B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 21
August 10, 2013
Temporary Treasures
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 10:2
I often struggled with this verse literally. It was hard for me to comprehend when I saw wicked people with affluence living a life without care while watching Christian friends suffer and die an untimely death. But when I read it from the heart it made sense – Solomon wasn’t talking about the short-term view from my eyes, but from God’s eyes spanning eternity.
No matter how much wealth a wicked individual amasses in this life. When he dies, it is all left behind. He can’t buy his way through the Pearly Gates. Plus our soul doesn’t have pockets to slip even a penny beyond this life.
And for the individual saved by Grace, he too can repeat the words of Paul “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Cor 15:55). Through Salvation, we are delivered from death! I encourage you to read Paul’s description in 1 Cor 15:50-58. We may be broken and suffering in this life, but we are assured that, in the long run of eternity, we are winners through Christ!
I often struggled with this verse literally. It was hard for me to comprehend when I saw wicked people with affluence living a life without care while watching Christian friends suffer and die an untimely death. But when I read it from the heart it made sense – Solomon wasn’t talking about the short-term view from my eyes, but from God’s eyes spanning eternity.
No matter how much wealth a wicked individual amasses in this life. When he dies, it is all left behind. He can’t buy his way through the Pearly Gates. Plus our soul doesn’t have pockets to slip even a penny beyond this life.
And for the individual saved by Grace, he too can repeat the words of Paul “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Cor 15:55). Through Salvation, we are delivered from death! I encourage you to read Paul’s description in 1 Cor 15:50-58. We may be broken and suffering in this life, but we are assured that, in the long run of eternity, we are winners through Christ!
August 9, 2013
Wasted Effort
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man and he will love thee. Proverbs 9:7-8
Have you ever felt that you were wasting your time and effort trying to teach someone something? No matter how hard you tried to explain, they just didn’t seem to be listening or comprehending. Such is the case above with the scorner. And ultimately he hates you (verse 8)? For your efforts, you receive hatred? What a waste!
Look at the second half of each verse regarding rebuke – if he is wise, he will love you. David said it best in Psalms 141:5, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…” Appreciation is always welcomed when you are correcting someone. But it will only come from a wise man – not a wicked man.
Do we have the same appreciation when we are corrected? Or do we tend to stiffen our backs at the thought of someone rebuking us? This is a two-way street. We must be as happy to receive as give advice! When we achieve this mutual respect with others, we obtain mutual accountability for our actions.
Take the time today to show your love and appreciation to some one that has helped guide you in life. It will surely bring instant rewards as well as future support!
Have you ever felt that you were wasting your time and effort trying to teach someone something? No matter how hard you tried to explain, they just didn’t seem to be listening or comprehending. Such is the case above with the scorner. And ultimately he hates you (verse 8)? For your efforts, you receive hatred? What a waste!
Look at the second half of each verse regarding rebuke – if he is wise, he will love you. David said it best in Psalms 141:5, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…” Appreciation is always welcomed when you are correcting someone. But it will only come from a wise man – not a wicked man.
Do we have the same appreciation when we are corrected? Or do we tend to stiffen our backs at the thought of someone rebuking us? This is a two-way street. We must be as happy to receive as give advice! When we achieve this mutual respect with others, we obtain mutual accountability for our actions.
Take the time today to show your love and appreciation to some one that has helped guide you in life. It will surely bring instant rewards as well as future support!
August 8, 2013
Putrid Pride
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the forward mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 8:13
Some people have so much pride and arrogance that it is almost nauseating…. You know the ones that I am talking about: they have done more, own more, seen more and can do more than anyone. And they are not afraid to let you know. You are tempted to go the other way when you see them coming. But then again, you don’t even have to talk to them to be disturbed, for their dazzling display blinds your eyes before they are within earshot.
Often, it causes me to bristle in anticipation of speaking with them since it disturbs me so much. And Solomon supports me in Proverbs 28:25. It seems like they leave a wake of strife/unrest where ever they roam.
I wish I never met any such people that claimed to be Christians. But alas, it is not so. Surely they have not read Psalms 10:4, “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” What an eye-opening statement!
