B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 22
July 31, 2013
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that ...
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Lemuel was describing characteristics of a virtuous woman but we men should take note as well! In the first part of the verse, he indicates how earthly characteristics are shallow. Ever thought someone held you in high esteem only to find out the stinging truth? How often do you hear the adjective “beautiful” to describe an elderly lady? They rarely last the length of our lifetime. In contrast, how many women of God have been praised for their works long after they have passed on?
Where should our focus be? On fleeting earthly attributes or lasting heavenly accolades? In order to achieve this change in our life, we must shift our focus from the daily grind to the eternal choice. David sums it up well in Psalms 19:14:
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Lemuel was describing characteristics of a virtuous woman but we men should take note as well! In the first part of the verse, he indicates how earthly characteristics are shallow. Ever thought someone held you in high esteem only to find out the stinging truth? How often do you hear the adjective “beautiful” to describe an elderly lady? They rarely last the length of our lifetime. In contrast, how many women of God have been praised for their works long after they have passed on?
Where should our focus be? On fleeting earthly attributes or lasting heavenly accolades? In order to achieve this change in our life, we must shift our focus from the daily grind to the eternal choice. David sums it up well in Psalms 19:14:
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Fleeting Fame
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Lemuel was describing characteristics of a virtuous woman but we men should take note as well! In the first part of the verse, he indicates how earthly characteristics are shallow. Ever thought someone held you in high esteem only to find out the stinging truth? How often do you hear the adjective “beautiful” to describe an elderly lady? They rarely last the length of our lifetime. In contrast, how many women of God have been praised for their works long after they have passed on?
Where should our focus be? On fleeting earthly attributes or lasting heavenly accolades? In order to achieve this change in our life, we must shift our focus from the daily grind to the eternal choice. David sums it up well in Psalms 19:14:
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Lemuel was describing characteristics of a virtuous woman but we men should take note as well! In the first part of the verse, he indicates how earthly characteristics are shallow. Ever thought someone held you in high esteem only to find out the stinging truth? How often do you hear the adjective “beautiful” to describe an elderly lady? They rarely last the length of our lifetime. In contrast, how many women of God have been praised for their works long after they have passed on?
Where should our focus be? On fleeting earthly attributes or lasting heavenly accolades? In order to achieve this change in our life, we must shift our focus from the daily grind to the eternal choice. David sums it up well in Psalms 19:14:
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
July 30, 2013
Misplaced Trust
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Proverbs 30:5
Ever have one of those days when you just can’t get away? You try to catch your breath but the interruptions just will not stop. People are invading your space, phones are ringing and business emails just keep pouring in. You are tempted to just run and hide but there is no escape from the chaos! Maybe you physically change locations because you think that you can find solace someplace else but the assault continues. At home, work or gym, there is no peace.
Solomon gives us the key to peace in the verse above. He doesn’t advise us to delegate our challenges, practice better leadership techniques or utilize time-management tools. He directs us to place our trust in the one who can shield us from all the world can throw at us. Not trust our abilities or new techniques, but trust the time-proven technique to finding peace in a chaotic world. He is the source of our inner strength, our calm in the storm and our encourager.
David is much better at describing how God impacts our lives when we place our trust in him (Psalms 18:2). Talk about a bad day – read David’s account in verses Psalms18:4-5. And what did he do in Psalms18:6? “In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” What a comfort to know that He hears us – he is never too busy or too high above us to hear.
More importantly, he doesn’t just hear our plea – he responds! Verse 17 promises “He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me; for they were too strong for me.” David was smart enough to recognize that his enemies were too strong for him alone. Shouldn’t we recognize the same issue? WE can’t shield ourselves but HE can! Trust him and His shield will deflect all the arrows of life thrown our way.
Proverbs 30:5
Ever have one of those days when you just can’t get away? You try to catch your breath but the interruptions just will not stop. People are invading your space, phones are ringing and business emails just keep pouring in. You are tempted to just run and hide but there is no escape from the chaos! Maybe you physically change locations because you think that you can find solace someplace else but the assault continues. At home, work or gym, there is no peace.
Solomon gives us the key to peace in the verse above. He doesn’t advise us to delegate our challenges, practice better leadership techniques or utilize time-management tools. He directs us to place our trust in the one who can shield us from all the world can throw at us. Not trust our abilities or new techniques, but trust the time-proven technique to finding peace in a chaotic world. He is the source of our inner strength, our calm in the storm and our encourager.
David is much better at describing how God impacts our lives when we place our trust in him (Psalms 18:2). Talk about a bad day – read David’s account in verses Psalms18:4-5. And what did he do in Psalms18:6? “In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” What a comfort to know that He hears us – he is never too busy or too high above us to hear.
