B.C. Bolt's Blog, page 56
November 2, 2011
The Right(eous) Path
That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. Proverbs 2:20
We have often heard that we are known by the company that we keep. Solomon alludes to the same above in reference to our walk through life. But the second part is a little more challenging - we know many good men who are not Christians. So how do we differentiate the paths of "good" versus "righteous" paths?
I will defer to the "man after God's own heart" to help us better understand for he refers to our path more in Psalms than any other book of the Bible! In Psalms 25:4-5, David states: "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." and in Psalms 16:11- Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
It is clear that the righteous path is shown to us by the Lord but I have never seen flashing neon signs highlighting the righteous path. Rather, it sometimes seems obscure and hidden by all of the distractions of the world. But David (again) gives us the guidance in Psalms 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. What a simple but challenging method to find the often elusive path - committing God's word to our heart! I often feel that God was smart enough to recognize our laziness in studying His word, so he made it a prerequisite to receiving his guidance and blessings!
Talking about blessings, we are all familiar with the 23rd Psalms. David describes a life blessed by God. He also states: "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalms 23:3). Clearly David knew the value of choosing the righteous path - shouldn't we? If you feel that you have stumbled in life, go back to the road map (His Word) and let him light your way to the path of righteousness! You, too, will be able to claim the peace and comfort described in Psalms 23.
We have often heard that we are known by the company that we keep. Solomon alludes to the same above in reference to our walk through life. But the second part is a little more challenging - we know many good men who are not Christians. So how do we differentiate the paths of "good" versus "righteous" paths?
I will defer to the "man after God's own heart" to help us better understand for he refers to our path more in Psalms than any other book of the Bible! In Psalms 25:4-5, David states: "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." and in Psalms 16:11- Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
It is clear that the righteous path is shown to us by the Lord but I have never seen flashing neon signs highlighting the righteous path. Rather, it sometimes seems obscure and hidden by all of the distractions of the world. But David (again) gives us the guidance in Psalms 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. What a simple but challenging method to find the often elusive path - committing God's word to our heart! I often feel that God was smart enough to recognize our laziness in studying His word, so he made it a prerequisite to receiving his guidance and blessings!
Talking about blessings, we are all familiar with the 23rd Psalms. David describes a life blessed by God. He also states: "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalms 23:3). Clearly David knew the value of choosing the righteous path - shouldn't we? If you feel that you have stumbled in life, go back to the road map (His Word) and let him light your way to the path of righteousness! You, too, will be able to claim the peace and comfort described in Psalms 23.
November 1, 2011
No Fear
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Proverbs 1:33
Halloween is a time for horror movies but no one enjoys when life imitates art (if horror movies count as art). While the flicks give us a sudden burst of adrenaline, we are comforted to know that it is only a movie and will end within a couple of hours. Except for the nightmares!
Does life give you nightmares? Does the same horrible scene, real or imagined, continue to play over and over in your mind? Whether it is from a spouse, child, work or peers, when something horrible occurs, it seems impossible to block it from your memory. Years can pass and the memory will pop up from no where and frighten you, again.
But there is a solution to our fears - God. In Psalms 34:7, David assures us "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." What a concept! Why should we fear when we have angelic protection? I am confident that nothing we face can overcome their abilities!
So why do we still have nightmares? Simply because we choose to handle the issue on our own instead of committing it to Christ. When we turn the issue over to Him, we have peace and confidence that He is capable of taking care of anything besieging us. I encourage you to talk with your Savior today and let his angelic forces protect you vice fighting your own battles. You will sleep soundly with no nightmares and no fear!
Halloween is a time for horror movies but no one enjoys when life imitates art (if horror movies count as art). While the flicks give us a sudden burst of adrenaline, we are comforted to know that it is only a movie and will end within a couple of hours. Except for the nightmares!
Does life give you nightmares? Does the same horrible scene, real or imagined, continue to play over and over in your mind? Whether it is from a spouse, child, work or peers, when something horrible occurs, it seems impossible to block it from your memory. Years can pass and the memory will pop up from no where and frighten you, again.
But there is a solution to our fears - God. In Psalms 34:7, David assures us "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." What a concept! Why should we fear when we have angelic protection? I am confident that nothing we face can overcome their abilities!
So why do we still have nightmares? Simply because we choose to handle the issue on our own instead of committing it to Christ. When we turn the issue over to Him, we have peace and confidence that He is capable of taking care of anything besieging us. I encourage you to talk with your Savior today and let his angelic forces protect you vice fighting your own battles. You will sleep soundly with no nightmares and no fear!
