B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 11
November 19, 2013
Inverted Standards
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Proverbs 19:1
Too often we measure our success by worldly standards vice Godly standards. The world measures a man's importance by his wealth. God measures our worth by our integrity. The press annually updates the list of the richest people in the world. God continuously updates the Book of Life with those who walk in integrity.
Which standard are you using for judging others? Godly or worldly standards? More importantly, which standard is your goal? Are you seeking short term recognition or long term rewards? We need to recognize the value of following God's standard regardless of our position in life.
Too often we measure our success by worldly standards vice Godly standards. The world measures a man's importance by his wealth. God measures our worth by our integrity. The press annually updates the list of the richest people in the world. God continuously updates the Book of Life with those who walk in integrity.
Which standard are you using for judging others? Godly or worldly standards? More importantly, which standard is your goal? Are you seeking short term recognition or long term rewards? We need to recognize the value of following God's standard regardless of our position in life.
November 18, 2013
Fly-Paper Friends
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
When I grew up on the farm, we used to hang fly papers to catch the millions of flys that harassed us during the summer. They came in small round canisters that you hung up by a tack that was included and you pulled them down to expose the sticky paper. If you ever messed up, you ended up with the fly paper wrapped all around your hand and was hard to get off!
Solomon describes a friend as sticking closer than a brother - what a concept. Your brother knows all about you and your idiosyncrasies but still buys you a Christmas present each year. Your friend is not constrained by family relationships but still chooses to buy you a gift! Truly an indication of their acceptance of you, good and bad habits considered.
But Solomon highlights the requirements for having such friends - being friendly yourself. No one chooses to befriend someone that is unfriendly or unapproachable. We must open up to others in order for them to accept us as we are. Honesty and sincerity are keys to a lasting friendship.
Do you have friends that stick by you better than fly paper? If so, let them know how much you appreciate their friendship! They don't have to stick around but they choose to do so on their own accord. Their kindness should not go unrecognized. Likewise, give yourself a pat on the back for being approachable as well! You deserve it!
When I grew up on the farm, we used to hang fly papers to catch the millions of flys that harassed us during the summer. They came in small round canisters that you hung up by a tack that was included and you pulled them down to expose the sticky paper. If you ever messed up, you ended up with the fly paper wrapped all around your hand and was hard to get off!
Solomon describes a friend as sticking closer than a brother - what a concept. Your brother knows all about you and your idiosyncrasies but still buys you a Christmas present each year. Your friend is not constrained by family relationships but still chooses to buy you a gift! Truly an indication of their acceptance of you, good and bad habits considered.
But Solomon highlights the requirements for having such friends - being friendly yourself. No one chooses to befriend someone that is unfriendly or unapproachable. We must open up to others in order for them to accept us as we are. Honesty and sincerity are keys to a lasting friendship.
Do you have friends that stick by you better than fly paper? If so, let them know how much you appreciate their friendship! They don't have to stick around but they choose to do so on their own accord. Their kindness should not go unrecognized. Likewise, give yourself a pat on the back for being approachable as well! You deserve it!
November 17, 2013
Tried By Fire
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. Proverbs 17:3
While we may treasure silver and gold, the Lord treasures our heart. He knows what is most valuable in our life and works on it rather than the items that we may treasure. Much like the silver or gold must be melted before the artist can render a beautiful creation, so must our Master melt our heart to create his master piece.
Do you feel as if your heart is being melted and poured out? Is it being beaten by a hammer? Recognize that before we can become a dazzling treasure to our Lord, we must be tried by fire and refined by His hands into what he desires vice what we desire. Commit your heart to Him today. While the transition may be painful, the results will astound you!
While we may treasure silver and gold, the Lord treasures our heart. He knows what is most valuable in our life and works on it rather than the items that we may treasure. Much like the silver or gold must be melted before the artist can render a beautiful creation, so must our Master melt our heart to create his master piece.