More importantly, he doesn’t just hear our plea – he responds! Verse 17 promises “He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me; for they were too strong for me.” David was smart enough to recognize that his enemies were too strong for him alone. Shouldn’t we recognize the same issue? WE can’t shield ourselves but HE can! Trust him and His shield will deflect all the arrows of life thrown our way.
July 29, 2013
Misplaced Adoration
Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord.
Proverbs 29:26
As humans, we are prone to seek acceptance from others. Whether it is from our friends, influential people or within our community, we all want to “fit in” and be one of the accepted ones. Do we do the same with Christ? Do we seek his acceptance? Do we seek to “fit in” with his chosen ones?
Solomon reminds us that life is fleeting and public approval fades even faster! Can you name ten stars from television shows when you were in high school? How about the Person of the Year for the last three years? Who were the last two Supreme Court Justices that passed away? Nope, I can’t either. But each of these was an important person – for a short period of time.
Paul reminds us in Hebrews 9:27 that after this life, we must face judgment. Not many people to impress then – only one! And what are the results of his favor? Eternal Life!
As we go through today – let’s put our actions and thoughts in proper perspective. Let’s strive to find favor and acceptance with the One who is everlasting. Seek to be accepted by the One that matters the most. Those on earth who accept us will understand that we are focused on the everlasting prize not just short-term acceptance and recognition.
Proverbs 29:26
As humans, we are prone to seek acceptance from others. Whether it is from our friends, influential people or within our community, we all want to “fit in” and be one of the accepted ones. Do we do the same with Christ? Do we seek his acceptance? Do we seek to “fit in” with his chosen ones?
Solomon reminds us that life is fleeting and public approval fades even faster! Can you name ten stars from television shows when you were in high school? How about the Person of the Year for the last three years? Who were the last two Supreme Court Justices that passed away? Nope, I can’t either. But each of these was an important person – for a short period of time.
Paul reminds us in Hebrews 9:27 that after this life, we must face judgment. Not many people to impress then – only one! And what are the results of his favor? Eternal Life!
As we go through today – let’s put our actions and thoughts in proper perspective. Let’s strive to find favor and acceptance with the One who is everlasting. Seek to be accepted by the One that matters the most. Those on earth who accept us will understand that we are focused on the everlasting prize not just short-term acceptance and recognition.
July 28, 2013
Sweet Mercy
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Proverbs 28:13
Guilt is a miserable partner. There is no escape! Day and night, it haunts your heart and mind. And then we try to hide it behind a fake happy countenance. But we can’t fool ourselves. Note what Solomon states in the first part of the verse – we will not prosper. Not in wealth, not in relationships, nor in any endeavor. Why? Because we know that we have sinned and are not at peace with Christ.
Solomon indicates it takes two steps to have mercy: confession and forsaking the sin. If we simply confess our sin and do not forsake it, we are back where we started – in sin! In 1 John 1:9, we are told “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What a promise! And David describes the results of such forgiveness inPsalms 32:1-2.
Why continue to drag around with the chains of sin holding you down. Lay them at the feet of Jesus and feel the relief of mercy. As you freely go forth, no longer in bondage, share the feeling with others by forgiving them of wrongs they may have done to you. What a better way to share Christ than showing his mercy to others!
Proverbs 28:13
Guilt is a miserable partner. There is no escape! Day and night, it haunts your heart and mind. And then we try to hide it behind a fake happy countenance. But we can’t fool ourselves. Note what Solomon states in the first part of the verse – we will not prosper. Not in wealth, not in relationships, nor in any endeavor. Why? Because we know that we have sinned and are not at peace with Christ.
Solomon indicates it takes two steps to have mercy: confession and forsaking the sin. If we simply confess our sin and do not forsake it, we are back where we started – in sin! In 1 John 1:9, we are told “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What a promise! And David describes the results of such forgiveness inPsalms 32:1-2.
Why continue to drag around with the chains of sin holding you down. Lay them at the feet of Jesus and feel the relief of mercy. As you freely go forth, no longer in bondage, share the feeling with others by forgiving them of wrongs they may have done to you. What a better way to share Christ than showing his mercy to others!
July 27, 2013
Unpredictable Planning
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27:1
We all love to make plans! As a teenager, I had high aspirations of becoming rich, famous and all of the typical boyish dreams. Many of us grow up to be micro-managers that must have a list and plan for everything. My wife accuses me of not being able to go to the bathroom unless it is on my list! I feel lost without a plan. It is uncomfortable to enter a meeting without an agenda, review a document without a checklist, etc. However, Solomon is talking of something a little more serious in nature – failing to recognize who is in control.
Jesus provides us a parable to highlight this misplaced trust in ourselves by the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21. Then he proceeds to chide me of my many foolish plans in Luke 12:22-31. Which drives home the point: that all of my planning cannot impact my success.
