B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 24
June 30, 2013
Getting What You Ask For
Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Proverbs 30:33
We have often heard the phrase, “You get what you ask for” and it applies to our actions as well. Just as Agur points out above, the results are driven by our actions. Why should we expect peace in a relationship when we are contentious in a conversation with an individual? I sometimes have to stifle a laugh when someone complains about another, “I don’t know what their problem is”. Often times, it is the complainer that is the problem!
When I have problems with a relationship, I have found the best remedy often lies in evaluating my behavior towards the individual. Am I truly showing them the love of Christ in my actions, words and thoughts? Sadly, the answer is usually no.
While I don’t have the ability to change others, I can change MY behavior. And once I commit my behavior to being Christ-like in the relationship, it no longer matters how they behave. For He loves us unconditionally, regardless of how we behave.
Do you have a troublesome relationship? If so, commit it and your actions to Christ. The results will amaze you!
Proverbs 30:33
We have often heard the phrase, “You get what you ask for” and it applies to our actions as well. Just as Agur points out above, the results are driven by our actions. Why should we expect peace in a relationship when we are contentious in a conversation with an individual? I sometimes have to stifle a laugh when someone complains about another, “I don’t know what their problem is”. Often times, it is the complainer that is the problem!
When I have problems with a relationship, I have found the best remedy often lies in evaluating my behavior towards the individual. Am I truly showing them the love of Christ in my actions, words and thoughts? Sadly, the answer is usually no.
While I don’t have the ability to change others, I can change MY behavior. And once I commit my behavior to being Christ-like in the relationship, it no longer matters how they behave. For He loves us unconditionally, regardless of how we behave.
Do you have a troublesome relationship? If so, commit it and your actions to Christ. The results will amaze you!
June 29, 2013
A Child Of The King
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Proverbs 29:15
As Christians, we are happy to point out that we are a child of the King. It seems to make us feel regal, special and unique. While some of these emotions are true, we often lose sight of the first part of the phrase – we are His children. As a child, we require teaching and correcting. This doesn’t seem too bad until we read Solomon’s advice for children above. Rods and reproofs are not something that makes you feel regal and special!
We often complain when things don’t go our way – our prayers aren’t immediately answered, someone else gets the recognition for our work or God is teaching us a lesson the hard way. Is this childish behavior? Yes.
Yet, if we would but flip our perspective and recognize that our loving Father corrects His children. If he didn’t love us, he would not be involved in our lives. Have you been corrected lately? Be thankful that you are a child of the King! While we may not enjoy the reproof, we can be thankful that we know who our Heavenly Father is! Much like the punishment we received as a child, the pain is short-lived but the benefits last a life time!
Proverbs 29:15
As Christians, we are happy to point out that we are a child of the King. It seems to make us feel regal, special and unique. While some of these emotions are true, we often lose sight of the first part of the phrase – we are His children. As a child, we require teaching and correcting. This doesn’t seem too bad until we read Solomon’s advice for children above. Rods and reproofs are not something that makes you feel regal and special!
We often complain when things don’t go our way – our prayers aren’t immediately answered, someone else gets the recognition for our work or God is teaching us a lesson the hard way. Is this childish behavior? Yes.
Yet, if we would but flip our perspective and recognize that our loving Father corrects His children. If he didn’t love us, he would not be involved in our lives. Have you been corrected lately? Be thankful that you are a child of the King! While we may not enjoy the reproof, we can be thankful that we know who our Heavenly Father is! Much like the punishment we received as a child, the pain is short-lived but the benefits last a life time!
June 28, 2013
When Fat Is Good
When Fat Is Good
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.Proverbs 28:25
We live in a very Health-Conscious World today. It seems everyone is striving to stay physically fit and lose weight. As such, it is not politically correct to call someone “fat” and the word has taken on negative connotations. However, it is still a good word that is applicable in many ways.
