B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 49
January 18, 2012
Separate and Distinct
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Proverbs 18:1
Solomon has captured salvation in one verse! While we recognize Solomon as one of the smartest, it took me quite a while to fully understand his message in one simple verse. Our Savior offers salvation to all who will accept it - but we must desire it. As Solomon points out above, it starts with us taking the first step to desire His love and forgiveness. And the second step is separation - we can't be what we were before and be a new creature. We must forsake our old self and separate our actions from those before (2 Corinthians 6:17). As a result, our "old" friends will not normally accept such "new" behavior (Luke 6:22). While the challenge may seem daunting, when we "seek and intermeddleth" with Him, we are protected by a love greater than anything none on this earth! (Romans 8:37-39)
While we may not be wise or a great orator like Solomon, when we accept Christ's salvation and live our lives according to his will, we will be a separate and distinct witness of His love. What a better witness than each of us living a separate and distinct life for Christ?
Proverbs 18:1
Solomon has captured salvation in one verse! While we recognize Solomon as one of the smartest, it took me quite a while to fully understand his message in one simple verse. Our Savior offers salvation to all who will accept it - but we must desire it. As Solomon points out above, it starts with us taking the first step to desire His love and forgiveness. And the second step is separation - we can't be what we were before and be a new creature. We must forsake our old self and separate our actions from those before (2 Corinthians 6:17). As a result, our "old" friends will not normally accept such "new" behavior (Luke 6:22). While the challenge may seem daunting, when we "seek and intermeddleth" with Him, we are protected by a love greater than anything none on this earth! (Romans 8:37-39)
While we may not be wise or a great orator like Solomon, when we accept Christ's salvation and live our lives according to his will, we will be a separate and distinct witness of His love. What a better witness than each of us living a separate and distinct life for Christ?
January 17, 2012
Dry Bread
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Proverbs 17:1
When I think of a "dry morsel", I imagine a piece of steak, tough as leather, that provides no satisfaction to the dining experience. However, Solomon is alluding to the atmosphere vice the food being served. Have you ever tried to enjoy a dinner when the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife vice the steak? No matter how delicious the meal, how wonderful the presentation or the level of service - a meal served with strife and anxiety is not palatable. And it doesn't just affect those in contention but everyone at the table.
Paul tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). Perhaps we should modify this rule to our feelings about others and agree not to sit down to dinner with strife amongst us? It will make the driest of bread seem delicious as long as there is laughter and love being served with it.
Proverbs 17:1
When I think of a "dry morsel", I imagine a piece of steak, tough as leather, that provides no satisfaction to the dining experience. However, Solomon is alluding to the atmosphere vice the food being served. Have you ever tried to enjoy a dinner when the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife vice the steak? No matter how delicious the meal, how wonderful the presentation or the level of service - a meal served with strife and anxiety is not palatable. And it doesn't just affect those in contention but everyone at the table.
Paul tells us to not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). Perhaps we should modify this rule to our feelings about others and agree not to sit down to dinner with strife amongst us? It will make the driest of bread seem delicious as long as there is laughter and love being served with it.
January 16, 2012
Dastardly Deeds
The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Proverbs 16:4
Some people are so evil that I often wonder why God doesn't strike them down. Some of the more despicable acts are flashed across the news and we can only shake our head in sadness that such dastardly deeds would be done by one human against another. While I will never understand what motivates someone to do such horrific acts against another, I often wonder what God thinks of our actions.
Solomon's verse above provides solace amidst the turmoil. God is still in control. While we may never understand why some things are allowed to occur, we can rest assured that God is aware and is in control. I have resigned myself to the fact that I can't understand my own thought process at times, why should I expect to be able to explain others?
We gain peace in the storm when we committ ourselves to God and allow Him to lead us vice us trying to judge others.
Proverbs 16:4
Some people are so evil that I often wonder why God doesn't strike them down. Some of the more despicable acts are flashed across the news and we can only shake our head in sadness that such dastardly deeds would be done by one human against another. While I will never understand what motivates someone to do such horrific acts against another, I often wonder what God thinks of our actions.