While we may have plans, we need to recognize that they all can change in the blink of an eye. No one plans to have cancer, have a heart attack or die an untimely death. However, God does. Hence, we need to recognize who is control. If we place our focus on pleasing him and showing his love to others, he will take care of the rest!
Proverbs 27:1
We all love to make plans! As a teenager, I had high aspirations of becoming rich, famous and all of the typical boyish dreams. Many of us grow up to be micro-managers that must have a list and plan for everything. My wife accuses me of not being able to go to the bathroom unless it is on my list! I feel lost without a plan. It is uncomfortable to enter a meeting without an agenda, review a document without a checklist, etc. However, Solomon is talking of something a little more serious in nature – failing to recognize who is in control.
Jesus provides us a parable to highlight this misplaced trust in ourselves by the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21. Then he proceeds to chide me of my many foolish plans in Luke 12:22-31. Which drives home the point: that all of my planning cannot impact my success.
While we may have plans, we need to recognize that they all can change in the blink of an eye. No one plans to have cancer, have a heart attack or die an untimely death. However, God does. Hence, we need to recognize who is control. If we place our focus on pleasing him and showing his love to others, he will take care of the rest!
July 26, 2013
Foolish Pride
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than him.
Proverbs 26:12
We all get a little smug from time to time. Whether it is making the game winning score at the last second, being awarded that well-deserved prestigious recognition at work or baking the best dessert for the party, we all enjoy admiration. But we must be careful that we do not allow the glow of admiration to morph into pride and conceit.
Solomon spent the first eleven verses of Chapter 26 describing how painful it is to be associated with a fool The he goes for the slam dunk – “You think a fool is bad? Just wait until I tell you about a conceited man!”
We all have met them – the one with a smirk on his face and a long nose so that he can look down on you. And then he opens his mouth! The only time he stops bragging about himself is to catch his breath! Jesus provides us an excellent example in the parable of Pharisee and Publican praying in the temple (Luke 18:9-14).
So how do we prevent ourselves from becoming the obnoxious, conceited individual? By recognizing from where our blessings flow. It is through God’s grace and blessings that we are able to do anything. When we humble ourselves and thank him for the talents and gifts he has bestowed upon us, we will put conceit where it belongs – out in the cold! Then we can reap the reward promised by Jesus inLuke 18:14(b):
“For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Proverbs 26:12
We all get a little smug from time to time. Whether it is making the game winning score at the last second, being awarded that well-deserved prestigious recognition at work or baking the best dessert for the party, we all enjoy admiration. But we must be careful that we do not allow the glow of admiration to morph into pride and conceit.
Solomon spent the first eleven verses of Chapter 26 describing how painful it is to be associated with a fool The he goes for the slam dunk – “You think a fool is bad? Just wait until I tell you about a conceited man!”
We all have met them – the one with a smirk on his face and a long nose so that he can look down on you. And then he opens his mouth! The only time he stops bragging about himself is to catch his breath! Jesus provides us an excellent example in the parable of Pharisee and Publican praying in the temple (Luke 18:9-14).
So how do we prevent ourselves from becoming the obnoxious, conceited individual? By recognizing from where our blessings flow. It is through God’s grace and blessings that we are able to do anything. When we humble ourselves and thank him for the talents and gifts he has bestowed upon us, we will put conceit where it belongs – out in the cold! Then we can reap the reward promised by Jesus inLuke 18:14(b):
“For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
July 24, 2013
Providential Protection
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous: spoil not his resting place.
Proverbs 24:15
Ever feel threatened or afraid? There are almost an incalculable number of fears that we experience during our lifetime. We often resort to physical protection: security systems, fences, metal barriers over our doors and other visible forms of protection. But what about the unseen threats that threaten us? No sensor on the window or door will detect all fears that creep into our thoughts as we lay down to go to sleep. Bills, relationships, tests, employment woes and many other worries creep where sleep should be.
Solomon promises in Proverbs 3:24 that “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet.” The secret is not a new wonder drug or something sold on an infomercial. Just reviewProverbs 3:1-7. Here, he provides the fundamental requirements for physical protection (Proverbs 3:23) and emotional protection (Proverbs 3:24). No shiny, gimmicky, slick process just the basic fundamentals of a solid Christian life.
So the next time you fear something, stop and look in the first seven verses of chapter three. If you can check complete each of these steps, you can chuck the fear! From the wise words of his Dad:
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalm 56:4
Proverbs 24:15
Ever feel threatened or afraid? There are almost an incalculable number of fears that we experience during our lifetime. We often resort to physical protection: security systems, fences, metal barriers over our doors and other visible forms of protection. But what about the unseen threats that threaten us? No sensor on the window or door will detect all fears that creep into our thoughts as we lay down to go to sleep. Bills, relationships, tests, employment woes and many other worries creep where sleep should be.