October 31, 2011
Marriage's Missing Link
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Proverbs 31:11
Proverbs 31 is known for describing the perfect wife. I believe this verse describes the perfect marriage. The first part of the verse describes that the husband's heart safely trusts in his wife. Trust is a mutual relationship between two people. Much like love, trust is a two-way street. In order for either love or trust to exist, there must be unimpeded flow between the two that is not hampered by doubt, envy or anger. The adjective of "safely" implies there has been no history to cause doubt about the validity of the trust. As a result, the wife can equally trust the husband.
Trust requires open and honest communication that is void of deception, secrets or hidden agendas. The two freely share their opinions and emotions without fear of retribution. Each understands and respects the other - both their features and their faults. And neither hampers their love and trust of the other.
The relationship between husband and wife is compared to that between Jesus and the church (Ephesians 5:25). What a better example of a perfect relationship. In order for us to be close to Christ and safely trust Him, we must have the relationship of open and honest communication.
Do you have such a relationship with your spouse? If so, give them an extra hug tonight and thank them for such a wonderful blessing. If not, take the first steps in building such a relationship by following the example of Jesus. I don't know of a better example of a perfect relationship!
Proverbs 31:11
Proverbs 31 is known for describing the perfect wife. I believe this verse describes the perfect marriage. The first part of the verse describes that the husband's heart safely trusts in his wife. Trust is a mutual relationship between two people. Much like love, trust is a two-way street. In order for either love or trust to exist, there must be unimpeded flow between the two that is not hampered by doubt, envy or anger. The adjective of "safely" implies there has been no history to cause doubt about the validity of the trust. As a result, the wife can equally trust the husband.
Trust requires open and honest communication that is void of deception, secrets or hidden agendas. The two freely share their opinions and emotions without fear of retribution. Each understands and respects the other - both their features and their faults. And neither hampers their love and trust of the other.
The relationship between husband and wife is compared to that between Jesus and the church (Ephesians 5:25). What a better example of a perfect relationship. In order for us to be close to Christ and safely trust Him, we must have the relationship of open and honest communication.
Do you have such a relationship with your spouse? If so, give them an extra hug tonight and thank them for such a wonderful blessing. If not, take the first steps in building such a relationship by following the example of Jesus. I don't know of a better example of a perfect relationship!
October 30, 2011
Do You Know Him?
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? Proverbs 30:4
When I look at the question posed by Agur in the verse above, I have often smirked at how easy the answer would be for a third grade Sunday School class. But let's look a little closer at the question. While we readily know the answer, when was the last time you recognized the attributes of your Savior? Who else has the power to descend and ascend to heaven? Can you tame the wind? He used it as a fierce force to get the attention of Elijah and his disciples but then calmed the winds and seas for both Jonah and his disciples. Who else controls the reaches of the water? And then allows his servants to part it for His glory?
We often fail to view God's power on such a macroscopic scale but rather confine his abilities to our simple problems. We are so focused on our own petty issues that we fail to recognize his abilities to impact not only our lives but our community, country and the world. He made it all and is in control of it all.
So pause for a moment and reflect on His awesome power! Did you notice the turning of the leaves and the beautiful music of the birds? Take a peek at the night sky and recognize that He created each and every star. It kind of takes your breath away to recognize that we serve such a magnificent master!
Oh, and those problems in your life? They look a lot smaller now when you recognize who is on your side!
When I look at the question posed by Agur in the verse above, I have often smirked at how easy the answer would be for a third grade Sunday School class. But let's look a little closer at the question. While we readily know the answer, when was the last time you recognized the attributes of your Savior? Who else has the power to descend and ascend to heaven? Can you tame the wind? He used it as a fierce force to get the attention of Elijah and his disciples but then calmed the winds and seas for both Jonah and his disciples. Who else controls the reaches of the water? And then allows his servants to part it for His glory?
We often fail to view God's power on such a macroscopic scale but rather confine his abilities to our simple problems. We are so focused on our own petty issues that we fail to recognize his abilities to impact not only our lives but our community, country and the world. He made it all and is in control of it all.
So pause for a moment and reflect on His awesome power! Did you notice the turning of the leaves and the beautiful music of the birds? Take a peek at the night sky and recognize that He created each and every star. It kind of takes your breath away to recognize that we serve such a magnificent master!