I could spend all day lambasting these individuals but there are some words Jesus spoke in Matthew 7:1-3 that hit home. “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged” rings home. Do I sometimes get carried away bragging about my children? Am I happy to talk on hours about my hobbies? And my favorite sports team (War Eagle!)? I guess that is why he added the last part to the verse regarding our mouth!
Yes, I am guilty as well. I believe we all fall into that category at one time or another of being “just a little arrogant”. But there is hope! Join me today in getting down off the pedestal of pride and on our knees in humility. We have much to be thankful (but not prideful) for that God has blessed us with. But if we stop and recognize to whom it belongs (not us), we will be a little more humble in sharing with others today.
Some people have so much pride and arrogance that it is almost nauseating…. You know the ones that I am talking about: they have done more, own more, seen more and can do more than anyone. And they are not afraid to let you know. You are tempted to go the other way when you see them coming. But then again, you don’t even have to talk to them to be disturbed, for their dazzling display blinds your eyes before they are within earshot.
Often, it causes me to bristle in anticipation of speaking with them since it disturbs me so much. And Solomon supports me in Proverbs 28:25. It seems like they leave a wake of strife/unrest where ever they roam.
I wish I never met any such people that claimed to be Christians. But alas, it is not so. Surely they have not read Psalms 10:4, “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” What an eye-opening statement!
I could spend all day lambasting these individuals but there are some words Jesus spoke in Matthew 7:1-3 that hit home. “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged” rings home. Do I sometimes get carried away bragging about my children? Am I happy to talk on hours about my hobbies? And my favorite sports team (War Eagle!)? I guess that is why he added the last part to the verse regarding our mouth!
Yes, I am guilty as well. I believe we all fall into that category at one time or another of being “just a little arrogant”. But there is hope! Join me today in getting down off the pedestal of pride and on our knees in humility. We have much to be thankful (but not prideful) for that God has blessed us with. But if we stop and recognize to whom it belongs (not us), we will be a little more humble in sharing with others today.
August 7, 2013
A Constant Reminder
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. Proverbs 7:3
Often, when I read this verse, I get the mental image of a piece of yarn or ribbon tied in a nice big bow on a finger. As children, we were told this was used as a "reminder" for something important. So you wouldn't forget. However, being practical minded, I never saw the benefit of having something get in my way while trying to play. It seemed that it always popped up in the wrong place at the wrong time and caused me to stop playing just to get it out of the way.
Perhaps this was Solomon's intent? Actually, he is repeating God's instruction fromDeuteronomy 6:8 and 6:6. And what was the reminder regarding? The Great Commandment: "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:5). The people of Israel were directed to never forget this commandment and to teach it to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) so that it would never be forgotten.
Perhaps that is why they directed using a reminder that was constantly in the way. Much like a child, I still need repeated reminders of His great love and my responsibility to follow his will. Are there reminders in your life? Pause and look around. If not, perhaps we need to redecorate our heart and home so that we are constantly reminded to whom we belong!
Often, when I read this verse, I get the mental image of a piece of yarn or ribbon tied in a nice big bow on a finger. As children, we were told this was used as a "reminder" for something important. So you wouldn't forget. However, being practical minded, I never saw the benefit of having something get in my way while trying to play. It seemed that it always popped up in the wrong place at the wrong time and caused me to stop playing just to get it out of the way.
Perhaps this was Solomon's intent? Actually, he is repeating God's instruction fromDeuteronomy 6:8 and 6:6. And what was the reminder regarding? The Great Commandment: "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:5). The people of Israel were directed to never forget this commandment and to teach it to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) so that it would never be forgotten.
Perhaps that is why they directed using a reminder that was constantly in the way. Much like a child, I still need repeated reminders of His great love and my responsibility to follow his will. Are there reminders in your life? Pause and look around. If not, perhaps we need to redecorate our heart and home so that we are constantly reminded to whom we belong!
August 6, 2013
A Little Hard Work Never Hurt Anyone
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. Proverbs 6:10-11
The Bible is not known for repeating itself over and over. But Solomon repeatedly address the issue of being lazy (Proverbs 24:33-34). Maybe, he recognized that I was hard of hearing and knew that it would take repeating the same thing several times to get through to me!
