B.C. Bolt's Blog
February 28, 2014
Partial Blindness
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Proverbs 28:27
While we may have 20/20 vision, we are often partially blind. We choose to only see what we want not what is visible. While we may easily see a homeless person begging for money or a couple struggling through the early stages leading to divorce, what do we really see? Solomon alludes to us "hiding our eyes" in the verse above and I agree. We only choose to "see" what we want to see.
Do we see the need? Or are we too busy to give of our time or money? Hence we only see another despondent person without hope for tomorrow and we appease our conscience by simply writing another check to an appropriate charity. God doesn't only ask for our money - He wants all of us. This includes our heart, time, experience and comforting words. Many times, money will not suffice but a listening ear that is backed by a compassionate heart is more appreciated.
Ask God to show you how to respond when you actually "see" the struggles of others.
Proverbs 28:27
While we may have 20/20 vision, we are often partially blind. We choose to only see what we want not what is visible. While we may easily see a homeless person begging for money or a couple struggling through the early stages leading to divorce, what do we really see? Solomon alludes to us "hiding our eyes" in the verse above and I agree. We only choose to "see" what we want to see.
Do we see the need? Or are we too busy to give of our time or money? Hence we only see another despondent person without hope for tomorrow and we appease our conscience by simply writing another check to an appropriate charity. God doesn't only ask for our money - He wants all of us. This includes our heart, time, experience and comforting words. Many times, money will not suffice but a listening ear that is backed by a compassionate heart is more appreciated.
Ask God to show you how to respond when you actually "see" the struggles of others.
February 27, 2014
Danger Ahead
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Proverbs 27:12
While teaching our children to drive, I stress looking ahead - what posted signs do you see and what obstacles lay ahead that can come into your path. While there may not be anything directly in their path, vehicles, children playing or changing red lights can quickly change their driving path and present obstacles.
The same is true with our spiritual life. While we may be enjoying a closeness with God, there are many obstacles ahead that can quickly change our relationship with our Savior. We need to be able to recognize these challenges and respond accordingly. Solomon gives us great advice in the verse above - when we see evil, we need to hide our self in God's love and protection.
While many of the challenges are easily recognizable, many are not. It is hard for us to discern the subtle snares that lay ahead. It is only through a closeness with God that we are able to recognize them and respond accordingly before it is too late. Jesus promised us the Holy Ghost would "teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26). Let God's Holy Spirit warn you of the dangers ahead so that you can avoid them and remain in His loving grace.
Proverbs 27:12
While teaching our children to drive, I stress looking ahead - what posted signs do you see and what obstacles lay ahead that can come into your path. While there may not be anything directly in their path, vehicles, children playing or changing red lights can quickly change their driving path and present obstacles.
The same is true with our spiritual life. While we may be enjoying a closeness with God, there are many obstacles ahead that can quickly change our relationship with our Savior. We need to be able to recognize these challenges and respond accordingly. Solomon gives us great advice in the verse above - when we see evil, we need to hide our self in God's love and protection.
While many of the challenges are easily recognizable, many are not. It is hard for us to discern the subtle snares that lay ahead. It is only through a closeness with God that we are able to recognize them and respond accordingly before it is too late. Jesus promised us the Holy Ghost would "teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26). Let God's Holy Spirit warn you of the dangers ahead so that you can avoid them and remain in His loving grace.
February 26, 2014
Back-Fired Plans
Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Proverbs 26:27
Too often, we try to take matters into our own hands instead of letting God be in charge. This is especially true when it comes to our enemies. We feel that we must plan and execute a strategy to get even and seek revenge. Did God not protect the Israelites for thousands of years in the Old Testament? Did He not take care of His chosen ones throughout the New Testament? Does He still not take care of His children today? Then what makes us think we can do better than God? Romans 12:19 states - "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
Yet we continue to try to interject our own vengeance. Solomon warns us above that when we plot against others, our plans backfire upon us. Don't we have enough trouble dealing with the issues presented by our detractors without creating havoc for ourselves? Give up on the revenge business and let God take care of it. He knows better than we in all things - especially how to really get at someone where it really hurts. Otherwise, we will only be creating more misery for ourselves when our plans backfire!
