B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 23
July 21, 2013
Pain Prevention
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles.
Proverbs 21:23
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? Yes, I have. Although married for twenty-six years, my wife continues to remind me of the famous phrase I uttered before we got married. Although the comment was meant as a compliment, it did not come out that way and it definitely was not received that way! While she has long forgiven me, she still gently reminds me of the stupidity we can sometimes demonstrate with words!
Solomon defines the power of the tongue in Proverbs 18:21. And James defines the challenge of controlling such a small organ of the body in James 3. Since we all are aware of the danger associated with careless words, why do we continue to suffer the embarrassment and pain of such folly? James states that a man who can control his tongue can control his whole body and compares him to a perfect man. I, for one, know that I am not perfect and continue to battle for control of my tongue. Is the situation hopeless?
Once we recognize the risk associated with our words, we can then seek God’s assistance in control. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same applies to recovering from misspoken words – prevent them before they occur. Ask for His guidance and he will lead you. David says it best of all:
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalm 37:4-6
There is hope. And there is a promise. We can prevent the pain by prayer and commitment.
Proverbs 21:23
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? Yes, I have. Although married for twenty-six years, my wife continues to remind me of the famous phrase I uttered before we got married. Although the comment was meant as a compliment, it did not come out that way and it definitely was not received that way! While she has long forgiven me, she still gently reminds me of the stupidity we can sometimes demonstrate with words!
Solomon defines the power of the tongue in Proverbs 18:21. And James defines the challenge of controlling such a small organ of the body in James 3. Since we all are aware of the danger associated with careless words, why do we continue to suffer the embarrassment and pain of such folly? James states that a man who can control his tongue can control his whole body and compares him to a perfect man. I, for one, know that I am not perfect and continue to battle for control of my tongue. Is the situation hopeless?
Once we recognize the risk associated with our words, we can then seek God’s assistance in control. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same applies to recovering from misspoken words – prevent them before they occur. Ask for His guidance and he will lead you. David says it best of all:
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalm 37:4-6
There is hope. And there is a promise. We can prevent the pain by prayer and commitment.
July 20, 2013
No, Not One
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Proverbs 20:9
We are a society obsessed with self-help. Books, seminars, therapists and videos all purport that we have the inner-ability to change ourselves. While there are many things we can perform, there is one thing we cannot perform for ourselves: purge our heart of sin. Solomon expounds upon this in Ecclesiastes 7:20. Likewise, John writes in 1 John 1:8, “If we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Can anyone rid himself of sin? No, no one. But He can! Isaiah defines the process inIsaiah 1:18 “... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” And David defines the feeling after forgiveness is received in Psalms 51:7.
What a wonderful feeling to know that your sins are forgiven! The refreshing feeling begs to be shared and demonstrated! We can verbally share our experience with others, but more importantly, we can demonstrate our love of Christ by forgiving others.
Thank the One who has changed you forever. While there will surely be challenges today, rest assured that He who is capable of performing this miraculous change in you can handle the “small stuff” as well.
Proverbs 20:9
We are a society obsessed with self-help. Books, seminars, therapists and videos all purport that we have the inner-ability to change ourselves. While there are many things we can perform, there is one thing we cannot perform for ourselves: purge our heart of sin. Solomon expounds upon this in Ecclesiastes 7:20. Likewise, John writes in 1 John 1:8, “If we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Can anyone rid himself of sin? No, no one. But He can! Isaiah defines the process inIsaiah 1:18 “... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” And David defines the feeling after forgiveness is received in Psalms 51:7.
What a wonderful feeling to know that your sins are forgiven! The refreshing feeling begs to be shared and demonstrated! We can verbally share our experience with others, but more importantly, we can demonstrate our love of Christ by forgiving others.
Thank the One who has changed you forever. While there will surely be challenges today, rest assured that He who is capable of performing this miraculous change in you can handle the “small stuff” as well.
July 19, 2013
Glory Over Anger
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11
Solomon defines many aspects of obtaining glory but this may be one of the hardest to achieve. While we may be able to pass over the insensitive waitress, the person that cuts you off at the register or other rude acts by strangers. It is much more difficult to apply the same principle to those we love. Pride causes us to harbor anger in our hearts when we feel that we have been ignored, scorned or rejected by those significant in our life. Which has a greater impact? Both today and in our near future, damaged relationships falter as we hold on to these feelings.
Paul tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). What a better way to obtain glory than taking the first step in forgiving those you love?