A sign I read the other day in front of a restaurant stated: “Never trust a skinny pig”. While I initially laughed at the pun, it does have a deeper spiritual meaning, maybe. God has given us discernment to aid us in telling right from wrong. Often times, some things just don’t seem right. If we would actually listen to that small voice within in us cautioning us not to take something at face value, we would suffer lest angst and heartbreak.
In the last half of the verse above, Solomon wasn’t worried about political correctness but simply stating a fact. If we trust in the Lord and listen to the voice of discernment, we will be blessed immeasurably. While our wallets may not be “fat” with money, there is a multitude of other ways in which Christ blesses His obedient children. And that is one area in which I would be proud to be called “fat”!
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.Proverbs 28:25
We live in a very Health-Conscious World today. It seems everyone is striving to stay physically fit and lose weight. As such, it is not politically correct to call someone “fat” and the word has taken on negative connotations. However, it is still a good word that is applicable in many ways.
A sign I read the other day in front of a restaurant stated: “Never trust a skinny pig”. While I initially laughed at the pun, it does have a deeper spiritual meaning, maybe. God has given us discernment to aid us in telling right from wrong. Often times, some things just don’t seem right. If we would actually listen to that small voice within in us cautioning us not to take something at face value, we would suffer lest angst and heartbreak.
In the last half of the verse above, Solomon wasn’t worried about political correctness but simply stating a fact. If we trust in the Lord and listen to the voice of discernment, we will be blessed immeasurably. While our wallets may not be “fat” with money, there is a multitude of other ways in which Christ blesses His obedient children. And that is one area in which I would be proud to be called “fat”!
June 27, 2013
Tough Love
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Proverbs 27:5
We pride ourselves on supporting our part of a friendship with others. We equally share expenses, calls, support and showing them we care through our actions. But are we truly showing them the love of God? Are we too concerned with hurting their feelings to tell them the truth? It is not difficult for us to profess our love of others but are we honest with them?
Let’s look at Christ-ian example: Jesus praised Peter as being the rock upon which the church would be built in Matthew 16:18. However, within five verses, Jesus rebukes him as Satan (Matthew 16:23). Jesus clearly showed His love for Peter, not only in praising him but rebuking him as well.
Are we following the example of our Savior? Do we love others enough to rebuke them? Or are we too concerned with offending them that we fail to show the full love of Christ.
Proverbs 27:5
We pride ourselves on supporting our part of a friendship with others. We equally share expenses, calls, support and showing them we care through our actions. But are we truly showing them the love of God? Are we too concerned with hurting their feelings to tell them the truth? It is not difficult for us to profess our love of others but are we honest with them?
Let’s look at Christ-ian example: Jesus praised Peter as being the rock upon which the church would be built in Matthew 16:18. However, within five verses, Jesus rebukes him as Satan (Matthew 16:23). Jesus clearly showed His love for Peter, not only in praising him but rebuking him as well.
Are we following the example of our Savior? Do we love others enough to rebuke them? Or are we too concerned with offending them that we fail to show the full love of Christ.
June 10, 2013
Who's Son Are You?
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
Proverbs 10:5
When I read this verse, I normally visualize a farm boy in a field of wheat. The wise son diligently strives to gather the harvest when it is ready vice lazily allowing it to ruin. However, Solomon may be alluding to Jesus discussion of the harvest of souls (John 4:35-38).
How are we performing as sons of Christ? Are we diligently striving to gather the harvest for our Master? Are we teaming with others to serve a common cause? We should consider the effort required by others in order for us to come to know the Lord. If we are truly grateful, we should do the same for others. Let us join in being a wise son of the "Son of the Living God".
Proverbs 10:5
When I read this verse, I normally visualize a farm boy in a field of wheat. The wise son diligently strives to gather the harvest when it is ready vice lazily allowing it to ruin. However, Solomon may be alluding to Jesus discussion of the harvest of souls (John 4:35-38).
