B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 3
February 8, 2014
A Simple Choice
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Proverbs 8:36
Sometimes the hardest situations are solved by the bluntest of statements. Such is the description by Solomon above. If you sin, you love death. How often have we heard people complain of all the wrongs life has dealt them? And yet, they continue to believe they are capable of guiding their own life. So they move from one disappointing disaster to another and wonder why they can't succeed.
The simple question remains: Have you truly surrendered your life to God's will? While many of us claim to be followers of Christ, we still want to choose our careers, homes and friends. So what have we truly surrendered to Christ? A couple of hours on Sunday morning or our life?
Joshua make the simple but profound statement in Joshua 24:15 - but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Can we say the same? Are we serving our Savior or are we killing ourselves?
Proverbs 8:36
Sometimes the hardest situations are solved by the bluntest of statements. Such is the description by Solomon above. If you sin, you love death. How often have we heard people complain of all the wrongs life has dealt them? And yet, they continue to believe they are capable of guiding their own life. So they move from one disappointing disaster to another and wonder why they can't succeed.
The simple question remains: Have you truly surrendered your life to God's will? While many of us claim to be followers of Christ, we still want to choose our careers, homes and friends. So what have we truly surrendered to Christ? A couple of hours on Sunday morning or our life?
Joshua make the simple but profound statement in Joshua 24:15 - but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Can we say the same? Are we serving our Savior or are we killing ourselves?
February 7, 2014
Snoopy's Book
In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:
Proverbs 7:9
In the cartoon, Peanuts, Snoopy always began his stories on the old manual typewriter in a similar manner to the verse above. The story always started out grim with little chance for success. Isn't our life the same? Often times, we view our challenges and trials with little hope being seen.
And yet, for those of us fortunate to receive God's grace, we can see the silver lining. For we know who is in control not only of our life's challenges but the whole world and every individual in the world. Never once, have I read in the Bible where he was overwhelmed or too busy to care for us. In fact, Jesus promises us that he not only has time for our trials, but also cares for the fowls of the air (Matthew 6:25-26).
I encourage you to pause today and thank God for being in control. Can you even imagine the chaos if we were in charge?
Proverbs 7:9
In the cartoon, Peanuts, Snoopy always began his stories on the old manual typewriter in a similar manner to the verse above. The story always started out grim with little chance for success. Isn't our life the same? Often times, we view our challenges and trials with little hope being seen.
And yet, for those of us fortunate to receive God's grace, we can see the silver lining. For we know who is in control not only of our life's challenges but the whole world and every individual in the world. Never once, have I read in the Bible where he was overwhelmed or too busy to care for us. In fact, Jesus promises us that he not only has time for our trials, but also cares for the fowls of the air (Matthew 6:25-26).
I encourage you to pause today and thank God for being in control. Can you even imagine the chaos if we were in charge?
February 6, 2014
Broken Beyond Repair
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
Proverbs 6:15
Solomon warns against the perils of wickedness. He emphasizes twice that the results come suddenly. It is not a gradual recognition that we have failed but an instantaneous recognition that we are beyond repair. Only when we recognize the our inability to "fix" ourselves are we willing to let God take control. It is at this stage of submission are we able to let God have his way in our life without us trying to fix things ourselves.
After God has intervened and the crisis is resolved, do we recognize His ability and our inability to control our situation. Wouldn't it be easier if we recognized our inabilities before we go into a state of disrepair? If we awake each day and submit to His will, we wouldn't have to suffer the humbling experience of being broken beyond repair.
Proverbs 6:15
Solomon warns against the perils of wickedness. He emphasizes twice that the results come suddenly. It is not a gradual recognition that we have failed but an instantaneous recognition that we are beyond repair. Only when we recognize the our inability to "fix" ourselves are we willing to let God take control. It is at this stage of submission are we able to let God have his way in our life without us trying to fix things ourselves.
After God has intervened and the crisis is resolved, do we recognize His ability and our inability to control our situation. Wouldn't it be easier if we recognized our inabilities before we go into a state of disrepair? If we awake each day and submit to His will, we wouldn't have to suffer the humbling experience of being broken beyond repair.
February 5, 2014
Lost Riches
Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;
Proverbs 5:10
It is not uncommon to desire wealth. We all strive to have just a little more money. We often feel that if we had more money, we could obtain more items that we value. It sometimes seems that no matter how hard we try, we can not get ahead financially.
Solomon proposes a different method of increasing our wealth. By following God's guidance and staying away from the distractions of the world, we will retain our wealth vice it being given to others. A much more grim picture is provided in Leviticus 26:14-38. Simply put, if we fail to follow God, we can be assured that we will not be blessed.
Likewise, in the following versus of Leviticus, God promises unimaginable wealth is we repent and follow Him. So the choice is ours - we can labor hard only to lose our riches or we can follow him and be blessed beyond our wildest imagination. It follows the old saying "work smarter not harder". We need to recognize the source of our blessings: God's grace and not our efforts.
