B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 13
October 29, 2013
Hated By The World
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. Proverbs 29:27
We often wonder why the world can not accept us as Christians. Even within a country that was based upon religious freedoms, we are challenged daily in the courts, the press and our personal relationships with others. When was the last time that you observed people praying over their meal in public? Were they comfortable in their actions or were they aware that others around them may not approve? Have you personally felt peer pressure for your Christian actions? The answer is yes, we are all aware that our Christian actions are not accepted by the majority of our fellow citizens. Why?
Solomon explains above that we are viewed as an abomination by the wicked. Always have been, always will. We need to recognize the situation and accept it at face value. Perhaps this will minimize our desire to be "accepted" by the main-stream media and our peers in the community. When Jesus prayed for us in John 17, he recognized the evil against us due to us being "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:14-17). He has recognized the challenge, shouldn't we? We are not here to please the world but rather please our Father in heaven!
Have you been hated by the world today? Was it for following His will? Rejoice in knowing that there are two in heaven who love you dearly for your actions (John 17:26).
We often wonder why the world can not accept us as Christians. Even within a country that was based upon religious freedoms, we are challenged daily in the courts, the press and our personal relationships with others. When was the last time that you observed people praying over their meal in public? Were they comfortable in their actions or were they aware that others around them may not approve? Have you personally felt peer pressure for your Christian actions? The answer is yes, we are all aware that our Christian actions are not accepted by the majority of our fellow citizens. Why?
Solomon explains above that we are viewed as an abomination by the wicked. Always have been, always will. We need to recognize the situation and accept it at face value. Perhaps this will minimize our desire to be "accepted" by the main-stream media and our peers in the community. When Jesus prayed for us in John 17, he recognized the evil against us due to us being "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:14-17). He has recognized the challenge, shouldn't we? We are not here to please the world but rather please our Father in heaven!
Have you been hated by the world today? Was it for following His will? Rejoice in knowing that there are two in heaven who love you dearly for your actions (John 17:26).
October 28, 2013
Goose Bumps In The Dark
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1
As a child, I was terrified of the dark. We had a freezer in the garage that required going out of the house to access. When it was my turn to get an item from the freezer after dark, I would stall and hunt for a flashlight to chase away the evil creatures that may be lurking in the dark. And to have two older brothers that just loved to scare me, the odds of me making it to and from the freezer without goose bumps or a scream was highly unlikely. Finally, I found my Dad's huge fishing light that used one of those heavy nine volt batteries. It would shine a beam of light to the end of the block! It didn't rid me of the pesky older brothers, but it definitely got rid of the dark!
Isn't life the same way? When we have strayed from following God's rules for our life, we get "jumpy". Whether it is a real or imagined menace, we flee at the drop of a hat! Guilt has a way of working on our heart that causes us to recognize the significance of our sins. And yet, we are too ashamed to come to Christ and ask for forgiveness. We had rather walk around beating ourselves up and jumping emotionally then simply asking for His forgiveness.
When we finally come to our senses and fall at His feet in humble submission and ask forgiveness, what a relief! It is like that old lantern that drives away the dark - we are no longer worried about what is around the next corner. For we know who protects us.
Are you having goose bumps and startled at every noise in life? Turn to the One who chases away the fears of darkness and gives us peace. You will become bold as the lion - for he cares for you!
As a child, I was terrified of the dark. We had a freezer in the garage that required going out of the house to access. When it was my turn to get an item from the freezer after dark, I would stall and hunt for a flashlight to chase away the evil creatures that may be lurking in the dark. And to have two older brothers that just loved to scare me, the odds of me making it to and from the freezer without goose bumps or a scream was highly unlikely. Finally, I found my Dad's huge fishing light that used one of those heavy nine volt batteries. It would shine a beam of light to the end of the block! It didn't rid me of the pesky older brothers, but it definitely got rid of the dark!
Isn't life the same way? When we have strayed from following God's rules for our life, we get "jumpy". Whether it is a real or imagined menace, we flee at the drop of a hat! Guilt has a way of working on our heart that causes us to recognize the significance of our sins. And yet, we are too ashamed to come to Christ and ask for forgiveness. We had rather walk around beating ourselves up and jumping emotionally then simply asking for His forgiveness.
When we finally come to our senses and fall at His feet in humble submission and ask forgiveness, what a relief! It is like that old lantern that drives away the dark - we are no longer worried about what is around the next corner. For we know who protects us.
