B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 34
July 27, 2012
Unpredictable Planning
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1
We all love to make plans! As a teenager, I had high aspirations of becoming rich, famous and all of the typical boyish dreams. Many of us grow up to be micro-managers that must have a list and plan for everything. My wife accuses me of not being able to go to the bathroom unless it is on my list! I feel lost without a plan. It is uncomfortable to enter a meeting without an agenda, review a document without a checklist, etc. However, Solomon is talking of something a little more serious in nature – failing to recognize who is in control.
Jesus provides us a parable to highlight this misplaced trust in ourselves by the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21. Then he proceeds to chide me of my many foolish plans in Luke 12:22-31. Which drives home the point: that all of my planning cannot impact my success.
While we may have plans, we need to recognize that they all can change in the blink of an eye. No one plans to have cancer, have a heart attack or die an untimely death. However, God does. Hence, we need to recognize who is control. If we place our focus on pleasing him and showing his love to others, he will take care of the rest!
We all love to make plans! As a teenager, I had high aspirations of becoming rich, famous and all of the typical boyish dreams. Many of us grow up to be micro-managers that must have a list and plan for everything. My wife accuses me of not being able to go to the bathroom unless it is on my list! I feel lost without a plan. It is uncomfortable to enter a meeting without an agenda, review a document without a checklist, etc. However, Solomon is talking of something a little more serious in nature – failing to recognize who is in control.
Jesus provides us a parable to highlight this misplaced trust in ourselves by the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21. Then he proceeds to chide me of my many foolish plans in Luke 12:22-31. Which drives home the point: that all of my planning cannot impact my success.
While we may have plans, we need to recognize that they all can change in the blink of an eye. No one plans to have cancer, have a heart attack or die an untimely death. However, God does. Hence, we need to recognize who is control. If we place our focus on pleasing him and showing his love to others, he will take care of the rest!
July 26, 2012
Foolish Pride
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than him. Proverbs 26:12
We all get a little smug from time to time. Whether it is making the game winning score at the last second, being awarded that well-deserved prestigious recognition at work or baking the best dessert for the party, we all enjoy admiration. But we must be careful that we do not allow the glow of admiration to morph into pride and conceit.
Solomon spent the first eleven verses of Chapter 26 describing how painful it is to be associated with a fool The he goes for the slam dunk – “You think a fool is bad? Just wait until I tell you about a conceited man!”
We all have met them – the one with a smirk on his face and a long nose so that he can look down on you. And then he opens his mouth! The only time he stops bragging about himself is to catch his breath! Jesus provides us an excellent example in the parable of Pharisee and Publican praying in the temple (Luke 18:9-14).
So how do we prevent ourselves from becoming the obnoxious, conceited individual? By recognizing from where our blessings flow. It is through God’s grace and blessings that we are able to do anything. When we humble ourselves and thank him for the talents and gifts he has bestowed upon us, we will put conceit where it belongs – out in the cold! Then we can reap the reward promised by Jesus in Luke 18:14(b):
“For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
We all get a little smug from time to time. Whether it is making the game winning score at the last second, being awarded that well-deserved prestigious recognition at work or baking the best dessert for the party, we all enjoy admiration. But we must be careful that we do not allow the glow of admiration to morph into pride and conceit.
Solomon spent the first eleven verses of Chapter 26 describing how painful it is to be associated with a fool The he goes for the slam dunk – “You think a fool is bad? Just wait until I tell you about a conceited man!”
We all have met them – the one with a smirk on his face and a long nose so that he can look down on you. And then he opens his mouth! The only time he stops bragging about himself is to catch his breath! Jesus provides us an excellent example in the parable of Pharisee and Publican praying in the temple (Luke 18:9-14).
