B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 33
September 10, 2012
Hunger Interrupted
The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: But he casteth away the substance of the wicked. Proverbs 10:3
Have you been hungry lately? I am talking about a hunger that is so strong that you can think of nothing else. Your body aches and your faculties are sluggish; The only relief is to get some food into your body. And when you eat, what a feeling! Initially, you gobble down the food but then you slow and savor each morsel. You have a renewed appreciation for the tastes that you are experiencing.None of these emotions and feelings compare to those who are starving to death. A dismal situation at best which often results in the body rejecting the food provided to it.
The same situation applies to our soul. As Christians, we often experience times of famine from Christ's blessings. In those times of hunger, we long for his blessings and gobble them up when they reappear. And the peace that comes from savoring the knowledge that God truly loves you! He will not allow us to perish but will allow us to hunger for his blessings. And what a sweet blessing when they appear! Sadly, the opposite occurs with the unbeliever - he rejects or ignores the blessing provided.
Are you going through a desolate phase in your relationship with Christ? Cry out to Him and plead with Him to restore your relationship. The restoration is such a cleansing experience that will strengthen your relationship and allow you to savor every morsel of his love!
Have you been hungry lately? I am talking about a hunger that is so strong that you can think of nothing else. Your body aches and your faculties are sluggish; The only relief is to get some food into your body. And when you eat, what a feeling! Initially, you gobble down the food but then you slow and savor each morsel. You have a renewed appreciation for the tastes that you are experiencing.None of these emotions and feelings compare to those who are starving to death. A dismal situation at best which often results in the body rejecting the food provided to it.
The same situation applies to our soul. As Christians, we often experience times of famine from Christ's blessings. In those times of hunger, we long for his blessings and gobble them up when they reappear. And the peace that comes from savoring the knowledge that God truly loves you! He will not allow us to perish but will allow us to hunger for his blessings. And what a sweet blessing when they appear! Sadly, the opposite occurs with the unbeliever - he rejects or ignores the blessing provided.
Are you going through a desolate phase in your relationship with Christ? Cry out to Him and plead with Him to restore your relationship. The restoration is such a cleansing experience that will strengthen your relationship and allow you to savor every morsel of his love!
Double Judgement
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner. Proverbs 11:31
We have all seen situations happen to people and hear some one state that is was pay back for something the individual had done. Well, here is the verse to back it up! Solomon clealy states that we will be recompensed for our actions on earth. Other translations (NIV, NKJ) are a little clearer on the fact that it does occur on earth.
And he warns that it is more so for the wicked and the sinner. And Paul warns in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment". We know then that as sinners we are punished on earth and then judged to eternal punishment on Judgement Day. It drives home the impact of pain and suffering to be endured by loved ones that have not accepted Christ. With such an ominous future, we should strive with a renewed vigor to lead our loved ones to Christ!
As Christians, we may suffer on earth through trials and tribulations but we are assured that God will compensate us in other ways on earth and in heaven. What a motivating and comforting thought! Doesn't it inspire you to abandon your will to follow Him today?
We have all seen situations happen to people and hear some one state that is was pay back for something the individual had done. Well, here is the verse to back it up! Solomon clealy states that we will be recompensed for our actions on earth. Other translations (NIV, NKJ) are a little clearer on the fact that it does occur on earth.
And he warns that it is more so for the wicked and the sinner. And Paul warns in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment". We know then that as sinners we are punished on earth and then judged to eternal punishment on Judgement Day. It drives home the impact of pain and suffering to be endured by loved ones that have not accepted Christ. With such an ominous future, we should strive with a renewed vigor to lead our loved ones to Christ!
As Christians, we may suffer on earth through trials and tribulations but we are assured that God will compensate us in other ways on earth and in heaven. What a motivating and comforting thought! Doesn't it inspire you to abandon your will to follow Him today?
September 9, 2012
Higher Math
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. Proverbs 9:10-11
As a child, I laughed at my father's complaints about the "new math" being taught in school. He didn't see a need to change the fundamentals since they worked just fine for him. In reality, it was nothing new, just a different way of presenting the fundamentals of math. However, the verses above have caused me to wonder about a "different" math since it is not new but definitely different than anything I had ever been taught. Taken out of context, the verses above imply that we should see Christians outliving sinners by years. Sadly, that is not the case but we see Christian lives snuffed out at an unseemly early age. Was the math wrong or was I missing something? Yep, you guessed it - I was missing something. God's math and my math were not the same.
Jesus enlightens us in John 10:9-11. A key phrase is "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." By having Christ in our life, we have abundant or an increased life not necessarily a longer life but a better life. I will try to explain - while Christians are still faced with the challenges of life, there is a difference in their outlook and disposition. While they may be going through some tough times, they know on whom they trust. Paul sums it up best in Romans 8:35-39:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul defines the higher math achieved by believing in Christ. As a believer, I am always invigorated to face the challenges of life knowing that the love of Jesus Christ is with me through it all. He has multiplied the peace and contentment within me that goes beyond any mathematical equation!