Are you having goose bumps and startled at every noise in life? Turn to the One who chases away the fears of darkness and gives us peace. You will become bold as the lion - for he cares for you!
October 27, 2013
Inherited Salvation
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? Proverbs 27:24
Solomon warns us that riches and authority do not necessarily pass down from generation to generation. While our parents may be wealthy or powerful, there is no guarantee that we will inherit such blessings. The same is true for our salvation. Many when challenged about their personal relationship with Christ will immediately start a lengthy dissertation on their long lineage of service to God. I have heard such boastings of "My great-great-grandparents helped found this very church" or "My father and my grandfather were evangelists that were responsible for hundreds coming to know Christ".
Unfortunately, salvation is not inherited. It is a personal relationship with Jesus. No matter how great (or how bad) your parents may have been, it will not referenced when Jesus looks at you on judgement day. (Matthew 25:31-32). Paul warns us in Romans 14:12 that each must give an account of himself to God. How will you answer?
Accept Him as your personal savior and be assured that your riches and crown await you in heaven! (2 Timothy 4:8)
Solomon warns us that riches and authority do not necessarily pass down from generation to generation. While our parents may be wealthy or powerful, there is no guarantee that we will inherit such blessings. The same is true for our salvation. Many when challenged about their personal relationship with Christ will immediately start a lengthy dissertation on their long lineage of service to God. I have heard such boastings of "My great-great-grandparents helped found this very church" or "My father and my grandfather were evangelists that were responsible for hundreds coming to know Christ".
Unfortunately, salvation is not inherited. It is a personal relationship with Jesus. No matter how great (or how bad) your parents may have been, it will not referenced when Jesus looks at you on judgement day. (Matthew 25:31-32). Paul warns us in Romans 14:12 that each must give an account of himself to God. How will you answer?
Accept Him as your personal savior and be assured that your riches and crown await you in heaven! (2 Timothy 4:8)
October 26, 2013
Foolish Entertainment
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. Proverbs 26:5
As a Christian, one of my biggest peeves is trying to defend the Bible to a fool. Before you close the door in my face, please allow me to explain. There is no greater satisfaction than teaching or showing someone something new in the Bible. Their expression is one of wonder and excitement as they read the verses for themselves and soak in the knowledge. There is visible appreciation in helping them find something they were looking for.
No so for a fool. You know the ones I am talking about - the one who wants nothing more than to argue his point and try to prove you wrong. It is a worthless cause - much like wrestling a pig. You get muddy and the pig enjoys it! Their motive is clearly evident that they have no desire to study the Bible, simply to argue its contents. I often struggled how to handle such a situation. Was it arrogant or un-Christian-like to refuse to discuss the Bible with such people? Thankfully, Jesus provides guidance on these situations as well!
In Matthew 16:1-4, the Pharisees and Sadducees tempted Jesus asking for a sign from heaven. He refused to provide a sign to a "wicked and adulterous generation". Later inMatthew 21:23-27, the chief priests and elders challenged his authority. Ultimately, he refused to tell them by what authority he performed his miracles. In both situations, Jesus refused to lower himself to their challenges. Likewise, when we lower ourselves to the challenges of a fool, we end up providing foolish answers to foolish questions. (Proverbs 26:4) I continue to pray for discernment from God so that I do not make a fool of myself in answering their foolish questions.
Join me in refraining from wasting our time on fools and their questions. We have an abundance of opportunities of sharing and showing God's love to those who are receptive. Let's make our every effort beneficial to our Lord and Savior, not for a fool's enjoyment.
As a Christian, one of my biggest peeves is trying to defend the Bible to a fool. Before you close the door in my face, please allow me to explain. There is no greater satisfaction than teaching or showing someone something new in the Bible. Their expression is one of wonder and excitement as they read the verses for themselves and soak in the knowledge. There is visible appreciation in helping them find something they were looking for.
No so for a fool. You know the ones I am talking about - the one who wants nothing more than to argue his point and try to prove you wrong. It is a worthless cause - much like wrestling a pig. You get muddy and the pig enjoys it! Their motive is clearly evident that they have no desire to study the Bible, simply to argue its contents. I often struggled how to handle such a situation. Was it arrogant or un-Christian-like to refuse to discuss the Bible with such people? Thankfully, Jesus provides guidance on these situations as well!
