B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 15
October 9, 2013
Acknowledging Weakness
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Proverbs 9:4
Solomon describes an invitation from wisdom above. One thing that continues to strike me about the verse is that it requires us to acknowledge our weaknesses. The invitation is not for those who think they are wise and understanding. Too often, we think we have innate abilities to handle situations on our own. Unfortunately, we don't. And we fail to recognize our weakness until we have made a mess of the situation and cry out for assistance in undoing our mistakes.
When we truly commit our lives to Christ and give Him control, we should no longer try to do things our way. We have to submit to His will which requires us to acknowledge our weakness and allow Him to lead us.
We are all familiar withPsalms 23. Have you noticed the precursors to the blessings? Being led by the Lord! (Psalms 23:2-3). We can only win when we give control to God. Acknowledge your weaknesses to Him and allow Him to lead you to greater blessings!
Solomon describes an invitation from wisdom above. One thing that continues to strike me about the verse is that it requires us to acknowledge our weaknesses. The invitation is not for those who think they are wise and understanding. Too often, we think we have innate abilities to handle situations on our own. Unfortunately, we don't. And we fail to recognize our weakness until we have made a mess of the situation and cry out for assistance in undoing our mistakes.
When we truly commit our lives to Christ and give Him control, we should no longer try to do things our way. We have to submit to His will which requires us to acknowledge our weakness and allow Him to lead us.
We are all familiar withPsalms 23. Have you noticed the precursors to the blessings? Being led by the Lord! (Psalms 23:2-3). We can only win when we give control to God. Acknowledge your weaknesses to Him and allow Him to lead you to greater blessings!
October 8, 2013
Eternal Durabiliy
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. Proverbs 8:18
I am terrible with keeping New Year's resolutions and diets. While my intentions are good, I lack the ability to sustain the effort for an extended period of time. I often wonder what percentage of New Year's resolutions are maintained to the next New Years? Very few, I would imagine. The same is true for many of our good intentions toward others. We become distracted, frustrated or busy with other tasks and lose focus on our intentions.
Solomon uses the term "durable" to describe the riches, honor and righteousness associated with gaining God's wisdom. He doesn't mean it will be out of style next year, wear out in a few months or lose value in years to come. These benefits are eternal, never fading or wearing out. What a comfort to know that God's gifts last beyond our life here on earth! Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I am encouraged in knowing that these gifts are provided not by my ability to keep my resolutions but rather by acknowledging my weakness. When I quit trying to do things on my own and give control to God, he will take care of the rest. He empowers us when we surrender to His will. And the results are much longer lasting than any resolution of my own!
I am terrible with keeping New Year's resolutions and diets. While my intentions are good, I lack the ability to sustain the effort for an extended period of time. I often wonder what percentage of New Year's resolutions are maintained to the next New Years? Very few, I would imagine. The same is true for many of our good intentions toward others. We become distracted, frustrated or busy with other tasks and lose focus on our intentions.
Solomon uses the term "durable" to describe the riches, honor and righteousness associated with gaining God's wisdom. He doesn't mean it will be out of style next year, wear out in a few months or lose value in years to come. These benefits are eternal, never fading or wearing out. What a comfort to know that God's gifts last beyond our life here on earth! Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
I am encouraged in knowing that these gifts are provided not by my ability to keep my resolutions but rather by acknowledging my weakness. When I quit trying to do things on my own and give control to God, he will take care of the rest. He empowers us when we surrender to His will. And the results are much longer lasting than any resolution of my own!
October 7, 2013
Family Reunion
Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: Proverbs 7:4
We all have relatives that we wish we did not have to admit that we knew or, worse, acknowledge we are related. You know the ones I am talking about - the obnoxiously loud (in voice and attire), the bum (still at 40), and the criminal (finally got caught!). Yes, we all have them. And yes, we all wish we didn't.
But there are other relatives that bring a smile to our face when we think of them. They mentor and share their knowledge and bounty with you without discretion. I still remember the camping and fishing trips, the fresh-out-of-the-oven tea cakes, driving an ancient John Deere tractor, trapping beavers and hunting arrow heads. While none of these memories involve great amounts of money, all of them show an investment. My relatives were willing to share their time (and patience) to teach me many of the items that helped shape who I became.
And the same is true with our relatives listed in the verse above. When we welcome them into our lives like our favorite relatives, wisdom and knowledge will freely share their bounty. Their insights will shape our character and guide us in Christian living. Why don't you invite them over for a visit? Spending a few hours visiting via the word of God will deliver gifts that have eternal blessings!
We all have relatives that we wish we did not have to admit that we knew or, worse, acknowledge we are related. You know the ones I am talking about - the obnoxiously loud (in voice and attire), the bum (still at 40), and the criminal (finally got caught!). Yes, we all have them. And yes, we all wish we didn't.
