B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 37
May 25, 2012
Trusting Others
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
Proverbs 25:19
I have never had a broken tooth but I have had sprained ankles, a broken right foot and a broken left leg. Each were painful, to varying degrees, but they were all cumbersome. Have you tried hobbling on crutches? If so, be careful of wet tile floors! (A different story for another day). You can not get anywhere in a hurry. Even with an electric scooter (tried it once in the grocery store with a broken leg - rather starve than try it again), maneuvering can be difficult. For one who is always on the go, it was so frustrating to be hampered from the most basic functions in life!
The same can be said of our frustrations when our trust in an individual is betrayed. We are frustrated at the outcome, angered at our judgment in trusting the individual and farther behind than we had hoped. Just as important, our doubt of others grows each time we are betrayed. It becomes harder to trust others with tasks or private, personal matters. Perhaps, we should just give up on trusting anyone?
Let's flip the scenario, how many times have you let down God? For me, it is more than I want to count! And yet, He still loves us and forgives us. Should we do the same to others? In fact, Jesus told us to forgive "seven times seventy" - has anyone truly let you down that many times? So let's bandage our broken leg and our emotions, and hobble forward. Our forgiveness of other's failures will allow the love of God to show through us to others.
Proverbs 25:19
I have never had a broken tooth but I have had sprained ankles, a broken right foot and a broken left leg. Each were painful, to varying degrees, but they were all cumbersome. Have you tried hobbling on crutches? If so, be careful of wet tile floors! (A different story for another day). You can not get anywhere in a hurry. Even with an electric scooter (tried it once in the grocery store with a broken leg - rather starve than try it again), maneuvering can be difficult. For one who is always on the go, it was so frustrating to be hampered from the most basic functions in life!
The same can be said of our frustrations when our trust in an individual is betrayed. We are frustrated at the outcome, angered at our judgment in trusting the individual and farther behind than we had hoped. Just as important, our doubt of others grows each time we are betrayed. It becomes harder to trust others with tasks or private, personal matters. Perhaps, we should just give up on trusting anyone?
Let's flip the scenario, how many times have you let down God? For me, it is more than I want to count! And yet, He still loves us and forgives us. Should we do the same to others? In fact, Jesus told us to forgive "seven times seventy" - has anyone truly let you down that many times? So let's bandage our broken leg and our emotions, and hobble forward. Our forgiveness of other's failures will allow the love of God to show through us to others.
May 24, 2012
Stay Away!
Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
Proverbs 24:1
When we were children, our parents warned us of evil people who sought to do harm to little children. As we grew, our parents warned us against "hanging with the wrong crowd". As we matured, our parents warned against doing business with "shady characters". It seems to be a trend, doesn't it? And Solomon jumps on the band wagon warning us not to envy or be with evil men. Yet, some still do. Why?
Some times we are naive and unaware of the hidden dangers associated with people we assume are of good character. Not until it is too late do some recognize the dangers. Other times, we are simply attracted to the evil like moths to a flame. They tend to be popular, have the latest gadgets, wealthy and politically connected. What more could you want in a friend? We often reason that they are not perfect, but then again no else is perfect either. Right? Wrong?
As my Dad always said, "Everything has a price associated with it.". So it is with becoming friends with evil. While we may gain instant fame, wealth and friends, the price tag associated is huge. You may not have to pay cash, but you will pay in morals, character, peace and your relationship with God. Yes, you may still go to church, pay tithes and visit the elderly but the relationship with God slowly deteriorates.
Our master stated it best in Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. No, we can't have our cake and eat it too. Nor can we have the spoils of a evil life and keep our relationship with God.
So, our parents warnings still ring true: Stay away from evil!
Proverbs 24:1
When we were children, our parents warned us of evil people who sought to do harm to little children. As we grew, our parents warned us against "hanging with the wrong crowd". As we matured, our parents warned against doing business with "shady characters". It seems to be a trend, doesn't it? And Solomon jumps on the band wagon warning us not to envy or be with evil men. Yet, some still do. Why?