Then he states is differently in Proverbs 13:4 just in case I don't understand! We are to be diligent in our work. Not sitting back and expecting a paycheck for just showing up. His principle does not apply to just physical labor. But what ever we do, do it diligently. Why is it so important?
Have you noticed the waitress that keeps your drink filled and is at your table just as you think about needing something? Have you marvelled at the surgeon who had both great bedside manners and the highest success rate for surgery? Which teller or grocery line do you pick when presented with a choice? Which product line do you select for your purchase? The one with the highest quality.
All of these are a reflection of personal diligence in the work place. And what do each have that other's don't? Respect. As a Christian, we should live our lives diligently so that we are above reproach and earn the respect of others. What a better reflection upon the One who saved us! So put a little spring in your step and put a smile on your face so that the love of Christ may show through your work to others today.
The Bible is not known for repeating itself over and over. But Solomon repeatedly address the issue of being lazy (Proverbs 24:33-34). Maybe, he recognized that I was hard of hearing and knew that it would take repeating the same thing several times to get through to me!
Then he states is differently in Proverbs 13:4 just in case I don't understand! We are to be diligent in our work. Not sitting back and expecting a paycheck for just showing up. His principle does not apply to just physical labor. But what ever we do, do it diligently. Why is it so important?
Have you noticed the waitress that keeps your drink filled and is at your table just as you think about needing something? Have you marvelled at the surgeon who had both great bedside manners and the highest success rate for surgery? Which teller or grocery line do you pick when presented with a choice? Which product line do you select for your purchase? The one with the highest quality.
All of these are a reflection of personal diligence in the work place. And what do each have that other's don't? Respect. As a Christian, we should live our lives diligently so that we are above reproach and earn the respect of others. What a better reflection upon the One who saved us! So put a little spring in your step and put a smile on your face so that the love of Christ may show through your work to others today.
August 5, 2013
Mellow With Age
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Proverbs 5:18
Solomon spends the majority of this chapter warning against strange and evil women and only a few verses regarding our wives. If he had only followed his own advice! However, verses 18-19 always catch my eye. He is not talking to a youthful man but rather a mature one. As such, he doesn’t simply state “your wife” but “the wife of thy youth” which implies she has been with you through it all. She has seen the good times and the bad times, your public image and the “just rolled out of bed” image. And amazingly, she is still there - supporting you every step of the way.
When you realize what an insurmountable task that can be, your appreciation for your wife grows. It doesn’t matter your current age, physical appearance or condition but what does matter is the outpouring of love to get where you are. It is easy to see his passionate description of your wife in verse 19!
Age has a way of softening the edges of our memory. Childbirth isn’t so traumatic fifteen years later - because it has been softened by that first image of a newborn’s smile. The hard times and struggles are softened by the memories of having each other. Much like wine, our memories mellow with age. So are the memories of our wives – they mellow with age.
However, Solomon reminds us not to let our relationship with our wives mellow but to be “ravished always with her love”. Have you shown your appreciation? Does she know she is still the “wife of thy youth”? Rejoice with her today – for you are blessed to have someone that loves you enough to still be there!
Solomon spends the majority of this chapter warning against strange and evil women and only a few verses regarding our wives. If he had only followed his own advice! However, verses 18-19 always catch my eye. He is not talking to a youthful man but rather a mature one. As such, he doesn’t simply state “your wife” but “the wife of thy youth” which implies she has been with you through it all. She has seen the good times and the bad times, your public image and the “just rolled out of bed” image. And amazingly, she is still there - supporting you every step of the way.
When you realize what an insurmountable task that can be, your appreciation for your wife grows. It doesn’t matter your current age, physical appearance or condition but what does matter is the outpouring of love to get where you are. It is easy to see his passionate description of your wife in verse 19!
Age has a way of softening the edges of our memory. Childbirth isn’t so traumatic fifteen years later - because it has been softened by that first image of a newborn’s smile. The hard times and struggles are softened by the memories of having each other. Much like wine, our memories mellow with age. So are the memories of our wives – they mellow with age.
However, Solomon reminds us not to let our relationship with our wives mellow but to be “ravished always with her love”. Have you shown your appreciation? Does she know she is still the “wife of thy youth”? Rejoice with her today – for you are blessed to have someone that loves you enough to still be there!
