2:23.)
“The start of an argument is like the first break in a dam; stop it before it goes any further” (17:14, GNT).
This is important to remember, even in online communication. (See also 2 Timothy 2:23.)
Proverb a Day, January 28:
“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent” (17:28, NLT).
Beware of those who think they know everything, who assert how smart they are on every topic.
It’s better to listen and learn than to say something wrong.
“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent” (17:28, NLT).
Beware of those who think they know everything, who assert how smart they are on every topic.
It’s better to listen and learn than to say something wrong.
January 28, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Proverb a Day, January 28:
“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent” (17:28, NLT).
Beware of those who think they know everything, who assert how smart they are on every topic.
It’s better to listen and learn than to say something wrong.
“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent” (17:28, NLT).
Beware of those who think they know everything, who assert how smart they are on every topic.
It’s better to listen and learn than to say something wrong.
Proverb a Day, January 27:
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips” (24:26, NIV).
Or, “An honest answer is a sign of true friendship” (GNT).
We can often deceive ourselves.
Do we want friends who will feed those delusions, or ones who will help us face reality?
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips” (24:26, NIV).
Or, “An honest answer is a sign of true friendship” (GNT).
We can often deceive ourselves.
Do we want friends who will feed those delusions, or ones who will help us face reality?
January 27, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Proverb a Day, January 27:
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips” (24:26, NIV).
Or, “An honest answer is a sign of true friendship” (GNT).
We can often deceive ourselves.
Do we want friends who will feed those delusions, or ones who will help us face reality?
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips” (24:26, NIV).
Or, “An honest answer is a sign of true friendship” (GNT).
We can often deceive ourselves.
Do we want friends who will feed those delusions, or ones who will help us face reality?
I posted this a couple months ago, and in the wake of Bishop Budde's message it has taken on new relevance:
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/lost-in-tr...
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/lost-in-tr...
Lost in Translation: The Greatest Commandments
We know how we should treat others, so why don't we?
livingbylamplight.substack.com
January 27, 2025 at 1:05 AM
I posted this a couple months ago, and in the wake of Bishop Budde's message it has taken on new relevance:
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/lost-in-tr...
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/lost-in-tr...
Readers seemed interested yesterday, so I'll leave this here again:
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/analysis-o...
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/analysis-o...
Analysis of Bishop Budde's message
How should Christians react?
livingbylamplight.substack.com
January 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Readers seemed interested yesterday, so I'll leave this here again:
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/analysis-o...
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/analysis-o...
Proverb a Day, January 26:
“Depend on the Lord in whatever you do. Then your plans will succeed” (16:3, ICB).
While many translations tell us to “Commit your plans to the Lord,” I like that this one says, “Depend on the Lord…”
It emphasizes the trust factor just a bit more.
“Depend on the Lord in whatever you do. Then your plans will succeed” (16:3, ICB).
While many translations tell us to “Commit your plans to the Lord,” I like that this one says, “Depend on the Lord…”
It emphasizes the trust factor just a bit more.
January 26, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Proverb a Day, January 26:
“Depend on the Lord in whatever you do. Then your plans will succeed” (16:3, ICB).
While many translations tell us to “Commit your plans to the Lord,” I like that this one says, “Depend on the Lord…”
It emphasizes the trust factor just a bit more.
“Depend on the Lord in whatever you do. Then your plans will succeed” (16:3, ICB).
While many translations tell us to “Commit your plans to the Lord,” I like that this one says, “Depend on the Lord…”
It emphasizes the trust factor just a bit more.
Analysis of Bishop Budde's message
How should Christians react?
livingbylamplight.substack.com
January 25, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Proverb a Day, January 25:
“The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for widows” (15:25, TLB).
With whom do we align ourselves?
“The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for widows” (15:25, TLB).
With whom do we align ourselves?
January 25, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Proverb a Day, January 25:
“The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for widows” (15:25, TLB).
With whom do we align ourselves?
“The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for widows” (15:25, TLB).
With whom do we align ourselves?
Proverb a Day, January 24:
“Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God” (14:31, TLB).
Who is being oppressed today? We should stand with them.
“Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God” (14:31, TLB).
Who is being oppressed today? We should stand with them.
January 24, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Proverb a Day, January 24:
“Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God” (14:31, TLB).
Who is being oppressed today? We should stand with them.
“Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God” (14:31, TLB).
Who is being oppressed today? We should stand with them.
Proverb a Day, January 23:
“Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise. Choose fools to be your friends, and you will have trouble” (13:20, ERV).
Choose your friends wisely; they influence the direction of your life.
Who do you hang out with?
“Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise. Choose fools to be your friends, and you will have trouble” (13:20, ERV).
Choose your friends wisely; they influence the direction of your life.
Who do you hang out with?
January 23, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Proverb a Day, January 23:
“Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise. Choose fools to be your friends, and you will have trouble” (13:20, ERV).
Choose your friends wisely; they influence the direction of your life.
Who do you hang out with?
“Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise. Choose fools to be your friends, and you will have trouble” (13:20, ERV).
Choose your friends wisely; they influence the direction of your life.
Who do you hang out with?
Proverb a Day, January 22:
“Hard work means prosperity; only a fool idles away his time” (12:11, TLB).
We should rest weekly. But how else do we spend our time?
Being productive? Serving? Binging shows, playing games, or scrolling away our time?
Daydreaming about how life could be, if only…?
“Hard work means prosperity; only a fool idles away his time” (12:11, TLB).
We should rest weekly. But how else do we spend our time?
Being productive? Serving? Binging shows, playing games, or scrolling away our time?
Daydreaming about how life could be, if only…?
January 22, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Proverb a Day, January 22:
“Hard work means prosperity; only a fool idles away his time” (12:11, TLB).
We should rest weekly. But how else do we spend our time?
Being productive? Serving? Binging shows, playing games, or scrolling away our time?
Daydreaming about how life could be, if only…?
“Hard work means prosperity; only a fool idles away his time” (12:11, TLB).
We should rest weekly. But how else do we spend our time?
Being productive? Serving? Binging shows, playing games, or scrolling away our time?
Daydreaming about how life could be, if only…?
There's still time to memorize this month's Bible verse before the February one is revealed!
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/memory-ver...
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/memory-ver...
Memory Verse #3
We can be bold.
livingbylamplight.substack.com
January 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM
There's still time to memorize this month's Bible verse before the February one is revealed!
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/memory-ver...
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/memory-ver...
Proverb a Day, January 21:
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction” (12:1, NLT).
How do people respond when mistakes are pointed out? That will tell you a lot about their character.
Be teachable, not stubborn.
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction” (12:1, NLT).
How do people respond when mistakes are pointed out? That will tell you a lot about their character.
Be teachable, not stubborn.
January 21, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Proverb a Day, January 21:
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction” (12:1, NLT).
How do people respond when mistakes are pointed out? That will tell you a lot about their character.
Be teachable, not stubborn.
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction” (12:1, NLT).
How do people respond when mistakes are pointed out? That will tell you a lot about their character.
Be teachable, not stubborn.
Proverb a Day, January 20:
“What good people produce is like a life-giving tree. Those who are wise give new life to others” (11:30, ERV).
As I was recently reminded, you never know whose life you might touch simply by caring for them as a person.
“What good people produce is like a life-giving tree. Those who are wise give new life to others” (11:30, ERV).
As I was recently reminded, you never know whose life you might touch simply by caring for them as a person.
January 20, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Proverb a Day, January 20:
“What good people produce is like a life-giving tree. Those who are wise give new life to others” (11:30, ERV).
As I was recently reminded, you never know whose life you might touch simply by caring for them as a person.
“What good people produce is like a life-giving tree. Those who are wise give new life to others” (11:30, ERV).
As I was recently reminded, you never know whose life you might touch simply by caring for them as a person.
Still relevant for starting the New Year with courage:
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/7-question...
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/7-question...
7 Questions for Overcoming Fear
Adapting Ferriss's "Fear Setting" framework for a Christian audience
livingbylamplight.substack.com
January 19, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Still relevant for starting the New Year with courage:
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/7-question...
livingbylamplight.substack.com/p/7-question...