Oh, and those problems in your life? They look a lot smaller now when you recognize who is on your side!
October 29, 2011
Hated by the World
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. Proverbs 29:27
We often wonder why the world can not accept us as Christians. Even within a country that was based upon religious freedoms, we are challenged daily in the courts, the press and our personal relationships with others. When was the last time that you observed people praying over their meal in public? Were they comfortable in their actions or were they aware that others around them may not approve? Have you personally felt peer pressure for your Christian actions? The answer is yes, we are all aware that our Christian actions are not accepted by the majority of our fellow citizens. Why?
Solomon explains above that we are viewed as an abomination by the wicked. Always have been, always will. We need to recognize the situation and accept it at face value. Perhaps this will minimize our desire to be "accepted" by the main-stream media and our peers in the community. When Jesus prayed for us in John 17, he recognized the evil against us due to us being "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:14-17). He has recognized the challenge, shouldn't we? We are not here to please the world but rather please our Father in heaven!
Have you been hated by the world today? Was it for following His will? Rejoice in knowing that there are two in heaven who love you dearly for your actions (John 17:26).
We often wonder why the world can not accept us as Christians. Even within a country that was based upon religious freedoms, we are challenged daily in the courts, the press and our personal relationships with others. When was the last time that you observed people praying over their meal in public? Were they comfortable in their actions or were they aware that others around them may not approve? Have you personally felt peer pressure for your Christian actions? The answer is yes, we are all aware that our Christian actions are not accepted by the majority of our fellow citizens. Why?
Solomon explains above that we are viewed as an abomination by the wicked. Always have been, always will. We need to recognize the situation and accept it at face value. Perhaps this will minimize our desire to be "accepted" by the main-stream media and our peers in the community. When Jesus prayed for us in John 17, he recognized the evil against us due to us being "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:14-17). He has recognized the challenge, shouldn't we? We are not here to please the world but rather please our Father in heaven!
Have you been hated by the world today? Was it for following His will? Rejoice in knowing that there are two in heaven who love you dearly for your actions (John 17:26).
October 28, 2011
Goosebumps in the Dark
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1
As a child, I was terrified of the dark. We had a freezer in the garage that required going out of the house to access. When it was my turn to get an item from the freezer after dark, I would stall and hunt for a flashlight to chase away the evil creatures that may be lurking in the dark. And to have two older brothers that just loved to scare me, the odds of me making it to and from the freezer without goosebumps or a scream was highly unlikely. Finally, I found my Dad's huge fishing light that used one of those heavy nine volt batteries. It would shine a beam of light to the end of the block! It didn't rid me of the pesky older brothers, but it definitely got rid of the dark!
Isn't life the same way? When we have strayed from following God's rules for our life, we get "jumpy". Whether it is a real or imagined menace, we flee at the drop of a hat! Guilt has a way of working on our heart that causes us to recognize the significance of our sins. And yet, we are too ashamed to come to Christ and ask for forgiveness. We had rather walk around beating ourselves up and jumping emotionally then simply asking for His forgiveness.
When we finally come to our senses and fall at His feet in humble submission and ask forgiveness, what a relief! It is like that old lantern that drives away the dark - we are no longer worried about what is around the next corner. For we know who protects us.
Are you having goosebumps and startled at every noise in life? Turn to the One who chases away the fears of darkness and gives us peace. You will become bold as the lion - for he cares for you!
As a child, I was terrified of the dark. We had a freezer in the garage that required going out of the house to access. When it was my turn to get an item from the freezer after dark, I would stall and hunt for a flashlight to chase away the evil creatures that may be lurking in the dark. And to have two older brothers that just loved to scare me, the odds of me making it to and from the freezer without goosebumps or a scream was highly unlikely. Finally, I found my Dad's huge fishing light that used one of those heavy nine volt batteries. It would shine a beam of light to the end of the block! It didn't rid me of the pesky older brothers, but it definitely got rid of the dark!
Isn't life the same way? When we have strayed from following God's rules for our life, we get "jumpy". Whether it is a real or imagined menace, we flee at the drop of a hat! Guilt has a way of working on our heart that causes us to recognize the significance of our sins. And yet, we are too ashamed to come to Christ and ask for forgiveness. We had rather walk around beating ourselves up and jumping emotionally then simply asking for His forgiveness.
When we finally come to our senses and fall at His feet in humble submission and ask forgiveness, what a relief! It is like that old lantern that drives away the dark - we are no longer worried about what is around the next corner. For we know who protects us.
