B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 10
November 29, 2013
Instant Failure
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Proverbs 29:23
There is no better guarantee for failure than to allow pride to take charge. When we lose focus of Who is in charge, we lose focus of what is important. No sooner do we start patting our back than we should be prepared to fall flat on our face.
Jesus gave us numerous examples and parables of the result in pride being in charge: from the widow's mite to the proud prayer in the synagogue. Jesus repeatedly encourages us to put pride in the back seat and serve Him and others humbly. Perhaps, the best verse to summarize is Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Rather than being consumed with instant success which can lead to instant failure, we should stay focused on humble service to God and others!
Proverbs 29:23
There is no better guarantee for failure than to allow pride to take charge. When we lose focus of Who is in charge, we lose focus of what is important. No sooner do we start patting our back than we should be prepared to fall flat on our face.
Jesus gave us numerous examples and parables of the result in pride being in charge: from the widow's mite to the proud prayer in the synagogue. Jesus repeatedly encourages us to put pride in the back seat and serve Him and others humbly. Perhaps, the best verse to summarize is Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Rather than being consumed with instant success which can lead to instant failure, we should stay focused on humble service to God and others!
November 28, 2013
Infinite Understanding
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Proverbs 28:5
I have often struggled with this verse for I can not easily explain how bacteria grows or how to cure cancer. So how can Solomon state that they who seek the Lord will understand all things? Have I failed to truly seek Him? Should I be worried about my salvation?
Perhaps, we can approach the verse from a different perspective. While I don't know how to create a universe, I know who did. While I can't explain how to create life, I know someone who did. And while I can't explain a love so strong it would make you willing to give up your life, I know someone who did.
In John 13:7, Jesus told Peter - Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. It is comforting to know that we may not understand everything, but we know who does.
Have you been stumped today? Are things just too hard to understand? Look to Him that has infinite understanding. Trust in Him and He will reveal the secret in due time!
Proverbs 28:5
I have often struggled with this verse for I can not easily explain how bacteria grows or how to cure cancer. So how can Solomon state that they who seek the Lord will understand all things? Have I failed to truly seek Him? Should I be worried about my salvation?
Perhaps, we can approach the verse from a different perspective. While I don't know how to create a universe, I know who did. While I can't explain how to create life, I know someone who did. And while I can't explain a love so strong it would make you willing to give up your life, I know someone who did.
In John 13:7, Jesus told Peter - Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. It is comforting to know that we may not understand everything, but we know who does.
Have you been stumped today? Are things just too hard to understand? Look to Him that has infinite understanding. Trust in Him and He will reveal the secret in due time!
November 27, 2013
The Oven's Aroma
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Proverbs 27:9
My least favorite place in any department store is the perfume and makeup area. There are just too many scents that are intermingled and my brain becomes overloaded and my stomach churns in confusion. Not a pleasant sight! However, singular scents and aromas evict emotions with vivid memories. I can still remember the scent of my wife's grandmother, even though she has passed on. And the pleasant memories spill forward just thinking of her scent. The same is true during this holiday season - the smell of the turkey coming out of the oven or the chocolate creations my wife makes each holiday surrounds me with a feeling of "home" which is so peaceful for the road-weary traveler I am through out the year.
As Solomon points out above, the same peacefulness is gained by strong counsel by a friend. While they may not always agree with you. You can be confident they are truly expressing their own opinion. And when an issue is resolved, peacefulness is obtained. Such honesty in opinion mingled with a love of friendship is not an ordinary occurrence. If you are blessed with such a relationship - be thankful and let them know your appreciation.
As Solomon states, in order to have such a friend - we must be a friend ourselves (Proverbs 18:24). Commit to give of yourself to others in an honest and caring manner. Then you will be welcomed as the smell of freshly-baked tea cakes coming from the oven!
Proverbs 27:9
My least favorite place in any department store is the perfume and makeup area. There are just too many scents that are intermingled and my brain becomes overloaded and my stomach churns in confusion. Not a pleasant sight! However, singular scents and aromas evict emotions with vivid memories. I can still remember the scent of my wife's grandmother, even though she has passed on. And the pleasant memories spill forward just thinking of her scent. The same is true during this holiday season - the smell of the turkey coming out of the oven or the chocolate creations my wife makes each holiday surrounds me with a feeling of "home" which is so peaceful for the road-weary traveler I am through out the year.
