Tag Archives: proverbs

by | May 5, 2014 · 5:30 am

Different Metal, Different Furnace

The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts. – Proverbs 17:3 NKJV

Gold or Silver

In case you were not aware, there is a difference between gold and silver (Well, duh!). Seriously, there is a difference between the two, and that fact should not be taken lightly. Gold is gold, and silver is silver. Obvious stuff, right?

Well, sometimes the obvious is profoundly important.

Gold is extremely valuable, but is soft and pliable. Silver is not as valuable per ounce, but is nevertheless a harder precious metal. Gold is highly sought after and coveted; silver is more common, but is still critically important for a wide range of applications, everything from electronics to medicine.

How one refines gold, compared with silver, is not the same. What’s more, the temperatures of the refiner’s fire is hotter for one than the other.

What R You?

When I read Proverbs 17:3 yesterday during a Sunday School class I teach, something obvious proved to be very profound: depending on how God wants us to be used, each one’s trial by fire will vary in intensity, the heat of which will determine what metal we are made of.

gold furnace

Source: The Australian

Unlike gold and silver, we are human; our qualities and usefulness change. Some days we are made of gold, while other days we are silver, but most of the time it is hard to determine which. That’s when the Refiner turns up the heat.

There is a lot to refining gold and silver. Not only is there heat involved, but various acids, too. Therefore, it should come as no surprise when God not only allows us to endure intense pressure (heat), but permits the caustic, painful situations of life to eat away the impurities within us.

God is the refiner of hearts.

Iron Man

But, you know what? Gold and silver, while both rare and beautiful, will never make good axes, swords, cannons, I-beams for skyscrapers, or bridges across raging streams.

Sometimes there are jobs that can only be done with iron.

Don’t feel special? Don’t think of yourself as gold-like? That’s OK! You’re important, too! As a matter of fact, the melting point of iron is nearly double that of gold.

You may think what you are going through right now is far tougher than anything a “golden saint” might deserve. Don’t lose hope; the fires forging you are instilling a strength that may be needed to wage war against the Enemy, support the heavy loads of many, or bridge the gap between understanding and ignorance.

Don’t curse the furnace. Let the Refiner do His work.

 

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by | April 9, 2014 · 1:28 pm

Book Release!

Proverbial Thought

OK, when I say “my” book, it was my idea, but I’m just the editor and co-writer; I didn’t do all the work by myself. As a matter of fact, I had help from around the world. The full title of this voluminous work is Proverbial Thought: Your Daily Word of Wisdom from Proverbs.  We couldn’t put everything into one book, or it would be entirely too large – and expensive. That’s why this book is the first of several volumes.  At 318 pages, Volume One contains thoughts on chapters 1-10 of Proverbs. There’s 21 more chapters and a lot more detail to go!

book cover

Click Here to Purchase 🙂

I am very proud of what we have accomplished. Below is the preface that explains how all this came about.

Preface

What you are about to read is a work that came together over a period of two years. It first started out with an idea placed on my heart, I believe, by the Holy Spirit. Then it proceeded to be something that I tossed around to others, asking for advice, picking their brains. Finally, what it ended up being was a collection of personal commentary on one of the most famous collections of wisdom known to man – the book of Proverbs.

When the Lord impressed me to start a blog called Proverbial Thought, it wasn’t because I had a lot of time on my hands. As a matter of fact, in February of 2012, besides being a husband and a dad with two daughters still at home and being homeschooled, I was a pastor who had decide to finish a long-pursued seminary degree. In other words, I had plenty to do. However, I kept feeling led to start a daily devotional/commentary.

Since 2009, I had been publishing a blog called The Recovering Legalist.com, which introduced me to other bloggers, such as David Welford in Herefordshire, UK. After some prayer, I contacted David and asked him what he thought of co-contributing to another blog dealing with Proverbs. His immediate response was positive, even suggesting others who might want to get involved, such as his son, Nick. Ultimately, I approached over twenty individuals around the world and in my own community; eight came on board.

By the way, it was very important, I believe, to gather contributors from around the world and from different walks of life. By doing so, instead of relying on the limited life experiences and from one culture, the wisdom of Proverbs could be approached from various perspectives, lending insight that might not be available to another. For example, in one post a writer from England describes the wisdom from a proverb in light of the Iron-age fortress in his back yard. Seriously!? How many people can address a subject from that perspective? Not me!