So how do we prevent ourselves from becoming the obnoxious, conceited individual? By recognizing from where our blessings flow. It is through God’s grace and blessings that we are able to do anything. When we humble ourselves and thank him for the talents and gifts he has bestowed upon us, we will put conceit where it belongs – out in the cold! Then we can reap the reward promised by Jesus in Luke 18:14(b):
“For everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
July 25, 2012
Providential Protection
Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous: spoil not his resting place. Proverbs 24:15
Ever feel threatened or afraid? There are almost an incalculable number of fears that we experience during our lifetime. We often resort to physical protection: security systems, fences, metal barriers over our doors and other visible forms of protection. But what about the unseen threats that threaten us? No sensor on the window or door will detect all fears that creep into our thoughts as we lay down to go to sleep. Bills, relationships, tests, employment woes and many other worries creep where sleep should be.
Solomon promises in Proverbs 3:24 that “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet.” The secret is not a new wonder drug or something sold on an infomercial. Just review Proverbs 3:1-7. Here, he provides the fundamental requirements for physical protection (Proverbs 3:23) and emotional protection (Proverbs 3:24). No shiny, gimmicky, slick process just the basic fundamentals of a solid Christian life.
So the next time you fear something, stop and look in the first seven verses of chapter three. If you can check complete each of these steps, you can chuck the fear! From the wise words of his Dad:
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalm 56:4
Ever feel threatened or afraid? There are almost an incalculable number of fears that we experience during our lifetime. We often resort to physical protection: security systems, fences, metal barriers over our doors and other visible forms of protection. But what about the unseen threats that threaten us? No sensor on the window or door will detect all fears that creep into our thoughts as we lay down to go to sleep. Bills, relationships, tests, employment woes and many other worries creep where sleep should be.
Solomon promises in Proverbs 3:24 that “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet.” The secret is not a new wonder drug or something sold on an infomercial. Just review Proverbs 3:1-7. Here, he provides the fundamental requirements for physical protection (Proverbs 3:23) and emotional protection (Proverbs 3:24). No shiny, gimmicky, slick process just the basic fundamentals of a solid Christian life.
So the next time you fear something, stop and look in the first seven verses of chapter three. If you can check complete each of these steps, you can chuck the fear! From the wise words of his Dad:
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalm 56:4
July 23, 2012
Illogical Logic
Labour not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom. Proverbs 23:4
During my repeated readings of Proverbs, this verse is always like a speed bump. It makes me stop, pause, think and usually redirect my efforts. It goes against all human logic.
We are to provide for our families – would it not be easier if we were rich? With our own wisdom, we can be more successful and thus be rich. Logical right? Good intentions, right? Wrong.
Let’s jump over a few chapters and Solomon will explain. Proverbs 28:20 states “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” So where should our focus be? On riches or living a faithful life? Additionally, many of the blessings are not physical – which characteristic provides a better example for your children to follow? Which forces me to ask myself the question: Am I more concerned about riches and short lived fame than I am about setting a biblical example by living a faithful life for Christ? He gives us yet another warning in Proverbs 28:22.
In Proverbs 28:5, we are told “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.” Wow! A pretty simple task, but hard to put into practice. As we grow in Christ and seek his will, we develop a stronger reliance upon him rather than our own knowledge.
So, stop, pause, contemplate and redirect your efforts today towards what really matters – focus on Christ rather than ourselves.
During my repeated readings of Proverbs, this verse is always like a speed bump. It makes me stop, pause, think and usually redirect my efforts. It goes against all human logic.
We are to provide for our families – would it not be easier if we were rich? With our own wisdom, we can be more successful and thus be rich. Logical right? Good intentions, right? Wrong.
Let’s jump over a few chapters and Solomon will explain. Proverbs 28:20 states “A faithful man shall abound with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” So where should our focus be? On riches or living a faithful life? Additionally, many of the blessings are not physical – which characteristic provides a better example for your children to follow? Which forces me to ask myself the question: Am I more concerned about riches and short lived fame than I am about setting a biblical example by living a faithful life for Christ? He gives us yet another warning in Proverbs 28:22.