How are we performing as sons of Christ? Are we diligently striving to gather the harvest for our Master? Are we teaming with others to serve a common cause? We should consider the effort required by others in order for us to come to know the Lord. If we are truly grateful, we should do the same for others. Let us join in being a wise son of the "Son of the Living God".
June 9, 2013
The Ultimate Insult
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
Proverbs 9:13
Solomon minces no words in humiliating the foolish woman described above. While the verse seems harsh, I researched the adjective "foolish" in the biblical context - "void of understanding or sound judgment, unwise, imprudent, acting without judgment or discretion". Such a person is simple and knows nothing about a particular thing. So I guess Solomon wasn't off the mark as much as I thought.
Do we fall into the same category when it comes to our relationship with God? Do we make foolish decisions that impacts our spiritual well-being? Have we made poor choices that carry huge consequences? Yes, I am afraid we all have.
However, as Christians, we know the recovery plan for such actions - seek His forgiveness! Only when we fail to do so should we be considered foolish.
Proverbs 9:13
Solomon minces no words in humiliating the foolish woman described above. While the verse seems harsh, I researched the adjective "foolish" in the biblical context - "void of understanding or sound judgment, unwise, imprudent, acting without judgment or discretion". Such a person is simple and knows nothing about a particular thing. So I guess Solomon wasn't off the mark as much as I thought.
Do we fall into the same category when it comes to our relationship with God? Do we make foolish decisions that impacts our spiritual well-being? Have we made poor choices that carry huge consequences? Yes, I am afraid we all have.
However, as Christians, we know the recovery plan for such actions - seek His forgiveness! Only when we fail to do so should we be considered foolish.
June 8, 2013
Roomates
I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Proverbs 8:12
We often are sometimes challenged with having to determine who we want to room with during periods of our life - summer camps, college and in the military. We often struggle with the decision and try to figure out which characteristics will make the best room mate. Is it someone we get along with well? The recluse that will leave us alone? It is always a tough decision that lends itself to second-guessing.
There is no doubt about the room mates described by Solomon in the verse above. They are naturals - prudence and wisdom go together like peanut butter and jelly. The results of combining them in your life is better than any PB & J sandwich! Wisdom claims that they develop witty inventions but I favor their impact in allowing us to make sound decisions. They result of their habitation in our lives ensures that we follow God's will.
Have you made room in your life to let these roommates in? More importantly, have you made room for Jesus in your life? If so, he will bring along his friends, wisdom and prudence, to stay with you. If not, please invite Christ into your life - it will be the wisest decision you have ever made!
Proverbs 8:12
We often are sometimes challenged with having to determine who we want to room with during periods of our life - summer camps, college and in the military. We often struggle with the decision and try to figure out which characteristics will make the best room mate. Is it someone we get along with well? The recluse that will leave us alone? It is always a tough decision that lends itself to second-guessing.
There is no doubt about the room mates described by Solomon in the verse above. They are naturals - prudence and wisdom go together like peanut butter and jelly. The results of combining them in your life is better than any PB & J sandwich! Wisdom claims that they develop witty inventions but I favor their impact in allowing us to make sound decisions. They result of their habitation in our lives ensures that we follow God's will.
Have you made room in your life to let these roommates in? More importantly, have you made room for Jesus in your life? If so, he will bring along his friends, wisdom and prudence, to stay with you. If not, please invite Christ into your life - it will be the wisest decision you have ever made!
June 7, 2013
Poor Intentions
I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
Proverbs 7:16
We often try to justify someone's actions by stating that they "had good intentions". Even though things did not work out as they planned, their intentions were honest and sincere. Solomon defines the opposite in the verse above. Nothing but poor intentions abound in the scenario provide by Solomon in chapter seven.
Taken out of context, the verse above sounds as if the individual should be the next candidate for the home decorating reality show. Good taste, latest style and worldly perspective are admirable characteristics of bedroom decorations, then and now. However, the woman's intention was not for the enjoyment of she and her husband. Rather they were for the enticement of unsuspecting lovers she sought out while her husband was gone. What a horrible motive for decorating the bedroom!
