B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 42
March 30, 2012
Modern History
There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
Proverbs 30:13
In today's world, technology seems to be advancing by leaps and bounds. Compare the size and capability of laptops or cell phones from just ten years ago. And try comparing them to the modern advances during your grandparents youthful days. It seems that items become obsolete before you can get home from the store with them.
But there is some things that never change. And human nature is one of them. While Agur wrote of these wretched actions 700 years before Christ's birth, they remain true today. No matter how many inventions and time saving tools we develop, we are still creatures with a terrible human nature. If you think long and hard about the situation, it is enough to depress you.
However, something else remains the same as well. John 3:16 remains true today as the day it was written. No greater love has ever been demonstrated and his amazing grace is just as powerful today as the Day of Atonement. Rather than being subdued by the awful human nature that persists, be thankful for a love that will last for eternity!
Proverbs 30:13
In today's world, technology seems to be advancing by leaps and bounds. Compare the size and capability of laptops or cell phones from just ten years ago. And try comparing them to the modern advances during your grandparents youthful days. It seems that items become obsolete before you can get home from the store with them.
But there is some things that never change. And human nature is one of them. While Agur wrote of these wretched actions 700 years before Christ's birth, they remain true today. No matter how many inventions and time saving tools we develop, we are still creatures with a terrible human nature. If you think long and hard about the situation, it is enough to depress you.
However, something else remains the same as well. John 3:16 remains true today as the day it was written. No greater love has ever been demonstrated and his amazing grace is just as powerful today as the Day of Atonement. Rather than being subdued by the awful human nature that persists, be thankful for a love that will last for eternity!
March 29, 2012
Partners in Crime
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
Proverbs 29:24
Solomon aptly describes the feeling of someone who recognizes that he has partnered with a thief. I rarely doubt if the unknowing individual awakes in the morning with a resolution to perform a heinous crime. Rather, he is led down the slippery slope by enticements that have repercussions of which he is not aware.
Doesn't the same happen to us? While our "friends" don't convince us to rob a bank, they do convince to lower our guard against sin. Often, we are convinced that everyone is doing it and there is nothing wrong with.... a little gossip, taking advantage of others, taking something that doesn't belong to us, looking at things we shouldn't, and the list goes on and on. While the offenses rarely seem egregious at first and rarely does anyone get hurt initially, the final toll on our hearts are beyond measure. Only after the sin has matured do we fully realize the true impact of our actions.
David clearly felt similarly threatened in Psalms 140. In Psalm 140:4 he recognizes the risk: Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. But unlike us in many situations, he also recognizes his protection in Psalm 140:8 - Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
Do you feel tempted today? If so, follow David's example in Psalm 140 and seek the strength to resist from the One who is always able to protect us from becoming partners in crime!
Proverbs 29:24
Solomon aptly describes the feeling of someone who recognizes that he has partnered with a thief. I rarely doubt if the unknowing individual awakes in the morning with a resolution to perform a heinous crime. Rather, he is led down the slippery slope by enticements that have repercussions of which he is not aware.
Doesn't the same happen to us? While our "friends" don't convince us to rob a bank, they do convince to lower our guard against sin. Often, we are convinced that everyone is doing it and there is nothing wrong with.... a little gossip, taking advantage of others, taking something that doesn't belong to us, looking at things we shouldn't, and the list goes on and on. While the offenses rarely seem egregious at first and rarely does anyone get hurt initially, the final toll on our hearts are beyond measure. Only after the sin has matured do we fully realize the true impact of our actions.
David clearly felt similarly threatened in Psalms 140. In Psalm 140:4 he recognizes the risk: Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. But unlike us in many situations, he also recognizes his protection in Psalm 140:8 - Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
Do you feel tempted today? If so, follow David's example in Psalm 140 and seek the strength to resist from the One who is always able to protect us from becoming partners in crime!
March 28, 2012
Unseen Riches
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Proverbs 28:6
Often we don't always see everything. While we may scrutinize an individual and evaluate his attire, mannerisms and apparent wealth, we often fail to fully evaluate the individual. We are too concerned with the worldly measure of a man, wealth and possessions, that we fail to recognize the spiritual wealth of an individual. We even evaluate spiritual wealth by worldly standards: how often they attend church, how much they contribute to the church and how many positions they hold within the church.
Luckily, God does not use the same standard. He is all-knowing and knows our heart. While it may cause shivers down the spine of those evaluating others, those who are close to Him smile with appreciation. God's value system is totally reversed from the worlds. Look at Job - even after he initially lost all financial strength, God still spoke highly of him (Job 2:3). Even with no worldly possessions, God still called him a perfect and upright man.