Solomon's verse above provides solace amidst the turmoil. God is still in control. While we may never understand why some things are allowed to occur, we can rest assured that God is aware and is in control. I have resigned myself to the fact that I can't understand my own thought process at times, why should I expect to be able to explain others?
We gain peace in the storm when we committ ourselves to God and allow Him to lead us vice us trying to judge others.
January 15, 2012
Foolish Folly
Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Proverbs 15:21
While silliness in toddlers is amusing, it is not amusing in adults. Nothing is more disturbing than watching adults behave in a childish manner. It is hard to accept such behavior due to the frustrations and anger that follows to those around. Unfortunately, the childish adults fail to recognize the error of their ways and just assume that frustrations directed towards them is not their fault. They seem to be oblivious of the consequences of their actions.
Solomon cautions us to behave in a proper manner since we are a reflection of Jesus to those around us. When we behave in a manner that is "uprightly" we reflect His love within us and have a positive influence on those around us.
Join me in keeping guard on our behavior so that we are viewed as a positive influence to those around us vice fools wrapped in their own folly.
Proverbs 15:21
While silliness in toddlers is amusing, it is not amusing in adults. Nothing is more disturbing than watching adults behave in a childish manner. It is hard to accept such behavior due to the frustrations and anger that follows to those around. Unfortunately, the childish adults fail to recognize the error of their ways and just assume that frustrations directed towards them is not their fault. They seem to be oblivious of the consequences of their actions.
Solomon cautions us to behave in a proper manner since we are a reflection of Jesus to those around us. When we behave in a manner that is "uprightly" we reflect His love within us and have a positive influence on those around us.
Join me in keeping guard on our behavior so that we are viewed as a positive influence to those around us vice fools wrapped in their own folly.
January 14, 2012
The Fountain of Youth
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Proverbs 14:27
It is rumored that Ponce de Leon discovered Florida while searching for the Fountain of Youth. While he never found the restorative powers of the Fountain of Youth, he did discover something that continues to be a favorite destination of many people.
Many today mirror the tale - we are in constant search of an elusive goal but yet find treasures that we never sought. Sadly, we are focused on the insignificant rather than focusing on what is important. Solomon tries to refocus our attention on what is important in the verse above. Simply, put God first. If we seek Him, he will enlighten us to become better Christians. As a result, our attention will be on the items with an eternal value vice the fleeting fancies of this world.
Find the fountain of life, as promised by Jesus in John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Have you found your fountain?
Proverbs 14:27
It is rumored that Ponce de Leon discovered Florida while searching for the Fountain of Youth. While he never found the restorative powers of the Fountain of Youth, he did discover something that continues to be a favorite destination of many people.
Many today mirror the tale - we are in constant search of an elusive goal but yet find treasures that we never sought. Sadly, we are focused on the insignificant rather than focusing on what is important. Solomon tries to refocus our attention on what is important in the verse above. Simply, put God first. If we seek Him, he will enlighten us to become better Christians. As a result, our attention will be on the items with an eternal value vice the fleeting fancies of this world.
Find the fountain of life, as promised by Jesus in John 4:14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Have you found your fountain?
January 13, 2012
Wise Investments
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Proverbs 13:22
We struggle daily to ensure that we manage our assetts wisely. Many continue to worry if they have saved and invested enough to ever truly retire without forsaking their standard of living. For the fortunate, they will be able to provide an inheritance for their children. If truly fortunate, some may be left for their grandchildren.
Solomon alludes to the blessing of leaving an inheritance to grandchildren. However, I am not convinced he is solely referring to financial blessings. One of the greatest gifts I received from my father and have passed on to my children has no monetary value. It can't be sold, traded or mortgaged but I value it above any other gift from my father - his reputation as a honest and just man. While I respected him while he was living, it was not until people came to pay their respect did I fully understand the positive impact he had on so many people. More than a gift, it was a legacy to pass down to my children and their children.