Are we any different today? Many have other than honorable objectives as they do great acts of kindness to the less fortunate or donate the most to the building fund at church. While they are admirable from the outside, God knows our heart. Are our efforts for His glory or our shame?
He knows our heart and we will be paid for our deeds - good or bad.
Proverbs 7:16
We often try to justify someone's actions by stating that they "had good intentions". Even though things did not work out as they planned, their intentions were honest and sincere. Solomon defines the opposite in the verse above. Nothing but poor intentions abound in the scenario provide by Solomon in chapter seven.
Taken out of context, the verse above sounds as if the individual should be the next candidate for the home decorating reality show. Good taste, latest style and worldly perspective are admirable characteristics of bedroom decorations, then and now. However, the woman's intention was not for the enjoyment of she and her husband. Rather they were for the enticement of unsuspecting lovers she sought out while her husband was gone. What a horrible motive for decorating the bedroom!
Are we any different today? Many have other than honorable objectives as they do great acts of kindness to the less fortunate or donate the most to the building fund at church. While they are admirable from the outside, God knows our heart. Are our efforts for His glory or our shame?
He knows our heart and we will be paid for our deeds - good or bad.
June 4, 2013
Responsibility of a Promise
Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
Proverbs 4:10
Solomon alludes to the first commandment with a promise (Exodus 20:12) - Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.However, Paul puts the shoe on the other foot in Ephesians 6:1-4 when he states in Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
As a parent, we are happy to admonish children to obey us but the responsibility highlighted by Paul often causes me to stop and think, “Am I bringing up my children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?”. More importantly, am I living an example of how to follow God?
If we base our decisions and actions upon our responsibility to live a Godly example, we will not only be a blessing to our children but to others as well! When our behavior reflects our Heavenly Father, not only our children but others will want to know more about our personal relationship with Christ.
What do your actions reflect today? Heavenly or earthly motivation?
Proverbs 4:10
Solomon alludes to the first commandment with a promise (Exodus 20:12) - Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.However, Paul puts the shoe on the other foot in Ephesians 6:1-4 when he states in Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
As a parent, we are happy to admonish children to obey us but the responsibility highlighted by Paul often causes me to stop and think, “Am I bringing up my children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?”. More importantly, am I living an example of how to follow God?
If we base our decisions and actions upon our responsibility to live a Godly example, we will not only be a blessing to our children but to others as well! When our behavior reflects our Heavenly Father, not only our children but others will want to know more about our personal relationship with Christ.
What do your actions reflect today? Heavenly or earthly motivation?
June 3, 2013
Confidence Assured
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Proverbs 3:23
In the early days of our marriage, my wife and I would watch the Miss America beauty pageant. My heart cringed when you would see one of the graceful ladies stumble on the steps or the runway. With all of the world watching, you know it had to be gut wrenching to stumble. I often wondered if they would ever compete again. I compared it to a race horse sbreaking its leg - they just don't have it in them to compete again.
Solomon's verse above gives us confidence in our efforts when we trust in God. He assures us that he will guide us, protect us and keep us from stumbling. What a promise! When we are challenged with the daily struggles of life, we can be confidently assured that God will keep us safe!
How is your walk today? Are you confidently assured that you will not stumble? Yes, even in high heels!
Proverbs 3:23
In the early days of our marriage, my wife and I would watch the Miss America beauty pageant. My heart cringed when you would see one of the graceful ladies stumble on the steps or the runway. With all of the world watching, you know it had to be gut wrenching to stumble. I often wondered if they would ever compete again. I compared it to a race horse sbreaking its leg - they just don't have it in them to compete again.
Solomon's verse above gives us confidence in our efforts when we trust in God. He assures us that he will guide us, protect us and keep us from stumbling. What a promise! When we are challenged with the daily struggles of life, we can be confidently assured that God will keep us safe!
How is your walk today? Are you confidently assured that you will not stumble? Yes, even in high heels!