As a child, I laughed at my father's complaints about the "new math" being taught in school. He didn't see a need to change the fundamentals since they worked just fine for him. In reality, it was nothing new, just a different way of presenting the fundamentals of math. However, the verses above have caused me to wonder about a "different" math since it is not new but definitely different than anything I had ever been taught. Taken out of context, the verses above imply that we should see Christians outliving sinners by years. Sadly, that is not the case but we see Christian lives snuffed out at an unseemly early age. Was the math wrong or was I missing something? Yep, you guessed it - I was missing something. God's math and my math were not the same.
Jesus enlightens us in John 10:9-11. A key phrase is "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." By having Christ in our life, we have abundant or an increased life not necessarily a longer life but a better life. I will try to explain - while Christians are still faced with the challenges of life, there is a difference in their outlook and disposition. While they may be going through some tough times, they know on whom they trust. Paul sums it up best in Romans 8:35-39:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul defines the higher math achieved by believing in Christ. As a believer, I am always invigorated to face the challenges of life knowing that the love of Jesus Christ is with me through it all. He has multiplied the peace and contentment within me that goes beyond any mathematical equation!
September 8, 2012
Teacher's Pet
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. Proverbs 8:35
In school we envied the teacher's pet. They always got special privileges and were given the benefit of doubt when they were on the border line in making the next higher grade. It was obvious the special relationship that the student enjoyed based upon their favor with the teacher.
We have the same opportunity with the Lord. Talking about the opportunity for special privileges! Solomon promises these favors to those who seek wisdom. Solomon spends many chapters in Proverbs discussing the merits of seeking wisdom and the benefits bestowed upon those who do. But this one takes the cake - favor of the Lord! What a strong relationship we will enjoy through Christ when we commit our lives to seeking Him. The closeness achieved through active seeking far exceeds anything on earth.
Quit worrying about your past and your failures. Rather focus on seeking God and he will reward you with a special relationship that will make others envious. Just like the little girl in fifth grade who always got head-of-the-line privileges. God will place us first in his blessing as well!
In school we envied the teacher's pet. They always got special privileges and were given the benefit of doubt when they were on the border line in making the next higher grade. It was obvious the special relationship that the student enjoyed based upon their favor with the teacher.
We have the same opportunity with the Lord. Talking about the opportunity for special privileges! Solomon promises these favors to those who seek wisdom. Solomon spends many chapters in Proverbs discussing the merits of seeking wisdom and the benefits bestowed upon those who do. But this one takes the cake - favor of the Lord! What a strong relationship we will enjoy through Christ when we commit our lives to seeking Him. The closeness achieved through active seeking far exceeds anything on earth.
Quit worrying about your past and your failures. Rather focus on seeking God and he will reward you with a special relationship that will make others envious. Just like the little girl in fifth grade who always got head-of-the-line privileges. God will place us first in his blessing as well!
September 7, 2012
Steer Clear
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, Proverbs 7:7-8
Solomon spends the majority of chapter 7 describing in detail the downfall of a man who surrenders to the temptation of a woman (Proverbs 7:6-27). He goes in great detail of the evil that besets the young man based upon his gullible acceptance of her temptations.
When I read of the description, I go back to the opening verses above. How did the young man fall into such temptation? It all starts with him passing by her house. And we do the same today. We are well aware of the evils that we should avoid. But we reason that we are capable of resisting them and it won't harm us just to "pass by" or be in the vicinity of such activities. However, the longer we are around them, the less evil they seem. And soon enough, we are justifying our actions by saying that "everyone does it" or "it's not a big deal". Before we know it, we are knee deep in the filth of the world.
The best defense against falling victim to such temptation is to stay away. Paul warns us in 1 Thes 5:22 to "Abstain from the appearance of all evil". He didn't say to not partake in evil but even the appearance of evil. So I encourage you to steer clear of evil lest the temptation over comes our good intentions.
Solomon spends the majority of chapter 7 describing in detail the downfall of a man who surrenders to the temptation of a woman (Proverbs 7:6-27). He goes in great detail of the evil that besets the young man based upon his gullible acceptance of her temptations.
When I read of the description, I go back to the opening verses above. How did the young man fall into such temptation? It all starts with him passing by her house. And we do the same today. We are well aware of the evils that we should avoid. But we reason that we are capable of resisting them and it won't harm us just to "pass by" or be in the vicinity of such activities. However, the longer we are around them, the less evil they seem. And soon enough, we are justifying our actions by saying that "everyone does it" or "it's not a big deal". Before we know it, we are knee deep in the filth of the world.