Are you having goosebumps and startled at every noise in life? Turn to the One who chases away the fears of darkness and gives us peace. You will become bold as the lion - for he cares for you!
October 27, 2011
Inherited Salvation
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? Proverbs 27:24
Solomon warns us that riches and authority do not necessarily pass down from generation to generation. While our parents may be wealthy or powerful, there is no guarantee that we will inherit such blessings. The same is true for our salvation. Many when challenged about their personal relationship with Christ will immediately start a lengthy dissertation on their long lineage of service to God. I have heard such boastings of "My great-great-grandparents helped found this very church" or "My father and my grandfather were evangelists that were responsible for hundreds coming to know Christ".
Unfortunately, salvation is not inherited. It is a personal relationship with Jesus. No matter how great (or how bad) your parents may have been, it will not referenced when Jesus looks at you on judgement day. (Matthew 25:31-32). Paul warns us in Romans 14:12 that each must give an account of himself to God. How will you answer?
Accept Him as your personal savior and be assured that your riches and crown await you in heaven! (2 Timothy 4:8)
Solomon warns us that riches and authority do not necessarily pass down from generation to generation. While our parents may be wealthy or powerful, there is no guarantee that we will inherit such blessings. The same is true for our salvation. Many when challenged about their personal relationship with Christ will immediately start a lengthy dissertation on their long lineage of service to God. I have heard such boastings of "My great-great-grandparents helped found this very church" or "My father and my grandfather were evangelists that were responsible for hundreds coming to know Christ".
Unfortunately, salvation is not inherited. It is a personal relationship with Jesus. No matter how great (or how bad) your parents may have been, it will not referenced when Jesus looks at you on judgement day. (Matthew 25:31-32). Paul warns us in Romans 14:12 that each must give an account of himself to God. How will you answer?
Accept Him as your personal savior and be assured that your riches and crown await you in heaven! (2 Timothy 4:8)
October 26, 2011
Foolish Entertainment
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. Proverbs 26:5
As a Christian, one of my biggest peeves is trying to defend the Bible to a fool. Before you close the door in my face, please allow me to explain. There is no greater satisfaction than teaching or showing someone something new in the Bible. Their expression is one of wonder and excitement as they read the verses for themselves and soak in the knowledge. There is visible appreciation in helping them find something they were looking for.
No so for a fool. You know the ones I am talking about - the one who wants nothing more than to argue his point and try to prove you wrong. It is a worthless cause - much like wrestling a pig. You get muddy and the pig enjoys it! Their motive is clearly evident that they have no desire to study the Bible, simply to argue its contents. I often struggled how to handle such a situation. Was it arrogant or un-Christian-like to refuse to discuss the Bible with such people? Thankfully, Jesus provides guidance on these situations as well!
In Matthew 16:1-4, the Pharisees and Sadducees tempted Jesus asking for a sign from heaven. He refused to provide a sign to a "wicked and adulterous generation". Later in Matthew 21:23-27, the chief priests and elders challenged his authority. Ultimately, he refused to tell them by what authority he performed his miracles. In both situations, Jesus refused to lower himself to their challenges. Likewise, when we lower ourselves to the challenges of a fool, we end up providing foolish answers to foolish questions. (Proverbs 26:4) I continue to pray for discernment from God so that I do not make a fool of myself in answering their foolish questions.
Join me in refraining from wasting our time on fools and their questions. We have an abundance of opportunities of sharing and showing God's love to those who are receptive. Let's make our every effort beneficial to our Lord and Savior, not for a fool's enjoyment.
As a Christian, one of my biggest peeves is trying to defend the Bible to a fool. Before you close the door in my face, please allow me to explain. There is no greater satisfaction than teaching or showing someone something new in the Bible. Their expression is one of wonder and excitement as they read the verses for themselves and soak in the knowledge. There is visible appreciation in helping them find something they were looking for.
No so for a fool. You know the ones I am talking about - the one who wants nothing more than to argue his point and try to prove you wrong. It is a worthless cause - much like wrestling a pig. You get muddy and the pig enjoys it! Their motive is clearly evident that they have no desire to study the Bible, simply to argue its contents. I often struggled how to handle such a situation. Was it arrogant or un-Christian-like to refuse to discuss the Bible with such people? Thankfully, Jesus provides guidance on these situations as well!