Solomon defines many aspects of obtaining glory but this may be one of the hardest to achieve. While we may be able to pass over the insensitive waitress, the person that cuts you off at the register or other rude acts by strangers. It is much more difficult to apply the same principle to those we love. Pride causes us to harbor anger in our hearts when we feel that we have been ignored, scorned or rejected by those significant in our life. Which has a greater impact? Both today and in our near future, damaged relationships falter as we hold on to these feelings.
Paul tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). What a better way to obtain glory than taking the first step in forgiving those you love?
July 17, 2013
A True Friend
A friend loveth at all times…. Proverbs 17:17
True friendship is not convenient. As shown above, it not when it is convenient or to our gain but always. Likewise, the verb is an action verb – how do you show your friends that you love them? Sometimes it is the smallest act that is appreciated the most – taking time just to listen or sending them a random note. Solomon gives us the key to being a true friend in Proverbs 18:24.
Jesus wants to be our friend as well. He describes his desire and the expectations of us in John 15:13-15. Have you made the decision to call Him friend? Have you made the choice to follow his teachings?
Let us take time today to thank the Lord for the blessings of friends and strive to be a loving friend to others.
True friendship is not convenient. As shown above, it not when it is convenient or to our gain but always. Likewise, the verb is an action verb – how do you show your friends that you love them? Sometimes it is the smallest act that is appreciated the most – taking time just to listen or sending them a random note. Solomon gives us the key to being a true friend in Proverbs 18:24.
Jesus wants to be our friend as well. He describes his desire and the expectations of us in John 15:13-15. Have you made the decision to call Him friend? Have you made the choice to follow his teachings?
Let us take time today to thank the Lord for the blessings of friends and strive to be a loving friend to others.
July 8, 2013
Lofty Goals Achieved
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
Proverbs 8:7
Have you ever been hurt by the words of others? I am talking about gut wrenching, heart breaking words that tear you apart on the inside. And the pain just doesn't go away quickly - it lingers and festers within you. It wakes you at night, it causes a loss of appetite and your blood pressure soar each time you think of the words and how they were delivered. While cuts and broken bones heal with time, often those bitter words wreak havoc within us for years to come. And who said " Sticks and stones may break my bones, But words can never hurt me"? Surely, they have not experienced such pain and agony from such bitter words.
While it is easy to loathe the insensitive couth that uttered the words, it rattles us to think that we too can be as careless with our words. But look at the verse quoted by Solomon. Oh, to have such a mouth! It seems as if honey is drizzled on each and every word making it more palatable. But does it?
The truth is not always pleasant. When I am coached on my wieght or bad habits, it doesn't make me smile. But if the words are delivered in truth and with love, they are palatable without resentment and hatred. But how can such a contradiction exist? Simple, read the verses above our quoted scripture. Who is speaking in verse 7? Wisdom. Yes, the aspect of our life that guides us in what to say and how to say it. If we are truly Christians, we should not have malic toward another. But we can offer correction. It is how it is delivered. And yes, wisdom will guide us in when and how to say the painful but truthful comment in a manner that is positively received.
Solomon repeatedly challenges us to seek wisdom. Have you seeked in earnest? Have you applied the instructions to your daily life? If so, the loft goal of speaking wisely can be achieved.
Proverbs 8:7
Have you ever been hurt by the words of others? I am talking about gut wrenching, heart breaking words that tear you apart on the inside. And the pain just doesn't go away quickly - it lingers and festers within you. It wakes you at night, it causes a loss of appetite and your blood pressure soar each time you think of the words and how they were delivered. While cuts and broken bones heal with time, often those bitter words wreak havoc within us for years to come. And who said " Sticks and stones may break my bones, But words can never hurt me"? Surely, they have not experienced such pain and agony from such bitter words.
While it is easy to loathe the insensitive couth that uttered the words, it rattles us to think that we too can be as careless with our words. But look at the verse quoted by Solomon. Oh, to have such a mouth! It seems as if honey is drizzled on each and every word making it more palatable. But does it?
The truth is not always pleasant. When I am coached on my wieght or bad habits, it doesn't make me smile. But if the words are delivered in truth and with love, they are palatable without resentment and hatred. But how can such a contradiction exist? Simple, read the verses above our quoted scripture. Who is speaking in verse 7? Wisdom. Yes, the aspect of our life that guides us in what to say and how to say it. If we are truly Christians, we should not have malic toward another. But we can offer correction. It is how it is delivered. And yes, wisdom will guide us in when and how to say the painful but truthful comment in a manner that is positively received.