Proverbs 26:27
Too often, we try to take matters into our own hands instead of letting God be in charge. This is especially true when it comes to our enemies. We feel that we must plan and execute a strategy to get even and seek revenge. Did God not protect the Israelites for thousands of years in the Old Testament? Did He not take care of His chosen ones throughout the New Testament? Does He still not take care of His children today? Then what makes us think we can do better than God? Romans 12:19 states - "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
Yet we continue to try to interject our own vengeance. Solomon warns us above that when we plot against others, our plans backfire upon us. Don't we have enough trouble dealing with the issues presented by our detractors without creating havoc for ourselves? Give up on the revenge business and let God take care of it. He knows better than we in all things - especially how to really get at someone where it really hurts. Otherwise, we will only be creating more misery for ourselves when our plans backfire!
February 25, 2014
Too Much Of A Good Thing
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Proverbs 25:16
Solomon aptly describes the downfall of humans in the verse above. We discover something that is good and good for us. Then we over-indulge to the point that it becomes bad for us. The same is true in many other aspects of our life. People become so obsessed with physical beauty that it ruins them and their appearance. Some sports fans become so engrossed that no one can stand to be around them.
God has provided us many blessings that we can enjoy. However, when we take it to extremes, it has an adverse effect upon our life. As my Dad used to say, "balance is a beautiful thing". Doing without or over-indulging are wrong and can be harmful, but a balance can bring joy.
What areas of your life need a little restraint? Have you become addicted or obsessed with these items? Ask God to assist you in balancing their impact upon your life.
Proverbs 25:16
Solomon aptly describes the downfall of humans in the verse above. We discover something that is good and good for us. Then we over-indulge to the point that it becomes bad for us. The same is true in many other aspects of our life. People become so obsessed with physical beauty that it ruins them and their appearance. Some sports fans become so engrossed that no one can stand to be around them.
God has provided us many blessings that we can enjoy. However, when we take it to extremes, it has an adverse effect upon our life. As my Dad used to say, "balance is a beautiful thing". Doing without or over-indulging are wrong and can be harmful, but a balance can bring joy.
What areas of your life need a little restraint? Have you become addicted or obsessed with these items? Ask God to assist you in balancing their impact upon your life.
February 24, 2014
What Is Your Name?
He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
Proverbs 24:8
We are all given a name upon birth. However, we are often called by many other names over the course of our life. Many of these are based upon our behavior or presumed behavior. Solomon describes the actions associated with a mischievous person in the verse above.
What is your name? Do people recognize the love of Christ within you? Or is it hidden by the human characteristics of your life? It should embarrass us to bring shame upon Christ when we are perceived as something beside Christ-like due to our human nature. After his ultimate sacrifice for our salvation, the least we can do it is to demonstrate His love to others.
Carefully consider how others perceive you. They should see Christ vice our human nature. If not, we need to hide ourselves behind the cross so that only He is shown to others.
Proverbs 24:8
We are all given a name upon birth. However, we are often called by many other names over the course of our life. Many of these are based upon our behavior or presumed behavior. Solomon describes the actions associated with a mischievous person in the verse above.
What is your name? Do people recognize the love of Christ within you? Or is it hidden by the human characteristics of your life? It should embarrass us to bring shame upon Christ when we are perceived as something beside Christ-like due to our human nature. After his ultimate sacrifice for our salvation, the least we can do it is to demonstrate His love to others.
Carefully consider how others perceive you. They should see Christ vice our human nature. If not, we need to hide ourselves behind the cross so that only He is shown to others.
February 23, 2014
When The End Is Not The End
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18
In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon defines there is a time to every purpose under heaven. However, in this short verse, Solomon discusses the finality of purposes under heaven. All things must end. We are saddened when joyful events cease but we are relieved when painful events are no more.
We are told in Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Pretty final, huh? The end of life as we know it. All of those treasures and accolades: useless. All of the money we hoarded: useless. The lasting relationships we have developed: gone.