In Matthew 16:1-4, the Pharisees and Sadducees tempted Jesus asking for a sign from heaven. He refused to provide a sign to a "wicked and adulterous generation". Later in Matthew 21:23-27, the chief priests and elders challenged his authority. Ultimately, he refused to tell them by what authority he performed his miracles. In both situations, Jesus refused to lower himself to their challenges. Likewise, when we lower ourselves to the challenges of a fool, we end up providing foolish answers to foolish questions. (Proverbs 26:4) I continue to pray for discernment from God so that I do not make a fool of myself in answering their foolish questions.
Join me in refraining from wasting our time on fools and their questions. We have an abundance of opportunities of sharing and showing God's love to those who are receptive. Let's make our every effort beneficial to our Lord and Savior, not for a fool's enjoyment.
October 25, 2011
Words of Gold
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11
I have chewed on my toes too many times! I have the uncanny ability to stick my foot in my mouth at the most sensitive times. Have you had the pleasure of such embarrassment? You feel so low that you wish you could shrink and slide under the door to escape the situation.
On the flip side, we have all experienced uplifting words from our friends at just the right moment. Whether it be words of encouragement, rebuke or advice, they are just what you needed when you needed it! What a blessing these words can be! They are like the words described above. You wish you could graphically display such strengthening words. I have often pondered, just how they could be so wise or caring at just the right moment?
Jesus gives us the answer: But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:19-20) Ahh! It is not us speaking but the Holy Spirit! Doesn't the Comforter always know what words are needed at just the right time?
Do you have friends, like mine, that need encouragement? Are you aching for just the right words to say? You so desperately want to say the right thing and help not hurt their situation. If so, we need to focus on getting our hearts attuned to the Holy Spirit vice worrying about the words we will say. God will guide us in what to say and do - if we will only listen before we speak!
I have chewed on my toes too many times! I have the uncanny ability to stick my foot in my mouth at the most sensitive times. Have you had the pleasure of such embarrassment? You feel so low that you wish you could shrink and slide under the door to escape the situation.
On the flip side, we have all experienced uplifting words from our friends at just the right moment. Whether it be words of encouragement, rebuke or advice, they are just what you needed when you needed it! What a blessing these words can be! They are like the words described above. You wish you could graphically display such strengthening words. I have often pondered, just how they could be so wise or caring at just the right moment?
Jesus gives us the answer: But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:19-20) Ahh! It is not us speaking but the Holy Spirit! Doesn't the Comforter always know what words are needed at just the right time?
Do you have friends, like mine, that need encouragement? Are you aching for just the right words to say? You so desperately want to say the right thing and help not hurt their situation. If so, we need to focus on getting our hearts attuned to the Holy Spirit vice worrying about the words we will say. God will guide us in what to say and do - if we will only listen before we speak!
October 24, 2011
Dust Off Your Pants
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16
Does your life feel like a tackling dummy? Every time you get your two feet under you, another unanticipated blow knocks you down and leaves you gasping for breath. Regardless of the challenge - financial, relationships, addiction, death or employment, you just can't seem to withstand the repeated blows. It is almost enough to cause you to abandon any hope of overcoming the challenge.
Look at the verse above, Solomon did not promise the just would be protected in a bubble suit and never be challenged. No, he promised we would get knocked down. But he also gave us hope - for we will rise again. God gives us strength to get up, dust off our pants and go at the challenge again, and again, and again. It didn't say we would win but it did say we would rise again. David shared our challenges in Psalms 31 but he closes with this encouragement: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. (Psalms 31:24)
Are you having a rough day, week or year? Get up, dust off your pants and place your hope in the Lord. Though we may be knocked down, we will continue to rise again until finally, one day, we will rise to meet Him!
Does your life feel like a tackling dummy? Every time you get your two feet under you, another unanticipated blow knocks you down and leaves you gasping for breath. Regardless of the challenge - financial, relationships, addiction, death or employment, you just can't seem to withstand the repeated blows. It is almost enough to cause you to abandon any hope of overcoming the challenge.
Look at the verse above, Solomon did not promise the just would be protected in a bubble suit and never be challenged. No, he promised we would get knocked down. But he also gave us hope - for we will rise again. God gives us strength to get up, dust off our pants and go at the challenge again, and again, and again. It didn't say we would win but it did say we would rise again. David shared our challenges in Psalms 31 but he closes with this encouragement: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. (Psalms 31:24)
Are you having a rough day, week or year? Get up, dust off your pants and place your hope in the Lord. Though we may be knocked down, we will continue to rise again until finally, one day, we will rise to meet Him!