Some times we are naive and unaware of the hidden dangers associated with people we assume are of good character. Not until it is too late do some recognize the dangers. Other times, we are simply attracted to the evil like moths to a flame. They tend to be popular, have the latest gadgets, wealthy and politically connected. What more could you want in a friend? We often reason that they are not perfect, but then again no else is perfect either. Right? Wrong?
As my Dad always said, "Everything has a price associated with it.". So it is with becoming friends with evil. While we may gain instant fame, wealth and friends, the price tag associated is huge. You may not have to pay cash, but you will pay in morals, character, peace and your relationship with God. Yes, you may still go to church, pay tithes and visit the elderly but the relationship with God slowly deteriorates.
Our master stated it best in Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. No, we can't have our cake and eat it too. Nor can we have the spoils of a evil life and keep our relationship with God.
So, our parents warnings still ring true: Stay away from evil!
May 23, 2012
Proper Perspective of Punishment
Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Proverbs 23:14
Proverbs is known for encouraging the corporal punishment of children. While many have disagreed with the statements over the years, I believe the verse above highlights Solomon's objective. And while a rod is not appropriate for every occasion, preventing a sinful lifestyle is always appropriate!
Is the same not true of our friends and loved ones? Do we not desire for them to go to heaven as well? I would hope the answer to both questions is a resounding yes! Hopefully, we do not chase them with a stick to convert them from their ways! Rather, we approach them in love. While we do not condone their behavior, we love their soul. As such, we strive to change them from their ways so they may join us in heaven.
And Solomon highlights the same focus for our children, we are to correct them to save them from hell. Not because we are frustrated or embarrassed but because we love them so much, we want the best for them. Paul admonishes children to obey their parents in Ephesians, but more importantly, he states in Ephesians 6:4 - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. As parents, we are to lead them to Christ by steering them away from wrong. Just as we do all others we love.
Proverbs 23:14
Proverbs is known for encouraging the corporal punishment of children. While many have disagreed with the statements over the years, I believe the verse above highlights Solomon's objective. And while a rod is not appropriate for every occasion, preventing a sinful lifestyle is always appropriate!
Is the same not true of our friends and loved ones? Do we not desire for them to go to heaven as well? I would hope the answer to both questions is a resounding yes! Hopefully, we do not chase them with a stick to convert them from their ways! Rather, we approach them in love. While we do not condone their behavior, we love their soul. As such, we strive to change them from their ways so they may join us in heaven.
And Solomon highlights the same focus for our children, we are to correct them to save them from hell. Not because we are frustrated or embarrassed but because we love them so much, we want the best for them. Paul admonishes children to obey their parents in Ephesians, but more importantly, he states in Ephesians 6:4 - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. As parents, we are to lead them to Christ by steering them away from wrong. Just as we do all others we love.
May 22, 2012
The Secret to Success
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Proverbs 22:4
We all desire to be successful - rich, respected and healthy. And Solomon succinctly lists the prerequisites to these in a simple short verse. I have often wondered why Solomon lists humility before fearing the Lord. Isn't following God supposed to be our first priority? (But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33)
I believe Solomon's intent is that a prerequisite to following God is to approach Him with a humble spirit. If we are not humble and recognize our lowly position in the universe, we may not approach God with the right attitude. When we consider that He is the giver of life, creator of our world and controls all things, then we truly grasp the love willing to give His own Son for our salvation. We are definitely not worthy! And when we approach God with such an attitude, we will strive to listen to His guidance vice trying to twist His plan to meet our strategy for success.
Did you notice the promise of Jesus in the verse above? Yes, He will add all things to your life if you first seek Him. So in order to gain the attractions listed by Solomon, start by simply getting on your knees and humbling yourself before your Master. He will take care of the rest.