But there is one thing that endures - our soul. As stated in Hebrews, life does end but not our future. Where will we spend eternity? It depends upon the choice we have made in this life. Do we have an expectation to spend eternity with Christ in heaven? Or do we just view death as the final end?
Let us change our perspective on "the end". For the end is truly the begining of life-ever-after.
Proverbs 23:18
In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon defines there is a time to every purpose under heaven. However, in this short verse, Solomon discusses the finality of purposes under heaven. All things must end. We are saddened when joyful events cease but we are relieved when painful events are no more.
We are told in Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Pretty final, huh? The end of life as we know it. All of those treasures and accolades: useless. All of the money we hoarded: useless. The lasting relationships we have developed: gone.
But there is one thing that endures - our soul. As stated in Hebrews, life does end but not our future. Where will we spend eternity? It depends upon the choice we have made in this life. Do we have an expectation to spend eternity with Christ in heaven? Or do we just view death as the final end?
Let us change our perspective on "the end". For the end is truly the begining of life-ever-after.
February 22, 2014
Breaking Bread
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 22:9
Solomon assures us that we will be blessed if we share our bread with the poor. He didn't ask us to share the fatted calf, treasures, or land. Just the necessity of life. Seems simple enough. But it is so hard to do. When we have worked hard to gather the fruits of our efforts, the last thing we want to do is to share the bounty with someone who has not lifted a finger to aid us in the toils.
Once again, we are asked to share the necessity of life - bread. It will sustain the hungriest of persons but more importantly, it has a huge connection throughout the Bible. The angel brought Elijah bread and water, twice, to sustain his forty day journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:6). More significantly, inMatthew 26:26 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
When we share bread with the poor, are we simply sustaining them physically? Or are we sharing the love of Christ? The second form of bread will make an eternal impact on their soul. So when you pause to "break bread" with the poor, remember who gave you the riches to share in the first place. Did He not freely give unto us when we were not worthy?
Proverbs 22:9
Solomon assures us that we will be blessed if we share our bread with the poor. He didn't ask us to share the fatted calf, treasures, or land. Just the necessity of life. Seems simple enough. But it is so hard to do. When we have worked hard to gather the fruits of our efforts, the last thing we want to do is to share the bounty with someone who has not lifted a finger to aid us in the toils.
Once again, we are asked to share the necessity of life - bread. It will sustain the hungriest of persons but more importantly, it has a huge connection throughout the Bible. The angel brought Elijah bread and water, twice, to sustain his forty day journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:6). More significantly, inMatthew 26:26 - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
When we share bread with the poor, are we simply sustaining them physically? Or are we sharing the love of Christ? The second form of bread will make an eternal impact on their soul. So when you pause to "break bread" with the poor, remember who gave you the riches to share in the first place. Did He not freely give unto us when we were not worthy?
February 21, 2014
Proper Priorities
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Proverbs 21:17
My father taught me that it wasn't how much money you made but how you spent the money that determines the quality of your life. He stated that everyone has their own set of priorities on how to spend their earnings. Many were wise and had much to show for their meager income while others never seemed to have enough for the necessities of life. He stated that it was determined by how they set their priorities. Some had rather have a new car or boat than to have a bathroom that functioned properly. As he wisely stated, you must make a choice with each dollar you earn.
Solomon alluded to the same in the verse above - those who care about the pleasures of the world will never be rich. You would think we could have learned by now how to resist such temptations. But, alas, we still waste our money on short-term pleasures.
Are we squandering our most valuable treasure? Do we allow our heart to chase after temporary temptations or are we growing a mature heart that is looking forward to the here-after? Much like our financial situation, our heart may be continually broke if we fail to have the proper priorities. If we get our heart right with God, the rest of our decisions will follow his wise guidance.
Proverbs 21:17
My father taught me that it wasn't how much money you made but how you spent the money that determines the quality of your life. He stated that everyone has their own set of priorities on how to spend their earnings. Many were wise and had much to show for their meager income while others never seemed to have enough for the necessities of life. He stated that it was determined by how they set their priorities. Some had rather have a new car or boat than to have a bathroom that functioned properly. As he wisely stated, you must make a choice with each dollar you earn.