But there are other relatives that bring a smile to our face when we think of them. They mentor and share their knowledge and bounty with you without discretion. I still remember the camping and fishing trips, the fresh-out-of-the-oven tea cakes, driving an ancient John Deere tractor, trapping beavers and hunting arrow heads. While none of these memories involve great amounts of money, all of them show an investment. My relatives were willing to share their time (and patience) to teach me many of the items that helped shape who I became.
And the same is true with our relatives listed in the verse above. When we welcome them into our lives like our favorite relatives, wisdom and knowledge will freely share their bounty. Their insights will shape our character and guide us in Christian living. Why don't you invite them over for a visit? Spending a few hours visiting via the word of God will deliver gifts that have eternal blessings!
October 6, 2013
Piercing The Darkness
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Proverbs 6:23
Have you ever been home at night when the electricity goes out? It becomes eerily quite and totally dark! As you scramble around for a candle or flashlight, you bump into objects and your fingers grasp unknown items. But once you have a single candle or flashlight, what a difference it makes! Anxiety ceases, confusion is minimized and you are able to see where you are going.
The light of God's law and commandments are the same. Without Him, we struggle in life bumping and grasping at things unseen with little hope of knowing. But when we see his light through others, we are able to see distinctly the issues within our life.
Are you struggling with unseen issues? Do you seem to keep bumping against the same objects? Seek His will and he will light your path!
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105
Have you ever been home at night when the electricity goes out? It becomes eerily quite and totally dark! As you scramble around for a candle or flashlight, you bump into objects and your fingers grasp unknown items. But once you have a single candle or flashlight, what a difference it makes! Anxiety ceases, confusion is minimized and you are able to see where you are going.
The light of God's law and commandments are the same. Without Him, we struggle in life bumping and grasping at things unseen with little hope of knowing. But when we see his light through others, we are able to see distinctly the issues within our life.
Are you struggling with unseen issues? Do you seem to keep bumping against the same objects? Seek His will and he will light your path!
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105
October 5, 2013
The Bitterness Of Sin
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Proverbs 5:4
I have never tasted wormwood but it is stated to be the most bitter-tasting plant on the earth! It has been used to repel moths and other household insects and will kill any plants planted near it. Not exactly something that I would chose to eat! Solomon chose this plant for a purpose in describing the effects of sinful nature. When our sins have matured, they are painful and distasteful.
While sin may initially be appealing, exhilarating and socially accepted, the end result is the same. Painful recognition of it's true meaning doesn't occur until sometimes it is too late. Solomon paints a grim picture of the end result in Proverbs 5:3-13. While we know that our Lord is forgiving, recognition and fleeing from sin is much less painful! David provides us an excellent example of prayer inPsalms 25:
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Clearly David sinned much like you and I. But his prayer above provides us a road map to prevention and repentance.
I have never tasted wormwood but it is stated to be the most bitter-tasting plant on the earth! It has been used to repel moths and other household insects and will kill any plants planted near it. Not exactly something that I would chose to eat! Solomon chose this plant for a purpose in describing the effects of sinful nature. When our sins have matured, they are painful and distasteful.
While sin may initially be appealing, exhilarating and socially accepted, the end result is the same. Painful recognition of it's true meaning doesn't occur until sometimes it is too late. Solomon paints a grim picture of the end result in Proverbs 5:3-13. While we know that our Lord is forgiving, recognition and fleeing from sin is much less painful! David provides us an excellent example of prayer inPsalms 25:
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Clearly David sinned much like you and I. But his prayer above provides us a road map to prevention and repentance.
October 4, 2013
Crank Up The Light
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18
Solomon describes our Christina path as increasing in intensity as we proceed. And Paul describes our responsibility even better in Philippians 2:15 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Both clearly define our responsibility to be His light in the world.
But how do we increase our intensity that Solomon defines in the second half of the verse above? Many of us have dimmers on lights in our house. The old-style dimmers used a rudimentary variable resistor that increased the resistance and reduced the voltage to the light bulb causing it to dim. As the resistance was reduced, the voltage to the light increases and the bulb burns brighter. So it is with our Christian walk with God. As we reduce the resistance to His will, we come closer to God. The closer to God, the brighter we shine!
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Let us be mindful that all of our actions are a direct reflection upon our Lord and Savior. Join me in striving to draw closer to God so that the world will be blinded by the light of His love!
Solomon describes our Christina path as increasing in intensity as we proceed. And Paul describes our responsibility even better in Philippians 2:15 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Both clearly define our responsibility to be His light in the world.
But how do we increase our intensity that Solomon defines in the second half of the verse above? Many of us have dimmers on lights in our house. The old-style dimmers used a rudimentary variable resistor that increased the resistance and reduced the voltage to the light bulb causing it to dim. As the resistance was reduced, the voltage to the light increases and the bulb burns brighter. So it is with our Christian walk with God. As we reduce the resistance to His will, we come closer to God. The closer to God, the brighter we shine!