In Matthew 16:1-4, the Pharisees and Sadducees tempted Jesus asking for a sign from heaven. He refused to provide a sign to a "wicked and adulterous generation". Later inMatthew 21:23-27, the chief priests and elders challenged his authority. Ultimately, he refused to tell them by what authority he performed his miracles. In both situations, Jesus refused to lower himself to their challenges. Likewise, when we lower ourselves to the challenges of a fool, we end up providing foolish answers to foolish questions. (Proverbs 26:4) I continue to pray for discernment from God so that I do not make a fool of myself in answering their foolish questions.
Join me in refraining from wasting our time on fools and their questions. We have an abundance of opportunities of sharing and showing God's love to those who are receptive. Let's make our every effort beneficial to our Lord and Savior, not for a fool's enjoyment.
October 25, 2013
Words Of Gold
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11
I have chewed on my toes too many times! I have the uncanny ability to stick my foot in my mouth at the most sensitive times. Have you had the pleasure of such embarrassment? You feel so low that you wish you could shrink and slide under the door to escape the situation.
On the flip side, we have all experienced uplifting words from our friends at just the right moment. Whether it be words of encouragement, rebuke or advice, they are just what you needed when you needed it! What a blessing these words can be! They are like the words described above. You wish you could graphically display such strengthening words. I have often pondered, just how they could be so wise or caring at just the right moment?
Jesus gives us the answer: But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:19-20) Ahh! It is not us speaking but the Holy Spirit! Doesn't the Comforter always know what words are needed at just the right time?
Do you have friends, like mine, that need encouragement? Are you aching for just the right words to say? You so desperately want to say the right thing and help not hurt their situation. If so, we need to focus on getting our hearts attuned to the Holy Spirit vice worrying about the words we will say. God will guide us in what to say and do - if we will only listen before we speak!
I have chewed on my toes too many times! I have the uncanny ability to stick my foot in my mouth at the most sensitive times. Have you had the pleasure of such embarrassment? You feel so low that you wish you could shrink and slide under the door to escape the situation.
On the flip side, we have all experienced uplifting words from our friends at just the right moment. Whether it be words of encouragement, rebuke or advice, they are just what you needed when you needed it! What a blessing these words can be! They are like the words described above. You wish you could graphically display such strengthening words. I have often pondered, just how they could be so wise or caring at just the right moment?
Jesus gives us the answer: But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:19-20) Ahh! It is not us speaking but the Holy Spirit! Doesn't the Comforter always know what words are needed at just the right time?
Do you have friends, like mine, that need encouragement? Are you aching for just the right words to say? You so desperately want to say the right thing and help not hurt their situation. If so, we need to focus on getting our hearts attuned to the Holy Spirit vice worrying about the words we will say. God will guide us in what to say and do - if we will only listen before we speak!
October 24, 2013
Dust Off Your Pants
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16
Does your life feel like a tackling dummy? Every time you get your two feet under you, another unanticipated blow knocks you down and leaves you gasping for breath. Regardless of the challenge - financial, relationships, addiction, death or employment, you just can't seem to withstand the repeated blows. It is almost enough to cause you to abandon any hope of overcoming the challenge.
Look at the verse above, Solomon did not promise the just would be protected in a bubble suit and never be challenged. No, he promised we would get knocked down. But he also gave us hope - for we will rise again. God gives us strength to get up, dust off our pants and go at the challenge again, and again, and again. It didn't say we would win but it did say we would rise again. David shared our challenges inPsalms 31 but he closes with this encouragement: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. (Psalms 31:24)
Are you having a rough day, week or year? Get up, dust off your pants and place your hope in the Lord. Though we may be knocked down, we will continue to rise again until finally, one day, we will rise to meet Him!
Does your life feel like a tackling dummy? Every time you get your two feet under you, another unanticipated blow knocks you down and leaves you gasping for breath. Regardless of the challenge - financial, relationships, addiction, death or employment, you just can't seem to withstand the repeated blows. It is almost enough to cause you to abandon any hope of overcoming the challenge.
Look at the verse above, Solomon did not promise the just would be protected in a bubble suit and never be challenged. No, he promised we would get knocked down. But he also gave us hope - for we will rise again. God gives us strength to get up, dust off our pants and go at the challenge again, and again, and again. It didn't say we would win but it did say we would rise again. David shared our challenges inPsalms 31 but he closes with this encouragement: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. (Psalms 31:24)
Are you having a rough day, week or year? Get up, dust off your pants and place your hope in the Lord. Though we may be knocked down, we will continue to rise again until finally, one day, we will rise to meet Him!