In Proverbs 28:5, we are told “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things.” Wow! A pretty simple task, but hard to put into practice. As we grow in Christ and seek his will, we develop a stronger reliance upon him rather than our own knowledge.
So, stop, pause, contemplate and redirect your efforts today towards what really matters – focus on Christ rather than ourselves.
July 22, 2012
The Prized Possesion
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1
My father taught me that many evils may befall me during my lifetime but there was one thing that no one could ever take from me – my reputation. I may lose my wealth, my health, fame or family due to external circumstances, but nothing could destroy my reputation but me. While others may slander me, eventually my “true colors” would shine through. My reputation could only be tarnished by my actions. However, once I gave it up, it might never be restored.
As a teenager, I often struggled with this responsibility and admit it influenced many of my decisions to seek the “high road” in challenging situations. And I am still amazed by senior adults who have an untarnished reputation – what an honor!
But many of us have made that split-second decision that has negatively impacted us for the rest of our life. It feels that everyone is watching our every action and talking behind our backs. What a burden we carry with the guilt of knowing the infinite details of our indiscretion. Is there no reprieve for a former foolish decision? Yes, there is!
Paul writes in Romans 2:11, “For there is no respect of persons with God.” What a comfort to know that He still loves us, no matter how poor a decision we have made and is ready to forgive us! David provides us an excellent example of a prayer for forgiveness in Psalms 51.
But what will others think? Rest assured that others will outwardly see the change that God has wrought within your heart!
My father taught me that many evils may befall me during my lifetime but there was one thing that no one could ever take from me – my reputation. I may lose my wealth, my health, fame or family due to external circumstances, but nothing could destroy my reputation but me. While others may slander me, eventually my “true colors” would shine through. My reputation could only be tarnished by my actions. However, once I gave it up, it might never be restored.
As a teenager, I often struggled with this responsibility and admit it influenced many of my decisions to seek the “high road” in challenging situations. And I am still amazed by senior adults who have an untarnished reputation – what an honor!
But many of us have made that split-second decision that has negatively impacted us for the rest of our life. It feels that everyone is watching our every action and talking behind our backs. What a burden we carry with the guilt of knowing the infinite details of our indiscretion. Is there no reprieve for a former foolish decision? Yes, there is!
Paul writes in Romans 2:11, “For there is no respect of persons with God.” What a comfort to know that He still loves us, no matter how poor a decision we have made and is ready to forgive us! David provides us an excellent example of a prayer for forgiveness in Psalms 51.
But what will others think? Rest assured that others will outwardly see the change that God has wrought within your heart!
July 21, 2012
Pain Prevention
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? Yes, I have. Although married for twenty-six years, my wife continues to remind me of the famous phrase I uttered before we got married. Although the comment was meant as a compliment, it did not come out that way and it definitely was not received that way! While she has long forgiven me, she still gently reminds me of the stupidity we can sometimes demonstrate with words!
Solomon defines the power of the tongue in Proverbs 18:21. And James defines the challenge of controlling such a small organ of the body in James 3. Since we all are aware of the danger associated with careless words, why do we continue to suffer the embarrassment and pain of such folly? James states that a man who can control his tongue can control his whole body and compares him to a perfect man. I, for one, know that I am not perfect and continue to battle for control of my tongue. Is the situation hopeless?
Once we recognize the risk associated with our words, we can then seek God’s assistance in control. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same applies to recovering from misspoken words – prevent them before they occur. Ask for His guidance and he will lead you. David says it best of all:
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalm 37:4-6
There is hope. And there is a promise. We can prevent the pain by prayer and commitment.
Have you ever said something and immediately wished you could take it back? Yes, I have. Although married for twenty-six years, my wife continues to remind me of the famous phrase I uttered before we got married. Although the comment was meant as a compliment, it did not come out that way and it definitely was not received that way! While she has long forgiven me, she still gently reminds me of the stupidity we can sometimes demonstrate with words!