Too often, we get so focused on monetary gains that we fail to see the cost to our reputation. Irregardless of our financial worth, what is the value of our reputation? By seeking God first, we will build a reputation beyond rebuke. And the rest will take care of itself as promised by Jesus in Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Proverbs 13:22
We struggle daily to ensure that we manage our assetts wisely. Many continue to worry if they have saved and invested enough to ever truly retire without forsaking their standard of living. For the fortunate, they will be able to provide an inheritance for their children. If truly fortunate, some may be left for their grandchildren.
Solomon alludes to the blessing of leaving an inheritance to grandchildren. However, I am not convinced he is solely referring to financial blessings. One of the greatest gifts I received from my father and have passed on to my children has no monetary value. It can't be sold, traded or mortgaged but I value it above any other gift from my father - his reputation as a honest and just man. While I respected him while he was living, it was not until people came to pay their respect did I fully understand the positive impact he had on so many people. More than a gift, it was a legacy to pass down to my children and their children.
Too often, we get so focused on monetary gains that we fail to see the cost to our reputation. Irregardless of our financial worth, what is the value of our reputation? By seeking God first, we will build a reputation beyond rebuke. And the rest will take care of itself as promised by Jesus in Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
January 12, 2012
Loose Lips
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
Proverbs 12:22
The World War II slogan of "Loose Lips Might Sink Ships" was intended to protect our sailors by preventing information from reaching the enemy. Solomon provides a stern warning to us on failing to watch our lips above. While the war campaign slogan had an immediate impact upon the lives of our sailors, Solomon's warning has a much farther reaching impact - the lying lips will have an impact upon where we spend eternity.
We can not have a heart of gold and lips spewing out lies. It is like having salt water and pure water in the same glass - the pure water becomes salty. As we pursue a closer walk with God, let's ensure that we keep a close watch on what we say. Our lying lips will hinder our ability to show the love of God to others.
Proverbs 12:22
The World War II slogan of "Loose Lips Might Sink Ships" was intended to protect our sailors by preventing information from reaching the enemy. Solomon provides a stern warning to us on failing to watch our lips above. While the war campaign slogan had an immediate impact upon the lives of our sailors, Solomon's warning has a much farther reaching impact - the lying lips will have an impact upon where we spend eternity.
We can not have a heart of gold and lips spewing out lies. It is like having salt water and pure water in the same glass - the pure water becomes salty. As we pursue a closer walk with God, let's ensure that we keep a close watch on what we say. Our lying lips will hinder our ability to show the love of God to others.
January 7, 2012
The Slippery Slope of Sin
Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
Proverbs 7:25
Solomon warns us of allowing our hearts to lower its standards to that of sin. In the following verses, he describes the woes of when the sin has matured in our heart. Quite a dreadful picture of what happens to us internally as well as externally when sin has matured in our life.
I don't think anyone awakes in the morning and boldly states that they intend to commit a horrible sin that day. But just as described in the preceding verses, we are incrementally drawn into the filth of sin, sometimes in a manner in which we are not aware. However, once we start sliding down the slippery slope, it takes extreme effort to extract ourselves! The cost to us is sometimes great and affects all aspects of our life - physical, emotional and spiritual.
How do we prevent such pain? As Solomon states in the first verse of the chapter - My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. (Proverbs 7:1) If we keep God's commandments in our heart, there is no room for sin. And our heart never takes the first step down the slippery slope leading to sin.
Proverbs 7:25
Solomon warns us of allowing our hearts to lower its standards to that of sin. In the following verses, he describes the woes of when the sin has matured in our heart. Quite a dreadful picture of what happens to us internally as well as externally when sin has matured in our life.
I don't think anyone awakes in the morning and boldly states that they intend to commit a horrible sin that day. But just as described in the preceding verses, we are incrementally drawn into the filth of sin, sometimes in a manner in which we are not aware. However, once we start sliding down the slippery slope, it takes extreme effort to extract ourselves! The cost to us is sometimes great and affects all aspects of our life - physical, emotional and spiritual.