Do you feel as if your heart is being melted and poured out? Is it being beaten by a hammer? Recognize that before we can become a dazzling treasure to our Lord, we must be tried by fire and refined by His hands into what he desires vice what we desire. Commit your heart to Him today. While the transition may be painful, the results will astound you!
November 16, 2013
High-Flying Buzzards
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
How often have we thought we were doing great only to fall flat on our face? Just when I think I have it all under control, everything falls apart! Such is the description given above by Solomon. When we start trusting in ourselves instead of God, we sink out of control. Kind of like Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:24-33). And Jesus's answer to Peter? "O thou of little faith". Isn't it the same with us? We start doing swell on what we think is our own, only to realize we are nothing without God.
It reminds me of the image of eagle's soaring - they are graceful and full of strength. Unfortunately, we are often the buzzards my father described to me one day - "They are soaring high and think they are eagles. But eventually, they will swoop back down to reality and eat the rotten flesh vice the fresh food of eagles." There is only one way to transform us from the filthy buzzards to the graceful eagle - salvation. When we become new through Jesus Christ, we put away our old habits and "all things are new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Tired of reverting back to failures and the filthiness of sin? Put your trust in the only one who can truly change us from the inside out!
How often have we thought we were doing great only to fall flat on our face? Just when I think I have it all under control, everything falls apart! Such is the description given above by Solomon. When we start trusting in ourselves instead of God, we sink out of control. Kind of like Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14:24-33). And Jesus's answer to Peter? "O thou of little faith". Isn't it the same with us? We start doing swell on what we think is our own, only to realize we are nothing without God.
It reminds me of the image of eagle's soaring - they are graceful and full of strength. Unfortunately, we are often the buzzards my father described to me one day - "They are soaring high and think they are eagles. But eventually, they will swoop back down to reality and eat the rotten flesh vice the fresh food of eagles." There is only one way to transform us from the filthy buzzards to the graceful eagle - salvation. When we become new through Jesus Christ, we put away our old habits and "all things are new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Tired of reverting back to failures and the filthiness of sin? Put your trust in the only one who can truly change us from the inside out!
November 15, 2013
A No-Calorie Feast
All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15
When I think of Thanksgiving Day, a mental image of a huge feast appears! It is the preview of all the great food to follow through New Years. Unfortunately, my wife is an excellent cook and I never leave the Thanksgiving table without over-eating. There are just too many choices that are scrumptious! While I love the food, the calories are my worst enemy in battling the bulge.
However, the feast that Solomon describes above is without guilt or remorse over calories. When we are close to God, we can't help but have a merry or peaceful heart. While the world may be raging about us, He gives up peace in the middle of the storm. You have seen those that retain their composure no matter how devastating the events surrounding them. Such strength can only come from God. He will allow us to feast on His mercy and strength while others struggle to cope.
Do you hunger to feast from the table set for a merry heart? If so, seek Him and He will give you a bountiful feast for your heart without the calories!
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalms 13:5-6
When I think of Thanksgiving Day, a mental image of a huge feast appears! It is the preview of all the great food to follow through New Years. Unfortunately, my wife is an excellent cook and I never leave the Thanksgiving table without over-eating. There are just too many choices that are scrumptious! While I love the food, the calories are my worst enemy in battling the bulge.
However, the feast that Solomon describes above is without guilt or remorse over calories. When we are close to God, we can't help but have a merry or peaceful heart. While the world may be raging about us, He gives up peace in the middle of the storm. You have seen those that retain their composure no matter how devastating the events surrounding them. Such strength can only come from God. He will allow us to feast on His mercy and strength while others struggle to cope.
Do you hunger to feast from the table set for a merry heart? If so, seek Him and He will give you a bountiful feast for your heart without the calories!
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalms 13:5-6
November 13, 2013
Love Lost
A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
Proverbs 13:5
As a kid, I hated many vegetables. Some were so disgusting that I got physically sick just by them being placed on my dinner plate. While I have grown to enjoy eating most vegetables, I can still remember the physical repulsion associated with just the thought of asparagus being place on my plate! While I had not taken a bite, my body would physically react.