As Solomon points out above, the same peacefulness is gained by strong counsel by a friend. While they may not always agree with you. You can be confident they are truly expressing their own opinion. And when an issue is resolved, peacefulness is obtained. Such honesty in opinion mingled with a love of friendship is not an ordinary occurrence. If you are blessed with such a relationship - be thankful and let them know your appreciation.
As Solomon states, in order to have such a friend - we must be a friend ourselves (Proverbs 18:24). Commit to give of yourself to others in an honest and caring manner. Then you will be welcomed as the smell of freshly-baked tea cakes coming from the oven!
November 26, 2013
Consider The Source
The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Proverbs 26:7
I don't believe Solomon was being demeaning to the lame in the verse but he was highlighting the obvious. Much like the second half of the verse. Parables were used to impart wisdom, so how could a fool impart wisdom? Seems obvious, doesn't it? But is it?
When we are experiencing challenges in our life, we tend to seek advice from others. And most are happy to give advice - it has limited impact on their lives if you choose to follow it. But we should be careful to consider the source. Do they have a biblical basis for their advice? Do they have our best interest at heart? If not, how well will the advice blend with your life's goals?
Why not seek advice from the One who always has our best interest at heart, in this life and forever more? David advises in Psalms 23:3 - He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. When He leads us, it is for His glory not ours or others. Seek his advice and you will never be led astray.
Proverbs 26:7
I don't believe Solomon was being demeaning to the lame in the verse but he was highlighting the obvious. Much like the second half of the verse. Parables were used to impart wisdom, so how could a fool impart wisdom? Seems obvious, doesn't it? But is it?
When we are experiencing challenges in our life, we tend to seek advice from others. And most are happy to give advice - it has limited impact on their lives if you choose to follow it. But we should be careful to consider the source. Do they have a biblical basis for their advice? Do they have our best interest at heart? If not, how well will the advice blend with your life's goals?
Why not seek advice from the One who always has our best interest at heart, in this life and forever more? David advises in Psalms 23:3 - He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. When He leads us, it is for His glory not ours or others. Seek his advice and you will never be led astray.
November 25, 2013
Paper-Sack Trucks
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Proverbs 25:14
I was a young teenager when compact pickup trucks were first introduced. The goal was for them to be economical, so they only had a four-cylinder engine. Great for gas mileage but horrible for hauling heavy loads. My grandfather called them "paper sack trucks" since he reasoned they couldn't haul more than one paper sack of goods. Needless to say, he never bought one since he viewed them as a useless mode of hauling.
Do people view us as "paper sack trucks"? Do we boast of our Christianity but fail to demonstrate His love for others? Do we belittle others instead of helping them? Do we freely give our time and resources to others without expecting something in return? If so, we are like Solomon's description above - clouds and wind without rain. We do not provide actual nourishment to the ground but simply get people's expectations heightened without delivering.
Take a close look at your actions - do you actually deliver the goods of Christianity? If not, seek the one who can help you put your actions where your mouth is. It is from Him that our strength flows to carry the load!
Proverbs 25:14
I was a young teenager when compact pickup trucks were first introduced. The goal was for them to be economical, so they only had a four-cylinder engine. Great for gas mileage but horrible for hauling heavy loads. My grandfather called them "paper sack trucks" since he reasoned they couldn't haul more than one paper sack of goods. Needless to say, he never bought one since he viewed them as a useless mode of hauling.
Do people view us as "paper sack trucks"? Do we boast of our Christianity but fail to demonstrate His love for others? Do we belittle others instead of helping them? Do we freely give our time and resources to others without expecting something in return? If so, we are like Solomon's description above - clouds and wind without rain. We do not provide actual nourishment to the ground but simply get people's expectations heightened without delivering.
Take a close look at your actions - do you actually deliver the goods of Christianity? If not, seek the one who can help you put your actions where your mouth is. It is from Him that our strength flows to carry the load!
November 24, 2013
Gloat Not
Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Proverbs 24:17-18
We all have a nemesis that continuously frustrates us. They tend to grate on our last nerve based upon their actions or words. While we strive to show Christian love to all, there are some that it seems almost impossible - based upon their behavior towards us. While we know that it would give us great satisfaction just to set them straight, just once, we know it is not the right thing to do.