Solomon repeatedly challenges us to seek wisdom. Have you seeked in earnest? Have you applied the instructions to your daily life? If so, the loft goal of speaking wisely can be achieved.
July 7, 2013
Strength For The Battle
For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
Proverbs 7:26
I am an avid fan of SEC Football (War Eagle!). I love to watch the battle in the trenches between some of the strongest and fastest men in college. Each year, there seems to be one defensive lineman at one of the SEC universities that is stronger and faster than the whole offensive line. He rips through the line and makes crushing tackles and game-saving sacks seem like an every day thing. They have my utmost respect and admiration for mastering the game of college football.
But even the best of these are no match to temptation. Solomon goes in great detail to describe the horrendous effects of yielding to temptation. Even from my example above, not a season goes by that the news doesn't cover some star athlete that falls prey to temptation that results in his expulsion from what he does best.
And the same applies to our Christian life. We can not overcome temptation by brute strength or chanting the same mantra repeatedly. We must have His strength to protect us. And it is only through maintaining a strong relationship with God through prayer and studying His word that we have a fighting chance to win the battle against temptation.
Perhaps we should have the same commitment to our regimen of following Christ as the athletes do with physical conditioning. If we were as dedicated to daily practicing His word, we would have the ability to resist all temptation!
Proverbs 7:26
I am an avid fan of SEC Football (War Eagle!). I love to watch the battle in the trenches between some of the strongest and fastest men in college. Each year, there seems to be one defensive lineman at one of the SEC universities that is stronger and faster than the whole offensive line. He rips through the line and makes crushing tackles and game-saving sacks seem like an every day thing. They have my utmost respect and admiration for mastering the game of college football.
But even the best of these are no match to temptation. Solomon goes in great detail to describe the horrendous effects of yielding to temptation. Even from my example above, not a season goes by that the news doesn't cover some star athlete that falls prey to temptation that results in his expulsion from what he does best.
And the same applies to our Christian life. We can not overcome temptation by brute strength or chanting the same mantra repeatedly. We must have His strength to protect us. And it is only through maintaining a strong relationship with God through prayer and studying His word that we have a fighting chance to win the battle against temptation.
Perhaps we should have the same commitment to our regimen of following Christ as the athletes do with physical conditioning. If we were as dedicated to daily practicing His word, we would have the ability to resist all temptation!
July 6, 2013
A Constant Reminder
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
Proverbs 6:21
Solomon exhorts us to remember the instructions and commandments passed down to us by our parents. This is the second of three times that he encourages us to bind them upon our hearts. Surprisingly, his direction is an abbreviated form of the guidance given in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 by Moses. Moses directs the children of Israel to keep the words in their heart, to teach their children, to talk of it when sitting in their house or walking or lying down or rising up, to bind them upon their hand, to keep them as frontlets between their eyes and to write them upon their posts and gates. Essentially, Moses never wanted them to forget the commandment which he gave them.
And what great commandment was Moses and Solomon concerned with? And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deut 6:5) And just to be sure we got the message, Jesus repeated the first commandment in Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27. I think we can all agree, the first commandment should have the highest priority in our life.
But what have we done today to remember it? What do you use as a constant reminder of the fundamental law of being one of His own? If we all kept the law in front of us, what a different world we would live in! So join me in reminding ourselves the basic law of Christianity. To commit all that we have to our Lord and to remember His Law continually.
Proverbs 6:21
Solomon exhorts us to remember the instructions and commandments passed down to us by our parents. This is the second of three times that he encourages us to bind them upon our hearts. Surprisingly, his direction is an abbreviated form of the guidance given in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 by Moses. Moses directs the children of Israel to keep the words in their heart, to teach their children, to talk of it when sitting in their house or walking or lying down or rising up, to bind them upon their hand, to keep them as frontlets between their eyes and to write them upon their posts and gates. Essentially, Moses never wanted them to forget the commandment which he gave them.
And what great commandment was Moses and Solomon concerned with? And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deut 6:5) And just to be sure we got the message, Jesus repeated the first commandment in Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27. I think we can all agree, the first commandment should have the highest priority in our life.
But what have we done today to remember it? What do you use as a constant reminder of the fundamental law of being one of His own? If we all kept the law in front of us, what a different world we would live in! So join me in reminding ourselves the basic law of Christianity. To commit all that we have to our Lord and to remember His Law continually.