We should be the same about lying - physically repulsed by the use of lies in our daily life. Unfortunately, our behavior mimics that of our eating habits. Little by little, we alter our eating habits until we learn to enjoy vegetables. Likewise, our use of lies has less and less impact upon our conscience. And then one day, we are no longer bothered about lying to others.
Solomon encourages us to hate lying. Not dislike, not favor nor ignore but aggressively focus our energy in physically preventing us from lying. Have you lost your love of "white lies" or harmless lies? Follow Solomon's lead and lose your love for the nasty habit.
Proverbs 13:5
As a kid, I hated many vegetables. Some were so disgusting that I got physically sick just by them being placed on my dinner plate. While I have grown to enjoy eating most vegetables, I can still remember the physical repulsion associated with just the thought of asparagus being place on my plate! While I had not taken a bite, my body would physically react.
We should be the same about lying - physically repulsed by the use of lies in our daily life. Unfortunately, our behavior mimics that of our eating habits. Little by little, we alter our eating habits until we learn to enjoy vegetables. Likewise, our use of lies has less and less impact upon our conscience. And then one day, we are no longer bothered about lying to others.
Solomon encourages us to hate lying. Not dislike, not favor nor ignore but aggressively focus our energy in physically preventing us from lying. Have you lost your love of "white lies" or harmless lies? Follow Solomon's lead and lose your love for the nasty habit.
November 12, 2013
Rooted In Righteousness
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. Proverbs 12:3
David starts off Psalms describing the righteous as a tree planted by the water (Psalms 1:3) and Solomon continues the description in the verse above. What is the significance of being rooted? Anyone that has witnessed a windstorm knows that trees not firmly rooted rarely survive the gusts of wind. It is the same in life, we are continuously buffeted by temptations and hardships. If we are not firmly rooted, we will suffer the same fate.
Are you rooted in His Word? Are you unsure of your convictions or not sure where to turn? Dig in the God's Word and he will strengthen your roots to withstand the gusts in life.
David starts off Psalms describing the righteous as a tree planted by the water (Psalms 1:3) and Solomon continues the description in the verse above. What is the significance of being rooted? Anyone that has witnessed a windstorm knows that trees not firmly rooted rarely survive the gusts of wind. It is the same in life, we are continuously buffeted by temptations and hardships. If we are not firmly rooted, we will suffer the same fate.
Are you rooted in His Word? Are you unsure of your convictions or not sure where to turn? Dig in the God's Word and he will strengthen your roots to withstand the gusts in life.
November 11, 2013
The Substitute Recipient
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. Proverbs 11:8
Solomon and his father, David, often talks of deliverance from evil and provides numerous descriptions throughout Psalms and Proverbs. But this is the only place where I have found a Substitute Recipient! I definitely want to be on the right side of such a switch!
While it would be nice to think that trouble will never beset us, sadly we know that is not the case. We all know that trouble that Job endured but look closely at the original description of this man (Job 1:1): perfect, upright, feared God and eschewed evil. While I strive to follow God's teachings, I don't think those adjectives aptly describe my performance as a Christian - especially the first one! Should I then complain of my predicament in life?
David pleads for deliverance numerous times throughout Psalms. Another man after God's own heart, David finds himself in situations that causes him to plead for God to deliver him. Of interest, never once does David justify the basis for deliverance upon his human abilities. Rather, he justifies his requests based upon trusting God, following God's word and crying out to Him that hears his prayer. And the Lord will deliver us when we trust, follow and call upon His name.
Do you feel overwhelmed in fighting the challenges of the world? Does there seem to be no end and no way out? Then follow Job and David's example of trusting God, following His will and crying out to the Lord. David promises us in Psalms 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Trust in His promise to provide a substitute recipient while he blesses you!