October 23, 2013
Envious Pursuit
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. Proverbs 23:17
Have you ever been envious of others? While it may not be something dramatic as wealth, looks or popularity, we at times envy others for even the smallest of things. And while it may start out as a simple notice of the enticement, before long it is all-consuming. Your thoughts become obsessed with trying to figure out how to obtain the elusive goal. And your actions mimic those of the lucky one that possesses the elusive goal. Eventually (I hope), we get beyond the desire of the item and move on.
But look closely at your actions when you are consumed with envy - your thoughts and actions are focused on the item of desire. What a shame that we can not dedicate such effort to loving the Lord! We often only give a token nod toward God in the morning during our prayer and, if He is lucky, a quick devotional. Why can we not be consumed with Him all day? He desires the focus of our attention all the day long. And the reward is everlasting - not a short-lived gratification from a passing fancy of our dreams. His reward is life everlasting - what a better object to become obsessed with!
Have you ever been envious of others? While it may not be something dramatic as wealth, looks or popularity, we at times envy others for even the smallest of things. And while it may start out as a simple notice of the enticement, before long it is all-consuming. Your thoughts become obsessed with trying to figure out how to obtain the elusive goal. And your actions mimic those of the lucky one that possesses the elusive goal. Eventually (I hope), we get beyond the desire of the item and move on.
But look closely at your actions when you are consumed with envy - your thoughts and actions are focused on the item of desire. What a shame that we can not dedicate such effort to loving the Lord! We often only give a token nod toward God in the morning during our prayer and, if He is lucky, a quick devotional. Why can we not be consumed with Him all day? He desires the focus of our attention all the day long. And the reward is everlasting - not a short-lived gratification from a passing fancy of our dreams. His reward is life everlasting - what a better object to become obsessed with!
October 22, 2013
The Fire Triangle
Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. Proverbs 22:10
We all know that in order for a fire to exist, all three legs of the Fire Triangle must exist: fuel, heat and oxygen. Remove one and the fire goes out. Solomon provides a reverse type of triangle above: with a scorner present, you will experience contention, strife and reproach. Remove the scorner and you will remove the triangle of pain and frustration.
While we try to include everyone and show compassion to all, there comes a time when we need to recognize the benefits of an individual are not more valuable than the benefits of the group. While we strive to share God's message to everyone, it is obvious when a scorner doesn't believe. Nothing you can do or say will change their mind. The only solution is to walk away from the contention. Remove yourself and the strife will cease
We all know that in order for a fire to exist, all three legs of the Fire Triangle must exist: fuel, heat and oxygen. Remove one and the fire goes out. Solomon provides a reverse type of triangle above: with a scorner present, you will experience contention, strife and reproach. Remove the scorner and you will remove the triangle of pain and frustration.
While we try to include everyone and show compassion to all, there comes a time when we need to recognize the benefits of an individual are not more valuable than the benefits of the group. While we strive to share God's message to everyone, it is obvious when a scorner doesn't believe. Nothing you can do or say will change their mind. The only solution is to walk away from the contention. Remove yourself and the strife will cease
October 21, 2013
Camping On The Roof
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. Proverbs 21:9
I enjoy going camping and roughing it in the woods. But the mental image described in this verse of living on the roof top is almost preposterous. Where would you cook? Or take a bath? And I am sure, changing into pajamas would be quite a challenge on a sloping roof. It just doesn't make sense, does it?
Neither does quarreling with your spouse. Neither one invokes comfort or something you look forward to coming home to after a long day at work. I took the liberty of educating myself from the bible dictionary of the definition of brawling: a quarrelsome manner or to dispute violently or loud and aggressively.
While disagreements are expected between two people, brawls or quarrels are not. They do not resolve the situation, but simply increase the anger and frustration experienced by both sides. And violent arguments set a perfect example to our children on how not to behave! As Solomon points out, no house is big enough for the two of you when you are angry with one another!
Paul provides us admonitions on Christian living in Colossians 3:12-25 with special guidance to spouses in verses 18 and 19. Paul describes this love by the husband similar to that of Jesus loving the church. If we are Christians and we strive to follow his Word, it is difficult for a disagreement to erupt into a quarrel! Look closely at Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Nothing my wife could ever do can compare to the magnitude of sins that Jesus forgave me. How can I not forgive the disagreements over the color of a new sofa, dinner guest lists or finances? They pale in comparison to the forgiveness that Christ has shown for me.