Solomon promises in Proverbs 3:24 that “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet.” The secret is not a new wonder drug or something sold on an infomercial. Just reviewProverbs 3:1-7. Here, he provides the fundamental requirements for physical protection (Proverbs 3:23) and emotional protection (Proverbs 3:24). No shiny, gimmicky, slick process just the basic fundamentals of a solid Christian life.
So the next time you fear something, stop and look in the first seven verses of chapter three. If you can check complete each of these steps, you can chuck the fear! From the wise words of his Dad:
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalm 56:4
July 23, 2013
Illogical Logic
Labour not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom.
Proverbs 23:4
During my repeated readings of Proverbs, this verse is always like a speed bump. It makes me stop, pause, think and usually redirect my efforts. It goes against all human logic.
We are to provide for our families – would it not be easier if we were rich? With our own wisdom, we can be more successful and thus be rich. Logical right? Good intentions, right? Wrong.
Let’s jump over a few chapters and Solomon will explain. Proverbs 28:20 states “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” So where should our focus be? On riches or living a faithful life? Additionally, many of the blessings are not physical – which characteristic provides a better example for your children to follow? Which forces me to ask myself the question: Am I more concerned about riches and short lived fame than I am about setting a biblical example by living a faithful life for Christ? He gives us yet another warning in Proverbs 28:22.
In Proverbs 28:5, we are told “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.” Wow! A pretty simple task, but hard to put into practice. As we grow in Christ and seek his will, we develop a stronger reliance upon him rather than our own knowledge.
So, stop, pause, contemplate and redirect your efforts today towards what really matters – focus on Christ rather than ourselves.
Proverbs 23:4
During my repeated readings of Proverbs, this verse is always like a speed bump. It makes me stop, pause, think and usually redirect my efforts. It goes against all human logic.
We are to provide for our families – would it not be easier if we were rich? With our own wisdom, we can be more successful and thus be rich. Logical right? Good intentions, right? Wrong.
Let’s jump over a few chapters and Solomon will explain. Proverbs 28:20 states “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” So where should our focus be? On riches or living a faithful life? Additionally, many of the blessings are not physical – which characteristic provides a better example for your children to follow? Which forces me to ask myself the question: Am I more concerned about riches and short lived fame than I am about setting a biblical example by living a faithful life for Christ? He gives us yet another warning in Proverbs 28:22.
In Proverbs 28:5, we are told “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.” Wow! A pretty simple task, but hard to put into practice. As we grow in Christ and seek his will, we develop a stronger reliance upon him rather than our own knowledge.
So, stop, pause, contemplate and redirect your efforts today towards what really matters – focus on Christ rather than ourselves.
July 22, 2013
The Prized Possession
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1
My father taught me that many evils may befall me during my lifetime but there was one thing that no one could ever take from me – my reputation. I may lose my wealth, my health, fame or family due to external circumstances, but nothing could destroy my reputation but me. While others may slander me, eventually my “true colors” would shine through. My reputation could only be tarnished by my actions. However, once I gave it up, it might never be restored.
As a teenager, I often struggled with this responsibility and admit it influenced many of my decisions to seek the “high road” in challenging situations. And I am still amazed by senior adults who have an untarnished reputation – what an honor!
But many of us have made that split-second decision that has negatively impacted us for the rest of our life. It feels that everyone is watching our every action and talking behind our backs. What a burden we carry with the guilt of knowing the infinite details of our indiscretion. Is there no reprieve for a former foolish decision? Yes, there is!
Paul writes in Romans 2:11, “For there is no respect of persons with God.” What a comfort to know that He still loves us, no matter how poor a decision we have made and is ready to forgive us! David provides us an excellent example of a prayer for forgiveness in Psalms 51.
But what will others think? Rest assured that others will outwardly see the change that God has wrought within your heart!
Proverbs 22:1
My father taught me that many evils may befall me during my lifetime but there was one thing that no one could ever take from me – my reputation. I may lose my wealth, my health, fame or family due to external circumstances, but nothing could destroy my reputation but me. While others may slander me, eventually my “true colors” would shine through. My reputation could only be tarnished by my actions. However, once I gave it up, it might never be restored.
As a teenager, I often struggled with this responsibility and admit it influenced many of my decisions to seek the “high road” in challenging situations. And I am still amazed by senior adults who have an untarnished reputation – what an honor!
But many of us have made that split-second decision that has negatively impacted us for the rest of our life. It feels that everyone is watching our every action and talking behind our backs. What a burden we carry with the guilt of knowing the infinite details of our indiscretion. Is there no reprieve for a former foolish decision? Yes, there is!
Paul writes in Romans 2:11, “For there is no respect of persons with God.” What a comfort to know that He still loves us, no matter how poor a decision we have made and is ready to forgive us! David provides us an excellent example of a prayer for forgiveness in Psalms 51.
But what will others think? Rest assured that others will outwardly see the change that God has wrought within your heart!