July 5, 2013
The Hopelessness of Self-Help
And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
Proverbs 5:11-12
Solomon paints a pretty graphic picture of failing to heed instruction. When we choose to do things our own way, we end up such a dismal situation that we can almost see the buzzards circling around us. We too lament our situation much like the second verse above. While we get ourselves in such a predicament, there is only One who can restore us whole and clean.
And the most comforting words were spoken by Paul in Romans 5:8. For we can not reverse the situation through self-help. If we were to rely solely on our own actions, we would be hopeless. For it is hopeless to rely on self-help to restore what has been broken. Only our loving Savior who gave His life for us can rescue us from the mire of our own will. And He freely gave His life long before we realized the hopelessness of our situation.
Quite trying to do it on your own and give it to Jesus. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Surrender to His will and the buzzards will leave. Try to help yourself and the buzzards will have a feast.
Proverbs 5:11-12
Solomon paints a pretty graphic picture of failing to heed instruction. When we choose to do things our own way, we end up such a dismal situation that we can almost see the buzzards circling around us. We too lament our situation much like the second verse above. While we get ourselves in such a predicament, there is only One who can restore us whole and clean.
And the most comforting words were spoken by Paul in Romans 5:8. For we can not reverse the situation through self-help. If we were to rely solely on our own actions, we would be hopeless. For it is hopeless to rely on self-help to restore what has been broken. Only our loving Savior who gave His life for us can rescue us from the mire of our own will. And He freely gave His life long before we realized the hopelessness of our situation.
Quite trying to do it on your own and give it to Jesus. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Surrender to His will and the buzzards will leave. Try to help yourself and the buzzards will have a feast.
July 4, 2013
The Tar Baby of Salvation
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Proverbs 4:13
In Uncle Remus story of Brer Rabbit, he encounters a Tar Baby made of tar and turpentine. The more he struggles with the Tar Baby, the more entrapped he becomes. Soon he can not break away and the fox has the rabbit where he wants him - all tied up in the tar! Too often, we become ensnared by the wiles of temptation of this world. It gets to the point where the more we struggle, the more we become entrapped by the clutches of sin. Only through the grace of God are we able to escape.
If only instruction and wisdom was the same way! However, Solomon warns us in the verse above that this is not the case with instruction. She appears more like a greased pig than a tar baby - hard to catch and even harder to hold on to once caught! We need to follow his advice and aggressively seek instruction on how to life a Christian life.
While hearing instruction is not hard, the implementation within our current lifestyle sometimes becomes the challenge. Have you captured instructions lately and held on fast by incorporating them into your life? As they say, practice becomes habit and we need to practice Christian living daily so that we become the tar baby to salvation!
Proverbs 4:13
In Uncle Remus story of Brer Rabbit, he encounters a Tar Baby made of tar and turpentine. The more he struggles with the Tar Baby, the more entrapped he becomes. Soon he can not break away and the fox has the rabbit where he wants him - all tied up in the tar! Too often, we become ensnared by the wiles of temptation of this world. It gets to the point where the more we struggle, the more we become entrapped by the clutches of sin. Only through the grace of God are we able to escape.
If only instruction and wisdom was the same way! However, Solomon warns us in the verse above that this is not the case with instruction. She appears more like a greased pig than a tar baby - hard to catch and even harder to hold on to once caught! We need to follow his advice and aggressively seek instruction on how to life a Christian life.
While hearing instruction is not hard, the implementation within our current lifestyle sometimes becomes the challenge. Have you captured instructions lately and held on fast by incorporating them into your life? As they say, practice becomes habit and we need to practice Christian living daily so that we become the tar baby to salvation!
July 2, 2013
Painful Adjectives
Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
Proverbs 2:17
How do your friends define you to others? Especially when you are not around? Solomon uses some very pointed adjectives to define the lady in the verse above. I would imagine that such a description would cause anyone to at least pause and think of their behavior. While it may be for a brief time, think how her parents feel. More importantly, think how God feels to be abandoned.
How are your actions reflecting your commitment to God? Would others recognize your commitment? Would your Father in Heaven smile with pride? We need to continually remind ourselves who we are representing – not just ourselves but our Father.
Proverbs 2:17
How do your friends define you to others? Especially when you are not around? Solomon uses some very pointed adjectives to define the lady in the verse above. I would imagine that such a description would cause anyone to at least pause and think of their behavior. While it may be for a brief time, think how her parents feel. More importantly, think how God feels to be abandoned.
How are your actions reflecting your commitment to God? Would others recognize your commitment? Would your Father in Heaven smile with pride? We need to continually remind ourselves who we are representing – not just ourselves but our Father.