So, in March of 2012, I put together a Google document that contained a list of dates with a corresponding proverb. Those who agreed to contribute to Proverbial Thought were asked to periodically go to that online community list and write in their names beside the verses on which they wanted to comment. Sometimes the selection was purposeful based on our knowledge of a particular Bible verse. But for the most part, each one of us went to that master list and wrote in our names, never knowing what the subject matter was going to be about. That led to a lot of “God moments.”

Eventually, nearly two years and almost 700 entries later, the project that enlisted writers from the United States, Canada, and England was complete. However, along the way a lot of “life” happened. Some of that “life” can be read in the following daily entries; more than a few words are dotted with tears. God knew what He was doing when He led us to “arbitrarily” choose which proverbs we would write about. He knew what we would be going through at the time we sat down to a computer to write. So, in one sense, what you are about to read is spiritual journey, almost a diary, of what God wanted these contributors to learn, and to share, about true Wisdom. -Anthony C. Baker

 

Special Thanks!

I just want to thank David Welford, Daniel Klem, Jason Sneed, Chris Jordan, Rev. Ken Welford, Nick Welford, and Katie Marie for lending their “thoughts” over the last couple of years. Without their help this would not have been possible.

I would also like to thank Dr. David Myers for referring David Tullock at Parson’s Porch Books (a publisher who’s profits go to take care of the needy).

It is also necessary that I thank my wife and daughters. They are the ones who put up with me as I sat for many hours in front of a computer screen. Maybe all this was worth it.

Last, but not least, I must thank my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He is the Wisdom that confounds the foolishness of men, and on Whom I totally rely (1 Cor. 1:23-25).

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by | February 26, 2014 · 9:28 am

Finding Gold

Missing Leprechaun

Evidently, as best as anyone can tell, a leprechaun must have left his gold under a tree at the end of a rainbow, but was later assaulted by some children wanting his lucky charms. He never returned.

This image provided by the Saddle Ridge Hoard discoverers via Kagin's, Inc.

This image provided by the Saddle Ridge Hoard discoverers via Kagin’s, Inc.

Seriously, did you hear about the Northern California couple who found $10 million worth of mint-condition, uncirculated gold coins? All of them dated back to the 1800’s and looked brand new.

The couple was out walking their dog down a path on their Gold Country property (how ironic), a path they had taken many times before, when the wife decided to look down and take a closer look at a rusty can. The can (one of six), had been laying there, rusting away, for years, but for some reason the lady decided this was the day she would kick it.

Just think, right there in front of them, all this time, were six cans with a total of 1,427 gold coins! Some were so rare that just one was worth over $1 million! And they were right there all along!

Hidden Treasure

Believe it or not, there are rusty cans all along the paths you and I take. However, the paths that I am referring to are the ones we take through Scripture.

I recently read an article decrying the idea of looking for “golden nuggets” in the Bible. The author argued that we shouldn’t waste our time looking for hidden treasure locked away within some Greek or Hebrew vault, just admire the Bible’s obvious beauty and truth. In other words, we should stay on the path, admire the scenery, stick to the routine, bask in the sun, but avoid kicking over any rusty cans.

Now, it is a fact that most treasure hunters go broke; therefore, am not suggesting that we stray from regular Bible reading to simply search for hidden “nuggets” of truth. However, it would surprise the regular walker through Scripture how many rusty cans have been waiting to be disturbed.

Kick a Few

The next time you read your Bible, why not take the time to be inquisitive? Treat some of the words in the verses like those old, familiar rusty cans and examine what’s inside. Search out the original word in a concordance, then see how that word is used in other places. Do some simple investigation and you might find yourself enriched.

A while back, when studying Proverbs, I came across a word in verse 7 of chapter 2. The word was “buckler.” Below is what I wrote in a post for Proverbial Thought…

The Buckler

bucklerInterestingly, though, the KJV translators used the the word buckler instead of shield. Why? Maybe it’s because a buckler is more than just a static, defensive piece of armour. A buckler was also a weapon. Bucklers were smaller shields which could be used not only to deflect the enemies blows, but could also be used as a “steel fist.”