Where do your riches belong? Have you been investing in the long-term program or greedily seeking the short term fame on earth? Invest in His riches and they will pay dividends forever. While the riches may be unseen, there is One who knows your spiritual value.
Proverbs 28:6
Often we don't always see everything. While we may scrutinize an individual and evaluate his attire, mannerisms and apparent wealth, we often fail to fully evaluate the individual. We are too concerned with the worldly measure of a man, wealth and possessions, that we fail to recognize the spiritual wealth of an individual. We even evaluate spiritual wealth by worldly standards: how often they attend church, how much they contribute to the church and how many positions they hold within the church.
Luckily, God does not use the same standard. He is all-knowing and knows our heart. While it may cause shivers down the spine of those evaluating others, those who are close to Him smile with appreciation. God's value system is totally reversed from the worlds. Look at Job - even after he initially lost all financial strength, God still spoke highly of him (Job 2:3). Even with no worldly possessions, God still called him a perfect and upright man.
Where do your riches belong? Have you been investing in the long-term program or greedily seeking the short term fame on earth? Invest in His riches and they will pay dividends forever. While the riches may be unseen, there is One who knows your spiritual value.
March 27, 2012
Gardening 101
Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
Proverbs 27:18
Just as the trees start budding, Solomon gives us some basic gardening guidance - you get to eat the fruit of your efforts. The same is true in our relationships with others. As we fertilize the relationship with time, effort and a heaping helping of love, we grow a strong relationship with a fruit worth waiting for.
Do you have relationships that are wilting like flowers in the heat of summer? A kind word or a friendly gesture may be all it takes to perk it back to life. Don't wait for the relationship to go to the plant cemetery, take the initiative to revive it!
Proverbs 27:18
Just as the trees start budding, Solomon gives us some basic gardening guidance - you get to eat the fruit of your efforts. The same is true in our relationships with others. As we fertilize the relationship with time, effort and a heaping helping of love, we grow a strong relationship with a fruit worth waiting for.
Do you have relationships that are wilting like flowers in the heat of summer? A kind word or a friendly gesture may be all it takes to perk it back to life. Don't wait for the relationship to go to the plant cemetery, take the initiative to revive it!
March 26, 2012
Improper Association
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
Proverbs 26:1
While Solomon was referencing snow in the summer, it is officially Spring and we continue to get ice and snow. It is hard to create an image of tulips and daffodils bursting forth in bloom when there is snow still on the ground. The image just does not create the same feeling of renewal associated with Spring.
The same conflict arises when we claim to be Christians but fail to act any differently than those we are trying to convert. When there is no visible difference, people fail to see any benefit to making such a commitment. However, when we are truly committed to Christ, our behavior reflects him vice the world. Then there is a visible difference!
Help prevent improper association by actually reflecting the love of God vice the love of worldly attractions. It will prevent confusion in others!
Proverbs 26:1
While Solomon was referencing snow in the summer, it is officially Spring and we continue to get ice and snow. It is hard to create an image of tulips and daffodils bursting forth in bloom when there is snow still on the ground. The image just does not create the same feeling of renewal associated with Spring.
The same conflict arises when we claim to be Christians but fail to act any differently than those we are trying to convert. When there is no visible difference, people fail to see any benefit to making such a commitment. However, when we are truly committed to Christ, our behavior reflects him vice the world. Then there is a visible difference!
Help prevent improper association by actually reflecting the love of God vice the love of worldly attractions. It will prevent confusion in others!
March 25, 2012
Forest Fires of Contention
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Proverbs 25:9-10
Too often, it is more convenient to vent our frustrations about an individual to someone else rather than simply confronting the issue. And then the rumor begins and it spreads like a forest fire. It devours everything in its path and leaves nothing but ruin in its wake. And you have the same feeling of desolation when you are finally approached by the offending individual and challenged with your own statement. We are now put on the defensive trying to justify our statement that has come full circle and left a path of destruction in its wake.
While we may be able to explain the cause of our initial frustration and work through the differences with the individual, we can not remove the pain and hurt caused by the vicious rumors that circulated. Solomon urges us in the verses above to simply work through the issue with the offending party and stop the gossip. While our frustration and/or intimidation may not make it easy to address the issue, the results are much less painful than the embarrassment associated with the rumor coming full circle. And the results will have a greater chance of success if we approach the situation with a Christ-like love rather than a confrontational approach. Remember, Jesus rebuked those around Him but we never hear of Him gossiping!