Proverbs 5:10
It is not uncommon to desire wealth. We all strive to have just a little more money. We often feel that if we had more money, we could obtain more items that we value. It sometimes seems that no matter how hard we try, we can not get ahead financially.
Solomon proposes a different method of increasing our wealth. By following God's guidance and staying away from the distractions of the world, we will retain our wealth vice it being given to others. A much more grim picture is provided in Leviticus 26:14-38. Simply put, if we fail to follow God, we can be assured that we will not be blessed.
Likewise, in the following versus of Leviticus, God promises unimaginable wealth is we repent and follow Him. So the choice is ours - we can labor hard only to lose our riches or we can follow him and be blessed beyond our wildest imagination. It follows the old saying "work smarter not harder". We need to recognize the source of our blessings: God's grace and not our efforts.
February 4, 2014
Fatal Distractions
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Proverbs 4:25
The designers of grocery stores are geniuses. The only place where you have to wait is normally in the checkout line. And there are plenty of distractions to keep your eyes busy. If you are young, there are candy and gum selections galore for spontaneous buying. If you are gullible, there are space aliens, tawdry celebrity stories or amazing flat abs in two days to tweak your interest while waiting. It is so easy to distract us that we fail to recognize our objective of paying for our groceries and moving on to our next errand. Simply, we are easily distracted from our task at hand.
So it is with our life. We truly have one task to focus on but we are easily distracted with relationships, careers and entertainment options. This is why Solomon recommends that we stay focused on the key aspect of life - following God's will. It is when we become distracted that we fail to follow Him. Perhaps we should put blinders on ourselves so that we are not fatally distracted!
Proverbs 4:25
The designers of grocery stores are geniuses. The only place where you have to wait is normally in the checkout line. And there are plenty of distractions to keep your eyes busy. If you are young, there are candy and gum selections galore for spontaneous buying. If you are gullible, there are space aliens, tawdry celebrity stories or amazing flat abs in two days to tweak your interest while waiting. It is so easy to distract us that we fail to recognize our objective of paying for our groceries and moving on to our next errand. Simply, we are easily distracted from our task at hand.
So it is with our life. We truly have one task to focus on but we are easily distracted with relationships, careers and entertainment options. This is why Solomon recommends that we stay focused on the key aspect of life - following God's will. It is when we become distracted that we fail to follow Him. Perhaps we should put blinders on ourselves so that we are not fatally distracted!
February 3, 2014
Refrigerator Magnets
The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
Proverbs 3:33
I wish I had a penny for every refrigerator magnet and plaque that I have seen in homes that states "Lord, Bless This House". I could take off a few weeks and go fishing without missing any bills! While the sign is prevalent, I often wonder if the home owner knows the requirement to receive such a blessing?
Solomon clearly states above that the house of the just is blessed. And throughout Proverbs he ascribes attributes to the "just" over fifteen times. Perhaps he viewed it important to define a "just" individual? Is it obvious when we see a just individual? Is should be. Even Pilot recognized a "just" man when Jesus was presented to him (Matthew 27:24). Do others recognize us as just men? Does God's love and wisdom flow through us to those around us?
Is causes me to wonder is we are asking amiss when we hang the magnets in our homes. Are we truly seeking a blessing from God or are we simply using the magnet to help manage the clutter? If we remove the clutter from our hearts, God will bless us and our home. Regardless if we have a refrigerator magnet or not.
Proverbs 3:33
I wish I had a penny for every refrigerator magnet and plaque that I have seen in homes that states "Lord, Bless This House". I could take off a few weeks and go fishing without missing any bills! While the sign is prevalent, I often wonder if the home owner knows the requirement to receive such a blessing?
Solomon clearly states above that the house of the just is blessed. And throughout Proverbs he ascribes attributes to the "just" over fifteen times. Perhaps he viewed it important to define a "just" individual? Is it obvious when we see a just individual? Is should be. Even Pilot recognized a "just" man when Jesus was presented to him (Matthew 27:24). Do others recognize us as just men? Does God's love and wisdom flow through us to those around us?
Is causes me to wonder is we are asking amiss when we hang the magnets in our homes. Are we truly seeking a blessing from God or are we simply using the magnet to help manage the clutter? If we remove the clutter from our hearts, God will bless us and our home. Regardless if we have a refrigerator magnet or not.
February 2, 2014
Highway Maintenance
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Proverbs 2:8
The winter snows highlight the dependence we have on local government to keep our highways cleared. Travel becomes treacherous as we attempt to navigate the streets and highways when they are covered by ice and snow. Without the coordinated efforts to de-ice and remove the snow, many routes become impassable.
The same applies to our daily life. Without God clearing our path, it quickly becomes impassable. We are no match against the challenges that face us daily. Eventually, they pile up to the point where we feel we can no longer go forward. Only with God's divine intervention are we able to overcome the obstacles of life. If we cling to Him, he will clear our path and remove all obstacles.