August 4, 2013
A Father's Charge
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Proverbs 4:11
As a parent, we have many competing responsibilities regarding our children. However, Solomon shows where our priorities should be above. Nothing we do has a more lasting impact than establishing the bedrock of their salvation.
He refers to teaching the way of wisdom. How can we teach what we do not know? Therefore, we must seek wisdom so that we can fully explain it to our children. Likewise, how can we lead them in the right paths unless we are on the right path? We must demonstrate by example in order for them to trust us enough to follow. Proverbs 20:7 promises that our children will be blessed if we are just. What more could you wish for your children than to be blessed by God?
Paul challenges us to bring up our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Again, we must know the Lord before we can lead our children to know him.
Too often we are worried about what our peers think of us. Just for today, consider what your children think of you. Is your example above reproach? Are you walking the talk? Even at home? Let your children’s future motivate your behavior today.
As a parent, we have many competing responsibilities regarding our children. However, Solomon shows where our priorities should be above. Nothing we do has a more lasting impact than establishing the bedrock of their salvation.
He refers to teaching the way of wisdom. How can we teach what we do not know? Therefore, we must seek wisdom so that we can fully explain it to our children. Likewise, how can we lead them in the right paths unless we are on the right path? We must demonstrate by example in order for them to trust us enough to follow. Proverbs 20:7 promises that our children will be blessed if we are just. What more could you wish for your children than to be blessed by God?
Paul challenges us to bring up our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Again, we must know the Lord before we can lead our children to know him.
Too often we are worried about what our peers think of us. Just for today, consider what your children think of you. Is your example above reproach? Are you walking the talk? Even at home? Let your children’s future motivate your behavior today.
August 3, 2013
The Secret To Long Life
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee. Proverbs 3:1-2
Americans spend millions of dollars each year to combat the aging process: Medical continues to seek methods to lengthen life, manufacturers tout their creams and pills that make those nasty indications of age vanish and surgeons can remove years from your looks with a nip and tuck “here and there”. I think it is safe to say that we are hooked on living longer while looking younger.
Solomon gives us great advice on both in these two verses. Is it a cream or a pill? Is it a new exercise program? No, it is so simple that it hurts – let your heart keep His commandments. We wish that it was simply a pill or a twenty minute exercise routine that would lengthen our days. But it is much more difficult – following his commandments. Not just on Sunday mornings or during devotion time, but all the time. Quite a task, that is not to be taken lightly. Paul, exhorts us inEphesians 6:2 to follow “the first commandment with a promise” given by the Lord inExodus 20:12. And what is the reward? “That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3). Since Moses was around, folks have been concerned with living longer. And David acknowledges the concern in Psalms 34:11-13. And the answer throughout the generations: follow His commandments.
What is the secret to looking younger? Solomon shares that as well in the verses above. What is the last reward he describes? Peace. With His peace, you have fewer worries; therefore you frown less and smile more. The results are fewer wrinkles and a radiant countenance! Nothing can make you look younger than that!
So claim the promise by committing your life to follow Him. It won’t take three weeks of application for you to feel the difference!
Americans spend millions of dollars each year to combat the aging process: Medical continues to seek methods to lengthen life, manufacturers tout their creams and pills that make those nasty indications of age vanish and surgeons can remove years from your looks with a nip and tuck “here and there”. I think it is safe to say that we are hooked on living longer while looking younger.
Solomon gives us great advice on both in these two verses. Is it a cream or a pill? Is it a new exercise program? No, it is so simple that it hurts – let your heart keep His commandments. We wish that it was simply a pill or a twenty minute exercise routine that would lengthen our days. But it is much more difficult – following his commandments. Not just on Sunday mornings or during devotion time, but all the time. Quite a task, that is not to be taken lightly. Paul, exhorts us inEphesians 6:2 to follow “the first commandment with a promise” given by the Lord inExodus 20:12. And what is the reward? “That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3). Since Moses was around, folks have been concerned with living longer. And David acknowledges the concern in Psalms 34:11-13. And the answer throughout the generations: follow His commandments.