Solomon defines the power of the tongue in Proverbs 18:21. And James defines the challenge of controlling such a small organ of the body in James 3. Since we all are aware of the danger associated with careless words, why do we continue to suffer the embarrassment and pain of such folly? James states that a man who can control his tongue can control his whole body and compares him to a perfect man. I, for one, know that I am not perfect and continue to battle for control of my tongue. Is the situation hopeless?
Once we recognize the risk associated with our words, we can then seek God’s assistance in control. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same applies to recovering from misspoken words – prevent them before they occur. Ask for His guidance and he will lead you. David says it best of all:
Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalm 37:4-6
There is hope. And there is a promise. We can prevent the pain by prayer and commitment.
July 20, 2012
No, Not One
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Proverbs 20:9
We are a society obsessed with self-help. Books, seminars, therapists and videos all purport that we have the inner-ability to change ourselves. While there are many things we can perform, there is one thing we cannot perform for ourselves: purge our heart of sin. Solomon expounds upon this in Ecclesiastes 7:20. Likewise, John writes in 1 John 1:8, “If we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Can anyone rid himself of sin? No, no one. But He can! Isaiah defines the process in Isaiah 1:18 “... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” And David defines the feeling after forgiveness is received in Psalms 51:7.
What a wonderful feeling to know that your sins are forgiven! The refreshing feeling begs to be shared and demonstrated! We can verbally share our experience with others, but more importantly, we can demonstrate our love of Christ by forgiving others.
Thank the One who has changed you forever. While there will surely be challenges today, rest assured that He who is capable of performing this miraculous change in you can handle the “small stuff” as well.
We are a society obsessed with self-help. Books, seminars, therapists and videos all purport that we have the inner-ability to change ourselves. While there are many things we can perform, there is one thing we cannot perform for ourselves: purge our heart of sin. Solomon expounds upon this in Ecclesiastes 7:20. Likewise, John writes in 1 John 1:8, “If we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Can anyone rid himself of sin? No, no one. But He can! Isaiah defines the process in Isaiah 1:18 “... though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” And David defines the feeling after forgiveness is received in Psalms 51:7.
What a wonderful feeling to know that your sins are forgiven! The refreshing feeling begs to be shared and demonstrated! We can verbally share our experience with others, but more importantly, we can demonstrate our love of Christ by forgiving others.
Thank the One who has changed you forever. While there will surely be challenges today, rest assured that He who is capable of performing this miraculous change in you can handle the “small stuff” as well.
July 19, 2012
Glory over Anger
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11
Solomon defines many aspects of obtaining glory but this may be one of the hardest to achieve. While we may be able to pass over the insensitive waitress, the person that cuts you off at the register or other rude acts by strangers. It is much more difficult to apply the same principle to those we love. Pride causes us to harbor anger in our hearts when we feel that we have been ignored, scorned or rejected by those significant in our life. Which has a greater impact? Both today and in our near future, damaged relationships falter as we hold on to these feelings.
Paul tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). What a better way to obtain glory than taking the first step in forgiving those you love?
Solomon defines many aspects of obtaining glory but this may be one of the hardest to achieve. While we may be able to pass over the insensitive waitress, the person that cuts you off at the register or other rude acts by strangers. It is much more difficult to apply the same principle to those we love. Pride causes us to harbor anger in our hearts when we feel that we have been ignored, scorned or rejected by those significant in our life. Which has a greater impact? Both today and in our near future, damaged relationships falter as we hold on to these feelings.
Paul tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). What a better way to obtain glory than taking the first step in forgiving those you love?
July 18, 2012
A True Friend
A friend loveth at all times…. Proverbs 17:17
True friendship is not convenient. As shown above, it not when it is convenient or to our gain but always. Likewise, the verb is an action verb – how do you show your friends that you love them? Sometimes it is the smallest act that is appreciated the most – taking time just to listen or sending them a random note. Solomon gives us the key to being a true friend in Proverbs 18:24.