Solomon alluded to the same in the verse above - those who care about the pleasures of the world will never be rich. You would think we could have learned by now how to resist such temptations. But, alas, we still waste our money on short-term pleasures.
Are we squandering our most valuable treasure? Do we allow our heart to chase after temporary temptations or are we growing a mature heart that is looking forward to the here-after? Much like our financial situation, our heart may be continually broke if we fail to have the proper priorities. If we get our heart right with God, the rest of our decisions will follow his wise guidance.
February 20, 2014
Tooting Your Own Horn
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
Proverbs 20:6
We have a tendency of "tooting our own horn" to gain recognition from our friends. It may be subtle as "My back is sore from helping clean the widow's yard" to flashy as recognition before the whole congregation for a large charitable act. Unfortunately, we have wasted our efforts for serving God for we have just gotten our pubic reward vice a blessing from God.
Jesus spent a major portion of his Sermon on the Mount teaching about such behavior (Matthew 6:1-7). He warns against seeking public recognition but rather seek his reward in private. Which do you prefer - public recognition or private blessings from God? While the choice is simple, the ability to silence our horn of bragging is sometimes hard to do.
We should control our mouth in bragging in our support of others. For God will see our efforts and reward us beyond our wildest imagination. Join me in leaving our horn of bragging in the closet where we seek God!
Proverbs 20:6
We have a tendency of "tooting our own horn" to gain recognition from our friends. It may be subtle as "My back is sore from helping clean the widow's yard" to flashy as recognition before the whole congregation for a large charitable act. Unfortunately, we have wasted our efforts for serving God for we have just gotten our pubic reward vice a blessing from God.
Jesus spent a major portion of his Sermon on the Mount teaching about such behavior (Matthew 6:1-7). He warns against seeking public recognition but rather seek his reward in private. Which do you prefer - public recognition or private blessings from God? While the choice is simple, the ability to silence our horn of bragging is sometimes hard to do.
We should control our mouth in bragging in our support of others. For God will see our efforts and reward us beyond our wildest imagination. Join me in leaving our horn of bragging in the closet where we seek God!
February 19, 2014
Fast Fleeting Friends
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Proverbs 19:7
Solomon paints a pretty grim picture in this verse - the individual is poor and his friends are fleeing from him while he is pleading with them. Quite a dismal situation. Have you ever been is such a situation? All seems lost and no one cares. The harder you try to appease your so-called friends, the faster they disappear.
I am reminded of David's plight after being anointed to be king by Samuel. He was successful in following God's will but unsuccessful in friendship. His closest friend, Jonathan, had to send him away due to the wrath of Saul. David fled across the mountains with a tattered group of men that might have been considered supporters and friends... until they also turned against him on numerous occasions. Each time, we are told that David threw himself down before God. And David defines the results in 2 Samuel 22.
We should follow David's example of not chasing after our friends but falling before God. He is able to sustain us in our times of trials and desertion. Jesus promises us comfort in John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Why should we worry when we have been promised a comforter? Let friends flee, for the Holy Spirit will remain.
Proverbs 19:7
Solomon paints a pretty grim picture in this verse - the individual is poor and his friends are fleeing from him while he is pleading with them. Quite a dismal situation. Have you ever been is such a situation? All seems lost and no one cares. The harder you try to appease your so-called friends, the faster they disappear.
I am reminded of David's plight after being anointed to be king by Samuel. He was successful in following God's will but unsuccessful in friendship. His closest friend, Jonathan, had to send him away due to the wrath of Saul. David fled across the mountains with a tattered group of men that might have been considered supporters and friends... until they also turned against him on numerous occasions. Each time, we are told that David threw himself down before God. And David defines the results in 2 Samuel 22.
We should follow David's example of not chasing after our friends but falling before God. He is able to sustain us in our times of trials and desertion. Jesus promises us comfort in John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Why should we worry when we have been promised a comforter? Let friends flee, for the Holy Spirit will remain.