What is the secret to looking younger? Solomon shares that as well in the verses above. What is the last reward he describes? Peace. With His peace, you have fewer worries; therefore you frown less and smile more. The results are fewer wrinkles and a radiant countenance! Nothing can make you look younger than that!
So claim the promise by committing your life to follow Him. It won’t take three weeks of application for you to feel the difference!
August 2, 2013
Everlasting Treasures
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as hid treasure; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:3-6
Have you ever lost your car keys, just as you are about to leave for an important appointment? Did you passively search the room? No, there is normally a sense of urgency and panic that is not relieved until the lost keys are found (hopefully, in time to make the appointment). Do we seek God with the same urgency? Or do we passively wait for wisdom to be bestowed upon us?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”Do we treasure our relationship with God? Do we seek His Will like silver? Or are we too busy making our life successful from the worldly perspective? Our actions reflect the attitude of our heart. I don’t dawdle coming to the table, for I know my wife has a wonderful meal prepared but I may delay heading out to weed the yard in hopes that the heat will dissipate. Likewise, we place priority in our actions toward the things that matter most in our heart.
What priority do you place on your relationship with God? Is it the first priority of your day or does he get what is left at the end of the day? Seek the treasure that is everlasting and he will bless you with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. These treasures don’t diminish over the years and are priced above all of the gold in the world!
Have you ever lost your car keys, just as you are about to leave for an important appointment? Did you passively search the room? No, there is normally a sense of urgency and panic that is not relieved until the lost keys are found (hopefully, in time to make the appointment). Do we seek God with the same urgency? Or do we passively wait for wisdom to be bestowed upon us?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”Do we treasure our relationship with God? Do we seek His Will like silver? Or are we too busy making our life successful from the worldly perspective? Our actions reflect the attitude of our heart. I don’t dawdle coming to the table, for I know my wife has a wonderful meal prepared but I may delay heading out to weed the yard in hopes that the heat will dissipate. Likewise, we place priority in our actions toward the things that matter most in our heart.
What priority do you place on your relationship with God? Is it the first priority of your day or does he get what is left at the end of the day? Seek the treasure that is everlasting and he will bless you with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. These treasures don’t diminish over the years and are priced above all of the gold in the world!
August 1, 2013
Smart Fools
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
I have spent numerous years attending formalized instruction. From high school and college to numerous naval classes ranging from nuclear power plant operation to missile flight planning. However, none of this education has provided the essential ingredient for spiritual living – knowledge. Solomon provides the key to knowledge above in the opening part of the verse. He didn’t recommend becoming a Rhodes Scholar but rather fear (respect) of the Lord. The wisest man known on earth recognized the source of knowledge and freely shared it with us.
Knowledge does not equate to intelligence. I have friends (and a father) who never darkened the door of an institute of higher learning, yet they can discern how to live a Christian life and fix some of the most technically challenging problems that leave educated people baffled. How is this?
Jesus states in Matt 13:11, “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” And Paul further explains in 1 Cor 2:12-13 that it is through receiving the Holy Spirit that we gain spiritual knowledge. What is the first step? Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. He will guide you through his Holy Spirit, if you will let him, to make the right choices in your life.
While intelligence is to be respected, never place book sense over heart sense. Otherwise, you can become a smart fool.
I have spent numerous years attending formalized instruction. From high school and college to numerous naval classes ranging from nuclear power plant operation to missile flight planning. However, none of this education has provided the essential ingredient for spiritual living – knowledge. Solomon provides the key to knowledge above in the opening part of the verse. He didn’t recommend becoming a Rhodes Scholar but rather fear (respect) of the Lord. The wisest man known on earth recognized the source of knowledge and freely shared it with us.
Knowledge does not equate to intelligence. I have friends (and a father) who never darkened the door of an institute of higher learning, yet they can discern how to live a Christian life and fix some of the most technically challenging problems that leave educated people baffled. How is this?
Jesus states in Matt 13:11, “He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” And Paul further explains in 1 Cor 2:12-13 that it is through receiving the Holy Spirit that we gain spiritual knowledge. What is the first step? Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. He will guide you through his Holy Spirit, if you will let him, to make the right choices in your life.
While intelligence is to be respected, never place book sense over heart sense. Otherwise, you can become a smart fool.