Proverbs 22:4
We all desire to be successful - rich, respected and healthy. And Solomon succinctly lists the prerequisites to these in a simple short verse. I have often wondered why Solomon lists humility before fearing the Lord. Isn't following God supposed to be our first priority? (But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33)
I believe Solomon's intent is that a prerequisite to following God is to approach Him with a humble spirit. If we are not humble and recognize our lowly position in the universe, we may not approach God with the right attitude. When we consider that He is the giver of life, creator of our world and controls all things, then we truly grasp the love willing to give His own Son for our salvation. We are definitely not worthy! And when we approach God with such an attitude, we will strive to listen to His guidance vice trying to twist His plan to meet our strategy for success.
Did you notice the promise of Jesus in the verse above? Yes, He will add all things to your life if you first seek Him. So in order to gain the attractions listed by Solomon, start by simply getting on your knees and humbling yourself before your Master. He will take care of the rest.
May 21, 2012
Wasted Gifts
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
Proverbs 21:27
Solomon highlights the fact that gifts given to God are not always accepted as gifts. What a waste. Not only of the gift, but of the individual. While it is a fundamental fact that God knows our heart, many people feel that they can fool God much like they fool others. But God looks beyond the glitz and glitter of the gift and looks at the heart. He knows. Why would someone waste their riches and effort giving to God if it is not accepted? Simply to impress others. But God is not impressed. Nor will he bless such an offering.
While it is easy to point a finger at the "evil and wicked", doesn't the same apply to us? What is the condition of our heart as we serve in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School? Do we do our tasks to honor God or simply because we got rooked into signing up on the volunteer list? Do we eagerly go out to serve others or dread the time we are wasting on the effort? God will honor our efforts if they are given cheerfully. But He views it as an abomination when our heart is not right.
Don't waste your time and money giving it to the glory of God, unless you first give time to align your heart with God's intentions. When your heart is right, God will use your gifts to magnify His kingdom. And the results will astound you!
Proverbs 21:27
Solomon highlights the fact that gifts given to God are not always accepted as gifts. What a waste. Not only of the gift, but of the individual. While it is a fundamental fact that God knows our heart, many people feel that they can fool God much like they fool others. But God looks beyond the glitz and glitter of the gift and looks at the heart. He knows. Why would someone waste their riches and effort giving to God if it is not accepted? Simply to impress others. But God is not impressed. Nor will he bless such an offering.
While it is easy to point a finger at the "evil and wicked", doesn't the same apply to us? What is the condition of our heart as we serve in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School? Do we do our tasks to honor God or simply because we got rooked into signing up on the volunteer list? Do we eagerly go out to serve others or dread the time we are wasting on the effort? God will honor our efforts if they are given cheerfully. But He views it as an abomination when our heart is not right.
Don't waste your time and money giving it to the glory of God, unless you first give time to align your heart with God's intentions. When your heart is right, God will use your gifts to magnify His kingdom. And the results will astound you!
May 19, 2012
Rushing into Trouble
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Proverbs 19:2
My father often cautioned me against getting in a hurry to complete a task. Perhaps the best lesson I ever learned from him regarding patience occurred one day while we were installing a new barbed-wire fence. My father was supposed to be handicapped - he only had one hand with limited range of motion and a "L" shaped nub where his right hand should be due to an accident as a toddler. However, on this day, he was beating me at nailing the wire to wood posts using fence staples. With five strands per post, he was completing his post faster than I could manage. No matter how fast I nailed, he beat me to the next post! I could not conceive nor concede that he could be faster nailing staples than a healthy, stubborn teenager!
Finally, in frustration (and exhaustion) I asked him why he was able to beat me. He simply smiled and said, "Slow and steady wins the race." After I calmed down, he explained that I need to be slow, deliberate and make every blow of the hammer count. Uncontrolled flailing resulted in ricocheted staples and missed blows. It took more energy and time than nailing in a controlled and deliberate manner.