How do we prevent such pain? As Solomon states in the first verse of the chapter - My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. (Proverbs 7:1) If we keep God's commandments in our heart, there is no room for sin. And our heart never takes the first step down the slippery slope leading to sin.
January 5, 2012
Take Heed
And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
Proverbs 5:12-13
It took me a while as a teenager to heed my father's advice. At the time, I thought I knew better. But as I matured, I recognized the wisdom behind the guidance. Unfortunately, we often fail to recognize when we are receiving good advice. We casually dismiss the advice since it doesn't mesh with our plans or desires. Too often, we don't recognize the value of the advice until it is too late.
While it is sometimes difficult to evaluate the wisdom or motive behind advice from our peers or mentors, there is one source that is always reliable - God's word. Whenever we falter in our thoughts, there is one source that never leads us astray.
David's advice in Psalms 16:3 sums it up: Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. If you have doubts about what to do, seek the advice from the one reliable source and take heed!
Proverbs 5:12-13
It took me a while as a teenager to heed my father's advice. At the time, I thought I knew better. But as I matured, I recognized the wisdom behind the guidance. Unfortunately, we often fail to recognize when we are receiving good advice. We casually dismiss the advice since it doesn't mesh with our plans or desires. Too often, we don't recognize the value of the advice until it is too late.
While it is sometimes difficult to evaluate the wisdom or motive behind advice from our peers or mentors, there is one source that is always reliable - God's word. Whenever we falter in our thoughts, there is one source that never leads us astray.
David's advice in Psalms 16:3 sums it up: Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. If you have doubts about what to do, seek the advice from the one reliable source and take heed!
January 4, 2012
First Things First
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
Many of us love to dream and scheme. If I had a penny for each of my get-rich-quick schemes or dreams of instant popularity, I would be a wealthy individual. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. However, this is the time of the year when we tend to make life-changing resolutions to start out the new year.
However, much like my schemes and dreams, I overlook the simplest of facts that causes my house-of-cards dream (or resolution) to crumble quickly when put to the common-sense test. My schemes rarely hold up to close scrutiny. And neither do many of my New Year's resolutions. Why? Because I didn't dig into the details before making great assumptions.
Solomon gives us the clue in the verse above. If we build upon solid principles, our dreams will stand the challenges and scrutiny. Ah! If I would only listen to what I read! If I resolve to seek wisdom vice fame and fortune, I will have the foundation upon which to build by life, not just dreams but in reality. And Jesus encourages us even further in Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Pretty simple - focus on the fundamentals and the rest will come from God.
I need to drop the resolutions and resolve to follow Christ. If I put the first things first, the rest will come without wasting time on foolish dreams and schemes. Where are your priorities today?
Proverbs 4:7
Many of us love to dream and scheme. If I had a penny for each of my get-rich-quick schemes or dreams of instant popularity, I would be a wealthy individual. Unfortunately, life does not work that way. However, this is the time of the year when we tend to make life-changing resolutions to start out the new year.
However, much like my schemes and dreams, I overlook the simplest of facts that causes my house-of-cards dream (or resolution) to crumble quickly when put to the common-sense test. My schemes rarely hold up to close scrutiny. And neither do many of my New Year's resolutions. Why? Because I didn't dig into the details before making great assumptions.
Solomon gives us the clue in the verse above. If we build upon solid principles, our dreams will stand the challenges and scrutiny. Ah! If I would only listen to what I read! If I resolve to seek wisdom vice fame and fortune, I will have the foundation upon which to build by life, not just dreams but in reality. And Jesus encourages us even further in Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Pretty simple - focus on the fundamentals and the rest will come from God.
I need to drop the resolutions and resolve to follow Christ. If I put the first things first, the rest will come without wasting time on foolish dreams and schemes. Where are your priorities today?