Jesus wants to be our friend as well. He describes his desire and the expectations of us in John 15:13-15. Have you made the decision to call Him friend? Have you made the choice to follow his teachings?
Let us take time today to thank the Lord for the blessings of friends and strive to be a loving friend to others.
True friendship is not convenient. As shown above, it not when it is convenient or to our gain but always. Likewise, the verb is an action verb – how do you show your friends that you love them? Sometimes it is the smallest act that is appreciated the most – taking time just to listen or sending them a random note. Solomon gives us the key to being a true friend in Proverbs 18:24.
Jesus wants to be our friend as well. He describes his desire and the expectations of us in John 15:13-15. Have you made the decision to call Him friend? Have you made the choice to follow his teachings?
Let us take time today to thank the Lord for the blessings of friends and strive to be a loving friend to others.
July 8, 2012
Lofty Goals Achieved
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
Proverbs 8:7
Have you ever been hurt by the words of others? I am talking about gut wrenching, heart breaking words that tear you apart on the inside. And the pain just doesn't go away quickly - it lingers and festers within you. It wakes you at night, it causes a loss of appetite and your blood pressure soar each time you think of the words and how they were delivered. While cuts and broken bones heal with time, often those bitter words wreak havoc within us for years to come. And who said " Sticks and stones may break my bones, But words can never hurt me"? Surely, they have not experienced such pain and agony from such bitter words.
While it is easy to loathe the insensitive couth that uttered the words, it rattles us to think that we too can be as careless with our words. But look at the verse quoted by Solomon. Oh, to have such a mouth! It seems as if honey is drizzled on each and every word making it more palatable. But does it?
The truth is not always pleasant. When I am coached on my wieght or bad habits, it doesn't make me smile. But if the words are delivered in truth and with love, they are palatable without resentment and hatred. But how can such a contradiction exist? Simple, read the verses above our quoted scripture. Who is speaking in verse 7? Wisdom. Yes, the aspect of our life that guides us in what to say and how to say it. If we are truly Christians, we should not have malic toward another. But we can offer correction. It is how it is delivered. And yes, wisdom will guide us in when and how to say the painful but truthful comment in a manner that is positively received.
Solomon repeatedly challenges us to seek wisdom. Have you seeked in earnest? Have you applied the instructions to your daily life? If so, the loft goal of speaking wisely can be achieved.
Proverbs 8:7
Have you ever been hurt by the words of others? I am talking about gut wrenching, heart breaking words that tear you apart on the inside. And the pain just doesn't go away quickly - it lingers and festers within you. It wakes you at night, it causes a loss of appetite and your blood pressure soar each time you think of the words and how they were delivered. While cuts and broken bones heal with time, often those bitter words wreak havoc within us for years to come. And who said " Sticks and stones may break my bones, But words can never hurt me"? Surely, they have not experienced such pain and agony from such bitter words.
While it is easy to loathe the insensitive couth that uttered the words, it rattles us to think that we too can be as careless with our words. But look at the verse quoted by Solomon. Oh, to have such a mouth! It seems as if honey is drizzled on each and every word making it more palatable. But does it?
The truth is not always pleasant. When I am coached on my wieght or bad habits, it doesn't make me smile. But if the words are delivered in truth and with love, they are palatable without resentment and hatred. But how can such a contradiction exist? Simple, read the verses above our quoted scripture. Who is speaking in verse 7? Wisdom. Yes, the aspect of our life that guides us in what to say and how to say it. If we are truly Christians, we should not have malic toward another. But we can offer correction. It is how it is delivered. And yes, wisdom will guide us in when and how to say the painful but truthful comment in a manner that is positively received.
Solomon repeatedly challenges us to seek wisdom. Have you seeked in earnest? Have you applied the instructions to your daily life? If so, the loft goal of speaking wisely can be achieved.