Isn't the same true with our personal life? When we get impatient and rush head-long into activities without waiting for guidance from God nor thinking through the consequence of our actions, we end up in a mess. Then we cry out to Jesus to fix our mess that we have gotten ourselves into, again! We need to heed Solomon and ensure that our heart is filled with the knowledge of God before we rush into trouble.
Proverbs 19:2
My father often cautioned me against getting in a hurry to complete a task. Perhaps the best lesson I ever learned from him regarding patience occurred one day while we were installing a new barbed-wire fence. My father was supposed to be handicapped - he only had one hand with limited range of motion and a "L" shaped nub where his right hand should be due to an accident as a toddler. However, on this day, he was beating me at nailing the wire to wood posts using fence staples. With five strands per post, he was completing his post faster than I could manage. No matter how fast I nailed, he beat me to the next post! I could not conceive nor concede that he could be faster nailing staples than a healthy, stubborn teenager!
Finally, in frustration (and exhaustion) I asked him why he was able to beat me. He simply smiled and said, "Slow and steady wins the race." After I calmed down, he explained that I need to be slow, deliberate and make every blow of the hammer count. Uncontrolled flailing resulted in ricocheted staples and missed blows. It took more energy and time than nailing in a controlled and deliberate manner.
Isn't the same true with our personal life? When we get impatient and rush head-long into activities without waiting for guidance from God nor thinking through the consequence of our actions, we end up in a mess. Then we cry out to Jesus to fix our mess that we have gotten ourselves into, again! We need to heed Solomon and ensure that our heart is filled with the knowledge of God before we rush into trouble.
May 18, 2012
A Powerful Little Weapon
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 18:21
Solomon describes one of the most powerful yet smallest weapons we have - our words. They can uplift a person or crush a person, simply by how we use them. And he cautions us that we will eat the fruit thereof and fruit follows the tree. You can't get bad fruit from a good tree nor good fruit from a bad tree. Likewise, we can't expect to be uplifted if we continually bash others with our words. While a simple concept, many fail to understand or follow the guidance.
Jesus put it more bluntly in Matthew 12:37 - For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. When it comes to judgment day, we will be judged based upon our words. Kind of scary, isn't it? How has your words been lately? Make sure that you use your little weapon wisely. For how you use it will determine your judgment in heaven!
Proverbs 18:21
Solomon describes one of the most powerful yet smallest weapons we have - our words. They can uplift a person or crush a person, simply by how we use them. And he cautions us that we will eat the fruit thereof and fruit follows the tree. You can't get bad fruit from a good tree nor good fruit from a bad tree. Likewise, we can't expect to be uplifted if we continually bash others with our words. While a simple concept, many fail to understand or follow the guidance.
Jesus put it more bluntly in Matthew 12:37 - For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. When it comes to judgment day, we will be judged based upon our words. Kind of scary, isn't it? How has your words been lately? Make sure that you use your little weapon wisely. For how you use it will determine your judgment in heaven!
May 17, 2012
Here Comes the Judge!
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Proverbs 17:15
It is hard not to pick sides in a debate. Unfortunately, we sometimes pick the wrong side. And Solomon warns us of picking the wrong side to the point of becoming an "abomination to the Lord". When we judge people, we are in serious jeopardy of God's wrath. David also warns in Psalm 105:15 - Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Pretty stern warning from both men who were closer to God than I could ever hope to be!
So, the question becomes - "Who are the just and anointed?". For they clearly do not have a flashing neon sign indicating their special position in God's eyes. Perhaps, we could answer the question in with another question - "Who deserves to be judged or justified by me?". The answer becomes simple. Jesus warns us not to judge lest we be judged likewise! It seems the easiest answer is to simply let God judge and for us to stay out of the fray. Unfortunately, it is often easier said than done! Maybe considering the option of becoming an abomination to God will steer us from judging others!
Proverbs 17:15
It is hard not to pick sides in a debate. Unfortunately, we sometimes pick the wrong side. And Solomon warns us of picking the wrong side to the point of becoming an "abomination to the Lord". When we judge people, we are in serious jeopardy of God's wrath. David also warns in Psalm 105:15 - Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Pretty stern warning from both men who were closer to God than I could ever hope to be!