If you are tempted to elevate your disagreement to a full-blown WWF event, pause and think what are the results of your efforts? I do not desire to sleep on the roof! Instead, sincerely say three little words that will guarantee you will sleep in the bed and not on the roof: "I forgive you"
I enjoy going camping and roughing it in the woods. But the mental image described in this verse of living on the roof top is almost preposterous. Where would you cook? Or take a bath? And I am sure, changing into pajamas would be quite a challenge on a sloping roof. It just doesn't make sense, does it?
Neither does quarreling with your spouse. Neither one invokes comfort or something you look forward to coming home to after a long day at work. I took the liberty of educating myself from the bible dictionary of the definition of brawling: a quarrelsome manner or to dispute violently or loud and aggressively.
While disagreements are expected between two people, brawls or quarrels are not. They do not resolve the situation, but simply increase the anger and frustration experienced by both sides. And violent arguments set a perfect example to our children on how not to behave! As Solomon points out, no house is big enough for the two of you when you are angry with one another!
Paul provides us admonitions on Christian living in Colossians 3:12-25 with special guidance to spouses in verses 18 and 19. Paul describes this love by the husband similar to that of Jesus loving the church. If we are Christians and we strive to follow his Word, it is difficult for a disagreement to erupt into a quarrel! Look closely at Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Nothing my wife could ever do can compare to the magnitude of sins that Jesus forgave me. How can I not forgive the disagreements over the color of a new sofa, dinner guest lists or finances? They pale in comparison to the forgiveness that Christ has shown for me.
If you are tempted to elevate your disagreement to a full-blown WWF event, pause and think what are the results of your efforts? I do not desire to sleep on the roof! Instead, sincerely say three little words that will guarantee you will sleep in the bed and not on the roof: "I forgive you"
October 20, 2013
No Higher Honor
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. Proverbs 20:3
As a U.S. Navy retiree, the term "honor" is held as one of the Navy's core values. It is defined as: "to conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates; Be honest and truthful in our dealings with each other, and with those outside the Navy." The old World War II movies invoke such an images of honor, courage and commitment. But has those values disappeared along with the old black and white movies? With today's tabloid exposure of inappropriate behavior in our military, government and public officials, it causes one to wonder if any true heroes still exist.
My answer is yes. However, you may have to turn off the Internet and television to find them. Many are sitting in the pew next to you each week. While they are not proclaimed on the news, there are still many Christians who follow Jesus's advice. Jesus defines how we should treat others inMatthew 5:38-48.
Living honorably is not for the faint-hearted. The temptation to "get even" burns within each of us and is human nature opposing God's will. And we can not do it alone. While many of us can withstand some of the strife in our life, none of us can endure all of the strife without His assistance.
But when we follow His will and turn away from strife - not only the individual taunting you but others around will see a hero. While many may call it intestinal fortitude, we all know that is comes from the Lord. And David sums it up so well inPsalms 29:11 - The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Not only does he give us strength to turn away from strife but He will bless us with peace!
As a U.S. Navy retiree, the term "honor" is held as one of the Navy's core values. It is defined as: "to conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates; Be honest and truthful in our dealings with each other, and with those outside the Navy." The old World War II movies invoke such an images of honor, courage and commitment. But has those values disappeared along with the old black and white movies? With today's tabloid exposure of inappropriate behavior in our military, government and public officials, it causes one to wonder if any true heroes still exist.
My answer is yes. However, you may have to turn off the Internet and television to find them. Many are sitting in the pew next to you each week. While they are not proclaimed on the news, there are still many Christians who follow Jesus's advice. Jesus defines how we should treat others inMatthew 5:38-48.
Living honorably is not for the faint-hearted. The temptation to "get even" burns within each of us and is human nature opposing God's will. And we can not do it alone. While many of us can withstand some of the strife in our life, none of us can endure all of the strife without His assistance.
But when we follow His will and turn away from strife - not only the individual taunting you but others around will see a hero. While many may call it intestinal fortitude, we all know that is comes from the Lord. And David sums it up so well inPsalms 29:11 - The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Not only does he give us strength to turn away from strife but He will bless us with peace!