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Let us be mindful that all of our actions are a direct reflection upon our Lord and Savior. Join me in striving to draw closer to God so that the world will be blinded by the light of His love!
October 3, 2013
Painful Love
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Proverbs 3:11-12
We often view God as a kind and loving entity that is focused upon keeping us happy. It seems to give us a cozy feeling and allows us to place him in a neat little portion of our life. Unfortunately, it is not our world in which he exists. Rather, we are his children in His world.
As with our children, we are loved beyond our wildest imagination. We know that our children will not survive the dangers of life without enforced boundaries. If they disobey us or the laws of society there is a price of punishment that must be exercised. Do we punish our children because we hate them? No! Rather, because we care so much for their well-being that we must enforce the standards of safety and societal relationships.
Likewise, God knows that we can not survive without his boundaries. Why, then, do we complain when God corrects us for our wrong doing? Is He not expressing his endless love for us in protecting us from our own sinful nature? Would we not be frightened if he didn't care and allowed us to ruin our hope of eternal salvation?
As our sons have matured, nothing is more gratifying than to hear my son acknowledge my cautions with appreciation. So should we thank the Lord for his corrections! Rejoice in knowing that you are so loved by our Lord and Savior that he is willing to punish you for your wrong-doing.
We often view God as a kind and loving entity that is focused upon keeping us happy. It seems to give us a cozy feeling and allows us to place him in a neat little portion of our life. Unfortunately, it is not our world in which he exists. Rather, we are his children in His world.
As with our children, we are loved beyond our wildest imagination. We know that our children will not survive the dangers of life without enforced boundaries. If they disobey us or the laws of society there is a price of punishment that must be exercised. Do we punish our children because we hate them? No! Rather, because we care so much for their well-being that we must enforce the standards of safety and societal relationships.
Likewise, God knows that we can not survive without his boundaries. Why, then, do we complain when God corrects us for our wrong doing? Is He not expressing his endless love for us in protecting us from our own sinful nature? Would we not be frightened if he didn't care and allowed us to ruin our hope of eternal salvation?
As our sons have matured, nothing is more gratifying than to hear my son acknowledge my cautions with appreciation. So should we thank the Lord for his corrections! Rejoice in knowing that you are so loved by our Lord and Savior that he is willing to punish you for your wrong-doing.
October 2, 2013
Thrashing Temptation
To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Proverbs 2:12
I have often thought that as a Christian, I could resist temptation. Over the years, I have come to realize that I can't resist even a slice of cake! We often think that it is by some great human effort that we are able to resist a single temptation. And then we foolishly strut around like a proud rooster telling everyone how strong we are to resist said temptation.
Solomon, in his wisdom, extols the value of wisdom in the heart and knowledge in the soul (Proverbs 2:10) which delivers us from the temptation of evil men described above. Wisdom and knowledge comes from God (Proverbs 2:5-6), not from years with your nose buried in books! But Solomon didn't have Internet access and mass media attacking his morals on a daily basis. How can we ever resist the temptations of today?
Jesus was no stranger to temptation - he endured forty days of temptation after His baptism. He included it as His last request in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13). And acknowledge the weakness of the flesh in his disciples (Matthew 26:41). Jesus recognizes that we are physically unable to resist temptation but spiritually we can overcome.
Paul sums it up so well in 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Paul provides much needed encouragement for people like me that think no one has ever had to endure my temptations and there is no way out. There is a way out - but how?
God knows and is willing to show us. But to know, we must seek Him and he will give us the wisdom and knowledge to overcome each and every temptation. Before we were born, Jesus prayed to His Father for our protection from temptation (John 17:15). While our prayers may not be answered, I am most confident that God will answer the prayer of His one and only Son!
Stand fast against temptation today - for you have the promise and prayer of your Savior supporting you!
I have often thought that as a Christian, I could resist temptation. Over the years, I have come to realize that I can't resist even a slice of cake! We often think that it is by some great human effort that we are able to resist a single temptation. And then we foolishly strut around like a proud rooster telling everyone how strong we are to resist said temptation.
Solomon, in his wisdom, extols the value of wisdom in the heart and knowledge in the soul (Proverbs 2:10) which delivers us from the temptation of evil men described above. Wisdom and knowledge comes from God (Proverbs 2:5-6), not from years with your nose buried in books! But Solomon didn't have Internet access and mass media attacking his morals on a daily basis. How can we ever resist the temptations of today?
Jesus was no stranger to temptation - he endured forty days of temptation after His baptism. He included it as His last request in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:13). And acknowledge the weakness of the flesh in his disciples (Matthew 26:41). Jesus recognizes that we are physically unable to resist temptation but spiritually we can overcome.