Solomon and his father, David, often talks of deliverance from evil and provides numerous descriptions throughout Psalms and Proverbs. But this is the only place where I have found a Substitute Recipient! I definitely want to be on the right side of such a switch!
While it would be nice to think that trouble will never beset us, sadly we know that is not the case. We all know that trouble that Job endured but look closely at the original description of this man (Job 1:1): perfect, upright, feared God and eschewed evil. While I strive to follow God's teachings, I don't think those adjectives aptly describe my performance as a Christian - especially the first one! Should I then complain of my predicament in life?
David pleads for deliverance numerous times throughout Psalms. Another man after God's own heart, David finds himself in situations that causes him to plead for God to deliver him. Of interest, never once does David justify the basis for deliverance upon his human abilities. Rather, he justifies his requests based upon trusting God, following God's word and crying out to Him that hears his prayer. And the Lord will deliver us when we trust, follow and call upon His name.
Do you feel overwhelmed in fighting the challenges of the world? Does there seem to be no end and no way out? Then follow Job and David's example of trusting God, following His will and crying out to the Lord. David promises us in Psalms 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Trust in His promise to provide a substitute recipient while he blesses you!
November 10, 2013
The Perfect Stain Blocker
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Proverbs 10:12
I am often amazed at what women can do with cosmetics. With deft application of bases, blushes, liners and enhancers, women can quickly hide pimples, wrinkles, blotches and a myriad of other facial flaws. When they have completed their application, they appear flawless and radiant! But in the evening, when the face is cleansed of all coverings, the blemishes remain. They may be hidden for a short period of time - but they return.
So are our sins. While we may be able to hide them for a short period of time, they eventually become visible to others and are always visible to God. But His love for us covers all sins. Not one or two major sins, but ALL sins are forgiven when we confess them to Christ.
What a feeling of relief! When we are cleansed by his love, nothing can compare. David sums it up well in Psalms 32:1 - Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Have you been trying to hide your sin by patching over them or taking care of them on your own? Come to our Savior and he will cleanse all stains.
I am often amazed at what women can do with cosmetics. With deft application of bases, blushes, liners and enhancers, women can quickly hide pimples, wrinkles, blotches and a myriad of other facial flaws. When they have completed their application, they appear flawless and radiant! But in the evening, when the face is cleansed of all coverings, the blemishes remain. They may be hidden for a short period of time - but they return.
So are our sins. While we may be able to hide them for a short period of time, they eventually become visible to others and are always visible to God. But His love for us covers all sins. Not one or two major sins, but ALL sins are forgiven when we confess them to Christ.
What a feeling of relief! When we are cleansed by his love, nothing can compare. David sums it up well in Psalms 32:1 - Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Have you been trying to hide your sin by patching over them or taking care of them on your own? Come to our Savior and he will cleanse all stains.
November 9, 2013
Forsaken Winners
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:6
Solomon highlights that we must forsake foolishness in order to gain understanding. We all recognize that, in many cases, we must sacrifice something in order to gain items of higher value: athletes sacrifice excessive effort exercising to achieve physical prowess, scientists sacrifice hours of research to develop their inventions, etc. Nothing we value is easily obtained without sacrifice.
Likewise, Jesus challenges his followers to forsake earthly treasures for his service. And he promises "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." (Matthew 19:29)
What have you given up for Christ? As you forsake your goals to follow Him, he will bless you beyond measure!
Solomon highlights that we must forsake foolishness in order to gain understanding. We all recognize that, in many cases, we must sacrifice something in order to gain items of higher value: athletes sacrifice excessive effort exercising to achieve physical prowess, scientists sacrifice hours of research to develop their inventions, etc. Nothing we value is easily obtained without sacrifice.
Likewise, Jesus challenges his followers to forsake earthly treasures for his service. And he promises "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." (Matthew 19:29)
What have you given up for Christ? As you forsake your goals to follow Him, he will bless you beyond measure!
