B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 29
April 23, 2013
Distasteful Choices
They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Proverbs 23:35
My heart often breaks when I see people that repeatedly make bad choices. I often wonder why they can not see the error of their ways. Do they not learn from their previous lessons learned? Must they make the same mistake twice? It seems as if the make the same choice hoping for a different outcome. Solomon describes the same situation above regarding the alcoholic.
I have often struggled with how to deal with such an individual. While their choices continue to be wrong and the results continue to be devastating, they sometimes make honest promises to do better. Unfortunately, the promises don't last and they are once again at the wrong end of a poor decision. Should I just write them off? Give up hope and throw in the towel? Quite trying to support and encourage them? It sometimes seems like the best choice with the least amount of frustration!
Fortunately, God never gave up on us. No matter how far we strayed in sin, he still loved us. He did not love our actions, but he loved us enough to send his Son to the cross for our sins. Even when I promise to do better and fail to follow through, God loves me but not my actions.
Perhaps we should follow his example and love the individual and not their actions. God did it for us - shouldn't do it for others?
Proverbs 23:35
My heart often breaks when I see people that repeatedly make bad choices. I often wonder why they can not see the error of their ways. Do they not learn from their previous lessons learned? Must they make the same mistake twice? It seems as if the make the same choice hoping for a different outcome. Solomon describes the same situation above regarding the alcoholic.
I have often struggled with how to deal with such an individual. While their choices continue to be wrong and the results continue to be devastating, they sometimes make honest promises to do better. Unfortunately, the promises don't last and they are once again at the wrong end of a poor decision. Should I just write them off? Give up hope and throw in the towel? Quite trying to support and encourage them? It sometimes seems like the best choice with the least amount of frustration!
Fortunately, God never gave up on us. No matter how far we strayed in sin, he still loved us. He did not love our actions, but he loved us enough to send his Son to the cross for our sins. Even when I promise to do better and fail to follow through, God loves me but not my actions.
Perhaps we should follow his example and love the individual and not their actions. God did it for us - shouldn't do it for others?
April 22, 2013
Diligence at Work
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Proverbs 22:29
I have often explained to my teenage sons that a job is work, not play. So they should not expect to have fun all the time when they are on the clock at a fast food restaurant. And we often approach work in the same way – it is a chore, drudgery, something we have to do in order to eat and pay bills.
Solomon has given me a new perspective to work. While we may not be rewarded with huge bonuses and promotions, we are promised to stand before royalty. In some cases, there are no royalty just tyrants within our corporate structure. So how does this promise come true?
Let’s look at what Paul states in regards to servants (and you thought your job was tough) in Ephesians 6:5-8: Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Paul has two great points here: doing the will of God from the heart and receiving good from the Lord.
As usual, Solomon was ahead of his time – if we work by doing the will of God, we will be rewarded by our Lord. I can’t think of any higher royalty! Kind of puts a spring in your step and a smile on your face as you walk into work today – doesn’t it?
Proverbs 22:29
I have often explained to my teenage sons that a job is work, not play. So they should not expect to have fun all the time when they are on the clock at a fast food restaurant. And we often approach work in the same way – it is a chore, drudgery, something we have to do in order to eat and pay bills.
Solomon has given me a new perspective to work. While we may not be rewarded with huge bonuses and promotions, we are promised to stand before royalty. In some cases, there are no royalty just tyrants within our corporate structure. So how does this promise come true?
Let’s look at what Paul states in regards to servants (and you thought your job was tough) in Ephesians 6:5-8: Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Paul has two great points here: doing the will of God from the heart and receiving good from the Lord.
As usual, Solomon was ahead of his time – if we work by doing the will of God, we will be rewarded by our Lord. I can’t think of any higher royalty! Kind of puts a spring in your step and a smile on your face as you walk into work today – doesn’t it?
April 21, 2013
Sacrificing the Sacrifice
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lordthan sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3
Too often, we are focused on the rituals of religion vice obeying God. Samuel challenged Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. And David discusses the uselessness of our vain sacrifices in Psalms 50:7–17. The Lord is not dependent upon our rituals or sacrifices. Even Jesus directed us in Matthew 5:23-24 to forsake our sacrifice and follow the commandments first.
I have the problem of letting religious rituals get in the way of obedience to God’s direction. If we would but sacrifice the sacrifice and follow His will, we would be much better off!