The best defense against falling victim to such temptation is to stay away. Paul warns us in 1 Thes 5:22 to "Abstain from the appearance of all evil". He didn't say to not partake in evil but even the appearance of evil. So I encourage you to steer clear of evil lest the temptation over comes our good intentions.
September 6, 2012
Never Alone
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thous sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. Proverbs 6:22
Have you ever felt alone? While I am surrounded by people all day long, I have had occasions where I have felt totally alone: no one that supports or cares for me. While we all have loved ones that care for us, they can not physically be with us all the time. It is during those times that feeling homesick, forsaken, lonely, not understood and a ton of other emotions gather in your mind. It can become frightening when you are trying to make a stand for a just cause and you see no support around you. It is enough to break down the strongest individual - unless you stop and remember.
Solomon describes above the support that we get. It is not situational, periodic or conditional. It is all the time, even when we sleep! When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are never alone. This is what I was referring to above in that we need to stop and remember. No matter how lonely or dark the situation may be, we always have the Holy Spirit with us. Paul says it much better than I in Hebrews 13:5-6, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
What a comfort! To know that he will never leave or forsake us. While we may be miles away from supportive loved ones, He is always there. We are never alone again in this world.
Have you ever felt alone? While I am surrounded by people all day long, I have had occasions where I have felt totally alone: no one that supports or cares for me. While we all have loved ones that care for us, they can not physically be with us all the time. It is during those times that feeling homesick, forsaken, lonely, not understood and a ton of other emotions gather in your mind. It can become frightening when you are trying to make a stand for a just cause and you see no support around you. It is enough to break down the strongest individual - unless you stop and remember.
Solomon describes above the support that we get. It is not situational, periodic or conditional. It is all the time, even when we sleep! When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are never alone. This is what I was referring to above in that we need to stop and remember. No matter how lonely or dark the situation may be, we always have the Holy Spirit with us. Paul says it much better than I in Hebrews 13:5-6, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
What a comfort! To know that he will never leave or forsake us. While we may be miles away from supportive loved ones, He is always there. We are never alone again in this world.
July 31, 2012
Fleeting Fame
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Lemuel was describing characteristics of a virtuous woman but we men should take note as well! In the first part of the verse, he indicates how earthly characteristics are shallow. Ever thought someone held you in high esteem only to find out the stinging truth? How often do you hear the adjective “beautiful” to describe an elderly lady? They rarely last the length of our lifetime. In contrast, how many women of God have been praised for their works long after they have passed on?
Where should our focus be? On fleeting earthly attributes or lasting heavenly accolades? In order to achieve this change in our life, we must shift our focus from the daily grind to the eternal choice. David sums it up well in Psalms 19:14:
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Lemuel was describing characteristics of a virtuous woman but we men should take note as well! In the first part of the verse, he indicates how earthly characteristics are shallow. Ever thought someone held you in high esteem only to find out the stinging truth? How often do you hear the adjective “beautiful” to describe an elderly lady? They rarely last the length of our lifetime. In contrast, how many women of God have been praised for their works long after they have passed on?
Where should our focus be? On fleeting earthly attributes or lasting heavenly accolades? In order to achieve this change in our life, we must shift our focus from the daily grind to the eternal choice. David sums it up well in Psalms 19:14:
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”
July 30, 2012
Misplaced Trust
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5
Ever have one of those days when you just can’t get away? You try to catch your breath but the interruptions just will not stop. People are invading your space, phones are ringing and business emails just keep pouring in. You are tempted to just run and hide but there is no escape from the chaos! Maybe you physically change locations because you think that you can find solace someplace else but the assault continues. At home, work or gym, there is no peace.
Solomon gives us the key to peace in the verse above. He doesn’t advise us to delegate our challenges, practice better leadership techniques or utilize time-management tools. He directs us to place our trust in the one who can shield us from all the world can throw at us. Not trust our abilities or new techniques, but trust the time-proven technique to finding peace in a chaotic world. He is the source of our inner strength, our calm in the storm and our encourager.
David is much better at describing how God impacts our lives when we place our trust in him (Psalms 18:2). Talk about a bad day – read David’s account in verses Psalms18:4-5. And what did he do in Psalms18:6? “In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” What a comfort to know that He hears us – he is never too busy or too high above us to hear.
More importantly, he doesn’t just hear our plea – he responds! Verse 17 promises “He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me; for they were too strong for me.” David was smart enough to recognize that his enemies were too strong for him alone. Shouldn’t we recognize the same issue? WE can’t shield ourselves but HE can! Trust him and His shield will deflect all the arrows of life thrown our way.
Ever have one of those days when you just can’t get away? You try to catch your breath but the interruptions just will not stop. People are invading your space, phones are ringing and business emails just keep pouring in. You are tempted to just run and hide but there is no escape from the chaos! Maybe you physically change locations because you think that you can find solace someplace else but the assault continues. At home, work or gym, there is no peace.