And then, finally, they get what is coming to them! My immediate reaction is to rejoice in their sorrow or pain. But Solomon cautions us above to refrain from gloating over their misfortune lest the Lord turns His wrath away from them.
Such action on my part is not easy to do but I have taken a slightly different approach. David experienced the same frustrations from his enemies in Psalms 35. However, he did not gloat when the wrath of God fell upon his nemesis. Rather, he praised God (Psalms 35:28). And so should we - when God takes care of our nemesis, we should not gloat but praise Him for answering our prayers of protection!
We all have a nemesis that continuously frustrates us. They tend to grate on our last nerve based upon their actions or words. While we strive to show Christian love to all, there are some that it seems almost impossible - based upon their behavior towards us. While we know that it would give us great satisfaction just to set them straight, just once, we know it is not the right thing to do.
And then, finally, they get what is coming to them! My immediate reaction is to rejoice in their sorrow or pain. But Solomon cautions us above to refrain from gloating over their misfortune lest the Lord turns His wrath away from them.
Such action on my part is not easy to do but I have taken a slightly different approach. David experienced the same frustrations from his enemies in Psalms 35. However, he did not gloat when the wrath of God fell upon his nemesis. Rather, he praised God (Psalms 35:28). And so should we - when God takes care of our nemesis, we should not gloat but praise Him for answering our prayers of protection!
November 23, 2013
The Proud Rooster
The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Proverbs 23:24
I don't think anyone could be prouder of their sons than I am of my three boys. They are healthy, smart, kind and respectful (at least to others). As they continue to mature, I am amazed at their potential and wisdom. But most of all, I am thankful they know Jesus Christ. I have been exceedingly blessed to have such great young men.
Sounds like boasting - doesn't it? Yes, I confess it is. Much like the rooster who struts in the chicken pen admiring his offspring. Nothing causes your chest to swell as much as observing the accomplishments of your children.
While I have never been to heaven, I can imagine that Jesus struts around pointing out the righteous actions of His children as well. No matter how dismal our physical condition on earth may be, if we are following His will, he will be proud of our actions.
Look closely at the verse above, again. The father of the righteous- while I am the biological father of my children, they are born into righteousness by another Father. And He is the one who struts like a rooster when we follow His will! No matter your family situation on earth, rest assured that your Heavenly Father is always watching and crows proudly when you do well!
I don't think anyone could be prouder of their sons than I am of my three boys. They are healthy, smart, kind and respectful (at least to others). As they continue to mature, I am amazed at their potential and wisdom. But most of all, I am thankful they know Jesus Christ. I have been exceedingly blessed to have such great young men.
Sounds like boasting - doesn't it? Yes, I confess it is. Much like the rooster who struts in the chicken pen admiring his offspring. Nothing causes your chest to swell as much as observing the accomplishments of your children.
While I have never been to heaven, I can imagine that Jesus struts around pointing out the righteous actions of His children as well. No matter how dismal our physical condition on earth may be, if we are following His will, he will be proud of our actions.
Look closely at the verse above, again. The father of the righteous- while I am the biological father of my children, they are born into righteousness by another Father. And He is the one who struts like a rooster when we follow His will! No matter your family situation on earth, rest assured that your Heavenly Father is always watching and crows proudly when you do well!
November 22, 2013
Heed The Warning Signs
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Proverbs 22:3
In the construction industry, we use signs and barricades to warn passersby of potential dangers. Yet, each year, numerous people are injured or lose their life due to failure to heed the warning signs. Solomon encourages us to recognize the evil and hide from it. He doesn't ask us to challenge evil's ability to ruin our life but simply leave it alone.
How often do we recognize that we are doing wrong but try to justify our actions? "Just this once" or "Everyone else does it" does not provide justification for doing something we know is wrong. Yet, we will cry out to Jesus when we have reaped the fruit of our actions. Why? Did He not twinge our conscience through the Holy Spirit? Were we not informed of the risks?
Take Solomon's advice to steer clear of evil and the results will not follow!