Paul sums it up so well in 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Paul provides much needed encouragement for people like me that think no one has ever had to endure my temptations and there is no way out. There is a way out - but how?
God knows and is willing to show us. But to know, we must seek Him and he will give us the wisdom and knowledge to overcome each and every temptation. Before we were born, Jesus prayed to His Father for our protection from temptation (John 17:15). While our prayers may not be answered, I am most confident that God will answer the prayer of His one and only Son!
Stand fast against temptation today - for you have the promise and prayer of your Savior supporting you!
October 1, 2013
The Stupidity Factor
Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: Proverbs 1:14
Solomon describes the enticing invitations provided by sinners in Proverbs 1:10-15. In the verse above, they invite the gullible to join forces with them and gain easy wealth. My father always cautioned me as a teenager that "the stupidity factor increased proportional to the number of boys hanging out with nothing to do". He explained that while one innocent, bored young man may not get in any trouble, put him with his bored friends and the odds of something stupid and wrong occurring increased with the addition of each additional bored teen. Sadly, he was right. And sadly, I proved the theory on more than one occasion!
Aren't we the same today? Rarely will you hear one person alone criticize another. But as the group of on-lookers grows, the critical, demeaning, demoralizing comments grow in proportion. Why is that? We have a tendency to be brave in our comments and actions when the group of supporters increases. We feel embolden to speak out, as long as we are with "friends" who share our view. But have you ever been in a group wandering in the wrong direction (in actions or words) when only one person has the strength to stand up for what is right? Quite a rain on the parade! Words are stopped in their tracks, toes lazily circle making imaginary figures on the floor while each quietly ponders his actions. While someone may be brazen enough to chastise the one challenging their actions, all know within their heart that they have done wrong. Do you have the moral fortitude to stand up? Jesus did make us the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). Are we providing the proper seasoning to our peers? We have a purpose that should prevent us from ever being bored (Matthew 28:19-20). Stay focused on your mission and you will reduce the stupidity factor in your group!
Solomon describes the enticing invitations provided by sinners in Proverbs 1:10-15. In the verse above, they invite the gullible to join forces with them and gain easy wealth. My father always cautioned me as a teenager that "the stupidity factor increased proportional to the number of boys hanging out with nothing to do". He explained that while one innocent, bored young man may not get in any trouble, put him with his bored friends and the odds of something stupid and wrong occurring increased with the addition of each additional bored teen. Sadly, he was right. And sadly, I proved the theory on more than one occasion!
Aren't we the same today? Rarely will you hear one person alone criticize another. But as the group of on-lookers grows, the critical, demeaning, demoralizing comments grow in proportion. Why is that? We have a tendency to be brave in our comments and actions when the group of supporters increases. We feel embolden to speak out, as long as we are with "friends" who share our view. But have you ever been in a group wandering in the wrong direction (in actions or words) when only one person has the strength to stand up for what is right? Quite a rain on the parade! Words are stopped in their tracks, toes lazily circle making imaginary figures on the floor while each quietly ponders his actions. While someone may be brazen enough to chastise the one challenging their actions, all know within their heart that they have done wrong. Do you have the moral fortitude to stand up? Jesus did make us the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). Are we providing the proper seasoning to our peers? We have a purpose that should prevent us from ever being bored (Matthew 28:19-20). Stay focused on your mission and you will reduce the stupidity factor in your group!
September 30, 2013
Filthy Rejection
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. Proverbs 30:12
We often go through the rituals of approaching God without filling his presence. Afterwards, we wonder why he did not honor our approach to His throne. The words of Agur above may well be an indicator of our problem. David in his repentance for his affair with Bathsheba gives us a clearer understanding in Psalms 51:16-17: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Prior to offering sacrifices, God desires a broken and contrite heart. One who recognizes his filthy condition and pleads for cleansing (Psalms 51:7). Once we have confessed our sins, God will forgive us and give us a pure heart. There is nothing we can do ourselves to cleanse our heart - it comes only by God.
Jesus promises us "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8). So, the next time you want to see your Master, cleanse your heart and you will be in his presence!
We often go through the rituals of approaching God without filling his presence. Afterwards, we wonder why he did not honor our approach to His throne. The words of Agur above may well be an indicator of our problem. David in his repentance for his affair with Bathsheba gives us a clearer understanding in Psalms 51:16-17: For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Prior to offering sacrifices, God desires a broken and contrite heart. One who recognizes his filthy condition and pleads for cleansing (Psalms 51:7). Once we have confessed our sins, God will forgive us and give us a pure heart. There is nothing we can do ourselves to cleanse our heart - it comes only by God.
Jesus promises us "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8). So, the next time you want to see your Master, cleanse your heart and you will be in his presence!