Proverbs 21:3
Too often, we are focused on the rituals of religion vice obeying God. Samuel challenged Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. And David discusses the uselessness of our vain sacrifices in Psalms 50:7–17. The Lord is not dependent upon our rituals or sacrifices. Even Jesus directed us in Matthew 5:23-24 to forsake our sacrifice and follow the commandments first.
I have the problem of letting religious rituals get in the way of obedience to God’s direction. If we would but sacrifice the sacrifice and follow His will, we would be much better off!
April 20, 2013
Aftermath of Deceit
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Proverbs 20:17
Have you ever been deceived by another? You were certain that you were getting a great benefit from someone, only to find out afterwards the sordid truth. Nothing is more frustrating than having to chew on the gravel of enlightenment! Waves of anger and frustration wash over you only to be replaced by self-chastisement. How could you have been so gullible? Nothing ruins a relationship like deceit. It is difficult to be civil to someone who has wronged you intentionally.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 12:36-37 that we are accountable for our words - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Isn’t it comforting to know that even if we can’t prevent deception, we know that the perpetrator will be held accountable?
Before we become too smug in knowing that the deceiver will get his just reward, we need to look inwardly. Have we deceived others? Maybe our social status or possessions are “slightly exaggerated” to make us look better than we really are. Have we deceived others with little white lies? If so, let us join David in his prayer of Psalm 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. It is only through His strength and redemption that we are able to evade the snare of deceiving others.
Proverbs 20:17
Have you ever been deceived by another? You were certain that you were getting a great benefit from someone, only to find out afterwards the sordid truth. Nothing is more frustrating than having to chew on the gravel of enlightenment! Waves of anger and frustration wash over you only to be replaced by self-chastisement. How could you have been so gullible? Nothing ruins a relationship like deceit. It is difficult to be civil to someone who has wronged you intentionally.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 12:36-37 that we are accountable for our words - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Isn’t it comforting to know that even if we can’t prevent deception, we know that the perpetrator will be held accountable?
Before we become too smug in knowing that the deceiver will get his just reward, we need to look inwardly. Have we deceived others? Maybe our social status or possessions are “slightly exaggerated” to make us look better than we really are. Have we deceived others with little white lies? If so, let us join David in his prayer of Psalm 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. It is only through His strength and redemption that we are able to evade the snare of deceiving others.
April 19, 2013
Honesty Matters
The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
Proverbs 19:22
We often pity the poor. However, Solomon ranks the penniless above one who lies. Do we feel the same pity for the liar? Or do we try to justify his actions as simply "stretching the truth" or telling a "little white lie"? Such descriptions are not quite so grotesque as "liar". Negative images are not conjured for the one "who was trying to protect some one's feelings" but they certainly are gruesome for the filthy liar.
Why do we go to such great lengths to defend the liar but not for the poor? Perhaps, it is because we can relate with the liar better than we can the destitute? We have been there and we know how dirty we feel after the first lie. And we know how easy it is to justify the following lies that cover the original lie. As we lie, we become more proficient and less susceptible to the guilt associated with such sin.
I understand that we may not have ever had to go without dinner or new clothes, but we have all skirted the truth. But as Christians, we also know the relief felt when we confess our sins to our Savior. So instead of justifying their actions, shouldn't we share with them the joy of confessing and leaving the sinful nature behind?
So let's exhort our poor friends in their service to God and invite our liars to join us in forgiveness. For truly, honesty matters!
Proverbs 19:22
We often pity the poor. However, Solomon ranks the penniless above one who lies. Do we feel the same pity for the liar? Or do we try to justify his actions as simply "stretching the truth" or telling a "little white lie"? Such descriptions are not quite so grotesque as "liar". Negative images are not conjured for the one "who was trying to protect some one's feelings" but they certainly are gruesome for the filthy liar.
Why do we go to such great lengths to defend the liar but not for the poor? Perhaps, it is because we can relate with the liar better than we can the destitute? We have been there and we know how dirty we feel after the first lie. And we know how easy it is to justify the following lies that cover the original lie. As we lie, we become more proficient and less susceptible to the guilt associated with such sin.
I understand that we may not have ever had to go without dinner or new clothes, but we have all skirted the truth. But as Christians, we also know the relief felt when we confess our sins to our Savior. So instead of justifying their actions, shouldn't we share with them the joy of confessing and leaving the sinful nature behind?