Never forget that the same shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) which can “quench the firey darts of the wicked” can also be used to fight back. The tools God gives those who listen to Him will not only protect us, but will enable us to advance.

Have you passed by any rusty cans today?

Link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/02/25/california-couple-finds-10-million-in-rare-coins-while-out-walking-dog/

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by | February 20, 2014 · 12:45 pm

Thursday Thoughts (Proverbial Speaking)

Proverbial Thought

In February of 2012 the Lord put on my heart the idea of a blog/devotional called Proverbial Thought. Then, with the help of several others, I launched that blog on April 1st, 2012. Today, nearly 700 days and 350,000 words later, we are done.

A total of eight other writers contributed to Proverbial Thought over the last two years. Some contributed more than others, but all were greatly appreciated.

The three generations of Welfords in England  – David, Nick (David’s son), and Ken (David’s father) – made C. S. Lewis and C. H. Spurgeon proud. Daniel M. Klem, residing in Arizona, put in his fair share while attending college and seminary. Grady Davidson, a Presbyterian pastor in Chattanooga, “lent” his deep thinking to several posts. Chris Jordan, a Four Square pastor in Canada, already a prolific writer, had a great Spirit. Jason Sneed, a music minister in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, shared his fine-tuned perspective. And last, but not least, my own daughter, Katie Marie Baker, contributed our most youthful (and certainly our most female) wisdom.

The Next Steps

proverbial thought pictureAs was always the plan, two things are going to happen next. First, even though none of us will be regularly contributing to Proverbial Thought, starting in April the old posts will be re-posted each day on a regular schedule. Now, there will be some new stuff every now and then, because a few proverbs (verses) were missed. And, if any of the contributors feel the desire, they are always welcome to come along and add some additional thoughts, later. Nevertheless, starting in April, there will be re-runs.

Secondly, I will be attempting to edit this voluminous work in order to submit it to a publisher. For all I know, no one will want to turn Proverbial Thought into a published commentary, one unlike any other on the shelves. If that is the case, we may have to self-publish. Either way, my desire is to have the contributions to Proverbial Thought turned into a printed work that will honor God, even when the internet is down.

Prayers Needed

Pray for me, please! Pray that I will recognize the right window or door God may open. Pray that Proverbial Thought will continue to minister to people around the world, whether digitally or in print. And lastly, pray that God will continue to bless those who graciously accepted the invitation to help me with this awesome project.

“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” – 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 KJV

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by | December 5, 2013 · 1:30 am

Nevertheless, I’m Blessed

The following is from a study I did for my other blog, Proverbial Thought. Going into this weekend, knowing some difficulties my family is going to have to face (a prayer for provision would be appreciated), I really needed to be reminded of the goodness of God. Maybe you do, too.

Also, I just finished re-preaching a sermon I preached last night for the radio. The title of the message is “Praying for Those with Disease.” I needed it…we all need it. I hope it can be blessing to you.

“Praying for Those with Disease”

“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.” – Proverbs 10:6 KJV

Nothing Stays

Have you ever heard the old adage, “Like water off a duck’s back?” The reason for that saying comes from the fact that ducks never get “wet,” just in the water (now that will preach!). You see, because of the oil in a duck’s feathers, the duck can be in the water, have water poured over it, etc., but never actually get wet. The water doesn’t soak in, but runs off.

My head is similar to a duck’s back. There is nothing on my head to make anything stay put. Everything just runs off, down my neck, and under my shirt, especially when it rains. The upside is that I never have to dry my hair when I get out of the shower.

Except Blessings

But the awesome thing is that no matter how slick my bald head is, God is able to heap blessing after blessing on top of it. My glasses won’t stay put; hats get blown off; I cant wear flowers; but the Lord can pile blessings as high as He wants. How is that? Must be a God thing.

I don’t deserve blessings. I don’t deserve anything from God. If you only knew me like I know me, you’d wonder how any blessing would stay on my head. Yet, my Lord is merciful. He is able to do what man and water can’t.

The Wicked

The mouth of the wicked, on the other hand, is covered up with violence. What that means exactly is debatable, but the idea implied is that one usually gets what he deserves. The wicked can be compared to a swimmer in wool clothing and a wool coat. When he gets in the water, he’s sunk.