So, the question becomes - "Who are the just and anointed?". For they clearly do not have a flashing neon sign indicating their special position in God's eyes. Perhaps, we could answer the question in with another question - "Who deserves to be judged or justified by me?". The answer becomes simple. Jesus warns us not to judge lest we be judged likewise! It seems the easiest answer is to simply let God judge and for us to stay out of the fray. Unfortunately, it is often easier said than done! Maybe considering the option of becoming an abomination to God will steer us from judging others!
May 16, 2012
Invisible Power
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 16:32
We are easily impressed by visible strength. Personal strength is demonstrated in power lifting competitions and structural strength is demonstrated with great structures that demonstrate their ability to withstand nature. But what about invisible power? Are we as equally impressed?
Solomon points out that there is greater strength in those who can control their temper and rule their spirit. I have to agree - I can work hard physically all day. But it is much more difficult to control my thoughts and my temper. These temptations may slowly creep into my consciousness or suddenly (like when I hit my thumb with a hammer!). Either way, these emotions and decisions take much greater effort to control than swinging a sledge hammer!
How is your invisible strength? Don't worry about exercising it to bulk up - the world will provide plenty of opportunities to test your strength. More importantly, have you determined where your strength comes from?
David gives us a hint in Psalm 22:19 - But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. Build your invisible strength by giving up your will to the Lord.
Proverbs 16:32
We are easily impressed by visible strength. Personal strength is demonstrated in power lifting competitions and structural strength is demonstrated with great structures that demonstrate their ability to withstand nature. But what about invisible power? Are we as equally impressed?
Solomon points out that there is greater strength in those who can control their temper and rule their spirit. I have to agree - I can work hard physically all day. But it is much more difficult to control my thoughts and my temper. These temptations may slowly creep into my consciousness or suddenly (like when I hit my thumb with a hammer!). Either way, these emotions and decisions take much greater effort to control than swinging a sledge hammer!
How is your invisible strength? Don't worry about exercising it to bulk up - the world will provide plenty of opportunities to test your strength. More importantly, have you determined where your strength comes from?
David gives us a hint in Psalm 22:19 - But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. Build your invisible strength by giving up your will to the Lord.
May 15, 2012
Unanswered Prayers
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:29
Have you ever felt like your prayer is getting no where? It seems like no matter how hard you pray, God is just not hearing your prayers. Doubt creeps in and causes us start second guessing - Is there a God? Are we saved? Doe He really care? And the list goes on and on of the many questions that cause us to doubt.
The last half of the is verse is my rebuttal to such doubt. The Lord hears our prayers. How he acts upon them is a totally different matter. But He hears. That is the important thing! A couple of verses that I keep in my "arsenal" to fight the creepy monster of Doubt"
- The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b
- If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:11
Garth Brooks sang a song titled "Unanswered Prayers" that sums up our situation well - we often ask for things, not knowing what God has in store for us. Often, better than what we could ever dream of! So, don't doubt your prayers are being heard, just know that God is responding in His way not ours.
Proverbs 15:29
Have you ever felt like your prayer is getting no where? It seems like no matter how hard you pray, God is just not hearing your prayers. Doubt creeps in and causes us start second guessing - Is there a God? Are we saved? Doe He really care? And the list goes on and on of the many questions that cause us to doubt.
The last half of the is verse is my rebuttal to such doubt. The Lord hears our prayers. How he acts upon them is a totally different matter. But He hears. That is the important thing! A couple of verses that I keep in my "arsenal" to fight the creepy monster of Doubt"
- The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16b
- If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:11
Garth Brooks sang a song titled "Unanswered Prayers" that sums up our situation well - we often ask for things, not knowing what God has in store for us. Often, better than what we could ever dream of! So, don't doubt your prayers are being heard, just know that God is responding in His way not ours.