So let's exhort our poor friends in their service to God and invite our liars to join us in forgiveness. For truly, honesty matters!
April 18, 2013
Humble Service
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 18:12
Too often, we get ahead of ourselves. We recognize that we have done something well and deserve recognition for our efforts. So our chest swells with pride and we quickly become haughty towards others for we know what they don't - that we are concealing un-recognized honor that will soon be bursting forth. Unfortunately, what usually burst forth is embarrassment vice honor. We too often place emphasis on the wrong merits and God is not pleased. As such, we are destroyed with humiliation vice raised in honor. And most importantly, God knows our heart and the attitude in which we performed the wonderful act!
Often, it is the quiet one, without a bone of pride in his body, that is recognized for his contribution. Not because he wanted recognition but because he deserved it. Recognition was not the motivator of his actions. Rather, serving God in the most humble of tasks was his true motivation.
So the next time, you feel that you have been ignored and not recognized for your noble deeds - stop and examine yourself. What was your motivation: recognition or service to God? God already knows the answer. Perhaps, we would be humbled if we knew the answer too.
Proverbs 18:12
Too often, we get ahead of ourselves. We recognize that we have done something well and deserve recognition for our efforts. So our chest swells with pride and we quickly become haughty towards others for we know what they don't - that we are concealing un-recognized honor that will soon be bursting forth. Unfortunately, what usually burst forth is embarrassment vice honor. We too often place emphasis on the wrong merits and God is not pleased. As such, we are destroyed with humiliation vice raised in honor. And most importantly, God knows our heart and the attitude in which we performed the wonderful act!
Often, it is the quiet one, without a bone of pride in his body, that is recognized for his contribution. Not because he wanted recognition but because he deserved it. Recognition was not the motivator of his actions. Rather, serving God in the most humble of tasks was his true motivation.
So the next time, you feel that you have been ignored and not recognized for your noble deeds - stop and examine yourself. What was your motivation: recognition or service to God? God already knows the answer. Perhaps, we would be humbled if we knew the answer too.
April 17, 2013
Only By God's Grace
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Proverbs 17:5
As a teenager, I learned a valuable lesson from my Vocational Agriculture Teacher, Mr. Dick. Several boys were making fun of another student that was mentally challenged. Mr. Dick pulled all of the students into his classroom and lectured us strongly about treating others fairly. His closing statement has stuck with me ever since - "But for the grace of God, there goes you".
And Solomon's verse drives the point home even harder. When we mock others, we are mocking our Creator. Who are we to laugh at God's creation? We don't understand His motive or purpose. And He made us as well. Which shows that we could have the same "quirks" as the ones we are mocking.
Solomon goes even further to caution us against enjoying other's calamities unless we, too , want to be punished. To often, I have heard "It serves them right" or "They had it coming". Don't we also? We are all sinners, saved by grace. We are no better than anyone in appearance or behavior. We may have been blessed to receive God's grace, but we were not worthy!
The next time you are tempted to mock or judge others, remember that God could have place you in their situation! Instead of mocking or judging, try thanking God that he spared you from the same experience.
Proverbs 17:5
As a teenager, I learned a valuable lesson from my Vocational Agriculture Teacher, Mr. Dick. Several boys were making fun of another student that was mentally challenged. Mr. Dick pulled all of the students into his classroom and lectured us strongly about treating others fairly. His closing statement has stuck with me ever since - "But for the grace of God, there goes you".
And Solomon's verse drives the point home even harder. When we mock others, we are mocking our Creator. Who are we to laugh at God's creation? We don't understand His motive or purpose. And He made us as well. Which shows that we could have the same "quirks" as the ones we are mocking.
Solomon goes even further to caution us against enjoying other's calamities unless we, too , want to be punished. To often, I have heard "It serves them right" or "They had it coming". Don't we also? We are all sinners, saved by grace. We are no better than anyone in appearance or behavior. We may have been blessed to receive God's grace, but we were not worthy!
The next time you are tempted to mock or judge others, remember that God could have place you in their situation! Instead of mocking or judging, try thanking God that he spared you from the same experience.
April 16, 2013
Beleive
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lordmen depart from evil.
Proverbs 16:6
David tells us that we are born in iniquity and Paul tells us that we are separated from God by our iniquity. Yet, Solomon gives a seemingly simple solution to purging our iniquity. But is it? And how do we achieve mercy and truth?