In General

Generally speaking, this proverb tells us that there are consequences for our actions. The way we live will come back either to bless or haunt us. Right living brings peace, while wicked living never ends well.

Do you want to be thought well of? Live justly. Do you want to reap the rewards of righteousness? Live right. Otherwise, even though there may be some temporary benefits to living like the Devil, the end result of wickedness will have you covering your mouth in shame.

A Prayer

Jesus, even though I am not worthy, thank you for your blessings. My righteousness is in you. I am only “just” because “the just shall live by faith.”  Thank you for your mercy, for when I was yet wicked, you saved me, cleansed me, and put a crown on my head. You are my glory, and I will praise you for your immeasurable goodness to me.

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by | November 11, 2012 · 10:12 am

Family Resemblance

Wedding Update

Not long ago I wrote about how I hated weddings. Well, I might need to update that a little. If all weddings could be like the one I just officiated, I might be a little more excited.

Yesterday (11-10-12) I had the honor to unite Alicia, my step-daughter, and Josh Westbrook in marriage. It was a fun, sweet, and beautiful ceremony which brought both laughter and tears. At one point, unlike most any other time, I was almost sad it was over (and then I remembered how much cleanup had to be done).

One moment that I will always remember was my opening statement…”Wuv, Twue Wuv…” Yes, I actually said it.

Proud Father

Even though a professional photographer was taking pictures, I got Katie to take a picture of just Alicia and me. I wanted to be able to remember standing next to such a beautiful bride.

Of course, all dads think their daughters are beautiful, right? This is no exception. However, I can truly say she got her looks from her mother, not me. If you see any resemblance between us, then it is only coincidental, because remember, she’s my step-daughter.

But even though Alicia may not have gotten any of her physical characteristics from me, there were some other characteristics she did inherit, and they were made known through her vows to Josh.

The Vows

Instead of doing it the old-fashioned, traditional way, Alicia and Josh wrote their own vows (which made it easier on me). Josh actually said his by memory (or made them up as he went along, I don’t know), but Alicia had to read hers. She gave them to me to hold until her turn.

After Josh recited his vows, Alicia looked at me, which was my cue to give her the vows she had printed on piece of paper. Then, as she read those words, halted slightly by her tears, her relation to me became evident. The family resemblance was obvious. See if you can pick up on it.

I, Alicia, take you Josh, my best friend, to be my husband.

I give you this ring, my heart, and every part of me.

With it I vow to always: love, honor, respect, and cherish you forever.

I promise to always be open and honest, be there in good times and bad, and to be forever faithful.

I promise to always live first for our God and then for you as your helpmate as it is commanded in His Word.

I promise to always be your partner, your best friend, and your number one fan.

I promise to always listen to the words you speak, and listen even harder for the ones that you don’t.

I promise to embrace whatever changes life throws at us as it will only make us grow closer together.

I promise to always laugh with you, give you back scratches every night and to always give you those “madly in love kisses” no matter how old we are.

I promise all of this to you in front of God and these witnesses until death do us part because we WILL NOT FAIL!

The Promise

A lot of promises are made at weddings. Many times those promises are broken, leaving hearts and lives in ruin. But marriages in which the couple puts God first, then loves each other with the sacrificial love He modeled in Christ, are far more likely to see those promises kept.

And when it comes to promises, I am thankful for this one: “Train up a child in the way [she] should go: and when [she] is old, [she] will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

I am very proud of you, Alicia.

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by | May 3, 2012 · 9:31 am

Repost of Proverbial Thought

God really showed me something special when I studied for this post. I then preached on it in church, and now I am about to do a radio broadcast based on it. Just the thought that our God would want to sit and talk with us is incredible.

Anthony Baker's avatarProverbial Thought

Proverbs 3:31-32

“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.”

Preface

Let me preface what I am about to write by saying that it is pleasure to study verses of Scripture which would normally be overlooked in casual reading. When I first selected this passage, I only did so based on the calendar. Only when it came time to write did it become clear there was much more to these verses that met the eye.

I can only scratch the surface, today. However, I would challenge each reader, as with the other texts, to study them for yourself. The greatest riches of heaven are not usually handed over, they are wrestled from the Word. Dig, my friends, and you will be amazed at what you find.

The Oppressor

Solomon recognized that there is always…

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