Do you dread getting up in the morning and facing another day of daunting challenges? Does it seem that there is no way around the block wall firmly planted in your way? Quite banging your head against the wall and surrender to God. He will clear our path for us.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 1 Samuel 2:9
Proverbs 2:8
The winter snows highlight the dependence we have on local government to keep our highways cleared. Travel becomes treacherous as we attempt to navigate the streets and highways when they are covered by ice and snow. Without the coordinated efforts to de-ice and remove the snow, many routes become impassable.
The same applies to our daily life. Without God clearing our path, it quickly becomes impassable. We are no match against the challenges that face us daily. Eventually, they pile up to the point where we feel we can no longer go forward. Only with God's divine intervention are we able to overcome the obstacles of life. If we cling to Him, he will clear our path and remove all obstacles.
Do you dread getting up in the morning and facing another day of daunting challenges? Does it seem that there is no way around the block wall firmly planted in your way? Quite banging your head against the wall and surrender to God. He will clear our path for us.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 1 Samuel 2:9
February 1, 2014
Gospel Bling
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.Proverbs 1:9
Bling is a relatively new word (1999) for the Webster's Dictionary describing flashy jewelry and ostentatious presentations. However, Solomon aptly describes it in the verse above several thousand years ago. The flashy decorations he is describing has nothing to do with wealth or social status. He is referring to wisdom and knowledge. By not forsaking the laws provided to us in God's word, we will be visibly decorated by God's reward for our obedience.
What does our "bling" say about us? Do we show Christian love to others in a honest in caring way? Or do we show a self-centered concern only for the benefit of ourselves? Our actions reflect our heart. While we may hide our thoughts some of the time, we can not hide them all the time. Do we need to change our jewelry? Seek the One who bestows the best "bling" in town - for his decorations will last more than a lifetime!
January 31, 2014
What Are You Wearing?
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:25
Fashion is a major factor in our daily decision of what to wear. While we may not be obsessed with fashion, few of us desire to be viewed as "Out of Fashion". We all have a tendency to want to "fit in" with our peers when it comes to fashion.
King Lemuel describes fashion in quite a different way in the verse above. His description is not of something that you change daily but rather how your peers view you. It has nothing to do with the price, material or colors but it has everything to do with the designer. For only God can design the appropriate "clothing" for us to be seen as one of His own. While John the Baptist was clothed in camel hair and skins (Mark 1:6), he was praised highly by Jesus (Mathew 11:11) for what he wore.
What are we wearing today? Are we showing our peers the design by the Spirit? Galatians 5:22-24 gives us the shopping list we should use when deciding what to wear. Are your garments tattered? Worn? Not matching your proclamations? If so, seek the Master who will give you the freshest, cleanest garments to show off to your peers!
Proverbs 31:25
Fashion is a major factor in our daily decision of what to wear. While we may not be obsessed with fashion, few of us desire to be viewed as "Out of Fashion". We all have a tendency to want to "fit in" with our peers when it comes to fashion.
King Lemuel describes fashion in quite a different way in the verse above. His description is not of something that you change daily but rather how your peers view you. It has nothing to do with the price, material or colors but it has everything to do with the designer. For only God can design the appropriate "clothing" for us to be seen as one of His own. While John the Baptist was clothed in camel hair and skins (Mark 1:6), he was praised highly by Jesus (Mathew 11:11) for what he wore.
What are we wearing today? Are we showing our peers the design by the Spirit? Galatians 5:22-24 gives us the shopping list we should use when deciding what to wear. Are your garments tattered? Worn? Not matching your proclamations? If so, seek the Master who will give you the freshest, cleanest garments to show off to your peers!
January 30, 2014
Slap Yourself
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
Proverbs 30:32
We often view slapping someone as a humiliating form of correction. And I believe Agur viewed it in the same manner. He warns us to correct ourselves when we have done foolishly or thought evil. What a concept: self-correcting discipline! Maybe if we corrected ourselves, God would not have to punish us for our wrong doing!
The first step of correction is recognizing the error of our ways. Which is followed by correction. While Agur's suggestion of slapping ourselves may work, I can't imagine seeing people walking around slapping themselves each time they do wrong. Many of us would never get anything done but slapping ourselves and walking around with puffy cheeks!
However, there is a more subtle and effective method to correct our errors - prevention and elimination. Prevention is achieved by studying and following God's plan for our behavior in the Bible. Elimination is achieved by seeking His forgiveness. The choice is yours - repeatedly slap yourself or seek Him.
Proverbs 30:32
We often view slapping someone as a humiliating form of correction. And I believe Agur viewed it in the same manner. He warns us to correct ourselves when we have done foolishly or thought evil. What a concept: self-correcting discipline! Maybe if we corrected ourselves, God would not have to punish us for our wrong doing!
The first step of correction is recognizing the error of our ways. Which is followed by correction. While Agur's suggestion of slapping ourselves may work, I can't imagine seeing people walking around slapping themselves each time they do wrong. Many of us would never get anything done but slapping ourselves and walking around with puffy cheeks!
However, there is a more subtle and effective method to correct our errors - prevention and elimination. Prevention is achieved by studying and following God's plan for our behavior in the Bible. Elimination is achieved by seeking His forgiveness. The choice is yours - repeatedly slap yourself or seek Him.