Join me in resolving to directly approach annoying situations or to keep my comments to myself. As the commercial goes, "Only you can prevent forest fires" of contention.
Proverbs 25:9-10
Too often, it is more convenient to vent our frustrations about an individual to someone else rather than simply confronting the issue. And then the rumor begins and it spreads like a forest fire. It devours everything in its path and leaves nothing but ruin in its wake. And you have the same feeling of desolation when you are finally approached by the offending individual and challenged with your own statement. We are now put on the defensive trying to justify our statement that has come full circle and left a path of destruction in its wake.
While we may be able to explain the cause of our initial frustration and work through the differences with the individual, we can not remove the pain and hurt caused by the vicious rumors that circulated. Solomon urges us in the verses above to simply work through the issue with the offending party and stop the gossip. While our frustration and/or intimidation may not make it easy to address the issue, the results are much less painful than the embarrassment associated with the rumor coming full circle. And the results will have a greater chance of success if we approach the situation with a Christ-like love rather than a confrontational approach. Remember, Jesus rebuked those around Him but we never hear of Him gossiping!
Join me in resolving to directly approach annoying situations or to keep my comments to myself. As the commercial goes, "Only you can prevent forest fires" of contention.
March 24, 2012
No Escape
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
Proverbs 24:12
There are many promises we happily claim in the Bible that serve to encourage us in serving the Lord. However, the promise in the last portion of this verse tends to remove the happiness from His promises. When we recognize that God knows our heart and judges us according to our works, it causes a jolt of fear to pass through me. Even though I am saved by His grace, I am not perfect. When I review this verse, it causes a parade of sins to pass through my mind that continue to plague me on a daily basis. While we may be able to hide our thoughts and actions from our peers, there is no escape from His judgment.
John states it best in 1 John 1:8-10: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
And in the middle verse is our escape from judgment - forgiveness. While Solomon's verse brings me to awareness of my many daily sins, John provides me the key to forgiveness. If I confess my sins, he will forgive me. It is like a daily reminder that I can not live my life on my own, I need His power and grace to continue serving Him.
Have you made your escape today from the judgment you deserve?
Proverbs 24:12
There are many promises we happily claim in the Bible that serve to encourage us in serving the Lord. However, the promise in the last portion of this verse tends to remove the happiness from His promises. When we recognize that God knows our heart and judges us according to our works, it causes a jolt of fear to pass through me. Even though I am saved by His grace, I am not perfect. When I review this verse, it causes a parade of sins to pass through my mind that continue to plague me on a daily basis. While we may be able to hide our thoughts and actions from our peers, there is no escape from His judgment.
John states it best in 1 John 1:8-10: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
And in the middle verse is our escape from judgment - forgiveness. While Solomon's verse brings me to awareness of my many daily sins, John provides me the key to forgiveness. If I confess my sins, he will forgive me. It is like a daily reminder that I can not live my life on my own, I need His power and grace to continue serving Him.
Have you made your escape today from the judgment you deserve?
March 23, 2012
A Missing Heart
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
Proverbs 23:7
We have all heard of half-hearted attempts. But have you heard of "no hearted" attempts? Solomon clearly defines such a situation above and if we are observant, we will see such behavior on a daily basis. At least with a half-hearted attempt, some of the heart is committed to the action being taken. But Solomon is describing a situation where there is no heart in the effort. In fact, the opposite action is desired by the heart and occasionally, it shows.
A perfect example is the distracted sales person who looks up from their texting/conversation/television watching/anything but desiring to help you activity and listlessly asks, "Welcome. How may I help you?". If you are gullible to ask the location for a piece of merchandise that is not within arms reach, you receive a response as if you had asked them to stop the world from turning! Does it leave any question in you mind if they had even the slightest inkling of desire to assist you in shopping? My most recent example occurred when I asked a sales rep for an item that was not stocked in the designated space on the shelf. He looked at me and said " Do you see any? Well, neither do I" and walked away!
Do we treat non-believers in such a manner? Is our heart truly in it when we invite others to church? Are we genuine when we welcome someone at church who just don't seem to fit the mold of the rest of the congregation? What do our actions display when we tell others of our salvation? Are we happy to share His mercy and love or are we embarrassed and timid?
Don't let your actions speak louder than your words - put your heart in to showing others the love of Christ!