Proverbs 22:3
In the construction industry, we use signs and barricades to warn passersby of potential dangers. Yet, each year, numerous people are injured or lose their life due to failure to heed the warning signs. Solomon encourages us to recognize the evil and hide from it. He doesn't ask us to challenge evil's ability to ruin our life but simply leave it alone.
How often do we recognize that we are doing wrong but try to justify our actions? "Just this once" or "Everyone else does it" does not provide justification for doing something we know is wrong. Yet, we will cry out to Jesus when we have reaped the fruit of our actions. Why? Did He not twinge our conscience through the Holy Spirit? Were we not informed of the risks?
Take Solomon's advice to steer clear of evil and the results will not follow!
November 21, 2013
The Cart Before The Horse
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Proverbs 21:31
My father often accused me of "getting the cart before the horse" by making big plans to be rich and famous at an early age. He would gently point out the flaws in my childish plans and explain why they would not work.
Solomon points out the same above. Why would you depend on the horse for protection during battle when the only one that can provide safety is the Lord? Literally, putting the horse before safe battle plans! Don't we do the same with our Christianity? We often make big plans on how we can show God's love to others when he will provide the opportunity with or without our input!
So instead of making big plans, why not submit to His will? That way, we don't have to develop elaborate plans to prove our Christianity. But simply ask, "Lord, what would you have me to do?"
Proverbs 21:31
My father often accused me of "getting the cart before the horse" by making big plans to be rich and famous at an early age. He would gently point out the flaws in my childish plans and explain why they would not work.
Solomon points out the same above. Why would you depend on the horse for protection during battle when the only one that can provide safety is the Lord? Literally, putting the horse before safe battle plans! Don't we do the same with our Christianity? We often make big plans on how we can show God's love to others when he will provide the opportunity with or without our input!
So instead of making big plans, why not submit to His will? That way, we don't have to develop elaborate plans to prove our Christianity. But simply ask, "Lord, what would you have me to do?"
November 20, 2013
Procrastination Prevention
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Proverbs 20:4
I must confess that I don't always bounce out of bed anxious to head to another day of work. There are those days that the alarm clock sounds too early and I would prefer to just pull the covers over my head and stay home. Have you had days like that? There are a myriad of reasons why we don't desire to dash out the door to work - an overbearing boss, looming deadlines, difficult customers or more exciting things to do at home. Regardless, we know that if we don't work, we can't provide for our family. As a result, without working we would have nothing as stated above.
Is it the same in your Christian life? Do you dread serving at church or serving others? Do you feel like the effort is just not worth it? As if, your efforts are not recognized or appreciated. The nagging question creeps in your head: "Why bother?"
What if Jesus felt the same way about us when faced with the choice of crucifixion for our sins. Did we notice? Did we appreciate His efforts? Was there great rejoicing for his actions on that memorable day? More importantly, was He willing to sacrifice himself for a lost and uncaring world?
If our Savior is willing to serve on the day he knew death was coming, how can we possibly refuse to serve Him by showing His love to others? Our reasons for not going to work pale in comparison to the decision he made that morning when he woke up. So prevent procrastination from occurring by thanking Him for setting the ultimate example by giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Proverbs 20:4
I must confess that I don't always bounce out of bed anxious to head to another day of work. There are those days that the alarm clock sounds too early and I would prefer to just pull the covers over my head and stay home. Have you had days like that? There are a myriad of reasons why we don't desire to dash out the door to work - an overbearing boss, looming deadlines, difficult customers or more exciting things to do at home. Regardless, we know that if we don't work, we can't provide for our family. As a result, without working we would have nothing as stated above.
Is it the same in your Christian life? Do you dread serving at church or serving others? Do you feel like the effort is just not worth it? As if, your efforts are not recognized or appreciated. The nagging question creeps in your head: "Why bother?"
What if Jesus felt the same way about us when faced with the choice of crucifixion for our sins. Did we notice? Did we appreciate His efforts? Was there great rejoicing for his actions on that memorable day? More importantly, was He willing to sacrifice himself for a lost and uncaring world?
If our Savior is willing to serve on the day he knew death was coming, how can we possibly refuse to serve Him by showing His love to others? Our reasons for not going to work pale in comparison to the decision he made that morning when he woke up. So prevent procrastination from occurring by thanking Him for setting the ultimate example by giving the ultimate sacrifice.