Solomon gives us the key to peace in the verse above. He doesn’t advise us to delegate our challenges, practice better leadership techniques or utilize time-management tools. He directs us to place our trust in the one who can shield us from all the world can throw at us. Not trust our abilities or new techniques, but trust the time-proven technique to finding peace in a chaotic world. He is the source of our inner strength, our calm in the storm and our encourager.
David is much better at describing how God impacts our lives when we place our trust in him (Psalms 18:2). Talk about a bad day – read David’s account in verses Psalms18:4-5. And what did he do in Psalms18:6? “In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” What a comfort to know that He hears us – he is never too busy or too high above us to hear.
More importantly, he doesn’t just hear our plea – he responds! Verse 17 promises “He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me; for they were too strong for me.” David was smart enough to recognize that his enemies were too strong for him alone. Shouldn’t we recognize the same issue? WE can’t shield ourselves but HE can! Trust him and His shield will deflect all the arrows of life thrown our way.
July 29, 2012
Misplaced Adoration
Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord. Proverbs 29:26
As humans, we are prone to seek acceptance from others. Whether it is from our friends, influential people or within our community, we all want to “fit in” and be one of the accepted ones. Do we do the same with Christ? Do we seek his acceptance? Do we seek to “fit in” with his chosen ones?
Solomon reminds us that life is fleeting and public approval fades even faster! Can you name ten stars from television shows when you were in high school? How about the Person of the Year for the last three years? Who were the last two Supreme Court Justices that passed away? Nope, I can’t either. But each of these was an important person – for a short period of time.
Paul reminds us in Hebrews 9:27 that after this life, we must face judgment. Not many people to impress then – only one! And what are the results of his favor? Eternal Life!
As we go through today – let’s put our actions and thoughts in proper perspective. Let’s strive to find favor and acceptance with the One who is everlasting. Seek to be accepted by the One that matters the most. Those on earth who accept us will understand that we are focused on the everlasting prize not just short-term acceptance and recognition.
As humans, we are prone to seek acceptance from others. Whether it is from our friends, influential people or within our community, we all want to “fit in” and be one of the accepted ones. Do we do the same with Christ? Do we seek his acceptance? Do we seek to “fit in” with his chosen ones?
Solomon reminds us that life is fleeting and public approval fades even faster! Can you name ten stars from television shows when you were in high school? How about the Person of the Year for the last three years? Who were the last two Supreme Court Justices that passed away? Nope, I can’t either. But each of these was an important person – for a short period of time.
Paul reminds us in Hebrews 9:27 that after this life, we must face judgment. Not many people to impress then – only one! And what are the results of his favor? Eternal Life!
As we go through today – let’s put our actions and thoughts in proper perspective. Let’s strive to find favor and acceptance with the One who is everlasting. Seek to be accepted by the One that matters the most. Those on earth who accept us will understand that we are focused on the everlasting prize not just short-term acceptance and recognition.
July 28, 2012
Sweet Mercy
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Guilt is a miserable partner. There is no escape! Day and night, it haunts your heart and mind. And then we try to hide it behind a fake happy countenance. But we can’t fool ourselves. Note what Solomon states in the first part of the verse – we will not prosper. Not in wealth, not in relationships, nor in any endeavor. Why? Because we know that we have sinned and are not at peace with Christ.
Solomon indicates it takes two steps to have mercy: confession and forsaking the sin. If we simply confess our sin and do not forsake it, we are back where we started – in sin! In 1 John 1:9, we are told “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What a promise! And David describes the results of such forgiveness in Psalms 32:1-2.
Why continue to drag around with the chains of sin holding you down. Lay them at the feet of Jesus and feel the relief of mercy. As you freely go forth, no longer in bondage, share the feeling with others by forgiving them of wrongs they may have done to you. What a better way to share Christ than showing his mercy to others!
Guilt is a miserable partner. There is no escape! Day and night, it haunts your heart and mind. And then we try to hide it behind a fake happy countenance. But we can’t fool ourselves. Note what Solomon states in the first part of the verse – we will not prosper. Not in wealth, not in relationships, nor in any endeavor. Why? Because we know that we have sinned and are not at peace with Christ.
Solomon indicates it takes two steps to have mercy: confession and forsaking the sin. If we simply confess our sin and do not forsake it, we are back where we started – in sin! In 1 John 1:9, we are told “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What a promise! And David describes the results of such forgiveness in Psalms 32:1-2.
Why continue to drag around with the chains of sin holding you down. Lay them at the feet of Jesus and feel the relief of mercy. As you freely go forth, no longer in bondage, share the feeling with others by forgiving them of wrongs they may have done to you. What a better way to share Christ than showing his mercy to others!