Proverbs 23:7
We have all heard of half-hearted attempts. But have you heard of "no hearted" attempts? Solomon clearly defines such a situation above and if we are observant, we will see such behavior on a daily basis. At least with a half-hearted attempt, some of the heart is committed to the action being taken. But Solomon is describing a situation where there is no heart in the effort. In fact, the opposite action is desired by the heart and occasionally, it shows.
A perfect example is the distracted sales person who looks up from their texting/conversation/television watching/anything but desiring to help you activity and listlessly asks, "Welcome. How may I help you?". If you are gullible to ask the location for a piece of merchandise that is not within arms reach, you receive a response as if you had asked them to stop the world from turning! Does it leave any question in you mind if they had even the slightest inkling of desire to assist you in shopping? My most recent example occurred when I asked a sales rep for an item that was not stocked in the designated space on the shelf. He looked at me and said " Do you see any? Well, neither do I" and walked away!
Do we treat non-believers in such a manner? Is our heart truly in it when we invite others to church? Are we genuine when we welcome someone at church who just don't seem to fit the mold of the rest of the congregation? What do our actions display when we tell others of our salvation? Are we happy to share His mercy and love or are we embarrassed and timid?
Don't let your actions speak louder than your words - put your heart in to showing others the love of Christ!
March 22, 2012
Best Wishes
That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Proverbs 22:19
In the preceding verses, Solomon share the joys of wisdom and concludes the discussion with this verse. What if our conversations ended with the same summation? If all our actions and words were geared towards leading people to trust in the Lord, what a spiritual revolution we would have! The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) tasks us to teach others of His love and salvation. What a better objective summarized in Solomon's verse above.
If we commit to focus our efforts on leading others to Him, we will have less time and effort for other, non-Christ-like, behavior. I think we can all agree that a little less pride, arrogance, lust, hatred and envy in the world would be a great event! May the motivation above drive your actions today! May the best wish in the world be shared by you with all that you meet today.
Proverbs 22:19
In the preceding verses, Solomon share the joys of wisdom and concludes the discussion with this verse. What if our conversations ended with the same summation? If all our actions and words were geared towards leading people to trust in the Lord, what a spiritual revolution we would have! The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) tasks us to teach others of His love and salvation. What a better objective summarized in Solomon's verse above.
If we commit to focus our efforts on leading others to Him, we will have less time and effort for other, non-Christ-like, behavior. I think we can all agree that a little less pride, arrogance, lust, hatred and envy in the world would be a great event! May the motivation above drive your actions today! May the best wish in the world be shared by you with all that you meet today.
March 21, 2012
Rudder of the Heart
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Proverbs 21:1
Solomon depicts the heart of the king being in the hand of the heart and he steers it where He wills. Does God have our heart? Are we at His mercy in what we pursue from the heart? When God has our heart, He is in control of our thoughts and deeds. We follow His will without a second thought.
On a boat that is moving in the right direct, a little tweak of the rudder will cause a moderate course change and allow the boat to stay on course. On a boat moving slowly or in the wrong direction, the rudder is "thrown hard" or a large amount in order to regain course. Which is required of God to keep our heart going in the right direction? Are we attuned to His will? Or are we to preoccupied with our own desires that we fail to hear His gentle voice tugging at our heart? Do we only listen when there are hard rudder swings due to our inability to proceed down the right path?
Our heart must be right with God in order to hear Him. If we allow, the distractions of the world and our own desires will muffle out His guidance. Seek to get closer to Him today so that you, like Samuel, can say "Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." (1 Samuel 3:10).
Proverbs 21:1
Solomon depicts the heart of the king being in the hand of the heart and he steers it where He wills. Does God have our heart? Are we at His mercy in what we pursue from the heart? When God has our heart, He is in control of our thoughts and deeds. We follow His will without a second thought.
On a boat that is moving in the right direct, a little tweak of the rudder will cause a moderate course change and allow the boat to stay on course. On a boat moving slowly or in the wrong direction, the rudder is "thrown hard" or a large amount in order to regain course. Which is required of God to keep our heart going in the right direction? Are we attuned to His will? Or are we to preoccupied with our own desires that we fail to hear His gentle voice tugging at our heart? Do we only listen when there are hard rudder swings due to our inability to proceed down the right path?
Our heart must be right with God in order to hear Him. If we allow, the distractions of the world and our own desires will muffle out His guidance. Seek to get closer to Him today so that you, like Samuel, can say "Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." (1 Samuel 3:10).