God’s mercy was given when our Savior was nailed to the cross for our sins. And John 3:16 still rings true: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. And John sums it up best in John 1:17: For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. And Jesus clearly makes the process even clearer in John 5:24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Isn’t it ironic that Solomon gave us the Plan of Salvation over 1,000 years before the Savior arrived? Let us all be thankful that we can be free from iniquity by simply believing. Solomon wrote of such a great thing but was not able to partake in its simple but significant event in the course of history. Have you believed? If so, share the gift with others.
Proverbs 16:6
David tells us that we are born in iniquity and Paul tells us that we are separated from God by our iniquity. Yet, Solomon gives a seemingly simple solution to purging our iniquity. But is it? And how do we achieve mercy and truth?
God’s mercy was given when our Savior was nailed to the cross for our sins. And John 3:16 still rings true: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. And John sums it up best in John 1:17: For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. And Jesus clearly makes the process even clearer in John 5:24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Isn’t it ironic that Solomon gave us the Plan of Salvation over 1,000 years before the Savior arrived? Let us all be thankful that we can be free from iniquity by simply believing. Solomon wrote of such a great thing but was not able to partake in its simple but significant event in the course of history. Have you believed? If so, share the gift with others.
April 15, 2013
A Father's Instruction
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Proverbs 15:5
How often we have ignored wise advise from our parents and mentors. If we would only have listened, there would be much less heartache! However, our pride gets in the way of us listening to sage advice. And the results are always the same - tragedy and regret.
David clearly states a graver danger in Psalms 50:17-23 when we ignore the instruction of God: Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
While our regret may be short-lived for failing to follow earthly instruction, the implications of failing to follow God's instruction have eternal consequences. Be prudent and follow his guidance of the last verse above. Our Father knows best.
Proverbs 15:5
How often we have ignored wise advise from our parents and mentors. If we would only have listened, there would be much less heartache! However, our pride gets in the way of us listening to sage advice. And the results are always the same - tragedy and regret.
David clearly states a graver danger in Psalms 50:17-23 when we ignore the instruction of God: Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
While our regret may be short-lived for failing to follow earthly instruction, the implications of failing to follow God's instruction have eternal consequences. Be prudent and follow his guidance of the last verse above. Our Father knows best.
April 14, 2013
Birds of a Feather
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
Proverbs 14:17
There are some people I just don't enjoy being around. While I am normally a patient man, there are some behaviors that I just don't tolerate. Coincidentally, Solomon put both of them in the same verse. Perhaps, birds of the feather, stick together! Clearly, the two behaviors listed above, short-fused anger and wicked behavior, are not something you would list on your resume. No one enjoys being around someone that unexpectedly explodes over the simplest of issues or someone that is always scheming against others. They are not pleasant and not someone we normally want to confide in.
If we abhor such behavior, how much more so does God. For not only does he see the outward manifestation, but He sees the heart as well. Luckily, people's hearts aren't transparent or we might be shocked by what we see!
We are sometimes judged by others by whom we associate. The old saying of "birds of the feather" has merit. How are those who hang out with us judged based upon our behavior? Do we bring them up or bring them down? Not only should we be uplifting their image, but more importantly we should be uplifting them spiritually. Have you carefully considered what type of friend you are?
Let God strengthen your behavior. Not only for your benefit but for the rest of the flock you associate with!
Proverbs 14:17
There are some people I just don't enjoy being around. While I am normally a patient man, there are some behaviors that I just don't tolerate. Coincidentally, Solomon put both of them in the same verse. Perhaps, birds of the feather, stick together! Clearly, the two behaviors listed above, short-fused anger and wicked behavior, are not something you would list on your resume. No one enjoys being around someone that unexpectedly explodes over the simplest of issues or someone that is always scheming against others. They are not pleasant and not someone we normally want to confide in.
If we abhor such behavior, how much more so does God. For not only does he see the outward manifestation, but He sees the heart as well. Luckily, people's hearts aren't transparent or we might be shocked by what we see!
We are sometimes judged by others by whom we associate. The old saying of "birds of the feather" has merit. How are those who hang out with us judged based upon our behavior? Do we bring them up or bring them down? Not only should we be uplifting their image, but more importantly we should be uplifting them spiritually. Have you carefully considered what type of friend you are?
Let God strengthen your behavior. Not only for your benefit but for the rest of the flock you associate with!
